Chapter 373 - Death Over Submission
Judging from Jian Botong’s expression, it wasn’t hard to tell that Teng Zijun had an extraordinary status. After all, Jian Botong had sought Teng Zijun’s opinion multiple times since they had appeared, and his flattery was blatant.
Although Liu Wuxie had an extraordinary relationship with Jian Xing’er, he had never inquired about her family background.
“That’s all your wishful thinking without my consent.” Jian Xing’er maintained her stance firmly. She wasn’t home when the betrothal gifts were sent, and this was all done without her knowledge.
Although marriage could be decided with parental orders, her opinion also had to be considered at the very least.
"A woman should marry when she comes of age. After raising you, is it too much to ask for you to marry? Besides, Young Master Teng comes from a prominent clan with excellent character. You won't find someone like him anywhere else. What more could you be unhappy about?" Jian Botong was furious and regretted letting Jian Xing’er join the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. This matter would have been resolved long ago if she hadn't joined the sect.
"Since Young Master Teng is so great, I’m afraid I’m unworthy of him. So please take back the betrothal gifts," Jian Xing’er replied, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes. It was one thing for her father to praise Teng Zijun's background, but praising his character was like calling a latrine fragrant. Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com
“The betrothal gifts have been received, so how can it be returned?!” Jian Botong slammed his palm on the table. He felt his dignity as a father was challenged when Jian Xing’er rebuked him.
"Uncle, please calm down. I believe Xing’er is just misled and will understand with a little guidance," Teng Zijun said, speaking for only the second time since his arrival. His words clearly implied that Liu Wuxie had misled Jian Xing’er.
“You’re the one misled. I’ve made myself clear that we can’t be together. Please stop harassing me in the future, and I’ll take my leave if there’s nothing else.” Jian Xing’er didn’t want to stay there for another second and stood up, ready to leave.
“Miss Jian, there’s no need to be angry because I meant well. Even if you don’t think for yourself, you should think about the Jian Clan.” Teng Zijun stood up with a hint of threat in his tone.
Was the Jian Clan in trouble? The Jian Clan wasn’t a big clan, with only a few hundred people, but it was self-sufficient.
The clan had even produced several talents over the years, and Jian Xing’er was one of them. As long as she gained a footing in the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion and became an elite disciple, the clan’s status would rise along with her.
“What do you want to say?” Jian Xing’er sat back down furiously. She had been away from the clan for years; could something have happened to the clan while she was away?
“Let uncle explain it to you!” Teng Zijun sat back down and didn’t continue. After all, it was more convenient for Jian Botong to explain, given their relationship.
Jian Xing’er’s gaze fell onto her father, waiting for an explanation.
Liu Wuxie kept silent throughout their conversation, quietly sipping tea and listening to them.
“What happened?” Jian Xing’er asked nervously, but Liu Wuxie gently grasped her hand beneath the table, signaling her not to fear as he was around.
Jian Xing’er trembled slightly as her hand was held, but she quickly composed herself. It was apparent that Jian Xing’er had been completely unaware of this marriage arrangement, with her father having decided on it and even accepting the betrothal gifts on her behalf.
“How can you say that? Young Master Teng is the Divine Sun Palace’s disciple, and the Teng Clan is prominent. It’s your blessing to marry into the Teng clan,” Jian Botong disliked how Jian Xing’er phrased her question despite being the reality. After all, he would be humiliated if news spread out that he had to sell his daughter to save the clan.
“Have you cared for me since my mother passed away? Do you know how I felt? All you know is to protect your beloved son, and you remember me now that the clan is in trouble? What do you take me for? An object that could be sold however you liked?” Jian Xing’er began sobbing with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"How could you have grown up safely without me? Do you dare defy me and show ingratitude? Do you think I won't forcibly take you back now?" Jian Botong slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet, his demeanor far from fatherly in that moment.
“I grew up not on the Jian Clan’s rice. Ever since my mother passed away, do you know how my stepmother fed me? She fed me with leftovers from the previous day, spoiled food that even pigs and dogs would eat, and I survived doing odd jobs and feeding myself,” Jian Xing’er stood up and roared, venting all the pent-up emotions over the years.
Everyone in the inn looked over, not knowing what was happening and why there was an argument.
Liu Wuxie glanced at the two and finally understood why Jian Xing’er had asked him to accompany her. She likely couldn't face her father's threats alone and needed someone to support her through it.
Jian Botong was stumped because this was the first time he had heard about it. Ever since he had a son, he had neglected Jian Xing’er and didn’t realize her hardships.
“It’s my fault. But the clan is in trouble, and only you can help us. Consider this a plea from your father, and come home with me,” Jian Botong said guiltily.
He was unfit as a father, and it was no wonder Jian Xing’er told Liu Wuxie not to say a word. Liu Wuxie wanted to punch someone now to see such a disgraceful father.
“Haha...” Jian Xing’er smiled bitterly, her heart dead from sorrow. She never intended to return the moment she had left the clan.
“I don’t wish to know or care what happened, and I won’t return with you.” Jian Xing’er sat back down weakly after saying that.
Liu Wuxie hadn’t noticed it in the Abyssal Underground World. He didn't realize she had been harboring such grievances, keeping them pent up inside.
"That's not for you to decide. You have to come back with me today, no matter what!" Jian Botong's face turned grim, knowing the Jian Clan would soon be ruined without the Teng Clan's assistance.
“Are you planning to use force?” Jian Xing’er was enraged. The father in her heart had already died, and this person standing before her was a stranger.
“Miss Xing’er, why be like this? The marriage between us isn’t urgent, and you’ve been away from home for over a year. Don’t you want to go home and take a look?” Teng Zijun stood up and said earnestly.
“Shut up!” Jian Xing’er was fuming, and Teng Zijun’s words fueled the fire.
“Insolent!” Jian Botong yelled. The Teng Clan was his last lifeline, and he had to hold onto it no matter what. Thus, offending the Teng Clan meant disaster to him.
“I’ll be insolent today. Kill me if you dare!” Jian Xing’er looked as if she was ready to die. She would rather die than submit.