Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 459 - The Princess of Chu (Two in One - )

“Marriage decree.”

When Liu Feng uttered these words, Old Madam Xu’s brows furrowed.

The others in the courtyard displayed strange expressions.

Liu Feng, a former prime minister of the previous dynasty, had come to deliver a marriage decree?!

“What marriage decree?” Old Madam Xu asked.

Although her expression remained calm, she already had a very bad premonition in her heart.

Liu Feng’s lips curved into a slight smile as he said in a loud voice, “Naturally, it is the marriage decree between the princess of Chu and the young master of your esteemed household.”

“...”

Liu Feng’s words only deepened the confusion of those present.

A marriage alliance between the princess of Chu and the Xu family? The Chu Kingdom was one of the ten great human dynasties.

When had the princess of Chu decided to marry into the Xu family?

Moreover, relations between Chu and Wu were anything but friendly. The two nations had never interacted, and their armies frequently faced off along the borders.

The only reason they had not gone to war was their shared concern over Beihuang (Northern Wastelands), a powerful force looming above them both. Neither side wanted to weaken itself and allow Beihuang to reap the benefits.

To say that Chu and Wu were enemies was hardly an exaggeration.

And now, Chu suddenly wanted to form a marriage alliance with Wu? The officials present simply couldn’t comprehend how such a decision had come about.

“Mister Liu, I may be old, but I am not senile. But are you?!” Old Madam Xu spoke sternly, immediately distancing herself from Chu.

As a noble family of the state, any association with an enemy nation could lead to execution!

For over two hundred years, the Xu and Qin households had remained safe despite all manner of absurd events and incompetent descendants. The key reason was their strict adherence to two principles—staying out of political factions and never colluding with foreign nations.

Liu Feng chuckled. “How can you say there is no connection? The Empress Dowager of Chu has long heard of the great reputation of your family’s scholar, Xu Ming. Today, I have come as a matchmaker, proposing marriage to the Xu household on behalf of the princess.”

The guests: “???”

Xu Ming: “???”

Wu Yanhán abruptly turned to look at Xu Ming.

Xu Ming, innocent and bewildered, lowered his voice and said, “I have never been to Chu, nor have I ever met their princess. I truly know nothing about this matter.”

Wu Yanhán scrutinized him for a moment before turning back to Liu Feng.

Old Madam Xu said nothing but simply looked at Xu Ming, waiting for his response.

After all, this matter concerned him directly.

During his travels, Xu Ming had encountered many things. Who could say whether he had unknowingly crossed paths with the Chu princess? Perhaps they had some fleeting entanglement?

Xu Ming stepped forward under the watchful eyes of the entire courtyard, bowed respectfully, and greeted, “Junior Xu Ming greets Mister Liu. I have long admired your great name.”

Liu Feng assessed Xu Ming from head to toe, nodding with a trace of warmth in his gaze as he returned the greeting. “I, too, have heard much of Young Master Xu. Talented in both literature and martial arts, you even served as an envoy to the Northern Sea, securing an alliance between them and Wu. To have such a man in its ranks is truly a blessing for Wu.”

“I owe everything to His Majesty’s guidance and support,” Xu Ming replied, habitually flattering the Emperor of Wu.

At first, speaking such words had felt a little awkward, but after saying them so often, he no longer found them unnatural.

That said, how had news of Wu’s alliance with the Northern Sea already reached Chu? This clearly indicated that there were spies from Chu within Wu’s capital.

Xu Ming’s voice rang out across the courtyard. “Mister Liu, I have never had any ties with Chu or its princess. May I ask where this marriage decree comes from?”

Although Xu Ming had no idea what the other party was truly after, he knew he had to step forward and say something.

Otherwise, people might really start believing he had some sort of connection with Chu.

But let alone having ties with Chu—he hadn’t even set foot in their territory. As for the so-called princess of Chu, he had never even seen her.

They wanted to betroth the princess to him just because of his reputation? No matter how he looked at it, something felt off.

Liu Feng smiled and said, “Lord Xu’s name is renowned throughout the world. You are ranked second on the Qingyun List and are said to cultivate both the physical and mystical arts. Given such extraordinary talent, it is only natural that the King of Chu would wish to offer the princess’ hand in marriage.”

“Moreover, as geniuses emerge across various sects and dynasties, Beihuang (No Wastelands) watches the Central Plains with covetous eyes. If Wu and Chu continue their standoff, it will bring nothing but harm to both nations. Would it not be better for our countries to unite and face Beihuang together?”

