After the two women exchanged ceremonial greetings, Ning Haichan personally stepped forward and pulled Li Ji'an to the center.
"Father-in-law, Uncle Chen, this is Li Ji'an, exceptionally talented, with superior heart nature and also a reserve Immortal Seedling from Chong'an Prefecture."
"Yes, yes, yes, my Brother Li is very powerful. If not for his poor background, his accomplishments now would certainly ... just be slightly less than mine, but definitely much stronger than hers. Besides, Brother Li hasn't taken any Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill, right, Brother Li?" The presence of many influential figures gave Ning Yutan courage, and she pulled Li Ji'an's sleeve, openly challenging Ning Sujin.
Ning Sujin's face immediately darkened, and her eyes shot a sharp glance at Ning Yutan.
Especially seeing Ning Yutan grab Li Ji'an's sleeve without the slightest restraint, an inexplicable fire surged within her.
"Brother An, didn't you say before that you were particularly fond of the Su Family's 'Floating Willow Step'? Today, my grandfather is here. You can ask him directly for guidance, right, Grandpa?" Ning Sujin looked at Su Jishi with a bit of a two-pronged intention.
Of course, aside from her habitual rivalry with Ning Yutan and testing Su Jishi, she indeed wanted to procure a martial arts technique that could help Li Ji'an escape in times of danger, as that guy is terribly afraid of dying.
"..." Su Jishi was momentarily stunned, a bit taken aback.
He looked at Li Ji'an, then at Ning Sujin, and finally at Ning Yutan.
Soon, his aged face became highly animated.
"This little rascal..." He ultimately gave Li Ji'an a meaningful stare.
Ning Yutan was also amazed, not expecting this old woman to act so frantically in their struggle.
"Brother Li, didn't you say our family's 'Falling Flower Sword Technique' was unbeatable in the world? If you want to learn, I'll have my father teach you. Right, Dad." She refused to be outdone and fervently winked at her father.
"Ah!" Ning Haichan looked at Ning Yutan in disbelief.
Seeing no responses from the two gentlemen, the women exchanged glances and continued pressuring.
"Grandfather?"
"Father!"
...
"This ... 'Floating Willow Step' is indeed the Su Family's ancestral body technique ... but, if Sujin requests, it's not impossible ..." Su Jishi watched the changes in Ning Sujin's expression and ultimately relaxed his stance. He had come here with the mission of resolving misunderstandings with his granddaughter, laying the groundwork to invite Ning Sujin back to the Su Family in ten years.
Anyway, if Li Ji'an marries Ning Sujin, it counts as having ties with the Su Family. Achieving a Blood Exchange Minor Achievement at twenty and being a reserve Immortal Seedling proves his talent. Immortal Seedling success is unlikely, but with family resources, he has hopes of becoming a Qi Blood Grandmaster.
After the second-generation Su Susu was tricked away by Ning Haichan, and the third-generation Su Fan successfully taken by the Immortal Master to the Immortal Realm, the Su Family indeed faces a succession issue. Having Ning Sujin and Li Ji'an return to the clan could sustain the family's status for another century.
Upon realizing, Ning Haichan couldn't be happier: "What's the difficulty in this? I've always admired Ji'an. As long as my talented nephew requests, there's no objection."
"Hmm?" However, Su Jishi frowned slightly at Ning Haichan's straightforwardness.
The Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill wasn't given to my precious granddaughter, and now a man wants to compete for it?
It similarly declares Ning Yutan and Ning Sujin's rivalry a draw.
"Ning Haichan, what do you mean?" Su Jishi slammed the table, glaring at Ning Haichan.
Ning Haichan was completely confused, isn't this all about selecting a husband for Sujin?
You've already offered the Su Family's body technique, how could I be stingy? Moreover, he'll be my son-in-law in the future.
"Hmph, boy, listen closely. As long as my Sujin agrees, I can also teach you the Su Family's ultimate skill 'Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle'!" Su Jishi directly threw down his trump card!
Suddenly, Ning Haichan felt a surge of astonishment!
The 'Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle' is considered an ultimate skill because it has virtually no rival in the field of hidden weapons and is truly a top-notch assassination technique.
If his future son-in-law masters the Su Family's ultimate skill, even if Chen Xiaosheng passes away, the Ning Family will have a secret weapon.
In a flash of excitement, he could no longer contain himself and immediately turned to Chen Xiaosheng: "Uncle Chen, I've thought it through. If Ji'an is willing, please make him your disciple! Teach him the 'Heaven-Breaking Divine Fist'!"
"You!" Su Jishi's eyes bulged.
Playing this big!
Chen Xiaosheng, who had been quietly observing the drama, didn't expect to be drawn into it, instinctively glanced at Li Ji'an again, quite familiar with him.
The rivalry between the two beauties of the Marquis Mansion over Li Ji'an at the Seeking Immortal Institute couldn't escape the Marquis's intelligence. Determining it was not Li Ji'an who intentionally played with their feelings was the result of Chen Xiaosheng's own covert surveillance of Li Ji'an.
He's probed into his talent, heart nature, and even personality.
If not for early setbacks, he's definitely considered a prodigy.
He's personally very satisfied.
"What's this 'Heaven-Breaking Divine Fist' name? It's a ridiculous name, and I never admitted it. Anyway, I had promised the Old Marquis long ago. It's up to you to decide." Chen Xiaosheng finally laughed and cursed.
With Chen Xiaosheng nodding his agreement, the reception Immortal Official in the military tent looked at Li Ji'an with complete approval.
