Chapter 4: The Lian Family's Shock and Joy! Eager to Arrange a New Marriage!

"Xiao Zhen has regained his strength as of today."

Lian Xiang's voice was calm as she faced the stunned and skeptical gazes of the room.

She understood that by herself, she could never stand against the will of the entire Lian family. But Xiao Zhen? Xiao Zhen was different. His talent was beyond anything they could comprehend.

She recalled the time when his breakthrough caused a phenomenon so powerful that it shook the heavens and the earth. It was a moment that astonished every master, even drawing the attention of the emperor. People had begun whispering about Xiao Zhen, and there were even talks of giving him a noble title. But everything changed when Xiao Zhen's Cultivation Base mysteriously vanished, halting all the discussions.

Lian Hua, her elder sister, frowned and broke the silence. "That's impossible. I know for a fact that Xiao Zhen has been inactive for three years, without even a trace of Spiritual Qi. Little sister, you can't just make up stories to avoid this marriage."

Several elders in the room nodded in agreement. They had seen Xiao Zhen's decline themselves, and Lian Xiang's words seemed outlandish at best.

Lian Tianfeng, their father, spoke up in frustration. "Enough, Xiang! You should be grateful for the opportunity to marry a prince. It would be of immense benefit to both you and our family—whether for your cultivation or your future. I'm not trying to harm you. Miss this chance, and it will never come again. Do you understand?"

It was clear to him that his daughter was simply making excuses.

But Lian Xiang stood firm. "The Lian family has geniuses in Class 1 of Baixiao Martial Institute. You can ask them yourselves."

Her father hesitated for a moment. His daughter's conviction stirred a flicker of doubt in his mind. Could Xiao Zhen truly have recovered? Xiao Zhen's talent had been terrifyingly abnormal. If he had indeed regained his strength, there was no doubt that he would ascend to the rank of Martial Saint in the future. And a Martial Saint was far more valuable than any prince.

Lian Tianfeng signaled for the geniuses of the Lian family attending Baixiao Martial Institute to be summoned to the meeting hall.

While they waited, Lian Hua scoffed. "You're dreaming if you think this is true."

The elders of the Lian family exchanged uneasy glances. Could there be some truth to what Xiang was claiming?

Before long, the six young geniuses of the Lian family arrived, entering the hall with cautious expressions. Lian Tianfeng addressed them directly. "I have heard rumors that Xiao Zhen has recovered his Cultivation Base. Is this true?"

The six geniuses glanced at each other, clearly reluctant to be the bearers of such unexpected news. Finally, one of them spoke, "Yes, Patriarch. Xiao Zhen has indeed broken through to the Martial Emperor stage as of today."

The room fell into silence once more, but this time the atmosphere was charged with disbelief. Lian Tianfeng, who had been seated, rose to his feet abruptly. "Are you absolutely sure of this? What you're saying—there's no room for error."

One of the young geniuses stepped forward, bowing low. "Patriarch, I swear it is true. More than fifty witnesses, including us, were there to see it. Xiao Zhen's Spiritual Qi is undeniable, and no one else could possibly fake such a powerful aura. If you do not believe us, the little princess can confirm it. She knows him best."

Lian Tianfeng's eyes lit up with excitement, his voice growing more animated. "Excellent! If Xiao Zhen has truly recovered, then my Lian family will have a Martial Saint in our ranks."

A Martial Saint! Even in the Ziyun dynasty, such a figure was exceedingly rare, and no prince could compare to one. The Lian family's standing would be elevated beyond measure. The idea of a renewed alliance through marriage with the Xiao family was suddenly far more attractive than any royal arrangement.

The Xiao family and the Lian family had long been two of the most influential families in the capital, almost evenly matched in terms of power and prestige. When the Lian family had initially broken the engagement with Xiao Zhen, the Xiao family had been displeased but said nothing, as Xiao Zhen's cultivation had seemed hopeless. But now, if Xiao Zhen had regained his abilities, a reengagement would benefit both families.

Lian Hua, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly brightened. She had always admired Xiao Zhen when he still possessed his cultivation, and now the prospect of marrying him seemed thrilling. "Father, if we reestablish the engagement with Xiao Zhen, won't that anger the royal family? We could offend them."

In her heart, Lian Hua was still imagining herself as Xiao Zhen's bride. A Martial Saint husband? That thought filled her with glee.

But Lian Xiang's expression hardened as she listened. The idea that her elder sister might reclaim her engagement to Xiao Zhen left her feeling hollow. She had always admired and cared for Xiao Zhen deeply, and she couldn't bear the thought of him marrying someone else—especially her own sister.

Lian Tianfeng, however, cut through the tension with a sharp laugh. "Oh, Lian Hua. Who ever said it was going to be you?"

Lian Hua's face fell as her father's words slowly sank in. Her mind raced. If not her, then…?

Lian Tianfeng turned to his younger daughter, a pleased smile tugging at his lips. "Xiang, what do you think?"

The shock was clear on Lian Hua's face. It wasn't her? Could it be that her father was considering Xiang for the marriage? The one who was supposed to avoid such arrangements?

Lian Xiang felt a mixture of emotions—part surprise, part hesitation. She had never considered herself a candidate for marriage before, especially not to Xiao Zhen. But now, in this moment, as her father awaited her response, she realized the weight of the decision before her.

Everyone in the room was watching her, waiting for her to respond. The elders, her father, even Lian Hua—all their eyes were on her, expecting her answer.

Taking a deep breath, Lian Xiang lifted her chin and met her father's gaze. The room held its breath in anticipation.