"Wouldn't this cause some trouble for you?" Gu Changge asked. Although surprised by the other's proposal, he retained a rational tone.
Since there were limitations within her Cultivation Technique, it was likely her Sect's visit to dissolve the marriage was due to this. If they were to marry, it would be difficult for her Sect to explain.
"I can handle those troubles."
"Furthermore, this Soul-Shaping Pill is to repay your family's kindness to my mother back then."
"Whether or not we get married, this Soul-Shaping Pill is yours."
"It should be enough for you to embark on the path of cultivation, though only just. After all, your Root Bone..."
*Liu Qingqing felt a flicker of admiration upon realizing the other party didn't immediately agree in excitement but instead worried about her circumstances.*
Having initially planned to present the Soul-Shaping Pill as a final gesture, she decided not to hide it anymore. She retrieved the Jade Bottle from her chest and handed it over.
"Soul-Shaping Pill... That name sounds familiar."
Gu Changge instinctively reached out to take it. The Jade Bottle retained a trace of warmth and carried a faint, unique fragrance.
*The name of this elixir stirred a vague recollection in his mind. Where had he heard it before? Was it through Third Uncle's words?*
*Third Uncle planned to save up for a Soul-Shaping Pill so that Gu Changge could cultivate, didn't he?*
*Hiss...*
*Then this elixir must be incredibly valuable!*
*Considering Third Uncle's salary within the family, it would take him twenty years of saving to barely afford one.*
*How could Liu Qingqing possibly possess this pill?*
"It was rewarded by the Sect. Every Saintess contender receives one," Liu Qingqing replied casually. "This elixir is merely to repay the kindness from back then. If I cannot fully repay it, this should suffice."
"Now that the debt of gratitude is settled, why should the matter of the engagement trouble us further?"
Gu Changge raised his eyebrows, uncertain of Liu Qingqing's exact intentions.
"Gratitude is gratitude, feelings are feelings."
"Repaying a debt of gratitude is only right. Since the marriage was arranged back then, the agreement isn't tied to repaying kindness."
"This simply comes down to whether you're willing to marry me."
"If you don't want to marry, I'll do my best to shield you from external gossip."
"As for marriage itself, it carries its own challenges, like... certain bothersome individuals..."
*As Liu Qingqing spoke, her gaze was clear and unburdened, shedding her usual distant and cold facade. At this moment, she looked more like the eighteen-year-old girl she truly was.*
Gu Changge suddenly froze upon hearing her words.
But it was not her words that caused him to freeze!
*His expression contorted, struggling to contain joy that could not be hidden!*
*Not even when receiving the Soul-Shaping Pill had his face looked like this, prompting Liu Qingqing to furrow her brows in confusion. What was going on with this guy?*
*Suddenly, the most divine melody he'd ever heard rang in his mind!*
*It came, devoid of emotion, but was too beautiful to bear:*
*[System activation conditions fulfilled. Agree to become Daoist Couple with her, and the Host may accept synchronized cultivation benefits from the Daoist Couple without side effects.]*
"Marriage!"
"We must marry!"
"Do you know how I've survived these eighteen years?!"
*Without hesitation, he said it. He had waited too long for this moment! It turned out he hadn't lacked a cheat system—it was his activation method that had been wrong all along!*
*In this instant, he regretted staying pristine for eighteen whole years!!!*
Gu Changge's eyes reddened with emotion as he grew more excited.
*Even receiving the Soul-Shaping Pill hadn't made him lose composure. Now his words left Liu Qingqing slightly agape and unsure of how to respond.*
What was happening?
What had just occurred?
"You... Calm down."
"Since you're willing to marry me, I certainly won't deceive you."
"But after marriage, I must return to the Heavenly Cold Sect and won't linger long with the Gu Family."
"Of course, once the Saintess position is settled, the flaws in my Cultivation Technique that prevent consummation will be resolved."
*Liu Qingqing was momentarily startled by his sudden reaction, hurriedly speaking in a consoling tone.*
*Yet, whenever the flaws of her Cultivation Technique arose, her heart harbored guilt mingled with shame.*
*This matter was critical and had to be clarified to avoid misunderstandings.*
"I'm very calm..."
"This engagement stays!"
*Gu Changge took several deep breaths, determined not to let this chance slip through his grasp. If he missed this moment and tried marrying someone else later, losing this activation opportunity would lead to eternal regret!*
*Moreover, Liu Qingqing, standing before him, was flawless in appearance and figure!*
*In this brief interaction, he had discovered unexpected qualities in her: compassion, loyalty, and goodness—the perfect treasure of a girl!*
*Indeed, if he couldn't cultivate, as she mentioned, marriage would bring challenges, especially her relentless suitors.*
*But none of that mattered now.*
*Because his system was here!!!*
"Oh... Alright, since you've made up your mind."
"Share the outcome with Grandpa Gu and the others."
"I'll handle persuading the Sect Elders."
*Liu Qingqing couldn't help feeling Gu Changge had become slightly odd all of a sudden. But she couldn't figure out why. Regardless, she had already resolved her decision, and there was nothing left to dwell upon.*
*Before meeting Gu Changge, she had harbored worries. But after meeting him, all concerns vanished.*
*Aside from being unable to cultivate, he was rather decent.*
...
*Meanwhile, outside the Council Hall, the Isolation Array shielded everything occurring inside, leaving the others clueless.*
*Although someone like Gu Zhan, with an Eighth-Grade Heavenly Gate Realm cultivation, could easily bypass the array's limits, he wasn't the type to eavesdrop on younger people's conversations.*
*Similarly, the Heavenly Cold Sect, despite having Heavenly Gate Realm Elders present, refrained from listening in on the discussion.*
*As time dragged on, tensions ran higher between the two factions.*
*Eventually, a disciple of the Heavenly Cold Sect muttered something under his breath, unable to suppress a snide comment!*
*This served as the spark for outright conflict!*
*The Gu Family elders stayed silent, but their younger kin couldn't stand it any longer.*
*Already upset by the engagement's apparent rejection, which insulted their family's honor, their frustration bubbled to the surface. Gu Changge, despite his lack of cultivation, held great respect within the clan, and naturally, his relatives sided with him!*
"Which bastard spat just now?! Pick up your spit! I said, pick it up!"
"Your Gu Family wants to climb the social ladder. Don't expect people not to look down on you!"
"Climb the ladder? I'll beat you till you're fitting to hang yourself!"
*Both sides were glaring fiercely at one another, readying for a fistfight, but neither group of elders stepped in to stop them.*
*After all, sparring among the younger generation was considered normal.*
*Before things could escalate further, with disciples on the verge of trading blows, the doors to the Council Hall opened.*
*Inside, two figures emerged, walking side by side.*