Chapter 15 - Transmigrated as a Fake Daughter in Cultivation Novel
Chapter 15 When the three elders had left, Song Chaoyun spoke, "Father, Song Weizhi breaking off the engagement might actually be a good thing for our Song family." Song Ruhai furrowed his brows and said, "A good thing? Explain to me how it's a good thing." Song Chaoyun smiled and responded, "The reason we agreed to the engagement with the Zhao family was because Song Weizhi is my sister. Regardless of whether she marries someone or not, her loyalty would have been towards our maternal family. But now, without the kinship ties, we can see that she doesn't hold the same attitude towards you as before. I think that's the reason behind it." "How does that relate to breaking off the engagement? How can that be a good thing?" Song Ruhai continued to question. "Father, think about it. Song Weizhi no longer sees us as her own. If she marries Zhao Xuankun, she will belong to the Zhao family, and won't have any connection to our Song family. But, if she breaks off the engagement and marries me instead, everything changes. She will be our Song family's daughter-in-law and will still serve and contribute to our Song family," Song Chaoyun explained. Song Ruhai's eyes brightened, "Indeed, that's a good idea. How did I not think of it! But we still need to find a way to pacify the Zhao family. You have a point, my son. However, with Song Weizhi's appearance and cultivation, she is indeed worthy of you." "Thank you for your support, Father," Song Chaoyun expressed his gratitude, as if Song Weizhi had already agreed to marry him. Song Chaoyun had fancied Song Weizhi since her background was revealed, but he lacked the courage. After all, her cultivation was a realm higher than his. However, with his father's support, the situation changed. He was certain that Song Weizhi would marry him and carry on the Song family's legacy. Every word of the conversation between father and son reached Wei Zhao's ears. She quickly went to inform Song Weizhi. Song Weizhi sneered, "Song Ruhai and the others are quite scheming. It's a pity they're just trying to hold the Song family together. They actually dare to think they can use Song Weizhi for their own gain?" "What should we do now, Mistress?" Wei Zhao respectfully asked. "Ignore them for now. Let's focus on breaking off the engagement first," Song Weizhi replied. The next morning, the atmosphere was lively at the Song residence as the head of the Zhao family, Zhao Fei, arrived with his son, Zhao Xuankun, and several disciples. Song Ruhai promptly sent his trusted disciple, Tianming, along with others to welcome the guests. Song Weizhi was also summoned to the main hall. She had gone today with the intention of causing trouble, regardless of the reason. She was determined to break off the engagement. Before long, Tianming led the Zhao family's group into the main hall. After exchanging pleasantries, the conversation turned to the marriage between Song Weizhi and Zhao Xuankun. "We've come this time to discuss the marriage between our children. It's been many years, and I think it's about time," Zhao Fei amiably said to Song Ruhai. After Song Chaoyun's words the previous day, Song Ruhai was not eager for Song Weizhi to be wedded to Zhao Xuankun. However, he didn't reveal his thoughts. "Yes, it's time for the next generation to take over. But, we should consider the wishes of the young couple. What do you think, Brother Zhao?" Song Ruhai deliberately shifted the conversation to Zhao Fei, knowing that Song Weizhi was not willing. Let her speak for herself. "Indeed, what do you both think?" Zhao Fei asked with a smile. Song Weizhi looked at Zhao Xuankun, the male lead, and though he was indeed handsome, she was not interested in him. Zhao Xuankun nodded slightly and said, "I will go along with the arrangements made by our fathers." "Haha, Weizhi, what are your thoughts?" Zhao Fei turned to Song Weizhi with a smile. Song Weizhi recalled that in the original story, Zhao Xuankun had glimpsed Song Zhixia before coming to the hall and decided she was his chosen partner. Despite this, she was now here to break off the engagement. "I disagree. Zhao Master knows that the choice of a partner is significant for cultivators. I believe Zhao senior brother and I are not very compatible. Let's call off this engagement," Song Weizhi calmly stated. "This is not a joke, Weizhi. How can you unilaterally decide? It's impossible to break off the engagement between the two of you," Zhao Fei's tone turned stern as he was clearly angered. "If I disagree, no one can force me," Song Weizhi remained firm. "Song Master, is this the conduct of your Song family? Do you have no honor? This was arranged between our families more than a decade ago," Zhao Fei said, turning to Song Ruhai in exasperation. Just as Song Ruhai was about to speak, Song Weizhi intervened, "You arranged this engagement