Chapter 219: Engagement with Ning Tian
The blueprints Ye Chen presented were ten in total, carefully chosen—all first to fourth-level soul tool designs, belonging to the most practical and profitable class.
His designs were far simpler to manufacture, drastically lowering production costs while outperforming anything sold on the market.
At present, 99% of all soul tools came from the Sun Moon Empire, mostly as cheap imitations—much like generic medicines compared to the originals.
But Ye Chen's innovations weren't just "originals." They were superior—and cheaper to make.
Their competitive value was absolute.
Once mass-produced, his products would dominate the market, even if priced higher.
With these alone, Tang Sect's outer branch could flourish, expanding across the continent and establishing trade connections.
His long-term plan involved linking up with Mingde Hall—making travel and negotiation in the Sun Moon Empire far easier later on.
More importantly, he had promised Tang Ya to revive the Tang Sect, and that dream couldn't be achieved with their current small team alone.
"Excellent! All new soul tool models, and the schematics are exquisite…" Ning Xiuyuan exclaimed, scanning the papers with shining eyes. As a soul engineer himself, he quickly recognized the immense commercial potential.
The two spoke briefly to finalize the basic terms of cooperation.
By the time they were done, it was nearly noon, and Ning Xiuyuan had already prepared a grand feast in Ye Chen's honor.
Ye Chen didn't decline.
…
Soft light filled the large banquet hall.
Fragrant dishes and the scent of fresh flowers mingled in the air.
Around the long table sat the sect's elders and key figures, wearing their finest robes.
Ning Xiuyuan presided at the head; on either side of him sat the two consecrated Title Douluo, Shi Hao and Jian Wuchen.
Ye Chen and Ning Tian shared the place of honor opposite them.
The atmosphere was warm and cheerful, laughter and conversation flowing easily.
Ning Xiuyuan beamed, frequently toasting Ye Chen, praising both the partnership and the young man himself.
Shi Hao's booming voice filled the hall as he told amusing sect stories, sending waves of laughter ringing through the room.
After several rounds of wine, Ning Xiuyuan set down his jade cup and cleared his throat.
The hall quickly grew quiet.
All eyes turned toward him.
A knowing smile curved Ning Xiuyuan's lips as his gaze drifted between Ye Chen and Ning Tian before resting on Ye Chen. "Ye Chen," he began, his voice full of easy warmth, "you can see how this girl Xiaotian's heart is tied to you. As her father, I'm well aware."
He paused, then raised his voice slightly, addressing everyone present. "Now that so many of our elders are gathered, why not make things official? I propose that you two get engaged today—so that our families are joined in name and heart!"
Silence fell like a stone.
Ning Tian's head jerked up, her face blooming red like a ripened peach.
She darted a quick glance at Ye Chen, her eyes full of hope and nervous excitement, fingers twisting nervously beneath the tablecloth.
She had entertained such a thought before—but never imagined her father would suggest it aloud! Her pulse raced, a tangled mix of fear and joy swelling inside her.
Ye Chen, on the other hand, nearly sighed aloud.
This old fox… barely after sealing the business deal, he already wanted to cement it with marriage ties.
His eyes swept the room.
Ning Tian's shy yet radiant face—lowered but brimming with hope—met his gaze.
If he refused, it would break her heart.
And besides… she was already his woman. Whether labeled or not, this formal step changed little.
It was the unexpected haste that irked him.
He could also feel the expectant stares and subtle pressure from everyone else.
Refusal wouldn't affect their partnership—but it would strain it.
His decision came quickly.
An engagement was just a title; it would reassure Ning Tian, ease the sect's concerns, and anchor their alliance. A harmless gesture with many advantages.
Marriage could wait for the future.
With that, Ye Chen's momentary surprise faded, replaced by a calm, confident smile.
Ignoring the curious faces around him, he turned to Ning Tian, whose flushed ears revealed her anxious delight. A trace of warmth softened his gaze.
He gently took her small hand, then looked toward Ning Xiuyuan and said with an easy smile, "My feelings for Xiaotian are sincere. Since you all agree, I see no reason to refuse the engagement."
"Ye Chen, really?"
Ning Tian's whole body trembled. She looked up quickly, eyes shining through the blush on her cheeks, filled with disbelief and happiness.
She had imagined he might hesitate—but he agreed without doubt or delay.
That meant he truly cared for her.
All her earlier worries vanished in a rush of joy and guilt.
Tonight, she vowed, she would properly thank him.
"Hahaha! Excellent, excellent!"
Ning Xiuyuan's booming laughter filled the hall.
Perhaps no father relished seeing his daughter wed another, but Ning Tian was marrying a man like Ye Chen—the most extraordinary genius on the continent. What parent could object?
Though young, their union would bring honor and strength to the sect.
"Wonderful! Ye Chen, from now on, we are family! Come, drink—let us toast this joyous union!"
The elders' and stewards' smiles brightened at once, their cups rising as congratulations echoed from all sides.
"Congratulations, Sect Master! Congratulations, young mistress!"
"A perfect match, beauty and genius alike!"
"Truly, a union blessed by the heavens!"
The previously formal atmosphere dissolved into celebration. Laughter, cheers, and clinking cups filled the room again.
By the end, with the feast nearly finished, Ning Tian tugged gently on Ye Chen's sleeve and together they slipped out.
The banquet officially ended with mutual satisfaction—both sides achieving exactly what they wanted.
With the cooperation in place, Tang Sect's future growth was assured. Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would handle the logistics and expansion.
Their alliance was sealed, unbreakable.
Ning Tian, too, had gotten her wish.
That evening, back at Ye Chen's quarters, Ning Tian brought him home herself.
Though he had drunk heavily, his energy remained steady. She, however, bore a soft flush on her cheeks, her steps slightly uneven.
When she opened the door, she gently but firmly pushed him inside.
"This is your house now too—of course we'll sleep together," she huffed softly, though her blush deepened.
Ye Chen hesitated. "Your father… doesn't know how close we already are. If we share a bed—"
"Hmph! I'm sleeping with my fiancé; who dares say anything?"
Ning Tian shot back idly, then lightly shoved him onto the bed and leaned close.
After all, he had been so good to her today—agreeing so easily to their betrothal.
And tonight, she fully intended to show him her gratitude.
(END CHAPTER)
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