4 Chapter 4: Marriage alliance and Division of Warriors

The southern continent in this world is a vast and diverse landmass, encompassing an area as large as over 100 trillion square kilometer. Completely surrounded by oceans on all sides, this continent is a world in itself, isolated from the other landmasses by vast expanses of water.

The terrain of the southern continent varies dramatically, ranging from icy polar regions in the south to lush, tropical jungles in the north. Mountain ranges, especially Azure Mountain, stretch across its length, with towering peaks piercing the sky and jagged cliffs entering into the abyss below. Deep valleys and spreading plains carve through the landscape, marked with rivers, lakes, and forests.

The climate of the southern continent is equally diverse, influenced by its immense size and varied geography. In the south, near the polar regions, temperatures plummet, and vast ice sheets dominate the landscape. Moving northward, the climate becomes milder, with temperate forests giving way to subtropical and tropical climates nearer the central part of the continent.

Despite its isolation, the southern continent is not devoid of civilization. Numerous cultures and societies have flourished across its expanse, adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by its geography. There are many coastal cities, most important one being Phoenix Ridge, Heavenly Terrace, Jade Harbor.

Heavenly Hand's Sect is situated in Heavenly Terrace in northern part. They chose coastal area to establish the sect in order to easily connect to the other continents.

Li family Mansion

Li Gang knocked the door. 

"Come in, Gang-er" Song Yunlan said softly.

"You called me, Mother?"

"Yes, there is something I need to discuss with you"

"Huh?!" Li Gang was a bit surprised. It has never happened before that anyone had to discuss something with Li Gang. Even though his mother cared for him, she never disturbed him in anything. 

'What is so important that she needs to discuss with me? I doubt it's related to Village affairs, they would never think of my opinion matters regarding Village affairs, then it must be personal matters. There can only be two things she would ever discuss with me given the situation. Either she would discuss about my marriage, or taking up family business and giving up on the cultivation. She knows I would never give up cultivation, so she might try to let me marry to someone, so that I could settle down and give up on cultivation on my own!'

As expected, she replied. 

"I have found a very good girl for your marriage. Yesterday, your father came to discuss with me about it."

Li Gang frowned. 'Father wanted me to marry? Father shouldn't bother about me at such a moment. He would be more worried about Wang Xiaoyan. It might be Li Hao. But, I can't disregard the possibility of a coincidence! I have to confirm it.'

Li Gang immediately asked. "Is it Wang Xueyao?"

Song Yunlan was shocked. "Did you overhear us?"

Li Gang immediately noticed her eyeball movement, which probably happened subconsciously. Li Gang thought: 'Is father hidden here? With mother's ability, it isn't impossible. But the bigger problem is, Li Hao.' Even though he thought so much, but in reality, thinking so much doesn't take much time.

"I don't need to peek on you to notice it. Anyways, if you are capable of convincing Wang family, I would accept the marriage happily." Li Gang smiled meaningfully in a certain direction.

Li Minghui, hiding behind a spatial curtain, was shocked at his sudden stare. 'Did he just find me? No, with his capability, it's impossible to see. It can be a coincidence.'

Song Yunlan didn't think of anything, so just casually said. "Good, then wait for the good news."

Li Gang nodded and left the room. As soon as he entered his room, his smile deepened.

'I underestimated you, Li Hao. With this one move, you can not only verify if Wang Xueyao is a threat, but you can also check on me. If I truly rejected the marriage, he would immediately notice that my ambition is not small and would try to restrict me. Truly, killing two birds with one stone. As expected of Li family's mastermind. Even though I tried to decrease my presence, he didn't let down his guard even against his own nephew. If he had wanted to check over only Wang Xueyao, he wouldn't have involved me.'

1 Day later, Wang family Mansion

Village head Wang Jinlong is seated on top, and many elders are present down. Li Minghui and Li Hao are also present. They came for marriage proposal.

"What do you think brother Wang about this proposal?" Li Minghui asked calmly.

Wang Jinlong fell into deep thought. It would be wrong to say he wasn't moved. One of the Spirit stone mine as a dowry, and marriage alliance between Wang and Li family is very attractive. Wang Jinlong is also an ambitious person and if he wants to increase his influence to the outside territory, especially Jade Harbor which is near the eastern foothill of the Azure Mountain. This city is well known for Flight Masters and Beast Masters. It is also closest to the Azure Mountain among the three Great Cities of Southern Continent.

Flight Masters are those who are very proficient in flying. It may be with the use of special flying Spiritual Imprint, and it can also be due to some secret techniques mastered by an individual. But, there are rarely people who use Spiritual Imprint for flying. Because this ability rarely appears in Spiritual Imprints. So, most people use Secret Techniques. Even though Spiritual Imprint is much better as compared to Secret Techniques, it isn't absolute.

