Chapter 152: An Unwelcome Guest!

Damian nodded quietly as Mu Jianhong finished speaking, his expression carrying a measure of respect for the older cultivator.

Although the man’s concerns had initially threatened to complicate his marriage plans, Damian couldn’t fault a father for wanting to protect his daughter’s happiness.

The Evergreen Sect Master sighed once more before leaning back in his chair, his gaze lingering upon the ten Demon Beast Cores arranged before him.

However, despite their tremendous value, he made no attempt to collect them.

"Since that is the case, then it is no longer feasible for me to stand in the way of you two. Fellow Daoist Damian, I entrust my daughter to you, and I hope you’ll remember the words we’ve exchanged today," Mu Jianhong declared with a gentle smile.

"Father..." Mu Qingyao whispered, her eyes glistening as she struggled to contain her emotions.

For years, her greatest wish had been to see her father healthy and free from the affliction that had nearly claimed his life.

Now, not only had that wish been fulfilled, but the very man responsible for his recovery was asking to marry her, with her father’s wholehearted blessing!

The sudden convergence of so many wonderful developments left the usually composed beauty feeling thoroughly overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, Du Wenyan watched the exchange with a rather peculiar expression.

The effeminate Sect Master appeared genuinely moved by Mu Jianhong’s paternal affection, although another, considerably deeper light briefly flashed through his painted eyes.

It disappeared almost immediately, escaping the notice of nearly everyone present... except two people.

Damian’s sharpened perception caught the subtle change, and he noticed that Mu Jianhong had also glanced toward his fellow Sect Master at precisely the same moment.

Neither man acknowledged the observation, although Damian couldn’t help wondering what thoughts were circulating behind Du Wenyan’s extravagant appearance.

Interesting fellow. I wonder what he’s thinking about?

Nevertheless, Damian had more important matters to settle, and he saw little reason to derail the occasion over a momentary expression.

"Then I believe we’ve reached an understanding, Sect Master Mu. I appreciate your trust, and while I won’t pretend that everything will always be perfect, I can promise that Qingyao’s happiness will never become an afterthought," Damian responded sincerely, inclining his head toward the older man.

Mu Jianhong’s smile deepened appreciatively, apparently satisfied with the young man’s response.

Du Wenyan also recovered his usual amiable demeanor, gracefully snapping his fan open as the discussion turned toward the formal arrangements.

Naturally, a marriage involving the daughters of two influential cultivation families couldn’t simply be concluded through an enthusiastic proposal and a collection of valuable treasures.

Even cultivators possessed traditions!

The established customs involved formal betrothal agreements, the recognition of both families, an exchange of appropriate gifts and the selection of an auspicious date for the wedding ceremony.

More elaborate arrangements could involve ancestral rites, compatibility divinations and ceremonial processions, although the precise requirements varied considerably between cultivation organizations.

Fortunately, nobody particularly wanted to spend the next several months arguing over trivial formalities while a war remained unfinished.

"Since Fellow Daoist Damian has already made his intentions clear, we can simplify the arrangements considerably," Du Wenyan suggested, looking toward Mu Jianhong with an agreeable smile.

"The formal betrothal letters can be prepared by our respective sects, with the bride price registered and received once the agreements are completed. After the war, we can select an auspicious date and arrange the proper ceremonies."

Mu Jianhong nodded in agreement, evidently finding little reason to complicate a proposal he had already accepted in principle.

However, Damian raised a hand before the discussion could progress any further.

"There’s one condition I want to make absolutely clear. Qingyao and Xueyi must agree to the marriage themselves, without anyone treating these cores as a reason they can’t refuse," Damian stated firmly, his gaze moving between the two women.

"I’ve already told them that their families’ circumstances won’t determine their choices, and I’m not changing that position now."

The statement attracted several approving glances, particularly from Lan Ruyue, who remembered their previous conversations rather clearly.

Mu Jianhong regarded his daughter with a gentle expression, while Du Wenyan turned toward Shen Xueyi with unmistakable curiosity.

"Qingyao, you’ve heard Fellow Daoist Damian’s proposal and my concerns. Do you willingly accept this marriage?" Mu Jianhong asked, his voice carrying none of the authority he ordinarily employed when addressing Evergreen Sect affairs.

Mu Qingyao looked toward Damian, her beautiful cheeks still flushed from the extraordinary proceedings.