With admiration, astonishment, intimacy, and even a touch of flattery.
Duke's Mansion's esteemed son-in-law, Qi Blood Grandmaster Su Family's grandson-in-law, Qi Blood Grandmaster Chen Xiaosheng's successor… also concurrently practices four top-tier martial arts, foreseeing his future ascent to the top of the Grandmaster List.
Immediately, the entire audience's attention focused on Li Ji'an.
Li Ji'an's eyelids twitched; he indeed had not anticipated this scene beforehand, nor did he have the mood to rejoice over four top-tier cultivation techniques that would cause bloody battles in the outside world.
The rivalry between the two women over the past five years had become almost routine, and after such a long time together, both women had come to understand Li Ji'an's character and heart nature, long having transformed from mere competitors into confidantes, sharing a mutual bond.
However, it was far from a romantic relationship.
Only recently, unexpectedly learning about Ning Sujin's "Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil" ability, Li Ji'an found himself somewhat infatuated with Ning Sujin's actions.
He admitted to himself that he might be a bit greasy or perhaps had been overwhelmed by the sudden sense of security that it brought.
But he asked himself honestly, it was more for that sense of security.
Moreover, there was a premise to this: he already knew Ning Sujin's pursuit of immortality, coupled with her talent, there was a high probability she would ascend with an Immortal Master in the next Immortal Scripture, so he hadn't thought about the future.
But now, with Duke Dingguo and the Su Family Patriarch getting involved… clearly aiming for marriage and offspring.
Not to mention his "Rejuvenation" plugin; whether to guard this secret or to evade personal experiences like the Red Skull or the agony of a white-haired man mourning a black-haired child, at present he was not suitable for marriage or children.
The crux is, Ning Yutan is about to ascend to the Immortal Realm, and Ning Sujin's heart is set on seeking immortality, he knows this; when the time comes, who would he marry or have children with?
So, this is actually a farce, as Su Jishi and Ning Haichan were deceived by the outward appearance of rivalry between the two women, both being unaware of Ning Sujin's true inner thoughts leading to this error.
He certainly couldn't just let this mistake continue.
"Sister Jin and Yutan's considerate affection, Li is deeply grateful. The immense grace of the two Grandmasters and the Duke is cherished with heartfelt gratitude, etched into my soul, never forgotten. However... this nephew's heart is set on ascending to immortality, and for the next decade all my focus will be dedicated to cultivating Inner Strength, with no current plans to practice External Skills!"
After a moment of deep thought, he spoke truthfully.
He had no intention of cunningly freeloading.
Success might be possible, but the risk is greater.
Furthermore, there was no sly maneuvering to delay or equivocate, instead he directly expressed his intentions.
With "Rejuvenation" at hand, while immortality in the Immortal Realm can't be claimed, within this Mortal Realm, he need not hurry, proceeding one life at a time; even the top martial arts on the Grandmaster List will surely be obtained, so why rush into such risks now?
Otherwise, what if ten years later Ning Sujin also ascends to the Immortal Realm; how would he face Duke's Mansion then?
As soon as the words fell, as expected, the entire audience was shocked.
The Reception Immortal Official and company, beyond the shock, felt surprised, wondering how he could forsake such immense wealth and power?
Upon regaining composure, they all frowned slightly, with expressions of helpless amusement, looking rather pityingly at Li Ji'an.
Sighing that Li Ji'an was still young, with a lofty heart and high ambition, failing to recognize himself, and unaware of the principle behind building towering skyscrapers from the ground up.
Ascend to immortality?
Reviewing past Immortal Seedlings, especially those in recent years, which Immortal Seedling wasn't from a family of merit and distinction?
No matter how great one's talent, if not backed by generations of accumulation, how could they compare with family of prestigious lineage whose talent doesn't fall short of theirs, and who are nurtured with valuable resources from childhood?
Coming from poverty, to become a reserve Immortal Seedling is already a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes; yet now, with peerless martial arts offered at his feet, he doesn't understand gratitude, instead pushing it away with his own hands, truly foolish beyond measure.
Perhaps it's also because he was born in such a small place, lacking in worldly experience, and feeling overly satisfied with his status among the top three within a province.
If he goes to the Imperial City, and sees those true peerless prodigies, he should realize the gap between himself and them.
Especially upon learning the rarity of martial arts cultivation techniques here, he will surely regret his words and actions today.
But this matter doesn't concern them, they spoke no more, only looking towards Ning Haichan.
Ning Haichan's face stiffened, the first thought wasn't concerning Li Ji'an's refusal of martial arts, but his expressed unwillingness regarding his beloved daughter.
Pursuing immortality? Can pursuing immortality compare to his daughter?
This young fool really blind?
However, regaining a bit of rationality, his gaze towards Li Ji'an unexpectedly carried a hint of admiration.
This first proved that this young man wasn't approaching his daughter out of a desire for wealth and honor or peerless Divine Skill, nor was he someone who would compromise ambitions for fame and fortune.
Not a person whose heart is confused by beauty, whose eyes are obscured by wealth, or whose spine is bent by Divine Skill.
"Indeed, a character!"
For this reason, his desire for Li Ji'an to become his son-in-law was even stronger by threefold.
"What's the harm in waiting another ten years?"
"Just uncertain whether he can overcome the stubborn obstacle of an old father-in-law here... and there's Uncle Chen who has never looked favorably upon a disciple, yet finally relented, now being rejected, wondering…" he couldn't help but worryingly look towards Su Jishi and Chen Xiaosheng.