My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

The moment Li Xuancang stepped out of the Pei residence, all the clamor of gongs and drums, the power struggles among aristocratic families, and the entanglements of marriage behind him were shut out.

He walked slowly back home, his steps unhurried, his expression calm and composed throughout, showing no sign of disappointment, anger, resentment, or loneliness.

He carefully reviewed the entire process, his mind clear.

This marriage, from beginning to end, was a binding arrangement based on worldly considerations.

What the Pei family valued was his strength, his battlefield worth, and his usefulness in chaotic times.

His parents hoped that he would have a stable future, someone to support him, and someone to rely on for the rest of his life.

The only thing missing is a sincere and loving union based on mutual understanding and affection.

Pei Qingyuan already had someone she loved, her childhood sweetheart, with whom she was already a stranger.

If he persists in his pursuit, obsessively fights for power and wealth, and yearns for a marriage with a powerful and wealthy man, he will be at a disadvantage.

If someone is not the right person, there's no need to force it; if there's no fate between you, then let go gracefully.

All my thoughts and feelings along the way, all the distractions, worries, and restlessness in my heart, vanished like smoke.

He had agreed to the marriage in order to comply with his parents' wishes and to follow worldly customs.

Today's turmoil has completely severed all his attachment to worldly comforts, and he has suddenly come to his senses.

Born into humble circumstances, with no family background or clan to rely on, I have never relied on marriage connections or the support of a prominent family to get where I am today.

They rely on their fists, their iron will, and their fearless fighting spirit.

Chaos is imminent, evil spirits run rampant, regional warlords seize power, and the imperial court is in turmoil.

Romantic love is but an illusion, and marriages between the powerful and wealthy are but a mirage.

Only by being strong ourselves can we have true confidence.

Only by holding military power and possessing unparalleled combat strength can one protect the safety of their family and establish a foothold in a chaotic world.

The gains and losses of a mere marriage are insignificant compared to the vast land and the turbulent future.

Li Xuancang's state of mind underwent a transformation, and he suddenly felt enlightened and relaxed.

When he returned to his own house, his parents saw him come back alone, with a calm expression, neither sad nor happy. They immediately felt a pang of anxiety and rushed forward to ask him what was wrong.

After learning the whole story of how the Marquis's family snatched the bride in front of the Pei family's gate and the marriage contract was nullified, the two elders were both angry and anxious, filled with rage and resentment.

"How could this happen? Such a beautiful marriage, gone just like that."

The two elders were filled with resentment and felt wronged for their son.

Li Xuancang simply smiled faintly, his tone clear and open-minded, gently comforting his parents.

"Father and Mother, there is no need to be angry or regretful. She has someone she loves. It is only natural for the Pei family to weigh the pros and cons."

Mr. and Mrs. Li looked heartbroken. If they had known this would be the outcome, they would never have agreed to the marriage and let their son suffer.

"Father, Mother, don't worry! I'm fine."

Seeing the two elders' deep concern, Li Xuancang gently comforted them.

"It's good that you're alright. Mother will find you someone better."

The two elders were still indignant, and Li Xuancang chuckled and helped them into the mansion.

Meanwhile, the Pei family was filled with joy as they planned to finalize the date for the marriage alliance between the two families.

The old patriarch of the Pei family publicly agreed to the marriage between Xiao Jingyan and Pei Qingyuan, and everything was settled.

To outsiders, the two seemed like a perfect match.

A noble family is matched with a distinguished family, and a talented man is matched with a beautiful woman.

"Since the two are mutually in love and the elders agree, then the Pei family will accept this marriage."

Pei Hongwen took the initiative to speak.

"To avoid future troubles and gossip, it would be better to exchange birth charts today, set a wedding date, choose an auspicious day for the betrothal and marriage, and fulfill the good marriage of our two children."

Lin Zhenyue, standing to the side, smiled broadly, knowing that the situation was settled and his wish had been fulfilled, but he did not immediately agree.

The next moment, Lin Jingyan, standing in the hall, dressed in white and exuding a gentle aura, slowly spoke.

"Thank you for your kindness and generosity, elders of the Pei family."

"However, I am burdened with heavy studies and have important responsibilities for cultivation at Wenxin Academy. I dare not let personal feelings delay my path to enlightenment."

"Five days from now, I will have to return to Wenxin Academy for seclusion and intensive study. I will not be able to return home or prepare for the wedding within the year."

"In my humble opinion, it would be better to postpone the wedding for a few years until I have completed my studies and return to marry Miss Qingyuan. It will not be too late then."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Pei family froze instantly.

The lively and joyous atmosphere suddenly froze, and the smiles on everyone's faces were completely frozen.

He proposed marriage in public, risking up a city-wide uproar to secure the marriage, only to turn around and postpone it indefinitely with the excuse that he hadn't finished his studies.

Lin Jingyan's attitude was frank and self-assured.

For him, proposing marriage today is nothing more than protecting his youthful love and not letting his good match slip away.

His proposal to marry Pei Qingyuan wasn't out of love for her, but rather out of a desire to prevent anyone from touching his things.

He was a prodigy of Wenxin Academy, with many more options, and some of his family backgrounds even surpassed Pei Qingyuan's. He didn't want to hastily arrange a marriage.

The Pei family members were burning with rage, almost unable to contain themselves.

They had just pushed Li Xuancang away with their own hands for Lin Jingyan's sake.

The result was a statement that it would be postponed for several years, an endless delay, and a shelving of the matter.

The elders of the Pei family frowned, their hearts filled with dissatisfaction and resentment.

They saw the truth: Lin Jingyan's attempt to seize the bride today was never for the benefit of both families.

It was all for personal selfishness, unwillingness to be left empty-handed, and reluctance to let others touch their former lovers.

Once you've got it, you put it away and ignore it.

He resides in the Holy Temple, with a bright future and limitless prospects.

But for Pei Fu and Pei Qingyuan, the marriage would be indefinitely postponed, the engagement would remain unfulfilled, and they would have to wait year after year, wasting their youth.

If it were an ordinary marriage, it would be fine, but this marriage was arranged because the Pei family offended someone.

This concerns the future of the Pei family; how can we treat it so lightly?

Looking at Lin Jingyan, who seemed completely at ease and took everything for granted, everyone couldn't help but think of Li Xuancang, who had calmly broken off the engagement and left gracefully. The difference in their abilities was immediately apparent.

"Absurd! Utterly absurd!"

An elderly clansman could not contain himself and muttered angrily, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"A city-wide uproar, two government offices shaken, virtuous officials abandoned, only to be met with empty waiting?"

"How can the reputation of my Pei family and the honor of my young lady be so casually disregarded and treated with such contempt?"

The room was filled with elders, each of them feeling a tightness in their chest, their hearts overflowing with endless regret.

The old man sat in the main seat, his face contorted with a complex and extremely grim expression. He let out a long sigh, filled with the sorrow of having wasted his trust.

"Never mind... I misjudged him..."

"He is indeed a prodigy, but his character and vision are ultimately far too lacking."

Pei Hongwen frowned deeply, his heart filled with overwhelming regret.

The room was silent, everyone secretly filled with regret and anger.