"Brother Chen, with our relationship, it shouldn't be a problem for me to be your brother-in-law, right?"

Shangguan Yu looked at Chen Yuan with a cheerful smile.

Chen Yuan: "..."

These friends of his are really something.

They're all piling sisters on him.

"Did Brother Zhang send you a message?" Chen Yuan picked up his teacup and took a light sip.

"That's right. After you last saw him, he immediately sent someone to deliver a message to me, saying that you've now become his second sister's husband."

"So?"

Shangguan Yu said very seriously:

"So, if you can accept Zhang Xuan's second sister, Zhang Wanshu, then little Hong isn't any worse, right?"

"Brother Shangguan, you know me. I'm not really a good person," Chen Yuan said after a moment of contemplation.

"If you were a truly righteous and honorable person, my little sister might not even like you. Matters of the heart are hard to say. You're so outstanding, and you even saved her life. It's perfectly normal for her to harbor secret feelings for you.

"You didn't agree before because you were worried about the influence of the Shangguan family on you. I can understand that. But now your power has already surpassed that of the Shangguan clan.

"No one dares to point fingers at you. And, to be honest, I know you have great ambitions and aren't content with mediocrity. You're bound to make a big splash in the South.

"Although the Shangguan clan isn't as prosperous as it used to be, it still has some foundation. If you marry my little sister, the Shangguan family will be on your chariot. With me sitting here to keep an eye on things, the Shangguan clan will definitely not dare to have any ulterior motives..."

Shangguan Yu's expression was solemn; he didn't consider this a joke.

Moreover, he really wanted to be related to Chen Yuan through marriage. No matter how good his relationship with Chen Yuan was, as Chen Yuan's cultivation and status increased in the future, a distance would open up between them, and they wouldn't be as close as they once were.

There had to be a bridge by Chen Yuan's side.

Marriage was the best way.

He had long seen that Chen Yuan was a potential stock and had always wanted to invest in him, but neither Chen Yuan nor the old fogies of the Shangguan clan were very willing, so he could only shelve the idea.

Now his past premonition had come true. Chen Yuan had emerged from the depths like a hidden dragon, spread his wings like a roc, and stood at the upper levels of the Jianghu and the imperial court in just over a year.

One foot was on the court, and the other on the Jianghu.

Once his foundation was solid, there would inevitably be major actions in the future.

He could see all this from his observations. Chen Yuan wasn't one to remain subordinate to others for long. Now the world was turbulent, with signs of war.

In order to restore the Shangguan family to its former glory, he had to bet early and find a potential stock!

Chen Yuan was the person he trusted the most.

Along the way, Chen Yuan had defeated all the heroes in the world, and his reputation was outstanding. He had the opportunity to achieve great things, and they had known each other since their humble beginnings, with deep feelings. If the Shangguan family wanted to bet, he was the only one.

Also, Shangguan Hong was in love with Chen Yuan. For his little sister's happiness, he had to take the initiative to bring this up.

"Brother Shangguan, are you serious?"

Chen Yuan stared at him.

"To be honest, the family had long had the idea of a marriage alliance, but I suppressed it. I told my father that you and my little sister were in love, so it was shelved.

"Otherwise, my little sister would already be married."

"I understand."

"Brother Chen, to be honest, do you really not have a single spark of affection for my little sister? If that's really the case, I'll reject it to my father," Shangguan Yu said, closing his eyes.

"Let's just settle this matter for now, but there's no need to rush the marriage. I have too much on my plate right now. I'll tell you when I think it's about time."

Chen Yuan gave Shangguan Yu a promise.

The Shangguan clan was indeed still very useful for him to control Shu Prefecture; he couldn't do without this help. As for Shangguan Hong...

The former Chen Yuan had just arrived in this world, surrounded by dangers, and his strength was very low. Talking about love would only slow down his blade speed. But now he had almost reached that level of strength.

What was life for, if not for power, women, and longevity?

He wouldn't deceive himself or pretend to be some righteous gentleman.

Moreover, as his cultivation increased, it would become more difficult to have children. The best choice was naturally to marry more women to have offspring.

Although not now, he had to plan ahead.

Besides, he wasn't disgusted with Shangguan Hong either. As for feelings, he could cultivate them slowly.

Hearing Chen Yuan's affirmative answer, a smile appeared on Shangguan Yu's face:

"As long as this matter is settled, that's good. The Shangguan clan isn't the type to make trouble unreasonably. This can also better restrain the Shangguan clan for Chen Yuan's use."

