"Pardon me, but I might have misheard things," Jingyi asked. "You want me as your pretend fiancee?"

"Yes."

"What do you mean with pretend?" Xing Mo raised one eyebrow.

"I meant what it is." Xuan Di said. "I want Tang Jingyi as a pretend fiancee to protect each other from harassment and danger."

"No offense, while I can imagine how it works, can you enlighten me?" Gudao rubbed his chin.

Xuan Di unrolled a pair of contract scrolls.

"The whole fiancee relations was for public appearance. Otherwise, it is impossible to justify us around each other without a master-servant relationship." Xuan Di said. "The real reason for this is I want someone to protect me."

"Our cultivation level is equal, and with your godly talent for sword formation, what use of you having someone as weak as me?" Jingyi earnestly but politely asked. "Within a year, I will be left in the dust."

"My body is weak and fragile." Xuan Di pulled up his sleeves, revealing a pair of thin, bamboo stalk-like arms. "No amount of pills can remedy this. As for body cultivation, I was hopeless."

"You're waiting for body rebuild in the Foundation Establishment stage." Gudao guessed. "Because it would be a good starting point for body cultivation."

"Yes." Xuan Di nodded. "The contract condition is either I became a Foundation Establishment, or we turn twenty. Until then, I promise to give four-tenths of all of my cultivation resources to Jingyi."

Four-tenths?! This young madman doesn't know what he is talking about!

"I will also provide her with any cultivation scriptures I can obtain." Xuan Di finished. "Furthermore, I will promise that I will do nothing indecent in public, and our private lives will be entirely chaste."

Xing Mo couldn't hold himself back and stood up in frustration and disbelief. "This is too generous! Might as well give her a real dower and marry her! This is why everyone calls you a sissy!"

Xuan Di grabbed Xing Mo's crotch... and squeezed hard. Gudao recoiled in horror, not expecting that, while the brothel-loving young Xing howled in pain.

"Mr. Gudao is also obligated to protect me as his son-in-law." Xuan Di seethed. "Are you retarded, Mo-ge?"

Ah.

"Eugh, that makes it a little better." Xing Mo curled on the floor. "Essentially, this is a glorified escort commission."

"You're from the Xuan clan. Why do you need peasants like us?" Jingyi asked. "Xuan clan has no shortage of Foundation Establishment."

"It is because he's the fourth heir from the Xuan branch." Xing Mo pointed. "The first three heirs are from the main family, but Xuan Di is a son of the branch family. Naturally, his very existence earns hatred."

Ah. So there are a lot of younger Xuans who wanted to see Xuan Di fail and suffer, maybe even die.

"Clan Head promised me resources. He also said my family would be protected. However, outside the clan influence, I was left to fend for myself, and I could not trust fellow Xuan members of the same age." Xuan Di explained. "Because I wanted to join the [North Comet Academy]."

[North Comet Academy] is an elite school that nurtures the youngest genius in the region. How could it not be? The requirements are insane.

"You should be fifteen years old or under and already in the [Qi Condensation] stage." Gudao's eyes were bloodshot. "If you're not some young master being fed pills since you're ten, who could achieve that?!"

Xuan Di and Xing Mo pointed themselves. Gudao coughed blood.

Jingyi winced. They're just spoiled clan brats!

"Pills by themselves are not as effective as you think." Xing Mo finally stood up and patted his clothes. "Cultivation technique matters the most, hence the incredible progress in many Young Masters."

"But even weak technique can be potent if you're compatible with it." Xuan Di shrugged. "A strong technique is worthless if you're incompatible with it."

"To be honest, that is true," Gudao said. "[Rebellion Blade] can't be high-grade swordsmanship, but I can feel my cultivation surged tremendously. At this rate, I'll achieve the second foundation within two or three months."

"Not everyone can make a sword soul from an incomplete script." Xuan Di grinned. "By the way, although the technique is completed, [Rebellion Blade] is actually just one-half of a higher technique."

"?!"

"To be precise, it was paired with [Turbulent Sea Blade]. The two scriptures were split from the [Divine Wave Blade] technique." Xing Mo said. "Although the original [Divine Wave Blade] was lost in time, [Turbulet Sea Blade] should be accessible to the students of the [North Comet Academy]."

