Chapter 104: Refusing Matrimony – A High-Stakes Gamble

Chapter 104: Refusing Matrimony – A High-Stakes Gamble

The Su family’s situation had become dire.

To put it bluntly, the entire clan now stood on the precipice of ruin.

For two consecutive generations, not a single Late-Stage Foundation Building cultivator had emerged from their ranks.

Things had worsened because the family had grown complacent, accustomed to the easy life of casually catching spirit fish in Nanhu Lake and exchanging them for spirit stones. When faced with crises, the Su cultivators proved far less capable than their rivals.

During the recent demonic cultivator invasion, Su Anyi—who was tasked with guarding Nanhu Lake—had fled the moment he detected the enemy’s demonic aura instead of standing his ground.

If Su Ruihe had arrived just half a quarter-hour later, the intruder would have escaped with an enormous haul of second-tier spirit fish.

Elder Su had nearly drawn his sword to execute his own son on the spot.

But blood was thicker than water—he simply couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Normally, if one generation failed, there was always time to nurture the next. Foundation-stage cultivators lived for centuries, after all.

Yet Su Huaitao, though otherwise exemplary, lacked talent in cultivation.

His father, Su Anyi, had at least reached the Sixth Layer of Foundation Building—even if he’d stalled before breaking through, there was still a glimmer of hope.

But as of now, Su Huaitao remained stuck at the Fifth Layer, with Late-Stage Foundation Building seeming impossibly distant.

At this rate, placing hopes in them was futile. Better to rely on Su Yuanpeng and Su Wanning instead.

But therein lay the problem—Su Ruihe no longer had time to safeguard their growth.

Foundation-stage cultivators could live two centuries, but only if unscathed by calamity.

No one except Su Huaitao knew that Su Ruihe himself had only five years left to live.

Two concerns weighed heavily on him.

First, after his passing, could the Su family retain control of Nanhu Lake—their sole source of wealth? Mishandle this treasure, and it would become the spark that ignited their downfall.

Second, would Su Yuanpeng and Su Wanning both breakthrough to Late-Stage Foundation Building in time to restore the family’s former glory?

These worries had plagued Su Ruihe for years, yet he’d found no solution—

Until, that is, the latter half of last year, when a name began echoing in his ears repeatedly: Xiao Chen.

This young prodigy’s meteoric rise defied all expectations, shattering conventional wisdom and even Lihuo Sect’s fastest cultivation records.

If that alone weren’t enough, Xiao Chen had recently slain a Hundred Poisons Demon cultivator—a feat that finally compelled Su Ruihe to act.

A newly-minted Foundation-stage cultivator was one thing, but one capable of killing a peer-level demonic cultivator was in an entirely different league.

The gap between “defeating” and “slaying” an opponent was night and day.

Such combat experience and audacity were invaluable.

Su Ruihe calculated that, at this rate, Xiao Chen might breakthrough to Mid-Stage Foundation Building within four years.

With the Su family’s supreme magical artifacts and formation arrays bolstering him, he could single-handedly defend Nanhu Lake against even Late-Stage Foundation cultivators.

If Xiao Chen then succeeded in the Chu Mo Trial—a proving ground for rising talents—and the Su family amplified his reputation, they might even deter enemies without lifting a finger.

But how to secure Xiao Chen’s aid?

Su Ruihe’s answer lay on the gift list before him:

“Supreme Magic Artifact: Zanghuobao Gourd, Supreme Magic Artifact: Fringed Brocade Handkerchief, eight vials of second-tier Yishen Pills, fifty vials of second-tier Changqing Pills, fifty vials of second-tier Gushing Spring Pills.

Ten thousand spirit stones, ten percent dividends from Nanhu Lake, twenty percent from the Spirit Medicine Garden, and forty percent from Xiaonanshan.”

Skipping over ceremonial and utilitarian items, Xiao Chen softly recited the nine most critical entries.

Truly, the Su family’s wealth was formidable—this list alone would bankrupt most cultivators.

He glanced at the contract on the right: a Divine Soul Secret Pact.

Its terms were stringent—fifty years of guardianship over Nanhu Lake.

Then at the marriage proposal on the left: a Matrimonial Contract naming Su Wanning as the bride.

Xiao Chen maintained his composure outwardly, but inwardly, he reeled.

What was the Su family implying?

Su Ruihe tapped the table. “Choose either the contract or the marriage, and you gain everything listed.”

Xiao Chen blinked.

He’d assumed both were required.

So marrying Su Wanning alone would grant him all this?

Was this…gold-digging?

Unaware of Xiao Chen’s thoughts, Su Ruihe continued, “The All-Fish Banquet hasn’t concluded. I’ll have all guests witness this—no broken promises.”

“If you prefer privacy, we can publicize only part of the deal as your Grand Prize reward. Whatever you agree to, we’ll honor it.”

Ah, so that’s why he’d chosen this timing.

Objectively speaking, the offer was extraordinarily generous.

Granted, Su Wanning was…simple-minded, but she was also beautiful, with immense potential to reach Late-Stage Foundation herself.

This “soft rice” tasted rather sweet.

“Apologies, Elder Su. I must decline.” Xiao Chen replied firmly.

Su Ruihe’s gaze hardened. The refusal surprised him—though not entirely unexpected, it came far too decisively.

That gift list could tempt even Late-Stage Foundation cultivators.

Choosing his words carefully, he said, “If you have reservations, we can negotiate.”

Xiao Chen shook his head. Su Ruihe didn’t know about his hex, so no matter how shrewd the elder seemed, he gravely underestimated Xiao Chen’s true capabilities.

Negotiation was impossible.

“Elder Su, I deeply appreciate your trust. I’ll keep today’s discussion confidential—but I must respectfully decline your offer.”

With that, he rose.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

…

Su Ruihe sat in silence, staring at the gift list, his eyes unfocused.

Xiao Chen waited patiently, saying nothing.

After a long pause, determination returned to Su Ruihe’s eyes.

Slowly, he stood, reclaimed the contract and marriage proposal, then smiled faintly.

“You’ve already won the Grand Prize. Consider these gifts my personal offering.”

His tone remained casual, as if he’d just gifted a single spirit stone.

These treasures represented a colossal sum, even for the Su family.

But Su Ruihe had decided to gamble.

In that moment of reflection, a century of experience had led him to a startling conclusion.

Xiao Chen’s confidence wasn’t arrogance—it was a quiet certainty, as if he already saw these treasures as inevitable.

Su Ruihe would stake everything on this young man’s potential.

He’d bet that Xiao Chen’s self-belief was justified.

That he’d soar beyond limits.

That he’d remember this investment—and repay it tenfold.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end