629 A Marital Arrangement! (2/2)

A long moment later, Wang Baole spoke again.

”Zhou Mei, tell me, are you really in love with Li Wuchen? Are you very certain you want to become Dao partners with him?”

”Stop trying to hide the truth from me. If you are, then you are. If you aren't, then you aren't.” Wang Baole's voice lost its fierce quality. It was as if he had become the dean of the Dao Mountain Mist Academy again.

Zhou Mei blushed and lowered her head in thought. Then, she replied meekly.

”Yes!”

Wang Baole fell silent, then shook his head and smiled. Since both of them were willing parties in this romance, there was no need for him to continue observing them. They would eventually become partners in the future.

His interference would simply make the relationship official sooner. As a Dao Disciple, if Li Wuchen became Dao partners with someone from the Federation, this would further cement the alliance between the Federation and the Dao Palace.

Of course, what was most important was that both of them truly held feelings for each other, as it would be meaningless if one party was unwilling to commit.

At that thought, Wang Baole observed Zhou Mei for a while longer and concluded that she did indeed have feelings for Li Wuchen. He had come to a decision and said suddenly, ”Fellow Daoist Osmanthus, please have Li Wuchen brought here.”

Zhou Mei still seemed worried, but Wang Baole's polite tone made her sigh with relief. She kept her head down and stood there quietly. Her heart raced. She was a smart woman, and she knew what her dean was trying to do.

This was the first time Wang Baole was playing matchmaker, and it was a refreshing experience. He smiled and teased Zhou Mei, then began chatting about Jin Duozhi. He was surprised to find out that Jin Duozhi hadn't returned to the Trilunaris Corporation after graduation but had joined the military on the lunar base.

The two of them chatted for a while before the efficient giant tree led Li Wuchen to Wang Baole's palace. Li Wuchen hadn't wanted to go, but the giant tree had told him that Zhou Mei was there, so Li Wuchen could only sigh secretly and follow the giant tree.

As soon as he entered the halls, he saw Wang Baole sitting at the end, chatting merrily with Zhou Mei. The sight filled his heart with a myriad of emotions. He knew that Zhou Mei was Wang Baole's disciple, and he also knew that they couldn't hide their relationship from Wang Baole.

Embarrassment and awareness of their past conflict made Li Wuchen nervous and fraught with anxiety. Right after Li Wuchen had entered the halls, before he could extend his greetings, the expression on Wang Baole's face immediately turned icy cold. He said coolly, ”Li Wuchen, what you have between you and Zhou Mei ends today. I don't wish for you to bother my disciple in the future. If you do so, I'll kill you!” As soon as Wang Baole said that, shock flashed across Zhou Mei's face.

”Dean, you…”

Li Wuchen froze. His breathing grew heavy, and his face turned pale. Then, he saw the look on Zhou Mei's face and heard what she had tried to say. It was as if he was suddenly infused with power. He ignored his nervousness and his anxiety and marched forward with determination and hostility in his eyes.

”Elder Wang, this is between Mei'er and me. You might have been her teacher, but that doesn't give you the right to stop…”

”I can guarantee your advancement to the perfected Core Formation realm within a year. I can even guarantee your entry into the Nascent Art Chamber so that you can have a chance at attaining the Nascent Soul realm!”

”However, if you don't agree to do as I say, I can make life difficult for you even if you belong to the Dao Palace. You'll die in the sword body. Li Wuchen, you know what you must do. Think it through and give me your answer.” Wang Baole's voice was cold, and violence filled the air. The entire palace was weighed down by a certain heaviness. Then, he raised his right hand and pointed at Zhou Mei. A spell flared into being and sealed Zhou Mei's lips. She couldn't speak and could only worry silently.

Li Wuchen's face grew paler, and the fury in his eyes intensified. He glared at Wang Baole unblinkingly and forced his answer out without hesitation.

”Wang Baole, my answer is… no!”

Wang Baole rolled his eyes. He had to admit that he had been overly dramatic, but he had no choice, as that was how the television dramas playing in the Federation all unfolded. He believed there must be a reason for that. He listened to Li Wuchen's answer and eyed him seriously. He came to a conclusion. He smacked the handle of his seat, then rose to his feet. As he spoke, his voice rang out, heavy with authority.

”No? So be it. I'll make the decision for the both of you right now. Your union will be held inside this palace. You will become Dao partners, inseparable in both life and death!

”Li Wuchen, do you consent?”