CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 69: SHE IS MY FIANCEE

The sun shone brightly above the bustling market, its golden rays spilling warmth over rows of shops and stalls. Merchants called out in loud voices, enticing customers with fresh fruits, exotic silks, glittering jewelry, and fragrant teas. The air carried a mixture of scents—sweet grapes, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked bread—blending with the chatter of buyers and sellers.

Shaurya strolled leisurely through the lively street, his hands clasped behind his back, a small cluster of grapes between his fingers. At his side, Lin Shu walked gracefully, her curious eyes wandering across the colorful market. She scanned each stall intently, her delicate face glowing under the sunlight. Shaurya stole a glance at her, and a warm smile naturally appeared on his face.

Lin Shu’s eyes suddenly caught sight of a golden phoenix design hairclip displayed at a jewelry shop. Her steps quickened, and she hurried over to the stall, picking up the hairclip with both hands, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Shaurya’s smile deepened. Turning to the shopkeeper, he called politely, "Hello, Sir. I want to buy this hairclip."

Lin Shu’s head jerked toward him, her expression filled with surprise. She stared at him, flustered. "Wo, wo, wo! I am just checking the hairclip. It’s not like you have to buy it for me."

Shaurya chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t worry. Pick whatever you like—I will buy it for you. Even if it’s just a piece of jewelry, a whole store, or even this entire market." He patted his chest proudly. "You can tell me."

The shopkeeper turned out to be an old lady with a gentle smile. She let out a soft laugh and said, "It’s rare to see such a romantic young couple." Turning to Lin Shu, she added warmly, "Your partner is very sweet. You’re very lucky."

Lin Shu blushed at the remark, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "Thank you, miss," she whispered, her voice soft.

Without hesitation, Shaurya retrieved a pouch of gold coins from his storage ring. He not only purchased the golden phoenix hairclip but also added a phoenix design gold necklace to his purchase. With a courteous bow, he addressed the old woman. "Thank you, ma’am."

The old lady waved her hand with a smile as she saw them off.

Lin Shu admired her new hairpin as they walked. "That old lady was very sweet."

Shaurya nodded lightly. "Yeah. She said right."

Lin Shu raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

Shaurya looked at her with a small smirk. "About our couple. A sweet and romantic couple."

Lin Shu’s cheeks flushed crimson. She turned her gaze away shyly. Both of them smiled softly, and soon their steps carried them to a small tea stall with wooden benches placed under a shade. They sat together, the gentle aroma of tea leaves filling the air.

Shaurya suddenly turned toward Lin Shu. "Give this to me," he said, reaching out his hand.

Lin Shu blinked in confusion. "What?"

Shaurya took the new hairclip from her hands. "Let me help you."

Lin Shu chuckled softly but allowed him. Shaurya carefully reached up, removing her old hairclip from her silky black hair. Lin Shu held her hair in place so it wouldn’t get messy. Their eyes locked in that moment—his gaze deep as the night sky, hers trembling with nervousness. Shaurya swallowed hard, his heartbeat racing, but with steady hands, he placed the golden phoenix hairclip in her hair.

Lin Shu stared at his face—the sharp features, eyes profound as space, and his smile warm enough to melt the coldest of hearts. Her cheeks burned red, and the world around her seemed to fade away. She was lost in him completely.

Shaurya’s lips curved into a childlike smile once he finished. "It’s done. You are looking good."

Lin Shu didn’t respond. She only stared at him, her heartbeat thundering in her chest.

Shaurya waved his hand before her eyes. "Hey, Lin Shu, are you asleep?"

She snapped out of her daze and smiled softly. "Thank you."

Shaurya reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder, and gently pulled her closer. Resting his head on hers, he said warmly, "Oh, come on. It’s nothing. Just helped you wear a hairclip."

Lin Shu’s voice trembled slightly as she replied, "It’s not about the hairclip. It’s for everything you have done for me."

Shaurya raised his head with confusion. "Hey, why are you being so sentimental?"

Lin Shu laughed warmly. "I just want to thank you. Nothing much." She placed her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes with a peaceful smile.

Shaurya lowered his head with his own smile, hiding the blush creeping onto his cheeks.

