After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

Just as he was about to speak, Cang Xuan sneered and stood up. Her phoenix-patterned dress swayed gently with her movements, and she exuded an air of imperious arrogance.

"Qingge, if you want to leave, I can't stop you. But—"

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Lin Fengmian like a knife, a chilling smile curling at the corner of her lips.

"According to the rules of Fengming Kingdom, once Lin Fengmian enters the husband selection banquet, there is no precedent for him leaving."

"You may leave if you wish, but Lin Fengmian will remain here for the ladies present to choose from. If no one wants him... then he will be handled by the Cang family."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingge's delicate body trembled violently, and she couldn't help but go limp.

Oh right, how could she forget this rule?

At the husband-selection banquet, once a man steps in, he is like a commodity waiting to be sold, and can only be chosen by the women present.

She does have the right to choose first, but if she chooses to give it up, then Lin Fengmian will fall into the hands of other women and be at their mercy!

She clenched her sleeves tightly, her knuckles turning white, and for a moment she didn't know what to do.

Lin Fengmian's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot upon hearing this.

Damn it, this world is absolutely awful! Men are treated like commodities, picked and chosen!

He glanced around at the meek and submissive young men who dared not utter a sound, and couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.

Tsk tsk tsk, the men of this world really have it tough! The men of my Xuan Tian Continent, who roam freely across the land, living a life of pleasure and vengeance, have never suffered such humiliation.

No way! Tonight, I'll show you what true tyranny is all about! I'll give you a real mental boost!

Gu Qingge, standing to the side, took a deep breath, a resolute glint in her beautiful eyes. She raised her head, her voice, though soft, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present:

"Alright, then I'll choose Lin Fengmian as my husband. Shall we go now?"

Upon hearing this, Cang Xuan remained calm and composed, instead letting out a light laugh filled with sarcasm:

"Sister Gu, that's not up to you to decide. I see many of the ladies here are fond of this Young Master Lin. Isn't that right?"

Before she could finish speaking, a young lady who was on good terms with the Cang family immediately stood up.

She was a woman with dark skin and a muscular build; just standing there, she seemed like a small mountain, taking up the space of two or three people.

Lin Fengmian initially wondered why there was a rockery in the hall, until the other party spoke—

"I think this kid's smooth-talking and definitely got some nerve. I like him!"

Lin Fengmian's eyes twitched violently—Holy crap?! This thing can be called a woman?!

The other was even more burly and imposing, with a voice like a booming bell, so loud that the cups and saucers vibrated when he spoke: "Me too! This kid's tough and resilient! I want him!"

Lin Fengmian felt a chill run down his spine and straight to the top of his head.

If he were to fall into the hands of these women, Lin Fengmian, who had lived two lives, would probably never experience what it meant to be worse than dead!

Gu Qingge was speechless for a moment. After all, this was her first time attending a husband selection banquet. How could she be as cunning and shameless as these seasoned veterans who had been around for many years?

She looked at Lin Fengmian, wanting to save him but at a loss. Her anxious and helpless appearance made Lin Fengmian feel a pang of heartache.

Zhao Qing sat quietly to the side, toying with a jade wine cup in his hand, his gaze sweeping over Lin Fengmian with interest.

Although he was a man, he held a superior position, and everyone present treated him with utmost respect.

Seeing that the situation had reached a fever pitch, he finally put down his wine glass and sighed softly:

"Brother Lin, according to the rules, you truly only have one path to take."

Lin Fengmian turned to look at him, his gaze sharp as lightning: "What road?"

Zhao Qing smiled slightly, a smile that carried a hint of appreciation and anticipation:

"Using the Gu family's 'Ninefold Mountain-Crushing Force,' I knocked down all the challengers present."

As long as you can prove that you are worthy of Miss Gu, she will have absolute priority in choosing you.

He paused, then added, "It's just too difficult. Sun Tzu isn't the only master here."

Lin Fengmian did not answer immediately.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging anger, and slowly swept his gaze over everyone present.

The young ladies from prominent families held their wine glasses, watching him with amused smiles, as if they were enjoying a good show. The young gentlemen, on the other hand, were dejected, filled with a mixture of envy and jealousy.

Cang Xuan looked even more confident, a cold smile playing on her lips, as if Lin Fengmian were already fish on a chopping board.

Gu Qingge remained standing there, clutching the hem of her clothes with both hands, her eyes slightly red.

Lin Fengmian felt a pang of pain in his heart. This foolish woman, how did she end up with such a troublesome man like him?

He withdrew his gaze, his voice not loud, yet it carried clearly to every corner of the hall:

"Does that mean that if I use the Gu family's 'Ninefold Mountain-Crushing Force' to defeat all of you who have stepped forward, Miss Gu will have absolute priority in choosing me?"

The main hall fell silent.

No one expected that this seemingly sleazy man would actually dare to accept that remark!

Zhao Qing was taken aback at first, then a glint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He clapped his hands and laughed, saying loudly:

"Brother Lin, that's indeed the case according to the rules!"

"good!"

Lin Fengmian suddenly took a step forward, stood with his hands behind his back, and his blue robe fluttered even without wind.

His already bright, star-like eyes now gleamed like two drawn swords, sweeping over the crowd. His voice was clear and resonant, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"Then you, every single one of you! Come on! Today, I'll beat you into submission!"

boom--!

These words exploded like a thunderclap in the hall!

Everyone was stunned.

The young ladies from noble families stared wide-eyed and gaped, as if they had seen a ghost.

They had never seen such an arrogant yet confident man!

Those young masters who were originally numb, obsequious, and submissive felt a long-lost surge of passion rushing to their heads!

They looked at Lin Fengmian's tall and imposing figure in the center of the arena, their eyes filled with excitement and admiration!

So... men can live like this?!

How can someone speak so loudly?! How can someone be so domineering towards those high and mighty women?!

Gu Qingge stared blankly at the figure in the green robe.

He stood there, his blue robe fluttering in the wind, his eyes piercing, showing no fear in the face of the many young ladies from noble families who were eyeing him with predatory intent.

His upright figure was like an indestructible city wall, standing in front of her and blocking all wind and rain.

"Why...why is my heart beating so fast?" She clutched her chest, feeling her wildly pounding heart.

"Family teachings and historical records all say that men are merely appendages, tools for reproduction... But why is it that this man named Lin Fengmian, standing there, is like a wall that can shield me from all storms?"