Peerless Dragon Sovereign-Chapter 523: The Betrothal Gifts

"Seal you with one layer of the Sea of Clouds as punishment!"

Lu Daochang’s single hand pressed down, leaving Qiu Xing full of anger and unwillingness, yet helpless.

He felt invisible chains entering his Dantian, sealing his sixth layer of the Sea of Clouds, unable to mobilize any power.

Finally, with a wave of Lu Daochang’s hand, like a slap, Qiu Xing and Ji Wudao were swept up by a gust of wind and sent back to the Imperial Palace.

Chu Nan was left dumbfounded at this scene, finding Lu Daochang’s power incredible, as if it had the power to commandeer the very forces of nature.

Indeed, the Ninefold Celestial Martial Artists are unfathomable!

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for your intervention!" Chu Nan respectfully expressed his gratitude.

Lu Daochang nodded, then said, "You are an Elder of True Martial within our Ancestor Sect. In the Imperial Capital, even Emperor Qin cannot harm you."

After saying this, he looked in the direction where Gu Nianxue was and said, "Miss Gu is excellent. Now, it’s up to you."

Saying this, Lu Daochang flew away, and everyone quickly paid their respects and dared not act negligently.

On the stage, aside from Chu Nan, no other figures were in sight.

At that moment, everyone’s gaze toward him was filled with awe, not only because of Chu Nan’s formidable strength but also because behind him stood the supreme Sect Leader, Lu Daochang!

As time ticked by, no one dared approach to challenge Chu Nan.

Even Ji Wudao was defeated, so continuing to challenge him would only court humiliation.

While Chu Nan was filled with anticipation, there was also a hint of regret; Qiu Xing appeared too early, giving him no chance to devour Ji Wudao’s Dragon Qi.

"No matter, this occasion allowed me to form a vendetta with Ji Wudao."

"If he halts now, so be it. If he persists, he cannot blame me for being ruthless!"

Ma Liuniang looked complicated, watching as the incense stick was about to burn out, yet she dared not say much.

Neither Chu Nan nor Lu Daochang, backing him, were forces she or the Ma family could contend with.

She could only swallow her bitterness, as the martial arts competition intended to establish the Eldest Prince’s prestige instead made Chu Nan the catch of the contest.

As the incense stick burned completely, Gu Qiu exclaimed with excitement, "Since no one challenges, the final champion is Chu Nan, would Chu Nan be willing to marry my daughter?"

Gu Qiu looked at Chu Nan with full expectation. Regardless of status or identity, he still hoped Gu Nianxue could be entrusted to someone trustworthy.

The seemingly honest but inwardly deceitful Ji Wudao was clearly not the best choice.

Under everyone’s gaze, Chu Nan looked at Gu Nianxue and then slowly said, "Miss Gu, the road of Martial Dao is fraught with obstacles, and as a Martial Artist, one must be resolute, unwavering even unto death!"

"Chu Nan, thank you." Gu Nianxue was momentarily startled, then solemnly nodded.

Upon returning to the Imperial Capital and witnessing the terrifying power of the Royal Family, her unyielding confidence began to waver.

To protect Gu Qiu, Gu Nianxue had to choose compromise, unwilling to see Chu Nan suffer harm, hoping he would leave the Imperial Capital and never return.

The wavering and avoidance plunged Gu Nianxue into daily torment.

Yet today, upon seeing Chu Nan’s strong defeat of her feared Ji Wudao, her shaken confidence returned.

She suddenly felt that compromise could not change the status quo and would only lead her deeper into the mire.

Rather than avoiding, it would be better to face the challenges head-on, even if it means destruction, at least with grandeur!

Seeing Gu Nianxue no longer fearful, Chu Nan nodded slightly, then shifted the conversation as he approached Gu Nianxue to ask, "Nianxue, are you willing to marry me?"

Hearing this, Gu Nianxue blushed, a shy hue appearing on her otherwise cold face. She turned away and said, "Without a betrothal gift, you’re speaking too soon!"

Saying this, Gu Nianxue turned and left, leaving no opportunity for Chu Nan to continue speaking.

Chu Nan was momentarily stunned, not understanding the meaning, whether she agreed or not.

Seeing his bewildered expression, Gu Qiu stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Chu Nan, why are you standing there in a daze? I’m waiting for your betrothal gifts at the Ma family!"

Chu Nan suddenly realized, mentally remarking on how his mind hadn’t turned quickly enough, as a sheepish smile formed on his face.

"Chu Nan, you must come quickly, or if you’re late, Nianxue won’t wait for you." Gu Qiu patted Chu Nan’s shoulder.

Chu Nan smiled lightly, the atmosphere between the two was joyous.

Meanwhile, Ma Liuniang looked embarrassed, with even a trace of fear toward Chu Nan.

Though the Ma family was flourishing, they absolutely could not provoke Chu Nan and the Ancestor Sect!

Even knowing that Gu Nianxue marrying Chu Nan might incite the Royal Family’s anger, she was helpless.

Poor Ma family, not even a Strong Race, had no choice in such circumstances.

...

A week passed in a flash, at the Ancestor Sect.

A massive whirlpool covered the entire Ancestor Sect, as silver Spirit Rain continuously drizzled from the sky, each drop rich with Spiritual Energy.

Inside the True Martial Holy Hall, within a pool of Earth Mother Essence, Gu Nianxue sat cross-legged, absorbing these nearly extinct heavenly treasures.

Earth Mother Essence not only could raise a Martial Artist’s Martial Veins level but also enhance cultivation and nourish the body.

Under the nourishment of Earth Mother Essence, Gu Nianxue looked even more radiant and unparalleled in beauty.

After the martial arts competition ended, Chu Nan went to the Ma family the next day to present betrothal gifts.

Possessing a wealth of cultivation resources, Chu Nan found these trivial offerings insignificant, yet they were enough to astound the Ma family, lacking a Ninefold Celestial cultivator.

Coupled with Chu Nan’s cultivation and representative status, even those wishing to ally with the Royal Family dared not speak openly.

After all, Chu Nan alone could wipe out the Ma family; how could they utter a word?

The importance of Gu Nianxue and Gu Qiu rose drastically, becoming the Ma family’s Protective Talismans. Despite being outsiders, they were deemed more important than direct descendants.

After the betrothal, Chu Nan and Gu Nianxue’s relationship was recognized.

Then, Gu Nianxue left the Ma family directly, following Chu Nan to the Ancestor Sect to cultivate in the True Martial Holy Hall.

After all, she had little sense of belonging to the Ma family, and leaving was a liberation.

Chu Nan was pleased with this, sharing the Earth Mother Essence with Gu Nianxue and passing on several Earth Tier Ice Attribute Martial Skills and Techniques inherited from the Zhi family.

Gu Nianxue possessed the Cold Frost Battle Body, naturally having an affinity with Ice Attribute Martial Skills and Techniques.

If the opportunity arose, Chu Nan planned to seek a Celestial Tier Ice Attribute Technique for Gu Nianxue, enhancing her powers further.

After accomplishing this, Chu Nan had completed one important goal.

Next, he intended to fulfill another vow he made in the Imperial Capital.

That was to visit the Huo family, recognize his only blood relative Huo Nianfang, and uncover the truth from Huo Mingxian’s account of the past!