Chapter 11: The Marriage Proposition

"Patriarch, Xu Ran's capabilities far surpass our expectations," said the Grand Elder, palpably excited. "For someone so young to exhibit such combat prowess, only the prodigies from the Soul Palace could possibly match him."

The Grand Elder was well aware that the Spirit Hall housed a certain young woman named Qian Renxue, born with a soul power level of twenty. She, too, had demonstrated similar combat abilities at the age of twelve.

"Qian Renxue is the daughter of the Pope, possessing a Six-Winged Angel Soul Spirit. She has had the benefit of all the resources available in the Spirit Hall, so her abilities are not surprising. But Xu Ran has had none of that; he hasn't even been nurtured by the resources of the Zhu family. For a soul master with such limited resources to reach this level—that is what makes Xu Ran truly terrifying."

Could this imply that Xu Ran's natural talents even surpass those of the legendary Qian Renxue?

"If nothing unforeseen happens to Xu Ran, his future is bound to be comparable to a Sword Douluo," mused the Second Elder. "It's funny to think that there was a time when I considered punishing him for growing close to Zhu Zhuqing. What a laughable notion that seems now."

After all, how could they even think of disciplining a prodigy like Xu Ran?

Xu Ran is technically a distant relative of the Zhu family. Even if he chooses not to identify himself as a member, that would be understandable, given that his surname is Xu, not Zhu.

"At this point, our Zhu family should consider ourselves fortunate to have any connection at all with Xu Ran through Zhu Zhuqing. What else could we possibly offer to keep someone like him interested?" pondered the Grand Elder. "Otherwise, he could go to the Spirit Hall or even join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect led by a Sword Douluo. Why would he stay with us?"

"Patriarch, you've raised an extraordinary daughter," said the Grand Elder, patting Zhu Zihao on the shoulder with a meaningful smile. "The course of action we should take now is quite clear."

"Dai Mubai is a waste of space. If Zhu Zhuqing stays with him, it's almost certain that their futures would be doomed," the Grand Elder continued. "But Xu Ran is an unparalleled genius and a future powerhouse of the continent. Zhu Zhuqing is also a prodigy. Should they both reach the level of Titled Douluo, our Zhu family's influence would soar even higher. By then, even the Dai family would have to treat us with utmost respect."

Zhu Zihao was visibly elated. "Looking at Xu Ran now, it's like beholding a priceless treasure. As a father, knowing that Zhuqing could be with him, I would have no regrets for the rest of my life. Why would anyone want to see Zhuqing and Zhuyun inflicting harm upon each other unless absolutely necessary?"

The clan meeting continued until the afternoon. It was essentially a platform to assess the strengths of the younger generation within the family, and to reward those who had shown remarkable talent or improvement. Nothing more, nothing less.

As the family gathering drew to a close, Zhu Zihao made his way to the front of the main hall. His gaze swept over the young faces below him, finally settling on Xu Ran.

"The family gathering today is hereby concluded," said Zhu Zihao solemnly, his voice tinged with a sense of awe-inspiring gravity.

"Xu Ran has demonstrated exceptional skills and extraordinary talent. From this day forth, Xu Ran will be the core disciple of the Zhu family, receiving a monthly stipend of 3,000 Gold Soul Coins. All of the family's resources shall be directed toward his cultivation."

"Every disciple in the Zhu family should look up to Xu Ran as a role model. In the future, he is destined to become a formidable figure, safeguarding the everlasting prosperity of our Zhu lineage." As Zhu Zihao's words echoed in the hall, everyone's gaze shifted to Xu Ran. They committed his name to memory, knowing that he would be receiving the family's full support and that his future was boundless.

"Patriarch, might I request a different reward? I would like..." Xu Ran began, glancing toward Zhu Zhuqing. At this moment, she looked especially stunning, her elegant black gown highlighting her alluring silhouette. Anyone would be tempted to hold her close and lavish her with affection. However, her smile abruptly faded upon hearing Xu Ran's words.

Zhu Zhuqing stood there, frozen, as thoughts of what Xu Ran had said that night flooded her mind. Could it be that he intended to ask her father to dissolve her engagement to Dai Mubai?

"Xu Ran, don't!" said Zhu Zhuqing, anxiety washing over her face as it turned pale. She quickly stepped to Xu Ran's side, grasping his sleeve firmly.

Was Xu Ran being reckless? Was he courting death?