Anything in the world has some advantages and disadvantages. Just take Spiritual Imprint as an example. It boosts a certain element of a person, but at the same time it also limits the future of the same person to that element only. For example, Song Yunlan has space attribute Spiritual Imprint. So, she can never cultivate using Water or any other attribute. But she can indeed master some of Water and Fire type secret techniques, but due to very low compatibility, she can barely show 5-10% of the true power. This is not low though. Showing 100% power is near impossible even if you have compatible attribute. The proficiency of the particular attribute also matters. An average person can only show 50-60% of true power with compatible attribute.

But, suddenly, Wang Jinlong frowned. 'This old fox, it seems he already sensed Wang Xueyao's potential. If I rejected this proposal, it would be immediately disclosed that Wang Xueyao isn't a mortal!'

While he was considering, a cold voice suddenly sounded beside him. "I agree." 

Wang Xiaoyan and Wang Xueyao were also standing near Wang Jinlong. Wang Xueyao, at this time, is like a graceful and elegant swan with a cold look looking down on everything she sees, while Wang Xiaoyan is like pure-hearted maiden, her innocence shines through sparkling eyes, soft smile, and the gentle grace of untouched beauty.

Wang Jinlong was shocked at Wang Xueyao's decision, and using his eyes, he inquired. "Are you sure?"

Wang Xueyao's nodded at him.

Wang Jinlong changed his face immediately and laughed loudly and then announced:

 "From today onwards Wang family and Li family are allies, and with great joy and pride, I also announce the union of my beloved daughter, Wang Xueyao, with Li Gang. May their love blossom eternally!"

Li Minghui also laughed loudly. Li Hao looked at Wang Jinlong deeply. 'Was I wrong?! How can it be?!' He was bewildered.

Mountain View Village

Bamboo forests encircle rice fields where villagers toil. A stone-paved path leads to the central square adorned with a majestic cherry blossom tree. Tea houses line the streets. There are many mortals lining up and selling their items such as pottery, textiles, and even spiritual pills and spirit weapons!

Wang Xiaoyan and Wang Xueyao were wandering over the streets and talking to each other. Suddenly, Wang Haoran came running. 

"Elder sister, why did you agree to the marriage?" Wang Haoran asked, blocking the path of two sisters.

"You are getting quite bold. Do I have to tell you what I do?" Wang Haoran immediately shrunk his head in fear. 

He remembered what his father told him two years back. 'Whether you listen to me or not, but you better not offend your eldest sister. She is not something you or even whole Azure mountain can handle, if she decides to become an enemy.'

'At that time, Wang Xueyao was only 11 years old.' Wang Haoran murmured inwardly.

Wang Xueyao went ahead, ignoring him completely. Her eyes were deep like abyss. She smiled mysteriously and murmured. "I never expected I would meet a Wanderer here. Let's see what ability you possess!"

Li family Mansion

Li Gang opened his eyes after the meditation. 

'It seems I am about to reach.'

Li Gang had already reached rank 1 Warrior 3 years ago. Now, he is reaching late stage rank 1 Warrior. Each rank is divided into: Early, Middle, Late, Peak stages. Li Minghui is peak rank 5 Warrior, and Li Hao is late stage rank 5 Warrior.

To become a rank 1 warrior, one has to be able to sense the spiritual essence in the body and circulate them through the meridian. Everyone and everything in this world contains spiritual essence, the quantity may differ. To become rank 2, one has to cleanse their organs and strengthen them with the help of spiritual essence. Becoming rank 3 requires one to wash their nerves, cleanse their muscles and harden their bones. Rank 4 requires activating one's own Heavenly Core. In Rank 5, one should compress their Spiritual Essence so much so that they get liquified while Rank 6 requires solidifying the Liquified Spiritual Essence.

Li Yuxong was able to become rank 2 warrior even before awakening because of his high innate talent. Assuming how Wang Xueyao hid so deeply, she should also be at the very least rank 3 warrior!

Li Gang sighed.

In the last 10 years, Li Gang had been working very hard. He started cultivation very late, about at the age of 5 years. But he didn't stop his true motive. He made three most crucial plans he had to follow before starting the cultivation: Sharpening his mind, Learning about poisons and pills, archery. Making poisons is a lot more easy as compared to making pills. This is why, alchemists are much rarer. Though, higher grade poisons above rank 5 and 6 are still difficult to make.

He knew, he doesn't possess talent, so he could only make for his lack of strength with sneak attacks in the future. With his extra-ordinary insight from his past life, and the huge talent a small child possess, he was able to master the archery to very high level with 10 years of continuous practice!

Li Gang recollected his thoughts and looked at the visitor who suddenly entered.

"Mother"

Song Yunlan nodded.