"Dad, how can you say that? Sure, my sister may have a fiery temper, but she's an absolute beauty! If Grandmaster Su were to marry her, it would be his fortune, not the other way around! Keep talking like this and I'll really lose my cool!"
Ning Fenchi was in full "overprotective brother mode," glaring at Ning Cangyun. He didn't notice that Ning Fengqing's face had turned even darker upon hearing his words.
"You little punk! How dare you talk back to me like that? Show me how angry you are!"
Ning Cangyun's temper flared, and without warning, he kicked out with all his might.
"Ow!"
Caught off guard, Ning Fenchi was sent flying backward by the force of the kick.
"Brother, please calm down!" Ning Canghai intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Let's talk about Fengqing's issue."
At this, Ning Cangyun reluctantly suppressed his anger and turned toward Ning Fengqing. His expression softened immediately, switching from rage to tenderness with such ease that it left Ning Fengqing momentarily stunned.
"Fengqing, what do you think? This is your chance! Don't let it slip away! Didn't you once say you'd only marry someone who stands above ten thousand others? Well, here's Grandmaster Su—above millions, if not billions!"
Ning Fengqing's face darkened even more. She had indeed said that—but it was just to fend off opportunistic suitors. She hadn't expected her father to still remember those words.
"Dad! Su Ming already has a girlfriend!" Ning Fengqing blurted out, feeling defeated. But for some inexplicable reason, as she said it, a slight pang of disappointment flickered in her heart.
"Niece, as a descendant of a martial arts family, why are you so hung up on these trivial matters? In our world, true heroes live freely, unbound by petty conventions. Having multiple wives is nothing unusual—it's part of the tradition!"
This time, it was Ning Canghai who spoke. Hearing this, Ning Fengqing felt an unexpected glimmer of hope. However, her brows soon furrowed again, and she snapped, "What exactly do you two want from me? Stop meddling in my affairs!"
With that, Ning Fengqing stormed off, ignoring their calls behind her.
"Brother, it seems we need to rethink our approach," Ning Canghai sighed in disappointment.
But Ning Cangyun suddenly waved his hand dismissively. "No need! There's still hope."
Ning Cangyun knew his daughter well. Just moments ago, he had noticed the subtle changes in her expression.
"Oh? What did you see, Brother?" Ning Canghai asked excitedly.
Ning Cangyun nodded mysteriously. The two brothers exchanged knowing looks, their faces lighting up with smug grins that could only be described as utterly shameless.
Watching them from the floor, Ning Fenchi felt an overwhelming urge to punch something.
Time flew by, and this episode was quickly forgotten.
In the afternoon, Wang Daoqian paid a visit, but to his great disappointment, Su Ming wasn't at the Ning residence. Just as he was about to leave and prepare for a personal visit, an unexpected guest arrived.
"Chen Bufu, what brings you to the Ning residence?"
Ning Canghai frowned at the visitor. Chen Bufu was the cousin of Chen Buwei, who had lost all his cultivation and was no longer fit to lead the Chen family. Naturally, Chen Bufu had stepped into the role. However, tensions between the Chen and Ning families had always run high, and there had been numerous conflicts. Chen Bufu's sudden appearance naturally drew cold stares from the Ning family.
Despite Ning Canghai's hostile tone, Chen Bufu remained unfazed. Standing up, he bowed deeply and said, "Brother Ning, Master Ning, I've come to request an audience with Grandmaster Su. Additionally, I extend an invitation for him to join us at the Royal Dynasty Hotel, where the Chen family will formally apologize. We sincerely hope Grandmaster Su will accept."
"Oh! So that's what this is about."
Ning Canghai's frown eased as he replied, "Grandmaster Su has already left."
"This..."
Chen Bufu hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Brother Ning, here's an invitation. Could Miss Ning kindly pass it along to Grandmaster Su? The Chen family would be eternally grateful."
Chen Bufu's attitude was exceedingly humble.
Such was the way of the martial arts world—true power commanded respect.
This time, Ning Canghai remained silent, turning to Ning Cangyun instead.
After a brief pause, Ning Cangyun finally spoke, "Very well. Leave the invitation with us."
"Thank you, Master Ning!"
Overjoyed, Chen Bufu gestured, and a bodyguard dressed in black swiftly approached with a tray. On it lay a golden invitation, crafted entirely of pure gold—a testament to the sincerity of the Chen family.
After placing the invitation, the bodyguard quickly retreated.
"Master Ning, Master Wang, should Grandmaster Su agree to attend, we sincerely hope both of you will join us. The Chen family would be forever in your debt."
At this, Chen Bufu added his final plea.
"Alright," Ning Cangyun responded indifferently.
"We'll see," Wang Daoqian smiled.
"Then I shall take my leave."
With a bow, Chen Bufu turned and departed.
"Brother, should we send Fengqing to deliver the invitation now?" Ning Canghai asked.
"It's getting late. Let's not disturb Grandmaster Su tonight. We'll wait until tomorrow. Also, have Fengqing bring a car for him. He must have traveled from Jiangzhou without any means of transportation."
Ning Canghai nodded, and the group resumed idle chatter.
Time passed quickly, and the night slipped away in the blink of an eye.
The next morning, Su Ming emerged from Villa 108 at Yujing Garden after freshening up. Waiting outside were Ning Fengqing and Ning Fenchi.
"When did you arrive? Why didn't you ring the bell?"
Su Ming looked at them curiously.
Ning Fenchi turned his head away stubbornly, refusing to answer, looking rather sulky, which made Su Ming's face darken slightly.
Ning Fengqing explained, "Dad told us not to disturb your rest, so we waited outside. We had no choice."
"Uh..." Su Ming was at a loss for words. He clearly underestimated the level of reverence martial artists held for Grandmasters.
"Su Ming, are you going out? Dad asked me to bring you a car, and... and he also said I should be your guide."
Ning Fengqing spoke awkwardly, recalling her father's endless advice: "A single layer of gauze separates a woman from her man." She couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Well, thank your dad for me, but since you don't often come home, there's no need to trouble you. Besides, I'm just going for a casual stroll."
For some reason, Ning Fengqing felt a small pang of disappointment, though she tried not to show it.
Quickly opening the car door, she took out the golden invitation.
"This is from the Chen family. They've invited you to the Royal Dynasty Hotel tonight to formally apologize."
Su Ming studied the golden invitation, deep in thought.