Hundred Flowers Sect…
In recent days, the Hundred Flowers Sect had been inundated with uninvited guests of extraordinary status—almost all men.
The reason was simple: news that the Sect Leader could now marry had spread, sending countless male experts into a frenzy, rushing over with lavish betrothal gifts.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy, famed for her transcendent beauty, had long haunted men's dreams. Many lost sleep and appetite over her. If a beauty ranking existed, they'd bankrupt themselves to vote her to the top.
Human appearance had limits, and tastes varied, but aura was unique.
Su Yan emerged like an immortal—elegant, noble, untouched by dust, inviolably pure—stirring every man's desire to conquer. All wished to wed such a wife.
Yet, the Hundred Flowers Sect's old rules forbade the Sect Leader from marrying or even dating. Many men reluctantly gave up—if they couldn't have her, no man could.
Now, the sect had changed its rules, allowing Su Yan to wed. The news was a bombshell, driving men mad. They prepared priceless gifts to propose or simply to glimpse her, speak a few words, and feel fulfilled.
But reality was harsh. They were received only by elders. Sect Leader Su Yan was reportedly in critical seclusion, unable to meet guests.
In a grand hall for visitors, three imposing men sat calmly.
These were the most prestigious among Su Yan's suitors. Many men, upon seeing them, bitterly turned back, knowing they couldn't compete—or afford to offend them.
The first was a handsome youth with icy-green hair enhancing his devilish charm. Clad in noble white robes, his balanced physique and arrogant face were justified.
He was Wang Ying, ranked 13 on the New Golden Ranking—one spot above Bai Xiao Sheng of the Hundred Spirits Academy. His status was staggering: younger brother of the Lord of Heavenly Mountain Immortal Realm.
Heavenly Mountain Immortal Realm, one of two Ninth-Grade forces on the Ice Heaven Continent, was led by a Late Integration female expert renowned across the cultivation world. Wang Ying, her brother and a Golden Ranking genius at Perfected Void Refining, was the dream lover of countless maidens.
A notorious playboy with countless lovers, Wang Ying secretly adored the Hundred Flowers Fairy. Now, he was determined to win her, no matter the cost. In his view, only Su Yan's beauty rivaled his sister's.
Beside him sat a burly, rugged man in simple leather, showcasing bulging muscles. Two ferocious horns protruded from his head, his face fierce with a scruffy beard, exuding oppression. Clearly not human.
He was Ba Li Jiao Huang—a Perfected Sixth-Grade beast, ranked 12 on the New Golden Ranking, and younger brother of the new Jiao Clan Patriarch, Ba Li Jiao Jun, from the Dark Origin Continent.
On the Dark Origin Continent, three Ninth-Grade beast clans were the Fox, Jiao, and Kun Clans.
Ba Li Jiao Huang was highly favored by Ba Li Jiao Jun, his status rivaling Wang Ying's.
The third man? Why could he stand equal to them?
He was refined and gentle, always smiling politely, yet at Perfected Void Refining. His status was terrifying—none dared touch him. An Enforcer of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
Moreover, he was a genius ranked 11 on the Golden Ranking, one spot above the others.
Named Ming Ngo, he managed the Myriad Treasures Pavilion branch near the Hundred Flowers Sect, often trading with them. He'd long admired Su Yan quietly. With the rule change, he resolved to marry her.
At the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, Ming Ngo's status matched Tian Ye Dao's four maids, possibly surpassing them—as son of a Pavilion Elder.
Wang Ying, Ba Li Jiao Huang, and Ming Ngo were quintessential proud sons of heaven—status, power, talent.
No wonder countless suitors retreated in despair. Their mere presence crushed hope, let alone their strength.
Competing with them meant courting death. Many Eighth-Grade force leaders vowed to win or die trying—until seeing these three, then slinking away, pretending they'd said nothing.
Yet, even these three hadn't met Su Yan.
"It's the Sect Leader's honor to be favored by you three. But she's in critical seclusion and cannot meet," Great Elder Hua Yu Luan said regretfully, inwardly helpless.
The sect hadn't expected Su Yan's allure to draw such monsters. The rule change was recent, yet news reached the Dark Origin Continent—astonishing.
"Indeed, the Sect Leader once said she seeks only immortality, not romance," Yan Ruo Lan and other elders echoed.
Entertaining three Perfected Void Refining experts as Soul Transformation elders was immense pressure. They couldn't drive them away, and subtle hints were ignored—infuriating.
"Haha, the Hundred Flowers Fairy seeks immortality—a worthy pursuit. But to this young master, she's already a fairy! Cultivating to immortality with her is every man's dream," Wang Ying laughed, his silver tongue impressive.