"Hmm... its grade isn't that high, so it's accessible to Outer Court students, right?" Jingyi muttered. "Even if some contribution or achievement is necessary..."

"Yep. It's one tier higher than [Rebellion Blade], so it's not immediately within reach, but..."

Jingyi looked at her father, who clamped his eyes and mouth shut. Most likely because he wanted it with all of his heart but was also unwilling to put Jingyi into unwanted servitude.

"You said you can give me scriptures. In any case, sword scriptures are meaningless to me." Jingyi said. "I won't request a high price, but I would love to see what you offer, Young Master Xuan."

"I see." Xing Mo grinned. "In that case, put my tools to good use!"

Xing Mo pulled out a board from his storage and threw it at Jingyi. "It's called [Wuxing Ouyang Board]. It should be able to read your base cultivation right now. This is not a talent reader, but it can give insight into cultivation progress."

The boards looked arcane and complicated, definitely not simple or cheap artifacts. As Jingyi let her strength flow, the circuits and formations on the board began to glow.

"What is this abysmal Qi cultivation?!" Xing Mo gawked. "Jing power seems very good, but that Qi reading is messed up."

"...Jingyi-Shijie, could it be that you misuse cultivation pills?" Xuan Di asked. "If we want to make this contract, let us be truthful to each other."

Jingyi furrowed her eyebrows.

"Well, if you're unwilling to say, let me share my stories first." Xuan Di sighed. "My relatives pranked me to near-death by shoving Daemon Punishment Soul Pill into my stomach, burning my meridian and leaving me comatose."

"What? But Daemon Punishment Soul Pill is..." Gudao gasped.

The more they heard, the more horrified the Tangs were. Almost died, lucky Xuan Di can still cultivate but have a perpetually weak body. Even though he got a miracle blessing, being mistreated by his own family like that, Jingyi would be torn.

"I cannot trust the other Xuan children. They are my enemy." Xuan Di gravely said. "I'd rather trust wealth and influence."

"..." Jingyi softened her eyes. "I see. Then I shall tell you the reason why."

Jingyi told Xuan Di why she was so paranoid about herself being prey. Physically disguised herself and consumed the wrong Pills to hide her cultivation.

"For me, physical beauty is nothing but a curse. I'm far from a fairy, but if there's a cultivation method that makes me less attractive would put my heart at ease."

"This is madness!" Xing Mo laughed his ass off. "This is insanity! I've never heard of a female cultivator who wanted to look less pretty! Ahahahaha!"

"On any other occasion? I'd be offended, but I agree with you." Tang Gudao calmly sipped his tea. "But as you can tell, her fear is not baseless."

"Scum like Pang Yue is everywhere. It makes sense, indeed." Xuan Di shrugged. "When you're blessed with heavenly treasures, hellish disaster follows."

"Birds die for food, and people die for wealth. I can understand to a degree." Xing Mo stopped laughing. "You can help her, right?"

"I have a few techniques." Xuan Di said. "But there isn't a lot of Yin-attuned Body Cultivation technique."

Xuan Di described a few skills to Jingyi, and she made a quick decision after his long explanations. "The [Ghost Jade Forge] technique is of my interest."

"Dare I say, it is definitely a good choice." Xuan Di nodded, smiling.

"But is it alright with you to have an ugly fiancee?" Jingyi asked.

"Ugly is an overstatement. And if you're slightly unattractive, no one will try to rob you away." Xuan Di winked. "I can have you for myself."

"Smooth bastard. Sissy brother sure has a silver tongue!" Xing Mo whistled.

Gudao glared at these two boys. Contracts not signed yet. They already bared their fangs! Even this cute little Master is not to be underestimated!

"Jing-er, how about us-"

Jingyi scoffed. "In that case, let me add something to the contract. You said our private lives will be entirely chaste? Let me fix it for you. It will be chaste unless both parties are willing. Also, I will gift you part of my loot from time to time. You have no right to refuse."

Both Gudao and Xuan Di coughed blood!

"JING-ER! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" Gudao scolded his daughter. "What have I taught you wrong?!"

