Traveling Between Two Worlds: From Bread for Maids to Fantasy Overlord

After the banditry was quelled, Qin Family Fortress was filled with the lively atmosphere of surviving a disaster—wisps of smoke rose from chimneys, and the sounds of people bustled about. The fear of the past had long since dissipated, replaced by overflowing joy. In the main hall of the courtyard, a victory banquet had already been prepared. The table was laden with braised meat, coarse grain cakes, and a delicious soup seasoned with fine salt by Huang Yiming. The aroma permeated the entire courtyard, and even the air was filled with warmth.

Qin Cang sat in the main seat, his face rosy, his injuries fully healed. His gaze towards Huang Yiming was full of affection, completely devoid of the suspicion and probing he had shown before. He raised his wine glass, cleared his throat, and the previously noisy hall instantly fell silent. All eyes were focused on the lord of the fortress, awaiting his words.

"Gentlemen, the reason my Qin Family Fortress was able to escape danger this time is entirely due to Young Master Huang's heroic efforts—not only did he save my life, but he also protected the safety of everyone in the fortress!" Qin Cang's voice boomed, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone solemn. "Young Master Huang is young and promising, possesses extraordinary skills, and his character is even more rare. Today, I have something to announce publicly!"

As he finished speaking, Qin Cang turned to look at Qin Yuling, whose cheeks were flushed, then at Huang Yiming, who sat upright to one side. He smiled and said, "My daughter, Yuling, is eighteen years old. Although she has a cool and aloof nature, she is kind-hearted and possesses considerable martial arts skills. I believe that you and my daughter are a perfect match, and today I have taken the liberty of proposing marriage to you. I wonder what you think?"

The moment these words were spoken, the entire room erupted in cheers. The guards and stewards all chimed in, their faces beaming with blessings. Qin Hu slapped his thigh and jumped up, his voice booming so loudly it seemed to shake the ceiling: "Great! Great! Brother Huang is my brother-in-law! From now on, we're family! That's wonderful!" His simple and honest demeanor drew laughter from everyone.

Qin Yuling instantly lowered her head in embarrassment, her ears turning bright red, her fingers tightly gripping the hem of her dress, her heart pounding wildly with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. She secretly glanced at Huang Yiming, then quickly lowered her head again, her aloof and arrogant demeanor vanishing completely, replaced by the shyness of a young girl—the usually decisive and ruthless young lady was now as docile as a kitten, a stark contrast.

Yang Xiu, holding a teapot in the corner, suddenly stopped, her face turning pale instantly, a barely concealed sting in her eyes. She silently lowered her head, looking at her rough fingertips, her eyes slightly reddening, but she stubbornly held back her tears. She knew she came from a humble background, was just a helpless refugee, and was utterly unworthy of Huang Yiming, yet the grievances and reluctance in her heart still surged uncontrollably.

Yang Xiu bit her lower lip tightly, standing obediently in place, neither vying nor fighting, but her eyes remained fixed on Huang Yiming, carrying a hint of humble longing. She quietly took half a step back, trying to hide herself, not wanting Huang Yiming to see her in such a state, but the moment she moved, Huang Yiming's gaze caught her.

Huang Yiming looked at the shy Qin Yuling, then at Yang Xiu whose eyes were reddening, and understood. He neither immediately agreed nor refused, but slowly stood up, cupped his hands in a salute to Qin Cang, and said in a calm and proper tone: "I am deeply grateful for the Lord's kindness. Miss Yuling is both beautiful and talented, and it is my good fortune to have won the Lord's favor."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, his tone firm: "However, the Black Stone Sect cultivators are currently eyeing us covetously. This retreat is only temporary; they will surely return with renewed force. The crisis at Qin Family Fortress is far from over. I intend to stabilize the situation first, strengthen our defenses, and prepare supplies. It would be more appropriate to discuss the marriage only after we have completely subdued the Black Stone Sect and ensured Qin Family Fortress's safety."

These words not only gave Qin Cang a way out but also considered Qin Yuling's feelings, cleverly postponing the wedding and protecting Yang Xiu's emotions. Qin Cang nodded repeatedly, praising, "Young Master Huang is truly insightful and prioritizes the greater good; I admire you! As you say, once the crisis is over, I will personally arrange your wedding!"

Qin Yuling breathed a sigh of relief and looked up at Huang Yiming, her eyes filled with admiration and understanding—she knew Huang Yiming wasn't rejecting her, but rather focused on the bigger picture, and this composure made her even more enamored. Yang Xiu also looked up, the sting in her eyes fading, replaced by a deep sense of relief; she knew Huang Yiming hadn't forgotten her.

Qin Hu was still shouting from the side, "Brother Huang, don't worry, if those stinky Taoists from the Black Stone Sect dare to come, I'll smash their heads with one blow!" As he spoke, he swung his fist, but his foot slipped, and he almost fell flat on his face, which made everyone laugh again, and the awkward atmosphere was instantly relieved.

The banquet continued, with everyone toasting and laughing. Huang Yiming sat at the table, responding to everyone's toasts while discreetly observing the clutter piled up in the corner of the hall. He noticed that those ornaments and minerals, which the Qin family considered useless, were actually priceless treasures in modern society. A bold idea quietly took shape in his mind. Qin Hu, holding a bowl of wine, came over, took a swig of cheap rice wine, his face flushed red, and patted Huang Yiming's shoulder, saying indistinctly, "Brother Huang, if you really marry my sister, I'll be your own brother from now on. I'll be the first to object to anyone bullying you!" As he spoke, he poured the wine from his bowl into Huang Yiming's bowl, his hand trembling so much that he spilled it all over himself. His clothes were soaked and clung to his body, making him look like a drowned rat, but he was completely unaware of it. Instead, he scratched his head and grinned foolishly, making the guards at the same table tremble with suppressed laughter. Several elders took turns fawning over him, their words dripping with flattery, a far cry from their previous cowardly surrender. Huang Yiming responded nonchalantly, his fingertips secretly tracing the pattern of the pistol at his waist—the Black Stone Sect cultivators would arrive sooner or later; this little bit of liveliness and tranquility was merely the calm before the storm. The gunfire of firearms would inevitably tear this false peace apart once more. Seeing Huang Yiming lost in thought, Qin Hu assumed he was displeased and immediately patted his chest, shouting, "Brother Huang, don't worry! If those stinking Taoists dare to come, I'll knock their teeth out with a stick, and they'll be crying for their parents!" His voice was so loud that the entire hall could hear him. Qin Yuling glared at him in embarrassment, but he only became more enthusiastic, nearly overturning the table, causing laughter throughout the room and instantly dispelling the awkward atmosphere.