Chapter 3: The Lian Family Deliberates! Should Lian Xiang Marry?

At this moment, in the first class, there were many individuals who had surpassed the Martial Emperor stage.

Yet, an unusual silence filled the room.

The reason? Xiao Zhen's sudden return had left them utterly speechless.

At only nineteen, Xiao Zhen had once been a prodigy who became a mentor at the tender age of sixteen. His talent was beyond extraordinary, and now, with his return, they realized that it was only a matter of time before he surpassed them all. This recognition kept them quiet, wary of what his reappearance might mean.

Seeing the stillness in the room, Xiao Zhen addressed the class. "Since no one has anything to add, let's continue."

He began explaining his insights on breakthroughs and cultivation techniques. His experience and ideas were profound, and most of the class listened attentively, eager to absorb every detail.

Most—but not all.

Han Qinglong and Xu Yuan, two of the more prominent figures in the group, paid little attention. They were distracted, too eager to relay the news of Xiao Zhen's return to their influential fathers. They cared little for the class today, their minds already set on making moves that would protect their own futures.

At this same moment, elsewhere, the Lian family estate was a place of quiet yet palpable anticipation.

Lian Xiang strolled back home, humming a cheerful tune as she basked in the warmth of a beautiful day. Her mood was light, carefree. However, as she approached the main residence, a servant intercepted her, bowing respectfully.

"Little princess, the prince has requested your presence in the meeting hall," the servant said politely.

Lian Xiang tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "What's this about? Did something happen?"

"I'm not sure," the servant replied, "but the prince looked serious. It seems to be something important."

"Alright, I'll go check it out," she said with a shrug, the weight of the situation yet to fully settle on her.

Her curiosity only deepened as she made her way to the hall. The Lian family, a powerful and noble house, had been founded by her father, Lian Tianfeng. As the strongest family after the royal family in the current dynasty, he held immense power and influence. The family had accumulated wealth, status, and authority over the years, and even the younger generations boasted extraordinary talents. Several of her relatives had already become prominent figures, recognized as prodigies of the first class.

Despite their prestige, the Lian family had long been against her association with Xiao Zhen. Ever since they had grown close, her family—especially her father—had voiced their disapproval. They could never understand her connection to him. Xiao Zhen might have been a mentor at the prestigious Baixiao Martial Institute, but to them, a mentor was still just that: an ordinary person with no potential for cultivation or true power.

Her father, Lian Tianfeng, had been particularly vocal in his objections. Her elder sister, Lian Hua, shared the same views. Their disapproval wasn't subtle, either—they made it clear that they considered Xiao Zhen beneath her. But despite their opinions, Lian Xiang had never cared.

Arriving at the meeting hall, Lian Xiang was greeted by the sight of her father, surrounded by the Lian family's elders. Her sister, Lian Hua, was there as well, along with several other notable members of the family.

Clearly, something important was about to be discussed.

"Father, I'm here. What's going on?" Lian Xiang asked casually, though the tension in the room was hard to miss.

Lian Tianfeng's face was stern as he addressed her. "Xiang, you've been spending your days with Xiao Zhen, neglecting your duties and training. Do you think that's acceptable?"

Lian Xiang frowned. "Father, why are you always like this? Xiao Zhen has been nothing but good to me."

She recalled how, years ago, Xiao Zhen had saved her life when she had been on the brink of death. He had been there for her during her darkest moments, and in the years since, he had taught her so much about cultivation. Without his guidance, she wouldn't have made the strides she had. Now, she was on the cusp of reaching Martial Venerate, just one step away.

But her father remained unmoved. "It's not about what he's done for you. It's about your future. Xiao Zhen is talented, yes, but he's still just a mentor. He can't cultivate, and you know as well as I do that someone like him can never truly rise in this world."

Her sister, Lian Hua, smirked. "Xiang, you're being naive. You've always been too close to him. You don't see what we see."

Lian Xiang didn't back down. "And maybe you're too quick to judge."

The tension in the room thickened as her sister responded. "Xiao Zhen is nothing more than an ordinary person. Why waste your time on him?"

The elders of the Lian family nodded in agreement, their voices joining in.

"Exactly. His talent may be exceptional, but without the ability to cultivate, it's useless in the long run."

"Marrying a prince would bring far more benefits to the family than aligning yourself with someone like Xiao Zhen."

Lian Tianfeng raised a Liand, silencing the murmurs. "That's enough. Xiang, do you understand why I called you here?"

Lian Xiang, ever intelligent, pieced it together quickly. "Is there a prince interested in me?"

Her father nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Several princes, actually. They've recently come of age and are looking for marriage. We thought it would be best to see which one catches your interest."

The meaning behind his words was clear. A marriage into the royal family would elevate the Lian family even further. It was an opportunity too valuable to pass up.

But Lian Xiang wasn't swayed. She raised an eyebrow and replied coldly, "Why don't you have Lian Hua marry one of them instead?"

Lian Tianfeng smiled thinly. "Your sister is already betrothed to the third prince. The arrangements have been made, and the bride price has been given."

Lian Hua's face lit up with pride. "The third prince adores me. Soon, I'll be his princess."

Lian Xiang understood her father's plan now. He wanted to secure both daughters' futures by tying them to different princes, increasing the family's chances of backing the future emperor. It was a strategy, nothing more.

But she had no intention of following through.

"I refuse," she said firmly.

Her father's expression darkened. "And why is that?"

Without hesitation, Lian Xiang raised her chin and answered, "Because Xiao Zhen has regained his strength. Just today."

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Every elder, every family member present, was left in shock. The implications of her words were immense. If Xiao Zhen had truly regained his ability to cultivate, everything would change.

Lian Xiang stood her ground, her loyalty to Xiao Zhen unshaken. She knew the truth about his potential, and no matter what her family thought, she wouldn't abandon him. Not now. Not ever.