In her heart, Lin Shu whispered silently, Mother, you don’t have to worry about me. I have someone who takes care of me, just like you had done. When I am with him, I forget everything. I just want to smile and always be by his side.

Shaurya patted her head gently, making her lift her eyes. "Let’s eat something," she suggested.

Shaurya nodded and turned to the tea stall owner, a middle-aged man with a friendly face. "Sir, please, two cups of tea with biscuits."

The man quickly brought their order. Shaurya slightly bowed in thanks before checking the tea’s temperature and handing a cup to Lin Shu. Together, they sat, sipping their tea with small smiles, enjoying the simple comfort.

Not far away, Wang Tian and Luo Chen stood at another stall, munching on apples. Wang Tian glanced at Shaurya and Lin Shu, a smile tugging at his lips. Luo Chen bit into his apple and remarked, "I am saying this again. Their couple is perfect."

Wang Tian nodded in agreement before the two continued browsing the market stalls.

Back at the tea stall, Shaurya picked up the empty cups. "I will handle the payment and buy some biscuits."

Lin Shu nodded, remaining seated, her right leg crossed over her left as she admired the lively surroundings.

Just then, the sound of marching boots broke the calm atmosphere. A group of armored guards approached, parting the crowd as a young man stepped forward. He wore a luxurious blue robe, his hair neatly tied, a fan held gracefully in his right hand. His face was round, his eyes sharp, and his expression carried arrogance.

Situ Hotian stoped infront of Lin Shu. His fan flicking open with a sharp snap. He twirled it gracefully in his fingers, letting a faint fragrance of rare sandalwood drift from its surface. His chin tilted upward, as though the air itself wasn’t worthy to touch him.

With exaggerated elegance, he bowed slightly before Lin Shu. "Ah... what a dazzling flower blooming in this humble street. Truly, fate has smiled upon me today." He placed his hand on his chest dramatically. "I, Situ Hotian of the mighty Situ Clan, am known throughout the kingdom as a scholar, a gentleman, a poet... and perhaps the most eligible heir alive."

His guards immediately clapped in perfect rhythm, clearly trained to praise him on cue.

Situ Hotian smirked. "Tell me, young beauty, how does it feel to witness such magnificence standing before you? Don’t be shy, I am used to women gasping in awe when they see me." He leaned closer, lowering his voice in a fake whisper loud enough for everyone to hear. "You may even faint if you wish. My arms are more than ready to catch you."

Lin Shu’s eyes narrowed in disgust, but Hotian didn’t notice. He fanned himself dramatically, turning his head to show off his smooth skin as if waiting for applause.

Situ Hotian bowed dramatically and said. "Can I ask, what a magnificent beauty like you is doing here alone?"

Lin Shu’s lips curled into a faint smile. "No, you can’t ask."

Situ Hotian blinked, confused. "I don’t understand what you said?"

Lin Shu’s tone turned cold. "Why? Are you a fool?"

Situ Hotian froze, stunned by her words. One of the guards stepped forward, but Situ Hotian raised his hand to stop him. His lips curled into a twisted smile. "Perfect. Arrogance and attitude in a beauty like you is obvious. I like it."

Lin Shu rolled her eyes. "But I don’t like it. Now can you get lost from here? You are irritating me like a mosquito."

The guards behind him were stunned, their mouths slightly agape.

At that moment, Shaurya returned, his hands in his pockets. He glanced at Situ Hotian and then at Lin Shu, asking in confusion, "What is going on?"

Lin Shu raised her hands in exasperation. "I don’t know from where this idiot came, but he’s spouting nonsense."

Situ Hotian turned to Shaurya, only to freeze. The young man before him was far more handsome, his aura overwhelming. His teeth clenched. "Who are you? Are you with this beauty?"

"Yes," Shaurya replied calmly. "Do you have any problem?"

"Yes, I have a problem!" Situ Hotian growled.

Shaurya sat down beside Lin Shu and answered flatly, "Then get lost."

