Cheat God
16. Engagement

After returning to the Lin Clan’s divine cloud island, Liu Chen didn’t rush to his cultivation hall or secluded room. Instead, he walked toward the central pavilion—where his parents lived.

Oddly enough, they hadn’t come to welcome him back. Not that he expected them to throw a festival or anything... but with how dramatic his return had been, it was strange. He stepped through the sacred stone corridor, crossed the moonlit lotus pond, and arrived outside the main hall.

Inside, muffled voices echoed. He paused before entering. The moment he stepped past the threshold, several elderly cultivators—each dressed in long silver and blue robes of Lin Clan authority—turned to look at him in unison.

Their gazes weren’t cold. They were... strange. Some were half-smiling. Others coughed to hide chuckles. It was the kind of look old people gave when they knew something you didn’t… and they were enjoying it way too much.

Liu Chen blinked “...Did I interrupt something? Or.. Did I miss an ancestor’s birthday?”

His father, Lin Tianyuan, sat at the head of the table, wearing a broad, satisfied grin. His eyes sparkled like he’d just closed a good trade.

“Not at all. Elders, that’s enough for now.”

With a wave of his hand, the meeting ended. The elders stood, bowing lightly to Liu Chen—though some gave him quick, teasing glances as they passed.

As the doors shut behind them, his mother, Yan Ruyan, finally stood from her seat with a gentle, elegant smile.

“Chen’er, you’re back,” she said warmly.

“Just got off the skyship,” Liu Chen replied, still confused. “Is something wrong? Did I accidentally become clan leader while I was gone?”

“They were congratulating us,” Yan Ruyan said brightly, folding her hands.

Liu Chen raised a brow. “On...?”

She stepped closer and touched his cheek like he was still a child. “On your engagement.”

Liu Chen nearly choked on air.

“...What?”

Behind her, Lin Tianyuan let out a deep laugh that filled the entire room. “A proud moment indeed! We’ve arranged everything. The clan has approved it, the sect has acknowledged it, and we even found a good date for the ceremony—after the Land of Bliss opens.”

“You WHAT?!”

Yan Ruyan smiled gently. “Oh, don’t act so shocked. It’s not sudden. In fact, it was agreed years ago. Just... forgotten.”

“My cultivation just broke through the heavens and you're marrying me off like a tribute to the heavens!” Liu Chen muttered, rubbing his forehead. “Who even is she?”

“Oh, she’s lovely,” Yan Ruyan said with a dreamy sigh. “The daughter of my closest sister-disciple. You remember my Celestial Lotus Sect? Back then, there were three maidens. I was one, your aunt was another, and the third became the current sect master."

She sounded very proud. Liu Chen didn’t know whether to be impressed or terrified.

“Your aunt and I always promised to unite our families. Now, your generation will carry on our bond.”

“She’s beautiful, refined, smart, talented in every expect." his father added, chuckling. “What more do you want? A phoenix?”

Liu Chen stared blankly. “I was hoping to choose for myself...?”

Yan Ruyan waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. She’s much better than any girl you’ll find while running around catching ghost eyeballs.”

Liu Chen coughed. Was that a subtle burn? Did she know? Still, the image of some unknown fiancé was now permanently stamped in his mental sea.

He sighed.

“...So you’re both serious about this?”

“Deadly serious,” his father replied, eyes gleaming.

“And the elders?”

“They were just here to bless the union. And maybe peek at your future misery,” Lin Guang added with a wink.

Liu Chen muttered something under his breath about betrayal, tea, and parental tyranny.

...

After the teasing, things softened. Yan Ruyan poured spiritual tea from a jade pot that seemed to glow with soft lotus energy. The fragrance alone made Liu Chen’s soul calm.

“Regardless,” she said, gently setting a cup beside him, “we’re proud of you. Your return made quite the wave in the clan.”

As laughter faded, Lin Tian leaned forward. His expression grew serious—just slightly. With some talk, he knew about his so early fiance Su Nanying is the daughter of the Great Su Dynasty’s royal family. You know her as Empress Su. She’s already been chosen as the next ruler of the dynasty. And that’s not all. She’s also ranked first on the Heavenly Immortal Beauty List. Talented in cultivation, master of divine arts and known for her ethernal beauty. They say even ancient phoenixes bow to her. It didn't seem any loss to become fiance such a beauty, at least it would be enough to make half of younger generation jealous.

“The engagement timing wasn’t just our idea,” his father said. “The Great Land of Bliss is opening in two months.”

Liu Chen’s eyes sharpened. “That’s real?”

“Yes,” Yan Ruyan nodded. “One of the few forbidden places in this world. In just two months, it will be open again after more than two hundred years. There will be great chance for you. Those Sect or clan that have at least Emperor realm expert, can send their young people to train in Great Land of Bliss."

“And engaged heirs of noble clans,” Liu Tian added, “get priority.”

So that’s it, Liu Chen realized.

This marriage wasn’t just a family affair—it was a power move, one that secured their right to step into the Land of Bliss ahead of others.

He leaned back, sipping the tea slowly.

“I see. Using my charm and beauty as political currency, huh?”