"Miss Jingyi, please rethink it." Xuan Di was wide-eyed. "I gave you a generous offer. Why are you making a weird concession? I don't need them at all!"

"Listen to him! Young Master Xuan had a good head on his shoulder!" Gudao desperately said.

"Exactly." Jingyi smiled weirdly, something she had rarely done. "My terms or I won't sign."

"That is a scary clarification, but alright." Xuan Di reworked the contracts immediately. "Please reread it."

Jingyi reread the contract and pricked her thumb to make a blood print without hesitation. Xuan Di did the same thing.

Gudao wanted to faint! Jingyi had always been so careful. Why would she hand herself like that to someone she just met?! Granted, Xuan Di changed Gudao's wretched fate, but still...

"Think of it not as pretend fiancee but a fiancee contract," Jingyi told them. "I'm putting my life and dignity on the line. Until that point, I expect Young Master to do the same."

"You have my word, and Heaven will be our witness." Xuan Di swore an oath with two fingers up. "If either of us violates it, the contract will self-destruct."

"Why every woman who gathers around Xuan Di is scary?!" Xing Mo cackled and congratulated everyone. "Tang Jingyi, you sure are foolish, but let us be fools together. From today onward, you're my sister-in-law! Be sure to get rid of competing suitors."

"I don't know if I like how that sounded." Jingyi cupped her hand and bowed. "But we might end up fellow school disciples in the future."

"Well, then. I will have to retrieve the scriptures and stuff from Xuan's residence in this town." Xuan Di bowed. "The tab is on me. Please enjoy to your heart's content."

"Uncle Tang is interested? I knew a few courtesans of the highest grade. Even befriend them personally." Xing Mo puffed his chest. "Di-er gave the money! I can offer the opportunity!"

Gudao indignantly responded. "Crazy talk. This uncle is no longer young. I have no desire. Hmph."

"Well. After your body transformation, you're not that old and feeble." Jingyi rubbed her chin, thoughtful. "Fulfilling basic needs is also part of cultivation."

"... Naughty girl, is this why you reworked that contract? You fancy that Young Master for real?" Gudao loomed over her with a stern expression. "Lying to me, I would be disappointed."

"The current me had little interest, but who knows what could happen. Body cultivation nurtures Jing by nature. And Jing stimulates all earthly desires. And I'm a growing girl, after all."

Which, of course, includes the growth of reproductive cycles. Even doing such an outrageous thing, Jingyi was being rational.

Gudao was torn. On the one hand, he was glad that Jingyi considered the possibilities with a cool head, yet at the same time, he was also worried that Jingyi would grow up a monk. Shockingly lack of passion and desire.

Then again, she wanted to join the Buddhist sect before they met these Young Masters. Perhaps now, Jingyi had a chance. Living a fulfilling and balanced cultivation life.

"Father was shortsighted." Gudao nodded. "You're no longer a naive girl. You're almost a woman now."

"Sister is wise. I never considered that angle before." Xing Mo respectfully bowed. His perverted grin betrayed his intent, though.

"...There is a difference between fulfilling basic needs and indulgence, Young Master Mo." Jingyi chastised him.

Xing Mo felt called out.

If there is ever any proof of his obsession with the sword, leave it to Tang Gudao to watch a skilled courtesan doing a sword dance. Jingyi found it unsettling to see her father looking so perverse yet enlightened.

Savoring the sharpness of the sword and the elegant sensuality of the beauty, he sat alongside other predominantly male patrons.

"Di-er wasn't joking. Uncle Gudao fell in love with the sword." Xing Mo remarked.

"I may be his reason for living, but his passion and love lie with the way of swords," Jingyi said, content. "If I could make him happy, what I wouldn't give as a daughter?"

That was why she made it her mission to obtain the [Turbulent Sea Blade] scripture. If Gudao could get his hand on it, he would attempt to recreate [Divine Wave Blade]. Even if he fails, at least Gudao has something to look for in his 150 years of lifespan.

"Sister is filial. Di-er had a good taste." Xing Mo grinned. "Well then, I will be waiting in the Xing residence."

Today, Jingyi will also try to be selfish and indulgent. She decided on the best course, the service of a famous Doctor in the town. Coincidentally, the Doctor was a close supporter of Xuan Di.

