The red thread of destiny has long been tied; how can it be easily broken? What does it

The Jiang family of Qishan.

When the Great Xuan Kingdom was established, it was one of the "Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars", known as the eternal guardian of the northwest, sharing the fate of the country, with hereditary succession and perpetual honor as the Duke.

The descendants of the Jiang family are spread throughout Xiqi and the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region. Many prominent families in various states and trade routes have their influence behind them, which is quite profound.

Its main vein is located in 'Qishan', which is said to have been the capital of a dynasty several dynasties ago. A 'lucky' red phoenix wept blood here, which transformed into the earth's veins, nourishing the next hundred or thousand years.

Therefore, there is also the story of "the phoenix sings on Mount Qi, and the Jiang clan prospers".

This day.

When the magnificent golden chariot bearing the emblem of the 'Ancestral Court of the Sword' descended upon Qishan, it immediately caused a stir:
"The sun-shaped golden chariot, what a grand display of the Daoist's entourage!"

"But why is it marked as the 'Ancestral Court of the Sword'?"

"Among the current generation of the Sword Court's true disciples, I haven't heard of any renowned figures who have dominated the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region in recent times."

Clouds and mist rise from the ancient Jiang family courtyard, their crimson glow shining like blood, adorning the distant green mountains rising from the flat land.

Its upper floors are pavilions and waterside terraces, with precious pavilions and jade terraces, encompassing all three branches and seven mansions of the Jiang clan, each with its own master and branch.

The Jiang clan members who emerged from it looked at the golden carriage approaching. With the support of their Qi Sea, a huge sound, almost like a thunderclap, rang out, and they discussed it among themselves.

However, ordinary members of the Jiang family naturally did not have the authority to receive power.

Those qualified to receive the "Heavenly Pillar Daoist".
Only those who emerge from the "Qishan Upper Mansion, Jade Palace" and successfully inherit the ancestral bloodline, enter the clan register, and become the eldest son or clan leader of a powerful family can show their faces!

Those who live on the mountainside of Qishan, though of Jiang blood, cannot be recognized or accepted as long as they cannot inherit their ancestral blood.

Such a commotion naturally attracted the attention of a very influential person.

Clad in a golden robe, his back resembled the rising sun. With a single step, his blood and qi surged, and with every movement, he seemed to gather the entire destiny of 'Qishan' and bestow it upon his very being. He appeared at the Upper Mansion and went straight to the gate of the Ancient Court.

Jiang Yushu, the contemporary head of a prominent family in Qishan.

Although he is not the supreme ancestor of the current Qishan Jiang Clan who knocked on the gate of heaven, in this ancient Qishan Courtyard, with the help of the earth's veins, he can also grasp the spiritual energy and pretend to have half of the "supreme" level strength.

Just like the vassal kings conferred by the Great Xuan on various states and continents, it's almost the same!
This is the terrifying power of nine powerful clans, whose rule is hereditary and unbroken.

Each family can have a 'Mysterious Court' that bestows upon the earth's energy and blessings upon numerous vassal kings, making them comparable to the pinnacle of martial arts, serving as a shield for the dynasty to defend its territory and expand its borders.

"The Ancestral Court of the Sword, the Chief Walker, the Unfading Kingship?"

Ten days ago, the Jiang clan of Qishan, also located in the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region, received a message from the 'ancestral court of swordsmanship'.

As mentioned above, the "Wang Quan Wu Mu" (王权无暮), originating from the royal family, suddenly appeared, influencing celestial phenomena and becoming the chosen one of destiny.

Upon first hearing this name, Jiang Yushu was somewhat bewildered. Wasn't this the Dao Embryo that the Old Ancestor Wang Quan had been longing for and had personally nurtured to break through the 'Heavenly Gate'?
How did he become the Dao Child of the Ancestral Court of the Sword Dao in the blink of an eye, without making a sound?

The turn of events came too quickly, but Jiang Yushu soon calmed down and at the same time received a letter from the Wang Quan family.

As mentioned above, Wang Quan Wu Mu has severed ties with the Wang Quan family and broken off his marriage alliance with Jiang Shu, a woman from the Jiang family, unilaterally annulling the engagement.

According to the wishes of the Wangquan Ancestor, the cooperation between the two families will not be affected. Another member of the Wangquan clan will marry a woman from the Jiang clan to harmonize yin and yang, and the cooperation will be considered complete.

Jiang Yushu naturally had no objection to this.

The ancestor of the family received the treasure presented by Wang Quanzhenyue and intended to promote the Wang Quan family and increase the influence of the Qishan Jiang clan.

Furthermore, although the old man failed to break through the Heavenly Gate three times, he still managed to survive, which shows that his life-saving skills are truly remarkable.

