Nie Fengzhuo was dumbfounded by what was happening.
He had even shown off a bit of his strength so that Bai Zihan would accept his challenge.
He was fairly certain that Bai Zihan had come either to observe him on behalf of Bai Xueqing—or perhaps to deal with him directly.
In fact, he was sure that if he had challenged Bai Zihan, the latter would have accepted it without hesitation, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to eliminate him or guage his strength.
But what did he get in return? A marriage invitation?
It was both insulting and absurd—especially considering the pain and humiliation he had endured after the engagement was broken.
“Bai Zihan, are you serious?”
Nie Fengzhuo asked, frowning.
“Of course I am.”
Bai Zihan replied calmly.
He knew full well how absurd his suggestion sounded. But what choice did he have?
An Immortal Emperor-level ally was not something he could afford to miss out on.
And although it was bizarre to think that Nie Fengzhuo would ever agree to such a deal—given that Bai Xueqing had broken off the engagement and left the Nie Clan humiliated—it wasn’t impossible.
No matter how much hatred Nie Fengzhuo might harbor toward the Bai Clan, as long as the benefits outweighed the past grievances, there was still a chance.
After all, the past is the past—and for the sake of a better future, some things had to be let go.
“Hahaha… Bai Zihan, you really are as shameless as the rumors say.”
Nie Fengzhuo laughed coldly, dropping all pretense of civility and directly insulting him.
“There’s no way I’ll accept such nonsense. And you know why!”
Nie Fengzhuo asked, glaring at Bai Zihan.
“Nie Fengzhuo, I didn’t expect you to be such a hypocrite.”
Bai Zihan replied, his expression still composed.
“Yes, my sister broke off the engagement, and yes, your clan was humiliated—but don’t you think you’re avoiding your own responsibility?”
“What do you mean by that?”
Nie Fengzhuo’s frown deepened.
Indeed, he had never truly reflected on his part in everything. He had always blamed Bai Xueqing for the downfall of his clan—believing that had she not annulled the engagement, his clan wouldn’t have been targeted.
But of course, that wasn’t the entire truth.
“First of all, breaking off an engagement arranged by ancestors isn’t rare nowadays. What, did you really expect my sister to marry someone she didn’t love? Would you be able to accept that? Maybe—but only because it would benefit your clan.”
Bai Zihan continued, voice calm yet cutting.
“And don’t forget—our Bai Clan never mistreated the Nie Clan. We helped your family many times due to our old relationship.”
Nie Fengzhuo fell silent. There wasn’t a single lie in what Bai Zihan had said.
Though their clans were no longer as close due to the difference in status, the Bai Clan had helped them multiple times—starting from when the Nie Clan moved to Cloudrance City.
That relationship had boosted the Nie Clan’s standing. Other clans had favored and even protected them simply because of their connection to the Bai Clan.
Rival clans had been hesitant to act, fearing the Bai Clan’s involvement.
They had honored the ancestral promise, too.
But then Bai Xueqing annulled the engagement, enraging Bai Tianheng so much that he had to publicly scold her.
Then there was Nie Fengzhuo’s bold declaration that severed all ties between the two clans.
So in reality, the subsequent attacks on the Nie Clan weren’t entirely the Bai Clan’s fault. One could argue that Nie Fengzhuo was one of the reasons why it happened.
And just because the annulment led to hardship didn’t mean the Nie Clan could forget everything the Bai Clan had done for them.
Of course, to Nie Fengzhuo, none of that mattered—or perhaps he didn’t know, or simply chose not to know. His resentment toward Bai Xueqing had blinded him.
“Of course, my sister chose the wrong time and method to break off the engagement. She should’ve handled it better. Well… she’s not the brightest mind.”
Bai Zihan added, and the crowd didn’t miss the jab he threw at his own sister.
“But let’s be honest—did you really think she would marry you at that time?”
That question hit hard.
Nie Fengzhuo hadn’t expected it. There had been no love, and deep down, he had known that he wasn’t suitable for Bai Xueqing.
Even he were constantly rejecting that when learned about his prior engagement with a girl he has never even seen.
“You may not have been worthy two years ago—but you definitely are now.”
Bai Zihan said.
Nie Fengzhuo took a deep breath.
At first, he had thought Bai Zihan was mocking him—but after hearing everything, he realized that Bai Zihan was being serious.
