Saving The Six Realms By Starting A Romance - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Proactive Proposal

Jiang Ran never imagined that the Heavenly Emperor, Mingxi, would go to such great lengths to pull her from her original world just to pressure her into marriage! Although she had been single for thousands of years over her three lifetimes, having barely held a man’s hand, it wasn’t for lack of trying.

Before crossing over, she had just graduated from college and was focused on her career. After crossing, she was entirely occupied with fighting against the demonic path, leaving no room for romance. As for the five years after returning home, it was even less feasible, as she spent most of that time on rehabilitation and adjusting to her new life.

But to cross realms just to urge her to marry? That was excessive!

The Heavenly Emperor, however, was dead serious, elevating the issue from a personal matter to a crisis threatening the six realms. She made it sound like if she didn’t hurry up and find a partner to bear a child, the entire world would be doomed.

She even wanted to summon the eligible bachelors of the celestial realm for an immediate matchmaking session. Jiang Ran, overwhelmed, quickly excused herself, citing the need for time to adapt to her new surroundings.

Though the Heavenly Emperor was disappointed, she agreed, acknowledging that such an important matter required proper preparation. She promised to reschedule the matchmaking event. Jiang Ran swiftly retreated to the Floating Cloud Palace.

What a ridiculous situation!

She had expected her crossing to be problematic, but the reason was absurd. The idea that an unknown future child would be the savior of the world against the demonic abyss was even more absurd than her being the savior herself.

Sighing deeply, Jiang Ran rubbed her increasingly aching head and pondered her future plans.

It was clear that returning to her original world was not an option. Even if the cross-realm array still worked, the heavens’ attitude suggested no chance of sending her back. She had to stay in this world.

Fortunately, she now inhabited her own body. Although she looked nothing like her previous soul-crossed appearances, there was no connection to her past self.

From her maidservant Qing Jue, Jiang Ran learned that while she had been gone for five years, over a thousand years had passed in this world. This explained the dramatic changes in the celestial realm. No one could associate her with the powerful “Ran Zheng” of a millennium ago.

She wondered if anyone she knew still existed. But as long as she kept a low profile, she should live a peaceful life. Even her old sword recognized her only because it was her life-bound weapon, familiar with her soul. Without summoning it, her identity remained hidden.

As for reuniting with old acquaintances?

No way!

She had offended many during her last days before returning home, turning friends into foes. The mere mention of “Ran Zheng” would invoke such hatred that they’d want to desecrate her grave. Revealing she was alive would get her killed instantly.

Of course, she could lie low, regain her cultivation over a few centuries, and protect herself. But she was tired, having spent all her energy over thousands of years. Now she was old, weary, and unwilling to strive anymore. She wanted a peaceful retirement, living quietly with simple pleasures.

So, maintaining her cover was crucial. No one must recognize her.

“What’s happening, Qing Jue?” She asked casually when she heard an argument outside the hall.

A moment later, Qing Jue entered, looking displeased and followed by a man.

The man, dressed in an exquisite blue robe, had clearly made an effort to present himself. His hair was perfectly groomed, held by a crown, and he had a refined, handsome appearance.

“Your Highness, this man…” Qing Jue began.

The man interrupted, bowing respectfully. “Poxi, a land immortal of Qiling Mountain, greets Your Highness.”

He raised his head slowly, his eyes filled with feigned deep emotion. But the sentiment didn’t reach his eyes, making it seem contrived.

Jiang Ran felt a chill, instinctively rubbing her arms. “What is Qiling Mountain?”

“Your Highness, our Floating Cloud Palace is located to the west of the Heavenly Palace, above numerous spiritual mountains. Qiling Mountain is one of them,” Qing Jue explained, casting an annoyed glance at the man.

Though the celestial realm was high above, it was surrounded by countless spiritual mountains, each richer in spiritual energy the closer they were to the Nine Heavens. Qiling Mountain was among the notable ones.

“Indeed,” Poxi continued. “I’ve long heard of Your Highness’s extraordinary presence. Now that I see you, it’s truly remarkable. As a land immortal of Qiling Mountain, which is adjacent to the Floating Cloud Palace, I should pay my respects.”

He spoke earnestly, bowing again, his gaze lingering on Jiang Ran in a suggestive manner.

Jiang Ran felt increasingly uncomfortable and suddenly realized that this must be part of the Heavenly Emperor’s matchmaking plan. She had avoided the arranged matchmaking, only to have a suitor present himself?

Seeing the man’s ingratiating smile, she understood why Qing Jue was upset. Unlike the Heavenly Emperor’s formal matchmaking, this man had come on his own, hoping to exploit her ignorance of the celestial realm.

“Oh, I see…” Jiang Ran feigned understanding, brushing off her sleeve. “I didn’t know about this custom since I’m new here. Since you’ve come all this way, I’ll comply. You may proceed with your bow.”

She turned and sat on the main chair, seriously waiting for him to kneel, even kindly suggesting, “You can start now, but the floor tiles are quite hard. Do you want Qing Jue to get you a cushion?”

Poxi: “…”

Qing Jue couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Well done, Your Highness!

(End of Chapter)

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