Perhaps this time he can achieve his goal in one fell swoop and actually succeed.

If that's the case
It's just sacrificing a direct descendant who has awakened the ancestral bloodline, and not even from my own lineage. Even if she's precious, it's worth it to exchange for a peerless being who might be born.
This deal was naturally profitable.

But looking at Ji Xiu, who had come to the door and stepped down from the golden carriage, with his two disciples standing respectfully in front of him.

Beside him stood a burly old man of unfathomable depth, holding a titled divine sword to his chest.
Jiang Yushu frowned slightly:
"I didn't mean..."

"Has this young man already rejected the marriage proposal from Jiang Shu to his face?"

He found it strange that the story he had heard was different from what the Wang Quan family had told him. Could it be that the Wang Quan family was trying to deceive him?

Even so, Jiang Yushu's heart remained largely undisturbed.

In fact, at his level of attainment, very few things could cause him to change his mood.

He was valued by his ancestor and inherited the power of the family. He was given the authority to be the head of a large family. Moreover, on this Qishan Mountain, relying on the legacy of his ancestors, he was able to pretend to have 'peerless' strength and be second only to one person.

This is completely different from the Wang Quan family, whose power was absolute and who was supported by Wang Quan Zhenyue but whose influence was still weak.

In terms of martial arts cultivation alone, the difference between the two is like that between a peak master and a titled martial saint, and naturally their mindsets are also worlds apart.

So, with her thoughts racing, even though she had doubts in her heart, Jiang Yushu kept a straight face and smiled, flicking her sleeve:
"Wang Quan Daozi is truly a man who, when he speaks, astounds everyone. In the past, we thought that the younger generation of the Sword Court had declined in this vast land of white mountains and black waters, but we never expected that he would quietly produce such a great achievement!"

"The celestial phenomena have bowed their heads, indicating that you have received the destiny of the Blade Court and become the chosen one of Heaven. With such destiny, young friend, in another ten years you will be able to shoulder the great responsibility of the Great Mystery, enter the heavens to seek the qualification of the 'Peach Banquet,' and consume the immortal fruits—that will be more than enough!"

"Now that you are willing to form a marriage alliance with my Qishan Jiang clan, as the head of a prominent family, I am delighted to see this."

"Come with me."

After saying that, he nodded to Liang Laoyi, the "Knife Wall Giant and Old Knife Handle" who was the protector of Ji Xiu Dao Ren, showing respect to this old man who posed a subtle threat to him.

He strode into the Jiang family's ancient courtyard and headed straight for the upper residence, "Jade Palace," where he treated Ji Xiu as a distinguished guest.

This is also an unwritten rule of the "Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars".

As the saying goes, a beautiful sedan chair needs many people to carry it.

The Xuanli has been established for hundreds of years and is at the height of its power. It is not in the late Fanli and early Xuanli period, nor is it in the years when the Great Xuanli is about to collapse.

Therefore, among the nine surnames and ten pillars, although there was competition among the families, some were even sworn enemies.

However, as long as there is no direct conflict, people are still willing to give some face to such Taoist priests who come to their door and make a grand tour of the world.

For example, today, the Qishan Jiang clan treated the new Daoist of the Dao Court with great courtesy.

When the Ming Dynasty arrives, and the Jiang family selects a bloodline successor, he will naturally receive appropriate treatment when he visits the Dao Court.

It's like seeing that this kid's cultivation level is low, and wanting to teach him a lesson so as to establish authority by stepping on him. That's typical thinking of a low-level cultivator from humble origins. They can only take shortcuts and try to make a name for themselves, completely disregarding the consequences.

Not to mention that this Daoist from the Sword Court is surrounded by followers and must have all sorts of tricks up his sleeve. How difficult would it be to win against him?
Even if you win, the Sword Court is known for its protective nature. They might just pull off a case of a 'giant' turning against a 'big family' one day, which is impossible to guard against.

This kind of thing has happened before.

It is said that more than two hundred years ago, a promising swordsman from Jianshan in Jiangnan ascended to the throne. However, during a grand tour of Jiangnan, he stumbled and was defeated by an unknown orthodox disciple.

Before the very next day had passed, that exceptionally talented and promising prodigy, who had the potential to revive the dynasty, died unexpectedly.

Since then, the "Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars" originally did not have the role of protector, but after that incident, in order to prevent people from being unethical and seeking revenge without waiting overnight, this honor was temporarily added.

The fear is that the top talents selected through countless trials will be ruined by someone's schemes without their knowledge, and they won't even be able to protect their protective treasures!
Therefore, Jiang Yushu had no intention of offending Ji Xiu or suppressing the ancestral court of the sword path.

