Little Pink Starfish

Indeed, it was the classic trope of martial arts and cultivation novels: a martial arts contest for marriage.

_{[T/N: I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of this trope, and I feel left out.]}

In such events, there was always a beautiful, slightly spoiled young lady with mediocre martial skills. She would invariably attract numerous admirers, most of whom despised the protagonist. Unfortunately for these admirers—whether they were her cousin, childhood friend, loyal servant, or a neighbouring family’s young master—they would inevitably be cast as either malicious or saintly supporting characters, losing their beloved to the protagonist. The most infuriating part? The young lady’s love interest often didn’t reciprocate her feelings exclusively! Such injustice—enough to make both uncle and aunt lose their patience!

Gu Bai stared at the message, absently running his fingers over the gilded lettering as his mind wandered.

Typically, the young lady would know martial arts, but her skills would be so rudimentary that the protagonist could easily tease her. After he defeated her suitors, her father, her brothers, and everyone else, she would arrive just in time to be defeated as well.

Such a melodramatic plot was perfect for boosting the protagonist’s charisma! As a novice author determined to fill his protagonist’s harem, Gu Bai had written this scenario in his early works without restraint.

A long, slender hand reached over and took the booklet from his grasp. A low, magnetic voice whispered in his ear, “…Martial arts contest for marriage?” Warm breath tickled his ear. “Gege wants to attend?”

Gu Bai instinctively stepped back. …Wait a second. Why did it feel like there was an oppressive black aura swirling behind the pervert, warping the air itself? This wasn’t a manga—don’t come with built-in special effects!

Reflexively, Gu Bai shook his head. “Of course not.”

In an instant, Qiguan Rui’s ominous aura seemed to dissipate. The shift was so sudden it felt like an illusion.

Gu Bai exhaled, relieved to be alive. Beside him, Chen Yuanhao and the others let out their own sighs of relief, visibly relaxing. Their master—or rather, this guy’s unbearable jealousy—was simply too much to handle!

With the tension eased, Chen Yuanhao began explaining the matter in detail. Naturally, he had deliberately placed the contest announcement on the first page, as it was the most significant upcoming event. As a diligent subordinate, he ensured it was prominently highlighted.

Shortly after the events in Hao Yang City, while the disaster had a massive impact there, other martial cities remained largely unaffected. Despite the loss of many promising young talents during the giant python incident, there were still plenty of accomplished individuals across the continent.

Only days after the city’s reopening, Sang Mao, the city lord of Jin Tong City, widely announced that his only daughter would hold a martial arts contest for marriage. Those who dared to use such a method to settle their daughters’ futures often had a strong backing. For example, Sang Mao was the lord of a major martial city, with a cultivation level of wu huang. His only daughter was the sole heir to his legacy, and her husband would likely inherit the city lord’s position. Rumour had it that his daughter was extraordinarily beautiful, a first-class beauty. Sang Mao promised an additional reward to the victor—a great opportunity containing the inheritance of a wu sheng-level powerhouse! Four tempting advantages, rolled out in quick succession—an irresistible offer!

There were conditions, of course:

Participants had to be at least wu wang in cultivation—though weaker ones could try; they’d inevitably be defeated.

Participants had to be physically presentable—couldn’t have the bride frightened on her wedding night!

They needed at least a century of life expectancy—couldn’t leave the young lady widowed prematurely.

The requirements weren’t excessively strict, but they effectively filtered candidates, ensuring a broad pool of suitable contenders. Sang Mao didn’t even demand that future grandchildren bear his surname—he just wanted his daughter to be happy! What a considerate father!

Qiguan Rui finished reading and seemed intrigued by the inheritance. Of course, what piqued his interest more was the potential wu huang wealth accompanying it. If he could secure it, all the better…

Gu Bai noticed Qiguan Rui’s expression and felt a twitch in his eye. Dammit, it wasn’t his idea to go—it was the pervert’s! A stallion remains a stallion! Some things never change!

As Gu Bai unconsciously stared at the chains around Qiguan Rui’s wrist, Qiguan Rui deliberately flexed his hand to display them more prominently. He then turned to Chen Yuanhao with a gentle smile. “If I’m not mistaken, Yuanhao, you’re still unmarried?”

Caught off guard, Chen Yuanhao nodded. “Yes, Master, I’m not married yet.”

Qiguan Rui’s smile grew even more enigmatic.

Gu Bai silently facepalmed. Alright, this time he’d wronged the pervert… He mentally lit a candle for Chen Yuanhao.

With ten days left before the contest, there wasn’t much time. From Hao Yang City to Jin Tong City, the journey would take nine days under normal circumstances, leaving no room for delay.

The four elite maids swiftly sprang into action, donning their uniforms, organising supplies, and preparing Gu Bai’s regal attire with seamless efficiency. Their professionalism left Liu Manluo and the other newcomers, Xin’e and Lu Jia’er, feeling both shocked and ashamed. They were utterly outclassed.

Gu Bai felt immensely satisfied.

While the pervert was useful, dealing with him could be exhausting. The well-trained maids, however, were reliable and efficient—worthy of endless praise! With them around, his aura of nobility and cold elegance felt complete again.

The group quickly departed in their luxurious carriage. Along the way, there were countless minor dramas:

The elite maids effortlessly outclassed the newcomers, leaving them awestruck.

Liu Manluo and Yun Meng clashed repeatedly, each trying to sabotage the other with poison.

Xin’e and Lu Jia’er wisely stayed neutral, observing and quietly learning from the maids, aiming to improve themselves.

Meanwhile, Chen Yuanhao and Chou Tu, stuck riding with Lu Jie in the outermost section of the carriage, had their perspectives on women thoroughly reshaped. Women were terrifying creatures… 

_{[T/N: Maybe in your world, but in mine all they want is to see two men kiss.]}

When they finally reached Jin Tong City, Gu Bai’s high-and-mighty demeanour reached new heights. Now flanked by eight maids (though Liu Manluo was reluctantly included), he exuded an even grander aura. Liu Manluo’s acceptance of the role stemmed from a calculated decision—it gave her better access to her ultimate goal. After all, proximity was the key to reaching the moon… or, in this case, toppling a wall.

After some inquiries, the group easily located the contest venue—a massive stone platform. Despite the decorative silks draped over it, it was unmistakably made of stone. For a structure designed to endure intense martial combat, wood simply wouldn’t suffice.

Gu Bai couldn’t help but commend himself for writing such a logical scenario.

Chen Yuanhao returned, now dressed extravagantly. His dazzling appearance drew a judgmental glance from Chou Tu, whose eyes clearly spelled out: Walking flower rooster. _{[T/N: haha what.]}

Still, the maids’ efforts had transformed him into an undeniably charming figure.

Gu Bai nodded in approval. Even without a protagonist’s halo, Chen Yuanhao had a natural charisma—full of potential!

As the crowd gathered, the contest began. A drumroll heralded the arrival of a commanding middle-aged man with a purple complexion and an aura as imposing as a mountain—Sang Mao himself. Beside him stood a petite young woman, her almond-shaped eyes and delicate features exuding both beauty and charm. Dimples appeared when she smiled, adding a playful cuteness.

In men’s terms, she was the quintessential “loli face, devil body”—a petite beauty with curves. A favourite among certain audiences.