Situ Hotian with arrogance speaks. "I Admit you are little handsome. But what is beauty compared to status? What is charm compared to wealth? Hah! Look at you— looking poor, empty pockets. Meanwhile, I..." He snapped his fingers. Immediately, a servant rushed forward with a jeweled box. Situ Hotian opened it to reveal golden rings, pearl bracelets, and even a jade pendant.

"See this? A single trinket from my treasury is worth more than your entire life. Why would a beauty settle for scraps when she can have an emperor in the making?" He spread his arms wide as if expecting the whole market to bow.

"No one has ever insulted me like this!" Situ Hotian roared. "How dare you? I am the future heir of the Situ Family! Who are you? What do you have other than good looks? What is your relationship with this beauty?"

Without hesitation, Shaurya replied, "She is my fiancée."

The words hit like a divine bell in Lin Shu’s heart.

Her eyes widened, her lips parting in shock—not because she wanted to protest, but because her heart was exploding with joy. For a split second, she wondered if she had misheard him. Fiancée? He... called me his fiancée?

Heat rushed to her face, turning her cheeks a brilliant red. Her fingers instinctively brushed her hair back, though her hands trembled. Her heartbeat thundered wildly, each beat screaming his words back at her.

Her gaze turned to Shaurya, who sat there with the most natural confidence, as if the world itself accepted his declaration as truth. Her chest tightened, and her eyes glistened faintly.

Lin Shu’s eyes widened, her face burning red as Shaurya glanced at her with a quick wink.

The bustling market, the noise, the crowd—it all faded into a blur. The only thing that existed was Shaurya’s voice echoing in her soul. A smile tugged at her lips, small at first, then growing brighter, unable to be suppressed.

Situ Hotian froze like a statue, his jaw hanging open. "You... I don’t care! You don’t deserve this beauty! A young master like me, with power and money, only I deserve her! Now get lost. Demand your price—I will give it to you. But give this lady to me!"

Shaurya leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "First of all, you can’t afford me. Second, she is not a thing that I give to you. She is my future wife, and you are in big trouble." He pointed his finger at Situ Hotian, then lowered it directly toward him.

Confusion flickered in Situ Hotian’s eyes. Suddenly, Wang Tian appeared like a gust of wind, landing a kick squarely on one guard’s face. Luo Chen followed, kicking another guard down. With devilish smiles, the two moved like shadows, knocking out all ten guards in an instant.

Situ Hotian’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

Shaurya and Lin Shu stood from their seats. Stretching his neck and adjusting his robe, Shaurya spoke proudly, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the Sect Master of the strongest sect in this kingdom—the Sanatan Flame Sect. Shaurya the Great."

Situ Hotian froze in terror. Lin Shu grabbed Shaurya’s arm, smiling softly. "And I am sect elder—and fiancée of him."

Situ Hotian stumbled backward, his body trembling.

Shaurya’s smile turned warm, though his tone was cold. "I don’t want to create a scene here. But you dared to disrespect Lin Shu, so I can’t let you go easily."

The market crowd had gathered in a large circle, whispering and pointing. Situ Hotian, with his expensive robe now smeared in dust, tried to regain his poise. He flicked open his sandalwood fan, shaking off dirt as if nothing had happened.

"Hah!" he sneered, raising his chin. "So you beat my guards? Big deal. They’re just warming up for me. I, Situ Hotian, am—"

Before he could finish, Luo Chen snatched the fan from his hand with lightning speed. He twirled it around, sniffed it, and wrinkled his nose.

"Phew! Smells worse than my socks after training!" Luo Chen declared. The crowd erupted in laughter.

Situ Hotian’s eyes bulged. "How dare you—give that back! That’s a priceless sandalwood heirloom passed down from—"

Before he could finish, Wang Tian casually snapped the fan in half over his knee and tossed the pieces back at him.

The crowd howled louder. Some merchants even whistled, enjoying the spectacle.

Situ Hotian’s cheeks flushed bright red. "Y-You peasants! How dare you humiliate me in public? Do you know who I am? I am the heir of the Situ Clan! The future—"

Shaurya, sitting calmly with one leg over the other, interrupted flatly:

"The future joke of the kingdom."

The words hit like thunder. Laughter exploded from every corner of the market. Even the tea stall owner chuckled behind his sleeve.

