After the three Elders had walked away, Song Chaoyun spoke, "Father, Song Weizhi canceling the engagement might be a good thing for our Song Family."
Song Ruohai frowned slightly, "A good thing? Explain to me how it could be a good thing."
Song Chaoyun smiled and said, "The engagement with the Zhao Family was originally because Song Weizhi is my sister. Regardless of whether she becomes Dao companions with someone or not, she would still lean towards our maternal family. But now, with the blood ties between us and Song Weizhi reduced, these days it's clear that her attitude towards you is different. I think that might be the reason."
"What does that have to do with canceling the engagement? How can you call it a good thing?" Song Ruohai continued to ask.
"Father, think about it. Song Weizhi no longer considers us her own. If she becomes a Dao companion with Zhao Xuankun, she will belong to the Zhao Family in the future. There won't be any ties with our Song Family. However, if she cancels the engagement with the Zhao Family and marries me instead, everything will change. She'll be the daughter-in-law of our Song Family and still fight for our Song Family with all her might."
Song Ruohai's eyes lit up, "Yes, that's a good idea. Why didn't I think of that! However, we need to find a way to appease the Zhao Family. You, my boy, really have your ways. But with Song Weizhi's appearance and cultivation, she is indeed suitable for you."
"Hehe, thanks for your support, Father." Song Chaoyun thanked with folded hands, as if Song Weizhi had already agreed to marry him.
Song Chaoyun had set his sights on Song Weizhi since her identity was revealed. However, he lacked the courage to pursue her due to the significant difference in their cultivation levels. Now, with his father's support, it was different. Song Weizhi would undoubtedly marry him, and then, she would devote herself to bearing offspring for the Song Family.
The conversation between father and son reached Wei Zhao's ears without missing a word. Soon, she returned to inform Song Weizhi of everything. Song Weizhi sneered, "Song Ruohai and the others are quite scheming, but too bad for them. They can't bring down the Song Family unless they destroy it themselves. How dare they think about making me their servant?"
"Mistress is right. What should we do next?" Wei Zhao asked respectfully.
"Ignore them for now. Let's cancel the engagement first and then see what happens," Song Weizhi replied.
Early the next morning, the Song residence became lively. Zhao Fei, the Head of the Zhao family, arrived with his son Zhao Xuankun and many other disciples. Song Ruohai had already sent his trusted disciple Tianming to welcome them, and Song Weizhi was also invited to the main hall.
She went there today with the sole purpose of causing trouble. Regardless of the reasons, she had to cancel this engagement first.
Before long, Tianming led the group from the Zhao family into the main hall. After some pleasantries between Song Ruohai and Zhao Fei, the conversation shifted to the marriage of Song Weizhi and Zhao Xuankun.
"Ah, we've come this time to stay for a while. Mainly for the marriage of our Kun'er and Weizhi. We, as Elders, have been waiting for many years. I think it's time now. Hahaha," Zhao Fei said warmly to Song Ruohai.
After hearing yesterday's words from Song Chaoyun, Song Ruohai, in fact, did not want Song Weizhi and Zhao Xuankun to become Dao companions anymore. But he didn't show it on the surface.
"Yes, we finally have successors. However, such matters should still inquire about the wishes of the young ones. What do you think, Brother Zhao?" Song Ruohai deliberately threw the question to Zhao Fei. Since he knew Song Weizhi wasn't willing, he let her speak for herself.
"Alright, Kun'er, Weizhi, what are your thoughts?" Zhao Fei asked with a smile.
Song Weizhi finally lifted her gaze to assess the male lead, Zhao Xuankun. It had to be said that the male lead was indeed worthy of the title. He looked quite good, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, coupled with a refined and elegant temperament. No wonder so many female and male cultivators in Linhai City were enamored with him. However, Song Weizhi herself wasn't interested in him.
Zhao Xuankun nodded slightly and said, "It's up to my father and Uncle Song to arrange."
"Hahaha, good, Weizhi, what do you think?" Zhao Fei asked Song Weizhi with a smile.
Song Weizhi remembered that in the original story, Zhao Xuankun had hastily glanced at Song Zhixia before entering the main hall, recognizing her as the Dao companion he wanted. So, he forcefully canceled the engagement during the meeting. Now, it seemed that she was the one canceling it this time.
"I disagree. Master Zhao also knows how important Dao companions are to cultivators. I think Senior Brother Zhao and I are not suitable. Let's cancel this engagement." Song Weizhi said calmly.
"Weizhi, this is not child's play. How can we let you act recklessly? Your engagement is not something that can be canceled." Zhao Fei was angered, and his voice became stern.
"If I don't agree, no one can force me." Song Weizhi insisted without giving in.
"You, Head Song, is this how your Song Family behaves? Is there no credibility? This was agreed upon by our two families more than ten years ago." Seeing Song Weizhi's firm attitude, Zhao Fei turned to Song Ruohai again.
