The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 736: Chapter 736: The Great Marriage Alliance

Two months later, Crown Prince Zhou Yishui would be marrying the Dugu Family’s heir, Dugu Nian, and a grand wedding ceremony was to be held in Xuan City.

This piece of news, jointly issued by the Royal House of Xuan Country, Crown Prince Zhou’s residence, and the Dugu Family, was undoubtedly authentic.

Such news shook the entire Xuan Country for some time.

Although many had heard rumors about Crown Prince Zhou Yishui marrying Dugu Nian prior to this, there never was an official announcement.

But today, everyone in Xuan Country knew that Crown Prince Zhou Yishui would be marrying Dugu Nian in two months’ time.

“So, the Dugu Family and the Royal House are indeed joining forces.

“Even though the two powerful forces had intermarried before, this time the implications are completely different.”

“With the Crown Prince marrying the heir to the Dugu Family, it’s as though the two families are now sailing in the same boat.”

“Other forces will probably have difficulty sleeping.”

“Do you know? I heard that Miss Dugu, the heir of the Dugu family, and a young man called Fang Lin have a very special relationship.”

“I also heard that Fang Lin is from the Lower Three Kingdoms, and Miss Dugu from the Dugu family stayed there for some time.”

“But now that Fang Lin is dead, even if Miss Dugu really had something with him, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ƝονǤᴑ.ƈ0

For the wedding taking place two months later, the Royal House began preparations early on, and so did the Dugu Family. Both families are treating this wedding with utmost caution.

After all, this marriage is of great significance, marking the real beginning of the alliance between the two major powers of Xuan Country.

If this marriage alliance is successful, the Royal House of Xuan Country will walk hand in hand with the Dugu family. For both families, the benefits are abundant, the most direct being a more stable status.

Therefore, this marriage alliance cannot afford the slightest negligence.

Almost everybody is focusing on the significance behind this marriage alliance. As for the two individuals who are getting married, few have shown concern.

Especially Dugu Nian, hardly anyone has considered what her true feelings might be.

For women belonging to large families and powerful forces, marriage affairs are often used as bargaining chips, and they cannot decide for themselves.

At present, despite the Dugu Family’s preparation for the wedding, a significant disagreement arose within the family due to this marriage.

Family Head Dugu Fengyun has always disagreed with this marriage. He does not want to stake Dugu Nian’s entire life as a chip for the family’s interests.

However, Lord Fenglei and most of the higher-ups in the family are determined to proceed with this marriage.

Even though Dugu Fengyun wields the most power as the family head, most of the senior members of the Dugu Family sided with Lord Fenglei. His authority as head of the family couldn’t always mask the sun with one hand.

Still, Dugu Fengyun had a conversation with his granddaughter. If Dugu Nian was unwilling to marry into the Crown Prince’s residence, Dugu Fengyun would disagree with the marriage even if it meant standing in opposition to all the senior members of the Dugu Family.

However, against Dugu Fengyun’s expectations, Dugu Nian agreed after a moment of silence.

“Granddaughter, think it over. If you are unwilling, no one can force you as long as your grandfather is here,” Dugu Fengyun repeatedly asked.

“Grandfather, I’ve made up my mind to marry Zhou Yishui.” Dugu Nian’s response was so calm, so surreal, as if she was discussing something completely unrelated to her.

Dugu Fengyun looked at his granddaughter’s haggard face, feeling unbearable sadness in his heart.

Dugu Nian’s parents also spoke with her. If she was truly unwilling, they would find a way to remove Dugu Nian from the Dugu Family.

However, Dugu Nian’s attitude remained the same, seemingly resigned to her fate.

One day, Dugu Nian sat in the garden, playing with a bamboo flute, smiling slightly as if reminiscing about something.

Footsteps sounded, a young man in white walked into the garden with a handsome face. It was Dugu Ruoxu.

Unaware of his presence, Dugu Nian was still immersed in her own memories until Dugu Ruoxu approached her, causing her to look up startled.

“Cousin,” Dugu Nian said softly.

Dugu Ruoxu looked at Dugu Nian, his expression complex.

Suddenly, Dugu Ruoxu noticed the bamboo flute in Dugu Nian’s hands and remarked, “This bamboo flute seems quite crude.”

Dugu Nian revealed a small smile, “Fang Lin gave it to me.”

Hearing this, Dugu Ruoxu became silent, not wanting to discuss this topic further.

“Are you really going to marry Zhou Yishui?” Dugu Ruoxu asked.

Dugu Nian nodded, displaying a calm demeanor as if she was completely unmoved by anything.

“Why?” Dugu Ruoxu frowned. He couldn’t understand why Dugu Nian had always strongly resisted this marriage proposal, but was now willing to marry Zhou Yishui. Could it be because Fang Lin died?

Dugu Nian caressed the bamboo flute in her hands. Despite its rustic appearance, it seemed to be her most cherished possession.

“Even if I’m not willing, it wouldn’t change anything,” Dugu Nian said with a frightening tranquility.

Dugu Ruoxu frowned, “If you truly are unwilling, there’s still a chance things could change.”

Dugu Nian looked at Dugu Ruoxu, smiled, and said nothing.

Previously, Dugu Ruoxu had sided with Lord Fenglei, hoping for a marriage alliance between the Dugu Family and the Royal House.

However, for some unknown reason, Dugu Ruoxu’s views changed. He felt a strong dislike towards Zhou Yishui and didn’t want Dugu Nian to marry him.

“With Fang Lin gone, I should do what I’m supposed to,” Dugu Nian said quietly, a different light flickering in the depths of her eyes.

“Are you seeking revenge for Fang Lin?” Dugu Ruoxu watched Dugu Nian and bluntly questioned.

Dugu Nian neither admitted nor denied it, only falling silent.

“You don’t have to do this. Fang Lin is already dead. Nothing you do will change anything,” Dugu Ruoxu advised.

“Regardless, I have to do it, even if it leads to my death,” Dugu Nian said calmly, her determination startling Dugu Ruoxu.

“I see,” Dugu Ruoxu left.

Several days later, a major event happened.

Dugu Ruoxu arrived in Xuan City with a sword, challenging Zhou Yishui.

No one expected that Dugu Ruoxu would challenge Zhou Yishui at this critical moment when the two families were about to intermarry.

Many in the Dugu Family were caught off guard, unprepared for Dugu Ruoxu’s sudden action.

The two men battled outside Xuan City, witnessed by countless people. Dugu Ruoxu wielded a black Demon Sword and used the Dugu Family’s most powerful martial arts, injuring Zhou Yishui.

However, in the end, Zhou Yishui emerged victorious.

Dugu Ruoxu fled bloodied but laughing loudly before he left.

“You are not as good as Fang Lin!” In front of the many Martial Artists present, Dugu Ruoxu said this directly to Zhou Yishui.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yishui’s face turned livid with rage, murderous intent emanating from him as he prepared to kill Dugu Ruoxu.

Unfortunately, though defeated, Dugu Ruoxu was capable enough to withdraw gracefully.

However, because of Dugu Ruoxu’s antics, a shadow was cast over the impending marriage between the two families.