Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 80 Engagement Banquet and Unexpected Turn of Events

Lin Youfeng immediately went to the front yard, while Lin Yourong returned to Lin Huaiyuan's courtyard and called Gu Guanqi and the others.

Then, the four of them walked towards the front yard.

Although Lin Huaiyuan is quite old, he is in good health and walks with a brisk pace.

Along the way, servants and maids from the Lin family kept coming and going, their steps hurried.

When Gu Guanqi and his group arrived at the front yard, the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers were already ringing out, creating a lively atmosphere.

Gu Guanqi looked out through the doors and windows of the main hall and saw a large group of people walking towards them. There were dozens of porters carrying betrothal gifts. The boxes were covered with red silk and contained various betrothal gifts, such as silks, satins, gold and silver jewelry.

Lin Yuanshan, the head of the Lin family, and Lin Changqing, the second-best expert in the Lin family and known in the martial arts world as the Finger Vajra, went to welcome the Zhou family. There were three people accompanying them, one of whom was Yue Xiaotian, who served as their matchmaker.

Slightly behind by half a body length was a young man dressed in a red brocade robe. This man had a handsome face and an extraordinary temperament. He had a long sword at his waist with a scabbard that was entirely blue-green. He was none other than Zhou Zhiyao, the Green Bamboo Swordsman.

Beside Zhou Zhiyao stood a distinguished middle-aged man, around forty years old, tall with a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a short beard. A long sword also hung at his waist.

It was Zhou Jinyuan, one of the seven grandmasters of Qingzhou, also known as the Swift Wind Divine Leg, and the head of the Zhou family, one of the two major martial arts families in Qingzhou.

"Is that Zhou Jinyuan?" Gu Guanqi asked in a low voice.

Lin Yourong nodded and said in a low voice, "It's him."

Gu Guanqi said, "He has a knack for preserving his youthful appearance; he looks very young and doesn't seem like someone who has a son who is almost thirty years old."

Lin Yourong explained, "Zhou Jinyuan is not very old to begin with. He was only fifteen or sixteen when Zhou Zhiyao was born, and he is only forty-five years old this year."

Gu Guanqi exclaimed in surprise, "Getting married and having children at such a young age? That doesn't seem like the behavior of someone from the martial arts world."

In this era, people in the martial arts world generally get married relatively late; it's rare to see someone in the martial arts world who gets married at the age of fifteen or sixteen.

Lin Yourong explained, "When Zhou Jinyuan was young, he was unremarkable and had very poor talent in martial arts. He was not outstanding among the Zhou family's children. In general, large families would use children with poor talent to cultivate management skills and carry on the family line. Therefore, Zhou Jinyuan got married very early."

Until he was thirty, he was only a second or third-rate figure in the martial arts world, and quite ordinary in the Zhou family. Many people didn't even know that the Zhou family had such a person. But after he turned thirty, his good fortune arrived. He accidentally gained the favor of a reclusive master and received guidance. It was as if he had suddenly become enlightened, and his martial arts skills improved by leaps and bounds. In just a few years, he cultivated the Zhou family's martial arts to the highest level.

Later, he was taught a profound martial art by a master, which is now famous in the martial arts world as the Flowing Cloud Scattered Leg. With this leg technique, he eventually became one of the seven grandmasters of Qingzhou.

It took him only seven years from when he first made a name for himself in the martial arts world at the age of thirty to when he became a grandmaster. He was only thirty-seven years old at the time, and only eight years have passed since then.

Gu Guanqi said, "It really is legendary, but at his age, it can't even be described as a late bloomer. After all, being in your thirties isn't considered very old."

Lin Yourong said, "He is the youngest grandmaster in Qingzhou, so it is indeed inappropriate to describe him as a late bloomer."

Just as Gu Guanqi and Lin Yourong were chatting.

The betrothal ceremony began soon afterward.

Both the Lin and Zhou families are top-tier families in Qingzhou. Although it was just an engagement and no banquet was held for guests, it was still a very grand affair with very complicated etiquette and procedures.

