The next day, in the main hall of the Chen family.
The gloomy sky scattered endless snowflakes, weaving a white curtain in the air. Dozens of Chen Clan's female cultivators, all volunteers for the marriage alliance, had gathered to await their fates. Normally, any who signed up would be matched—though the quality of their prospective husbands depended on looks, talent, and cultivation.
Chen Jinshu hadn't wanted to come, but she had received the clan head's summons. Moreover, this opportunity had been secured for her by Second Uncle. Even if she refused, she had to do so in person—otherwise, she would be disrespecting him.
Second Uncle Chen Wentan was her father's younger brother. With decent talent and currently at the Qi Refining Eighth Layer, he still had a chance at Foundation Establishment and held some influence in the clan.
"Forget it. Settle this matter, then focus on cultivation."
Last night, while cultivating, she had inadvertently activated the birthmark on her forehead—only to discover it was no ordinary mark, but a lotus petal. It had lain dormant since birth.
The original Chen Jinshu's reckless use of the Beauty Awakening Pill had nearly destroyed her body, but the violent medicinal energy had also awakened the seal—and with it, her past-life memories.
After a night of experimentation, she'd learned that the lotus mark could refine spirit stones into purer spiritual energy—far more potent than normal cultivation—and even temper her physique.
"Mother, the clan head has summoned me to the main hall. I'll go now."
Chen Jinshu wore a pale blue dress and retrieved a veiled hat from her storage bag to conceal her appearance.
"I'll accompany you."
Madam Chen Wu, worried her daughter might act rashly, decided to go with her.
As soon as they entered the main hall, the gathered female clansmen turned their gazes toward them.
"Why is this ugly girl here for the marriage selection? Hasn't she humiliated herself enough?"
The speaker was Chen Qiaozhen, the Third Daughter of the Grand Elder—a talented and beautiful candidate likely to be chosen as a main-line wife by a Foundation Establishment clan.
"Sister Zhen, you just came out of seclusion, so you wouldn't know. This ugly wretch actually took a Beauty Awakening Pill, thinking she could change her fate! She nearly died!"
The Chen family's female cultivators covered their mouths, their eyes full of disdain. Chen Qiaozhen fell silent for a moment, then cast a cold, mocking glance at Chen Jinshu.
"Shu'er, she may lack shame, but we represent the Chen family's dignity. Do not act so improperly."
"Sister Zhen, Shu'er understands!"
"Shu'er, don't dwell on their words. Second Uncle has already spoken to the clan head on your behalf!" Madam Chen Wu squeezed her daughter's hand reassuringly. She had tried everything to remove the birthmark, but nothing had worked.
Chen Jinshu remained silent, standing in a corner and shaking off the snow from her robes. These women could have had bright futures, yet they're trapped in the family's marital schemes. How pathetic.
Soon, Clan Head Chen Zhixing arrived with several elders responsible for painting portraits of the candidates—to be sent to the various clans for selection.
The Chen family's female cultivators immediately brightened, striking delicate poses to appear more appealing. Watching the scene, Chen Jinshu felt a surge of bitter amusement.
How is this any different from an imperial consort selection?
"Line up properly. The elders will paint your portraits one by one. This determines your future cultivation path—do not take it lightly!" Chen Zhixing cleared his throat.
The women obediently formed a line behind Chen Qiaozhen, who shot Chen Jinshu a triumphant smirk from the corner. Chen Jinshu blinked. What is there to be proud of?
"Ah, Jinshu is here?" Chen Zhixing's tone softened when he noticed her standing aside.
"Jinshu greets the Clan Head!"
"Chen Wushi greets the Clan Head!"
"After discussions with the elders and consultations with the other clans, we've arranged a match for you—the young master of the Lin family." Chen Zhixing hesitated slightly. "However… he lacks…"
"Lacks what?"
"A right arm."
"The Lin family's young master… is one-armed?"
Chen Jinshu stiffened, her eyes burning. How could she marry into such a situation? To be treated as a servant?
"Do not disdain him. As the Lin family's young master, if he obtains a Flesh Regeneration Pill, his arm can be restored." Chen Zhixing sighed.
The Lin family's heir had lost his arm during a clan competition when a spirit beast mauled him. His cultivation had reached the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.
Now, the Lin family sought a bride to ensure he could produce heirs. After negotiations, the Chen elders had settled on Chen Jinshu. After all, as the main-line son, any descendants would secure the family's prosperity—a boon for the Chen clan.
Chen Jinshu sneered. She knew all about the Flesh Regeneration Pill—she had researched similar pills when desperate to change her appearance.
The Flesh Regeneration Pill was a high-grade Tier 2 elixir, comparable in rarity to a Foundation Establishment Pill. Would the Lin family really waste such resources on a crippled heir?
If she married him, she'd be nothing but a breeding tool.
"Shu'er, whatever you decide, I'll support you. Just… don't do anything reckless again." Chen Wushi gently patted her hand.
"An ugly girl and a one-armed man—what a perfect match! Why hesitate? He's still a main-line son! You'll live in luxury!"
The speaker was Chen Jinli, a narrow-eyed woman who looked as if she were perpetually sneering at the sky. Chen Jinshu's gaze turned icy. This was the same woman who had told her about the Beauty Awakening Pill!
Chen Jinli's father, Chen Wenshan, had once pursued Chen Wushi but was rejected. Holding a grudge, he had schemed against Chen Jinshu's father. No wonder Mother refused him. Like father, like daughter.
"If it's such a good deal, why don't you marry him? A Five Spiritual Roots waste like you would be a perfect match." Chen Jinshu smirked.
Several female cultivators nearby stifled giggles.
"You—!" Chen Jinli's face flushed red, her lips trembling. If she were pretty, the expression might have been pitiable—but on her, it only made her resemble an ugly squash.
Clan Head Chen Zhixing coughed awkwardly. "The Lin family has promised that the bride will receive 50 extra spirit stones per month and two Qi Refining pills!"
The crowd gasped. Other marriages might offer such benefits over two or three months, but the Lin heir provided them every month! Instantly, envious eyes turned toward Chen Jinshu. Having a Qi Refining Eighth Layer uncle to speak for her—how lucky!
Chen Jinshu was surprised too. The Lin family dotes on him this much?
But her heart was now sealed in cement—devoted only to the Dao.
"Clan Head, I must decline. I seek only the Dao. I came today to withdraw from the marriage selection." Her voice was firm, cutting through the winter chill like a blade.
Chen Qiaozhen's jaw dropped, her gaze dripping with condescending pity.
What a fool.