"Don't bother comparing, Lord Chu. My Loveless Sword Tomb is nowhere near your Frostbane Imperial Palace. Let's talk in the Grand Hall instead," Jade Qin said at this moment.
Passing through the flower beds, Evan Chu and his group arrived at a finely crafted wooden house with the words 'Loveless Grand Hall' above the door. Though the exterior looked simple and elegant, the interior decor was no less grand than any other sect.
As sect master, Jade Qin naturally sat at the head seat, while Evan Chu, Nolan Nangong, and the others sat below. Jade Qin then said, "I wonder what brings Lord Chu and Dominion Lord Nangong to my Loveless Sword Tomb? We're already friends, so just say whatever you need—no need to beat around the bush."
"We wouldn't come here for nothing. In truth, we're here to trouble you with something, and it might be a bit difficult for you. I don't know if Sect Master Qin can do it," Evan Chu said seriously.
Just then, several beautiful women entered from outside the hall, carrying plates of fruit and tea snacks, which they placed in front of Evan Chu and his group. Among the fruits, there were two types Evan had never seen before.
"If Lord Chu has something to say, just say it. I'm not someone who shrinks away from trouble. As long as it's within my power, I won't refuse!" Jade Qin declared.
"Since that's the case, I'll get straight to the point. We've come for one thing only. Soon, I may ascend to the God Realm, but the matter of your marriage with Nolan still isn't resolved. I can't rest easy about it. So this time, we're here for you two. I trust Sect Master Qin understands what I mean!" Evan Chu said seriously.
Jade Qin never imagined Evan Chu would say something like that. Her face instantly flushed. "Lord Chu, you must be joking. Though I did have feelings for Dominion Lord Nangong long ago, that was many years ago. Now he's a Dominion Lord and I'm a sect master—how could we possibly get together?
Besides, Loveless Sword Tomb is called 'Loveless' precisely because our sect forbids marriage. That's why my daughter, though one of the Four Immortal Fairies, has never married. As sect master, I can't break this rule, so I can't agree to your request."
"Rules are dead, but people are alive. You could always step down as sect master. I believe you still care about Nolan, but you've hidden it because of your position. I'm about to ascend—won't you give me this bit of face?" Evan Chu pressed seriously.
"Lord Chu, you're putting me in a tough spot. I really haven't thought about these things lately. The Immortal Realm is peaceful now, and it's the perfect time for every sect to rest and recover. Though I'd like to put down this burden, there's no suitable successor. Let's just drop the matter!" Jade Qin refused.
"Sect Master Qin, you really should think this over. When I came in, I saw quite a few of your disciples 'cultivating' among the flowers—on the surface, they're focused, but in truth they're exchanging glances. I bet some are secretly flirting, you just don't know it.
The rule against romance in Loveless Sword Tomb has long since faded; you just don't realize it. Outwardly, the disciples show you respect, but behind your back, I'm sure they complain. If a sect wants true strength, it needs its disciples to thrive. This rule really needs to change.
Dream Spirit Sanctuary only accepts female disciples, but it still lets them marry outsiders. You really need to reconsider this issue," Evan Chu said.
Jade Qin frowned slightly. "I've thought about this before, and even discussed it with the elders, but it was always rejected. So this time, I need to consider it again."
"Xiaojiao, I know this is hard for you. Back then, I wronged you, and I've felt guilty all these years. I really hope I can take care of you," Nolan Nangong said.
"Let's not talk about the past. Since you've come to Loveless Sword Tomb today, I should give you a proper welcome. This matter will have to wait until I've discussed it with the elders," Jade Qin said.
Evan Chu and the others could tell that Jade Qin actually wanted to reconcile with Nolan Nangong, but was held back by the sect rules. With their help, this issue might be resolved.
At the banquet, Jade Qin called over several elders from Loveless Sword Tomb. Evan Chu recognized a few of them—they'd appeared during the Immortal-Demon War.
When the elders saw that the guest was the Palace Lord of Frostbane Imperial Palace, the Immortal Realm's number one powerhouse, they were visibly excited, constantly toasting Evan Chu and Yvonne Xuan.
After glancing at the elders, Evan Chu understood their thoughts. Maybe he could bring up the issue at the banquet—he was confident it could be resolved.
"Everyone, we've come to Loveless Sword Tomb today to discuss an important matter with Sect Master Qin. But she can't decide it alone—it needs your approval. This banquet is really meant to consult you about it," Evan Chu said.
"What is it that Lord Chu wants to discuss with us? Even the sect master can't decide?" one elder asked.
"There's one sect rule in Loveless Sword Tomb that needs to be changed—the 'loveless' rule must be abolished. I'm sure you know that many young disciples secretly wish to marry, but the rule only makes them dare to dream, not act, forcing them to hide it from you.
So we hope you'll lift the ban on marriage within the sect, and also let Sect Master Qin and Dominion Lord Nangong reconcile," Evan Chu said.
"Abolish the sect rule? That's something we've never even considered. What's the sect master's opinion?" another elder asked.
"This is the first time I've encountered something like this. I did mention it to you before, but you all thought I was joking. Everyone knows Loveless Sword Tomb's current situation—on the surface we're strong, but among the top sects, we're actually the weakest.
For a sect to rise, it must start with its disciples. Now that the Immortal Realm is peaceful and all sects are resting, allowing marriage would greatly strengthen us. This really does deserve serious consideration," Jade Qin said.
"There's nothing to consider—this change is absolutely necessary, and I'll make the decision for you. It's settled: the 'loveless' rule will be abolished, and the matter of Sect Master Qin and Dominion Lord Nangong should be finalized soon. If your two sects form a marriage alliance, your strength will greatly increase," Evan Chu declared.
"What are you all talking about? So lively and you didn't invite me? That's just not fair!" Just then, a clear, bell-like voice rang out from outside the hall...