It was already afternoon when the engagement ceremony ended.

Lin Yuanshan immediately gathered his men to start a banquet.

After dinner, Gu Guanqi was going to stroll around Jinxiu Manor with Lin Yourong, but just as they were about to leave, Yue Xiaotian stopped them and dragged them to exchange martial arts tips.

-

Also present were Grandmasters Zhou Jinyuan and Lin Huaiyuan, Lin Changqing, one of the Eight Great Heroes, and Zhou Zhiyao, who was listed on the Qilin Ranking.

Two grandmasters, two of the eight great heroes, and two young talents from the Qilin Ranking—these five people discussing martial arts together would be enough to cause a grand event in the martial arts world. Moreover, given the current scene, it naturally attracts a large crowd.

Gu Guanqi was also very interested. Today was the first time he had met the legendary grandmasters, and not just one, but two of them, and he was even able to discuss martial arts with them. This was indeed a very tempting thing for a martial arts practitioner.

In particular, he is now quite curious about the Grandmaster level.

This martial arts competition continued until evening, when the banquet began, marking the end of the event.

After dinner, it was completely dark, and the Lin family began arranging accommodations.

The noise gradually subsided.

Gu Guanqi's accommodations were naturally arranged by Lin Yourong herself.

As they walked along the cobblestone path toward the guest rooms in the backyard, the moonlight, like water, bathed them in its glow, casting long, long shadows.

The two walked side by side, chatting as they went, their footsteps echoing softly in the night breeze.

Passing through a moon gate and crossing a small bridge, you arrive at a quiet courtyard. A lantern hangs at the entrance, its light spreading a warm glow across the blue brick ground.

"You can stay here tonight." Lin Yourong stopped and turned around to face Gu Guanqi, saying, "I changed all the bedding here myself, it's very clean, and I washed the teacups and teapot myself, you can use them directly."

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Lin Yourong smiled slightly and said, "It's not hard work. It's just that it's your first time at my house, and I'm a little worried that you won't be used to it." As she spoke, she pointed to a small hut next to her and said, "There are guards patrolling there at night. If you need anything, you can just go to him."

"Okay." Gu Guanqi nodded.

For a moment, both of them fell silent.

The moonlight streamed down from above, casting distinct light and shadow on their faces.

After a long silence, Lin Yourong suddenly looked up and asked, "Guanqi, you met my parents and grandfather today. What did you think of them?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "They're all very good. The old man is approachable, and your uncle and aunt are very kind."

Lin Yourong smiled slightly and said, "They all think you are a very nice person, and they all say that I, an old maid, have gotten a great deal!"

'

Gu Guanqi smiled and joked, "Then I'll have to find someone to propose marriage."

"1

Lin Yourong smiled and said generously, "If you're willing to get married soon, that would indeed be possible."

A night breeze blew by, ruffling the stray hairs at her temples. She reached out and tucked the stray hairs behind her ear.

Gu Guanqi looked at Lin Yourong and said, "Then once this matter is settled, I will really start making preparations."

"good!"

Lin Yourong said, "Then you should get some rest. I—I'll be going now!"

After saying that, Lin Yourong suddenly took half a step forward, stood on tiptoe, and gently kissed Gu Guanqi's cheek.

It was very light and quick, like a petal falling onto the water, creating ripples.

"I'll come find you again tomorrow morning."

Then, Lin Yourong took a step back, turned around, and walked away quickly without looking back.

Under the moonlight, her figure walked further and further away on the path, her skirt fluttering gently in the night breeze.

Gu Guanqi reached out and touched his cheek, where a trace of warmth still lingered. He stood there, stunned for a while, before coming to his senses, shaking his head and smiling, before turning and entering the courtyard.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Gu Guanqi's gaze suddenly stopped.

There was a person sitting in the courtyard.

The man was dressed in a gray casual suit, with gray hair, and was slowly sipping a cup of tea.

It was none other than Yan Wangchuan.

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback, then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Elder Yan, what are you doing here?"

Yan Wangchuan said with a smile, "Why don't I talk about that first? Let's talk about your matter first."