“Young Master Xu, you are Wu’s top scholar, the future leader of its literary world, and an accomplished cultivator. A marriage between you and our princess would surely be a most fortuitous union.”

Hearing Liu Feng’s words, Xu Ming frowned.

Though the reasoning seemed sound, Xu Ming didn’t believe it for a second.

He was certain the other party had an ulterior motive.

“I must apologize,” Xu Ming said bluntly, “but I have no plans to marry at the moment. I hope Chu can understand.”

His rejection left no room for discussion.

The moment Xu Ming refused, Wu Yanhán’s expression visibly relaxed. The corners of her lips even curved into a faint smile.

“Heh... heh...”

Liu Feng chuckled.

“Lord Xu, there is no need to be so hasty in your refusal. After all, you have yet to meet our princess. And marriage is a matter of parental consent and proper matchmaking. Surely, the elders will need to discuss it thoroughly?” Liu Feng said with a smile.

Old Madam Xu’s brows furrowed. “As for Ming’er’s marriage, we elders do not interfere. He makes his own decisions.”

“That’s right, that’s right,” Xu Zheng quickly stood up and addressed Liu Feng, “Ming’er’s marriage is his own affair. Besides, even when His Majesty personally bestowed a marriage upon him, my son still refused. So who do you think you are, Chu? Is your princess ranked in the top ten of the Beauty List or something?”

The moment Xu Zheng finished speaking, all eyes turned toward him.

Xu Ming’s brow twitched.

Was his father missing a few brain cells?

How could he say something like that?

Should he be saying something like that?

Even if it was the truth, you shouldn’t just blurt it out!

“Ahem, ahem, ahem...” Old Madam Xu quickly coughed a few times, signaling Xu Zheng to stop talking and step back.

Realizing his slip-up, Xu Zheng awkwardly chuckled and fell silent.

Xu Ming pretended not to have heard his father’s words. He clasped his hands in a respectful bow toward Liu Feng and said, “I sincerely appreciate your kingdom’s high regard for me. Your princess must be an extraordinary person.”

“However, I truly have no intention of marrying, so I must decline this marriage proposal. That said, since Master Liu is already here, why not stay a while and enjoy our hospitality?”

The moment Xu Ming finished speaking, the white jade wine cup in Mr. Cao’s hand shot toward Liu Feng.

This marriage alliance was clearly not going to happen. And the Xu family was not a place where one could come and go as they pleased.

Just as the jade cup was about to strike Liu Feng, it suddenly shattered midair, sending wine splashing in all directions.

The wine transformed into fine threads, binding Liu Feng in place.

However, Liu Feng did not struggle. He merely smiled.

At the same time, Li Han and the others slammed their hands on the table, drew their Tang Heng Saber, and charged toward Liu Feng.

“Heh! You lot think you’re worthy of wielding the Tang Heng Saber?”

The young woman beside Liu Feng let out a cold laugh and unsheathed a jet-black longsword.

Her weapon was also shaped like a Tang Heng Saber.

In this world, there once was a great Tang Kingdom. Three thousand years ago, it was one of the ten greatest human dynasties—arguably the most powerful among them.

Unfortunately, internal strife led to its downfall, and its final ruler was a foolish and incompetent king. In the end, the Tang Kingdom was destroyed.

One of its greatest legacies was a weapon—the Tang Heng Saber.

To Xu Ming, this weapon was almost identical to the Tang Heng Saber from his past life on Blue Star.

Typically, this type of blade measured around 70 to 80 centimeters in total length, with a blade length of 50 to 60 centimeters, a thickness of about 6 to 8 millimeters, and a width of 3 to 4 centimeters.

Compared to ordinary broadswords, the Tang Heng Saber was slimmer and more refined—almost elegant in its design.

If a regular broadsword symbolized a rough and battle-hardened warrior, then the Tang Heng Saber embodied a scholarly general, one who could both lead troops into battle and govern a nation with wisdom.

Xu Ming had chosen the Tang Heng Saber as the standard weapon for the Jinyiwei precisely because he wanted them to be more than just a violent enforcement agency. He wanted them to value knowledge, to be well-read and capable—so that even if they left the Jinyiwei, they could still hold important positions elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Chu was the successor of Tang. The modern Chu Kingdom was built upon the ruins of the old Tang Kingdom.

Thus, when it came to the Tang Heng Saber, Chu indeed had significant authority and influence over its use.

The moment Li Han and Guang Yin swung their swords down, the young woman unsheathed her own Tang Heng Saber.

The black blade met Li Han’s weapon with a clang—instantly chipping the edge of his sword. The sheer force sent Li Han flying.