Situ Hotian’s chest heaved with rage. He stomped his foot so hard his jeweled shoe broke apart. The sole came loose and flopped like a fish’s mouth with every step he took. Each time he tried to stride forward majestically, the shoe betrayed him with an awkward flap-flap.

Children pointed and giggled. "Look! The mighty young master walks like a duck!"

"Stop laughing!" Situ Hotian screamed, his voice cracking. "Stop it at once!"

But the more he shouted, the louder the laughter grew.

Finally, Shaurya stood up, towering over him. His voice cut through the noise like a blade:

"You came here flaunting wealth and power. But remember—status cannot buy respect. Respect is earned."

With that, Shaurya pulled out his spiritual gun. In a flash of golden light—boom!—Situ Hotian’s sleeve exploded, sending his arm bleeding and useless. He fell to his knees, screaming in pain.

Shaurya spun the gun stylishly, tucking it back into his ring. His voice was calm, cold, and absolute.

"Always respect women. Or next time, I won’t leave you with even scraps of your pride."

Situ Hotian clutched his wound, his face pale, eyes wide with humiliation. His guards lay unconscious, his fan broken, his shoe flapping, and his reputation shattered in front of the entire market.

The once-proud heir scrambled up and bolted through the crowd, his robe snagging on a merchant’s stall and tearing down the middle. The people roared with laughter again, and some even shouted mockingly:

"Behold, the great Situ Duck!"

"Quack! Quack! The heir is running!"

Situ Hotian disappeared into the distance, leaving behind only his shame.

Lin Shu glanced at Shaurya, her eyes glowing with admiration and pride. She whispered softly, "You didn’t just protect me... you destroyed his arrogance."

Shaurya smirked. "That’s the only language men like him understand."

Lin Shu’s eyes glistened with admiration, pride swelling in her chest. Shaurya wore a proud smile as he handed a pouch of gold to Wang Tian, who caught it swiftly.

"You both can enjoy now. Okay? Enjoyment is also required in life," Shaurya said.

Wang Tian and Luo Chen bowed before leaving happily.

Shaurya turned back to Lin Shu, smiling. "Let’s go continue our fun."

Lin Shu nodded with excitement. Shaurya took her hand, and together they strolled off, resuming their day of enjoyment.

Meanwhile, on a mountain peak near the capital city, Xiao Rui stood with a serious expression, blood dripping from his lips. His right wrist bore a weight bracelet, its nine stars glowing brightly. A sword gleamed in his right hand, while his robe was tattered from battle.

Across from him stood Elder Feng Yu, arms crossed, his sword resting between them. Behind him, Cheng Fang, Lee Bie, and Zong Bu also stood injured, watching intently.

Elder Feng Yu’s voice rang out. "I hope you have understood—how to avoid vital points and price your opponent, so that he gets injured badly but not killed."

Xiao Rui nodded silently.

"Okay then," Feng Yu continued, turning his head toward the three disciples. "You three, attack him together."

They nodded firmly, taking battle stances.

Xiao Rui screamed, charging forward with his sword raised. The three disciples screamed as well, rushing to meet him. Their swords clashed violently—

The screen went white.

Time skipped.

The tournament day arrived.

Shaurya stood outside the grand royal hotel, the sun gleaming against its tall, polished pillars. Before him gathered his core disciples along with others from the sect.

Shaurya tilted his head, looking around. "Where are others?"

Elder Wu stepped forward respectfully. "Most of the disciples already left, so they could get seats to watch the tournament."

Shaurya let out a surprised laugh. "Fine. We should also go."

Everyone nodded eagerly.

Shaurya raised his voice proudly. "Hail the Sanatan Flame Sect!"

The disciples roared in unison. "Hail the Sanatan Flame Sect!"

Then Shaurya lifted his right fist high into the air and shouted, "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

The disciples followed, their voices shaking the ground. "Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

Hands in his pockets, Shaurya began walking forward. Lin Shu walked gracefully by his side, while elders and disciples followed behind him in unison.

The tournament was about to begin. Many challenges awaited, but the Sanatan Flame Sect was ready to overcome them all.

Jai Shree Hari.

To be continued...