The Jade Cloud Sect was abuzz with excitement.
All the cultivators and disciples were announced to be gathered at the ground.
It was a rare occasion—one that even the most secluded elders attended.
Naturally, Han Yu had no intention to go to such an event, though his motives were far from scholarly curiosity.
Han Yu walked casually along the paths of the sect, and his fancy white robes, decorated with jade patterns, moved gracefully behind him.
As he neared the gathering ground, he spotted Lin Mei and a few other disciples gathered outside.
"Han Yu, I can't believe you're actually on time for something that doesn't bother you," Lin Mei said, folding her arms.
Han Yu smirked.
"A rare artifact unwilling? How could I resist? Who knows, I might find something that enhances my already overwhelming charm."
Lin Mei rolled her eyes.
At the sect ground, dozens of artifacts, weapons, and scrolls were displayed on floating pedestals, each pulsing with ancient energy.
Wing le, " Today, I call out to you all so that we want you to unlock the powers within you with those artifacts and weapons displayed around it".
" Han Yu, not you again. "Elder Wing le sighted.
Elders and disciples alike moved between them, murmuring in awe at the sheer power contained at the ground.
But one artifact stood apart from the rest—a small, unassuming seal, no bigger than a palm, carved with intricate patterns of intertwining dragons and phoenixes.
Han Yu, ever drawn to things that piqued his curiosity, who was always interested in things that caught his attention, ended up standing in front of it.
"This, my young disciples, is the Divine Matchmaker's Seal," Elder Zhang announced, his voice carrying authority.
"An artifact said to bind fated souls together, though its full effects remain shrouded in mystery.
Legend has it that only someone truly attuned to destiny itself can awaken its power."
Han Yu raised an eyebrow.
"So, it's a glorified matchmaking tool?"
Some disciples chuckled, but Elder Zhang ignored him.
"Many have tried to activate it, but none have succeeded."
Han Yu's grin widened.
"None? Sounds like a challenge."
Before anyone could stop him, he reached out and touched the seal.
"You monkey face wants to try, haha, " the elder said.
The moment his fingers made contact, a golden light exploded from the artifact, engulfing the entire ground.
The strong wind blew wildly, making scrolls and ancient objects fall from their stands.
Han Yu felt a surge of energy rush into his body, foreign yet familiar, as if something ancient had just awakened within him.
People gasped as golden light wrapped around Han Yu, turning into glowing threads that disappeared into his skin.
Then, the room became silent.
Elder Zhang's face was disappointed.
"Impossible…"
Han Yu blinked.
"Well, that was unexpected."
Lin Mei shouted.
"Han Yu, what did you just do?"
"I... touched it?"
Before she could scold him, a voice—neither male nor female, yet resonating with divine authority—echoed through the hall.
'The Divine Matchmaker's Seal has chosen its bearer. Fate now bends to the will of BEHOLDER.'
The words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.
"The seal… actually responded?" one elder muttered in disbelief.
Another disciple stammered, "D-does that mean… Han Yu is the one that seal spoke of?"
Han Yu scratched the back of his head.
"Seal ? What a seal?"
Elder Zhang took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"The legend states that whoever awakens the seal will become the center of destiny itself."
A beat of silence. Then Han Yu groaned.
"So, I've basically become a walking marriage proposal?"
Lin Mei, unable to contain her laughter, clapped him on the back.
"Congratulations, Han Yu. Your legendary mischief has finally caught up to you."
However, not everyone found the situation amusing.
The revelation spread through the sect like wildfire, reaching the ears of powerful individuals who saw this as either an opportunity or a threat.
The Aftermath: Admirers and Chaos
It took less than a day for Han Yu's life to spiral into chaos.
By the next morning, a flood of letters arrived at the Jade Cloud Sect—marriage proposals, alliance requests, and invitations from noble clans, sects, and even royal families.
Some contained poetic confessions, while others were direct offers of power and wealth.
As one of the princess from west land sent letter covered in the perfect purple envelop to Han Yu:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I'm bad at poems,
But perfect for you!
I'll bring you snacks,
And maybe some tea,
Say yes right now,
And marry me!
The sect's couriers struggled to keep up with the sheer volume of messages, and Han Yu could barely step outside without being swarmed by curious disciples.
Zhou Feng, his lifelong rival, was less than pleased.
"Of all people… it had to be you?" he grumbled, arms crossed as he watched another group of female disciples giggle while sneaking glances at Han Yu.
Han Yu sighed dramatically.
"It's a curse, really. My overwhelming charm has finally reached divine levels."
Lin Mei elbowed him. "Maybe if you stopped smirking so much, it wouldn't be so bad."
Before he could respond, a loud voice boomed from the sect gates.
"We have come to challenge the bearer of the Divine Matchmaker's Seal!"
All eyes turned toward the entrance, where a group of armored cultivators stood, their leader a striking woman with long silver hair and piercing violet eyes.
"I am Yue Rong of the Celestial Ice Pavilion," she declared, stepping forward.
"According to my sect's records, the one chosen by the seal must prove themselves worthy in battle. If you are unfit, the seal will be reclaimed."
Han Yu groaned. "Why does everything turn into a fight?"
Lin Mei smirked.
"Because that's how the world works, stupid monkey. You didn't think you'd just get admirers without challengers, did you?"
Han Yu sighed, cracking his knuckles.
"Fine. Let's get this over with."
A Duel
The courtyard became a battleground as Han Yu faced Yue Rong. The air crackled with tension as disciples and elders gathered to watch.
Yue Rong drew her sword, ice forming along its blade.
"Show me your worth, bearer of fate for matchmaker seal."
Han Yu yawned, stretching lazily.
"Let's make this quick. I have way too many love letters to sort through."
Yue Rong's eyes twitched. Without another word, she lunged forward, her blade slicing through the air with chilling precision.
Han Yu dodged effortlessly, his movements like a dance, weaving through her attacks with a teasing grin.
He countered with a flick of his fingers, sending a pulse of qi that disrupted her balance.
Yue Rong's eyes widened as she barely managed to deflect the force.
"he… is stronger than I expected," she murmured to herself.
Han Yu chuckled. "I used only 5 % of my power."
"You think I would be bullied by weak ants like you? Do you think strong can bully weak and do whatever they want?
After a few more exchanges, Yue Rong lowered her sword.
Yue Rong, " You made me do this"
In the posture of meditation, she releases the mass air of ice that even shook the ground for a second.
Han Yu, gazed villainously, with his slide power made an invisible wall and showed what the strength is.
Just swinging his hand, he threw her several metres away and he was badly injured.
"I acknowledge your strength," she said, surprising everyone by kneeling.
"The Celestial Ice Pavilion will not oppose you. In fact… I extend my hand in allegiance."
Han Yu blinked. "Wait. Are you… proposing?"
Yue Rong smirked. "Ahhh ummm."