Chapter 4: Proposing a Match
In the market towns around the Yunyu Marshlands, introducing wives to rogue cultivators was one of the most common occurrences.
Though it was referred to as forming a Dao companion bond, in truth, it was more about two weak rogue cultivators joining forces to get by.
For example, the Immortal Residence Fee was three spirit stones per month. Alone, one would need to earn three spirit stones every month.
However, with two people, one only needed to earn one and a half stones each month.
Moreover, living with someone who shared one’s bed naturally meant additional support in various aspects.
Thus, when many rogue cultivators reached a certain age, they would ask someone to look for a suitable match in the same market town or nearby ones.
After finding someone, they would meet a few times and spend some time together.
If they got along, they would proceed to become Dao companions.
As for acting as a marriage broker, many rogue cultivators were more than happy to do it—there were benefits to be gained, and no danger involved.
Take Old Huang, for example.
Relying on his seniority and the fact that he knew many rogue cultivators, he had already earned quite a few spirit stones from matchmaking.
Ji Yuan had learned about this from the original owner’s memories, so he turned his gaze toward the female cultivator standing behind Old Huang.
Her appearance could only be considered average, but her figure was quite pleasing.
The sorrow in her brows and eyes made her appear somewhat pitiable and endearing.
While Ji Yuan was scrutinizing her, she was also sizing up Ji Yuan.
Unlike him, however, she was instantly bright-eyed the moment she saw Ji Yuan… it was rare to find such a handsome male cultivator in the market towns around the Yunyu Marshlands!
Old Huang cupped his hands in his sleeves and was about to speak when three figures emerged from the courtyard to Ji Yuan’s left.
They were Lin Youwei, the fisherman, his wife Zhou Ling, and their only son Lin Hu.
As soon as they appeared, Zhou Ling hurriedly spoke to Old Huang, “Uncle Huang, our Huzi is about the right age as well. Could you help us see if there’s a suitable girl?”
Well, wasn’t this turning into a competition for the bride… Ji Yuan silently ridiculed in his heart.
“No problem, no problem.”
Old Huang stroked his beard with a smile and said, “This girl Wu Qin here is quite suitable. She has the cultivation of the second layer of Qi Refining. She originally came from the neighboring Taian Market. Her parents were taken by the Yunyu Marshlands while they were out at sea, leaving her alone. Life in Taian Market wasn’t easy for a lone girl, so she came here to our Zengtou Market.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling’s minds began to race.
A girl with deceased parents was considered an ideal marriage candidate. Without another family to meddle in their affairs, marrying her would mean gaining an extra helping hand for free.
Not only would their burdens be lighter, but they might soon have a grandchild to hold.
Hearing Old Huang’s introduction of her, Wu Qin couldn’t help but lower her head.
If not for being left with no other choice, who would willingly put themselves on display like goods, waiting to be picked?
“Speaking of which, this boy Ji Yuan shares a similar fate with you, Miss Wu. He too has lost his parents.”
Just as Old Huang finished speaking, Wu Qin lifted her head again, and the look in her eyes toward Ji Yuan grew even more tender.
They could be considered kindred spirits, sharing the same misfortune.
And if she had to choose between these two households, Wu Qin would pick Ji Yuan even with her eyes closed.
Without in-laws to serve, she and her husband could simply focus on their own small life together.
Besides… this Brother Ji in front of her was so handsome, unlike the dark-skinned one standing nearby.
Naturally, Ji Yuan could see the eagerness in the girl’s eyes.
Unfortunately… he had no intention of finding someone to settle down with.
At present, his cultivation had just begun, and the output from the fish pond and chicken coop barely sufficed for his own cultivation needs.
Getting married would not only risk exposing his secrets but also require him to share some of his resources with a wife… Ji Yuan had no such plans.
As for the couple Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling, seeing the eagerness in Wu Qin’s eyes, they knew that their son probably stood no chance.
