C14 Wife Betrothment
Following the deaths of Zhao Kui, Zhao Ann, and a host of elite Blood Wolf Gang warriors, the remaining members of the gang fled their encampment, leaving Yang Rui as the sole occupant.
Upon witnessing this, Yang Rui seized the opportunity and took control of the encampment, claiming the Blood Wolf Gang's hoarded wealth as his own spoils of war.
Word of the Blood Wolf Gang's downfall at the hands of Yang Rui spread rapidly throughout Brittlecoast, drawing the attention of the city's influential leaders, who began to covertly assess Yang Rui's strength and combat capabilities.
As the various powers of Brittlecoast evaluated him, they dispatched spies to closely monitor both Yang Rui and the County Seat's response.
The Blood Wolf Gang had been a significant force in Brittlecoast, and its leader, Zhao Kui, was renowned as one of the city's ten top experts.
Yang Rui's brazen assault on the Blood Wolf Gang's encampment during broad daylight, resulting in the deaths of Zhao Kui and numerous elite warriors, was a flagrant breach of the unspoken rules, likely to draw the ire of the County Seat.
Of the ten esteemed experts in Brittlecoast, eight were affiliated with the County Seat, including all three Innate Experts, underscoring the County Seat's formidable ability to quell any opposing forces.
Should the County Seat take umbrage with Yang Rui's actions and seek to suppress him, he would inevitably face dire consequences, rendering him worthless as an ally.
Conversely, if the County Seat turned a blind eye to Yang Rui's takeover of the Blood Wolf Gang's stronghold, then the city's major factions would be compelled to acknowledge Yang Rui's ascent among Brittlecoast's elite and consider forging alliances with the newly minted top-tier expert.
As dusk fell, Wang Hai, the commander of the City Guards and one of the city's three Innate Experts, arrived at the gates of the Blood Wolf Gang's base flanked by three of his deputy commanders.
At that moment, Yang Qianyu, who had connections with Yang Rui, stepped forward and called out loudly, "Yang Rui, the mayor requests your presence. Please accompany me to the County Seat!"
Upon hearing Yang Qianyu's call, Yang Rui felt a stir in his heart and quickly emerged from the Blood Wolf Gang's headquarters, greeting Yang Qianyu with a smile, "Old Mr. Yang, what brings you here?"
Observing Yang Rui's cheerful demeanor, a complex expression flickered in Yang Qianyu's eyes as he said, "Rui, this is Lord Wang Hai, the commander of the City Guards. These two are the Deputy Commanders, Fang Yu and Zhao Hong! We have been tasked with escorting you to the County Seat to meet with the mayor."
Yang Rui was momentarily at a loss for words upon hearing this. He realized that a visit to the County Seat was unavoidable, or else Yang Qianyu and the others would likely take action against him.
Knowing he stood little chance against the combined forces of one Innate warrior and three peerless warriors, Yang Rui prudently replied, "Old Mr. Yang, I will accompany you to meet the mayor."
Seeing Yang Rui's understanding response, Wang Hai, Fang Yu, and Zhao Hong shared a subtle smile. They quickly formed a protective circle around him and began escorting him toward the County Seat.
As Wang Hai, Fang Yu, and Zhao Hong encircled him, Yang Rui couldn't help but smile wryly to himself, steeling his nerves as he made his way to the County Seat.
Before long, under the escort of Wang Hai, Fang Yu, and Zhao Hong, Yang Rui arrived at the reception hall deep within the County Seat.
Qin Ming, the mayor of Brittlecoast, sat in the principal seat of the hall. As Yang Rui entered, Qin Ming's eyes gleamed with a soft smile, "So you are Yang Rui? Truly a man of remarkable talent with boundless potential!"
Facing Qin Ming in the principal seat, Yang Rui maintained a composed expression and replied, "Yes, I am Yang Rui. I appreciate your kind words, Mr. Mayor."
Qin Ming responded with a slight smile, "Yang Rui, while the Blood Wolf Gang has committed many atrocities and deserves severe punishment, it should not fall to you to take action. Rather, it is the responsibility of the County Seat to eradicate such a scourge."
In broad daylight, you stormed the Blood Wolf Gang's stronghold, eliminating Zhao Kui, Zhao Ann, and several of their elite members. Your actions have occupied their territory and significantly undermined the authority of our County Seat!
Here's my offer: withstand just one strike from me, and I'll overlook the annihilation of the Blood Wolf Gang, plus I'll present you with an impressive surprise!
As he spoke, Qin Ming rose from his seat and made his way to the center of the parlor.
Upon hearing Qin Ming's proposition, Yang Rui called out with respect, "I welcome your instruction, Mayor!"
With that, Yang Rui channeled the Ninefold Body Forging Technique, his muscles swelling as a torrent of potent energy coursed through him, primed to erupt at any moment.
Qin Ming, noticing Yang Rui's readiness, approached with a slight smile. He extended his right hand into a palm and thrust it toward Yang Rui's chest.
Yang Rui met Qin Ming's palm strike with a thunderous roar, unleashing the power within him and executing the Hurricane Fall technique. His massive fist, charged with fearsome force, hurtled toward Qin Ming's palm.
Crash!
Their forces collided with a resounding impact, sending shockwaves of formidable power at the point of impact. Yang Rui was forced to stagger back several steps involuntarily, while Qin Ming remained steadfast.
"Your physical strength must be around ten thousand kilograms, meeting the minimum requirement for an early period Innate warrior! Moreover, your boxing technique is quite impressive, doubling your power to twenty thousand kilograms. Very commendable!" Qin Ming withdrew his palm, his eyes reflecting his satisfaction as he offered his praise.
As the applause echoed, Qin Ming clapped his hands, and a striking young girl, about fifteen or sixteen, dressed in a red form-fitting combat suit with a longsword at her waist, gracefully entered from a side door of the parlor.
"Yang Rui, meet my daughter, Qin Xue. She's sixteen, the same age as you. I would like to offer her hand in marriage to you. What are your thoughts?" Qin Ming gestured toward the valiant beauty and looked at Yang Rui with a smile.
Upon hearing Qin Ming's offer, Yang Rui took a moment to carefully observe Qin Xue. He noted not only her stunning appearance and spirited demeanor but also her unique constitution, making her an exceptionally rare candidate for a wife.
Yang Rui was not one to force matters of the heart. He believed that mutual willingness was essential. Thus, even with favorable conditions, he would not consider marriage unless the other person was agreeable. So, instead of giving Qin Ming an immediate answer, Yang Rui turned to Qin Xue and asked, "Miss Qin, would you be willing to marry me?"
Upon seeing Yang Rui seek her consent rather than hastily agreeing, a warm glow appeared in the eyes of the beautiful Qin Xue. She softly responded, "I am willing!"
With Qin Xue's positive response, Yang Rui faced Qin Ming with a serious demeanor and declared, "Mayor, I am ready to take Miss Qin Xue as my wife!"
A look of satisfaction flickered in Qin Ming's eyes as he witnessed Yang Rui's earnestness. He replied, "Excellent! From this moment forward, you need not call me mayor. Just call me father-in-law!"
"Yes, father-in-law!" Yang Rui quickly responded.