The elder of the Lin Family was Tim Lin, the Second Elder—a peak ninth-level Profound Martial Realm expert with immense authority. Today, he was here as the Lin Family’s representative for the betrothal.
The middle-aged man was Damon Lin, the fourth brother of the Lin Family patriarch—a seventh-level Profound Martial Realm cultivator and a formidable presence. As for the young man, he was the Lin Family’s eldest son, Leon Lin, at the fourth level of the Profound Martial Realm, said to be close to breaking through to the fifth.
That beautiful woman, Evan Chu knew, was Sophia Lin—the Lin Family’s Second Young Miss, who was once set to be engaged to him. She too was a fourth-level Profound Martial Realm expert, but now she wouldn’t even spare Evan a glance, her face full of arrogance and pride.
At this moment, Elder Tim Lin looked at Evan Chu and said, “You surely know why we’re here today. The alliance between the Lin and Chu Families means a lot to both sides, so let’s skip the formalities. When will you come to the Lin estate to marry our Third Young Miss?”
Evan Chu hadn’t expected this old man to be so forceful, pressing him with the interests of both families. “Thank you for your kind intentions, Elder Lin, but I’m not yet at the age to take a wife. Can’t this matter wait a bit? I’m simply not ready.”
Evan’s words instantly shocked everyone. This was a clear rejection—polite, but unmistakably firm. It was a slap to the Lin Family’s face: a ‘waste’ refusing a marriage offered to him was the ultimate humiliation, something no one could tolerate.
The first to lose his temper was the Lin Family’s eldest young master, Leon Lin. “You piece of trash actually dare to refuse? What right do you have to refuse? Do you still think you’re that genius Evan Chu from before?”
You really think you can marry my stunning Second Sister? Take a look in the mirror—what kind of beast are you? If it weren’t for the alliance between our families, you wouldn’t even be qualified to marry my Third Sister!”
Leon’s words echoed in everyone’s ears—a blatant provocation. To call Evan Chu a waste in front of so many Chu Family members, especially Dominic Chu, and say he wasn’t even worthy of an ugly girl was almost unbearable.
“Outrageous! How dare you say such things in front of the Chu Family patriarch? Just wait till we get home—I’ll deal with you then!” Even Elder Tim Lin felt Leon’s words had gone too far, so he quickly rebuked him. Outwardly he was scolding, but in truth he was secretly testing Dominic Chu’s reaction.
Of course Dominic Chu could hear the hidden meaning, but as the head of the family, he had to show some restraint. “Elder Lin, you’re overstating things. Young people are just blunt sometimes. My son Evan has been stuck at the first level of the Profound Martial Realm for two years now—calling him a waste isn’t wrong.
Everyone in Flowing Cloud City knows this. But the fact is, Evan just doesn’t want to marry your Third Young Miss, and that puts us all in a tough spot.
Marriage is supposed to be arranged by parents and matchmakers, but if he truly doesn’t want it, it’ll only hurt both sides. What do you think, Elder Lin?”
Tim Lin smiled and said, “To be honest, the original engagement was between Evan and our Second Young Miss. It’s only because of his current state that we switched to the Third Young Miss. On that point, we’re in the wrong.
But with our Second Young Miss’s cultivation talent, Evan really isn’t a match for her. That’s why we made this decision after careful thought. Of course, we’ll offer some compensation.”
Hearing himself repeatedly called unworthy of the Lin Family’s Second Young Miss, Evan’s anger flared. “What makes you say I don’t deserve her? Just because she’s at the fourth level of the Profound Martial Realm? So what? There are plenty of people better than her. Give me one more year and I’ll surpass her!”
“Hahaha! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in my life. Evan Chu, you don’t even blush when you brag! A piece of trash like you wants to break through to the fourth level? Then I must be able to reach the Earth Martial Realm!” Leon Lin burst out laughing.
“An animal? How could you be an animal? You have a name, don’t you—Leon Lin? I just can’t figure out how your name relates to animals. Why don’t you explain it to us?”
After Evan finished speaking, he didn’t care about Leon’s expression at all. Getting a chance to insult him was good enough.
“Trash, what did you say?” Leon Lin wasn’t stupid—he immediately caught the meaning behind Evan’s words.
“Evan, don’t be rude. Remember, they’re guests of the Chu Family—you should show respect. What do you plan to do about this engagement?” Dominic Chu asked.
“Kid, do you really think the Second Young Miss is that great?” Suddenly, the Sword Spirit’s voice rang out in Evan Chu’s mind.
“What do you mean? Can’t you be clearer? Do you think that ugly girl is better?” Evan asked in his heart.
“That woman is no longer a virgin—do you still want her? But the Third Young Miss carries a secret that could shake the world.” The Sword Spirit said no more after this.
