Abundant Martial Arts Virtue

"I've always seen you as a brother."

Fu Caier knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face as her mind raced to find a way to break the impasse.

In the past,

she never thought anyone could push her to this extent.

Thus, she had no way to deal with it.

But—

fortunately, Li Tao urgently called her to the market today, where she experienced a public proposal.

She used Junior Master Zhang to fend it off.

From that moment, she began to consider how to handle such situations if they arose again.

Yes.

She held Li Tao in contempt; apart from using him, she would never get romantically involved with him.

Romance was not something to be discussed publicly.

If she rejected him later, others would only think he couldn't succeed in his pursuit.

No one would say anything.

But Fang Yuming elevated the matter to the heights of "sowing discord between brothers," "deceiving emotions," and "hoarding resources"—

If he proved it publicly, she would be disgraced!

So after returning from the market, she had been contemplating how to respond.

Thankfully!

The Precepts Hall was silent.

Fu Caier wiped her tears and knelt forward, cupping her hands in salute towards the high platform:

"Sect Leader, respected elders."

"Disciple Fu Caier, since joining the sect, has been dedicated to cultivation, wishing only to bravely progress and overcome numerous heavenly tribulations, reaching the azure clouds."

"Disciple shares only a brotherly connection with fellow sect brothers, with no romantic ties."

A hint of vulnerability flashed in her expression, but her voice grew firmer:

"Shouldn't female cultivators like us aspire for more than just forming dao partnerships and reproducing the next generation?"

Her words resonated clearly throughout the Precepts Hall.

The expressions of everyone changed.

Junior Master Zhang couldn't help but feel like applauding.

—Good, Cai Er, your words are true!

You and those brothers are indeed like hands and feet—

No one knows that you and I are the ones truly in love!

The female cultivators watching felt their spirits stirred, each clenching their fists, resonating with Fu Caier's words: "Shouldn't female cultivators like us aspire for more than just forming dao partnerships and reproducing the next generation?"

Sect Leader Bai Zongmang pondered for several moments and couldn't help but nod slightly.

Fu Caier's talent wasn't impressive, yet she would stop at nothing to secure resources. In the past, he wouldn't have valued her.

But in such a significant setting today, she adeptly turned the situation around, lightly and effortlessly elevating her reputation with just a few words.

Such composure.

Such cunning arguments, full of resourceful strategies.

—This is a talent one in ten thousand possesses!

Li Tao stared blankly at Fu Caier, listening to her resolute words, his expression growing dim.

Who would have thought Fu Caier had already turned and come straight to him, holding his hand and saying:

"Senior brother, I'm truly sorry. I am solely devoted to cultivation and do not wish to involve myself in romantic matters too early. If you resent me, go ahead and hit me."

"I... don't blame you, Cai Er." Li Tao said hoarsely.

"No, senior brother, I know that your feelings are genuine." Fu Caier, eyes blurred with tears, caressed his face gently.

Li Tao closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks.

But Fu Caier spoke softly: "The future of the sect still relies on us; how can we halt our progress too soon?"

"Senior brother, I promise you, once we achieve Nascent Soul, shall we then seek an answer together?"

Li Tao was immensely moved.

—This is Cai Er providing him a graceful exit in front of all these people!

It's not just an exit.

Once he achieves Nascent Soul, there is hope to form a dao partnership with her.

She said it herself!

Li Tao opened his eyes and nodded, "Alright! Junior sister, we'll decide on that."

"Mm." Fu Caier also nodded heavily.

Wu Xiaode raised his head in surprise, scanning the room before meeting the Sect Leader's gaze.

Even the Sect Leader showed a sighful expression.

—Saying "not wanting to involve oneself in romantic matters too early" can directly pacify a sycophant!

Because a sycophant will think, it's too early now, but what about later?

"The future of the sect still relies on us" was meant for those on stage, indicating she had grasped the main theme of the sect and was committed to cultivation.

As for the final sentence—

"Senior brother, I promise you, once we achieve Nascent Soul, shall we then seek an answer together?"

How difficult it is to achieve Nascent Soul!

Nascent Soul cultivators are already high-ranking figures within the sect.

Junior Master Zhang, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, manages seven true disciples and countless inner and outer sect members.

If you, Li Tao, ranked fifth, can achieve Nascent Soul, then come seek marriage again.

If by then, I, Fu Caier, have not achieved Nascent Soul, marrying you could help me further my ambition using your resources!

But if you can't even reach Nascent Soul—

Would you dare seek me out?

Even more crucially—

This is a "promise" witnessed by everyone.

Li Tao agreed.

Cultivators place utmost importance on vows and promises.

This agreement means he must adhere to it henceforth.

Since you're engaged to Fu Caier, how can you form a dao partnership with another female cultivator?

Either cultivate until death, or break through to Nascent Soul.

Your life is bound to this promise!

You may not win Fu Caier, but you'll forever be her backup!

To break the promise?

It's possible!

But doing so would mark you as unreliable and dishonorable.

How would you face Fu Caier again? How could you possibly rise to a high position within the sect?

Brilliant!

Truly brilliant!

"What does the Sect Leader think?" a Supreme Elder asked softly.

A soundproof prohibition silently appeared on the stage.

At this moment, these sect leaders needed to deliberate.

Bai Zongmang nodded and spoke:

"In the past, I thought this generation of disciples was too easily ensnared by women, but now it seems this female disciple truly stands out; her grasp on people's hearts sweeps through her generation of disciples."