Chapter 323: Contest for a Spouse (1)

Chapter 323: Contest for a Spouse (1)

Just before the event began, nobles from the empire and elders from martial alliance gathered at 'Myohwaru,' the largest tavern in Luoyang. Among all, two men standing in front of a lake particularly caught everyone's attention: 'Penhaima,' representing the empire, and 'Mataebong,' the leader of the martial alliance.

"I never thought... we would stand side by side and share a drink like this," Penhaima mused.

"Hahaha. Truly, one can never predict what will happen next. I'm sincerely grateful. Thanks to you, we were able to avoid the worst-case scenario," Mataebong expressed his gratitude wholeheartedly. Having been saved from the Cheonma Sinjiao, it was natural for his emotions to be stirred.

"What have I done? The real victory in battle was all thanks to Sir Abraham's efforts," Penhaima's gaze shifted toward Abraham standing beside him. Abraham, who was obscured by the shadows, gave a short nod.

"Oh! So you're the expert who faced the pale undead. I've heard much about your great martial prowess," commented Mataebong. Baekryeong, the white specter, had slaughtered peak experts as if he was tearing paper, but it was Abraham who had faced the monster. Though his dazzling appearance masked his abilities, Mataebong instantly recognized the realm of Abraham's martial arts—it was certainly not below him.

"It was no easy foe. More than anything... I never anticipated he would escape in that situation." Abraham gritted his teeth as he recalled the memory. Single-handedly, Baekryeong had broken through the knights' encirclement. Even in a seemingly hopeless situation, Baekryeong found a way to escape. Abraham was still burdened by the fact that he couldn't finish him off.

"Don't fret over it. With Sama Ja lost, it's unlikely that the remnants of Cheonma Sinjiao will regain their power. Besides, today isn't a day for worries—it's a day to toast and celebrate. Enjoy the food and drink to your heart's content," Mataebong suggested.

"That's right. Plus, it seems like the event will start soon," Penhaima pointed to an ornately decorated hourglass.

Sand trickled down with increasing speed, indicating that time was nearly up. As the last grains fell, an odd tension began to flow between the two men.

"Speaking of which, is the empire seriously considering entering this contest?" Mataebong inquired.

"Of course. The one who is truly worthy to be Player Kang Jinhyuk's spouse in beauty and grace is on our side," Penhaima asserted confidently.

"Hahaha! If we're talking about beauty and grace, my side is not lacking either. As it happens, my youngest daughter has come of age for marriage. She's quite taken with the young master Kang, so it couldn't be more perfect," Mataebong boasted.

"I'm afraid your daughter might want to look elsewhere. With our Second Princess in the game, the outcome is as good as decided," Penhaima teased.

"What? Are you implying my daughter isn't good enough?" Mataebong bristled.

"Hahaha. Did it sound that way? My apologies, it seems the truth slipped out," Penhaima replied, barely masking his sarcasm.

The warm air turned cold. The superficial pleasantries and future planning ceased. There was one thing they couldn't afford to lose: securing a connection with Jinhyuk. Both sides were putting their all into this event.

Just then, the chime rang out.

[A dispute, 'Choosing a Spouse,' will commence by the authority of the two forces.]

The last of the sand had fallen. Notification windows started flashing consecutively.

[The broadcast system is activated.]

[Viewers are joining.]

[Those within the Tower of Trials who wish to participate, please begin registration.]

The war had begun.

***

Chomp, chomp!

Ellis stuffed her mouth with Yangjangpi and Dongpo pork, her cheeks bulging like a hamster.

"There's still plenty of food... maybe we can eat slowly?" Teresa muttered worriedly.

Ellis was demolishing her seventh plate, and Teresa couldn't help being awed by her prowess.

"Sister is amazing in many ways. I mean, it's not like you have a spatial inventory in your stomach. How can your small frame hold so much food?" mocked Andria, who had come to sightsee the Martial World.

Chunyusung added indifferently, "Better eat moderately. Binge-eating might lead to indigestion, with pain or discomfort focused around the upper abdomen. It could indicate various pathophysiological conditions and underlying diseases related to the stomach or duodenum."

Unperturbed, Ellis perked up her ears to hunt for new prey.

"I'll get that."

