"Go to hell with you! Why don't you just stay here and be a live-in son-in-law?" Jiang Chuan retorted, not to be outdone.

Shen Jing rolled her eyes. "Can't you tell that Liu Xu likes you?"

"I've seen you've been single for so many years, and now that a woman likes you, you should just accept her!"

"I really have no idea."

……

"Dad, look at Jiang Chuan, is he any good?"

Liu Xu blushed when Jiang Chuan was mentioned.

"What, you've taken a fancy to Jiang Chuan?"

Liu Jingtian could easily understand what his girl meant.
However, if Jiangchuan and the Liu family could be tied together, it might not be a bad thing.

With Jiang Chuan in charge, the Liu family has a high chance of becoming the number one family in the town.

Moreover, my daughter is getting older and it's time for her to find someone to marry.

Jiang Chuan is a very good candidate.

"I kind of admire it..."

Willow catkins were still somewhat reserved, not expressing themselves too clearly.

But Liu Jingtian smiled slightly and said, "Alright, I'll make things clear when we get to the table and see what Jiang Chuan thinks."

"Really?"

Liu Xu asked in disbelief. From childhood to adulthood, her father wouldn't even allow her to talk to boys, let alone have a boyfriend.

Today, for the first time ever, I'm going to arrange a marriage for myself, hehe.

Seeing his daughter's infatuated expression, Liu Jingtian couldn't help but frown slightly.

"A young lady like you should have some manners!"

"Our Liu family is, after all, a large and influential family."

"Okay, I know, I'll go get the dishes..."

……

"Hey bro, when are we going back to the organization?"

"I'll head back to the organization first thing tomorrow morning."

"Let me properly introduce Mr. Zhou to our enemy from the Diviner Alliance, Shen Jing," Jiang Chuan joked.

"Damn it, stop messing with me."

"Hahaha……"

As they were talking, the food on the table was served.

"Come, come, I've prepared some fine wine. Let's drink to our hearts' content tonight."

"Xu'er, bring out the wine I've been treasuring for twenty years to properly entertain these young friends."

As Liu Jingtian spoke, he pointed inside the cabinet.

"Got it!"

Night had fallen, and the lights inside the house flickered.

Good wine was served, and everyone took their seats.

"Young friend Jiang Chuan, first of all, thank you for standing up for my Liu family today."

"I'll drink this glass first as a sign of respect!"

Liu Jingtian stood up, picked up his wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

"If it weren't for your intervention, my Xu'er would have suffered a terrible fate today and been forcibly taken away by that Li Hu."

"Young friend Jiang Chuan, this cup of wine is my way of expressing the Liu family's deepest gratitude to you!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan blushed slightly, his eyes shining with sincerity.

He raised his glass, his voice sincere, "Senior Liu, you flatter me. This is what we should do."

"Moreover, Miss Liuxu is a pure and virtuous beauty; how could she be defiled by such a villain?"

"This move is perfectly reasonable, Senior Liu, there's no need for you to be so polite."

Qingyun and Shen Jing whispered to each other below.

"Wow, where did you learn such literary talent, brother?"

Shen Jing was speechless. "Fine, fine, you're so good at talking, aren't you?"

He suddenly had a thought: "Brother, I'm still riding a bicycle, how come you're driving a Land Rover?"

The group chatted and drank, the wine in their glasses nourishing their hearts like a gentle stream.

Neither of them used their spiritual power to suppress it, letting the intoxication creep onto their faces.

Before Liu Jingtian could even speak...

Fueled by alcohol, Qingyun and Shen Jing began to liven up the atmosphere.

Qingyun said loudly, "Brother, Miss Liuxu is not only beautiful, but also exceptionally talented. If you two could get married, you would definitely be a match made in heaven."

"My second brother and I can share in the joy, don't you think? Why not?"

Shen Jing chimed in, "That's right, Jiang Chuan, look at the way Liu Xu looks at you, it's full of admiration and love!"

“If you two can come together, we brothers will be at ease.”

At this moment, Jiang Chuan turned his gaze to Liu Xu.

She lowered her head shyly, her cheeks flushed, like peach blossoms in full bloom in spring, beautiful and charming.

Liu Jingtian, who was standing to the side, was about to speak.

Jiang Chuan watched this scene, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions, and finally he sighed.

"Senior Liu, Qingyun, Shen Jing."

I appreciate your kindness.

"But I am currently burdened with heavy responsibilities and have many affairs to attend to, so I really have no time to take care of my personal feelings."

"Moreover, my feelings for Miss Liuxu are more like brotherly and sisterly care and respect."

There was no romantic love between them.

"Therefore, I can only treat Liu Xu like a younger sister and hope that she can find a true match."