"Your Qi is messed up because of Pill abuse." The stern-looking female Doctor huffed. "Kids these days know no limit."

"I have my reason, but there is no need anymore," Jingyi said. "Please normalize my Qi."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Hmm. Not hard."

The Doctor utilized many methods, from traditional acupuncture to meridian massages. The chaotic flow had been calmed, and knots untangled. Jingyi felt calm yet excited.

"Xuan's new fiancee had potential. You immediately jumped two flows in Qi Channeling." The Doctor marveled at her progress. "You purposely hid your talent."

"Grass too tall will be cut, nail standing out will be hammered. A peasant girl like me would rather keep a low profile." Jingyi bowed three times. "But if I kept a low profile, I can't give the Xuan clan face."

And if Jingyi is weak, how could she protect Xuan Di, as per their agreement?

"Good temper, real mature. If not for your body, I'd have thought you're an adult woman." The Doctor huffed. "Nothing can fool my eyes."

Jingyi thought her mentality was closer to nineteen years old, so it wasn't far off. She was reincarnated, but her memories were far from complete. It has been two years at most since she unlocked them.

She wondered if she could unlock more memories, but Jingyi didn't feel she needed that. Clinging to the past would hinder future happiness. Though learning from the past also prevent future mistake.

----------------------------------------

CHAPTER 2 - BETROTHAL

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Six days had passed since then. Jingyi spent herself in the deepest place, hidden from the sun, the solitary cell in the Xuan clan dungeon.

The reason for this? Her first few days of cultivation could be done in near-absolute darkness and silence. For many, that would have been torture, driving people insane.

But for Jingyi, it was peaceful and comforting. It gave her time to focus and refine her body. And with unbridled determination, she punched the coffin door into pieces.

It worked. Even though Jingyi was still in the Mid-flow of Qi-channeling cultivation, her physical strength is comparable to peak Qi-channeling cultivators.

"It's just the first stage of the bone forge," Jingyi muttered. "Worthy price of sacrificing all Qi-technique."

Gudao had been guarding the room all this time, only occasionally going out to practice swords. He opened the door and widened his eyes, shocked by the changes in his daughter.

"...Are you still alive?!" Gudao asked, half-joking.

"Alive and stinky." Jingyi winced. All the impurities covering her made her feel like she walked out of a dung pit. "Father, please don't get too close."

"Understood. I'll have some people to bring bathwater and clothes." Gudao threw a paper talisman to burn the filthy coffin. When it is done, fine ashes are what will be left.

Jingyi's presence shocked people who expected and terrorized those who weren't ready when she emerged from the dungeon.

She had pale, lifeless white skin like she was half dead. Her irises glow with icy blue light, even though her eyes were supposed to be brown. Her hair was ashen white like she was eighty. An eerie scent and coldness followed like a thin fog.

People reacted like they were seeing a ghost, literally.

"So THAT is why it was called [Ghost Jade Forge]." Xing Mo clapped his hand, amazed. "Skin like white jade, with the appearance of a ghost."

"Yep." Xuan Di nodded. "Now you see why hardly any Xuan women practice this technique."

It is not that Jingyi wasn't pretty. She was about as pretty as she was before she entered that coffin. But her other attributes made her look almost inhuman. Ignorant people might even think she's a demonic cultivator.

However, a simple touch or spiritual reading would make people understand. No, she's not demonic in the slightest. In fact, her entire body is full of life and vigor.

"Third flow of Qi-Channeling. So your Qi cultivation regressed one step." Xing Mo read the [Wuxing Ouyang Board] result. "However, the amount of Jing is doubled. So much vitality!"

"It was a treasured technique, and Jingyi's special physique raised its effectiveness." Xuan Di shrugged. "But nothing is free."

Jingyi scanned the surrounding and noticed the looks people gave the group. Specifically herself. The jeers, the sneers, and the disgust. These people only gave the faintest attempt to hide their contempt.

Jingyi fully expected this and rationally chose this path. That doesn't mean she enjoyed it, however. As expected, the greater her Jing strength, the more emotional she became.

With strength comes weakness. Nothing is free in cultivation. If a heart demon form in Jingyi, she's doomed.