After everything that had happened, there was no longer any reason to conceal her feelings behind political considerations or carefully arranged negotiations.

"I accept, Father. I want to marry Damian because I love him, and that’s my decision regardless of what treasures he offers," Mu Qingyao answered softly but firmly, meeting her father’s gaze without hesitation.

Mu Jianhong nodded, a smile of profound relief appearing upon his face.

Du Wenyan then turned toward the Azure Water beauty, his fan resting lightly against his palm.

"And what about you, little Xueyi? Your mother has already explained your circumstances, but I would rather hear the answer directly from you," Du Wenyan inquired with unusual gentleness.

Shen Xueyi remained silent for a brief moment, her cool eyes settling upon Damian.

Their relationship had developed under considerably different circumstances from his connection with Qingyao, and she knew better than anyone how much practical consideration had influenced her original proposal.

However, Damian had already helped restore her mother’s cultivation without demanding any romantic commitment in return.

Furthermore, his arrival that afternoon had demonstrated something she hadn’t entirely expected.

He genuinely wanted her!

"I accept. My decision is my own, and I have no intention of withdrawing my previous agreement to marry Fellow Daoist Damian," Shen Xueyi declared calmly, although the faint blush appearing above her veil betrayed her emotions.

Damian couldn’t help smiling, especially when he noticed how determined the beautiful cultivator appeared to maintain her composure.

With the women’s consent established, the remaining arrangements were surprisingly straightforward.

Both sects would prepare written betrothal agreements identifying the families, the intended unions and the bride price, while their ceremonial departments would handle the customary formalities.

The twenty Demon Beast Cores would be formally entered into the respective sect treasuries upon registration, ten for each organization, and the wedding celebrations would be arranged after the Nightmare Corpse Sect conflict had been resolved.

Rather than staging two competing ceremonies, the families tentatively agreed upon a joint celebration, with appropriate ancestral acknowledgments performed for each bride.

An auspicious wedding date would be selected once the campaign concluded and the participants could safely assemble.

And with that, the matter was essentially settled!

Damian now had two formally acknowledged brides-to-be in Shengyuan, although the actual marriages would only take place after the proper ceremonies.

Well, that went rather nicely!

Of course, he still had to introduce Qingyao and Xueyi to the Four Valkyries, which promised to be an entirely different kind of adventure.

Damian decided that he would worry about managing the inevitable complications when the time came.

For now, there was still a war to finish.

............

With the marriage arrangements concluded, the discussion finally returned to the Nightmare Corpse Sect.

Mu Jianhong ordered the senior Deacons to present the latest operational reports, while Du Wenyan explained the strategy adopted by their combined forces.

Rather than launching an immediate assault upon the enemy’s remaining strongholds, the allied leadership intended to maintain its current advantage through a sustained campaign of pressure and attrition.

The objective was straightforward.

Their forces would continue occupying strategically important locations, cutting enemy supply routes and destroying isolated detachments whenever favorable opportunities arose.

Meanwhile, the Foundation Establishment experts would maintain sufficient reserves to respond to any desperate counterattack, gradually depriving the Nightmare Corpse Sect of the resources necessary to continue fighting.

In other words, they intended to grind their enemies down until there was practically nothing left to resist!

Damian listened carefully, although he couldn’t deny feeling a little disappointed.

Seriously? That’s it?

After returning to Shengyuan with his considerably improved cultivation and an entire collection of powerful Valorian abilities, he had secretly been looking forward to something a little more dramatic.

Perhaps an enormous battle involving the combined armies of both sects, culminating in his glorious arrival above the battlefield before dropping a Level 5 upcast Grandmaster Fireball directly upon Xie Man’s unsuspecting head!

Now that would have been an entertaining conclusion!

Unfortunately, the actual strategy was considerably more sensible.

The Nightmare Corpse Sect had already suffered catastrophic losses, and its remaining leadership was undoubtedly aware that conventional warfare could no longer produce a favorable result.

Launching an all-out assault against a desperate demonic organization was practically begging to discover whatever forbidden techniques, Corpse Puppets or concealed formations its leaders had prepared for their final defense.

Only a fool would willingly abandon an overwhelming strategic advantage merely because a decisive battle sounded more exciting.

Damian, despite his occasional enthusiasm for spectacular violence, was no fool.

"Your strategy makes sense. There’s no reason to give the enemy an opportunity to drag us into a costly final battle when we can steadily destroy their remaining strength under favorable conditions," Damian acknowledged, examining the operational arrangements.

