After enjoying "young wife" Bai Chenxiang's foot-washing service,
Yun Chuan was utterly conquered.
Initially, he'd planned to cancel the engagement with Bai He, but now changed his mind—having a little fiancée seemed rather nice. As expected, a man's body is always more honest than words!
(Note: The author reiterates that Yun Chuan and Bai Chenxiang are distantly related, making marriage lawful even by Earth's standards, unlike the Grandmaster and Liu Erlong situation.)
Later,
Yun Chuan found Bai He—his nominal great-uncle—presented a rare 50,000-year soul bone as a betrothal gift, declaring this was his bride price.
Bai He was dumbfounded.
He never imagined Yun Chuan would be so generous, offering a priceless soul bone as a wedding token.
The Min Clan wasn't wealthy; being unable to provide a fitting return gift would shame the whole clan.
But Yun Chuan explained his gift was specifically for Bai Chenxiang to fuse when approaching rank 30, vastly boosting her potential. Relieved, Bai He accepted the soul bone—after all, once married, it would be part of the husband's household anyway.
Of course, Yun Chuan's generosity was calculated. Besides considering sub-100,000-year bones less valuable, he was also "digging a pit" for the Min Clan.
After all, Spirit Hall had once persecuted the four clans terribly, and their hatred runs deep. If Yun Chuan's identity as Holy Son of Spirit Hall was ever exposed, their hospitality would turn hostile.
By giving the soul bone and formalizing the engagement, Yun Chuan ensured he had leverage should Bai He renege later.
"If you back out after I gave you such a rare soul bone, don't blame me for using force!"
Yun Chuan's moral code—instilled by his previous-life upbringing—always required having a righteous justification and never crossing his ethical baseline.
For example:
Though taken by Spirit Hall and raised by the Pope, knowing his foster mother would die by Tang San's hand, he never revealed or plotted against his biological kin.
Simply put: blood ties kept him from harming them.
Even if his real parents and Tang San ever attacked Spirit Hall, Yun Chuan would never kill them—at most, he'd disable their powers, leaving them ordinary.
Killing is out of the question. Never.
Unless…
They threaten his beloved or closest kin—then he'd break his code without hesitation.
Mercy is for family, not excuse for wrongdoing!
If they behave and don't seek trouble, he'll leave them be. But if provoked repeatedly, he'll forgive once or twice, but never forever. When their "blood relationship credit" runs out, death awaits.
——
After giving the soul bone and sealing his engagement, Yun Chuan joined everyone for breakfast, then departed under teasing glances—feeling slightly embarrassed and awkward.
But before leaving, he took his fiancée aside and revealed his true face, removing his disguise.
As future spouses, he wanted no secrets. He also worried Bai Chenxiang might later be swayed by some handsome man, so he wanted to leave a strong impression—very much like an "insurance policy" after reading far too many novels!
Since first loves easily fade over years of separation, he wanted her to remember his true face at age 11.
Later, as she matured, meeting other charming suitors, he wanted to safeguard against "hero rescues" stealing her away.
Thus, he "sealed the deal"—removing his mask and revealing a peerlessly handsome visage.
Bai Chenxiang was stunned—how could anyone look so good? None could compare!
Watching her dazed, Yun Chuan chuckled, leaned in, and gently kissed her cheek—a mark of claim.
Feeling the soft touch and fragrance,
Bai Chenxiang's heart raced, face aflame as Yun Chuan worried his kiss might actually be poisonous!
He replaced his mask, reverting to his plain facade, but Bai Chenxiang would never forget his true face—etched forever in her memory.
Though not love yet, he had left a lasting, indelible mark on her heart.
(End of Chapter 111)