LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 4 - Annul Engagement for Marriage
The grand hall buzzed with anticipation and excitement. Nearly everyone expected had already arrived, with only the main figure of the engagement banquet yet to make an appearance.
On one side stood Chen Shaofeng, while the other side was reserved for the Wang Family. Oddly enough, on this significant occasion, no member of the Wang Family had arrived early, raising suspicions for Chi Yunhou.
Given the importance of the event, the Wang Family's absence during the engagement ceremony was puzzling, leading some to wonder about its authenticity.
“Father!”
Soon after, Chen Shaofeng, the evening's main figure, entered the hall.
The attendees reacted to Chen Shaofeng's entrance with varied expressions. Some displayed sympathy, others disapproval, and a few even looked down upon him.
Yet, the prevailing sentiment was that Wang Yan deserved better.
Known as the most beautiful woman in Nanshan County, Wang Yan was not only stunning but also immensely talented.
While Chen Shaofeng was once seen as a prodigy, he hadn't advanced in the truth realm for seven years. To many, it seemed he had reached his potential, making further progress unlikely. They regarded him as unremarkable, deeming Wang Yan too exceptional for him.
Still, this event took place in Chi Yunhou's residence. Despite Chen Shaofeng's perceived shortcomings, he had a formidable father. Thus, the union between the Wang Family and Chi Yunhou's household seemed apt.
“Why are you just getting here? The moment we've been waiting for is nearly upon us,” Chen Liuyuan scolded.
“The training held me up!” Besides, the Wang Family representatives aren't here yet,” Chen Shaofeng responded nonchalantly.
“You mean you've been cultivating? Have you managed to break through?” Chen Liuyuan questioned with a hint of skepticism.
He was acutely aware that Chen Shaofeng had lost his motivation to progress in his cultivation since failing to advance to the Nascent Realm seven years prior. Chen Shaofeng hadn't dedicated time to cultivate, not even sparing a few hours.
Chen Shaofeng nodded quietly, affirming, “Yes, I've broken through. We've achieved the pericelestial stage.”
“Excellent! Wonderful!” Chen Liuyuan exclaimed, bursting into laughter.
Lao Chen, the steward standing nearby and a close confidant of Chen Liuyuan, joyfully commented, “Honors to the Marquis! Warmest congratulations! Today is indeed a day of joy!”
“A double reason to celebrate! Well spoken, Lao Chen! Hahaha!”
Chen Liuyuan's elation was evident. It was understandable, given that Chen Shaofeng's struggles with cultivation had always weighed heavily on his mind. With this breakthrough, Chen Liuyuan's worries were alleviated.
“Master Hou! The Wang Family delegation has arrived!”
At that instant, a servant approached and delivered a message with reverence.
“Excellent! Truly wonderful! Such a splendid occasion deserves our immediate attention. Let's hasten to greet them,” exclaimed Chen Liuyuan with joy.
The rest of the group, radiant with smiles, proceeded towards the main entrance.
Shortly after, as anticipated, the figures of Wang Yan and her father appeared. However, upon their arrival, Chen Liuyuan's joyful demeanor shifted abruptly.
He noticed that the duo, Wang Yan and Wang Jianming, were not donned in the outfits provided by the Marquis's Mansion. Additionally, to his surprise, they were the only visitors to the mansion that day.
Nonetheless, Chen Liuyuan put his thoughts aside and cordially greeted, “Brother Jian Ming! It's been a while, hasn't it?”
Wang Jianming seemed indifferent to Chen Liuyuan's greeting. Meanwhile, Wang Yan stepped forward, saying, “Uncle Chen, there's a matter we'd like to discuss privately, if possible.”
“We're soon to be relatives. Is there something you can't share openly? Please, let me know how I can assist,” responded Chen.
Sensing something off, Chen Liuyuan was left pondering, unable to pinpoint the unease.
“Uncle Chen,” began Wang Yan, “our visit to the Marquis's Mansion today is not to confirm our engagement, but rather to call it off.”
Wang Yan spoke in a gentle whisper, devoid of any evident emotion. Yet, her words resonated like a stone thrown into a serene pond, creating countless ripples.
The attendees were all esteemed figures. The decision of the Wang Family to annul the engagement at such a juncture hinted at their intention to sever ties with Chi Yunhou's household. Such a stark confrontation was unparalleled.
“Wang Jianming! What are you implying? Do you view my Chi Yunhou as a mere jest? You dare to trifle with me; is this a death wish?”
At this, Chen Liuyuan's complexion paled, rage surging forth.
Chen Shaofeng's face also showed profound shock. He suddenly remembered Wang Ze's words from days prior; could they be true?
“Yan'er!” Is this the truth? Your words and Wang Ze's words aren't accurate, right?”
Chen Shaofeng couldn't fathom Wang Yan betraying him; he thought perhaps she was merely jesting.
Wang Yan fixed Chen Shaofeng with a frosty, impassive stare. “Chen Shaofeng! I owe you much gratitude. Without you, my progress to the mid-stages of the truth realm would not have been so rapid. My opportunity to join the Great Tang Academy is all due to you.”
Now, Wang Yan looked at him without any warmth, her gaze laced with mockery.
How could Chen Shaofeng be oblivious to the truth? That Wang Ze's claims were accurate? Wang Yan's feelings were perhaps never reciprocated. His faux attachment to Wang Yan was merely to gain cultivation resources from the Chi Yunhou estate.
This would assist her in accessing the truth realm and accelerate her progression to the Innate Stage.
His realization filled him with rage, exclaiming, “Wang Yan! I never imagined you to be this way. If you didn't care for me, why did you agree to our engagement? Is it all for power?”
With a frigid tone, he responded, “Initially, I acknowledged your unmatched talent and genuinely wanted to be by your side. Yet, since you reached the peak of Qi Refining at ten, it's been nearly seven years for you to touch the true realm. Do you expect me to wait another seven?”
“Chen Shaofeng, face the truth! You haven't progressed in seven years, seemingly trapped in the Qi Refining phase forever. Advancing further, especially to the Innate Stage, seems unlikely for you.”
“Had it not been for the pills you provided aiding my cultivation and the lingering hope I felt, I'd have suggested breaking off our engagement long ago. Today, with the elite of Nanshan County present, seems an opportune moment. It spares me another appearance to explain.”
Wang Yan's definitive stance pierced Chen Shaofeng's heart like a sharp blade. He never envisioned things turning out this way.
It appeared all their past interactions were mere pretense. In her eyes, Chen Shaofeng was nothing more than worthless.
His heart was torn, and the agony he felt was known only to him.
He held back his tears, believing she didn’t merit them. All he felt was a profound chill.
His gaze grew distant and hollow. Oblivious to his environment, the sole focus was Wang Yan's indifferent, frosty face.
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