160: Cycads in bloom

After listening to his great-granddaughter's "history of secret and open crushes" that spanned several years, Chen Jun fell into a long silence...

The expression on his face went from initial shock and disbelief to contemplation, and finally to... a face full of auntie-like smiles?

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Chen Jun stroked his chin, his eyes brightening:

"I never expected this, I never expected it. To think that Luo Mie, this piece of ten-thousand-year black ice, would actually have a day where he gets melted? And he was 'cooked' by our Yuanmeng using the 'boiling a frog in warm water' method?!"

He looked at Chen Yuanmeng, his eyes filled with admiration:

"Not bad, girl! You have good taste! And perseverance! The difficulty of this conquest is no less than having your Great-Aunt Qinglan go single-handedly fight a Galaxy Level civilization in the future!"

Chen Yuanmeng hung her head in embarrassment at her Great-Grandfather's words, her voice as faint as a mosquito's:

"Great-Grandfather... Do... do you agree?"

"Agree! I absolutely agree!" Chen Jun slapped his thigh, brimming with heroic spirit:

"Where else can I find such a good great-grandson-in-law?! Stellar Level Peak! A military bigwig! Renowned for his military exploits! The key is that he is also so... repressedly passionate towards you! Hahaha!"

The more he thought about it, the more he felt this marriage proposal was absolutely wonderful!

That kid Luo Mie, his character, strength, and status are impeccable; he is absolutely the top-tier 'diamond bachelor' in the Federation... No, a 'source marrow bachelor'!

Before, he was curious because he was worried that Luo Mie was too cold and unromantic, which would wrong his own girl.

Now it seems this guy is cold on the outside but warm on the inside; he knows exactly what's going on in his heart!

He's just not good at expressing himself!

Once this kind of man falls in love, he is absolutely devoted and loyal!

Entrusting Yuanmeng to him, Chen Jun is at ease!

"However..." Chen Jun changed the subject, a mischievous smile appearing on his face:

"Yuanmeng, have you considered that that kid Luo Mie is over... fifty thousand years older than you? Does this count as... an old cow eating young grass? No, is it young grass gnawing on an old cow?"

Chen Yuanmeng's pretty face turned red, and she stamped her foot:

"Great-Grandfather! What does age matter to a cultivator! Besides... besides, Luo Mie doesn't look... old at all!"

"Hahaha! Right, right, right, not old, not old, Stellar Level Peak, in the prime of his life!" Chen Jun laughed heartily, his mood exceptionally pleasant.

He could solve his great-granddaughter's major life event of finding love, rope in an absolute bigwig from the military, and also gain a... uh, slightly older great-grandson-in-law for free?

Why not?

More importantly—

This sets a good precedent! A good start for the daughters of the Chen Family to contribute to the Family Bloodline!

"Alright, Great-Grandfather approves of this!" Chen Jun waved his hand grandly:

"I'll have Chu Yueyao arrange it later! When our old Chen Family marries off a daughter, it must be grand and spectacular! Let the whole Federation, no, let the entire Cangqiong Seat know!"

Chen Yuanmeng was ecstatic, and she bowed again in excitement: "Thank you, Great-Grandfather! Thank you, Great-Grandfather!"

"Don't be in such a hurry to thank me." Chen Jun looked at her with a smile:

"Great-Grandfather agrees, but we still have to ask Luo Mie's opinion, right? What if he doesn't want to?"

Chen Yuanmeng raised her head confidently, her eyes sparkling with happiness:

"He is willing! When he gave me the paintbrush... I just knew it!"

"Good! Then it's settled!" Chen Jun finalized it, "You go back and prepare. Great-Grandfather will have someone go and 'invite' that 'kid' Luo Mie over... for a heart-to-heart talk!"

Chen Yuanmeng left with a heart full of sweetness and anticipation.

Chen Jun watched her cheerful retreating figure, stroked his chin, and said to the empty side hall:

"Qinglan, go, 'invite' that kid Luo Mie for me. Mind your attitude, be gentle, don't scare our future great-grandson-in-law."

The space fluctuated slightly, and Yun Qinglan's cold, clear response came: "Yes, Father."

Chen Jun relaxed back into his lounge chair, feeling that this life of winning while lying down was getting more and more interesting.

"The iron tree blooms, the old house catches fire... Hehe, this play is not bad!"

...

The Federation military, Blazing Flame Legion headquarters, Marshal's office.

Luo Mie was standing in front of a huge star map, his brows furrowed, analyzing the latest situation in the border Star Domain.

He was still wearing a crisp military uniform, his posture as upright as a pine, and he exuded a cold aura that kept strangers at a distance.

Suddenly, the space in front of him rippled silently like a water curtain.

