After dinner at the restaurant, Ian Song and his group strolled a bit more along the street. Night had fully fallen, and lanterns hanging from the buildings on both sides of the road were lit one after another.
Looking down the length of the ten-mile avenue, the street was ablaze with lights.
At the same time, certain special establishments also started to liven up.
This world isn’t like the Main World.
At night, the biggest entertainment was drinking flower wine at the restaurant and sleeping with girls.
Every one of the four girls beside Ian was a peerless beauty, and three of them were already his to pick as he pleased, so naturally he had no interest in so-called brothels.
"Let’s go, time to head back!" Ian said.
Back at the manor, Ian learned from a servant that Drake Ward was waiting for him in the Reception Hall.
So, he sent the four girls back to the main courtyard, while he headed straight to the Reception Hall.
"Greetings, Senior Drake."
As soon as Ian entered the Reception Hall, he saw Drake Ward sitting there, sipping tea. Ian quickly stepped forward and greeted him with a bow.
"Sit down. Sooner or later, we'll be family, so no need to be formal." Drake smiled and set down his teacup. "I heard you went out with some beauties today. How was it?"
Ian sat down next to Drake, picked up the teapot, refilled Drake’s cup, then poured one for himself, all very casually. "Pretty nice, honestly. True-Dragon City is way more prosperous than any city I've seen before."
Hearing this, Drake’s face took on a thoughtful look. "Our Ward Clan has been rooted here for five thousand years. Only after that long did True-Dragon City reach its current level of prosperity. But pushing further is extremely difficult."
After some small talk, Drake’s expression turned serious. "I came here today for two reasons. First, to settle your marriage. Second, the patriarch will summon you in three days!"
"Marriage? I wasn’t planning on getting married!" Ian pretended to be surprised.
Drake’s face grew stern, his tone heavy. "Ian, you have to understand—no matter how big the Ward Clan is, our cultivation resources are still limited. Using those resources to nurture an outsider is basically impossible.
So only if you truly become one of us can the Ward Clan’s resources possibly be invested in you.
And you have to realize, achieving the Demigod Realm is an irresistible temptation for any martial artist. Countless people fight tooth and nail for a single slot and still can’t get it. So I hope you cherish this chance.
And even if you marry a Ward Clan woman and become one of us, there are still many who oppose using the Demigod quota on you. Fortunately, the patriarch thinks highly of you and forced this proposal through. So I hope you won’t let him down—otherwise, his authority will take a serious hit!"
"I understand!" Ian nodded.
"Good, as long as you understand!"
Drake looked pleased, then took out an album and handed it to Ian. "This album contains portraits of eighteen young ladies from the Ward Clan. Their backgrounds and talents suit you well. Take a look and see which one you prefer. If you’re interested, I’ll arrange a meeting, and if both sides are satisfied, your engagement will be set!"
Ian nodded again, then opened the album. When he saw the first portrait, his expression froze slightly—it was the same young woman who had caused trouble for him earlier that morning.
The artist’s skill was superb; the portrait was almost lifelike, even capturing the arrogance in her brows.
Below the portrait was her introduction.
Yvette Ward, twenty years old, cultivation: late Sun-Soul Realm…
"So she’s Yvette Ward. No wonder!"
Suddenly it all made sense to Ian. He remembered that back in Dragonskull City, Drake Ward had suggested marrying this young woman to him. Besides her looks and cultivation, she was the granddaughter of a Ward Clan elder.
But no matter how beautiful she was, Ian had no interest in her. The name 'Yvette' alone made him feel awkward, and her arrogance was just too much—so he passed without hesitation.
So, he turned to the second page.
"This girl’s looks are on par with Yvette Ward, but she’s got a gentle, spiritual aura," Ian thought to himself. He glanced at her profile: Lynne Ward, eighteen, cultivation: mid Sun-Soul Realm. Her father is a deacon in the Ward Clan.
The third candidate wasn’t bad either—she had a sultry charm and a curvy figure. Her name was Bella Ward, twenty-one, cultivation: mid Sun-Soul Realm. Her father was a city lord in one of the Ward Clan’s territories.
The other fifteen candidates were all just a shade less beautiful than Yvette Ward. Each had her own unique charm—like plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each with a different style. Their parents or elders were all mid- or high-level members of the Ward Clan.
And all these girls had impressive cultivation; even the weakest was at early Sun-Soul Realm.
"So, have you picked one yet?" Drake asked with a smile.
"They’re all outstanding. I can barely choose," Ian replied.
Drake burst out laughing. "That’s a good thing! It means our Ward Clan’s girls are charming. There’s no need to rush your decision—just let me know by tomorrow and I’ll arrange a meeting for you!"
"Alright, I’ll give you a definite answer tomorrow!" Ian agreed.
"It’s settled, then. I’ll take my leave!"