Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 4: Marriage Proposal

Around the markets of Cloud Rain Marsh, matchmaking for loose cultivators seeking spouses is a widespread practice.

Even though it's known as forming a Daoist couple, it typically boils down to two feeble loose cultivators uniting just to scrape by.

For instance, renting an Immortal Residence costs 3 Spirit Stones per month, requiring a single person to gather 3 pieces monthly.

When two share it, just 1.5 pieces each per month suffices.

An additional companion, particularly a partner, always provides vital extra backing.

Thus, numerous loose cultivators, upon hitting a certain age, seek help from others to locate a fitting match in their local market or adjacent ones.

After discovery, they meet several times and spend moments together.

Should they mesh well, they establish themselves as Daoist partners.

Plenty of loose cultivators gladly serve as matchmakers; it brings gains without any risks.

Consider Old Man Huang, who, thanks to his advanced years and vast network among cultivators, has amassed a tidy sum of Spirit Stones through such pairings.

Ji Yuan gleaned this knowledge from the original host’s memories and shifted his gaze to the Female Cultivator standing behind Old Man Huang.

Her appearance was merely passable, yet her figure was appealing, and a hint of sorrow in her eyes lent her an oddly charming air.

As Ji Yuan sized her up, she returned the favor by scrutinizing him.

The key difference lay in her eyes sparkling at first sight of him... Such a striking handsome male cultivator was a rarity in the Cloud Rain Marsh markets!

Old Man Huang, hands folded inside his sleeves, was on the verge of speaking when three figures stepped out from the yard to Ji Yuan’s left.

Fisherman Lin Youwei, his spouse Zhou Ling, and their sole son Lin Hu.

No sooner had they appeared than Zhou Ling eagerly called to Old Man Huang, "Uncle Huang, my Hu Zi is about the right age too, could you help see if there’s a suitable girl?"

Here comes the rivalry for a match... Ji Yuan sneered silently to himself.

"No problem, no problem."

Old Man Huang fondled his beard with a hearty laugh, "This Miss Wu Qin is a fine match, at Qi Cultivation level two, hailing from nearby Taian Square. Her parents vanished into Cloud Rain Marsh at sea, leaving a vulnerable girl to survive alone in Taian Square, so she ventured to our Zengtou City."

Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling brightened at the description.

A young woman like this, orphaned, makes for a perfect bridal prospect. Free from meddlesome in-laws, she’d simply add another helper at home.

It would lighten their load considerably and perhaps let them cradle grandkids before long.

Hearing Old Man Huang describe her background, Wu Qin bashfully dropped her gaze.

No one wishes to be paraded like goods on display for scrutiny, unless desperation strikes.

"Interestingly, Ji Yuan shares your plight, Miss Wu, having lost his parents too."

Old Man Huang’s words prompted Wu Qin to lift her eyes once more toward Ji Yuan, her look softening with warmth.

They were fellow sufferers in tragedy.

Besides, if forced to choose between the families, Wu Qin would blindly favor Ji Yuan. Parentless, no in-law duties would bind her.

The pair could simply savor their intimate life as a duo.

Plus... the Ji Brother before her was extraordinarily handsome, far from the swarthy, unremarkable lad nearby.

Ji Yuan easily detected the enthusiasm in her gaze, yet alas... he harbored no desire to tie the knot and settle.

His cultivation remained in its infancy, with yields from the Fish Pond and Chicken Cage hardly covering his personal needs.

Marriage threatened exposure of his secrets, let alone dividing resources with a spouse... Ji Yuan entertained no such idea.

Observing Wu Qin’s keen interest, Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling realized their boy’s odds were negligible.

Old Man Huang shared that assessment.

"I’m sorry, Miss Wu, my parents only passed a month ago, and I really have no plans for marriage at the moment. Thank you for your kindness."

Ji Yuan offered a regretful smile and bowed courteously to Wu Qin.

The spark in Wu Qin’s eyes faded, as Lin Hu’s ignited with excitement.

Surprise flickered across Old Man Huang’s face before a cough masked it, "Then how about the Lin Family next door? In Zengtou City, the Lin Family enjoys a fine reputation... for their kind hearts. See Lin Hu here; he’s clearly built for tough work."

When his turn for praise came, Lin Hu flushed and fidgeted with his hands.

What transpired next eluded Ji Yuan, who had already secured his courtyard gate after speaking.

Soon after, Old Man Huang rapped on the door anew, his tone laced with regret, "You’re truly missing out!"

"A Female Cultivator without parents is a priceless catch for marriage, especially matching your own circumstances. Wed her, and you’d enjoy a free, unburdened life together. You, you."

"Best of all, no bride price needed—she’s yours at no cost! Otherwise, dreaming of a future partner without twenty or thirty Spirit Stones for the bride price? What Female Cultivator would agree?"

Ji Yuan sensed Old Man Huang’s good intentions, "But I really don’t have such plans right now."

"Well, too late now; she and Lin Hu clicked instantly. Banquet’s tonight; I must head back to clean up."

Successfully brokering a union guaranteed Old Man Huang his three to five Spirit Stone fee, explaining his zeal.

Yet... knowing full well I can’t even cover that fee, why push a match my way?

Ji Yuan puzzled over it, aware Old Man Huang never stirred without profit in sight.

Shortly, Lin Youwei knocked again, announcing Lin Hu’s wedding feast that evening and extending a neighborly invite.

Ji Yuan wished to decline, since attendance demanded a gift—minimum one Spirit Stone.

Such funds lay beyond Ji Yuan’s reach.

"No worries, gifts not required. Just us neighbors enjoying a casual get-together."

With Lin Youwei so insistent, Ji Yuan relented and agreed.

The feast featured three tables, Old Man Huang at the head. Urged by Lin Youwei and his son, he drank himself into a stupor. Ji Yuan lingered solo in a corner, sampling sparingly before stopping.

In the interim, he caught Wu Qin, resplendent in scarlet wedding robes, stealing multiple glances his way, her face a tumult of emotions.

Traces of reluctance, remorse, faint ire lingered, but resignation to destiny dominated.

In this fiercely competitive realm, Ji Yuan struggled to stabilize his own footing, sparing no thought for others. Sated, he farewelled Lin Youwei, offered Lin Hu congratulations, and retreated to his modest abode.

That very night.

Sleep evading him, Ji Yuan ventured to the backyard, contemplating his modest Fish Pond and Chicken Cage amid his private domain.

He drew upon the Spiritual Qi stored in his Dantian and sketched a simple pattern.

As azure Spiritual Qi surged forth.

A Water Arrow materialized effortlessly.

The Water Arrow Technique, honed by the original host over grueling years, reached mastery this day.