Then, with a swift turn, the young woman kicked Guang Yin, sending him crashing into a table. Dishes and wine spilled everywhere.

Sensing danger, many of the guests quickly fled the courtyard to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Just as the young woman’s blade was about to strike Zhao Feiyan, a delicate fist shot toward her.

Though the fist was small, it carried an overwhelming force that sent chills down one’s spine.

“Clang!”

The Tang Heng Saber clashed with the fist.

Both the young woman and Wu Yanhán were forced to take a step back.

The wide-brimmed hat on the young woman’s head fell to the ground.

Xu Ming finally saw her face.

She was indeed beautiful. Her delicate brows were slightly arched, exuding a heroic aura. Her almond-shaped eyes carried a hint of icy pride. Below her straight, refined nose, her rosy lips were thin yet soft.

She bore a striking resemblance to Wu Yanhán.

Or perhaps, it was simply the nature of women who wielded weapons—they all carried an air of unyielding dominance.

And when two people shared both a similar temperament and similar beauty, especially two women, an inevitable sense of rivalry would arise.

Xu Ming could clearly feel their mutual disdain for each other.

“Boom!”

Wu Yanhán and the young woman stepped forward simultaneously.

The black Tang Heng Saber and Wu Yanhán’s fist collided once again.

Wu Yanhán, already at the pinnacle of the Golden Body Realm, had no fear of these icy blades.

Each strike of the blade was lethal, each punch landed with bone-crushing force—they were going all out.

The entire courtyard trembled under the impact of their raw martial energy and spiritual power.

“Not bad,” Xu Ming murmured.

Watching the young woman fiercely exchanging blows with Wu Yanhán, Xu Ming couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.

Wu Yanhán possessed a Martial God Physique and was already at the pinnacle of the Golden Body Realm, yet this young woman could engage in close combat with her without falling into a disadvantage. novelbuddy-cσ๓

Her blade techniques, in particular, were exceptionally refined and precise.

Who is this girl?

Wu Yanhán ranked in the top ten of the Qingyun List.

For someone to go toe-to-toe with her in battle, they must have a place on that list as well.

Yet, to Xu Ming’s knowledge, there was no one from the Tang Kingdom recorded in the Qingyun List.

Could she have just “descended from the mountain” recently? That seemed to be the only plausible explanation.

“Boom!”

A thunderous impact echoed as Wu Yanhán and the young woman separated once more.

By now, every table in the courtyard had been overturned.

And this—was them holding back.

Despite their fierce battle, both fighters had remained conscious of the ordinary people in the courtyard, carefully restraining their strength to avoid collateral damage.

Just as Wu Yanhán was about to step forward and subdue the young woman, a hurried voice rang out—

“An imperial decree from His Majesty!”

Eunuch Wei Xun strode swiftly into the courtyard, his high-pitched voice cutting through the tension.

Wu Yanhán’s brows furrowed. A trace of irritation flickered in her eyes, but she still withdrew her fighting stance.

The young woman snorted coldly, clearly just as displeased, but she also lowered her blade.

Eunuch Wei glanced around the wrecked courtyard, wiping the sweat from his brow before clearing his throat and announcing loudly—

“His Majesty’s decree: He has long admired the great reputation of Mister Liu Feng. Now that Mister Liu has come to Wudu, how could His Majesty fail to extend proper hospitality? Furthermore, as the Princess of Chu has also arrived, it is only fitting that she be welcomed with the highest honors. His Majesty has already prepared a grand banquet to host the two esteemed guests, fulfilling his duty as a gracious host. He hopes that neither of you will decline this invitation.”

The Princess of Chu?

Xu Ming and the others turned their gazes toward the young woman wielding the black Tang Heng Saber.

Everyone else followed suit—especially Wu Yanhán.

The moment Wu Yanhán learned that her opponent was none other than the Princess of Chu, her hostility intensified.

The Princess, however, did not back down. She locked eyes with Wu Yanhán in an unyielding stare, sparks seemingly flying between them.

The Chu Kingdom had two princesses—one had already reached adulthood, while the other was merely eight or nine years old.

Clearly, the one meant for marriage negotiations could only be the woman standing before them.

Liu Feng, meanwhile, simply smiled.

With effortless ease, he shook off the wine-thread bindings around him.

The liquid scattered onto the ground, yet not a single drop stained his robes.

He stepped forward, bowed slightly to Wei Xun, and said—

“Since His Majesty has personally extended an invitation, how could this old man refuse? Eunuch Wei, please lead the way.”

The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr(e)𝒆novelkiss