"What's wrong with me?" Gu Guanqi asked, puzzled.

Yan Wangchuan teased, "I heard everything just now. Weren't you all preparing to come and propose marriage? You can't possibly come alone, can you?"

Gu Guanqi asked, "What advice does Elder Yan have?"

Yan Wangchuan curled his lip and said, "You young man, you have no sense of propriety at all. I'm a grown man sitting here, do you think I can't handle a marriage proposal? You don't have any elders or anything, so how about I, this old man, take advantage of you and act as your elder for once?"

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "I would be extremely grateful if Elder Yan were willing to help!"

Yan Wangchuan grinned and said, "Leave this to me. Although I work in the government, I have many friends in the martial arts world. Don't worry, the prestige won't be any less than that of the Zhou family. It's just a Grandmaster, I'll hire two to back you up. We can't let anyone look down on you! However, you'll have to pay for the betrothal gifts yourself. My meager salary will only give you a small gift when you get married!"

Gu Guanqi laughed and said, "Of course, of course!"

Yan Wangchuan stroked his beard and said, "Now I have another thing to brag about!"

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "You still haven't told me what you're doing here?"

Yan Wangchuan took a sip of tea and said, "After Zhao Ziqi was arrested, that 'black-robed' guy has remained silent. I thought about it and felt that if he were to make another move, there would be two suitable timeframes. One is the Lin family's engagement banquet, which would last for three whole days. Many members of the Lin clan would come, and with so many people coming and going, it would be a perfect opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

So, I discussed it with Old Master Lin and arranged for some people to disguise themselves as servants and guards, infiltrating various parts of the Lin family compound to see if we could find the man in black. If he hasn't made a move in the next few days, he's probably waiting for the engagement banquet to end and for the Lin family members to leave. At that time, they'll be scattered in all directions, which would be a good opportunity for him to strike. I need the Lin family's cooperation to have any chance of finding him, so I came to the Lin family.”

"I see," Gu Guanqi nodded slightly, saying, "I don't think it's very likely that Black Robe will make a move during the engagement banquet these next few days. Since Black Robe needed Zhao Ziqi to poison him before, it means his martial arts skills might not be very high. And now that the Lin family has two grandmasters, as well as Lin Changqing and Yue Xiaotian, it's too risky for him to make a move. And when the banquet ends and everyone's forces return home, their strength will be dispersed, making it easier for him to succeed!"

Yan Wangchuan said, "I think so too, but I'm afraid that guy might do the opposite and launch a surprise attack, so it's always good to be on guard."

"Too."

As Gu Guanqi had predicted, the man in black robes did not appear at the Lin family's engagement banquet, and for three consecutive days, the Lin family's engagement banquet proceeded peacefully.

On the fourth day, the Zhou family left, the engagement banquet came to an end, and various members of the Lin clan also left one after another.

However, Gu Guanqi did not inquire about how the Lin family and the Six Doors would negotiate to deal with the Black Robe hiding in the shadows.

After eating at the Lin family's house for three days, he returned to Jinxiu Medical Clinic, preparing to refine a few more batches of pills and wait for Yan Wangchuan to finish the case before formally discussing the matter of proposing marriage to the Lin family.

-

in the afternoon.

Sunlight streamed obliquely into the brocade medical building through the west window, casting a dark red glow on the bronze furnace in the alchemy room.

Gu Guanqi was standing in front of the alchemy furnace, gently stirring the medicinal liquid in the cauldron with a bamboo stick in his hand.

At this moment, a young apprentice came to the door, bowed, and said, "Master Gu! Master Yue has arrived."

Ever since the day he met Yue Xiaotian while arresting Zhao Ziqi on Jinsha Street, Yue Xiaotian has come here every day to discuss martial arts with Gu Guanqi. Naturally, the young apprentices in the Jinxiu Medical House have also come to know Yue Xiaotian.

"Please ask him to wait a moment," Gu Guanqi said.

The young apprentice received the order and left.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the pill was formed, and Gu Guanqi turned around and walked out of the alchemy room.

