Chapter 821: A Century of Solitude

This time, before Li Hao could refuse, Su Zhenyuan ordered the palace guards outside to summon his three daughters.

Of the Su family's Four Little Phoenixes, besides Su Muqing, there were three other daughters, all of extraordinary talent, whose names rang loud across Gu Su Imperial Star, drawing favor and admiration from other great clans, all eager to form marital alliances with them.

…

In the Su family's inner courtyard training ground.

After Su Muqing invited Su Qiyu, the atmosphere among the Su family youths grew lively; the Immortal King elder sensed their intentions and asked Su Muqing to demonstrate a small display of her skills, serving as an example for the younger generation.

Su Muqing did not refuse and stepped onto the stage with Su Wanqing for a brief sparring match.

Though they held back, the immortal techniques and body movements they revealed—exhibiting the power of the Final Realm—left the watching Su family youths stunned and even more awestruck.

"This child Muqing, once she enters the Primordial True Realm, will surely reach the Immortal King realm in no time."

The Immortal King elder stroked his beard with a light smile, his eyes brimming with pride; after all, centuries ago, this girl had once babblingly learned here on this very training ground, under his own tutelage, her insight astonishing, her mastery swift—within months, she had pulled far ahead of all others.

In a sense, he was also her half-teacher.

"Mm."

Su Qiyu nodded, but when he heard the words "Primordial True Realm," his eyes flickered slightly—he would not miss this opportunity this time.

"Wanqing is also rare, but unfortunately, compared to Muqing, she still falls short. Our Su family producing Muqing is truly the crystallization of our fortune."

The Immortal King elder glanced at Su Wanqing, his gaze equally gentle; without Muqing's excessive prodigy status, Su Wanqing would have been a dazzling pearl within the Su family.

But alas, when the bright moon rises, all stars grow dim; the world holds only one sun and one moon, incapable of sharing brilliance.

As the two girls descended from the stage, the Immortal King elder's smile widened further; Su Muqing prepared to bid them farewell when suddenly, a ripple of disturbance surged from afar through the void.

Immediately, a figure descended here with extraordinary realm power, deliberately releasing only a faint ripple to avoid startling the two young ladies.

"Miss Wanqing, the Lord requests your presence at Minghuang Palace."

The Minghuang Palace guard said respectfully.

Seeing this guard, whom only their father could summon, Su Muqing and Su Wanqing both froze; their father had left earlier, said to be handling a great matter—had he returned already?

"Why does Father wish to see me?"

Su Wanqing asked, puzzled, glancing at Su Muqing beside her.

If Father had returned with important matters to discuss, he should have summoned Su Muqing first.

The Minghuang Palace guard's expression was gentle; he had watched these two young ladies grow up, and both pearls were beloved by everyone in the Su family. He spoke softly:

"It's said he wishes to discuss your marriage."

"Marriage?"

Su Wanqing froze, stunned in place.

Su Muqing's eyebrows lifted slightly; she hadn't expected that after her own engagement to the Lin family's son, Father would now arrange a marriage for Wanqing too—had the border situation truly become this urgent?

"Miss Wanqing, please."

The Minghuang Palace guard said respectfully.

Su Wanqing snapped out of her daze, her eyes immediately showing resistance, but the words died on her lips—she knew that if Father summoned her, she had no choice but to go.

Moreover, since childhood, she had understood: born into a great clan like the Sus, though she enjoyed countless cultivation resources and splendor, she could not escape the sacrifice of marital alliances.

"I understand."

Su Wanqing's gaze dimmed, her mood sinking slightly as she replied.

Su Muqing knew her younger sister had always been gentle, passive, accepting whatever came her way; though famed as a prodigy of Gu Su Imperial Star, few realized how easygoing, warm, and even soft-spoken she was—some might even call her weak.

"I'll go with you."

She immediately seized Su Wanqing's wrist, her eyes bright and flashing with sharp resolve, "If you don't like him, tell me—I'll plead with Father on your behalf!"

Su Wanqing, touched by her sister's thoughtful words, looked up with gratitude and nodded.

The Minghuang Palace guard opened his mouth slightly, but seeing Su Muqing's piercing gaze, he said nothing, enveloped the two in his realm, gave a slight nod to the Immortal King elder and Su Qiyu beside him, then took his leave.

Meanwhile, at two other courtyards, Minghuang Palace guards also arrived.

…

In Minghuang Palace.

Li Hao, Su Zhenyuan, and Su Zhenyuan's wife, Su Qingmei, were present.

When the guard came to summon them, Su Zhenyuan questioned Li Hao at length—where he had lived previously, which cultivation arts he excelled in, which primordial Dao sources he cultivated, and so on.

Li Hao answered selectively, revealing nothing about his own cultivation or arts.

