Xu Mu brought Chen Xuan along and headed toward Jiang Huihui's hometown.
Her family lived in a small mountain village on the western edge of Yang City.
Even without visiting, Xu Mu could already guess — they might not be an "hidden clan," but even the Four Great Families couldn't compare to them.
From the information he had gathered, Jiang Huihui's grandfather was on close terms with Wei Jingzhi — that "senior janitor" — and also got along quite well with Chen Xuan's master.
To be friends with those two, her grandfather couldn't possibly be an ordinary person.
After leaving the highway, the roads turned bumpy and uneven.
Unlike ancient times, in modern society, the further inland you go, the poorer the economy tends to be — unless it's a major city.
Three hours later, Xu Mu and the others finally arrived at the village where Jiang Huihui lived. It was called Lianshan.
Fields stretched out on both sides of the road, and villagers were still busy farming.
Driving up the winding slope into the village, Xu Mu parked in front of what looked like a farmhouse.
The buildings here were different from the usual village homes — more like a countryside inn.
Beside it stood a small shopfront with a sign reading "Jiang Family Fried Chicken."
Xu Mu checked the address Jiang Huihui had sent him — this was indeed the place.
"Old Chen, get out — we're here," Xu Mu said, patting the half-asleep Chen Xuan in the passenger seat.
Chen Xuan startled awake, rubbing his eyes.
He saw the signboard and yawned. "Mu bro, how'd you know I like chicken?"
"We can eat later. Jiang Huihui's house is right here," Xu Mu said with a smile.
"What? Her family runs a restaurant? They must be doing pretty well!"
Chen Xuan looked surprised.
He got out, opened the trunk, grabbed his woven fertilizer sack, and followed Xu Mu inside.
The two entered the restaurant. Even though it was lunchtime, there were only about ten tables — and just one was occupied.
"Hello there, what would you like to eat?"
A gentle-looking woman wearing an apron approached them with a smile.
She was slender and graceful — clearly different from the typical rural villagers.
Xu Mu activated his Divine Eye to inspect her.
Name: Zhou Shui
Role: Owner of Jiang Family Fried Chicken
Favorability: 1
Fate Level: 4 (Max 10)
Xu Mu was a bit surprised — the owner was not from the Jiang family by blood.
"Auntie, we're friends of Huihui. We came to see her," Xu Mu said politely.
"Huihui's not home. You should look for her elsewhere."
At that moment, a middle-aged man in a black tank top came out, holding a wok in one hand.
His muscular arms showed clear lines, his face was square-shaped, and his expression seemed slightly impatient.
Xu Mu used the Divine Eye again.
Name: Jiang Xingjun
Role: Farmer
Favorability: 0
Fate Level: 5 (Max 10)
"I don't care whether she's home or not — this is her home, right?" Chen Xuan stepped forward.
"That's right. Huihui is my daughter," Jiang Xingjun replied flatly.
"Good. I'm here to cancel the engagement."
Chen Xuan opened his sack, took out several scrolls wrapped in cloth, and flipped through them.
"Found it — Jiang Huihui. The signature says Jiang Sheng."
At that, Jiang Xingjun's face immediately hardened.
He quickly walked up to Chen Xuan and took the marriage document from his hand.
Opening it, he recognized the brushstrokes — it was indeed his father's handwriting.
"All right, Mu bro, the engagement's canceled. Let's head back," Chen Xuan said cheerfully, slinging his sack over his shoulder.
"Hold on," Xu Mu stopped him with a smile and turned to Jiang Xingjun. "Uncle, if possible, could you take us to meet the elder?"
He wanted to make sure everything was handled properly. Jiang Huihui's grandfather was clearly the real authority in the family.
If things followed the usual "plot," Chen Xuan might have just left the marriage document there — and something unexpected would happen later.
Xu Mu intended to meet Jiang Sheng personally and have Chen Xuan annul the engagement in front of him.
"My father's not home. I don't know where he went," Jiang Xingjun said, glancing at Xu Mu. "You two should go."
"Uncle, to be honest, Elder Jiang invited me here. My name's Xu Mu."
Xu Mu smiled faintly. "If you don't believe me, you can ask him yourself. Just tell him the young man who painted at Senior Wei Jingzhi's birthday came to visit."
At that, Jiang Xingjun frowned and looked toward Zhou Shui.
She understood at once, took out her phone, and walked to the back kitchen to make a call.
A few minutes later, she hurried back and whispered a few words into Jiang Xingjun's ear.
Jiang Xingjun nodded, then called toward the kitchen, "Old Wang, watch the store."
Then he turned to Xu Mu and Chen Xuan. "You two, come with me."
Xu Mu patted Chen Xuan's shoulder and smiled. "We'll follow him. Since the marriage document was signed by the elder, it's basic courtesy to inform him directly."
Chen Xuan nodded in agreement and gave Xu Mu a thumbs-up.
He had met Jiang Sheng before — the man had even taught him a few moves.
Since they were already here, it wouldn't be right not to pay respects.
They followed Jiang Xingjun and Zhou Shui deeper into the farmhouse.
The area was already halfway up the mountain.
Free-range chickens wandered about, pecking at the ground in groups.
Xu Mu thought to himself that he'd like to try one of these native chickens someday — he'd heard most farm-raised ones lived and died in cages without ever taking a few real steps.
In the distance, several buildings dotted the hillside.
As Xu Mu expanded his perception, he noticed an old man ahead — wearing a white vest and baggy shorts — holding a brush and painting.
His hair was short and white; though his body had grown frail and his skin sagged, his eyes were bright and sharp.
Finally, they approached the old man.
Xu Mu immediately activated the Divine Eye — as expected, this elder was no ordinary person.
Name: Jiang Sheng
Role: Farmer
Favorability: 5
Fate Level: 6 (Max 10)
Xu Mu was slightly surprised, but it also made sense — the ancestors of the Dragon Nation were all born from the soil; being a farmer was nothing unusual.
"Elder Jiang," Chen Xuan greeted respectfully with clasped hands.
"Ah, Xiao Chen," Jiang Sheng smiled, putting down his brush and walking over. "You've come to fulfill your marriage contract with my granddaughter?"
"No, I came to cancel it."
Chen Xuan pointed to Jiang Xingjun. "I've already handed the marriage contract to Uncle Jiang. I don't want to marry Jiang Huihui."
At that, Jiang Sheng's bright eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Chen Xuan, what do you mean by that? Do you look down on my granddaughter? Are you saying the Jiang family's granddaughter isn't good enough for you?"
The moment he spoke, the air seemed to solidify — everyone present felt the pressure in their very breath.