“This should be good news. The Ling Sword Sect wishes to form a marriage alliance with our Zi family, and the proposed match is Jian Tianjiao, the foremost of the eight great prodigies in the Southeastern Domain, arguably the most outstanding figure among the younger generation…” Zi Jian said slowly.
But before he could finish, Zi Ling interrupted, “You mean they want to propose a marriage for Jian Tianjiao with me, don’t you?”
Zi Jian nodded, “Given Jian Tianjiao’s strength and talent, this could be considered good news…”
“You may think it’s good news, but I don’t!” Zi Ling retorted, pursing her lips. “This will likely disappoint the family. I won’t marry Jian Tianjiao.”
The atmosphere on the Skyward Boat grew heavy.
Lin Xiao now understood why Zi Ling’s expression had been so grim—someone was trying to force her into a marriage.
“Jian Tianjiao is the top prodigy of the Southeastern Domain, with unparalleled talent and a striking presence. Countless people can’t even get close to him. Zi Ling, why rush to refuse?” Zi Jian said, stating the truth.
With Jian Tianjiao’s reputation, countless talented women vied for his attention, and few would believe a woman could so readily reject him.
“The current top prodigy may not be the top prodigy forever. Besides, Elder Zi Jian, why would the direct disciple of the Ling Sword Sect, the so-called top prodigy of the Southeastern Domain, want to propose to me?”
Zi Ling said angrily, “It’s just for my Holy Spirit Vein!”
“Holy Spirit Vein?” Lin Xiao was shocked.
The Holy Spirit Vein was familiar from the Devouring Spirit Emperor’s memories. It was a bloodline that could transfer talent to another, essentially enabling someone else’s path to greatness.
After the transfer, the Holy Spirit Vein would vanish.
The method of transfer was through intimate union.
“You have the Holy Spirit Vein?” Lin Xiao looked at Zi Ling in astonishment. She had never mentioned possessing it.
Nor had he seen her use it.
“What’s the Holy Spirit Vein? When you refined the Origin Spirit Pool in the Origin Spirit Pool Secret Realm, I saw you unleash a powerful ability. Was that the Holy Spirit Vein’s power?” Ling Hu asked, equally surprised.
“She used it?” Lin Xiao was slightly taken aback, realising Zi Ling had indeed used it in his presence, but he’d been too focused on his breakthrough to notice.
Had he seen it, he would have recognised it. He explained with surprise, “The Holy Spirit Vein enhances one’s vital and spiritual energy. However, when it matures, if a man and woman unite, it transfers talent to the other, significantly boosting their original talent level, after which the Holy Spirit Vein disappears.”
Zi Ling, both embarrassed and angry, hadn’t expected Lin Xiao to explain so bluntly.
“So that’s it. If that’s the case, Jian Tianjiao’s intentions for proposing aren’t pure!” Ling Hu said straightforwardly.
“You, kid, this isn’t your place to speak!” Zi Jian’s expression darkened as he scolded.
Ling Hu glared at Zi Jian, glanced at Lin Xiao, and fell silent.
Seeing them quiet, Zi Jian turned to Zi Ling, “Even if Jian Tianjiao has this motive, marrying someone like him isn’t a loss. Consider this: if not Jian Tianjiao, who in the Southeastern Domain could match the Holy Spirit Vein?”
Zi Ling, furious, said coldly, “Hmph, no matter how capable Jian Tianjiao is, I don’t like him. If you want a marriage alliance, let your granddaughter marry him. I won’t agree. If I meet Jian Wuqu and end up offending the Ling Sword Sect, don’t blame me!”
Zi Jian frowned, “Zi Ling, you’re part of the Zi family. How can you not consider our family’s interests? The Ling Sword Sect is among the top eight superpowers, with several Martial Emperors. Offending them would bring no benefit to our Zi family.”
His tone was one of persuasion.
Despite factional disputes, they hadn’t completely fallen out with the direct descendants. They spoke politely, as the Purple Emperor backed them, and even elders like Zi Jian didn’t dare overstep.
His task was merely to bring Zi Ling back. If she got upset and fled, it would be a loss.
Convincing her would be left to the Great Elder and others at headquarters.
“Elder Zi Jian, only the Zi family’s higher-ups should know about my Holy Spirit Vein. How did the Ling Sword Sect find out?” Zi Ling asked sharply, her mind racing with possibilities.
Zi Jian’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly composed himself, “I don’t know. There may have been a leak somewhere. We’ll investigate afterward.”
“But since it’s come to this, we should first address the marriage matter. This is a collective decision by the elders. If you have objections, raise them with them when we return.”
“But let me remind you, you’re part of the Zi family. Consider our interests. Offending the Ling Sword Sect and humiliating them could bring great trouble to our Zi family.”
“It’s the Great Elder’s idea, isn’t it? He usually oversees the Zi family and could rally the elders. But you’ve forgotten one thing—the true head of the Zi family is my great-grandfather. When he emerges from seclusion, he won’t agree to this marriage!” Zi Ling retorted coldly, her stance unyielding.
Zi Jian frowned but said no more. Zi Ling’s resistance was expected.
Even if she refused outright, they had ways to handle it.
“Lin Xiao, do we need to help?” Xiao Mao asked in her childish voice.
She didn’t fully understand but knew Zi Ling was being bullied.
“Zi Ling, do we need to run?” Lin Xiao asked bluntly.
He could see Zi Jinchen’s stance clearly—he either didn’t want to get involved or secretly supported Zi Ling but wasn’t willing to speak out.
Zi Jian was just a messenger.
As for Jian Tianjiao, he didn’t seem opposed to him.
Zi Mo, however, clearly stood with Zi Ling but also refrained from speaking.
If Lin Xiao took Zi Ling away, neither would likely stop him. Hearing Lin Xiao’s words, Zi Jian’s face darkened. To say such a thing in his presence—was this junior treating him like air?
