Chapter 958: I Will Not Annul the Engagement

Chapter 958: I Will Not Annul the Engagement

The next day, in a grand hall, Xiao Nanfeng met his fiancée, Liu Miaoyin.

Liu Miaoyin was dressed in white. She appeared graceful and elegant. Xiao Nanfeng thought that even the most beautiful women he had seen on Earth, even top influencers with enhanced beauty filters, couldn't compare to Liu Miaoyin. The only flaw was that she seemed far too aloof. Her eyes seemed devoid of any emotion.

Liu Miaoyin sat silently by one side, leaving most of the talking to a middle-aged nun beside her.

"Sign it. Don't waste any more time. Miaoyin and you are not destined to walk the same path," the nun said calmly.

Xiao Nanfeng frowned as he looked at the annulment contract on the table.

"Well? Surely you won't refuse. Miaoyin is a once-in-a-millennium prodigy in Buddhist cultivation. Her life will be dedicated to the Buddhist path and the salvation of the world, and she can't be tied down by worldly sentiments. If you care for her, sign this annulment. I will even compensate you adequately. I can grant you pills of longevity and ensure a century of peace for Dashun," the nun continued.

The eunuchs and palace maids nearby didn't dare speak. They allowed the middle-aged nun to dominate the conversation, pressuring Xiao Nanfeng to annul the engagement.

For an emperor to be forced into annulling his marriage was a profound humiliation.

Even so, Xiao Nanfeng didn't get upset. Instead, he turned to Liu Miaoyin and said, "Miss Liu, we've only met a few times. Now that Master Hui'en has brought you here to annul the engagement, I'd like to know your stance."

Master Hui'en frowned and said, "Are you trying to deceive Miaoyin? You're merely a mortal, ignorant of the chasm between mortals and immortals. Isn't her presence here enough to make her wishes clear? Don't think that a mere marriage contract can bind Miaoyin. You are unworthy."

Xiao Nanfeng replied, "Binding her with a marriage contract? Master Hui'en, aren't you exaggerating? I simply wish to know Liu Miaoyin's opinion. Although we've barely met, in name, she is still my fiancée and the future empress of Dashun. This engagement was arranged by our parents and formalized with a contract, a legitimate bond recognized by both law and tradition. As her master, do you think your authority surpasses that of her parents? You advocate for her to devote herself to Buddhism and the greater good, but have you considered her parents' feelings? If this is her personal choice, I will not force her. But if it's merely your decision, wouldn't that mean you're using your position as her master to dictate her fate? Isn't that moral coercion?"

"How presumptuous!" Master Hui'en's eyes flared with anger.

She stood up, unleashing an overwhelming pressure that forced Xiao Nanfeng to sit down. The eunuchs and palace maids were sent to their knees.

Immense killing intent filled the hall. Xiao Nanfeng felt like a lone boat in a storm, one that might capsize at any moment. Yet he didn't flinch. His gaze was sharp and unwavering as he stared at Hui'en.

Liu Miaoyin suddenly frowned. She turned to Master Hui'en. "Master, I do not wish to annul the engagement."

"What?" Hui'en looked at her in astonishment.

"I do not wish to annul the engagement," Liu Miaoyin repeated.

Hui'en's expression changed as she said, "Miaoyin, he's just a mortal. You've embarked on the path of cultivation. You are the foremost prodigy of the Great Zen Monastery, with limitless potential. How can you let a mortal hold you back? He is unworthy of you. In a few decades, he will age and die, while you will only grow stronger with the passing centuries. I came here to resolve this matter for you. At most, we'll compensate him generously. Why are you being so stubborn about this?"

Liu Miaoyin clasped her hands together in a gesture of respect and said, "Master, this engagement was my father's dying wish. I don't want to disappoint my parents. It's true that he is a mortal with a short lifespan, but I wish to honor the contract. While we will not have a marital relationship in reality, I hope to maintain the title of his wife for these few decades as an act of filial piety."

"But this will wrong you. If you later wish to form a Daoist union with an exceptional cultivator, it will create unnecessary obstacles," Hui'en said.

Liu Miaoyin shook her head. "I have devoted my life to Buddhism and will not take a Daoist partner. Reputation is but an illusion, and I no longer care about it."

Hui'en frowned. She wanted to force Xiao Nanfeng to sign the annulment, but with Liu Miaoyin being unwilling, there was nothing she could do.

"Fine, we'll discuss this another time," Hui'en said, turning sharply as she left.

