Kingdom Qian, Qianjiang County.

A majestic ancient city stood atop the towering remnants of the Qishan Mountains.

On either side of the mountains, two mighty rivers surged day and night.

Thus, the city was named Lingjiang City.

In the early spring morning, willows sprouted new buds, and the spring breeze was chilly.

A handsome young man in a white robe, tall and upright, waited outside the grand gates of the Jiang Residence.

He gazed at the vermilion gates, touched the marriage contract in his sleeve with his right hand, his expression calm yet resolute.

Passersby on the street, upon recognizing the young man in white, couldn't help but stop and whisper among themselves.

"Hey... isn't that the Young Master of the Chu Family, the renowned First Genius of Lingjiang City, Chu Qingyun?"

"The Young Master of the Chu Family? That's all in the past!

I heard he was severely injured half a month ago, his dantian damaged, and he's become a cripple who can't cultivate.

Though he survived, how could the Chu Family let a cripple be the Young Master?

Recently, the Chu Family has already relieved him of his position as Young Master."

"Then why isn't he staying at the Chu Family to recuperate? What's he doing at the Jiang Family?"

"Haven't you heard? Chu Qingyun and the eldest daughter of the Jiang Family, Jiang Yueling, have been betrothed since childhood.

Chu Qingyun coming to the Jiang Family now is most likely about his marriage to Jiang Yueling."

"Tsk tsk... Chu Qingyun has gone from genius to cripple, and he still dreams of marrying Jiang Yueling, the first beauty of Lingjiang City?

I reckon there's going to be a good show today."

The young man in white was indeed Chu Qingyun.

As everyone speculated, he came to the Jiang Family today for his marriage contract with Jiang Yueling.

However, what he intended to do was annul the engagement!

Even though he heard the people's criticism and ridicule, he remained calm, showing no anger.

After all, during the time he was injured and crippled, he had grown accustomed to others' cold stares, mockery, and schadenfreude, and his heart had long become as still as water.

……

Deep within the Jiang Residence, in a lavish and magnificent hall.

"Madam, Chu Qingyun requests to see the Family Head and has been waiting outside the gate for a while."

The elderly butler, with graying hair, respectfully bowed and reported to the dignified woman seated in the main seat.

The woman was dressed in luxurious attire, her demeanor elegant, with a hint of authority in her eyes.

She was Xu Fengyi, the matriarch of the Jiang Family and Jiang Yueling's mother.

"Did he mention why he came?"

Xu Fengyi lifted her teacup, blew gently, took a sip, and asked indifferently.

The butler bowed and replied, "He didn't specify, but I assume it's about his marriage to the young lady."

"Hmph..." Xu Fengyi frowned slightly, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"He's already a cripple, and even the Chu Family is helpless despite their best efforts.

Now his reputation as a cripple has spread throughout Lingjiang City, and he still dreams of marrying my daughter?

Bring him to see me; I want to see what face he has to bring up the marriage."

The butler reminded, "Madam, should I inform the Family Head?"

Xu Fengyi waved her hand dismissively, her tone indifferent, "The Family Head is busy with important matters; such trivialities shouldn't disturb him."

The butler acknowledged the order and withdrew respectfully.

Before long, the butler returned, bringing Chu Qingyun into the hall.

Xu Fengyi looked down at Chu Qingyun, thinking to herself, "It's been two years since I last saw him, and this boy has grown into a man, looking even more handsome and upright.

Though his features remain striking and his bearing regal, he is no longer Lingjiang City's top genius; instead, he has degenerated into its biggest laughingstock."

At this moment, Chu Qingyun stood in the hall and saluted Xu Fengyi.

"Junior Chu Qingyun greets Madam."

His demeanor was steady and mature, with a sense of etiquette, truly a standout among the children of noble families.

But Xu Fengyi paid no heed, lightly nodding her chin as a gesture for him to sit.

"Thank you, Madam, but it's unnecessary.

I came today regarding the marriage contract.

Even though Uncle Jiang is not present, speaking with you is the same."

