In the markets around Cloud Rain Marsh, helping loose cultivators find spouses is quite a common affair.
Though it is called forming a Daoist couple, in reality, it often means two weak loose cultivators coming together to get by.
For example, the fee for an Immortal Residence is 3 Spirit Stones a month, where one person needs to earn 3 pieces a month.
For two people, earning 1.5 pieces a month is enough.
Having someone extra, especially a partner by your side, always counts as having another support.
So many loose cultivators, when they reach a certain age, will ask others to help find a suitable match in the same market or nearby markets.
Once found, they would meet a few times and spend some time together.
If they get along well, they would then become Daoist partners.
Many loose cultivators are willing to act as matchmakers; it's beneficial and poses no danger.
Take Old Man Huang for instance, relying on his age and many cultivator connections, he has already earned quite a few Spirit Stones by matchmaking.
Ji Yuan learned about this from the original host's memories and turned to look at the Female Cultivator behind Old Man Huang.
Her looks could only be considered average, but she had a nice figure, with a touch of melancholy in her eyes that made her appear somewhat endearing.
While Ji Yuan was observing her, she was also observing Ji Yuan.
The difference was that at her first glance of Ji Yuan, her eyes lit up... It's rare to see such a handsome male cultivator in the markets around Cloud Rain Marsh!
Old Man Huang, with his hands tucked in his sleeves, was about to speak, but saw three figures emerge from the yard to Ji Yuan's left.
Fisherman Lin Youwei and his wife Zhou Ling, along with their only son Lin Hu.
As soon as they came out, Zhou Ling hurriedly said 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 we go, competing for a match... Ji Yuan inwardly scoffed.
"No problem, no problem."
Old Man Huang stroked his beard and chuckled, "This Miss Wu Qin here is quite suitable, at Qi Cultivation level two, originally from the neighboring Taian Square. Her parents were lost at sea to Cloud Rain Marsh, leaving only a weak girl to fend for herself in Taian Square, so she came to our Zengtou City."
Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling perked up upon hearing this.
A girl like this, with deceased parents, is an ideal marriage candidate. With no in-law troubles, marrying her simply means an extra support at home.
It would alleviate a lot of their burden and even grant them a chance to hold grandchildren sooner.
Listening to Old Man Huang's introduction of her, Wu Qin couldn't help but lower her head.
If it wasn't a last resort, no one would want to display themselves like merchandise, to be picked over.
"Speaking of which, Ji Yuan here shares a similar fate with you, Wu Miss, also losing his parents."
As soon as Old Man Huang spoke, Wu Qin looked up again at Ji Yuan, her gaze growing a bit more affectionate.
They were practically comrades in misfortune.
Moreover, if she had to choose between the two families, Wu Qin would pick Ji Yuan even with her eyes closed. With no parents, there would be no need to serve in-laws.
The couple could just live their own little life together.
Besides... Brother Ji in front of her was so handsome, unlike the dark and plain-looking guy beside him.
Ji Yuan could naturally see the fervor in the girl's eyes, but unfortunately... he had no intention of finding someone to settle down with.
Right now, his cultivation was just starting, and the output from the Fish Pond and Chicken Cage was barely sufficient for his own cultivation.
Getting married would risk revealing secrets, not to mention sharing part of his resources with a wife... Ji Yuan had no such notion.
As for Lin Youwei and Zhou Ling, seeing the eagerness in Wu Qin's eyes, they knew that their son's chances were slim to none.
Old Man Huang thought the same.
Wu Qin was also waiting for Ji Yuan's response. The response came, but it was quite unexpected for everyone.
"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 gave an apologetic smile and very politely bowed to Wu Qin.
The fervor in Wu Qin's eyes dimmed, while Lin Hu's lit up with eagerness.
Old Man Huang's face flashed with surprise but was quickly covered by a cough, "Then what about the Lin Family beside us? In our Zengtou City, the Lin Family is well-known... as a good-hearted family. Look at Lin Hu here, you can tell he's someone who can endure hardships."
When it came time for his own introduction, Lin Hu felt embarrassed and rubbed his hands together.
What happened afterward, Ji Yuan didn't know, having already carefully closed his courtyard door after his words.
Before long, Old Man Huang knocked on the door again, his voice filled with disappointment as he said, "You really are short-sighted!"
"A Female Cultivator with deceased parents is such a rare marriage candidate, especially since you're in the same situation. By marrying, you could truly live your own little life. You, you."
"The most important thing is that she doesn't require a bride price, she's a wife you get for free! Otherwise, if you plan to find a marriage partner in the future, without another twenty or thirty Spirit Stones as bride price, which Female Cultivator would join you?"
Ji Yuan could sense Old Man Huang meant well, "But I really don't have such plans right now."
"Well, it's too late now, she and Lin Hu hit it off. They're having a banquet tonight, I should go back to bathe and change."
Saying a marriage was formed meant Old Man Huang would certainly pocket his three to five Spirit Stone brokerage fee, hence his interest in the affair.
But... he clearly knows that I can't even afford this brokerage fee, why would he still think of introducing someone to me?
Ji Yuan was quite puzzled, because he knew Old Man Huang was the type who wouldn't get up early without profit.
Before long, Lin Youwei knocked on Ji Yuan's door again, informing him about Lin Hu's wedding that night and inviting him, as a neighbor, to join them.
Ji Yuan naturally didn't want to go, as attending would mean giving a gift, which would be at least 1 Spirit Stone.
Ji Yuan didn't have that kind of gift money.
"Don't worry, no gifts needed. It's just a gathering among us neighbors for some fun."
With Lin Youwei making it so clear, Ji Yuan had no choice but to go.
The dinner was set at three tables, with Old Man Huang seated at the main table. After coaxing from Lin Youwei and his son, he got thoroughly drunk. Ji Yuan sat alone in a corner, stopped eating after a little.
During this time, he noticed Wu Qin, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, secretly glanced at him several times, her expression quite complex.
There was some unwillingness, regret, and even a bit of anger, but mostly it seemed like a compromise with fate.
In this world of great competition, Ji Yuan was not steady with even himself, let alone others, so after eating and drinking, he bid farewell to Lin Youwei, congratulated Lin Hu, and returned to his little house.
That night.
Without any intention of sleep, Ji Yuan went to the backyard, looking at his small Fish Pond and Chicken Cage, pondering over his little world.
He channeled the Spiritual Qi within his Dantian and casually drew a pattern.
With the surge of azure Spiritual Qi.
The Water Arrow formed naturally.
The Water Arrow Technique that the original host had painstakingly cultivated for years was finally perfected today.