Chen Yuan: "..."

At this moment, he had an illusion. Was Shangguan Yu really the young master of the Shangguan clan?

Why did it seem like he was on his side, not the Shangguan family's?

This sucker, uh, good brother was indeed very good!

Chen Yuan was a little touched at this moment.

"Brother Shangguan, the marriage has been agreed to, but there's one thing I need to say in advance," Chen Yuan coughed lightly and continued.

"Brother Chen, please speak."

"Regarding the matter of the principal wife..."

Chen Yuan only said half a sentence, but the meaning in his words was already very clear. Even if he married the Shangguan family, the position of principal wife wouldn't fall on Shangguan Hong.

Shangguan Yu frowned at first, but quickly relaxed. He had indeed already made preparations for this. Not to mention others, Zhang Xuan also had an older sister.

There could only be one principal wife.

Furthermore, in Shangguan Hong's view, as Chen Yuan's status rose, there might be even more powerful forces to marry, or Chen Yuan himself might already have someone he liked.

If they wanted to compete for this, the Shangguan clan would first have to possess a power at the level of the Ten Great Immortal Sects.

"As long as Chen Yuan doesn't mistreat my little sister in the future, that's all that matters."

"Brother Shangguan, rest assured, I will definitely not mistreat Hong'er in the future." Even if she became his woman, Chen Yuan wasn't the kind of ungrateful and callous person.

"I'm relieved to hear you say that."

They had simply agreed to the alliance with the Shangguan clan. Whether it was Chen Yuan or Shangguan Yu, they were actually very happy in their hearts. They had known each other since their humble beginnings, and their friendship wasn't shallow.

No one wanted to see them turn against each other because of some interests.

After keeping Shangguan Yu for a few hours and having a meal together, Shangguan Yu got up to leave. Chen Yuan saw him off at the gate and then went back to continue his cultivation, preparing for his trip to Nan Prefecture.

On the other side, after returning from the Sky Survey Division, Shangguan Hong was a little impatient. She paced back and forth in the inn, wondering why Shangguan Yu hadn't returned yet.

How was the matter going?

She didn't even know enough to send someone to deliver a message or something.

It wasn't until the night was dark that Shangguan Yu hurried back to the inn where they were staying. As soon as he opened the door, Shangguan Hong's face lit up with a smile. She quickly handed him a cup of warm tea and asked softly:

"Brother has returned."

"Were you waiting anxiously?" Shangguan Yu teased. He thought Shangguan Hong would shyly avoid the topic, but she nodded very seriously.

"I was waiting anxiously. Tell me quickly, what did Brother Chen say?"

Shangguan Yu stared at her for a moment, sighed softly, and sat down slowly.

Shangguan Hong's heart skipped a beat, and a wrenching pain surged into her heart. She bit her lip, turned her back, blinked her eyes, then turned back and smiled:

"It's okay. Brother Chen is now famous all over the world and has immense power. It's actually normal for him to not be interested in me. Don't hurt your brotherly feelings for me.

"Actually, I, Shangguan Hong, don't... don't like getting married either. My heart is set on martial arts. Maybe one day I'll become the first female Transformation Yang in our Shangguan family."

She really, really liked Chen Yuan, especially when he came out to save her when she was desperate. That feeling reached its peak.

Later, the incident in Liang Prefecture reached Shu Prefecture. If Shangguan Tiehong and Shangguan Yu hadn't joined forces to imprison her at home, she would have really gone straight to Liang Prefecture alone with her sword.

People always had to have something to look forward to.

But that didn't mean she had no dignity. It was best if they were in love with each other. If it was too forced, she'd rather be alone.

Her personality was actually somewhat similar to Shen Yanshu's, both possessing a heroic spirit.

"It's getting late. Brother, you should rest early. I... I'm going out to get some fresh air. My father has been following me recently, and it's been stifling me."

Shangguan Hong smiled and turned to leave.

As soon as she opened the door, Shangguan Yu's faint voice came from behind:

"Really willing to give up?"

"Jianghu children have never cared about romantic feelings. He has great ambitions, and so do I."

Shangguan Hong took one step out the door.

"Since that's the case, then forget it. I was just about to say that this marriage has been settled. Since you're not willing, then so be it. Go ahead, go get some fresh air..."