Liu Miaoyin gave Xiao Nanfeng a slight bow before following Hui'en out of the hall.

The oppressive atmosphere in the hall dissipated instantly.

The eunuchs and maids, previously suppressed by Hui'en's aura, sighed in relief. They looked at Xiao Nanfeng with newfound admiration. This was the first time in years that their emperor had shown such resolve.

Xiao Nanfeng watched the two leave, a complicated expression on his face. However, Liu Miaoyin's stance warmed his heart. He had guessed correctly—this annulment was not her intention.

The news of Liu Miaoyin's refusal to annul the engagement spread like wildfire. The entire empire buzzed with shock and speculation.

Everyone knew that Xiao Nanfeng was a mortal incapable of cultivation, while Liu Miaoyin was a prodigy of Buddhist cultivation. For Xiao Nanfeng to refuse the annulment could be seen as clinging to a hopeless attachment, but for Liu Miaoyin to do the same seemed inexplicable. The entire empire was abuzz with rumors.

That night, Xiao Nanfeng dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs, apparently to retire early.

But instead of sleeping, he sat at his desk, as if waiting for someone.

Around midnight, his door opened, and a woman entered. Who else could it be but Liu Miaoyin?

Xiao Nanfeng rose immediately and walked to the door, glancing at the guards outside.

"They are all under a spell and unconscious. There's no need to worry," Liu Miaoyin said.

Xiao Nanfeng's expression shifted slightly as he guessed her intentions. He stepped forward and greeted her, "Good evening, Miss Liu."

"You knew I would come?" Liu Miaoyin asked, intrigued.

Xiao Nanfeng smiled faintly. "When you bowed to me earlier today, I suspected you might. I decided to wait, and here you are."

Liu Miaoyin nodded. "I have something to tell you."

"As do I."

"Oh? You first."

Xiao Nanfeng bowed solemnly. "I was indeed presumptuous earlier today, but I must thank you for standing by me."

"Hm?"

"I understand the divide between mortals and immortals. I also understand that your master had your best interests in mind. I do not expect to marry you, but I refused to sign the annulment because my life was at stake. I simply want to survive," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Survive?"

"Yes. Our engagement will cause others to hesitate before harming me. Without it, I might die in my sleep one day," Xiao Nanfeng said bitterly.

"But you are an emperor."

"A puppet at the mercy of others."

Liu Miaoyin fell silent.

"While this may tarnish your reputation, once I've overcome this crisis, I will compensate you generously," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin shook her head. "I have no concern for reputation. My reluctance to annul the engagement today stems from a similar fear."

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng replied curiously.

"Over a month ago, I went to eradicate a demon lair. Along the way, I overheard rumors of an assassination plot against you, so I returned to Dashun's capital to investigate. Outwardly, I claimed to have been injured and was recuperating at my family's old residence. I waited for over a month, but no assassination attempt occurred. Instead, my master arrived. She feared you might cling to me, so she took it upon herself to play the villain and seek to annul the engagement," Liu Miaoyin explained.

Xiao Nanfeng winced. He was now certain—over a month ago, by the time he had transmigrated into this world, the original emperor had already been murdered. However, Liu Miaoyin was unaware of this.

Despite her cold demeanor, Liu Miaoyin was truly kind-hearted. She could have ignored whether he lived or died, but she personally stayed in the capital for over a month to ensure his safety.

"Thank you," Xiao Nanfeng said sincerely, bowing once again to express his gratitude.

Liu Miaoyin nodded. "It seems I came for nothing, since you're unharmed. However, the Buddhist path I follow prohibits marriage. All I can do is remain your fiancée in name. If anything happens to you, I swear to avenge you. I cannot fulfill my parents' wish of becoming your empress, but I can offer you compensation. Tell me: what do you want? As long as it's within my power, I will do my best."

Looking at the composed Liu Miaoyin, Xiao Nanfeng felt an inexplicable fondness for her. Her cold exterior masked a heart of purity and kindness.

"I'd like you to teach me how to cultivate. Would that be possible?"

"To cultivate?" Liu Miaoyin frowned.

"Yes. I wish to gain some ability to protect myself. Once I can stand on my own, we can resolve our relationship. You won't have to bear the burden of the engagement any longer. At that time, I will publicly sever all ties with you and formally annul the engagement," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin considered the proposal for a moment. "Very well."

"Then, I greet my master—" Xiao Nanfeng started to bow.

