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

The Qin Family Fortress was warm and inviting in the early morning. After several days of fruitful trade and crisis resolution, the entire fortress exuded an atmosphere of abundance and stability. Red candles burned brightly in the main hall, and the table was laden with delicacies, all prepared with the fine salt and seasonings brought by Huang Yiming. The aroma filled the hall, a stark contrast to the bland meals of the past. Qin Cang, dressed in a brocade robe, sat regally in the main seat, his face ruddy and his spirit even more vibrant than before. Beside him stood the dashing Qin Yuling, the obedient Yang Xiu, and the simple-minded Qin Hu, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The guards outside also benefited, receiving white sugar cakes and meat cooked with fine salt. They ate with gusto, their mouths greasy, repeatedly expressing their gratitude towards the main fortress—Huang Yiming had only been in the fortress for a little over a month, yet he had completely transformed the food standards of Qin Family Fortress; this kindness was already etched into their hearts.

Since Huang Yiming saved Qin Cang's life, quelled the banditry, opened up trade, and repelled the Black Stone Sect cultivators, his prestige in Qin Family Fortress has become unparalleled. Qin Cang regards him as the benefactor who rebuilt the Qin family, and the idea of ​​a marriage alliance in his heart has become increasingly urgent. Today's banquet is specially arranged to finalize the marriage between Huang Yiming and Qin Yuling, to completely bind this noble lady to the Qin family's cause. He has even secretly prepared a list of betrothal gifts, which are all the jade and spiritual herbs treasured in the fortress. He can't wait to finalize the marriage.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Qin Cang put down his wine cup, cleared his throat, and looked at Huang Yiming. His tone was earnest yet urgent: "Young Master Huang, since you entered the fortress, my Qin family has turned misfortune into good fortune and grown stronger day by day. We have no way to repay your great kindness. My daughter, Yuling, is of upright character and extraordinary beauty, and has long been in love with you. Today, I muster my courage to propose marriage to you again, wishing to betroth my daughter to you. What do you say, Young Master?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Huang Yiming. Qin Yuling's cheeks flushed instantly. She lowered her eyes, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress tightly, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. A mixture of anticipation and nervousness filled her heart; her cool demeanor vanished, replaced by girlish shyness. She stole a glance at Huang Yiming, then quickly lowered her head again, her ears burning red, completely devoid of her usual commanding presence.

Yang Xiu stood beside Huang Yiming, her small hand gently clutching his sleeve. A barely perceptible hint of bitterness flickered in her eyes, but there was no trace of jealousy. She knew her humble origins, and being able to stay by the young master's side was already a blessing. She had never dared to ask for any title; as long as the young master was well, she was content. She raised her head, gave Huang Yiming a gentle smile, and said softly, "Young master, Miss Yuling and you are a match made in heaven. Xiu'er sincerely wishes you both well."

This scene surprised everyone present. They had expected the two women to be jealous of each other, but Yang Xiu was so understanding. Qin Yuling also turned to look at Yang Xiu, her eyes filled with gratitude. The two smiled at each other, and the subtle distance between them instantly disappeared, replaced by a deeper understanding. Huang Yiming looked at the two gentle and understanding women beside him, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He gently patted Yang Xiu's hand with one hand, and looked at Qin Yuling with the other, his gaze gentle yet firm.

Just then, Qin Hu slapped his thigh and stood up abruptly, his voice so loud it shook the dust off the roof: "I wholeheartedly agree! Brother Huang is very capable, and my sister is beautiful. Your marriage is a perfect match! From now on, we'll be one family, guarding Qin Family Fort together, and we'll be fearless!" He spoke in a simple and honest voice, and as he spoke, he picked up a wine glass to toast Huang Yiming, almost spilling the wine, which amused everyone.

Qin Cang was amused and exasperated by Qin Hu's recklessness. He glared at him, but couldn't hide the amusement in his eyes. Huang Yiming looked at the harmonious scene before him and spoke slowly, his tone steady: "I will remember the Lord's kindness and Yu Ling's good intentions. However, with the Black Stone Sect eyeing us covetously and the Sect Master's arrival imminent, the situation is unstable. Discussing marriage at this time is inappropriate. Once I have completely dealt with the Black Stone Sect and protected Qin Family Fortress, I will definitely give Yu Ling and everyone else an explanation."

He neither directly refused nor hastily agreed, thus saving Qin Cang's face, considering the feelings of the two women, and highlighting the current crisis, demonstrating his magnanimity. Qin Cang nodded repeatedly, deeply agreeing: "What you say is absolutely right, young master. I was too hasty. Let's wait until the Black Stone Sect is pacified before discussing anything further!"

Qin Yuling looked up at Huang Yiming, her eyes filled with admiration and trust. She knew Huang Yiming was a man of his word, and this promise gave her more peace of mind than an immediate marriage. Yang Xiu breathed a sigh of relief, leaning close to Huang Yiming's side, her face full of peace, her fingertips gently tracing the lines on his cuff—this sense of security was something she had never experienced in her wandering life. Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, and the hall returned to its lively atmosphere. Qin Hu, clutching his wine jar, drank until his face was flushed, insisting on calling Huang Yiming "brother-in-law" ahead of time, which amused Qin Yuling, who glared at him several times in embarrassment. But this sense of security did not last long. A chilling, bone-piercing pressure of spiritual energy suddenly swept in from outside the fortress, instantly enveloping the entire Qin Family Fortress. The warmth in the air vanished in an instant, replaced by a heavy sense of oppression. Birds in the courtyard fled in fright, dogs stopped barking abruptly, and even the leaves on the branches froze in place, no longer swaying.

Qin Cang's expression changed drastically. He abruptly stood up, his brows furrowed, and his fingertips trembled slightly: "This is the pressure of a cultivator! And a powerhouse far surpassing a Qi Refining disciple, at least at the Foundation Establishment realm!" Qin Hu also instantly dropped his naive demeanor, sobering up considerably. He clenched his fists, his face full of vigilance, and his muscles tensed. Huang Yiming's eyes turned cold. He slowly put down his wine cup, his aura shifting abruptly. His gentle smile vanished, replaced by a chilling indifference. He lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, accurately determining the source of the pressure: "It seems the Black Stone Sect couldn't wait any longer; they wouldn't even give us a token buffer."