Before Shangguan Yu could finish his words, Shangguan Hong, who had one foot out the door, retracted it, slammed the door shut, drew the longsword from her waist, and stared intently at Shangguan Yu:

"Shangguan Yu, you... you dare to tease me?!"

"I didn't tease you. I just sighed that girls aren't kept at home when they grow up. I didn't expect you to have such aspirations. As your brother, I support you. Isn't being a heroine better than being someone else's little wife?"

Shangguan Yu chuckled.

At this time, the light of Shangguan Hong's sword had already turned cold, and she couldn't help but stab out with her sword. Her embarrassment just now had been seen clearly. This was definitely Shangguan Yu's intention!

"Little sister, don't be impulsive. Do you still want to marry Chen Yuan?"

Shangguan Yu quickly replied when the sword was still a foot away from his eyes.

Swish—

The longsword was sheathed.

Shangguan Hong stared at him and said in a deep voice:

"What exactly is going on?"

"The matter has been settled. I'll talk to my father about it and draw up a marriage certificate, but the specific time of the marriage hasn't been set yet. It probably won't be for the next year or two. Brother Chen has too many things to do and doesn't have the leisure to do these things."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Does that mean that I'm now his fiancée?"

Shangguan Hong suppressed her joy and tried to remain calm.

"It'll take a few more days."

"Hoo"

Shangguan Hong let out a long breath, sat down, and suddenly covered her face:

"Thank you, big brother."

"However, this matter has been settled, but there's one more thing that depends on your opinion." Shangguan Yu sat opposite her and tapped on the table.

"What is it?"

"Brother Chen told me that you probably won't be the principal wife..."

Shangguan Hong raised her head:

"I can't do that either. It's enough for me to be by his side."

"You're still the direct daughter of the Shangguan family, can't you be a little bit more promising?" Shangguan Yu saw that she immediately agreed, without any coyness or hesitation, and was full of disappointment that she wasn't living up to expectations.

"So, big brother, can you let me be Chen's family's principal wife?" Shangguan Hong asked suspiciously.

"No."

"Then why are you saying all this?"

Shangguan Yu: "..."

"You haven't even married out yet, and you're already favoring him this much. If you get married, how much worse will it be?" Shangguan Yu coughed twice and felt that his younger sister was a bit ungrateful.

"Don't talk about me, aren't you favoring Chen Yuan too?"

"Forget it, there's nothing to talk about with you. You should rest well. Brother Chen has time these few days. You can talk to him and communicate your feelings. I won't interfere."

Shangguan Yu waved his hand and turned to leave.

"What are you rushing off to do?"

Shangguan Hong frowned.

Shangguan Yu turned his head and smiled faintly:

"Didn't that guy Zhang Xuan say that Chen Yuan is his brother-in-law? Now I'm Chen Yuan's brother-in-law, and according to the rules, he has to call me big brother. My seniority has been raised for no reason. I have to tell that Zhang fellow!"

Shangguan Hong: "..."

She suddenly felt that her matter with Chen Yuan was settled, but the happiest person wasn't her, but Shangguan Yu. He said she wasn't promising, but with his current appearance, he didn't look like he was promising either.

For three days in a row, Chen Yuan left the Sky Survey Division, cultivating while dealing with the affairs of the Shu Prefecture Sky Survey Division, placing his confidants, and selecting Sky Survey Envoys who were willing to pledge allegiance to him.

In addition, he was also waiting for the Gold Envoy of Nan Prefecture and the two Green Envoys of Blood Prefecture to pay their respects.

And in this free time, Shangguan Hong also abandoned her previous shyness and took the initiative to find Chen Yuan to chat and talk about love. The Shangguan clan had basically settled the matter.

Although it wasn't public, Shangguan Hong had already become his fiancée ahead of Zhang Wanshu... or one of them.

With this identity, neither Shangguan Hong nor Chen Yuan were awkward anymore, and their relationship quickly heated up in just a few days, reaching second base.

Shangguan Hong also saw another side of Chen Yuan's coldness and was a little at a loss.

She never expected Chen Yuan to be so lecherous... It didn't ruin his image, but she had a deeper understanding of Chen Yuan.

And under Chen Yuan's guidance, she prepared to go to Tangshan Prefecture in a few days to meet Madam Xu and get to know her.

Everything was changing for the better.