Upon hearing Jiang Chuan's reply, Liu Xu's bright eyes instantly dimmed.

A faint look of disappointment appeared on his face.

However, she knew in her heart that a forced relationship would not be sweet, and since you did not have this intention, she could not force it.

She then smiled and said, "It's alright, Brother Jiang Chuan."

“I know you’re thinking about the bigger picture, and I understand.”

"Although I can't be your partner, I would be happy to be your sister."

"I'm so happy to have a brother like you who loves and protects me."

Qingyun and Shen Jing looked at each other, clearly not expecting this outcome.

They tried to persuade him further, but were stopped by Jiang Chuan's firm gaze.

The brief silence in the air was broken by Liu Jingtian.

He sighed deeply, seemingly regretful, but actually relieved.

"Since that's the case, I won't force you."

"Young friend Jiang Chuan, your honesty shows that you are an upright person."

He then turned his head toward the willow catkins.

"Xu'er, you must understand this too."

"Fate cannot be forced."

"You should feel fortunate that Jiang Chuan is willing to treat you like a younger sister."

After a struggle with her thoughts, Liu Xu came to terms with the matter and nodded firmly.

"Father, don't worry, I will handle my feelings well."

"Jiang Chuan will always be my most trustworthy friend."

"No matter what happens in the future, I will support him and stand by his side!"

Liu Jingtian looked at his daughter with a proud expression.

"I am truly pleased that you have such awareness."

As the group toasted and drank, it was already late at night.

As the laughter and chatter of the banquet faded, only the flickering candlelight illuminated the faces of the guests, some slightly tipsy, others lost in thought. Liu Xu occasionally glanced at Jiang Chuan, her eyes filled with complex emotions—a deep regret mixed with an unyielding dependence and admiration.

Jiang Chuan, on the other hand, remained calm throughout. Despite the turmoil in his heart, he responded to Liu Xu's gaze with the care of an elder brother.

In the stillness of the night, everyone in the Liu residence was sound asleep, with only a few guest rooms still lit up.

Jiang Chuan sat alone by the window, moonlight streaming into the room, dappling his resolute profile with its light and shadow.

He gazed out the window, his thoughts drifting into the distance, as long-forgotten memories, responsibilities, and future challenges surged into his mind like a tide.

Qingyun and Shen Jingyi were each immersed in their own worlds, perhaps savoring the excitement of the night, or perhaps pondering tomorrow's itinerary.

After everyone had rested, the next morning...

As dawn broke and birds chirped, the Liu residence was bathed in tranquility and peace.

Jiang Chuan woke up early, washed up briefly, and then went with Qingyun and Shen Jing to Liu Jingtian's residence to say goodbye.

Liu Xu was already waiting outside the door, dressed in simple white clothes with her hair lightly tied up.

Although there was sorrow in her eyes at parting, she still maintained that gentleness and resilience.

Liu Jingtian, dressed in an elegant long robe, appeared calm and composed. Upon seeing the three of them arrive, he smiled broadly.

"Did you sleep well last night? It seems that my Liu residence has made you all feel at home."

Jiang Chuan cupped his hands in greeting and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality, Senior Liu. I slept soundly all night."

"But time waits for no one, we need to get back to the organization as soon as possible."

Liu Xu stepped forward, her eyes brimming with affection as she gazed at Jiang Chuan.

"Brother Jiangchuan, be careful on the road and remember to take good care of yourself."

As she spoke, she handed over a delicate little brocade pouch and whispered, "This is a peace charm that I wove myself at the Liu residence. I hope it will protect you. Please come often in the future."

Jiang Chuan accepted the brocade pouch and felt the deep concern contained within it.

A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and she nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Liu Xu, I will take good care of her and live up to your expectations."

Seeing this, Qingyun said jokingly, "Look, this is real concern, unlike some people who only talk the talk."

Shen Jing glared at him: "Alright, stop being so sour. Let's get going, don't waste time."

As they spoke, the two deliberately quickened their pace, leaving space for Jiang Chuan to say goodbye to Liu Xu.

Liu Xu looked at Jiang Chuan, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Brother Jiang Chuan, no matter when or where, as long as you need me, Liu Xu will do my best."

Jiang Chuan gently held her hand and comforted her, "Liu Xu, although we are not destined to be together, I will never forget this deep affection."

"No matter what difficulties you encounter in the future, I hope you can maintain this strength and independence and bravely pursue your own happiness."

Liu Xu nodded vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes, but she didn't let them fall.

She held back her sobs and forced a smile: "Brother Jiangchuan, I understand. You must take care of yourself, remember our promise, and come back."

After saying that, she turned and left, her figure appearing particularly thin and resolute in the morning sun.