for Song Master's daughter, but I am not his daughter. Moreover, she grew up outside and should not bear the burden of this engagement." "You! I see you are being unreasonable and trying to humiliate our Zhao family," Zhao Fei was fuming. In contrast, the male lead, Zhao Xuankun, approached Song Weizhi and said, "Song younger sister, I'd like to understand why. I won't force anyone if I receive an explanation from you." After some consideration, Song Weizhi realized she couldn't reveal her lack of interest in the male lead, as her entire mission revolved around the female lead. After a moment's thought, she replied, "I have found someone else, and I ask for Zhao senior brother's understanding." "Is what you said true, Sister? If it is, I won't make things difficult," Zhao Xuankun was not well-versed in such matters. He knew that he and Song Weizhi had been engaged since childhood, but his own feelings for her weren't strong. "It's true. I'll introduce her to you if there's an opportunity," Song Weizhi met Zhao Xuankun's eyes, speaking calmly. "Xuankun, how can you agree to this? Oh, this will tarnish our family's reputation," Zhao Fei lamented. "Father, if Sister decided she doesn't want it, I don't want to force her. Please, respect her decision," Zhao Xuankun respectfully informed Zhao Fei. Song Weizhi observed Zhao Xuankun's courteous demeanor and found him to be polite. At this moment, Song Ruhai interjected, "Brother Zhao, since the young couple has reached an agreement, let’s go along with their wishes. Although the marriage has been canceled, let's not spoil the friendship between our families." "All right, since Xuankun has agreed, we will take our leave," Zhao Fei's face visibly soured. They had come to discuss the wedding date, but instead ended up breaking off the engagement. Song Ruhai noticed Zhao Fei's displeasure and was worried about hurting the relationship between the two families. "Brother Zhao, please wait a moment. Soon, we will have the assessment competition for promoting the outer disciples to the inner sect. After that, all our inner sect disciples will have the opportunity to explore the Linlang Secret Realm. We were, indeed, at fault in this matter of the engagement. If Brother Zhao doesn't mind, you can take the several dozen disciples you brought along with you. Their findings will depend on their luck." Zhao Fei relaxed at the mention of the Linlang Secret Realm. The key to entering the secret realm was only possessed by Song Ruhai, and this was an unexpected windfall for Zhao's disciples. Exploring the secret realm could bring them treasures. "In that case, we'll comply with your suggestion. We have troubled you, Song brother," Zhao Fei agreed. "Master, rest assured. Please lead Zhao Master and the others to the best guest chambers and ensure they are well taken care of," Tianming said, directing the Zhao family's group out of the main hall. Of course, Song Ruhai had no intention of being kind. Although the Linlang Secret Realm was indeed a valuable place, Song Ruhai had never found any treasures or artifacts there since he entered it as a young man. Each year, he let his disciples enter the secret realm for the sake of testing and growth, so he was not worried that Zhao’s disciples would find any significant treasures. At most, they would encounter unremarkable beasts. Looking at Song Ruhai, Song Weizhi knew he was dreaming if he thought she would become his son's partner. Her focus was entirely on the female lead; she had no interest in anyone else’s affairs. "If Master has nothing else, I will take my leave," Song Weizhi perfunctorily bid farewell and left on her sword. Leaving behind a sullen Song Ruhai muttering under his breath, "More and more out of line. Arrogance will get you nowhere. If I can't take care of you after you marry into our family, we'll see about that." Song Weizhi entered her courtyard and saw Song Zhixia practicing swordplay. It had to be said that the female lead was indeed extraordinary. Despite never having touched a sword before, after just a few days of practice, she had already surpassed several years of training for an ordinary person. Song Weizhi didn't disturb Song Zhixia, simply silently watching from a distance. When Song Zhixia finished her sword routine, she noticed Song Weizhi sitting in the veranda watching her. She quickly ran over and sweetly called out, "Senior Sister, you're back." With just one address as "Senior Sister," Song Zhixia successfully dispelled Song Weizhi's unease. "I had to deal with a few annoying people, but I managed to send them away. You're the best, Zhixia. I just want to see pretty girls like you now, Zhixia," Song Weizhi said. "Senior Sister, you're bullying me again," Song Zhixia's ears quickly turned red, reminding Song Weizhi of the soft touch she had felt the last time. Following her heart, Song Weizhi's hand reached out and touched hers.