A figure in a white dress whiter than snow, as cold and ethereal as a fairy, appeared in front of him without warning.

Luo Mie's pupils contracted sharply, his muscles tensed instantly, and his Stellar Level Peak energy was subconsciously about to erupt!

But when he saw the face of the person who arrived, all his movements froze instantly, the energy that was about to burst forth was forcefully suppressed, and his face revealed an almost... terrified expression?

"Yun... Your Highness Yun Qinglan?!" His voice carried a trace of dryness that he himself didn't notice.

As one of the highest echelons of the Federation, he knew all too well the terror of this young girl in the white dress before him!

She was the eternal Pillar of Leaders and... a deity in the hearts of all the high-level Federation officials!

How could she be here?!

Yun Qinglan looked at him calmly, her eyes as calm as an ancient well, as if she were just looking at an ordinary object.

"Legion Commander Luo Mie." She spoke, her voice cold and ethereal, "Father wants to see you."

Father?

Luo Mie was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized that the only person Her Highness Yun Qinglan could call "Father" was that one—

Ancestor Chen!!!

Ancestor Chen wants to see him?!

Why?!

Could it be because there was a major flaw in the border defense?

Or did some recent action by the Blazing Flame Legion cause Ancestor Chen's dissatisfaction?

...

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Luo Mie's mind. Even though his will was as firm as iron, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous at this moment...

That is Ancestor Chen!

The true stabilizer of the Federation, an existence to whom even the Dragon Emperor must respectfully bow!

"Yes! This general obeys!" Luo Mie did not hesitate at all, immediately standing at attention and saluting, his voice loud.

Yun Qinglan nodded slightly, without saying anything more, and just waved her hand gently.

Luo Mie only felt the surrounding space change instantly, and after a blur before his eyes, he had already left his office and appeared in a... hall full of the atmosphere of daily life, perhaps even a bit too "comfortable".

And in front of him, on that oversized lounge chair that looked incredibly comfortable, was a young man in casual clothes, lounging... uh, seemingly playing the "Zen Bonsai" game?

Luo Mie: "???"

Isn't the vibe a bit... too lazy?!

Chen Jun had just once again "saved" the virtual ancient pine to death, angrily exited the game, and looked up to see Luo Mie, who was standing there like a javelin in front of him, with an expression that was serious yet carried a trace of confusion.

"Yo, you're here?" Chen Jun exited the game and looked at Luo Mie with a smile.

Hmm, he looks good; his stature is upright, his temperament is cold and hard, he's good material for a soldier.

It's just that his face is too tight, as if someone owes him trillions of origin crystals.

"This general, Luo Mie, pays respects to Ancestor Chen!" Luo Mie came back to his senses and immediately bowed, keeping his posture extremely low.

"Alright, alright, stop with these empty formalities, sit." Chen Jun pointed to a chair nearby.

Luo Mie hesitated for a moment, but sat down as instructed, though he only sat on the edge of the seat, his back still straight, hands on his knees, even more restrained than when attending the highest military meetings.

Chen Jun watched his nervous appearance, found it amusing, and didn't beat around the bush, getting straight to the point:

"Luo Mie, I brought you here for no other reason. It's just that my girl, Yuanmeng, came to me and said she would marry no one but you. I, on the other hand, quite approve of you. So I just wanted to ask your opinion."

Luo Mie: "!!!"

His whole person felt as if he had been struck by a Nine Heavens Heavenly Tribulation lightning bolt, and his brain went completely blank for an instant!

Chen Yuanmeng... would marry no one but him?

Ancestor Chen... quite approves of him?

This... this...

Even though Luo Mie had experienced countless life-and-death battles and his will had long been tempered to be as hard as a Stellar Level core, at this moment, he was dizzy and lost the ability to think, struck by this sudden "romance"!

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat so dry he couldn't make a sound.

In his mind, however, the figure of that young girl who always wore a gentle smile, loved to paint, and had eyes as bright as stars, appeared involuntarily.

It was her...

So, she went to find Ancestor Chen...

An indescribable emotion, mixed with shock, being moved, trepidation, and a trace of... joy that he himself hadn't even noticed, rushed like a broken dam, breaking down his frozen defenses.

He looked at Chen Jun's smiling gaze, stood up abruptly, and bowed deeply again, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:

"Ancestor Chen! This general... this general... what virtue or ability do I have... Miss Yuanmeng... she deserves someone better!"

Chen Jun looked at his reaction and felt even more confident.

This kid, if he doesn't dislike her, he's just bad with words...

"Cut the crap!" Chen Jun deliberately put on a stern face, "I'm just asking you, do you like my Yuanmeng or not? Give me a straight answer!"

Luo Mie's body stiffened, and he looked up, meeting Chen Jun's gaze that seemed lazy but could see through everything.