Chu Qingyun spoke calmly, then reached into his sleeve to retrieve the marriage contract.

However, Xu Fengyi gestured for him to hold on.

"I heard you were severely injured in Tianjue Valley recently, your dantian damaged, and you can no longer cultivate.

The Chu Family has produced strong figures in the Divine Ability Realm and Dao Palace Realm; surely they have some heavenly treasures or spirit elixirs.

Is it possible that even the Chu Family can't help with your injuries?"

Chu Qingyun shook his head.

Xu Fengyi frowned and asked, "Has the Chu Family considered going to Qianyao Pavilion to seek medicine for you?

After all, it's the most renowned medical family in Kingdom Qian; there should be a chance, right?"

Chu Qingyun replied calmly, "My dantian is gone, and my meridians are severed; surviving was already a stroke of luck..."

Xu Fengyi's eyes flashed with coldness, interrupting Chu Qingyun's words with an icy tone.

"So, it's settled that you're crippled, destined never to cultivate, and will be a waste for life?

And I've heard that the Chu Family has already stripped you of your Young Master title and even plans to expel you?"

Chu Qingyun looked at Xu Fengyi with a calm gaze, reaching into his sleeve again to retrieve the marriage contract.

"Madam Jiang, my fate is not something you need to remind me of; I came here today only to..."

Before he could finish, Xu Fengyi's face darkened, and she impatiently shouted.

"Since you're already a cripple, how dare you show your face at my Jiang Family!

Do you think you can use the marriage contract to cling to my family and have us support you, a waste?

Unfortunately, your wishful thinking is wrong!

Even the Chu Family doesn't want you; what use do we have for you?

Someone! Throw this waste out for me!

From now on, this waste is not allowed to step into my Jiang Family again!"

Watching Xu Fengyi's domineering demeanor and listening to her aggressive words, a trace of mockery flashed in Chu Qingyun's eyes, and he felt a bit sentimental.

"The former Madam Jiang was always dignified, elegant, gentle, and virtuous.

She was also very fond of me, calling me a worthy son-in-law, treating me like family.

Never did I expect that the moment she saw me severely wounded and crippled, she would reveal such a venomous and hideous side.

Perhaps this is her true nature?

The fickleness of the world and the changeability of human nature are nothing new."

Even if the entire Lingjiang City mocked and ridiculed him, Chu Qingyun wouldn't care.

But Xu Fengyi was his prospective mother-in-law, who once treated him like a guest of honor, yet now she mocked and ridiculed him, kicking him when he was down.

Even with his steady mindset, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed and indignant.

Seeing Chu Qingyun standing there, unwilling to leave, Xu Fengyi continued, "Chu Qingyun, you were once Lingjiang City's First Genius, surely you're a smart person.

Since you're aware of your situation, you should have self-awareness.

You and Yueling are now people from two different worlds!

You're destined to be a weed in the mud, dust by the roadside, insignificant.

And Yueling... she ended her seclusion three days ago and successfully awakened the Water Moon Dao Body!

With her talent and aptitude, she will surely shine like the bright moon in the sky, reaching the Dao Palace Realm is not out of reach.

Moreover, Yueling has been noticed by the Qiushui Sect, one of the three major sects of Kingdom Qian.

Soon, she will become the last disciple of Elder Murong Yue.

As you are now, you're not even worthy to carry her shoes!"

Upon hearing this news, Chu Qingyun suppressed his anger, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes, feeling happy for Jiang Yueling.

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"Yueling awakening the Water Moon Dao Body is indeed a great blessing for her future."

Xu Fengyi's expression and gaze became more disdainful, her body leaning slightly forward, releasing an invisible pressure.

"Chu Qingyun, I know what you're thinking.

But I advise you to abandon unrealistic fantasies and face reality.

Your marriage contract with Yueling is meaningless; our Jiang Family will never acknowledge it!

With Yueling's current aptitude and status, only the noble offspring of royalty or the true disciples of the three major sects are worthy of her.

For her future and reputation, I hope you have the sense not to disgrace yourself!

