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

The ground near the city gate trembled slightly, and looking out, a procession of over a thousand people appeared on the horizon.

"They've arrived, Marquis Wu'an has arrived."

Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on what was ahead.

As the group slowly approached, a chilling and menacing aura swept over them.

"Is this the Marquis of Wu'an? He is indeed as heroic and extraordinary as the rumors say."

Most people were seeing Li Xuancang for the first time, and their eyes were full of admiration.

Li Xuancang was handsome and refined, and his subtle aura of iron-bloodedness made him even more extraordinary, captivating some women.

"This is what a man should do."

"He can be replaced."

"I also want to join the army and become a marquis or general."

"..."

Many young people felt their blood boiling and their desire to make a name for themselves in the industry became even stronger.

"At such a young age, he has already been granted titles and ranks, wielding immense power in his region, and has a promising future."

"He's just a young man, how did he cultivate to possess such terrifying strength?"

"This boy is indeed extraordinary; we must not make him our enemy."

"..."

Many powerful figures were secretly observing and scrutinizing Li Xuancang.

Li Xuancang didn't care at all, letting everyone spy on him without any reaction.

"Greetings, Your Excellency. The master has sent this old servant to welcome you. A banquet has been prepared at the manor to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."

Uncle Zhong hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to Li Xuancang.

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Du."

"Please, Your Excellency."

Uncle Zhong and the Du family led the way, and the group quickly entered the city and headed towards the Du family's residence.

"Marquis Wu'an, it's Marquis Wu'an!"

"Long live the Marquis of Wu'an!"

"Lord Marquis, you are mighty!"

"..."

The cheers were like a mountain roar and a tsunami, exploding from both sides of the city gate and spreading along the entire street, wave after wave.

Li Xuancang did not attend the banquet immediately, but returned home first to reunite with his family.

"Father, Mother, I'm back."

Upon seeing Li Xuancang return safely, Li's parents were moved to tears.

Every time their son went out to fight, they were restless and worried that something might happen to him.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

Li's mother pulled Li Xuancang close, looking him over repeatedly. Only after finding no injuries did she finally feel relieved.

This had become the norm for Li Xuancang when he returned home; he was used to it.

The family entered the house, and Li's parents asked him about his well-being and brought up his marriage.

"My son! Your marriage to Miss Du must be arranged as soon as possible, so as not to delay her."

Li's mother spoke earnestly, urging her son on.

"Mother, I know. I plan to go to Yuzhou after the wedding."

If it weren't for the wedding arrangements, Li Xuancang would have gone directly to Yuzhou.

Coming to the capital inevitably brings a lot of unnecessary trouble.

"Okay, okay, it's your decision."

Upon hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Li were overjoyed, finally witnessing this day.

"Hurry up and pack your things, we need to head to the Du family!"

Since their son's marriage was of utmost importance, Mr. and Mrs. Li hurriedly urged him to leave.

"Father, Mother, aren't you coming with me?"

It's better to have parents present for such an important event as marriage.

"No need. Your mother and I don't like these formalities. As long as you agree, that's fine."

Mr. and Mrs. Li felt very uncomfortable around the Du family.

It wasn't that the Du family was neglecting them, but rather that they were being too polite, making them feel uncomfortable.

"All right!"

Li Xuancang did not force his parents to go, as they were unwilling to go.

The soldiers who came with him were settled by Nangong Zhan, and he took Bai Meng and a few personal guards to the Du family.

Inside the Du residence, the vermilion gates were wide open, and it was bustling with activity.

From the main gate to the main hall, every three steps on either side stood a servant of the Du family, all dressed in blue robes and small hats, standing respectfully with their hands at their sides, holding their breath in anticipation.

The main hall, "Chongde Hall," had already been properly prepared.

Eight large round tables made of rosewood were arranged in a row, each covered with a brocade tablecloth.

None of the members of the Du family who are seated at the table today are ordinary people.

Du Tianyuan sat in the main seat, with Du Tianhao sitting to his right, and an empty seat to his left reserved for Li Xuancang.

Next to them were Du Tianyue from the second branch of the Du family, Du Tianyuan from the third branch, and the elders from each branch, totaling more than twenty people.

If these people were sent to other places, the local area would tremble at their mere stomp of their feet.

At this moment, everyone sat upright, their eyes glancing towards the door from time to time, their eyes showing both anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Du Ruomei did not sit in the main hall. According to custom, it is inappropriate for a woman to be present before the marriage is agreed upon.

She and the women of her family were seated in the adjacent flower hall, separated by a twelve-panel carved sandalwood screen, allowing them to hear the conversations inside without being impolite.

She changed into a light red dress, and her hair was adorned with a red gold hairpin with pearls. She lost some of her usual aloofness and gained more of the beauty of a woman about to be married.

"Miss, are you nervous?"

Cuiping asked in a low voice.

Du Ruomei picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and spoke in a calm, still voice.

"What's there to be nervous about?"

Her fingers, which were holding the teacup, turned slightly white.

"The Marquis of Wu'an has arrived!"

The steward of the Du family announced from outside the door in a drawn-out voice.

Inside the main hall, everyone stood up at the same time.

Du Tianyuan straightened his clothes and personally went out to greet them.

Li Xuancang changed into a black brocade robe, with a white jade belt around his waist, and his black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin.

He has lost some of the fierceness of a warrior on the battlefield, but gained more of the noble demeanor of a young master from a prominent family.

Du Tianyuan stepped forward with a broad smile.

"The presence of Marquis Wu'an is an honor to our humble abode!"

Li Xuancang clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed slightly, and performed the junior's greeting.

"Master Du, you are too kind. I am not worthy of such a favor. How could I possibly deserve such a personal welcome from you?"

Du Tianyuan grabbed his hand and patted the back of his hand with his other hand, acting as affectionately as if he were his own nephew.

"My dear son-in-law, what are you saying? Come, come, please come inside. There are no outsiders tonight, only family!"

As soon as he uttered the words "son-in-law," Li Xuancang remained calm, allowing Du Tianyuan to lead him into the main hall.

The members of the Du family clasped their hands in a fist salute.

"Greetings, Marquis Wu'an!"

Li Xuancang looked around, his gaze calmly sweeping across each face.

"I apologize for the intrusion, as I have come to pay my respects today."

Li Xuancang's voice clearly reached everyone's ears.

Seeing this, everyone was even happier.

He considered himself approachable, without any of the arrogance of someone who achieved fame at a young age, and knew how to conduct himself appropriately.

This is the benefit of status and power; no further explanation is needed, for great scholars will readily offer their arguments.

If Li Xuancang had gone to the Pei family with his current identity back then, would the subsequent events have occurred?

If Li Xuancang were merely a centurion with a Qi Refining Realm cultivation level, he would inevitably be tested and probed by the Du family members the moment he entered the Du family.

Both the Du and Pei families were formed through marriage alliances with powerful families; the only difference was the Du family's strength and status.