Wandering Swordsman |

Ouyang Song nodded, his gaze deep, clearly aware of the seriousness of the situation. "Yes, Sixth Sister, even if you didn't say it, I roughly know the reason. If Qu Yifan is trapped by the Black Wind Gang, then Seventh Brother will definitely go to the Black Wind Gang! Since Qu Yifan was kind to Seventh Brother back then, he is kind to us! Tomorrow we will set off immediately to Black Wind Mountain."

Hong Youquan, the Second Swordsman, immediately stood up, clapped his hands and cheered, his face beaming with excitement: "Big Brother is right! We must not only help Jingtian Pavilion, but also rescue Qu Yifan. If it weren't for Seventh Brother's help back then, he would probably be dead by now."

As the swordsmen shared their opinions and the atmosphere became lively, He Yun's gaze darted around the room, as if searching for the source of his courage. He opened his mouth several times to speak, but was always stopped by his inner hesitation. Finally, he took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Masters, I have another matter that I need your decision on."

He Yun's voice was soft, but in the quiet room it was as clear as thunder. Ouyang Song and the five swordsmen all turned their gazes to He Yun, their faces full of curiosity. The sixth swordsman, Shan Qinxi, caught a glimpse of Zhao Xue beside He Yun out of the corner of her eye. Zhao Xue's expectant gaze stirred something within Shan Qinxi, and a knowing smile appeared on her lips. She seemed to understand something, and then said gently, "Yun'er, tell us quickly, let your masters hear it."

Hearing this, He Yun felt somewhat relieved. After a moment of contemplation, he finally mustered his courage and said solemnly, "Master, Second Master, Third Master, Fourth Master, Sixth Master, and Father, I have decided to marry the young lady who came with me."

Upon hearing this, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly, and everyone's eyes were fixed on He Yun and Zhao Xue. Zhao Xue's cheeks flushed, her head was lowered, her hands were tightly clasped together, and her fingers were slightly white with nervousness.

Just as everyone was still reeling from the shock, a resolute voice of opposition came from outside the door: "I disagree!" The voice was filled with unwavering determination. Immediately afterward, He Yun's mother, Madam Pei, strode into the room, her presence making the already somewhat heavy atmosphere even more oppressive.

Madam Pei stood by the door, her eyes sharp as she looked at her son, her voice a mixture of reproach and worry: "How could you be so hasty about such a serious matter as marriage?"

"Mother!" He Yun suddenly stood up, her gaze towards her mother filled with determination.

Pei's gaze shifted from her son to Zhao Xue, then back to He Yun's face. "Yun'er, we still don't know this girl's background," she said slowly, her tone slightly heavy. "Besides, the Sect Leader Yang of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect came to talk to us about his daughter a few days ago."

He Yun was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "Sect Leader Yang's daughter?"

Seeing this, He Quanying, who was sitting at the head of the table, comforted her kindly, saying, "Yun'er, you may not remember very clearly. When you were six years old, Sect Leader Yang led the disciples of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect to our Sword Tomb to attend your master's sixtieth birthday celebration. The scene was very lively at that time, and Sect Leader Yang also brought his daughter."

He Yun frowned and thought for a moment, trying to recall that distant memory: "Father, I still remember that birthday banquet, but I don't understand how it has anything to do with the present."

Madam Pei picked up the conversation and continued, "Yun'er, do you remember the scene when Headmaster Yang brought his daughter here back then?"

He Yun closed his eyes and pondered, the image of the little girl gradually appearing in his mind—she had two little braids and was running happily around in the yard. Suddenly, his eyes lit up: "Uh, Mom, I remember now, her name is Yang Muruan. I used to play with her in the yard back then."

Ouyang Song sighed deeply, his voice tinged with helplessness and emotion: "Yun'er, you don't know this. Miss Yang is now of marriageable age, and many families have come to propose marriage, but she has politely declined them all. Headmaster Yang watched his daughter grow up day by day, yet she would rather die than marry those men, and he was extremely anxious. Later, under Headmaster Yang's persistent questioning, Miss Yang finally revealed the secret hidden in her heart—Yang Muruan fell in love with you at first sight when she was young."

The atmosphere in the room became subtle, everyone seemingly affected by the sudden news. He Yun's expression was complex, a mixture of surprise and disbelief.

He Quanying continued, "So, just three days ago, Sect Leader Yang came to inquire again whether you were married. When we told you that you were not yet married, Sect Leader Yang immediately proposed to marry his daughter to you and expressed his deep hopes for this marriage."

Hearing this, He Yun felt a heavy silence descend upon him like a mountain. He turned to look at Zhao Xue, who was gazing back at him with eyes full of understanding and support. That gaze seemed like a silent source of strength, giving him courage and comfort. However, this support also stirred a deep sense of guilt within him.

"So, Father and Mother, you just agree to it like that?" He Yun's voice was accusatory, his eyes filled with both confusion and anger. He shifted his gaze from Zhao Xue to his parents, as if trying to see into their minds and find the answer.

Upon hearing this, He Quanying silently lowered his head, remaining silent as if unable to face his son's gaze. Madam Pei took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and slowly said, "Yun'er, I hope you can understand. Marriage should be decided by one's parents."

He Yun frowned, his voice firm and steady: "Father, Mother, since childhood you have taught me to be a man of my word, a gentleman who never breaks his promise. Now, I have already agreed to marry Miss Zhao, are you asking me to break my promise?"

These words plunged the room into a deathly silence once more. He Quanying and Madam Pei remained silent, clearly touched by their son's words. Time seemed to stand still, each second feeling exceptionally long.

Just as the atmosphere reached its climax, the Six Swordsmen Shan Qinxi broke the deadlock. Her voice was gentle yet firm: "Yun'er, since you have promised to marry Miss Zhao, you must keep your promise. Your Sixth Master supports you!" Her words were like a spring breeze, bringing new hope. As soon as she finished speaking, the other masters nodded in agreement and began to advise He Yun's parents.

At this moment, Ouyang Song, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke, his voice steady and full of strength: "Yun'er, regarding this matter, it is up to you to make your own choice." This short sentence gave He Yun the greatest freedom and respect.

Hearing Ouyang Song's words, He Yun felt a surge of passion. Without further hesitation, he strode to the door, looked up at the sky, and suddenly knelt down, raising his left hand to swear to the heavens: "I, He Yun, hereby swear to the heavens that I do not ask for my parents' approval, but only that Heaven and Earth bear witness that from this day forward, Zhao Xue will be my only wife!"

The vow was powerful and resounding, echoing throughout the room, as if even the heavens were moved. He Yun's voice was full of determination and commitment.

After saying that, He Yun stood up, walked back into the house with a resolute look in his eyes, held Zhao Xue's hand tightly, and said with a determined light in his eyes: "Ah Xue, let's leave here."

Zhao Xue looked at He Yun, her eyes filled with emotion and trust, and nodded gently. The two held hands and stepped out of the door. At that moment, their figures appeared so resolute as they left, as if no matter how difficult the road ahead, nothing could shake their determination to move forward together.