Jiang Chuan watched the willow catkins drift away, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that this parting was not the end, but a new beginning.

Their story continues, awaiting them to write more brilliant chapters on their respective paths.

After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Chuan, Qing Yun, and Shen Jing embarked on their journey back to the organization.

"Brother, are you disappointed?"

Qingyun looked at Jiangchuan and asked in a low voice.

Jiang Chuan glanced at Qingyun and could only chuckle softly, "Regretful?"

"I'm not disappointed."

"I am currently unable to get married."

"Wait for a chance later."

Shen Jing glanced at Jiang Chuan and patted him on the shoulder.

"Where there is no fragrant grass in the end of the world, why bother to love a single flower."

"Oh no, that analogy isn't quite right. They didn't actually dump you."

"But you were quite the talker yesterday, I'm ashamed to admit I couldn't match you."

Jiang Chuan glanced at Shen Jing, "I told you to go study, but you insisted on feeding pigs."

"But to be honest, Liu Xu is a good girl."

Shen Jing turned to Jiang Chuan and said.

Jiang Chuan did not deny it, but simply nodded silently.

I will still come back to Shaanxi often in the future.

Just then, Jiang Chuan's phone rang.

"Liu Kaitao, Minister of the Huashan Command."

Upon seeing the caller ID, Jiang Chuan quickly answered the phone.

"Jiangchuan?"

"Minister Liu."

Knowing that Jiang Chuan was searching for the Heavenly Evolution Scroll, Liu Kaitao asked, "How's your mission going?"

When Jiang Chuan heard Liu Kaitao say that, he could tell that something was wrong.

"I'm all done here. What's wrong? Is there a problem at Mount Hua?"

Liu Kaitao gave a wry smile, "Yeah, you can't hide anything from you."

"Do you remember that cave on Mount Hua, the one with the crack inside?"

Jiang Chuan nodded and said, "I remember. What's wrong? Is there something strange happening inside again?"

Liu Kaitao's voice came through the receiver, carrying a hint of seriousness and urgency.

"exactly."

“The crack had been stable all along, but last night, the monitoring equipment suddenly detected strong energy fluctuations coming from another cave, which lasted for several minutes before gradually subsiding.”

"Another crack appeared inside the cave."

"Our initial assessment is that some unknown force may be attempting to break the seal."

"There seems to be some connection between the two cracks."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan frowned and pondered to himself.

"Could the power sealed within this crack be related to the Heavenly Evolution Scroll? Or is there another secret behind it? In any case, we must find out the situation as soon as possible."

He replied to Liu Kaitao decisively: "Minister Liu, I will set off back to Huashan immediately to assist you in investigating this matter."

"Please tell me the specific situation and precautions on site in detail."

Liu Kaitao replied, "Okay."

"The crack is located in a hidden cave on the western side of the main peak of Mount Hua. We have set up a tight cordon around it and dispatched professionals to monitor it around the clock."

"Once you arrive, contact Zhao Zhigang, the person in charge of the Huashan base, and he will take you into the sealed-off area."

"In addition, since the nature of the energy released by the crack is unknown, it is essential to take protective measures and not approach it lightly."

"Okay! I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chuan immediately explained the situation to Qingyun and Shen Jing, both of whom expressed their willingness to go together.

The three quickly packed their belongings and immediately set off for Mount Hua.

Meanwhile, Liu Xu was in her boudoir, clutching the string of peace charms she had woven herself.

Gazing in the direction Jiang Chuan had left, she silently prayed, "Brother Jiang Chuan, no matter what dangers lie ahead, I will stay here to pray for you and await your return."

Sunlight streamed down the road leading to Mount Hua, and the three figures gradually disappeared beneath the speeding wheels, leaving a long trail of dust.

Several hours later, Jiang Chuan and his group arrived at the base at the foot of Mount Hua.

As soon as I got out of the car, a burly, sharp-eyed middle-aged man came forward to greet me. He was Zhao Zhigang, the person in charge of the Huashan base.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhao Zhigang led them through multiple security checks and directly to the vicinity of the cave.

"This is where the anomaly was discovered."

Zhao Zhigang pointed to an area enclosed by a fence made of special material and gestured for the three of them to put on radiation protection masks.

"Experts speculate that last night's energy fluctuations may have originated from the awakening of some ancient demonic power within the seal. We must find out the truth as soon as possible to prevent any potential disaster."

Jiang Chuan took a deep breath and strode towards the cordoned-off area.

They bypassed the warning signs and followed the winding mountain road to the cave entrance.

The cave was deep and dark, like a giant beast with its jaws wide open, waiting for its prey to walk into its trap. (End of Chapter)

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like