Chapter 20: A Fortune Beyond Imagination

After the two young women finished exchanging courtesies, Ning Haichan personally stepped forward and drew Li Ji’an to the center.

“Father-in-law, Uncle Chen, this is Li Ji’an. He possesses extraordinary talent and an exceptional temperament—he’s also the foremost prospective immortal of Chong’an Prefecture.”

“Yes, yes, my Brother Li is amazing! If not for his humble origins, his achievements by now would surely… well, perhaps only fall a little short of mine, but certainly surpass hers by a wide margin. Besides, Brother Li has never taken the Marrow Cleansing Pill, right, Brother Li?” With so many bigwigs present, Ning Yutan plucked up her courage, clinging to Li Ji’an’s sleeve and openly challenging Ning Sujin.

Ning Sujin’s face instantly darkened, a sharp glint in her eyes as she shot Ning Yutan a look. Watching Ning Yutan so brazenly grab Li Ji’an’s sleeve, an inexplicable anger flared within her.

“Brother An, didn’t you say you were especially fond of the Su family’s ‘Floating Reed Step’? My grandfather is here today—you can ask him for guidance directly. Isn’t that so, Grandfather?” Ning Sujin looked to Su Jishi, her tone carrying a clear hint of dual intent.

Beyond her habitual rivalry with Ning Yutan and her desire to test Su Jishi’s attitude, she genuinely wished for Li Ji’an to learn a martial art that could save his life in a crisis. After all, that fellow was mortally afraid of death.

Su Jishi was momentarily stunned, not quite sure how to respond. He glanced from Li Ji’an to Ning Sujin, then to Ning Yutan. Suddenly, a complex expression appeared on his aged face.

“This little rascal…” At last, he fixed Li Ji’an with a meaningful stare.

Ning Yutan was also dumbfounded, never expecting that the old woman would go to such lengths just to compete with her.

“Brother Li, didn’t you say our family’s ‘Falling Flower Sword’ was second to none in the world? If you want to learn it, I’ll have my father teach you. Isn’t that right, Father?” She refused to be outdone, blinking furiously at her father.

“What!” Ning Haichan stared at Ning Yutan in disbelief.

When neither man responded immediately, the two young women exchanged glances and pressed on.

“Grandfather?”

“Father!”

…

“Well… the ‘Floating Reed Step’ is the Su family’s ancestral body technique… but if Sujin asks, it’s not impossible…” Watching Ning Sujin’s expression, Su Jishi finally relented. He had also come with the intention of resolving misunderstandings between grandfather and granddaughter, and laying the groundwork for inviting Ning Sujin back to the family in ten years.

If Li Ji’an were to marry Ning Sujin, he’d be part of the Su family in all but name. To have reached blood refinement at age twenty and be deemed a prospective immortal attested to his talent. Even if true immortalhood was unlikely, with family resources, he could well become a grandmaster of qi and blood in his lifetime.

Since Su Susu, the second-generation prodigy, had been tricked away by Ning Haichan, and the third generation Su Fan taken to the immortal realm by a master, the Su family was indeed in a precarious position. If only they could have Ning Sujin and Li Ji’an return, their family’s standing would be secure for another century.

Once Ning Haichan realized what was happening, he was even more forthright: “What’s so difficult about this? I’ve always admired Ji’an. As long as my worthy nephew asks, I have no objection.”

“Hm?” Ning Haichan’s enthusiasm made Su Jishi frown slightly.

No Marrow Cleansing Pill for my dear granddaughter, and now you want to snatch a man too?

Thus, the contest between Ning Yutan and Ning Sujin ended in a draw.

“Ning Haichan, what do you mean by this?” Su Jishi slammed the table and glared at him.

Ning Haichan was utterly confused—wasn’t this all about picking a husband for Sujin?

You’ve offered up the Su family’s signature body technique—how could I be stingy? Besides, he’ll be my son-in-law soon enough.

“Hmph, boy, listen well! As long as my Sujin is willing, I can even teach you the Su family’s secret art, ‘Rain of Pear Blossom Needles’!” Su Jishi played his trump card.

The announcement sent a jolt through Ning Haichan’s heart.

‘Rain of Pear Blossom Needles’ was deemed an unrivaled art, its mastery of hidden weapons virtually unmatched—an ultimate technique for ambush and assassination. If his own son-in-law learned such an art, the Ning family would have a secret weapon even after Chen Xiaosheng’s passing.

Stirred by these thoughts, he could no longer restrain himself and turned to Chen Xiaosheng: “Uncle Chen, I’ve made up my mind. If Ji’an is willing, please make him your disciple! Teach him the ‘Heaven-Sundering Divine Fist’!”

“You!” Su Jishi’s eyes widened.

You’re playing for keeps!

Chen Xiaosheng, who had been quietly observing the spectacle, never imagined he’d be drawn in. He gave Li Ji’an another careful look—he was no stranger to the young man, in fact, he knew him rather well. The affair of the two noble daughters vying for Li Ji’an at the Immortal-Seeking Institute had never escaped the marquisate’s notice. It was he himself who had observed Li Ji’an in secret and confirmed that Li Ji’an was not to blame for the two ladies’ rivalry.