However, unfamiliar warmth covered her externally cold hand. Jingyi looked aside to notice Xuan Di's cute smile as he held her.

"Ignore them." He said. "They only gave me face because I'm the fourth heir candidate. The sooner I leave, the happier they are."

Right, there is that issue. Regardless of Jingyi's appearance and background, being a fiancee of Xuan Di only made her position worse.

"Thank you, Young Master," Jingyi said. "My apologies. I should call you Di-er."

"Take it slowly. Forcing yourself will make it awkward."

With time comes familiarity. Right now, even holding hands makes them feel awkward. Over time, they will get accustomed to each other.

"How long until the admission schedule? [North Comet Academy] opens in late winter, right?" Xing Mo asked.

"Traditionally, they started accepting admission in winter. There is a month exam period." Xuan Di pointed. "We have seven months."

"I thought it was an automatic admission? There's an entrance exam?" Jingyi widened her eyes.

"Only to chop the rock-bottom candidates," Gudao explained. "The acceptance rate is eight out of ten. You have to train hard. Talent and resources alone can only grant so much leverage."

"Yes, Father."

"Now, let us report to the Patriarch."

They entered a building and were immediately crushed by the pressure in the air. Only Gudao was able to stand up, and barely so. His knees were bent, and he lowered his head.

The kids were all on the floor, lying on their faces and stomach.

Core Formation! This is the strength of a Core Formation!

Jingyi slammed the floor and pushed herself, trying to get up. She bent her elbows and raised herself half a foot from the floor. Then she forced herself further and was able to kneel.

Don't give up!

"[Ghost Jade Forge] sure is something." An authoritative male voice said. "But more than that, what mental strength."

"Uncle is beyond cruel." Xuan Di cried.

The pressure ceased, and everyone was able to stand straight. Xuan Di cupped his hand and then formally bowed. "Xuan Di report to Patriarch."

"Sincere thanks for inviting this young self." Xing Mo also bowed. "Xing Mo don't deserve."

Realizing this, Gudao and Jingyi did the same and bowed.

"Heh, cease the formalities. We're all family here." The man chuckled. "Let us celebrate this moment."

The man was taller than Gudao by half a head. But his presence felt more imposing than he looked. This man is none other than Xuan Yuan, the Patriarch of the Xuan clan. At fifty-eight years old, yet already on the peak of Core Formation.

Apex Core Formation experts are already rare, but to find one under seventy years old is like finding an albino Spirit Beast. Too rare. Way too rare.

Xuan Yuan was improbably youthful in comparison. He looked like he was under thirty!

In fact, anyone can see some resemblances between him and Xuan Di.

"It has been a long time, Senior Gudao." He said.

"Pardon my insolence, but I don't recall..." Gudao humbly cupped his hand.

"Sword Test Conference forty years ago." Xuan Yuan raised his arm and summoned a sword soul. It was made of gold light.

"That sword soul!" Gudao finally realized. "Yang fire!"

"Forty years ago, I was nothing but an entitled brat. I disguised myself and ran from the family compound to join the Sword Test Conference. I thought I would easily win, but I was beaten blue in the semi-final by a twenty-five years old wanderer. A person who somehow conjured a Sword Soul from incomplete scripture." Xuan Yuan said. Hint of amazement in his voice.

Xing Mo and Jingyi widened their collective eyes in shock.

"It was such a long time. The current me is an ant in front of you, Patriarch." Gudao looked very uncomfortable, recalling these memories of his youth.

"The current you, sure. Ten years in the future, who knows." Xian Yuan smirked. "When Xian Di expressed interest in your daughter, I thought it was fate for us to meet again."

Jingyi looked at Xuan Di, her face full of mischief.

"For the record, it was NOT love at first sight." Xuan Di said. "However, is not Uncle Gudao far more heroic and generous than you pretend to be? Always help people in need. Yet always keep your heads down in the city. Jingyi, too, is the same way."

"In the villages, sure. Helping each other par the course. Without everyone contributing, villages are nothing but a feast for the devils and fertilizer for daemons." Gudao shook his head. "But in the city, what use of such measly martial strength? Not enough to protect even my own daughter from bullying."