On this day, the two Green Envoys of Blood Prefecture and the Gold Envoy of Nan Prefecture, who had received strict orders from Chen Yuan, didn't dare to delay any time, lest they cause any unforeseen consequences, and came to pay their respects to Chen Yuan, this genuine superior.

"Lord, the Gold Envoy of Nan Prefecture has arrived."

Lu Renyi walked into the Sky Survey Hall and bowed.

"Mm, let them..."

Before he could finish speaking, a Sky Survey Guard rushed into the hall and bowed respectfully:

"Lord, there's someone outside the city who wants to see you, and it looks like they're not coming with good intentions."

Chen Yuan frowned. He hadn't encountered this kind of challenge in a long time. He asked in a deep voice:

"Who is it?"

"Reporting, Lord, the old monk claims to be the former abbot of the Bright Temple, Yao Xin!"

"Bright Temple Abbot, Yao Xin?!"

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes, and a hint of puzzlement and curiosity flashed in his eyes.

He had some personal grudges with the Bright Temple before, but they were settled by Jiang He. He had been planning to deal with these bald donkeys after he finished his business, but he didn't expect someone to come to his door.

He had heard of the name Yao Xin, a Luohan at the Transformation Yang level, who had some fame in Qing Prefecture. However, he had disappeared for decades. He thought he had already passed away, but he didn't expect him to still be alive and dare to challenge him outside Shu Prefecture City.

It was simply courting death!

"That's right. The old monk is sitting cross-legged in the void outside the city, and specifically... specifically wants you, Lord, to go and settle the karma."

"Karma..."

Chen Yuan raised his head, and a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.

It just so happened that his karma with the Bright Temple hadn't been settled yet. Then, for his first stop in the South, he would use this top sect in Qing Prefecture as a test!

"Order the Sky Survey Divisions in Shu Prefecture City to mobilize troops and gather at the city gates," Chen Yuan instructed Lu Renyi.

"Lord, do you want to form an array to capture this person?"

"No, just let them observe."

Chen Yuan stood up, and a powerful aura emanated from his body. Showing off his strength in front of the Sky Survey Division warriors was the most direct and effective way to display his power!

"Yes, this subordinate obeys!"

Lu Renyi immediately cupped his fists and bowed.

Three thousand zhang outside the north gate of Shu Prefecture City, a golden light filled the sky. An old monk with long eyebrows, wearing a kasaya, was sitting cross-legged, surrounded by a powerful aura.

This person was the abbot of the Bright Temple, Monk Yao Xin, who had been restored to his peak by Manjusri Bodhisattva with great magical power and incense.

In the past few days, he had arranged the affairs of the Bright Temple and rushed to Shu Prefecture City without any delay, preparing to settle the hatred of obstructing his path.

In the past, he knew that his cultivation would be difficult to improve, so he pretended to be in seclusion, but in fact, he had secretly separated a wisp of his true spirit and used a special treasure to reincarnate as an infant, preparing to infuse his cultivation when the time came, combining the two to get a glimpse of the Bodhisattva realm.

Perhaps under his influence, the reincarnated infant turned to Buddhism and grew up in Jinshan Temple in Nanling Prefecture, Qing Prefecture, and was given the Dharma name by his elders, Fahai!

For the first half of his life, he was safe and sound, and steadily cultivated. But just as he was about to step into the Vajra realm, he encountered a calamity, and the source of the calamity came from a seemingly ordinary Condensing Gang warrior.

After Fahai died, his life's past flashed before his eyes like a dream. He personally experienced Fahai's life.

He saw that ruthless young man break through several levels in less than a year, and he was narrow-minded. Because of a past grievance, he secretly plotted to destroy Jinshan Temple.

In the end, that young man succeeded.

He killed Fanan, killed Fahai, burned Jinshan Temple, and completely shattered his hopes!

This was his life's demon, and he had to settle this grievance before reincarnation. Otherwise, even if he awakened his past and present lives after reincarnation, he would be trapped in this obstacle.

So he came!

Preparing to settle the karma.

But what he never expected was that the young man in Fahai's memory became unstoppable after breaking through Transcendent Profound, defeating all the heroes in the world and winning first place in the Immortal Ascension Battle.

Later, he became famous for the country, died for the country, and topped the Wind and Cloud Rankings.

Now, he has become a high-ranking official of the imperial court that even the Bright Temple does not dare to provoke easily. He is a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households and has the power to oversee the three southern prefectures!

(End of this chapter)

Ding Ding Little Stone reminds you: Remember to bookmark after reading