The conference hall fell silent. Liu Tianfeng cleared his throat a few times. Though he valued this marriage alliance, what father wouldn’t hope for his daughter to marry someone outstanding, a dependable man? But now Chu Yan seemed like nothing more than a worthless failure.

"Father, is this the so-called outstanding man you want me to marry? This good-for-nothing?" Liu Qingcheng’s voice was icy.

Liu Tianfeng’s face couldn’t hide his embarrassment, but he sighed heavily. This marriage was one he couldn't cancel, as it was the only way to secure the Liu family’s future.

"Qingcheng, I know it's hard for you. But for the sake of the Liu family, you’ll have to make this sacrifice. This marriage must proceed as planned!"

"Father!" Liu Qingcheng’s eyes reddened. She couldn’t understand what had happened in the past to bind her fate to such a failure.

Seeing her unwilling expression, Chu Yan chuckled softly. "My dear wife, don’t worry. Although I may be a failure, I’ll be a loyal one. You can take care of things outside, and I’ll handle things at home. I’m not worried about being laughed at."

"You…" Liu Qingcheng stomped her foot in frustration, but there was nothing she could do. Glaring fiercely at Chu Yan, she turned and left the hall.

Watching her leave, Liu Tianfeng sighed, then looked at Chu Yan with confusion. How could this be? The son of that man, bearing the Heavenly King Mark on his foot—shouldn't he have been born gifted, destined for greatness? Why had he ended up a failure?

"Chu Yan, don’t take Qingcheng’s words to heart. I watched her grow up, and while she can be sharp-tongued, she’s a kind person at heart. She won’t refuse this marriage. You should prepare yourself—soon, you and Qingcheng will be wed."

"Thank you, Uncle Liu," Chu Yan replied, his smile sly. Was he truly a failure? He didn’t elaborate.

Leaving the hall, Chu Yan was shown to a high-class guest room in the Liu family’s estate.

In the privacy of the room, Chu Yan’s eyes changed, no longer showing the carefree attitude from the conference. His gaze became profound, steady like one who had seen the world’s trials and risen above them. If Liu Tianfeng saw this Chu Yan, he would have been astounded. For such composure, unfazed by the highs and lows of life, was a trait even some elders could not attain.

"Finally, it’s almost over," Chu Yan murmured to himself, smiling as he gazed up at the beams above.

Most people would assume Chu Yan was thrilled because he was about to marry Liu Qingcheng, the most beautiful woman in Tianyong City. But only he knew the real reason for his excitement—the opportunity to finally leave behind his supposed weak physical body and first-level mortal status. Soon, these labels would vanish, and a figure of immense power would emerge.

Because within the Liu family lay a secret even Liu Tianfeng himself didn’t know.

…

That evening, after consulting with the elders, Liu Tianfeng set the wedding date for three days hence.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

News of the marriage spread rapidly throughout Tianyong City. When people heard that Liu Qingcheng was getting married, every man in town mourned, for she was the goddess of their dreams.

"Did you hear? Liu Qingcheng is getting married, and her fiancé seems to be a worthless failure!"

"A failure? I heard he’s a beggar, filthy and foul-smelling. What was Liu Tianfeng thinking, rejecting the many young masters from prominent families and choosing this trash?"

"Who knows? What a pity. Now I have no one left to daydream about at night."

"Idiot! Marriage doesn’t end a person’s allure. In fact, being a married woman makes her even more desirable. And married to a beggar, no less!"

"Ha, that’s true."

In no time, the entire city was buzzing with talk of Liu Qingcheng’s impending marriage.

…

In the southeast corner of Tianyong City, in a mansion as grand as the Liu estate, a loud crash echoed.

This was the Qin family’s mansion. Alongside the Liu and Tan families, they were among the three great families of Tianyong City.

In one of the guest rooms, a young man, Qin Feng, stood fuming. As the third son of the Qin family, his status was high, not only due to being the only son of the family’s elder but also as the only genius in the last three years to awaken a four-star life body. His status as an heir was almost assured.

More importantly, Qin Feng had been pursuing Liu Qingcheng for years. Though she always ignored him, he could tolerate it because she treated all men similarly. But now, with news of her marriage, his fury grew palpable.

"Tell me what’s going on!" he demanded, causing several servants to shiver as they knelt.

"Young Master, it’s an eighteen-year-old agreement from the Liu family."

"And who is this man?"

"All we know is that he’s named Chu Yan and appears to be a worthless failure."

"A failure? Does that mean I’m less than a failure?" Qin Feng’s face darkened with hatred.

"Young Master, we believe the Liu family’s sight is lacking. With your talents, it’s ridiculous they refused you. You should just take her by force. The Liu family wouldn’t dare cross us."

"Exactly! Liu Qingcheng, since you’d rather marry a failure than me, I’ll destroy you with my own hands!"

…

Meanwhile, Chu Yan, oblivious to the countless enemies he was making, remained unconcerned. All he needed was a little more time, and everything would change.

As night deepened, Chu Yan jumped from his bed. Then, noticing a shadow pass by his window, he smirked. "Miss Liu, coming to see me so late? Could it be you’re too eager to wait the three more days?"

The door opened, and in strode Liu Qingcheng, dressed in loose black attire that made her look petite. She frowned at Chu Yan’s teasing words and, with a flash, pressed a sword to his neck.

"One more word, and I’ll kill you!"

Unfazed, Chu Yan chuckled. "Go ahead. I know you’re a rare prodigy—breaking out of the mortal body at three, awakening a three-star life body, reaching five stars by five, and attaining six-star life strength and a ninth-level mortal realm."

"Then show respect!" she warned.

"Hear me out," he continued, his gaze sharp. "So what if you’re a prodigy? Go ahead and kill me if you dare. But if you do, guess what’ll happen to your family?"

"Are you threatening me?" she hissed, tightening her grip on her sword.

"Yes. Because unlike you, Miss Liu, I may be a failure, but I can still protect your family. Can you do the same? If so, then go ahead and kill me."

As he held his arms open, Liu Qingcheng trembled with fury, knowing he spoke the truth. Chu Yan, failure or not, was the only one securing her family’s place.

"What do you want to let me go?" she asked quietly.

"Let you go? I don’t understand." Chu Yan smiled, feigning ignorance.

"Don’t pretend. I don’t want to marry you. I appreciate your role in helping my family, but not enough to sacrifice my happiness."

"Ah, so you’re in love with someone?"

Liu Qingcheng lowered her gaze, remembering a boy who had saved her ten years ago.

"Yes, I love someone else. Can you let me go?"

Chu Yan’s smile faltered but quickly recovered. "That’s not up to me. Go speak with your father; if he agrees, so will I."

"You—!" Her hands clenched tightly. If her father would relent, she wouldn’t be here pleading.

"Chu Yan, I’d rather die than marry you!"

"Then go ahead. And don’t worry, I’ll take good care of our parents."

"You scoundrel!" Liu Qingcheng left, fuming with rage.

Yet as she stormed off, she missed the look of gentleness in Chu Yan’s eyes.