"Indeed. It is unfortunate. Due to human nature, we invariably clash and compete with each other. Even I had my moment of slippage." Xuan Yuan sighed. "But without my defeat in your hands four decades ago, I could be so much worse as a person."

"Xuan Di's reason for choosing your daughter had nothing to do with our past, but it gave me stronger justification to give Xuan Di more resources at his disposal." Xuan Yuan's face darkened. "Even then, I could not directly interfere with clan heir competition. The Elders will reprimand me and question my fairness. There is no change in terms and conditions of the agreement."

"I see." Gudao sharpened his eyes. "I may have to fight members of the Xuans in the future."

"The immediate members might not take direct action because of my pressure. But they could always use borrowed knives and residents of the dark river." Xuan Yuan snapped his fingers. "As such, whether you can survive the ordeal? Fate will decide."

The dark river is the metaphorical dark side of the pugilistic world, where crimes and corruption aren't hidden under a veneer of manners and politeness, where chaos, murder, and betrayal are the facts of the day.

In other words, the classical equivalent of organized and unorganized crime groups.

A couple of servants brought with them several items on luxurious, cushioned trays. One of them was a marvelous-looking wodao. Its blade was translucent, like colored glass.

Another was a scripture scroll.

"This is..."

"[King Coral Blade], forged from crystal steel and thousands of coral soul fragments. It is a top-rarity Fourth Grade, water element blade." Xuan Yuan said. "And none other than [Turbulent Sea Blade] scripture."

Wasn't this supposed to be stored inside the Academy library? Looking at it, Gudao began to salivate!

"Don't be surprised. With Xuan influence, getting this is unthinkably easy." Xuan Yuan scoffed. "However, this mediocre technique, in your hands, could be something more valuable."

Xuan Yuan wordlessly told Tang Gudao to pursue the completion of [Divine Wave Blade].

"When that time comes, let's have a friendly spar." Xuan Yuan said. "Consider this a gift for the engagement."

Gudao respectfully cupped his hand, eyes filled with determination. This token of friendship he will repay by fulfilling that request.

"Tang Jinyi."

"Yes."

"It is not much, but these are Silver Tiger Lily bulbs. They should help you to break through to the Qi-condensation stage." Xuan Yuan said. "Please protect Di-er like he is your real husband."

"Jingyi understand." Jingyi accepted the box full of bulbs and bowed. "Patriarch is too kind."

Tiger Lily by itself is dirt common. It is a First Grade plant of Yang element grown as a meal (the bulb) and medicinal ingredients (the flower). However, within a field of a thousand Tiger Lilies, a few would become albino variants, the Silver Tiger Lily.

Silver Tiger Lily is considered a high-end Second Grade plant with a gentle yet potent Yin element. The price of a single Silver Tiger Lily is the same as two hundred to three hundred Tiger Lilies.

Combined with the [Ghost Jade Forge] body cultivation technique, the Silver Tiger Lily bulbs will ensure a seamless breakthrough.

"Have a safe trip." Patriarch Yuan said. "The path is full of thorns and hatred. But I shall pray to the Heavens so you can remain pure and just."

The group departed and left the Xuan branch residence.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay around, Di-er?" Xing Mo asked. "The Xings will love to have you."

"But the Xuans might resent Xings for it." Xuan Di said. "Thanks for the honest friendships, Mo-ge! We will meet again during the admission exam!"

"Understandable. Take care of yourself." Xing Mo bowed to each of them individually, to which they replied in turn.

"Xuan Patriarch, he sounded quite bitter." Jingyi bluntly said. "He would support you over his own children or immediate kins?"

Clan politics sure is complicated.

"It was personal. I dare not to divulge." Xuan Di winced. "Though I wanted to leave this town, I had no specific destination. Do you have one?"

"Should we resume our planned travel route to the north?" Jingyi asked her father as she wore a shroud to be less conspicuous.

"That is a good idea." Gudao handed Xuan Di a map scroll.

"I have no objection." Xuan Di nodded as he read the content. "Coincidentally, only a few adjustments are needed to reach the [Northern Comet Academy]."

As they left the town gate, Jingyi steeled her resolve. Now that she had someone backing her, no more running away. She would fight for her own freedom as a woman.