章 24: It's so hard to find a perfect son-in-law

It had been two days since the Xiao Family broke the marriage agreement, but the public was still in an uproar. The news spread far and wide, reaching big cities and prominent clans. Many speculated that there would be a war between the Xiao and Tang Families, but surprisingly, no further news had emerged.

In other clans and prominent families, young masters rejoiced at the cancellation of the wedding. This development implied that they still had a chance! Many famous geniuses from across the Central Region packed their things and rushed to the capital to court the lady of their dreams.

Meanwhile, in the Xiao Family's main palace, an important guest was visiting. He was Tang Fei, the leader of the Tang Family and father of the groom—now the ex-groom, since the wedding was canceled.

"Can you tell me the reason?" Tang Fei asked after taking a sip of Spirit Tea. He wasn't angry, just curious. He knew that if Xiao Fang decided to cancel the wedding, it would be a serious matter.

They were already at the pinnacle of mortal cultivation, so public opinion didn't concern them.

"The reason is simple. My daughter attempted to commit suicide because she didn't want to marry your son. If your son wants to marry my daughter, he must first win her heart. I won't risk my angel's life for a few benefits," Xiao Fang said flatly.

"Oh, so that's what happened. It is our fault for rushing them," Tang Fei nodded in understanding.

"Yes, I thought we could marry them first and let them develop feelings later," Xiao Fang sighed, shuddering as he remembered his daughter's penetrating gaze.

"That's truly unfortunate. You know that before we attempt to reach the Spirit God stage and ascend to the Heaven Realm, we need to connect our families. Only then can they be safe after we're gone," Tang Fei reminded him calmly.

"Yes, I know, but there's nothing we can do. We still have some time left. If it doesn't work out, we'll think of something else," Xiao Fang said helplessly.

"My son is here. Let's hear what he has to say," Tang Fei said, sensing his son arriving at the door.

Xiao Fang waved his hand, sending a small string of Black Spirit Qi toward the door. The formation on the door unlocked, and it opened to reveal a handsome 16-year-old boy in a white fighting robe with a black dragon embroidered on it.

In the Central Region, even a beggar on the streets would recognize what that Black Dragon meant. Just like the Sacred Sword Kingdom had a famous Sacred Institute, the most powerful academy in the Central Region was the Four Elements Academy.

The academy had four factions: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Turtle, each specializing in different areas. Vermilion Bird had the best alchemists, White Tiger excelled in scouting, Black Turtle produced the best formation masters, and Azure Dragon had the best fighters.

The handsome youngster was a genius with the Black Dragon rank. In the Azure Dragon Faction, there were three ranks: Red Dragon for Spirit Kings, Black Dragon for Spirit Lords, and Golden Dragon for Spirit Overlords.

It wasn't easy to attain these ranks, as students could only stay in the academy until they were thirty. Reaching the Spirit Overlord stage before thirty years old was already an impressive feat.

The young man was a Spirit Lord at just sixteen so one could imagine how proud he was of his achievements. Who would have thought he would be rejected by a Xiao family princess?

He approached the two men, irritation evident on his face. "Father, I did what I could, but she still doesn't want to meet me."

He could get any lady in the capital with a snap of his fingers, but he couldn't win over the one he wanted. He had overheard the palace servants accusing him of forcing their lady to commit suicide, which shocked him.

If this news spread, he would lose the reputation he had worked so hard to build.

"Taizong, don't worry. You can take your time," Tang Fei said calmly.

"I heard she tried to commit suicide. Is that why the wedding was canceled?" Tang Taizong asked unhappily.

"Yes, if you want to marry her, she has to agree," Xiao Fang answered, sipping his tea.

"Since when was it like that? What about my reputation?! When the news leaks, everyone will laugh at me," he complained loudly.

Xiao Fang frowned deeply, thinking, 'No wonder Tianshi didn't want to be with him. He didn't even ask if she was okay, only caring about his reputation. Was my judgment really that wrong?'

"You brat...! Apologize this instant!" Tang Fei's calm face turned furious as he emitted his Spirit Aura.

Tang Taizong's face paled under the suppression and his legs buckled, forcing him to his knees.

"I apologize for my impudence. I ask for forgiveness," he declared, having no choice but to comply.

"It's enough. But if I hear you worrying more about your reputation than my daughter's well-being again, I will reconsider your qualification to marry her. You can go," Xiao Fang warned sternly.

"Yes, Sir," Tang Taizong replied as his father released the pressure. He bowed and left, gritting his teeth.

"I apologize for my son. He thinks he can be arrogant just because he advanced to the Spirit Lord stage at sixteen years old. Please accept this Rank 7 Cultivation Pill as an apology for Tianshi," Tang Fei said, flicking his hand and sending a bottle with a milky white pill toward Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang's eyes lit up. Their family specialized in creating Spirit Artifacts, but the Tang Family's expertise was in medicines. Even for them, Rank 7 Pills were rare.

"Then I won't be polite," he said, grabbing the pill bottle and making it disappear into his storage ring.

Seeing him accept the pill, Tang Fei stood up to leave. "I will go now that we have explained everything."

"See you later," Xiao Fang nodded.

Tang Fei disappeared a second later.

"Eh, it's so hard to find the perfect son-in-law," Xiao Fang sighed.

***

Senior Chen looked speechlessly at the Rank 5 sword in his hand. He displayed his Dark Blue Spirit Qi and even used Sword Intent, but he still couldn't attract the Black Flame Slayer he had his eyes on.

In his hand was the second Rank 5 sword the Liu Clan possessed. Although it was sharper than the Black Flame Slayer, it didn't have any special traits. This was why Xuefeng had chosen the other one.

The Black Flame Slayer could emit powerful black flames that were hard to extinguish. Each attack forced the opponent to avoid the flames or risk being burned to death.

"There's no way I couldn't attract it. The only explanation is that the Young Master took it. Damn…" he cursed, realizing he was too late.

"The only way to get the sword from him is to challenge him to a Spirit Duel. Unfortunately, he needs to be at the same stage as me. How long will that take?" Liu Chen wondered, formulating a plan.

"I will get that sword for sure! Xuefeng, just you wait," he vowed to himself and left the Spirit Treasury.