Just as Song Ruohai was about to speak, he heard Song Weizhi's voice, "What you arranged was the engagement between Zhao Xuankun and the daughter of Master Song. I am not Master Song's daughter. Moreover, Master Song's daughter grew up outside from a young age. She shouldn't bear this engagement."
"You, I see you're just using sophistry. You want to disgrace our Zhao Family." Zhao Fei's anger surged, veins popping on his forehead.
On the other hand, the male lead, Zhao Xuankun, thought for a moment and then approached Song Weizhi, nodding slightly, "Senior Sister Song, I want to know why. As long as Senior Sister Song can give me an explanation, Xuankun won't force anyone."
After contemplating for a moment, Song Weizhi couldn't say that her tasks were all centered around the female lead, so she had no interest in the male lead. After some thought, she spoke, "I already have someone in mind. I hope Senior Brother Zhao understands."
"Senior Sister, are you serious? If that's the case, I won't insist. I won't force Senior Sister." Zhao Xuankun was quite ignorant about matters related to Dao companionship. He only knew that he and Song Weizhi had a marriage agreement since childhood. However, if he truly liked Song Weizhi, he wasn't aware of it.
"Of course, it's true. If I have the chance, I'll introduce her to Senior Brother." Song Weizhi looked directly into Zhao Xuankun's eyes, calmly responding.
[ TN: Yes, she uses 'her' here. ]
"Xuankun, how can you agree so easily? Ah, this affects the face of our Zhao Family." Zhao Fei said regretfully.
"Father, since Senior Sister has someone else in her heart, I don't want to force her. Please, Father, understand." Zhao Xuankun bowed to Zhao Fei, expressing his decision.
Song Weizhi glanced at Zhao Xuankun. This male lead was indeed polite; he didn't seem like a bad person.
At this moment, Song Ruohai, who had been silent, spoke up, "Brother Zhao, since the young ones have agreed, let's go along with their wishes as Elders. Although the engagement is canceled, the friendship between our two families should not be broken."
"Well, since Kun'er has said so, then we'll take our leave." Zhao Fei's expression was visibly unpleasant. They had come to discuss the wedding date, but it ended with the cancellation of the engagement.
Song Ruohai noticed Zhao Fei's displeasure, fearing it might strain the relationship between the two families. He quickly added, "Brother Zhao, don't be in a hurry to leave. In a while, there will be an assessment competition for the promotion of our outer disciples to inner disciples. After that, all our inner disciples can explore the Linlang Secret Realm. This matter of the engagement was indeed a mistake on our part. If Brother Zhao doesn't mind, you can bring the dozens of disciples you've brought with you. Their findings will depend on their luck."
Zhao Fei's expression finally eased. The key to opening the Linlang Secret Realm was only in the hands of Song Ruohai. For the disciples of the Zhao family, this was like a windfall. Exploring the secret realm might lead to some treasures, and Zhao Fei's disciples could gain some benefits.
"Very well, we'll accept your kind offer. We'll trouble you, Head Song."
"Don't worry, Tianming, please lead Brother Zhao and the others to the best guest rooms. Let our disciples take good care of them." Song Ruohai instructed.
"Rest assured, Master. Brother Zhao, please follow me." Tianming led the Zhao family members out of the main hall.
Song Ruohai wasn't being generous. Although the Linlang Secret Realm was indeed a mysterious place, he, having entered it at a young age, hadn't found any treasures or spiritual weapons. Each year, he let his disciples enter the secret realm mainly for their training. So, he wasn't concerned about the Zhao Family's disciples finding any treasures. At most, they might kill some inconspicuous demonic beasts.
Song Weizhi looked at Song Ruohai. This man wanted her to become a Dao companion for his son, which was simply a delusional dream. Her thoughts had to be focused on the female lead; she wasn't interested in other people's matters.
"If there's nothing else, Master, I'll take my leave." Symbolically greeting, Song Weizhi left on her flying sword.
Leaving behind an ominous-looking Song Ruohai, muttering under his breath, "Becoming more and more outrageous. Being so proud is useless. She has to bear our Song Family's children, humph. Let's see how I'll deal with her when she marries in."
Entering her courtyard, Song Weizhi saw Song Zhixia practicing swordsmanship. It had to be admitted that the female lead was the female lead. Even though she had never touched a sword before, a few days of practice equaled several years for an ordinary person. Song Weizhi didn't disturb Song Zhixia; she silently watched from a distance. After Song Zhixia completed her sword dance, she noticed Song Weizhi sitting in the corridor, watching. Running over, she sweetly called out, "Senior Sister, you're back."
One sweet call from Song Zhixia successfully swept away Song Weizhi's earlier unhappiness. "Hmm, I met some annoying people. I managed to get rid of them. It's still my Zhixia who's the best. Senior Sister just wants to see beautiful girls like Zhixia."
"Senior Sister, you're bullying me again." Song Zhixia's earlobes quickly turned red, reminding Song Weizhi of the soft touch from last time. Without hesitation, Song Weizhi's hand reached out again.