Liu Miaoyin shook her head. "There's no need to formally acknowledge me as your master. I will teach you the path of cultivation as a way to settle our ties. Consider it a transaction."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded.

"However, I've heard many people say that your foundation is terribly poor and unsuitable for cultivation. You should prepare yourself about the possibility of failure," Liu Miaoyin warned.

"I'd like to give it a try," Xiao Nanfeng insisted.

Liu Miaoyin nodded. That very night, she began teaching Xiao Nanfeng the methods of cultivation.

Before dawn, Liu Miaoyin looked at him in astonishment. "Your talent is exceptional! The rumors that you can't cultivate—how could they be so wrong?"

"I have no idea. But rumors aren't always accurate, just like how the true circumstances surrounding my father's death remain a mystery to me," Xiao Nanfeng replied with a smile.

Liu Miaoyin frowned slightly. "Are you saying there might be some conspiracy behind our parents' demise?"

"I don't know, and I lack the ability to investigate. But once I have some strength, I will seek the truth," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin nodded in agreement.

From then on, Liu Miaoyin began sneaking into the palace every night to continue teaching Xiao Nanfeng cultivation techniques.

Xiao Nanfeng's progress was astonishing. He advanced by leaps and bounds. Within a month, he had already reached Immanence.

Liu Miaoyin marveled, "Your talent rivals my own."

"It's thanks to your teaching," Xiao Nanfeng said humbly.

"No, your talent is genuinely remarkable. When I get a chance, I'll consult my master to understand why no one ever taught you cultivation. After all, your father was a disciple of the Great Zen Monastery," Liu Miaoyin said thoughtfully.

"Let's hold off on that for now. Wait until I have enough power to protect myself before making inquiries," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin nodded. "I won't be able to stay here much longer."

"Hm?"

"But don't worry. I've recently cultivated an avatar. My main body will return to the Great Zen Monastery, but my avatar can continue teaching and cultivating alongside you," Liu Miaoyin explained.

"I appreciate your help," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"It's no trouble. Having a companion will also motivate my avatar to cultivate diligently. However, my avatar won't be able to enter the palace as easily. Do you have a solution?" Liu Miaoyin asked with a slight frown.

"I'll come out of the palace every night to meet you," Xiao Nanfeng offered.

"Will the palace guards let you leave?" Liu Miaoyin asked in surprise.

"I have my ways. Don't worry. We'll find a place to meet," Xiao Nanfeng said with a smile.

"Alright." Liu Miaoyin nodded. "I'll also give you a few magical artifacts for emergencies. Unfortunately, your current cultivation limits what you can use."

"Thank you. Whatever you can spare will be more than enough," Xiao Nanfeng said with a smile. "May I pass on the techniques you've taught me to others?"

"You may," Liu Miaoyin replied.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded.

The next day, everything proceeded as usual during the day. At night, Xiao Nanfeng devised a plan: he had a young eunuch impersonate him resting in the palace while he disguised himself as a guard. With the help of a few guards during their change in shifts, he slipped out of the palace.

Over the past two months, Xiao Nanfeng hadn't remained idle within the palace.

Although he was a puppet emperor, his late father had left a legacy of loyal subjects. While these individuals currently held little power, Xiao Nanfeng worked to identify and win them over using both emotional appeals and strategic incentives.

These allies lacked influence but could help conceal his movements with ease.

Outside the palace, Xiao Nanfeng had an entire night to act. In the first half of the night, he cultivated alongside Liu Miaoyin's avatar.

In the second half, he visited disillusioned officials and won their support with Liu Miaoyin by his side, slowly rebuilding a network of loyal followers.

Simultaneously, he used these connections to establish charitable organizations and shelters for orphans. He began secretly training them in cultivation and teaching them various skills, in hopes of gaining forces loyal solely to him.

As Xiao Nanfeng's influence expanded, Liu Miaoyin, perhaps out of guilt, wholeheartedly supported his efforts. Liu Miaoyin seemed to discover a new side to him as he tirelessly worked to unite various factions and cultivate his own power base.

"What an incisive plan. Who taught you all this?" Liu Miaoyin asked curiously.

"Isn't it just a matter of talking?" Xiao Nanfeng replied with a smile.

Liu Miaoyin rolled her eyes in exasperation but couldn't hide the admiration in her gaze. Subconsciously, her eyes began to sparkle with a newfound warmth as she watched him.