Marriage Contract

Chapter 3: Marriage Contract

When Sanjeev awoke, he felt… different. A newfound power coursed through his veins, a lightness in his body that he had never experienced before. His senses were heightened; he could perceive the subtle sounds of nature, like the gentle dripping of water, with remarkable clarity. He rose from his bed, eager to explore this transformation.

As he stepped out of his room, he was greeted by a vision of ethereal beauty. A girl, around his age, stood nearby, adorned in a traditional Chinese dress. A delicate jade clip adorned her hair, accentuating her already stunning features. Sanjeev was momentarily speechless, captivated by her radiant presence. He didn't immediately recognize her.

"Are you alright?" the girl asked, her voice soft and melodious.

"Yes, yes," Sanjeev stammered, feeling a blush creep up his neck. He was uncharacteristically flustered.

"I heard you fell unconscious after consuming a large quantity of medicine," she said, her brow furrowed with concern. "Why would you do such a thing? It worried me."

Suddenly, it clicked. This was Xiner, his fiancée. They were to be married in a month. He recalled their deep connection, their shared affection.

Gathering his composure, Sanjeev replied, his voice taking on a slightly dramatic tone, "I want to be strong, Xiner. I want to protect you always, to shield you from any harm, even from the gods themselves."

Xiner's cheeks flushed crimson at his words, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of shyness and delight.

"My father wishes to speak with you," Xiner informed him, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sanjeev followed Xiner to the main hall of the Xue family residence, where the elders and his father were gathered. He greeted them with the utmost respect.

"What is it that you wished to discuss?" Sanjeev asked his father and future father-in-law, Lord Baatar.

Lord Baatar spoke, his voice grave. "Xiner's father wishes to dissolve the marriage contract due to your… inabilities."

A collective gasp filled the hall. Everyone was shocked by Lord Baatar's declaration, especially Xiner, who vehemently opposed her father's decision.

Lord Baatar explained, his expression firm. "Sanjeev has not even reached the Mūlādhāra Foundation realm. His meridians are blocked, and there is little hope for his future cultivation. I cannot allow my daughter to marry someone who cannot protect her."

Sanjeev stepped forward, his voice calm and respectful. "I understand and respect your decision, Lord Baatar. Every father desires a son-in-law who can safeguard his daughter in any situation. Every father dreams that his daughter will always be treated like a princess, shielded from all challenges. Because when a daughter feels pain, the father's heart aches even more."

His words resonated deeply with everyone present. They were moved by his maturity and his understanding of a father's love. Even Lord Baatar was impressed by Sanjeev's composure and empathy.

Sanjeev continued, his gaze unwavering. "But I assure you, Lord Baatar, you have no need to worry about your daughter's safety. I will always protect Xiner, even from the gods and heavens themselves. If anyone dares to harm her, I will deliver a punishment so severe that their ancestors will regret their birth."

His words, though spoken calmly, carried an immense weight, a chilling determination that sent shivers down everyone's spines. Even Xia Xian, Sanjeev's brother, who knew him well, was taken aback by the sheer intensity of his vow.

"Words are meaningless without power to back them up," Xia Xian challenged, his voice laced with skepticism.

Before Xia Xian could finish his sentence, a brilliant golden light erupted from Sanjeev's body, illuminating the entire hall. Everyone present was stunned by the sudden display of power. Sanjeev himself was equally surprised.

An elder gasped, his eyes wide with awe. "This… this is a War Aura! It is a blessing from the heavens!"

He explained that when a person utters words of unwavering resolve and martial prowess, and if the heavens deem those words worthy, a golden light manifests around them. Their words are then displayed in the sky for all to witness for five years before fading away.

As if to confirm the elder's words, Sanjeev's vow materialized in the sky above the city, written in glowing golden characters, visible to every citizen. Some cultivators who witnessed the spectacle even felt a surge of power, a boost in their own cultivation levels.

Xia Xian, though impressed, remained unconvinced. "Words and a light show are not enough," he said. "You must prove your strength."

"Very well," Sanjeev replied, his voice calm and confident. "I will show you my cultivation level."

Sanjeev focused his inner energy, and the main hall began to tremble. A wave of spiritual power washed over everyone, revealing the extent of Sanjeev's cultivation.

To their astonishment, Sanjeev had already reached the Mūlādhāra Foundation realm, and not only that, he was at the 5th level, the highest stage within that realm. Given Sanjeev's age of sixteen, this was an extraordinary feat, a testament to his unparalleled talent.

Everyone was speechless, their faces etched with disbelief. Even his parents were awestruck by the revelation of their son's hidden strength. Lord Baatar, humbled and deeply impressed, turned to Sanjeev's father, Xue Rong, and offered a sincere apology.

"I... I was wrong," Lord Baatar admitted. "Please forgive my doubts. I would be honored to rewrite the marriage contract."

Xue Rong, overjoyed by this turn of events, readily agreed. The marriage date was set for the following month, filling Sanjeev and Xiner with immense happiness.

As Sanjeev and Xiner left the main hall, Xiner turned to him, her expression a mixture of relief and playful reproach. "You shouldn't have kept such a secret from me, Sanjeev. You should have told me."