"I’ll support the campaign with medicines, equipment and whatever other resources I can provide, although I’d appreciate being informed if something particularly dangerous requires my personal attention."

Mu Jianhong and Du Wenyan both agreed readily, pleased that their newest ally had no intention of disrupting the operational plan.

Several additional matters were discussed, including the security of the newly established forward camp and the importance of maintaining reserve supplies.

Once the outstanding reports had been reviewed and responsibilities assigned, the senior Deacons were dismissed to resume their respective duties.

The formal meeting had finally concluded.

Unfortunately for Damian, the two Sect Masters appeared to have absolutely no intention of allowing him to leave immediately!

.....................

What followed was a considerably more relaxed gathering involving Mu Jianhong, Du Wenyan, Lan Ruyue and several trusted attendants.

The conversation initially concerned the ongoing campaign, but gradually shifted toward cultivation, commercial matters and Damian’s extraordinary foreign resources.

Mu Jianhong was noticeably more enthusiastic than before, having apparently abandoned whatever lingering reservations had previously complicated his interactions with the young man.

Du Wenyan, meanwhile, proved to be a surprisingly entertaining conversationalist.

Despite his extravagant appearance and occasionally peculiar mannerisms, the Azure Water Sect Master possessed considerable knowledge and a sharp commercial instinct.

Damian found himself enjoying their discussions, especially when the fellow began asking increasingly pointed questions about the products available through his trading operations.

Naturally, Damian was perfectly happy to indulge that curiosity.

After all, he hadn’t returned from Valoria empty-handed!

"Since we’re discussing supplies, I actually brought another shipment with me. There’s enchanted equipment, specialized materials, medicines and several other things that might interest your respective treasuries," Damian revealed, producing representative samples from his Exchange Storage.

The reaction was immediate.

Mu Jianhong practically forgot about his tea, while Du Wenyan examined the displayed merchandise with the intensity of a man who had just discovered an entirely new treasure vault.

Even Lan Ruyue became considerably more attentive when she recognized several medicinal products whose previous applications had already transformed the allied war effort.

Before long, the conversation became a full-fledged commercial negotiation.

Unfortunately, there was one unavoidable problem.

Neither sect possessed the liquid resources necessary to purchase Damian’s entire available stock in bulk, especially after the considerable expenses incurred during the war.

Although both organizations maintained substantial treasuries and numerous valuable assets, immediately converting those holdings into sufficient value would be an entirely different matter.

Damian understood the difficulty perfectly.

"Relax, gentlemen, I’m not expecting either sect to empty its treasury just because I’ve arrived with a few interesting products. We can arrange credit for the approved purchases and divide repayment into installments, with your treasuries settling the balances as resources become available," Damian proposed, tapping the edge of the table thoughtfully.

The two Sect Masters were naturally delighted by the arrangement, although Damian made certain that the relevant Deacons would prepare proper accounts recording the delivered goods, agreed valuations and outstanding obligations.

He wasn’t interested in conducting business on the assumption that everyone would remain friendly forever.

Nevertheless, providing manageable credit to established organizations with considerable assets and trustworthy leadership was a perfectly reasonable commercial strategy.

The arrangement also inspired another interesting thought.

A financial agency in Shengyuan, huh?

With his access to goods possessing extraordinary value across both worlds, Damian could potentially offer financing, trade credit and other commercial services to cultivation organizations that struggled with immediate liquidity.

It was an intriguing possibility, especially since sects often possessed valuable resources that weren’t easily converted into currency.

However, establishing such an institution would require considerably more than simply distributing Spirit Stones and hoping everyone repaid their debts.

Damian would need personnel, reliable accounting systems, legal arrangements and, most importantly, enough strength to enforce repayment against cultivators who decided their debts were optional.

He had no particular desire to become another Elias Rosenfeld, nor was he foolish enough to establish a lending operation that relied entirely upon the goodwill of people capable of destroying entire buildings with their bare hands.

’One thing at a time. I’ve already got enough businesses demanding my attention without becoming Shengyuan’s first enthusiastic debt collector!’ Damian thought to himself with a chuckle.

He mentally shelved the idea for future consideration.

By then, the atmosphere had become sufficiently celebratory that Du Wenyan produced several jars of excellent Spirit Wine, insisting that such a favorable occasion deserved proper appreciation.