Not that it changed his answer.
“So, how about it? Our Bai Clan has some of the most beautiful women in the Desolate Heaven Empire. You can even choose more than one.”
Bai Zihan offered, half-joking, half-serious.
“No need!”
Nie Fengzhuo refused without hesitation.
“Think again. I promise that I would spare no effort in supporting your Nie Clan and even give high-quality pills!”
Bai Zihan said, trying to tell the benefit that he can offer.
“No matter what, my answer wouldn’t change!”
Nie Fengzhuo answered.
“Pity! But my offer still stands.”
Bai Zihan said.
(It didn’t work out.)
Well, not like there was a high chance of success anyway.
Still, there was no need to rush. He had plenty of time to try again.
And if all else failed—then Nie Fengzhuo couldn’t blame him. After all, Bai Zihan had given him a chance.
Just as Bai Zihan was about to walk away, Nie Fengzhuo stopped him.
“Wait! I agree I made some rash conclusions. Still, I want to challenge you. Do you accept it?”
Nie Fengzhuo asked.
Bai Zihan looked at him with disinterest.
As someone who only did things when there was something to gain, why would he bother?
“Forget it! I don’t have the mood for anything after your rejection of my offer.”
Bai Zihan said, implying that he might have changed his mind—if Nie Fengzhuo had accepted the proposal.
Or maybe, like many times in the novel, they could’ve made a wager with protagonist declaring If you win, I’ll do as you ask.
But that was just wishful thinking.
Nie Fengzhuo simply took it as a refusal.
“In that case, I won’t force you. We can fight during the Dragon and Phoenix Competition. I’ll show you my power then.”
Nie Fengzhuo assumed Bai Zihan would be participating—just like everyone else.
After all, Bai Zihan was the favorite to win, so it was natural to believe he’d compete.
But Bai Zihan’s next words stunned everyone.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I won’t be participating in the Dragon and Phoenix Competition.”
He announced casually.
Nie Fengzhuo blinked twice before fully registering what had just been said.
“What?!”
“Young Master Bai won’t be competing in the Dragon and Phoenix Competition?”
“Why not? He has the highest chance of winning! Even if he’s the Bai Clan heir, the rewards this time are incredibly generous—not to mention the prestige and fame!”
…
The crowd couldn’t understand it.
If they were in Bai Zihan’s place, they would’ve jumped at the opportunity.
Fame, fortune, top-tier rewards!
Who wouldn’t want that?
“Are you kidding me?”
“No!”
“Why?”
Nie Fengzhuo asked sincerely.
He truly didn’t get it. This was a golden opportunity to show the entire Empire that the Bai Clan was second to none—both now and in the future.
He himself was participating—not just for personal revenge—but also to bring honor and recognition to his clan.
It was even rumored that the winner would receive a 7th-grade pill.
Who wouldn’t desire such a prize?
“Why? There’s no reason. I just don’t find it interesting,” Bai Zihan said flatly. “Anyway, I’m done here.”
He turned and walked off, Kong Zhanghong silently following behind then followed by the guards.
Nie Fengzhuo stood frozen, dumbfounded.
In his entire life, he had never met anyone as unpredictable as Bai Zihan—someone who acted entirely at his own pace.
The onlookers were left disappointed as Bai Zihan walked away.
They had been hoping—no, expecting—a once-in-a-lifetime clash, only to be met with bitter disappointment.
(Phew! Fengzhuo, you really dodged a bullet there. Good thing Bai Zihan didn’t seem interested in you—otherwise…)
Du Changsheng muttered.
He was genuinely relieved. The more he observed Bai Zihan, the more certain he became—this youth was simply too dangerous.
Fortunately, Bai Zihan had dismissed his disciple’s reckless challenge without much thought.
Had he accepted, Du Changsheng feared that Bai Zihan might’ve left an irreparable scar on Nie Fengzhuo’s Dao Heart.
Such damage could easily hamper his cultivation and might even give birth to a Heart Demon.
Afterward, Du Changsheng gave Nie Fengzhuo a stern lecture for ignoring his repeated warnings.
Nie Fengzhuo apologized sincerely, and in the end, Du Changsheng chose to let it go.
There was no point in dwelling on something that had already passed.
“Be wary of Bai Zihan!”
He could only sternly warn Nie Fengzhuo, so that he doesn’t make the same mistake again. In the future