He was silent.

Bits and pieces of his time since meeting Chen Yuanmeng flashed through his mind.

The way she timidly yet bravely handed him her paintings...

The way she clumsily cared for him in the sanatorium...

The way she was so happy and excited every time she received his short replies...

When she gazed at the starry sky, those dreamy, gentle eyes... Her frozen heart had long since been melted by this trickle of warmth, turning into a pool of spring water.

He took a deep breath, as if summoning the courage of a lifetime. He straightened his back, his gaze becoming firm and burning, and his voice was resonant and powerful, like an oath: "Reporting to Ancestor Chen! This general... likes her!"

After saying these words, he felt as if he had laid down a heavy burden, yet simultaneously taken on an even greater responsibility.

He looked at Chen Jun with burning eyes: "This general knows he is crude, unromantic, and advanced in age, and I fear I might wrong Young Miss Yuanmeng. But if Ancestor Chen does not mind and Young Miss Yuanmeng does not disdain me, I, Luo Mie, swear upon my life that I will exhaust all my strength in this lifetime to protect her, bring her joy, and never let her down!"

In this moment, the cold, iron-blooded military commander disappeared, replaced by a man who had made the most important promise of his life.

Chen Jun looked at his extremely solemn expression and nodded with satisfaction.

"Alright, that sentence is enough for me." Chen Jun slumped back into his lounge chair and waved his hand: "What is this about being crude and unromantic? My Yuanmeng likes the likes of you! Age is even less of an issue! This matter is settled!"

"Go back and prepare. As for the betrothal gifts, just go through the motions; my Chen Clan isn't lacking in those things. The key is the wedding; it must be grand! I want the entire Cangqiong Seat to know that my, Chen Jun's, great-granddaughter has married the hardest bone and the fieriest flame of the Federation!"

Hearing Ancestor Chen's domineering yet somewhat humorous words, a huge surge of warmth and excitement welled up in Luo Mie's heart. He bowed deeply once more: "Yes! This general obeys! Thank you, Ancestor Chen, for your blessing!"

The news spread, and the whole world was shocked! The Federation's upper echelons were the first to explode!

"What?! That ice block Luo Mie is getting married?! The bride is Ancestor Chen's great-granddaughter, Chen Yuanmeng?!" "The iron tree has blossomed! It really has blossomed!" "Congratulations, Commander Luo! This is a tremendous joyous occasion!" "Quick! Prepare gifts! They must be heavy gifts!"

The military was even more boiling! "The boss is getting married?! And to Ancestor Chen's great-granddaughter?! Am I dreaming?!" "Quick, quick, quick! Take out those 'Stellar Core' treasures from our legion's warehouse as a congratulatory gift!" "From now on, our Blazing Flame Legion will be in-laws with Ancestor Chen?! Let's see which legion dares to act arrogant in front of us! Commander is mighty!"

Inside the Chen Clan, reactions varied. Chen Zhaojing patted his son's shoulder and sighed with emotion: "Look! Look! How promising our girl Yuanmeng is! You boys must work harder! In the future, work hard... uh, try your best to have more children... don't let the grandsons and granddaughters be outdone by the granddaughters!"

Chen Yuanhai rolled his eyes and complained internally: "Dad, you're just standing there talking without any back pain..."

The other great-granddaughters were incredibly envious of Chen Yuanmeng. Free love, and marrying such a high-ranking, powerful, and deeply affectionate Commander Luo Mie—she was simply a winner in life!

Chen Yuanmeng's sisters surrounded her, chattering and asking for "tips," wanting to know how she melted that ten-thousand-year-old black ice. Chen Yuanmeng just smiled, her face blushing, as happy as if she possessed the Brilliant Light of the entire galaxy.

The wedding preparations, following Chen Jun's command of "grand," unfolded according to the highest Federation standards. Chu Yueyao personally served as the chief planner, Mo Heng was responsible for technical support, Shi Yue was in charge of security, and Li Qingshan was responsible for... uh, using Sword Qi to carve starry sky patterns at the wedding venue?

Even Dragon Emperor Yan Wuhuo sent heavy gifts and indicated he would personally attend to offer congratulations on the day of the wedding. The wedding location was set on the outskirts of the Pillar of Leaders, on a Void Realm platform specially cleared out that was large enough to accommodate the docking of billions of starships. This place would be transformed into an unprecedented starry sky wedding hall!

Several months later, the wedding was held as scheduled. On this day, the eyes of the entire Cangqiong Seat were focused here. The Void Realm platform was decorated beautifully. With billions of stars simulated by energy as a backdrop, countless star lamps emitting soft halos floated among them, forming a brilliant galaxy that spanned the sea of stars.

