"Exactly two sets of betrothal gifts."
Lan An nodded, then clapped.
As if rehearsed, Fire Power lifted a gigantic golden tray.
Countless treasures sparkled blindingly – the entire upper echelon of Ice Profound Empire nearly went blind from the light.
SWOOSH!
A tearing sound.
Deep within the palace, a yellow-robed old man shot out like lightning, eyes locked on the gifts, audibly gulping.
Lan An jolted – this elder looked seventy percent like Bing Changkong, aura unfathomable – Mid Body Integration!
Ice Profound Empire's true strength was indeed on par with White Sand Dynasty.
Maybe even more hidden monsters.
"Greetings, Imperial Father!"
Bing Changkong hurriedly bowed.
"Greetings, Grand Emperor!"
Everyone bowed in panic.
The old man was the previous Emperor – Bing Changkong's biological father, Bing Lan Xi's grandfather.
Four generations of emperors in one hall!
"You impatient old fool, sit down!"
Retired Emperor glared. Lost all imperial face – hiding and peeking like a thief, then rushing out for gifts!
But gifts that made a Mid Body Integration lose composure were clearly monstrous.
Grand Emperor sat smugly, grinning at Lan An:
"Kid, our little Xi is priceless. Don't disappoint this old man!"
Lan An inwardly cursed the shameless geezer, ignored him, nodded to Fire Mountain.
Fire Mountain boomed:
"Betrothal gifts for Ruan Clan:
200,000 Top-grade Spirit Stones
50 Ultimate Heaven-grade Treasures
20 Ultimate Heaven-grade Cultivation Methods
6 Ultimate Spirit-grade Treasures
6 Ultimate Spirit-grade Cultivation Methods"
GASP!
Despite mental preparation, the hall collectively inhaled.
Ruan Khiem staggered, nearly collapsing from excitement.
Bing Dung rushed to support his grandfather.
Bing Dung's eyes burned with gratitude toward Lan An's back.
He understood instantly:
If gifts went to the Imperial Family first – would Bing Dung ever touch them?
But Ruan Clan was his maternal family.
Grandfather doted on the siblings endlessly.
Gifts to Ruan Clan = Bing Dung could use anything freely, no need to beg the old imperial fossils.
In short – gifts to Ruan Clan = indirect gifts to brother-in-law Bing Dung.
No wonder Lan An never gave him personal gifts before.
He had planned this all along!
Greed erupted in countless eyes.
Hundred Flowers Sect had been smart – when publicising Lan An's gifts, they hid all Spirit-grade items.
Only Heaven-grade were revealed – attractive to Void Refining, but useless to Body Integration.
Plus Martial Third Mother's shadow deterred thieves.
But Ruan Clan?
A mere Seventh Grade power suddenly holding Ultimate Spirit-grade treasures? Walking jade begging to be robbed.
Yet Lan An had publicly announced it – obviously prepared.
He looked at Ruan Khiem, smiled:
"From today, Fire Power and Fire Mountain will join Ruan Clan as guest elders.
Full loyalty to grandfather and Bing Dung.
What does grandfather think?"
"R-Really?!"
Ruan Khiem felt he was ascending to heaven.
Two Body Integration powerhouses joining his clan – guaranteed loyalty?
Tears welled as he stammered.
"Of course.
Soon Lan Xi and Lin'er will follow me to Ice Heaven Domain soon.
I must secure Ruan Clan properly."
Rear Palace full of women – inconvenient for two old men to follow forever.
Better give them a home, a mission.
Good performance = future rewards.
Bing Lan Xi and Bing Lin'er melted, leaning into him.
Bing Feifei watched with burning admiration.
Everyone sighed in relief.
Ruan Clan's era had arrived.
With Fire Power + Fire Mountain guarding – who dared touch them?
Only Complete Body Integration or Tribulation Realm could threaten.
But at that level, Ultimate Spirit-grade items weren't rare enough to risk offending Lan An.
They stared at Lan An's back in horror.
Everything calculated perfectly.
Ruan Clan's rise – unstoppable.
With Ruan Clan's full support – Bing Dung winning Crown Prince was guaranteed.
Future:
Bing Dung ascends throne → controls Imperial Family.
Ruan Clan becomes strongest clan.
Both absolutely loyal to Lan An.
Ice Profound Empire = Lan An's pocket?
Monster.
Mad Queen's disciple.
Lord of Rear Palace.
Even seeing through his scheme – you still walked right in.
Dương Quốc and Vũ Hà exchanged glances – determined to hug Bing Dung's thigh.
Must marry daughters to Fourth Prince.
Future – ride Ruan Clan's coattails.
Bing Dung never realised:
Lan An stole his sister – but gifted him two future wives.
"And our Imperial Family's gifts?"
Grand Emperor asked greedily.
He only cared about Spirit-grade – hoped for more.
Even Retired Emperor's heart raced.
At his realm – who sat on throne didn't matter, as long as Bing bloodline.