Su Zhenyuan did not press him; after all, the young man possessed extraordinary talent and would someday join an Emperor's sect—his cultivation path and methods were naturally private, and secrecy was normal.

He offered Li Hao a seat and ordered tea served; as the guard returned, the previously heavy and awkward atmosphere in the hall eased slightly, becoming lighter and more cheerful.

"Daughters bow to Father."

Two figures entered the hall, bowed respectfully to Su Zhenyuan and their mother, then quickly glanced toward the boy seated beside them.

When they saw the boy's face, both girls froze, shock flashing in their eyes.

Isn't this the… lecherous ruffian who blocked us earlier?

"Muqing, why are you here?"

Su Qingmei, seeing Su Muqing had come too, changed expression, instinctively glancing at Li Hao across from her—only to see the boy's gaze fixed unblinkingly on her own daughter, Su Muqing. Her face darkened, turning grim, eyes filled with angry irritation.

Su Muqing's peripheral vision drew away from Li Hao; her thoughts turned—so this was the man Father had chosen for Wanqing? What terrible taste!

Her voice grew colder: "I've come to vet this suitor—wanting to see which prodigy dares come to our door to propose for Wanqing."

As she spoke, she straightened, her gaze sharp as a blade, locking onto the boy.

But as she stared, she saw the boy staring blankly at her—and her face flushed with embarrassment and annoyance.

Su Wanqing noticed this too, but felt nothing; instead, curiosity and confusion flickered in her eyes. Though gentle, she was perceptive—the boy's affection for Muqing was unmistakable, clearly deep, and perhaps his proposal to marry her was merely a ruse to get closer to Muqing.

She felt no anger; such things had been common since childhood—those who dared not approach Muqing directly would instead court her sisters to learn her preferences.

Su Zhenyuan also noticed Li Hao's gaze and cleared his throat:

"Xiao Hao, this is my daughter, Su Wanqing. Her soul lifespan is six hundred seventy years, and she is at the fifth layer of the Immortal Lord realm. She possesses the rare Yin Blood physique—nearly invincible within her realm."

He spoke gently in introduction, but noticed the boy's gaze had not shifted an inch—he remained fixed on Su Muqing.

And that look was no stranger's gaze—it carried an indescribable emotion. He paused, puzzled, glancing at Su Muqing—could these two have met before?

"What are you staring at? In front of my sister, how dare you be so disrespectful? Look again and I'll pluck out your eyeballs. Do you think I won't?"

Su Muqing, enraged by Li Hao's brazenness, snapped.

Li Hao snapped back to reality—the pale blue robe fluttering in the palace breeze seemed to leap from the teahawk stall, echoing with the cheerful voice of that summer:

"I'm Ying Xiaoxiao. Ying as in 'fated to arise,' Xiao as in 'free-spirited.' What's your name?"

Time flowed on; that voice, seemingly carried from the past, now passed through the same face, nearly identical attire—her lips moved, as if speaking those very words again.

Li Hao whispered softly:

"You may call me Haotian."

As if echoing through time, the same reply as their first meeting.

Su Muqing froze; the others froze too. Su Muqing, furious, laughed bitterly: "Who asked for your name? I don't care if you're Haotian or Hadi—look at me again and I'll rip your eyes out. Do you think I'm bluffing?!"

As she spoke, her Immortal Lord sixth-layer aura erupted, a shimmering light glowing on her forehead as if time and space were reversing.

This power alone could silence even ordinary Immortal Lord seventh-layer cultivators.

Li Hao came to his senses, seeing her furious eyes—then his attention was drawn to the temporal primordial force on her brow.

His heart trembled slightly—the overwhelming temporal primordial energy… Indeed, he hadn't mistaken her; she was Shi Miao's reincarnation. As Shi Miao's memories awakened, so too would those of Ying Xiaoxiao's past life!

Seeing the boy still unrepentant, Su Muqing was ready to unleash her full power—but Su Zhenyuan raised a hand, suppressing her aura and forcing it back into her body.

He sighed helplessly, giving his daughter a calming glance, then said to Li Hao:

"Xiao Hao, I know you wish to marry Muqing, but she's already betrothed. Why torment yourself?"

Hearing this, Su Muqing's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to stare at the boy.

Who was this man, daring to propose to her? And why was Father speaking so gently? To anyone else, he'd have already annihilated them with a single palm!

Beside them, Su Wanqing's curiosity deepened; though the main target of the summons, she now felt detached, filled with the eager curiosity of a spectator.

Li Hao regained his composure, about to speak, when two more guard auras approached, along with a woman's presence.

"Daughter bows to Father."

A figure of brilliant white stepped into the hall, gliding forward like lotus petals on a pedestal, bowing gently.