After all, Zhou Chongyang, the greatest man in the world, was in the prime of his life.
To be frank...

Even the Great Xuan government might not be unable to make the White Mountains and Black Waters hang with swords and weigh them up!
Moreover, the Qishan Jiang clan, which is not considered outstanding among the nine surnames and ten pillars, is even more so.
Although Jiang Shu was given to Wang Quanzhenyue as a marriage gift, judging by the time it has been, he should have already arrived at Daliangping in Wang Quanzhuang.

But this Dao Ting Dao Zi, Wang Quan Wu Mu, probably hadn't seen this woman many times, so there was likely no 'affection' between them. The reason for using this title...
According to Jiang Yushu's estimation, it must have been his senior brother who suggested that he should arrange a marriage with the Jiang family of Qishan to build momentum for them.

Jiang Yushu was naturally pleased with this outcome.

But this person should naturally be replaced.

Jiang Shu was not bad.

She was not born into the direct line, but was merely a member of a branch family who had awakened the ancestral bloodline.

Although he was of noble birth, he was still far inferior to Zhou Chongyang, the junior brother who ranked first in the sword path and was very likely to become the future pillar of the sword court.

These are young talents with a bright and promising future.
Naturally, one should send one's own direct descendants to win them over!
With this in mind, Jiang Yushu made a plan.

So he calmly instructed his attendants to prepare a grand banquet in the Jade Palace and the main hall, where precious materials were used to make delicacies on jade platters, and spirit meat and sesame fruits were cooked.
A dazzling array of dishes, vibrant colors, and swirling clouds; the plates were made of amber-white jade, and the tableware featured a flawless sky-blue cloud pattern, exuding an air of extravagance.

Ji Xiu remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was secretly astonished and quite shocked.

In the past, when he was in Jiangyin Prefecture, he felt that the private room in the "Zhenxiuxing" restaurant was quite good. The soup was fresh and delicious, and the taste was very satisfying.

But now when I look at it...
No wonder the hostess, Jiang, didn't touch her chopsticks for a long time!
It turns out that his ancestors had such a style two hundred years ago, let alone their descendants.

What a rich dog!

While secretly marveling at the situation, Ji Xiu glanced at the group of people that Jiang Yushu had specially invited, almost all of whom exuded an air of nobility.

The men were adorned with brocade and white jade, while the women were even more radiant and beautiful.

Ji Xiu looked left and right but still couldn't see Jiang Shu herself, so he frowned.

You should know that he came here specifically to see Jiang Shu.

If you give me a fine robe, I shall return the favor with brocade.

Previously, he had a dream where he was in a royal dream, and he had no contact with Jiang Shu. They were not related and he had no idea that she would become famous in the "White Mountains and Black Waters". So his attitude was indifferent.

However, Dong Canghai was saved by her powerful intervention and was given a gilded jade tablet engraved with "Qishan Jiang Clan" to protect himself, which severely injured the Corpse Puppet Sect Leader, and Xuanfu True Venerable Xuanxiao was hesitant to act rashly.
Each and every one of these acts of kindness is a favor, in addition to her future achievements.
Ji Xiu has always believed in repaying kindness. Now that he has the banner of the Blade Court, he can't help those who have guided and protected his destiny, such as Jiang Li and Jiang Shu. However, as Wang Quan Wu Mu, he can help them.
But it was helpful!

At this moment, Jiang Yushu pointed to a beautiful woman beside her and introduced her to Ji Xiu with a smile from the head of the table:
"Daozi, this is my daughter, Jiang Lingyi. She is about your age and has also awakened the Crimson Dragon Blood. She is a martial arts material with the potential of a Human Immortal."

What do you think of her?

Having been specially dispatched by Jiang Yushu and having received advance notice, Jiang Lingyi's fair face flushed slightly as she looked at Ji Xiu and softly parted her lips:
"Taozi."

But he hadn't finished speaking.

But then they saw a strikingly handsome young man, with eyebrows like those of a knife, and an air of imposing presence, standing out from the crowd.

He had already lightly adjusted his Taoist robes, stood up with an indifferent gaze, looked around, then looked only upwards, speaking frankly:

"Clan leader, where is Miss Jiang?"

Ji Xiu's gaze did not fall on Jiang Lingyi.

But the meaning behind his tone was self-evident.

Jiang Lingyi's face instantly turned furious, her teeth clenched. If it weren't for her father being still alive, she probably would have already turned on him!
As the youngest daughter of the current Jiang clan leader, Jiang Lingyi was incredibly precious. If she hadn't heard that Ji Xiu was the 'Daoist of the Blade Court,' she wouldn't have bothered coming here!
As a result, this boy showed no respect for him, even ignoring him completely, and went to find another woman from the Jiang clan who had awakened her ancestral bloodline.
How could she accept this so easily?