Mu Jianhong readily agreed, and before Damian could politely escape, the three men were already raising their cups in celebration of their newly strengthened relationship.

The wine was surprisingly excellent, possessing a rich fragrance and a pleasant warmth that spread throughout Damian’s body after each sip.

Although its Spiritual Energy was hardly sufficient to produce any meaningful cultivation advancement, the beverage was enjoyable enough that Damian accepted several additional cups.

His hosts proved remarkably enthusiastic, especially after the earlier commercial arrangements left both sects with access to valuable resources they could never have purchased outright.

By the time the gathering finally concluded, evening had already descended upon the forward camp.

"Fellow Daoist Damian, we’ll continue our discussions tomorrow. For tonight, please enjoy your rest, and remember that you’re always welcome to visit this old man whenever you please," Mu Jianhong declared warmly, personally seeing the young man off.

Damian returned the farewell with a smile, feeling rather satisfied with how productive the afternoon had become.

He had secured two marriage engagements, strengthened his commercial relationships, confirmed the allied campaign’s strategic direction and enjoyed several cups of excellent wine.

Not bad for his first day back in Shengyuan!

.....................

Damian had been assigned an elite residence near the command center, complete with a private courtyard, cultivation facilities and sufficient space to accommodate his personal attendants.

Jian Rui and the other disciples had already been informed of their Master’s accommodations, so Damian saw little reason to summon them merely to announce that he intended to retire for the evening.

Instead, he entered the residence alone, looking forward to some well-earned relaxation after the day’s unexpectedly eventful proceedings.

However, upon opening the door to his private chambers, he discovered that he already had visitors.

Mu Qingyao and Shen Xueyi!

The two beautiful cultivators were seated together near a low table, speaking softly over a pot of fragrant tea.

Their conversation stopped the moment Damian entered, and both women turned toward him with expressions that immediately brightened upon recognizing their newly betrothed partner.

Damian’s face broke into an enormous smile.

"Well, well! Would you look at this wonderful reception? Here I was thinking I’d have to come looking for my beautiful brides, but apparently they’ve already decided to welcome their hardworking future husband home!" Damian exclaimed cheerfully, spreading his arms as he approached them.

Mu Qingyao rose with an affectionate smile, while Shen Xueyi followed a moment later, her graceful composure concealing considerably less anticipation than usual.

Damian wasted little time drawing both women into his arms, embracing them enthusiastically as he enjoyed the unfamiliar but thoroughly pleasant sensation of holding them together.

Unfortunately, Qingyao immediately wrinkled her nose.

"Damian! You’ve been drinking Spirit Wine, haven’t you? Good heavens, you smell like you’ve spent the entire evening celebrating with the Sect Masters!" Mu Qingyao complained, although she made no attempt to escape his embrace.

Damian chuckled, finding her reaction thoroughly entertaining.

"Only a few cups, darling. Those two were remarkably enthusiastic about celebrating our arrangements, and I couldn’t exactly insult my future relatives by refusing their hospitality," Damian replied with an innocent expression.

Nevertheless, he quickly circulated his Refined Qi, guiding the residual alcohol through his body before expelling it from his system.

His powerful Constitution and refined energy made the process comparatively straightforward, and the lingering warmth of the wine soon disappeared along with the faint smell that had offended Qingyao.

"There, all better! Now, where were we?" Damian asked mischievously, regarding the two women with renewed interest.

Mu Qingyao rolled her eyes at his obvious intentions, although the faint blush appearing upon her cheeks betrayed that she wasn’t entirely opposed to some private affection.

Shen Xueyi likewise lowered her gaze, her usually cool demeanor becoming noticeably softer beneath the intimate atmosphere.

Damian was already considering which beauty to kiss first when his perception caught something unusual.

Another presence!

He paused, his gaze shifting past the two women toward the opposite side of the chamber.

There, seated silently in a chair near the wall, was a familiar woman whose appearance immediately extinguished every trace of warmth from his expression.

Ning Ruomei!

The captured demonic cultivator sat with her hands resting calmly upon her lap, her half-lidded eyes observing the three of them with an expression of profound indifference.

There was neither embarrassment nor curiosity in her cold gaze, almost as though watching Damian embrace two beautiful women was no more interesting than observing a particularly dull conversation.

For a moment, Damian simply stared at her.

Then his smile vanished completely, replaced by a deep scowl as his expression hardened with unmistakable disgust.

"What is she doing here?" Damian demanded coldly.