Chapter 403 - 214: Forget This Marriage Alliance

Chapter 403: Chapter 214: Forget This Marriage Alliance

Inside the Governor’s Office.

Nie Xiangjun reclined in the large rosewood chair at the head of the hall, a long, aqua gown with a cloud pattern enveloping her voluptuous figure.

Her fingertips delicately held a wine pot of mutton-fat jade. With a languid air, she poured a drink for herself. The amber liquid shimmered in the cup, and its mellow, spiritual fragrance subtly filled the air.

Nie Xuanfeng led Chen Sheng and Sun Yuzhi into the hall. The three of them stopped before the dais, their expressions deferential.

"Greetings, Zhenren."

"Greetings, Zhenren."

Nie Xiangjun raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping casually across the three of them. It lingered on Chen Sheng for a moment before flitting away. "No need for formalities," she said faintly. "Be seated."

The trio did as they were told, taking seats in the pear wood chairs below the dais.

Nie Xiangjun drained her cup before speaking.

"You need no longer worry about the Vast Sea Sect. Since you requested aid from the Nie Family, we will naturally shoulder the consequences for you."

Hearing this, Chen Sheng’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly before he quickly smoothed his expression. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Zhenren, for your protection."

’Even though I orchestrated the destruction of Luoyun Manor, the Nie Family used it as an opportunity to extend their influence into Ning’an Prefecture. It was a tangible benefit for them as well.’

’It was supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.’

’But coming from her, it sounded as if he, Chen Sheng, was relying entirely on the Nie Family’s protection and now owed them a huge debt of gratitude.’

’But circumstances were against him. Her Cultivation was unfathomable; just moments ago, she had repelled Granny Wuhua with a single palm strike, resolving his most pressing crisis.’

’For now, even if he had other thoughts, Chen Sheng could only suppress them and graciously accept the ’favor’.’

"As for the other purpose of my visit..."

Nie Xiangjun set down the wine pot. Her fingertip tapped lightly against its smooth surface, producing a faint, crisp sound.

"I presume Governor Nie has already given you some indication?"

"I know a little about it," Chen Sheng replied.

"Good."

Nie Xiangjun gave a slight nod and sat up a little straighter. Though her posture remained languid, her gaze grew sharp and scrutinizing.

"First, to bring the matter of Luoyun Manor to a close. Second, the matter of your marriage alliance with the Nie Family."

"Now that you’ve ascended to the Dragon and Tiger List, you are no longer a fish in a small pond. The clan holds you in high regard, which is why I was dispatched to evaluate you. However..."

Nie Xiangjun’s tone shifted. It remained level, yet it now carried a subtle, almost imperceptible chill.

"From what I understand, you are rather ’unrestrained’ in your personal affairs. First, you publicly crashed a wedding at Luoyun Manor and ran off with Wang Zilan, the legitimate daughter of the Ning’an Wang Clan."

"Afterward, you grew exceptionally close with this Vice Envoy Sun here, your relationship far from simple... Have I said anything that isn’t true?"

"It’s all true."

Chen Sheng’s expression didn’t change as he admitted it frankly.

’These matters were no secret, and there was no way to hide them.’

Beside them, Sun Yuzhi’s brow tightened. She immediately spoke up, her voice crisp and cool.

"Daoist Nie, I’m afraid you misunderstand. My relationship with Governor Chen is strictly that of colleagues handling official matters. There are no other ties between us."

’She could see clearly that the Nie Family placed an extraordinary degree of importance on Chen Sheng.’

’She refused to be the one to cast a shadow on his bright future.’

"Oh? Is that so?"

Nie Xiangjun’s gaze shifted, sweeping over Sun Yuzhi’s tense expression. A meaningful smile curved her lips.

"No."

Chen Sheng’s solemn voice broke the short silence. He met Nie Xiangjun’s gaze and said, each word enunciated with perfect clarity:

"My relationship with Vice Envoy Sun is indeed a deep one. It is by no means trivial."

At his words, a flicker of surprise flashed in Nie Xiangjun’s eyes, but she quickly lowered her gaze, hiding it.

When she looked up again, her expression had hardened.

"You’re so direct... Are you not afraid of angering me?"

"Chen Sheng!"

Sun Yuzhi couldn’t help but hiss his name, her eyes filled with anxiety and a silent plea.

Chen Sheng turned his head to give her a reassuring look, then his gaze returned to the head of the hall.

"The truth is the truth. Even if you grow angry, Zhenren, that won’t change it in the slightest."

Nie Xiangjun’s gaze turned cold. The intangible pressure of a Pill Realm expert began to radiate from her, filling the Government Office Hall like a frigid arctic wind.

The air in the hall seemed to congeal, making it hard to breathe.

The silence stretched for several breaths before she finally spoke, her voice frigid.

"If it were anyone else, this marriage alliance would be off the table. But... in light of Nie Xuanfeng’s many recommendations, and since you have ascended the Dragon and Tiger List and are considered a man of talent, I will make an exception and give you a chance."

Nie Xiangjun leaned forward slightly, her gaze as sharp as a blade, piercing straight into Chen Sheng.

"Starting right now, you are to sever any and all entanglements with other women. Make it a clean break. As long as you do that, the Nie Family can let the past be the past. Also, allow me to remind you of something.

Don’t let these romantic entanglements hinder your path to the heavens."

"Once you’ve handled matters properly, I will take you back to the Nie Family’s ancestral lands to formally arrange the betrothal. Moreover..."

At this, Nie Xiangjun’s tone softened, becoming all the more tempting.

"The woman you marry will not be just any legitimate daughter, but one chosen from among our ’Nie Family’s Three Beauties’."

’Accept her offer!’

Sun Yuzhi’s urgent telepathic message flooded into Chen Sheng’s mind.

Chen Sheng acted as if he hadn’t heard. He just looked at Nie Xiangjun and suddenly smiled.

"And what if I... am unwilling to sever them?"

"Perhaps you don’t fully understand the status the Nie Family’s Three Beauties hold within our clan."

Nie Xiangjun’s expression grew even more solemn, and she emphasized each word.

"Then listen closely. Those three are the most dazzling jewels of our Nie Family’s current generation, and their status is revered beyond compare. By marrying any one of them, the resources you could mobilize and the support you would gain from the Nie Family would far exceed your wildest imagination.

With your aptitude, combined with such backing, reaching Core Formation in the future would be no empty dream."