Her long black hair, like a waterfall, slid naturally from her shoulders as she bent, releasing waves of fragrance into the air.

Su Zhenyuan, as if rescued, immediately said to Li Hao: "Xiao Hao, this is my second daughter, Su Wanxue. Her soul lifespan is eight hundred twenty years, and she is at the seventh layer of the Immortal Lord realm!"

Su Wanxue looked up in confusion, her gaze shifting to Li Hao—only to find his eyes on her, but without the awe or admiration seen in other prodigies and young lords; instead, they were numb, calm, and he shook his head slightly.

"Lord, please grant your blessing."

Li Hao stood, bowing his head.

Su Zhenyuan's lips trembled slightly—he was both furious and speechless.

At that moment, he turned to the guard who had returned empty-handed and vented his anger: "Where is Wanyi?"

"Miss Wanyi is still training at her external sect and has not returned."

The guard hurriedly bowed, trembling slightly despite being an Immortal King.

Su Zhenyuan fell silent; of his four daughters, the eldest, Su Wanyi, was the most beautiful—but her talent slightly lagged behind Muqing's.

Yet this boy—if he truly sought beauty, why persist so stubbornly? After all, he was an Immortal; if he could not transcend mere appearance, how could he ever cultivate?

"Father, what's going on?"

Su Wanxue asked, curious, glancing between her two sisters for answers.

Su Muqing immediately sent a mental message, briefly recounting the events—though she exaggerated the boy's wickedness.

Su Wanxue was startled, studying Li Hao—just who was this man, to make Father yield so far?

"Young man, don't push too far! Do you truly think having a Divine Emperor behind you gives you the right to threaten our Su family?!"

Beside him, Su Qingmei, furious, spoke with icy eyes.

Li Hao glanced at her, then bowed his head and said, "Lady, I only wish to stay by Miss Su Muqing's side. I humbly ask for your blessing."

"Hmph!"

Su Qingmei let out a cold laugh.

Su Zhenyuan fell silent, his earlier smile vanished. The grand hall sank into deathly stillness; the air itself grew heavy.

Su Muqing was about to speak, but seeing her father's grim expression, she quickly held her tongue.

"If you truly insist on this..."

After a long silence, Su Zhenyuan finally spoke. His dark eyes, like stars, fixed on Li Hao. The previous gentleness was gone; instead, a fierce, domineering aura radiated from him, as if the might of an Emperor leaked forth.

"I will give you one chance. Whether you seize it depends on you. If you fail, the betrothal is void—this will not count as our Su family breaking our ancestral vow. What do you say?"

Li Hao's heart tightened. He drew a deep breath—he knew this might be his only chance.

After all, this betrothal was merely a gift from the Dao Source Immortal Emperor. He stood here only because of it. Beyond this, before the colossal Su family, he was nothing.

"What kind of chance?"

Li Hao asked, voice steady.

Su Zhenyuan spoke slowly: "Muqing already has a verbal betrothal with the Imperial Prince of the Lin family, though no formal dowry has been sent. If you can change her heart and earn her approval, I will permit you two to be together."

No sooner had he finished than Su Muqing cried out:

"Impossible! I could never look at him—don't even think it!"

Su Zhenyuan's gaze hardened. A crushing pressure surged forth, instantly turning Su Muqing's face pale and silencing her.

She knew her father adored them deeply—but his decisions were absolute. No one had ever changed them. He despised defiance.

Beside her, Su Qingmei's expression shifted, but seeing Su Muqing's reaction, she secretly exhaled in relief, casting a mocking glance at the boy, her eyes brimming with scorn.

Li Hao heard Su Muqing's words. Though he knew this Su Muqing was not Ying Xiaoxiao, nor the time-dweller from past or future, for some reason, her words still pierced him, leaving a faint ache.

Yet he quickly stilled his mind, thoughts racing, then said:

"Is there a time limit?"

"Ten years."

Su Zhenyuan said.

Li Hao's expression changed slightly. He shook his head slowly but firmly. "Too short."

The one who traded her entire life for his survival deserved more than a decade of companionship.

"Hmm?"

Su Zhenyuan frowned.

Li Hao fell silent for a long while, then said: "One hundred years. During this century, I demand equal rights with Miss Su. She cannot drive me away from her side!"

"You're dreaming!"

Su Muqing's face flushed crimson. She turned sharply to her father.

Su Zhenyuan fell silent. The hall grew utterly still. Su Wanqing and Su Wanxue widened their eyes in shock, staring at their father—why hadn't he immediately rejected it? Had he truly...

Su Qingmei's face darkened. Her hands clenched tightly.

"Fine. I agree."

As the atmosphere thickened to suffocation, Su Zhenyuan spoke.

"Father!"

Su Muqing's face drained of color. She could not believe it.