The grand halls of the Bai Estate stood as a beacon of power and influence, its towering pillars adorned with golden dragons and crimson phoenixes, symbolizing the union that was about to take place.
The engagement of Bai Zihan and Chu Ziyan had become the most talked-about event in White Cloud City, drawing the attention of the entire Desolate Heaven Empire.
At one of the most crowded teahouses in White Cloud City, merchants, scholars, and commoners alike gathered, their voices blending into a chaotic hum of excitement and disbelief.
“Did you hear? The Bai Clan is holding the grandest engagement ceremony in decades!”
A teahouse owner leaned over the counter, speaking in a hushed but excited voice.
“Of course, who hasn’t heard?”
A customer scoffed.
“But what I can’t understand is why Lady Chu Ziyan, a once-in-a-generation genius, is marrying Bai Zihan of all people.”
“Aiya, you’re looking at it the wrong way!”
An older man stroked his beard and shook his head.
“It’s not about love—it’s about power! The Bai and Chu Clans together would be unstoppable. Who cares if Bai Zihan is a waste? His family background alone makes it worth it.”
“Tch! This is ridiculous! A guy like Bai Zihan doesn’t deserve someone like Chu Ziyan!”
Another customer sneered. It was clear that many were dissatisfied that someone like Chu Ziyan was getting engaged to Bai Zihan.
In a way, it was similar to the engagement between Bai Xueqing and her ex-fiancé.
But this time, Bai Zihan had someone with extremely powerful backing, unlike Bai Xueqing’s ex-fiancé.
“Hmph! Even a phoenix like Lady Chu Ziyan has fallen into Bai Zihan’s hands. If not for his background, how could someone like him marry her?”
“Even I am more worthy than that trash. Lady Chu is going to suffer at his hands.”
“Alas! It seems that even a genius like Chu Ziyan couldn’t escape her fate!”
…
People knew that the engagement between the two wasn’t because of mutual love.
In fact, they doubted that there was a single woman in the empire who could love Bai Zihan, given his reputation.
They all believed it was purely an alliance between the two clans, with Chu Ziyan as the sacrifice.
If Bai Zihan knew what they were saying, he would likely cough up blood.
Not only had he been forced into this engagement, but now people thought Chu Ziyan was the one being forced to marry him.
Regardless, both mortals and cultivators shared the same sentiment: Chu Ziyan was pitiful to be engaged to the infamous Bai Zihan.
The Bai Clan, however, had gone to great lengths to ensure the event reflected their standing in the empire.
They wanted the world to know that the Bai and Chu Clans were uniting through marriage—a stark warning to their enemies that provoking one clan meant provoking the other.
Golden lanterns lined the roads, red silk banners fluttered in the wind, and an immense spiritual array enveloped the estate, casting a divine radiance that showcased their prestige.
Inside the Bai Estate’s grand hall, lavish tables overflowed with exotic delicacies, the finest wines, and fragrant teas.
Yet, more than the extravagant setting, it was the presence of powerful figures that made this engagement a political spectacle rather than a mere celebration.
This was no simple engagement—it was an event that could shift the balance of power in the empire.
Among the distinguished guests were the heads of rival clans, powerful sects, and even a representative of the Imperial Family.
The Bai Clan, one of the Three Great Clans of the empire, had long been a dominant force.
Despite whispers of their decline, their foundation remained solid. And with the emergence of a genius like Bai Xueqing, their future seemed secure once more.
Bai Zihan’s father, Bai Tianheng, presided over the event, his gaze sharp as he observed the gathered nobles.
By his side stood Bai Xueqing. Her mere presence was enough to capture the attention of many men in the hall.
With Bai Xueqing having broken off her engagement, it was now the perfect opportunity for them to try to win her favor—not only a peerless beauty of the Bai Clan but a once-in-a-thousand-years genius.
On the opposite side of the hall sat the Chu Clan, their demeanor calm but authoritative.
Chu Xing, the Chu Clan Patriarch, exuded an aura of quiet intimidation, his strict and calculating nature evident in every movement.
Beside him sat Madam Lan, Chu Ziyan’s mother, who, despite her age, still possessed a striking and graceful beauty.
The two of them were the most worried about their daughter, who had taken matters into her own hands by deciding to marry the infamous Bai Zihan.
Now that the engagement was finally being announced to the world, they couldn’t help but scrutinize their future son-in-law.
Bai Zihan sat lazily in his seat at the center of the hall, draped in an opulent robe embroidered with golden dragons.
His features were undeniably handsome—sharp, well-defined, and exuding the natural elegance of nobility.
Yet, despite his striking appearance, no one in the hall looked at him with admiration.
If anything, their gazes were filled with a mix of contempt and disgust.
Bai Zihan had always been an enigma within the Bai Clan.
Heir to one of the most powerful clans in the empire, blessed with wealth and privilege beyond measure—yet, when it came to cultivation, he was an utter disgrace.
Compared to his sister Bai Xueqing, a once-in-a-thousand-years genius, Bai Zihan was nothing short of a joke.
His cultivation was embarrassingly low for someone of his lineage, barely reaching a level that would be considered passable even among minor noble families.
Had it only been his weak cultivation, perhaps he would have been pitied. But Bai Zihan had ensured that he was despised across the empire.
A notorious troublemaker, he had spent his years bullying weaker cultivators, harassing women, and stirring up conflict wherever he went.
He had no respect for elders, disregarded clan traditions, and acted as if the world revolved around him.
There were countless rumors of him abusing his authority, using his father’s name to get his way, and suppressing those who offended him.
Though he had been surprisingly quiet today, those who knew him doubted he had changed.
A leopard never changes its spots, after all.
Meanwhile, Chu Ziyan, the star of the engagement, sat with a poised elegance.
Dressed in a flowing purple gown embroidered with silver phoenixes, she exuded both grace and an untouchable coldness, her expression unreadable.
She was constantly approached—by both men and women—offering words of encouragement, all with looks of pity.
Chu Ziyan could only shake her head.
She knew they were misunderstanding the situation.
But given Bai Zihan’s reputation, she understood why they pitied her.
They all think that she is walking into the tiger’s den, doomed to a life of suffering.