"As neighbors, I don't mind her seclusion. The Hundred Flowers Sect need only accept my gift as my sincerity," Ming Ngo said politely. A merchant, he knew money talked.
"Hmph, this King has time. I'll wait until she emerges!" Ba Li Jiao Huang played rogue, twitching Wang Ying and Ming Ngo's faces.
Hua Yu Luan and Yan Ruo Lan exchanged helpless glances—no way to handle these three.
They couldn't accept Ming Ngo's gift, couldn't budge Ba Li Jiao Huang's thick skin, and Wang Ying wouldn't leave.
"You three, forgive us, but the Hundred Flowers Sect cannot host men long…" an elder gritted out.
"No issue. We'll wait at the sect gate!" all three said in unison.
They genuinely sought a wife, not trouble. Such excuses wouldn't deter them.
"This…"
The elders were speechless. Three men camping at their gate—what dignity?
"This elder knows your deep affection for the Sect Leader, but there's only one of her, and three of you…" Hua Yu Luan provoked.
"No need to worry, Great Elder. Once we meet Su Sect Leader, we'll settle who's worthy," Ming Ngo said calmly. Her petty tricks couldn't faze a veteran.
"Exactly. It's been ages since we fought. Let some upstarts on the Golden Ranking know their place, hmph!" Ba Li Jiao Huang snorted, unhappy his rank had slipped.
Wang Ying stayed silent—agreement.
Their Golden Ranking gaps seemed small, but a full fight's outcome was uncertain.
"I'm sorry, but Su Yan already has a destined partner!"
A clear, spring-like voice rang out, emotionless.
A fragrance of myriad flowers intoxicated the air. A white-robed fairy floated in, dimming the elders' beauty.
Su Yan, veiled, glided above ground, white ribbons fluttering, hair cascading like a waterfall. Her night-sky eyes were pure as an ancient well—a fairy from legend.
But her words changed every face.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!"
The elders bowed respectfully.
"Rise. I've just emerged from seclusion… I heard three famed guests arrived. My apologies," Su Yan said, glancing around.
"Greetings, Sect Leader Su. How have you been since we last met?" Ming Ngo cupped hands. He'd negotiated business with her before.
The Hundred Flowers Sect traded silk, fabrics, and instruments—popular among women.
"I'm well. Enforcer Ming is too polite," Su Yan said, eyes lowered, maintaining propriety.
"Hundred Flowers Fairy, since the banquet, this young master dreams of you day and night—even cultivation suffers!" Wang Ying said obsessively.
A year ago, at Heavenly Mountain Immortal Realm's banquet, his sister invited Su Yan. Her zither performance struck him with love at first sight.
"That's your affair, unrelated to Su Yan," she replied coolly, stiffening Wang Ying's face.
"Haha!" Ba Li Jiao Huang laughed mockingly, staring at Su Yan, "Fairy, this King heard your sect allows marriage and came immediately… Give me a chance!"
Beasts pursued mates directly, no games.
They dismissed Su Yan's earlier words as an excuse.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy had a lover? No rumors existed. Deceive them? Impossible.
"I'm sorry. Su Yan has a destined partner, arranged by my elder. I cannot disobey," Su Yan repeated calmly.
The elders' faces turned strange—they knew nothing of this.
"Sect Leader jests. How can elders control your heart?" Ming Ngo said steadily. As long as she wasn't married, he had a chance.
"Until recently, your sect forbade romance. I don't believe you found a partner so quickly!" Wang Ying said confidently.
"Refuse us with a better excuse," Ba Li Jiao Huang sneered, disbelieving.
"My apologies. I've no duty to explain my truth to you. Please understand," Su Yan said indifferently. She'd spoken fact—believe it or not, she cared not.
The three's faces darkened. Proud men, how could they leave empty-handed? They exchanged glances.
If no progress with Su Yan, eliminate rivals first—easier later.
"Let's settle who wins the right to pursue her. Agreed?" Ba Li Jiao Huang proposed.
"Gladly!" Wang Ying and Ming Ngo agreed instantly—showing strength to the beauty was ideal.
Su Yan frowned, annoyed at being gambled over, coldly saying, "You still don't understand? My elder arranged my partner. In this life, I marry him—or no one."
Her icy tone fueled their unwillingness. Wang Ying huffed, "I don't believe anyone but me is worthy!"
"Hmph, the entire Jiao Clan backs this King. Touch her, and die!" Ba Li Jiao Huang growled, horns gleaming.
"As I know, your only elder is Senior Frenzied Queen. Who's the lucky man?" Ming Ngo's eyes flickered. He doubted she'd answer—such honor was private, especially for a woman.
But they'd be disappointed. Su Yan parted her fragrant lips without hesitation: "He is my junior brother—Lan An!"
Her words fell. Silence engulfed the hall.