Chapter 17

In the Namgoong family, Hao Lin, the First Elder, and the Third Elder were ready in Zheng Tan Hall, awaiting the arrival of the Ruoan family delegation.

Then, a family guard announced, "The delegation of the Ruoan family, one of the Demonic Sect's 13 Great Families, enters!"

Three individuals appeared, emanating a subtle yet palpable and powerful demonic aura. In the center walked the Ruoan family's Second Elder, Hai Shi, titled "Red Wind," ranked 72nd. He was an old man with a reddish beard mixed with grey, long white hair, and a dark red robe adorned with black flowers.

To his right was the Ruoan family's Third Son, "Black Falcon," a youth around Hao Lin's age. He had light red, long hair, serious eyes, and wore battle attire in black and crimson. Finally, there was a man completely veiled in black, known as the "Quadruple Spear Guard." He was a tall man, appearing to have black threads bound around his body, and was considered the third strongest person after the current Family Head and the Second Elder, holding rank 97.

The delegation greeted Hao Lin, the First Elder, and the Third Elder, then sat around a circular green glass table.

The Namgoong First Elder spoke, "We heard of your visit to propose a marriage for your third son, but to be frank, Hao Lin is not within our authority. He is currently, as well known, a member of the Supreme Court, and not just any member, but one of the Seven Judges."

The Ruoan Second Elder chuckled, "Hoh hoh hoh, we know that, but we came to the Namgoong family specifically because we desire a family marriage based on love, not politics, and also to improve relations between the East and Central regions."

The Namgoong Third Elder thought to himself, (These scoundrels only want Hao Lin to become their in-law to increase their prestige and influence within the Sect and to sabotage Touan's attempts to gain a higher position among the 13 Demonic Families.)

The Namgoong First Elder remained silent, turning to Hao Lin, who seemed utterly preoccupied with something else. He said, "What do you think, Hao Lin?"

Hao Lin thought to himself, (Damn, damn, damn. What is Fan doing now? I hope he doesn't cause trouble, or these three old elders will hold me entirely responsible!)

The Third Elder tapped Hao Lin's shoulder, "My Lord, are you with us?"

Hao Lin snapped back to reality and said, "Apologies, apologies. I was preoccupied with something else."

The Ruoan Second Elder chuckled, "Haha, that's natural for someone of your eminence, Lord Hao Lin. It seems the Court's responsibilities have weighed heavily on you. So, what do you say about the proposal?"

Hao Lin thought slyly, (Wait a minute. If I become an in-law to the Ruoan family, won't these three old elders make me responsible for the Court's branch in the Demonic Sect instead of babysitting that damned kid, Fan? Hehehe, I'm starting to fear my own genius.)

Hao Lin spoke enthusiastically, "I accept, Elder Ruoan! I accept the marriage!"

Then, the Ruoan Second Elder excitedly said, "Haha! You have made a wise choice, Honorable Sixth Judge!"

The Third Son spoke, "Since you have accepted the marriage proposal and we will soon be family, what do you think of a friendly duel? I've truly wanted to fight one of the continent's three greatest talents."

Everyone was surprised by the Ruoan Third Son's request. Then the Guard spoke, addressing the Third Son, "Haha, My Lord, I don't think there's any need for that."

The Guard thought to himself, (Damn my young lord's impulsiveness! Is he out of his mind, wanting to challenge one of the world's top 30 humans? Even I can't face the aura of one of the Seven Judges, not even the Family Head could do that!)

Hao Lin spoke, "Hmm, alright, but on one condition: you must withstand the pressure of my aura for a moment. If you succeed, I will give you the best duel you could ever experience."

The Ruoan Second Elder laughed, "Haha, I don't think there's any need for that, Sixth Judge."

The Ruoan Third Son stood up excitedly, then said, "Hoooh, alright, show me what you've got! But prepare for a duel you might lose!"

The Ruoan Third Son's eyes began to close until he collapsed unconscious, without the slightest injury. This was all due to a mere fragment of Hao Lin's aura, one of the continent's three greatest talents.