Chapter 465: Engagement
Chapter 465: Engagement
Liam discovered that Uncle's claim about the exchange participants bringing out their most valuable secrets wasn't an exaggeration. For instance, Professor Yan Yun, the descendant of the Automaton Masterpuppets, traded her family's ancestral humanoid puppet designs for Liam's Rosary Maiden creation methods. Of course, these exchanges didn't include the core power sources, as these reflected the foundational aspects of one's magical learning. Without a matching system, even if someone obtained another's core power, it would be of little use.
In addition to this, Liam received Uncle's guidance in Magical Botany and a lot of Magical Combat Practice. He also learned some European Magic, which he hadn't studied before.
Yes, you read that right—European Magic. As Uncle explained, China had never completely severed its ties with the West. This included the study of Western and African magic. Although they couldn't learn the ancestral magic of certain clans, they could still master a wide range of commonly used spells.
"Apparition and some Household Magic are the only Western spells that have become widely popular in China", Uncle said with a smile. "We have to admit that these spells are far more practical than our traditional magic. It took us a long time to integrate them into our own magical system."
This was the third week since Liam had arrived in China, and the Engagement Ceremony was only three days away. Uncle decided to take this final opportunity to teach Liam and Hermione Apparition under his supervision. As he put it, other magic could be self-taught from books, but dimension-related magic required guidance. Besides, Uncle believed that this escape magic was far more useful than combat spells.
"Let me tell you, in real warfare, you can't be too proud. Do whatever it takes to win. Otherwise, you'll definitely suffer. For example, Apparition can help you strategically retreat when you're outmatched. This way, you can either come back stronger later or seek help from allies, which is far better than getting stuck in a losing battle", Uncle earnestly instructed them before the lesson. Though his advice might not sound honorable, it was undeniably practical.
After a brief pep talk, the real teaching began. Uncle's expression turned serious. "The key to this magic is focus, determination, and composure. First, you need to concentrate on your target, the place you want to go. Then, make a firm decision to occupy that space! Let the desire to reach your destination overwhelm every part of your body! Finally, rotate on the spot, entering a state of void, and move with composure. You will arrive at your destination."
Uncle demonstrated by moving from in front of them to behind them. "Some skilled wizards can multitask during combat, using Apparition to quickly change their positions, giving them a significant advantage. However, if you're not skilled enough, Apparition in combat could result in you splitting into pieces."
The practice session followed. Perhaps the experience of traversing life and death had given them a heightened sensitivity to dimensions. After three hours, both Liam and Hermione could successfully teleport between designated points.
"Good job", Uncle nodded. "I heard that in Britain, it takes 12 class periods to learn this magic. At this rate, you can be considered quite talented to learn it in just three hours."
For the next two days, besides reading, Liam and Hermione focused on a special application of Apparition that China had developed through in-depth research and analysis: Short-Range Teleportation During Combat.
After two days of practice, Liam and Hermione finally mastered this multitasking technique. For them, skilled in close combat, this skill was far more crucial than for other wizards. For instance, an ordinary wizard might never expect their opponent to cast a spell from a distance and then suddenly appear next to them to deliver a swift strike.
Just as they were practicing, Uncle called out to them, "Alright, stop practicing. You need to take a good rest."
"We don't feel tired at all! And it's only noon", Liam said, looking at Uncle curiously. "I think we can practice for a few more hours and rest after dinner."
"Being eager to learn is a good thing, and I believe this is one of the reasons you excel. However, you should rest now because your Engagement Ceremony is tomorrow at noon", Uncle said with a kind smile.
"Oh, heavens, these past two days have been so busy that I almost forgot about it", Hermione exclaimed, suddenly looking excited. "I haven't prepared anything. What should I do? This is my Engagement Ceremony, and I've been so engrossed in my studies these past two days."
"Don't worry", Uncle said, making a calming gesture with his hands. "Everything is already prepared. We'll head back to the village after lunch. Tomorrow morning, just follow the arrangements made by your family. Don't worry, they are experienced and will ensure everything goes smoothly. Besides, a Chinese Engagement Ceremony is different from Western ones. Tomorrow, the focus will be on your parents, and you just need to stand there."
Uncle's reassurance didn't do much to calm them down, and even the delicious Sweet and Sour Fish and Sweet and Sour Pork, which they usually loved, couldn't lift their spirits.
The cafeteria at Tianchao Sorcerer Academy had a similar vibe to the university cafeteria Liam remembered from his past life. It had a long row of glass display cases filled with various dishes, and the middle section had numerous long tables seating four or six people. There were no House-Elves here, but the Wizards in charge of the kitchen staff could still use magic to cook large quantities of delicious food in a short time.
For example, Hermione had bought three thick Chinese Sorcerer cookbooks and planned to learn how to make the dishes. She said that since they were getting married, she needed to learn some things. However, for some reason, Liam learned the recipes much faster than Hermione.
The next day was the Engagement Ceremony, and although Uncle had said they didn't need to do much, Liam and Hermione were still very nervous. They went to bed early that night but didn't fall asleep until much later.
Their anxiety didn't affect anything, and the sun rose on schedule the next morning. After a quick breakfast, Liam and the families, who had arrived from Qiantang the day before, started getting ready.
Their attire followed the modern style typical in China. For example, both sets of parents just needed to dress formally. However, a small mishap occurred: Mr. Granger wore a tuxedo to look formal, which prompted Liam's grandfather to have his father, Lambert, change into a Zhongshan suit.
Liam and Hermione also dressed in their school robes. According to Liam's grandfather, since they were still students, the most appropriate attire was their school uniforms.
As Uncle had mentioned, the core of a Chinese Engagement Ceremony was not the couple. After the parents exchanged the red posts with their birth dates and destinies, the ceremony was considered complete.
The only additional step Uncle added was writing Hermione's name in the Family Register after learning that they had received the Phoenix Blessing. He said that those who received the Phoenix Blessing had a loyal and stable love, so they could be written in the Family Register to honor their ancestors.
Once this process was completed, it was lunchtime, and they could finally relax. This marked the completion of their main goal in China. At the table, they felt much more at ease, greeting certain elders and savoring the rich and local dishes, as such feasts were rare.
In short, their primary mission in China was accomplished, and Liam finally shed the title of being a lifelong bachelor.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
