With the retreat of the Witch Ghost Family, the
The Witch Ghost Family was merely one of many forces down there. In the future, the City of Radiance would face even greater challenges.
Still, the city had endured countless demon beast tides over the years. Adding a few more enemies was nothing new. A cancer like the Sacred Family had already been eliminated, and the remaining families were more or less united in spirit.
A long procession was making its way slowly through the streets of the City of Radiance. The group numbered several hundred, and among them marched fifty or sixty Giant Strength Wild Bulls — massive beasts standing five or six meters tall, each one laden with all manner of goods packed across its broad back.
The hundreds of people in the procession wore vibrant, colorful clothing, giving the entire affair a festive air.
The slow march drew crowds of onlookers and whispers of speculation from every corner.
"Who are they?"
"You don't even know? They're from the Tian Hen Family! They're heading to the
"Propose a marriage?"
"That's right.
"So that's how it is. I know Nie Li — they say he was the one who set up the Myriad Demon Spirit Formation that protected the City of Radiance. They really are a perfect match!"
Ordinarily, a family like the Tian Hen Family would not have had the standing to form a marriage alliance with the Wind Snow Family. But Nie Li's talent was extraordinary, and his rise had been nothing short of meteoric. Not a single person in the City of Radiance found this union the least bit objectionable. In fact, many were overjoyed. Nie Li was now the foremost genius of the City of Radiance — the very hope of everyone who lived there!
"Did you hear? The Tian Hen Family really has deep pockets. Three days before the proposal, they spent a fortune buying up all kinds of treasures, demon spirits, and other goods as betrothal gifts! They practically cleaned out almost every auction house in the City of Radiance!"
"Would the City Lord's Mansion even need those things?"
"No, they don't need them. But the fact that the Tian Hen Family could buy so much — that alone shows how much wealth they have!"
The procession continued on its way.
Young scions from various families watched the spectacular parade pass by, each one burning with envy, jealousy, and resentment. Ye Ziyun was the goddess of their hearts, and they had all harbored feelings of adoration for her. But they also understood that they never had a chance. Before, none of them dared to compete with the Sacred Family. Now that the Sacred Family had been destroyed, they'd finally thought they might have an opening — only for Nie Li to seize it first.
Nie Li was the savior of the City of Radiance! How could they possibly compete with him? All they could do was watch as the goddess of their hearts was taken away.
"Don't come looking for me for a while. I don't feel like going out to eat anymore," one young nobleman muttered darkly, rising from a banquet table as the Tian Hen Family's procession passed in the distance.
"Same here. Don't bother inviting me either!"
One after another, several others stood and left. Only two people remained at the table, silently downing cup after cup of wine in bitter silence.
"One goddess got snatched away, but isn't there still
"The Wing Dragon Family isn't quite so untouchable!"
"Oh, shut up. Haven't you noticed? Xiao Ning'er has been trailing behind Nie Li at almost every gathering! I heard that before the Sacred Family was destroyed, Nie Li even beat up
"No way. Stealing Ye Ziyun was bad enough, but now he wants Ning'er too? I'm not going to let that slide!"
A furious, anguished cry rang out. But after a moment, remembering who Nie Li really was, they could only slump back in defeat and let it go.
Meanwhile, at the Wing Dragon Family's estate.
"Ning'er, you still have the heart to cultivate?" Xiao Xue said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Ning'er opened her eyes, her delicate features etched with confusion.
The two of them had become close friends over the past period of time.
"I hear the Tian Hen Family has already sent people to the City Lord's Mansion with a marriage proposal. Nie Li and Ye Ziyun are going to be engaged!" Xiao Xue said, her voice slightly agitated. She knew that Ning'er had feelings for Nie Li.
"But… even if I know about it, what can I do?" A shadow of sorrow flickered across Xiao Ning'er's eyes.