Upon arriving at the front yard, one sees Yue Xiaotian sitting in the courtyard drinking tea, his long, gray-blue robe fluttering slightly in the wind, and a long sword on the table.

"Master Yue." Gu Guanqi stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked with a hint of doubt, "Didn't you leave Tianping County with the Zhou family?"

Yue Xiaotian returned the greeting with a cupped hand and smiled, "The Zhou family has left, but I'm not busy, so I haven't left. I intend to trouble you, Master Gu, for a while longer. These past few days, I've gained a great deal from discussing martial arts with you, Master Gu, and I'm truly reluctant to leave!"

Gu Guanqi sat down opposite him and smiled, "Master Yue, you're too kind. I've benefited greatly from your explanations of close combat and grappling techniques these past few days. In particular, your methods for adapting to situations in actual combat have broadened my horizons."

This is not because Gu Guanqi was carrying a bridal sedan chair.

He has indeed gained a lot from his martial arts discussions with Yue Xiaotian these past few days.

Yue Xiaotian is an authority in close combat and grappling, while Gu Guanqi, although possessing top-tier sword techniques such as the Dugu Nine Swords and the Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens, is indeed weak in close-quarters combat and unarmed fighting.

"That's how martial arts work—mutual verification and mutual improvement!" Yue Xiaotian said, cupping his hands in greeting. "A couple of days ago at the Lin family, we happened to be discussing using skill to overcome brute force—"

The two immediately began to talk.

Meanwhile, at Jinxiu Villa.

In the main hall of the backyard, Lin Huaiyuan sat in the main seat, holding a cup of tea. The family head, Lin Yuanshan, sat to his right.

You Rong sat at the lower end, and the three of them were talking.

"The Zhou family's idea," Lin Yuanshan put down his teacup, "is that they want to set the wedding date for the eighth day of next month, which is too rushed."

Lin Huaiyuan waved his hand and said indifferently, "Let's rush it. Anyway, the engagement banquet has already been held, so it doesn't matter whether it's held sooner or later."

Lin Yuanshan frowned and said, "Alright, I'll go talk to the second brother about it later. Sigh, actually I don't want this marriage. The Zhou family's intentions are too obvious."

Lin Huaiyuan chuckled and said, "Although you are the head of the family, you can't make the decision on this matter, and neither can I. The marriage between Youfeng and Zhou Zhiyao is a decision made by the second branch of the family, not by your second brother. It is the entire Lin clan. The faction that has entanglements with the second branch is eager to bring in outside help to fight against your first branch."

At this point, Lin Huaiyuan sighed, waved his hand, and said, "There are advantages to a prosperous clan, as the combined strength is great, but the disadvantages are also obvious, as it easily leads to infighting."

Lin Yuanshan sighed and was about to speak when suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. A servant rushed in, pale-faced and covered in sweat, crying out in a panic, "Master, Master, Miss, no—something terrible has happened!"

Lin Huaiyuan frowned and quickly asked, "What happened?"

The servant, panting heavily and stammering, said, "Seventh Master—Seventh Master—he's seriously injured and unconscious!"

"What?"

Lin Huaiyuan suddenly stood up and asked, "How could Seventh Brother be so seriously injured? Wasn't he always at the manor?"

Lin Yourong and Lin Yuanshan were both shocked. The Seventh Master mentioned by the servant was Lin Changqing, the second best expert in the Lin family and one of the Eight Heroes of Qingzhou, also known as the Finger Vajra.

"What exactly happened?" Lin Yuanshan asked.

The servant quickly replied, "I don't know the specifics. After lunch, Seventh Master said he wasn't feeling well, so he went into his room alone and specifically instructed that no one should disturb him without his permission."

But just now, Madam asked me to invite Seventh Master to dinner, so I knocked on the door, but there was no response no matter how I knocked. I felt something was wrong, so I informed Madam. After receiving Madam's permission, I broke down the door and found Seventh Master lying in a pool of blood, covered in blood, and unresponsive no matter how much I called him!