From today on, you have no relation to Yueling, and you are not allowed to entangle with her!"

"Is Madam done speaking?" Chu Qingyun raised an eyebrow, finally taking out the marriage contract from his sleeve.

"Madam Jiang, Yueling and I have been childhood sweethearts, deeply in love, and have supported each other through life and death.

Hearing of her awakening the Water Moon Dao Body, I am sincerely happy for her; it's her opportunity and fortune.

I originally didn't want to hold her back or delay her future.

I came to the Jiang Family today to annul the engagement!"

At this point, Chu Qingyun revealed a mocking smile, his tone shifting.

"However, Madam Jiang, your sharp and harsh words, belittling me to nothing, are truly disheartening.

So... I've changed my mind!

I won't annul the engagement!

Whether you view me as a piece of weed or a pile of mud, the marriage contract is in my hands! As long as I refuse to annul it, your daughter has no choice but to marry me!

You want to climb higher and find a true disciple of the three major sects as a son-in-law?

Heh... keep dreaming!"

"What?!" Xu Fengyi was stunned, her eyes fixed on Chu Qingyun, her face turning red with shame and anger!

At the same time, she felt a bit regretful.

Had she known Chu Qingyun came to annul the engagement, she wouldn't have dared to humiliate him face-to-face and would have parted amicably.

But now, it's too late to say anything!

"Chu Qingyun! You little bastard, how did I not see before that you're such a shameless scoundrel?"

Xu Fengyi trembled with rage, pointing at Chu Qingyun and cursing.

Chu Qingyun retorted disdainfully, "I also didn't expect that the always dignified and elegant Madam Jiang would turn out to be such a sharp-tongued, snobbish person!"

Xu Fengyi was even more furious, feeling her blood boiling and her head spinning.

"Chu Qingyun! If you don't hand over the marriage contract today, don't think about leaving the Jiang Family!

Someone, seize him for me!"

With Xu Fengyi's command, four armed guards rushed into the hall, surrounding Chu Qingyun.

Facing the four gleaming blades, Chu Qingyun showed no fear.

He calmly put away the marriage contract, smiling at Xu Fengyi, "Madam Jiang, Yueling and I are deeply in love, having made vows to each other; you can't break us apart!

I won't hand over the marriage contract.

I am determined to marry your daughter!"

With that, he ignored the four guards and turned to leave the hall.

"Scoundrel, do you really think I don't dare to kill you?!"

Xu Fengyi was livid, standing up abruptly and ordering with heavy breaths, "Take him down! Quickly!"

The four guards hesitated no longer, swinging their swords towards Chu Qingyun's limbs.

But just then, a swift wind swept into the hall.

A white silhouette flashed several yards and appeared beside Chu Qingyun.

With a graceful wave of her hand, she deflected the four blades.

"Clang, clang, clang..."

The four guards were pushed back a few steps, their swords clattering to the ground.

Xu Fengyi and Chu Qingyun's eyes immediately fell on the white figure.

It was a young girl in a moon-white dress, around sixteen years old.

She had a graceful figure, stunning features, and exuded a cool and noble aura, like the bright moon in the sky.

Her delicate features were exquisite, with willow-leaf eyebrows and clear eyes like stars.

Her long, black hair cascaded to her waist, tied with a simple ribbon, adding a touch of ethereal elegance.

Without a doubt, she was the first beauty of Lingjiang City, Chu Qingyun's fiancée, Jiang Yueling.

"Mother! Brother Qingyun came to visit with courtesy and respect; how can you accuse and humiliate him like this?"

Jiang Yueling's pretty face was full of anger, her eyes filled with disappointment as she stared at Xu Fengyi.

"Brother Qingyun and I have known each other for thirteen years, not only deeply in love but also having made vows to each other, never to part.

Brother Qingyun has helped me cultivate tirelessly, and four years ago, he even saved my life, almost losing his own!

Since Brother Qingyun and I got engaged, the Chu Family has also supported the Jiang Family, allowing our family's wealth and power to grow significantly...

Mother, I can hardly believe you would do something so ungrateful!"