He wanted treasures to breakthrough, extend lifespan.
"Imperial Family gets one item."
Fire Mountain answered for Lan An.
"One?!"
Grand Emperor and Retired Emperor glared, beards bristling. Bias too much! One vs Ruan Clan's mountain?!
"Correct.
One Lower True-grade Ice Cultivation Method!"
Fire Mountain grinned proudly.
"WHAT?!"
Retired Emperor and Grand Emperor leapt up.
Bing Changkong and everyone's faces flipped 180°.
The ministers felt this was the craziest day of their lives – but the Empire's future suddenly dazzling.
"Unsatisfied?"
Lan An asked calmly.
"SATISFIED! DYING OF SATISFACTION!"
Retired Emperor laughed maniacally, eyes blazing.
All sacrifices worth it.
Lan Clan? Face? Begging a junior? Worth it for one True-grade method!
With this – he could reach Complete Body Integration.
Tribulation Realm? Dare not hope yet.
Fire Mountain personally handed over an ice-cold jade slip – space cracking around it.
"Information in jade slip? Only one person can cultivate?"
Grand Emperor wilted.
"Exactly.
Imperial Family decides who gets it."
Lan An smirked evilly.
Let the old monsters fight to death – fun.
Bing Changkong inwardly sighed – knew it wouldn't be him.
Planned to beg Bing Dung for one Ultimate Spirit-grade method later.
"Kid, you're cruel!
I'm Xi's grandfather – soon yours!
Can't add more?"
Grand Emperor whined.
Lan An shrugged dramatically:
"True-grade isn't cabbage!
I begged Master forever to get this!"
All credit to Martial Third Mother.
Crowd nodded – only Sacred Spirit Academy's Principal had such terrifying stockpile.
Explained Lan An's repeated insane gifts.
"Fine.
This Emperor, representing Ice Profound Empire, accepts your marriage to Lan Xi and Lin'er.
Wedding date – you youngsters decide!"
Retired Emperor declared solemnly.
Lan An smiled in satisfaction.
Two women gripped his hands tighter – hearts full.
Most Rear Palace women requiring formal proposals – done.
The rest had no families to return to.
He'd spend his life compensating their hearts.
This round:
Hundred Flowers Sect (4 wives) = Ice Profound Empire (2 wives) in value.
Hua Clan seemed least – but only Hua Qingzhu knew the terrifying fortune inside Extreme Ice Demon Lord's ring.
His lifetime collection surpassed everything given to Ruan Clan.
Lan An gave her the entire ring – she was beyond satisfied, asked secrecy for quiet growth.
Desert Continent far away, under Mysterious Yellow Academy + Dan Clan – low profile best.
"Kid, we still have Fifth Princess!
Marry her too – just one more Lower True-grade method!"
Grand Emperor still unwilling to leave empty-handed, eyes gleaming at Bing Feifei.
Retired Emperor's eyes flickered – didn't object.
Bing Feifei's gaze turned ice-cold.
She wanted to seduce Lan An – but hated being traded like goods.
Lan An inwardly sighed. Imperial families truly heartless.
For one method – sell granddaughter with both hands.
"I truly have no more True-grade methods.
Even if I did – I wouldn't take it out.
Because Feifei is not a bargaining chip!"
Lan An stared straight at Grand Emperor.
Bing Feifei's body shook.
Seeing Bing Lan Xi's pride and Lan An's sincerity – she finally understood their unbreakable bond.
"Little Nan… when we return to Ice Heaven Domain,
though Lin'er will accompany me, I'll still feel lonely.
Can we invite Feifei along?"
Bing Lan Xi suddenly held his hand, voice pleading.
She used "invite" – Feifei could refuse.
Before, Bing Lan Xi hesitated matchmaking Fifth Sister with her husband.
But seeing the Imperial Family willing to trade Feifei for one method – decision made.
No matter what – she couldn't let Fifth Sister become a marriage tool.
Hoped when Bing Dung ascended, he'd end this cruel tradition of sacrificing daughters for profit.
Lan An caught the plea, thought of Feifei's fate if she stayed, gently said:
"Feifei, Lan Xi and I invite you to tour Ice Heaven Domain.
What do you think?"
Bing Feifei looked complexly at Bing Lan Xi – saw encouraging eyes.
For some reason felt pitied, coldly replied:
"I'll… consider."
"I'll wait for you."
Lan An nodded calmly.
This hateful man – can't even beg once?
Bing Feifei inwardly grumbled. Just plead a little – I'd agree instantly!
Woman's heart.
Bing Lan Xi decided – even kidnapping, she'd drag this girl along.
In the awkward atmosphere –
First Prince led Second Prince and Sixth Prince forward.
Cupped fists to the hall, solemnly announced:
"Reporting to all generations of Emperors –
We acknowledge our inadequacy.
Unable to bear the Crown Prince responsibility.
We voluntarily withdraw from this succession battle.
We beg everyone's approval!"
…