Chapter 98: Song Family Comes With Marriage Proposal

A shadow of unease had begun to creep across the Xia Family Manor. Whispers of the family's rapid rise reached far and wide, attracting attention that was both welcome and unwelcome. One such unwanted consequence arrived in the form of the Song Family delegation, led by the imposing figure of Patriarch Song Weiguang and his son, Song Yichen.

Accompanied by a retinue of Nascent Soul Realm guards, they entered the Xia manor with an air of entitlement, their lavish robes shimmering under the afternoon sun.

Their true purpose, veiled behind polite greetings, was far less cordial.

Song Weiguang, sensing an opportunity during Matriarch Xia Bingling's seclusion, aimed to secure an alliance with the rising Xia Family through a marriage proposal.

His target? The beautiful and capable Acting Matriarch, Xia Qingwu.

As the Song patriarch meticulously arranged himself across from Xia Qingwu in her private chamber,

Wang Li, concealed by the White Eagle Mask, observed the scene with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Xia Qingwu, ever the composed leader, concealed her annoyance. This wasn't the first time the Song Family had broached the subject of marriage between her and the arrogant Song Yichen.

"Acting Matriarch Xia," Song Weiguang began, his voice dripping with calculated charm, "your family's recent accomplishments have been truly remarkable. Under your astute leadership, the Xia Family has carved out a place of prominence on the cultivation stage."

Xia Qingwu offered a polite smile, her eyes meeting his unflinchingly. "Patriarch Song, your praise is appreciated. However, I fear you overestimate my abilities."

Song Weiguang chuckled, a booming sound that echoed awkwardly in the chamber. "On the contrary, Acting Matriarch. You possess both beauty and talent, a rare combination. Which is why my son, Song Yichen, has long admired you. Today, I propose a union between our two esteemed families. A marriage between you and Yichen would solidify our alliance and create a force to be reckoned with."

Song Yichen, a handsome young man with an air of entitlement mirroring his father's, shifted in his seat, attempting to charm Xia Qingwu with a practiced smile. Xia Qingwu's grip on the armrest tightened subtly. The arrogance of the Song Family grated against her.

"Marriage is a serious matter, Patriarch Song," Xia Qingwu finally replied, her voice laced with a steely resolve. "Surely, you understand that such decisions are not made hastily."

Disappointment flickered across Song Weiguang's face, replaced quickly by a thin smile. "Of course, Acting Matriarch. However, I believe a talented and intelligent woman like yourself would recognize the benefits of such an alliance. Imagine the combined might of our two families!"

As the guests raised their cups, Wang Li, concealed by the White Eagle Mask, moved with silent grace behind a pillar, his eyes never leaving the Song patriarch. They swallowed the wine, a confident smirk gracing Song Weiguang's face. But a mere heartbeat later, his expression curdled. A surge of foreign energy coursed through his veins, a chaotic tempest threatening to erupt.

Panic flashed across his eyes. He slammed the cup down, a metallic clang echoing in the sudden silence. "What have you done?" he roared, his voice laced with fury as he glared at Xia Qingwu.

The rest of the Song delegation, all Nascent Soul cultivators, mirrored his reaction. They had instantly sensed the foreign element within the wine, spitting it out and flinging their cups away. Their faces contorted in disbelief and rage.

Xia Qingwu, however, remained calm, her smile turning icy. "Do not feign ignorance, Patriarch Song," she stated coolly. "Your excessive use of Nascent Soul Realm guards during our discussion was rather transparent. A subtle threat deserves a subtle countermeasure, wouldn't you agree?"

Song Yichen, experienced immediate effects of the concoction due to his lower Core Formation realm cultivation, reached for his weapon, his youthful face contorted in fury. "You dare attack guests within your own manor?" he bellowed.

"Guests, young master," Xia Qingwu retorted, her voice dripping with disdain, "do not come bearing veiled threats and expect hospitality. You arrived with an army and expected me to cower? Let me enlighten you – the Xia Family does not bow its head to coercion."

With a flick of her wrist, a signal was given. The hidden doors to the banquet hall slid open, and armed Xia Family guards flooded the room, surrounding the Song delegation. Led by Elder Yu, a seasoned cultivator at the middle stage of the Nascent Soul realm, they formed a formidable barrier.

Song Weiguang, his face paling under the weight of their combined aura, realized his blunder. Their attempt at forceful persuasion had backfired spectacularly. "This is a misunderstanding!" he sputtered, his voice losing its earlier arrogance. "We meant no offense."

"Misunderstandings," Xia Qingwu stated, her voice cold, "are easily dispelled with truth. Now, you will all experience the effects of your 'demonstration of good faith' – the inability to control your own spiritual energy."

Indeed, as if on cue, the Song Nascent Soul cultivators, weakened by their struggle against the chaotic energy within, groaned in frustration. Their attempts to gather their spiritual power for a fight resulted in uncontrolled bursts, illuminating the room with flashes of uncontrolled energy.

The Xia Family guards, prepped beforehand, moved with swift precision. Utilizing specialized formations and restraining techniques specifically designed to counter such situations, they quickly subdued the weakened Song cultivators. Weapons clattered to the floor, and the once-proud delegation was brought to its knees.

The banquet hall, once a place of attempted dominance, now held only the sounds of defeat. Song Weiguang, stripped of his bravado, hung his head in shame. The consequences of his arrogance were laid bare before him.

"Now," Xia Qingwu addressed them, her voice firm, "we will discuss the terms of your departure. Consider this a lesson in diplomacy, Patriarch Song. The Xia Family welcomes alliances built on respect, not intimidation."

Patriarch Song, his spirit broken, could only nod in agreement. The night, once intended to celebrate a coerced union, ended with the Song Family's pride shattered and their forceful tactics exposed.