Even if he desired her, they could elope in secret. To directly confront her father would be tantamount to seeking death.

"I can't wait any longer. If I wait, I fear you might be taken away by someone else. So, I want to take this risk, even if I face insurmountable challenges ahead," declared Xu Ran. Many people witnessing this scene couldn't help but express their astonishment.

What was going on?

Could it be that Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing were romantically involved? Maybe they had already crossed that threshold.

But Xu Ran was undeniably audacious. Zhu Zhuqing was, after all, betrothed to someone in the royal family. His daring courtship was nothing short of scandalous. Yet they couldn't help but admire Xu Ran's courage. If dying under the peony makes one a ghost, at least he'd be a romantic one. Zhu Zhuqing was indeed a beauty with a breathtaking figure; winning her over would be an unparalleled achievement.

As they surreptitiously assessed Zhu Zhuqing, they collectively felt a pang of regret. How had they overlooked this? Even if the royal family executed them for this, winning the heart of such a beauty would be worth it.

Feeling the stares from those around her, Zhu Zhuqing blushed. Once again, Xu Ran had led others to misunderstand their relationship. But she didn't have time to dwell on that now. She knew that if Xu Ran continued speaking, he would face severe repercussions. The marriage alliance between the Dai and Zhu families had always been a matter of great importance. If Xu Ran sought to disrupt it, the wrath of the family elders would be unimaginable.

"Xu Ran, come with us. And Zhuqing, you should join us as well," said Zhu Zihao. He looked at Xu Ran with great satisfaction, sensing that his intentions toward Zhuqing were sincere. Xu Ran was, in many ways, a far better match than Dai Mubai. Ensuring a good future for Zhuqing while securing an unparalleled talent for the family seemed like a win-win situation.

In the study, Zhu Zihao stood elevated with three elders, casting their gaze downward upon Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing below.

"Xu Ran, what did you mean by your earlier statement? What kind of reward are you seeking? With your talent, we will do our best to fulfill any request," said Zhu Zihao, a mysterious glint in his eyes.

"In the Zhu family, I desire nothing for myself. What I seek is to dissolve the arranged marriage between Zhuqing and Dai Mubai. Dai Mubai is but a waste, unworthy of Zhuqing. Should the patriarch persist in marrying Zhuqing off to such a useless person, I will consider the Zhu family my lifelong enemy. If I survive, I vow to exact revenge with every ounce of my strength," replied Xu Ran, puffing out his chest. The sword in his hand seemed to resonate with his declaration, emitting a series of humming noises.

"Xu Ran, you shouldn't say such things…"

"Father, Xu Ran is simply too impassioned. He didn't mean what he said. Please, don't punish him," Zhu Zhuqing interjected, deeply moved by Xu Ran yet also filled with dread. She was touched that Xu Ran would risk his own well-being to secure her freedom, but she feared he would be punished, or even executed, as a result. Unbeknownst to her, Xu Ran had already gained a significant place in her heart. She could not bear the thought of him facing consequences on her account.

Grimly biting her lip, she stood there, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. If her father were to punish Xu Ran, she would share in his punishment, come what may.

"Zhuqing, tell me honestly, how do you feel about Xu Ran?" asked Zhu Zihao, his face breaking into a smile. He sensed that Zhuqing was developing feelings for Xu Ran. Both were prodigies and seemed a match made in heaven.

"I... I like Xu Ran," Zhu Zhuqing softly admitted, her eyes fixed on Xu Ran with an unwavering intensity. If they were to be punished, then let them face it together. If her father imposed a severe penalty on Xu Ran, she would take the blame, claiming she had seduced him. She was indifferent to how others might vilify her, so long as Xu Ran remained unscathed.

"Very well," Zhu Zihao nodded.

"In that case," he continued without hesitation, "from this day forward, the Zhu family no longer recognizes any relationship between Dai Mubai and Zhuqing. From now on, Zhuqing's fiancé shall be Xu Ran alone. I understand the invaluable talents that Xu Ran possesses, which far surpass anything Dai Mubai could offer to the Zhu family."

Zhu Zhuqing stared at her father, wide-eyed.

When did he become so open-minded?

And she was now engaged to Xu Ran? What just happened?

Flushing, Zhu Zhuqing struggled to absorb the unfolding events. Weren't they supposed to be punished together? Otherwise, she wouldn't have confessed her feelings for Xu Ran.