Evan waited a long time but got no further answer, feeling a bit disappointed. Still, the Sword Spirit must have its reasons for saying that.
After thinking it over, Evan said angrily, “The engagement can be set, but I get to choose who I marry. I won’t let anyone else decide my marriage—one moment it’s the Second Young Miss, the next it’s the Third. What do you all take me for?”
“What do you think, Elder Lin?” Dominic Chu tossed the thorny issue to Tim Lin. Honestly, even he was reluctant to let Evan marry the ugly Third Young Miss—it was a matter of face. If the Chu Family head’s son married an ugly girl, it would be a disgrace.
Tim Lin glanced at Dominic Chu, thinking, “You sly old fox, I know exactly what you’re up to. If you’re giving me a hard time, I’ll do the same to you—let’s see who loses face in the end.”
Then Tim Lin smiled and said, “How about this—Leon Lin is at the fourth level of the Profound Martial Realm. If Evan can withstand ten moves from him, I’ll agree to the engagement with the Second Young Miss. If not, he’ll marry the Third Young Miss. This is the Lin Family’s final concession.”
Sophia Lin couldn’t believe Tim Lin would agree to this. “Second Grandpa, how can you even consider letting that waste marry me? I’d rather die than marry him!”
Leon Lin smiled, “Second Sister, don’t you trust your big brother? I can beat him in just three moves. You don’t need to worry about this at all.”
Sophia Lin thought about it and realized Leon had a point. A gap of more than four levels was enormous—even if Evan Chu was once a genius, there was no way he could withstand ten moves from Leon Lin. She immediately felt reassured.
“Evan, do you accept these terms? If you can last ten moves, the Lin Family will betroth the Second Young Miss to you. Otherwise, you know what happens.” Tim Lin said with a fake smile.
Dominic Chu’s face darkened. This old fox really was cunning—everyone knew that a first-level Profound Martial Realm couldn’t possibly win against a fourth-level.
Just as he was about to speak, Evan Chu cut in first. “Did I ever say I wanted to marry her? What I mean is, I’ll choose for myself. If I’m in a good mood, maybe I’ll pick the Second Young Miss. If not, maybe I’ll pick the Third. My marriage is my own decision.”
Sophia Lin couldn’t believe this ‘waste’ could be so domineering. Her face twisted in anger. “I have no objection—try marrying me in your next life! You should really take a look at yourself!”
At that moment, Roxanne Lin heard Evan’s words and felt a surge of emotion. From his words, she could hear two possible outcomes. She’d thought she had no hope, but now she realized she had at least a half chance.
Evan Chu’s gaze fell on Roxanne Lin. Her eyes were gentle and watery, her skin fair and smooth, her chest full, and her long legs slender.
If he hadn’t heard she was supposed to be ugly, with her attire he would have thought she was a peerless beauty deliberately hiding her face with a veil.
In Roxanne Lin’s clear, watery eyes, Evan Chu saw her inner worry and fear. That helpless look was just like his own whenever he was mocked and scorned—so much unwillingness and frustration.
She must also be ridiculed by her family, suffering daily under the torment of gossip and rumors. At that moment, Evan felt a faint sense of shared misery with her.
“Since neither side objects, let’s spar right here in the hall. It’s a festive day, so stop before causing serious harm—though injuries are inevitable, so be prepared.”
After saying this, Tim Lin shot Leon Lin a meaningful, half-smiling glance.
Facing Leon Lin at the fourth level of the Profound Martial Realm, Evan Chu really wasn’t confident. But the arrow was already nocked—he had no choice but to go forward, win or lose.
A real man knows what he should and shouldn’t do—being pushed around isn’t Evan Chu’s style.
Dominic Chu and the other Chu elders could only force a bitter smile. Evan marrying the Lin Family’s ‘ugly’ Third Young Miss was already unavoidable, but the Lin Family’s offer was their biggest concession. Both sisters were Lin daughters—the real problem was that Evan was now considered a waste.
Leon Lin stepped up to Evan Chu and said with a smile, “I know you’re only at the first level. For me, at the fourth level, beating you is no challenge—so even if I win, you’ll just refuse to accept it.
But since the condition is to last ten moves, you’d better accept your fate. I just hope you live long enough to marry my beautiful, adorable Third Sister!”
“Cut the crap! You think being at the fourth level is so amazing? Today I’ll show you how you’re going to lose!” Evan Chu shot back, refusing to be cowed.
“Enough talk—let me show you real strength!” Leon Lin said, unleashing a powerful aura that made it hard for Evan Chu to breathe.
Leon Lin’s body flickered, and he suddenly hurled a punch straight at Evan Chu.