The Seventh Elder remained silent for a few moments after Wang Ming mentioned his daughter. The quiet in the room was almost palpable, yet it didn't last long.
Then, the elder chuckled, his voice light but tinged with familiarity.
"Hahaha... You haven't even met my daughter privately, nor have you ever spoken to her. Why are you so concerned about her all of a sudden?"
He waved his hand dismissively, though the glint in his eyes betrayed deeper thoughts.
"Alright, alright, stop overthinking, brat. I didn't come here because someone pushed me or because anyone wants to win you over."
His expression grew more serious.
"You know very well… a rank three talent hasn't appeared in the clan for years ,especially one with no backing, no roots. And you also know what that usually means. Most of the few who did emerge were assassinated or crushed under the weight of political power struggles, never even stepping foot into the rank three formation apprenticeship."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"There are a few who succeeded. But the majority? Failures. Forgotten."
He leaned slightly forward.
"My offer benefits you. As my son-in-law, you'd gain protection, my personal support, and access to resources the Clan Leader himself would never grant you. Most importantly, you'd officially enter a faction supported by the Supreme Elder."
His words echoed softly in the room as his eyes studied Wang Ming, who remained quiet, immersed in his thoughts.
He's consistent, Wang Ming reflected. Even in my past life, the Seventh Elder was known for how fiercely he protected Wang Mei. But still... this marriage proposal? He never offered it to anyone before. Not once.
After a brief pause, Wang Ming finally asked, "What else does the elder want from me?"
The elder's lips curved into a faint smile.
"You really are a clever one. Speaking with people like you is refreshing. But... sometimes, emotions cloud even the sharpest minds."
His smile faded, replaced by a distant look in his eyes. A soft sigh escaped his lips. Then, unexpectedly, a tear slid down his cheek—slow and heavy, followed by another.
Wang Ming didn't speak.
The Seventh Elder continued in a low, almost regretful tone.
"You're someone who returns favor with favor… and blood with blood. You haven't completely discarded your humanity for the sake of profit. That's rare in our world."
His eyes turned distant.
"I worry about Wang Mei. Her nature is still too childish... too reckless to survive what lies ahead. I've tried being strict, but every time I look at her, I see her mother."
He paused.
"And my heart weakens."
A bitter smile formed on his face.
"This has continued for years... and it's what turned her into the arrogant girl she is now. I can protect her while I'm alive. But what about after I'm gone? I've been searching for someone worthy—someone who could bear the burden. Until now, I've found no one."
His eyes settled on Wang Ming with quiet conviction.
"No one... except you."
Then, with a flick of his fingers, he tossed a small wooden slate toward Wang Ming.
"I'm offering all of this on one condition," the elder said. "Sign a soul contract with me."
Wang Ming caught the slate mid-air and calmly examined the inscription.
Contract Validation: Lifetime
Contract Conditions:
You will never betray, scheme against, or attempt to harm Wang Mei.
You will acknowledge her as your first wife, and her first child shall be your heir.
In return, I will offer you my wholehearted support, all resources necessary to reach Rank Three Formation Apprentice, and the same treatment I give Wang Mei.
You may not demand excess, nor ask for what I cannot provide, nor for anything that would bring harm to me or to Wang Mei.
Wang Ming's gaze lingered on the slate. His thoughts churned in silence as the elder patiently waited.
Finally, Wang Ming looked up, eyes calm but steady.
"I want to add a new condition."