Though tastes differ, most women in the martial world possess slender figures.
Compared to them, Ah Xiang's chubby physique was indeed rather unconventional.
It was unlikely many people could truly accept such a figure.
Even if someone fancied Ah Xiang, Ah Xiang might not fancy them.
Over the years, countless men had wished to become the son-in-law of a Spirit God Realm expert, but Ah Xiang rejected them all.
Han Tian and his wife had held marriage by combat numerous times.
While a few young talents had passed the assessment, none ultimately passed Ah Xiang's own standards.
Unexpectedly, upon their return this time, Ah Xiang had brought a man back with her.
"It should be no mistake," the middle-aged woman replied.
The woman in blue chuckled, "Let's go meet my cousin-in-law. I'm very curious which young master managed to capture my cousin's heart."
...
At noon, Qin Han Chu and Ah Xiang were enjoying lunch in the courtyard.
Just then, the butler hurried in, "Miss, Miss Xian Xin has arrived."
"Are they specifically watching me?"
"They knew I was back so soon."
"Please invite her in,"
Ah Xiang said.
"Yes," the butler replied, turning to leave.
Qin Han Chu asked, "Who is this person?"
"My fourth uncle's cousin," Ah Xiang replied.
"How's your relationship?"
"Not great. She's here to mock me."
Qin Han Chu pondered, "Is there a feud?"
"Not exactly. It's just that she couldn't compare to me in the family assessment, so she holds a grudge."
As a dominant force in ancestral heritage, the Han family naturally placed great importance on cultivating the martial arts of their descendants.
During the annual family gathering, a family assessment was held.
Achieving a good ranking in the family assessment would earn rewards and resources from the family.
Ah Xiang's martial arts talent was exceptionally strong, ranking among the very best of the younger generation.
Han Xian Xin's cultivation realm was on par with Ah Xiang's, but in terms of combat power, she was no match for Ah Xiang.
In the last two family assessments, Ah Xiang had taken the championship for the younger disciples, which led to Han Xian Xin harboring some hostility towards her.
A moment later, Han Xian Xin entered, accompanied by the middle-aged woman.
Qin Han Chu could feel Han Xian Xin's gaze falling directly upon him.
"Cousin is here? Sit down and eat with us," Ah Xiang said with a smile, without rising.
Han Xian Xin was not one to stand on ceremony. She sat opposite Qin Han Chu and asked, "Cousin, who is this?"
"Your brother-in-law," Ah Xiang replied.
Han Xian Xin's expression subtly shifted. She chuckled, "I didn't expect cousin to have found a suitable husband. May I know which family brother-in-law belongs to?"
"I am a lone individual, with no family," Qin Han Chu said.
Hearing this, Han Xian Xin laughed, "So, you're a live-in son-in-law? Don't blame me for not warning you, being a live-in son-in-law isn't easy. Don't be ordered around like a slave by my cousin later on."
"Your cousin treats me very well, so you don't need to worry about me."
"By the way, since this is our first meeting, shouldn't you address me formally?"
"Don't worry, your brother-in-law won't be too stingy."
"This low-grade spirit artifact can be a meeting gift for you."
Qin Han Chu flipped his hand, placing a low-grade spirit artifact on the table, and looked at Han Xian Xin with a smile.
Han Xian Xin had intended to embarrass Ah Xiang by ridiculing Qin Han Chu. However, she hadn't expected Qin Han Chu to ask her to address him formally as brother-in-law.
If she refused, Ah Xiang would surely call her impolite.
But if she did, she would be the one humiliated.
A low-grade spirit artifact was already a rare treasure for ordinary people, but for core members of the Han family, it wasn't particularly appealing.
"This spirit artifact was given to you by cousin, wasn't it?"
"I advise you to treasure this spirit artifact well, because my cousin might very well dump you."
"Then this spirit artifact can still fetch you some cultivation resources."
Han Xian Xin sneered.
"Will you dump me?" Qin Han Chu asked Ah Xiang.
Ah Xiang smiled, "How could I? I'll marry no one but you in this lifetime."
"I love you," Qin Han Chu said with a smile.
Their conversation made Han Xian Xin's whole body shiver.
This was too disgusting!
"Cousin, be careful.
"Beware of being swindled."
Han Xian Xin was implying that Ah Xiang lacked beauty, and therefore Qin Han Chu was not worth her effort to deceive for sex.
"I'm truly touched by your concern,"
"We'll definitely invite you to our wedding banquet."
"By the way, I heard Fourth Uncle wants to betroth you to Ye Tie Shan of the Ye family?"
"This Ye Tie Shan seems to be a lecherous fellow with a very bad reputation."
"If you two get married, you'll have to keep a close watch on him."
"Perhaps right after getting married, you'll have to watch your husband take other wives."
"It's also possible that if you go, you'll just be a concubine."
Ah Xiang said with a smile.
Upon hearing these words, Han Xian Xin's face turned exceptionally unpleasant.
She had clearly rejected this marriage, but the family had not yet made it clear to the Ye family.
Her parents seemed to still want her to marry Ye Tie Shan.
Ye Tie Shan's father had obtained a top-grade spirit herb, which was very important to Han Xian Xin's father.
This marriage was more like a transaction.
Han Xian Xin was merely a commodity to be exchanged for the top-grade spirit herb.
"Cousin, don't let love cloud your judgment, or I'll surpass you in this year's family assessment," Han Xian Xin said coldly.
"It's alright, if you want the championship, I'll give it to you," Ah Xiang replied.
"A fair fight will also allow you to lose."
"There's no need for me to let you win."
"By the way, what is the strength of this son-in-law?"
Han Xian Xin asked, staring at Qin Han Chu.
Qin Han Chu smiled, "Want to try?"
Upon hearing this, Han Xian Xin immediately beamed with a happy smile, "Good, I couldn't ask for more."
Ah Xiang was well aware of Qin Han Chu's strength. Even she couldn't defeat Qin Han Chu, so how could Han Xian Xin possibly defeat him?
In Ah Xiang's eyes, Han Xian Xin was asking for humiliation.
"Is it okay to fight in the city?"
Qin Han Chu's question made Han Xian Xin mistakenly believe Qin Han Chu was making excuses for his fear. She said, "There is a martial arts arena in the city, and even those at the Spirit Saint level can fight freely within it."
"Alright, I'll play with you then," Qin Han Chu said.
"Let's go then," Han Xian Xin said impatiently.
She didn't believe someone without family backing could defeat her!
Qin Han Chu and Ah Xiang said nothing more and followed Han Xian Xin towards the martial arts arena.
The martial arts arena was located in the south of the city, covering an area as large as ten football fields.
Tall pillars were erected around the arena, carved with defensive formations.
Once both parties entered the arena, the formations on them would be activated.
After Han Xian Xin submitted the application, the arena was immediately enveloped by a golden light barrier.
Seeing the arena activate, many onlookers from the city rushed towards the location.
"Come on, let me see if your strength is worthy of my cousin," Han Xian Xin said proudly.