Those present were all intelligent people, and they naturally understood the hidden meaning in Ji Xiu's words. For a moment, the young members of the Jiang family all looked at Ji Xiu with slightly unfriendly eyes.

In Qishan, on Jiang's turf, there was such disrespect for elders.
Not to mention that you, Daozi, are probably the weakest Daozi in history, and you haven't even become a Martial Saint yet!

To be honest, although the Jiang family of Qishan is afraid of Zhou Chongyang, if they corner you in this courtyard and beat you up, even if they are the best in the world, they can't save face for you!
Only Elder Liang, who was protecting Ji Xiu, remained seated at the table, knife in hand, seemingly unconcerned. He devoured his food with chopsticks like a whirlwind, occasionally calling out to the trembling, sweating Ye Nankai and Li Wangji.

"What are you two sitting there for? We didn't call you, so just eat!"

"These are all spiritual foods from the Qishan Jiang Clan. Some of the ingredients are extremely rare and can only be obtained by honored guests. Moreover, they taste exceptionally good and are very beneficial to your cultivation."

"Hurry up and eat a few more bites, or there won't be any left."

Upon hearing this, the two looked at each other and gave a wry smile.

This old master is highly skilled and daring, and he really goes all out.

But this atmosphere
The two of them paused, clearly not daring to act recklessly!

Jiang Yushu, sitting at the head of the table, showed a brief moment of embarrassment, but it vanished in an instant. He raised his jade cup and stood up.

"Wang Quan Daozi is indeed a man of true character."

"So, I, the Jiang family, will just speak frankly."

"I don't know."

"Could the marriage prospectus between Daoting and my Qishan be changed to someone else?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiu recalled the messy affairs of the Wang Quan family. Even though Jiang Yushu had not explicitly stated it, he could guess most of it.

Since he succeeded the Daozi, he has learned many secrets.

He also found it strange that his "innate Dao body" had been cultivated by the Wang family to the point of nearing the end of his lifespan. So he asked his senior brother Zhou Chongyang and the Dao protector Elder Liang about it.

Their responses were also intriguing, with one saying that it might concern the ultimate opportunity for the king to control the mountain.

In response, Ji Xiu, who was never one to assume the worst of others, simply felt...
Perhaps my existence in this life, including that marriage alliance and the more than ten years I lived in the Wangquan family, was all just a scheme by the ancestor 'Wangquan Zhenyue'!

A grand scheme to break through his Heavenly Gate and reach the pinnacle!

However, by chance, he met Zhou Chongyang and gained his favor, truly like a chosen one of destiny, and escaped from this cage.

But if the Qishan Jiang clan receives benefits from the Wang Quan family, then Jiang Shu, who has not yet risen to prominence...
Naturally, no one can escape such a vortex.

Based on just a few interconnected connections, he guessed that Ji Xiu was almost certainly the one in question, and the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed!
Upon hearing Jiang Yushu's words, he looked at Jiang Lingyi, who had finally calmed down and was now raising her white head as he looked at him.
Ji Xiu immediately smiled:
"A marriage is a preordained union, bound by the red thread of fate. Although it was previously based on an agreement between the two families and the words of a matchmaker, the contract has already been signed. Unless Jiang Shu and I step in to tear it up, otherwise..."

"Nature is immutable."

Seeing Ji Xiu's expression, Jiang Yushu knew that he had roughly guessed the gist of it. While admiring the boy's intelligence, she put on a stern face and spoke frankly:
“But Jiang Shu has already been sent to Daliangping in Wangquan Village by my Qishan Jiang Clan in accordance with the agreement. According to the wishes of the ancestors of both families, they will marry each other. Since you have already left Wangquan, there will naturally be someone else to take your place.”

"Young friend, I remember you, Yu Daoting, once rejected Jiang Shu of the Jiang family to his face, didn't you?"

"Why are you now clinging to this and unwilling to replace him?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiu remained calm and composed, his face neither flushed nor his heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said:
"Times have changed. Back then, I had just entered the Sword Court and my foundation was unstable. I was only focused on the martial arts and had no interest in day or night."

I don't care about others.

"No matter what, I don't want to see the woman who was nominally married to me and traveled thousands of miles to the Great Snowy Mountain to find me fall into the Wangquan family's 'sinkhole' for no reason!"

“Clan leader, since that’s the case, the throne is still in its prime. There are still important matters to attend to.”

"I'll take my leave now!"

"Wait a minute!" (End of Chapter)