Envoys from major civilizations, all high-ranking Federation officials, military generals, members of the Chen Clan... and countless citizens watching via the virtual universe live stream, all witnessed this wedding of the century.

When the wedding march, an upgraded version composed by a certain daughter-in-law of the Chen Clan skilled in music who combined ancient instruments with starry sky energy, resounded through the sea of stars...

The groom, Luo Mie, wore a crisp, custom-made Blazing Flame Legion formal uniform for the wedding, his epaulets shining, and his chest covered with medals representing his military achievements. He still stood straight, his face cold and stern, but those eyes, usually frozen, were burning with a hot flame at this moment. Nervousness, excitement, happiness... various emotions intertwined, softening his cold, hard facial lines.

The bride, Chen Yuanmeng, wore a stunning wedding dress woven from "Ten Thousand Star Gauze" and "Flowing Light Brocade," with a trailing skirt that seemed to drape the entire galaxy upon her. She wore the "Tears of the Stars" crown, personally crafted by Yun Qinglan, and her beautiful face, illuminated by the starlight, was dreamy and illusory.

She held her father Chen Zhaojing's arm, walking step by step toward the other side of the sea of stars, toward the man she loved deeply and who loved her deeply in return. Every step felt like walking on a carpet woven from starlight, treading upon the hearts of all who witnessed it.

When Chen Zhaojing solemnly placed his daughter's hand into Luo Mie's, the hand of this iron-blooded military commander actually trembled slightly. He held that soft hand tightly, as if he were holding the weight and tenderness of the entire world.

"I, Luo Mie, swear by my life and honor that I will never fail Chen Yuanmeng in this lifetime!" His vow, like a burning star, resounded through the sea of stars, carrying unquestionable firmness.

"I, Chen Yuanmeng, am willing to walk hand in hand with Luo Mie until the end of the sea of stars." Chen Yuanmeng's response was gentle and firm, as long-lasting as a nebula.

The two looked at each other and smiled, all words merging into each other's eyes. The next moment, under the gaze of billions, Luo Mie made a move that everyone found unexpected. He leaned down slightly and pressed a soft, cherished kiss onto Chen Yuanmeng's smooth forehead. There was no excessive lingering, yet it was filled with endless affection and promise.

"Boom—!!!" The entire wedding venue erupted in cheers and blessings that shook the sea of stars! Star lamps shone brightly, salute cannons fired in unison, and countless petals fell like a rain of stars!

"Congratulations, Commander Luo! Congratulations, Young Miss Yuanmeng!" "May you be united in heart forever! May starlight accompany you always!"

Chen Jun sat in the main seat, watching the beautiful couple in the sea of stars, smiling so broadly that his eyes narrowed. He picked up the wedding wine that Li Qingshan and Zhou Zhenshan had just presented after "competing" for the victory, and took a blissful sip.

"Hmm, this wine is good. It's stained with joy, and the taste is even richer."

He looked at Yun Qinglan, who was sitting quietly beside him, and the other four daughters who were equally stunning and possessed heaven-defying strength. Suddenly, on a whim, he lowered his voice and asked: "Qinglan, and you too, Yue Xi and the others... is there anyone you have your eye on? Tell Dad, and Dad will make the decision for you!"

Yun Qinglan looked at her father expressionlessly, her gaze indifferent, as if saying: "Boring." Liu Qing directly closed her eyes and began to meditate. Yue Xi, Su Yuan, and Xuan Sha shook their heads.

Chen Jun looked at his five daughters, remembering his previous efforts with If You Are the One, and stopped bringing it up. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; he, this Old Ancestor, should just rest easy and "lie down to win," waiting to hold more descendants...

The wedding concluded successfully amidst the attention and blessings of the masses. Luo Mie and Chen Yuanmeng, this newlywed couple who bridged age and personality differences and were brought together by the starry sky, began their happy life. Their union also became a celebrated story in the Federation and throughout the entire Cangqiong Seat...

As for Chen Jun, after the wedding, he once again immersed himself in his Zen Bonsai game. "This time... I must succeed..."

[Ding! You attempted a 'spiritual resonance' with the ancient pine. The ancient pine could not withstand your will and withered directly...]

Chen Jun: "(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻" "This crappy game! I'm not playing anymore! Lying down is still more comfortable!"

He "indignantly" exited the game again, slumped back into that classic "lying down to win" posture, and casually picked up the tea at the perfect temperature beside him... The sea of stars remained brilliant, and the legend continued. And Chen Jun's path of eternal life and "lying down to win" would surely continue, accompanied by the growing size of his Family and the constant upgrading of the System, heading toward an even more magnificent future...

"Hmm, the taste of 'lying down to win' is truly something one never tires of..." Chen Jun took a small, satisfied sip of tea, closed his eyes, and enjoyed this peaceful and beautiful time...