Within the ancient Buddha Clan, in a quiet and secluded courtyard, resided the woman at the center of it all — Qing Yanjing. But rather than "reside," it was more accurate to say she was being confined.
After the Maha Clan's request for marriage was unanimously approved by the entire Buddha Clan, Qing Yanjing became the clan's most tightly guarded figure.
Suddenly, a beautiful woman strode quickly toward the courtyard, passing through the corridor until she reached a flower garden. Amidst a sea of blooming flowers stood a woman of stunning grace — clear eyes, elegant posture, a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.
In her slender hands, she held a jade water jug. The liquid pouring out was not water, but a faintly glowing spiritual elixir, whose subtle waves of Spiritual Energy were absorbed by the roots of the flowers below. Immediately, the flowers grew more vivid, their fragrance filling the air, and colorful spirit butterflies fluttered around her.
The scene was tranquil and harmonious — until the newcomer called softly, "Sister, you're here."
The woman in the garden turned around, smiling warmly. She was Qing Yanjing, while the one who had arrived was her elder sister, Qing Xuan.
Seeing her sister still so gentle and composed even now, Qing Xuan felt her heart twist with pain, pity welling up within her. She stepped closer, forcing a smile. "The clan has decided," she said quietly. "They have accepted Maha Tian's proposal."
Qing Yanjing's bright eyes dimmed at once. In the end… she had still become a sacrifice for her clan's alliance. Any woman in her place would feel helpless.
Turning lightly, her skirt fluttered like the wings of a spirit butterfly dancing through the flowers. "What about Father?" she asked softly, her voice trembling.
Qing Xuan sighed. "Father wanted to protect you for a few more years — at least until you reached the Heavenly Sovereign Realm and could defend yourself. But his influence has waned. He can no longer change the clan's will. With the Mo and Xuan Lineage fanning the flames, the Council of Elders has already passed the motion."
Qing Yanjing's face turned slightly cold, though she soon recovered her calm. "They can't wait to marry me off. The clan should be united, but instead, they've turned their blades toward the Clan Leader himself."
Qing Xuan gave a bitter smile. Being born into an ancient clan seemed glorious, yet in truth, they had no control over their own lives. Even with immense talent, one could not escape fate.
She tried to comfort her sister, saying gently, "Maha Tian is the Clan Leader of the Maha Clan and a Late Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign. It's… not a bad match. Since you can't refuse, perhaps it's best to accept it calmly."
But Qing Yanjing continued watering the flowers and shook her head, her tone laced with quiet mockery. "Maha Tian is ambitious but narrow-minded. He wanted to gain fame by slaying demons yet feared the cost. He tried to subdue Elder Qing Lian, but couldn't withstand even one strike."
"Now he wishes to restore his prestige through marriage? How shameless. My husband — if I must ever have one — need not be a peerless hero like Elder Qing Lian, but he will at least be an upright man."
Qing Xuan entered the garden, her expression full of admiration. "Indeed. Elder Qing Lian is a true hero — skilled in alchemy, capable of helping others break through the Heavenly Sovereign Realm, and strong enough to storm the Abyss Domain to slay the Demon Emperors. Even among the vast Great Thousand World, few can compare. Maha Tian is nothing next to him."
Qing Yanjing smiled faintly. "A peerless hero like that is far beyond our reach. Still… I will never marry Maha Tian."
At that moment, the ever-gentle Qing Yanjing revealed a rare firmness, a sharp gleam flashing within her eyes.
Qing Xuan's heart trembled. She grasped her sister's hand tightly, staring at her in disbelief. "You're… serious?"
Qing Yanjing lowered her gaze and nodded firmly. "Yes. I'm sorry to Father, but I won't yield."
Qing Xuan sighed helplessly. "Father will forgive you. But the clan — and even the Maha Clan — will never let you go. What will you do?"
Qing Yanjing looked up at the azure sky, the drifting white clouds reflecting in her calm eyes. "I'll find a way…"
---
In the following days, the Great Thousand World was shaken.
The lower-realm ascendant, Liu Xi, had already stirred the world several times. But this time, the commotion he caused far surpassed all before. After defeating Maha Tian, the once-proud Clan Leader of the Maha Clan, Liu Xi became the center of every conversation — the man who had single-handedly beaten a Late Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign half to death.
Then came another shocking revelation — the Maha Clan and Buddha Clan had announced an alliance through marriage!
Two of the Five Ancient Clans joining hands could shift the balance of the entire Great Thousand World. Countless major factions were left stunned, scrambling to determine how to respond to this monumental union.
But before discussions could settle, an even more explosive rumor spread.
The bride-to-be, the Buddha Clan Leader's daughter, Qing Yanjing... had fled her own wedding!
A scandal of cosmic proportions.
The Buddha Clan, valuing its reputation, tried to suppress the matter and even suggested sending another woman in her place. After all, to them, the marriage was about alliance — not love.
But the Maha Clan refused outright. Maha Tian would accept no one but Qing Yanjing.
Outraged, the Buddha Clan Leader ordered the entire clan to search for her — by any means necessary. According to whispers, he was so furious he took to drinking and eventually fell ill, bedridden despite his lofty cultivation as a Heavenly Sovereign.
The absurdity of it all became the talk of the realm.
Soon, both clans dispatched forces to hunt her down — dozens of Heavenly Sovereigns scouring the lands, following the faint spatial traces left behind from her escape.
The Maha Clan, in particular, sent more than ten Heavenly Sovereigns led personally by Maha Tian himself. After being defeated by Liu Xi, this humiliation upon humiliation nearly drove him mad.
Reports even claimed that Maha Tian had coughed up blood from rage.
---
Meanwhile, in the northwestern regions of the Great Thousand World, within a mid-sized continent, Liu Xi — now traveling leisurely — heard the news.
His expression twisted into one of bemused surprise. "That Maha Tian… truly has no luck," he muttered.
First beaten half to death.
Then abandoned at his own wedding.
If this keeps up, the man might just lose his mind.
(End of Chapter)
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