He had already investigated Li Ji’an’s talent, temperament, and character. But for unfortunate circumstances in his youth, he would be a true prodigy.

Chen Xiaosheng was quite satisfied with him.

“What ‘Heaven-Sundering Divine Fist’? I’ve never acknowledged such a name, but I promised the old marquis ages ago—as long as you’re sure, that’s enough.” Chen Xiaosheng finally laughed and scolded.

With his nod, the immortal envoy in the war tent now regarded Li Ji’an with newfound certainty—a mix of envy, admiration, and even a trace of ingratiation.

A son-in-law of the Duke’s household, the Su family’s future grandmaster, heir to Chen Xiaosheng’s martial legacy… and master of four supreme martial arts. His future ascension to the top of the martial world seemed assured.

All eyes now turned to Li Ji’an.

Li Ji’an’s eyelids twitched. He had not foreseen such a situation, nor did he feel any joy at the prospect of four coveted martial arts that others would fight to the death for.

The rivalry between the two women had been ongoing for five years—he was used to it by now. Over time, both had come to appreciate his character, and what began as pure competition had grown into a friendship, a mutual camaraderie. There was some affection, but not yet love.

Only recently, after learning of Ning Sujin’s uncanny “fortune-favoring” ability, had his feelings toward her become complicated. He admitted he was a bit smitten—or perhaps simply overwhelmed by a sudden sense of safety.

But, upon reflection, it was mostly for that sense of security.

Moreover, he knew Ning Sujin’s heart was set on seeking immortality. Given her talent, she would most likely ascend with the next immortal selection. He had never considered the future beyond that.

But now, with the Duke and the Su patriarch weighing in, it was clear they expected marriage and descendants.

Leaving aside the fact that he possessed the “Rejuvenation” cheat—whether to keep that secret or to avoid the pain of outliving loved ones—he was in no position to marry or father children.

Besides, Ning Yutan was about to ascend to the immortal realm, and he knew Ning Sujin’s heart as well—so who, exactly, was he supposed to marry and have children with?

In truth, this was all a misunderstanding: Su Jishi and Ning Haichan had been misled by the rivalry of the two women, and neither truly understood Ning Sujin’s heart.

He could not simply go along with this mistake.

“Sister Jin, Sister Yutan, I am unworthy of your deep regard. The immense kindness of you, masters, and the Duke humbles me—I will never forget it. But… my heart is wholly set on seeking immortality. For the next ten years, I intend to devote myself to internal cultivation and have no plans to practice external martial arts for now.”

After a moment’s thought, he spoke truthfully.

He had no intention of being clever and taking advantage.

Perhaps he could have succeeded, but the risks were far greater. He had no thought of dragging things out or prevaricating, but instead stated his intentions frankly.

With the “Rejuvenation” talent, in the mortal realm at least, there was no need to rush. Life could be lived one lifetime at a time; even the world’s greatest martial arts would one day be his. Why risk everything now?

Otherwise, if Ning Sujin also ascended in ten years, how would he face the Duke’s household then?

As soon as he finished speaking, the expected astonishment swept the room.

The immortal envoys, shocked, were also surprised. Such extraordinary fortune and power—he turned them down?

When they recovered, they all frowned slightly, their expressions a mix of helpless amusement and pity for Li Ji’an.

They sighed that he was still young, proud, blind to his own limitations—not knowing that even the tallest towers were built from the ground up.

Become an immortal?

Looking back at the immortal candidates through the years, especially in recent generations, which of them was not the child of a meritorious family? Without generations of accumulation, what chance did a commoner, no matter how talented, have against the scions of great houses raised with every resource?

To rise from poverty and become a prospective immortal was fortune enough for several lifetimes. Now, with supreme martial arts offered, he not only failed to express gratitude but pushed them away with his own hands—truly foolish.

Perhaps it was because he was from a small place and had never seen the world; being among the top three in a single province, he was too easily satisfied.

Once he arrived in the imperial capital and saw true prodigies, he would surely understand his own insignificance.

Especially when he realized how rare and precious these martial arts truly were—he would regret his words and actions today.

But this was none of their concern. They said no more, merely looking to Ning Haichan.

Ning Haichan’s face stiffened. His first thought was not of Li Ji’an rejecting the martial arts, but of his apparent reluctance regarding his precious daughter.

Seek immortality? Was that really more important than his own daughter?

Was the boy blind?

But after regaining his composure, there was a glimmer of appreciation in his gaze.

First, it proved the youth was not after wealth or power, nor was he the sort to compromise for fame and fortune.

He was not swayed by beauty, nor blinded by riches, nor did he bend for power.

“A man of character indeed!”

As a result, his desire to have Li Ji’an as his son-in-law grew all the more.

“What harm in waiting ten years?”

“But will he get past that stubborn old father-in-law… and as for Uncle Chen, who’s never taken a disciple he approved of, now that he finally relented only to be refused…?” He couldn’t help but glance worriedly at Su Jishi and Chen Xiaosheng.