"An inner disciple of the Xuanming Sect?!"
Upon hearing how the newcomer addressed Chen Jinshu, the expression of the Ning Family's Great Elder changed instantly.
The Xuanming Sect was a major sect on par with the Xuanyang Sect, boasting several Nascent Soul cultivators and over sixty Golden Core cultivators. It was not a force that a small Core Formation family like the Ning Clan could afford to offend.
"So you're a fellow Daoist of the Xuanming Sect! I am Ning Cunzhi, Great Elder of the Ning Family. What a case of making friends through conflict." The elder forced a smile as he addressed Chen Jinshu and her companion.
"Hmph! The Ning Family really is overbearing. Just because you have a Golden Core ancestor in your clan? Junior Sister Chen and I are both elite disciples at the late Golden Core stage—our standing far surpasses your diluted bloodline over who-knows-how-many generations."
"And yet today you dared to openly offend an inner disciple of the Golden Core level!"
"It's all a misunderstanding! I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Chen to be a disciple under a Golden Core elder. I truly failed to recognize greatness before me."
Only now did Ning Cunzhi realize—Chen Jinshu, who was about the same age or even six or seven years younger than Ning Lingwei, had already reached Foundation Establishment and could even contend with someone at the late Foundation Establishment stage. How could she possibly come from an ordinary background?
He immediately turned toward Chen Jinshu and said, "Fellow Daoist Chen! I was only joking with you earlier. Just wanted to test your skills."
"Oh? And if I had no identity to speak of, wouldn't you have just killed me today? Maybe even slaughtered the wedding guests as well, just to satisfy the Ning Family's pride?"
Chen Jinshu let out a cold laugh. This Great Elder of the Ning Clan was truly someone who changed with the wind—one moment aggressive, the next obsequious once her identity as a direct disciple of Xuanming Sect was revealed. Had she been just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator without background, she likely would've been cut down on the spot.
"Besides, our Chen and Ning Families are connected by marriage now—there's at least some bond between us. Why don't we just treat all this as a misunderstanding?"
Though reluctant, Ning Cunzhi cast an impatient glance at Ning Lingwei. Still, considering Chen Jinshu's connection to the Chen family, he figured they might yet gain some benefit in the future.
He signaled with his eyes to Ning Lingwei's parents and older brother.
They quickly understood and descended toward Ning Lingwei.
"Lingwei! Your uncle was just worried you might be deceived by someone from a small, unknown family, that's why he got so angry. We even declined a marriage proposal from the Shangguan Family—yes, a Nascent Soul family! You mustn't turn your back on the Ning Family." Her mother grasped her hand and spoke gently.
"She's right, Lingwei! Our family made sacrifices too. You've already made us heartbroken once—you can't do it again…"
"Enough! My marriage is none of your business. I alone will decide it. You call this concern? You've only ever treated me as a bargaining chip for alliances."
Ning Lingwei's sneer was filled with disappointment as she looked at her parents. True, she had been pampered in the Ning Family—but only because of the benefits she brought. The moment those benefits disappeared, their affection turned to resentment, just like earlier. It was as if being with someone she actually loved was an affront to their dignity—no warmth, no approval.
"Lingwei, how can you say that to your mother! We're doing this for your own good!"
"For my own good? Then why didn't you come to congratulate me today? Instead, you came to interrogate and condemn!"
"This is all your fault, you brat! What kind of lies did you feed my sister?!" Ning Lingwei's brother glared at Chen Wentan as if he were the source of all their family's disgrace.
"So, what exactly is the Ning Family's stance today?" the late Foundation Establishment cultivator from Xuanming Sect asked coldly, directing the question at Ning Cunzhi.
His tone carried clear impatience. Had Chen Jinshu not invited him today to help anchor the situation and finalize the wedding, he wouldn't have bothered with such petty matters.
Marriages between families were indeed bound by complex expectations. Even as someone from a Nascent Soul family, he too had to follow the path of arranged unions. That was the only reason he'd taken Chen Jinshu's request seriously today—besides the generous reward and her equal status within the sect.
"O-of course we agree to the marriage." Ning Cunzhi looked at the two young people holding hands below and at Chen Jinshu, who stood with her zither ready to strike.
Then he glanced at the Xuanming Sect cultivator, who looked more than ready to leave, and his tone softened. "Since a Xuanming Sect disciple has interceded, we certainly won't refuse. However, we do have one condition: if within ten years the groom fails to reach Foundation Establishment, Ning Lingwei must return to the family and accept our arrangement."
"What say you, Ning Lingwei?"
Ning Lingwei turned to Chen Wentan, her eyes full of trust.
"Then let it be as Uncle says."
"Lingwei, thank you for believing in me!" Chen Wentan was clearly moved. A new surge of strength seemed to flow through him, his presence sharpening.
"Don't worry, Uncle. Your Foundation Establishment is already in the works. Before I leave, I'll give you an opportunity. Make sure you hold onto it."
Chen Jinshu knew getting a ten-year grace period was already a generous outcome. Even as an inner disciple, she couldn't meddle too much in the affairs of other major families—especially not if it risked bringing trouble back to her sect.
If not for her uncle's sake, she would never have gone this far today.
"Thank you, Jinshu. It's my fault for being weak—I will work hard to catch up to you all." Chen Wentan sighed. Had his cultivation been stronger, Chen Jinshu wouldn't have needed to go this far on his behalf.
He could only blame his own inadequacy.
"Don't say that, Uncle. I'm just glad I could help."
To Chen Jinshu, this was only right—after all, this uncle had always taken good care of her growing up. How could she now leave him to fend for himself?
If it had been someone like Chen Qiaozhen instead, she wouldn't have lifted a finger.
"Well then, we'll take our leave." The Xuanming Sect disciple gave Chen Jinshu one final glance and flew off.
They'd already taken a risk by coming here—staying any longer would be dangerous.
Chen Jinshu looked at Ning Lingwei's family, her eyes filled with disdain.
"So, about my uncle's wedding—what's your attitude now? Will you stay for the wedding banquet, or leave?"
"What are you saying? This is our daughter's wedding! Of course we'll stay. But tell us—how much dowry and betrothal gift has the Chen Family offered?" Ning Lingwei's mother asked sharply.
"A pair of peak Qi Refining green peacocks and a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. Is that enough?" Chen Jinshu replied with a cold smile. In the end, it was all about profit.
As long as the price was right, everything else was negotiable.
Upon hearing that, the Ning Family members finally looked a little more pleased. Foundation Establishment Pills were rare and precious to any clan.