The carriage was laden with several large wooden crates, quite ordinary in appearance.
However, the large red "囍" (Shuang Xi) characters pasted on them were far from ordinary!
The "囍" characters shimmered with an otherworldly radiance, emitting a hazy glow.
An ineffable aura from the heavens and earth was drawn to it, slowly converging.
*Hiss…*
Duan Cheng couldn't help but gasp, exclaiming in disbelief, "Qi Yun, this is Qi Yun!"
Qi Yun, seemingly ethereal and illusory, yet undeniably real.
Those with high Qi Yun achieve twice the results with half the effort, are blessed with immense fortune, easily stumble upon encounters, and are constantly lucky.
If a family's Qi Yun is long-lasting, its prosperity naturally flourishes, and it continues for generations.
Qi Yun was originally an indescribable, mysterious substance.
Yet now, it was being attracted by a mere calligraphy, converging as if drawn by a magnet. If one hadn't witnessed it firsthand, who would dare believe it?
"A character that can gather Qi Yun, if pasted in our Duan family ancestral hall, wouldn't our Duan family then…"
Duan Guqing's breathing quickened. If not for his consideration for Huineng and Xuan'ao, he might have already made a move to snatch it.
Who wouldn't want such a treasure for themselves?
"Hmph, country bumpkins. These are just some casual strokes by Mr. Ji. Look at you all, so unworldly."
Hong Qiantu sneered inwardly. He had been chased away like a dog by Duan Guqing last time and harbored a grudge.
"Father-in-law, these are some of my humble offerings. Allow me to introduce them to you one by one."
Fan Jingxing was pleased with their expressions, inwardly smug. He immediately opened one of the crates.
He took out a rusty cleaver and casually swung it.
Instantly, a blade aura extending over ten meters appeared out of nowhere, cleaving the ground and opening a long fissure.
"Epic weapon!" Duan Cheng's eyes gleamed.
Fan Jingxing then casually tossed the cleaver aside, saying with dissatisfaction, "You jest. This cleaver is rusted and unusable."
After speaking, he took out a small hammer from the crate and also tossed it out casually.
*Boom!*
The small hammer transformed into a beam of light, striking a distant mountain peak. In an instant, the entire mountain shattered into pieces and was leveled to the ground.
"Legendary weapon!"
Duan Guqing cried out in shock. What madness had possessed Fan Jingxing to discard an Epic weapon like a weed and then throw away a Legendary hammer like trash?
What if it got lost?
Fan Jingxing then did something even more insane. He pushed the wooden crate, and dozens of glittering objects scattered across the ground.
"These broken trinkets are indeed not presentable. Your father-in-law has many servants. I'll bestow them upon the servants to make do."
Fan Jingxing said nonchalantly.
Dishes, shovels, hoes, and the like lay scattered everywhere – common kitchen utensils and farming tools.
However, they were far from ordinary, all being Epic or Legendary items.
Duan Cheng and Duan Guqing's eyes nearly popped out. These treasures would cause a bloody fight even among Saint realm cultivators, yet he claimed to be giving them to servants.
Wouldn't it be better to keep them for themselves? Giving them to servants was a terrible waste of heavenly resources.
The guards, upon hearing this, were overjoyed. If this were true, wouldn't they be able to get a share?
Instantly, their gazes towards Fan Jingxing changed, filled with fervent admiration.
"I heard father-in-law enjoys wine. I've brought some as well."
Fan Jingxing opened another wooden crate and took out a clay pot.
He broke the mud seal, and immediately a intoxicating aroma of wine wafted out.
Duan Cheng's eyes immediately widened, and his stomach rumbled uncontrollably.
What kind of exquisite brew was this? The aroma alone was so intoxicating, and just by smelling it, one felt invigorated and full of energy!
The guards were even worse off, their mouths watering. They opened their mouths wide, breathing in deeply, as if wanting to inhale every wisp of wine aroma into their lungs.
"No, it seems father-in-law prefers strong liquor. This wine is too bland; I fear it won't suit your taste."
Fan Jingxing sighed faintly and proceeded to pour the jar of wine onto the ground.
Instantly, a miraculous event occurred.
Where the wine flowed, vegetation grew wildly.
In a short while, within a radius of dozens of meters, flowers bloomed profusely, and fragrant spiritual herbs perfumed the air.
The immense vitality contained within the wine had actually caused a barren patch of land to sprout spiritual flowers and herbs. It was truly incredible.
If one could drink it, what wondrous effects would it have!
"I have several more jars here. If father-in-law dislikes them, I'll just use them all to water the fields," Fan Jingxing said deliberately.
"We don't dislike it, we don't dislike it at all."
Duan Cheng hurriedly interjected.
He was truly afraid that Fan Jingxing would have a sudden whim and waste all this fine wine.
Having already watched one jar being wasted, his heart ached immensely. If any more was wasted, his heart truly couldn't bear it.
"Brother-in-law, I heard you have a fondness for calligraphy and painting."
Fan Jingxing opened another wooden crate and said to Duan Guqing, "I have many treasured works here. Unfortunately, they were written by mere mortals, so I doubt you'd care for them."
He took out several pieces of calligraphy and paintings and directly set them ablaze.
One piece of calligraphy was written with vigorous strokes; every stroke and dot was a masterful sword technique, exuding an astonishing sword intent.
Another painting depicted a solitary smoke in the desert and the setting sun over a long river, imbued with a profound and unparalleled artistic conception.
...
These were priceless treasures to any cultivator.
Yet, they were now being treated as waste paper by Fan Jingxing and reduced to ashes.
"Stop, no!"
Duan Guqing's eyes turned red as he roared.
However, it was already too late. Several invaluable pieces of calligraphy and paintings had turned to dust.
"Ah, you don't want them? I originally intended to give them to you. Since you don't like them, I can only burn them."
Fan Jingxing took out several more pieces of calligraphy and paintings and set them ablaze as well.
Though his heart bled as he burned them, he felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
Didn't your Duan family look down on people with a haughty attitude? I will slap your faces hard.
Since Mr. Ji said to win people over with "gifts," I will make sure you are thoroughly convinced.
Huineng, Xuan'ao, and Hong Qiantu watched all this with refreshed spirits. Mr. Ji's methods were indeed extravagant and effective.
"Fan Jingxing, I want them, I want them! Please don't burn them."
Duan Guqing cried out in desperation. In just a short while, over a dozen pieces of calligraphy and paintings were gone.
"Ah, what did you call me?"
Fan Jingxing's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Brother-in-law, I beg you, please don't burn them." Duan Guqing quickly corrected himself.
Fan Jingxing was still not satisfied. He cupped his ear and said, "What did you say? I can't hear you."
"Brother-in-law, my dear brother-in-law, it was I who was short-sighted and blind before. You are magnanimous, please forgive me. I fully support your marriage with my eldest sister, and you can consummate your marriage tonight."
Duan Guqing could no longer maintain his dignity or pride. He revealed a fawning expression, doing his utmost to appease Fan Jingxing.
For the sake of gaining benefits, he had sold out his own elder sister.
Fan Jingxing was very satisfied. He looked at Duan Cheng, "What are father-in-law's intentions?"
Duan Cheng was still the one in charge of the Duan family; Duan Guqing's words did not count. Only when Duan Cheng spoke could the matter be settled.
"Nonsense, marriage is a serious matter that cannot be rushed."
Duan Cheng said with a stern face, seemingly disapproving.
But then his tone changed: "Naturally, we must choose an auspicious date for the wedding. However, since you have both been waiting for decades, consummating the marriage before the ceremony is also acceptable. I have no objections."