"Uncle Zhu, I have the marriage agreement here," Xu Ran said with a grin, quickly producing the pre-prepared document and addressing Zhu Zihao as 'Uncle'.

Zhu Zhuqing, standing to the side, stared at Xu Ran in astonishment, her cheeks flushed. She finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Her engagement with Dai Mubai had been dissolved, clearing the way for her to become Xu Ran's fiancée.

Could Xu Ran have anticipated this all along, even preparing the marriage agreement in advance?

"What say you, Zhuqing? If you agree, your relationship with Xu Ran will be officially settled," said Zhu Zihao, smiling at his beloved daughter.

"Mmm…" Zhu Zhuqing softly hummed her agreement, her chest heaving slightly, too embarrassed to lift her head. She didn't dare to object now; if she did, she'd be marrying Dai Mubai instead. Given the choice, she'd much prefer Xu Ran, whose character outshone Dai Mubai's by a hundredfold.

As Zhu Zihao handed over the marriage agreement to Xu Ran, Zhu Zhuqing felt herself flush under Xu Ran's intense gaze.

"Father, I'll take my leave first," she murmured, offering a quick bow before hastily exiting the room.

"Uncle Zhu, I shall also take my leave," said Xu Ran, observing all due formalities.

"Alright, young people can pursue what they wish, but you must remember that Zhu Zhuqing has always been a bit frail since childhood," Zhu Zihao cautioned, his mind drifting to his own youthful days of wild adventures when he didn't rely on soaking goji berries to maintain his vitality. He sighed, "Enough said; reminiscing only brings tears."

"Understood," Xu Ran nodded in acknowledgement and quickly stepped outside to catch up with Zhu Zhuqing.

"Are you upset?" Xu Ran approached and gently took hold of Zhu Zhuqing's hand.

"Hmph. Shameless Xu Ran, you deceived me," Zhu Zhuqing retorted, swiftly pulling her hand away. Her cheeks flushed as she glared at him. She suspected that Xu Ran had known all along that her father would consent, causing her undue worry.

"What else could be done? We've already signed the marriage contract," Xu Ran smiled, holding up the freshly signed document. "With this contract in my hand, you, my dear Zhuqing, are now mine, and nothing can change that."

In the land of Douluo, a marriage contract holds significant importance. Once established, nothing could alter its binding nature.

But for Dai Mubai, who had no marriage contract with Zhuqing, things were different. The Dai and Zhu families had always allied through marriages, maintaining good relations over the years based on verbal agreements. Traditionally, no one dared to voice objections, given the emperor's decree and the weight of spoken words. But Xu Ran was different; he was audaciously defying norms.

Xu Ran's grand ambitions for coming to Douluo World were clear: win the heart of the most beautiful women, indulge in the strongest liquor, and own the wildest dog.

T/N: The answer is yes…

"Hmph, despicable," Zhu Zhuqing lifted her head, stealing a glance at the content of the marriage contract before blushing and falling silent.

So, she was now Xu Ran's fiancée? How did he manage that? How did her father agree to such a request, especially without giving her any prior notice?

"How did you pull this off?" Zhu Zhuqing asked softly, curiosity filling her eyes.

"That's a secret. How about a hug for your future husband first?" Xu Ran grinned, putting away the contract. With this in hand, he could easily put Dai Mubai to shame at Shrek Academy.

"No way, no hug," Zhu Zhuqing's face turned even redder. She took a few light steps back, avoiding him altogether. Xu Ran had manipulated her, making her worry needlessly, and she wasn't about to reward him with a hug.

"Wow, my own fiancée won't even hug me. I must be the most unfortunate groom-to-be in the world. It's just so hard when my fiancée is this beautiful yet so untouchable," Xu Ran joked, though he understood that Zhuqing would need time to adjust to her new status.

"Either way, it's not happening. I'm leaving for now, see you tomorrow," Zhu Zhuqing said, her cheeks flushed as she practically sprinted away, a hint of joy on her face. A signed marriage contract in Douluo held more weight than a verbal agreement. The document meant that her relationship with Xu Ran was now unchangeable.

What Xu Ran didn't realize was that in Douluo World, the importance of a marriage contract was unparalleled. With this contract, even if he were to die, Zhu Zhuqing, who held traditional views about her own chastity, would not remarry. The moment she agreed to sign the contract was the moment she decided to entrust her life, in its entirety, to Xu Ran.