Old Huang thought the same.
Wu Qin was waiting for Ji Yuan’s reply. And Ji Yuan did indeed respond, but his answer took everyone by surprise.
“Apologies, Miss Wu. My parents only passed away a little over a month ago. I truly have no intention of marrying at this time. Thank you for your kind offer.”
Ji Yuan gave a polite smile and even cupped his hands toward Wu Qin in a formal salute.
The eagerness in Wu Qin’s eyes dimmed, while Lin Hu’s eyes, on the other hand, lit up with hope.
A trace of surprise flashed across Old Huang’s face, but he quickly covered it up with a cough. “Then how about you take a look at the Lin family next door? The Lin family is well-known here in Zengtou Market… a family of good and honest people. Just look at that boy Lin Hu, you can tell at a glance he’s someone who can endure hardships.”
When it came time to introduce himself, Lin Hu instead rubbed his hands together a little awkwardly.
What happened next, Ji Yuan didn’t know. After he had finished speaking, he carefully closed the courtyard gate.
However, not long after, Old Huang knocked on his door again.
This time, his tone carried a hint of disappointment and frustration as he said, “You really are short-sighted!”
“A female cultivator who’s lost her parents is a rare catch for marriage, especially since you both share the same situation. Once you get married, it’ll be just the two of you living your own little life. You, oh you…”
“The most important thing is, she doesn’t ask for any betrothal gifts! A wife for free! Otherwise, if you try to find someone to marry in the future, without at least twenty or thirty spirit stones as betrothal gifts, what female cultivator would even consider you?”
Ji Yuan could tell that Old Huang was genuinely looking out for him. “But I really don’t have any plans for marriage right now.”
“Even if you had, it’s too late now. She and Lin Hu have agreed to the match. The wedding feast is tonight, and I have to go back and wash up and change.”
Since he had secured a marriage deal, Old Huang was surely going to earn himself a commission of three to five spirit stones. No wonder he was so enthusiastic about it.
However… Ji Yuan couldn’t help but find it strange.
Knowing full well that he couldn’t even afford the commission, why had Old Huang still tried to arrange the match for him?
Ji Yuan found this quite odd, since he knew Old Huang was not the type to do anything without profit.
Before long, Lin Youwei knocked on Ji Yuan’s door again, informing him about Lin Hu’s wedding that evening and inviting him, as a neighbor, to come over and join the gathering.
Naturally, Ji Yuan didn’t want to go.
Attending would mean he’d have to bring a gift, and even the smallest token would start at one spirit stone.
Ji Yuan didn’t have that kind of money to spare.
“Don’t worry, no gift required. It’s just a few of us neighbors getting together to liven things up.”
Since Lin Youwei had made it clear, Ji Yuan had no choice but to attend.
That evening, three tables were set.
Old Huang sat at the main table, drinking himself into a stupor under the persuasion of Lin Youwei and his son.
Ji Yuan sat alone in a corner, eating a little before setting down his chopsticks.
During the banquet, he noticed Wu Qin, dressed in a bright red bridal gown, stealing several glances at him with a complicated expression in her eyes.
There was unwillingness, regret, and a trace of anger, but more than anything, it seemed to be a silent compromise with fate.
In such an era of fierce competition, Ji Yuan couldn’t even secure his own stability, let alone worry about others. So after filling his stomach, he casually greeted Lin Youwei and offered Lin Hu his congratulations before returning to his small house.
That night.
Unable to sleep, Ji Yuan went to the backyard. He stood there, gazing at his tiny fish pond and chicken coop, at this little world that belonged to him alone, feeling somewhat reflective.
He circulated the spiritual energy in his dantian and casually traced a gesture with his hand.
As the water-blue spiritual energy surged.
Water arrows formed effortlessly, as if born from nature itself.
The Water Arrow Technique, which the original owner had painstakingly practiced for years, had finally reached completion tonight.