She noticed Peking duck roasting on a spit and hurried over. Soon enough, Ellis heaped her plate full with glistening Peking duck.

"Hehe, always start with the leg."

Ellis savored the largest leg, reveling in its moisture and flavor.

That's when it rang.

Ding!

A notification window appeared before everyone in the banquet hall.

"Munch munch... Huh?" Ellis's eyes wobbled.

Accommodation vouchers, a garden... restaurant.

Spouse, spouse, spouse, spouse, spouse.

Nothing else registered in her sight.

"How dare they! The 'Eternal Rose' is mine!" Ellis threw the duck aside and joined the fray.

['Ellis von Ataraxia's participation has been confirmed.']

[All abilities are sealed.]

[By investing coins or other items, you can unseal part of your abilities or restrict the movement of targets.]

These conditions were set to add excitement to the competition. To win this event, the key was to invest plenty of coins or resources to gain an upper hand.

Additionally, the possibility of viewer participation through the 'broadcast system,' due to a contract with the intermediary, Rick, was another highlight of the event.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, viewers began to flood the activated notification window.

-Zero Cider: 5555 Finally in.

-Dark Chocolate Cookie: My chest swells with pride. It's like her own personal channel.

-Level 4600 Buyer: I'm hodling my coins. Trust me.

"What is this rabble? I am about to make one of the most important decisions in the world. Do not disturb me," Ellis glared annoyed.

-No Jin Hwa: Sister. We're here to cheer for you.

-Leophea: I mean, Teresa and Andria look strong, but we have the highest chance of winning. Though because of that, our odds are the lowest. T_T

-soe: Odds or whatever. I can't watch Jinhyuk date someone else in my lifetime. I'm going all in on Chunyusung.

-Nalrang: Can't let that happen lol.

Ellis's popularity had skyrocketed, thanks to the videos Jinhyuk had posted. On the other hand, while she was part of the High Water Corporation and acquainted with Teresa and Chunyusung, she wasn't as publicly known, so the viewers were thrilled about this opportunity.

"So I need to buy those items to increase my chances of getting the rose?"

-MIN: Yep. But we've checked the prices, and they're insanely high. Gotta pick wisely.

-Hobin: There's like a hundred types, and the prices for each are crippling.

-Ah Ah Luh Oh Oh: Pricy as it is, we could afford an S-rank attack team.

-Mungmung: Don't worry too much. We'll pick the most cost-effective and efficient ones together.

-Ashyam: Start with the item tracking Jinhyuk's location. That seems best. Bind and slow spells look useful, too.

-vie: Just trust us!

"Expensive...."

If she were to weigh the chance of a date with Jinhyuk against selling millennia-old assets...

It wasn't even worth considering.

A red space tore open behind Ellis.

***

While the atmosphere heated up, Jinhyuk sighed atop a secluded pavilion.

'So a ball is where I'm the prize...'

In the Wudang sect, Soyoung, Sooyoung's sister, stepped forward, and in Huashan, Baekseollyn joined in. With the youngest daughter of the Martial Alliance's leader participating, it was as if the entire martial world wanted him as their son-in-law.

Furthermore...

From the empire, nobles of earl and count standings declared their candidacy, and with the Second Princess 'Victoria' representing the Reinhardt imperial family officially participating, the contest reached its peak.

'With Andria and Teresa as well... It's truly tremendous.'

Just counting participants, there were 279.

'It's going to be a headache.'

But one silver lining was that this event wasn't just about suffering losses.

[Limited Time: 3h:57m:27s]

[Reward: Protect the 'Eternal Rose' within the time limit to obtain it.]

The Eternal Rose was a special event item with an absolute efficacy effect. It could even imbue affection in subjects with levels twice as high as the user's. It might not work on the beings on the 50th floor, but it was within the margin to affect lower gods in the upper layers.

'I must have it. That's the only way to gain an upper hand with the Norse gods.'

All he had to do was hold out for four hours. Surely in all of Luoyang, he could last that long? Only one thing bothered him. Jinhyuk glanced at his attire—a black tuxedo with a red rose pinned to his chest. Stylish, yes, but far too eye-catching.

'It won't be easy.'

Then, a noise rustled behind him.

"Jinhyuk...?"

It was Teresa.

Jinhyuk took a few steps back, putting some distance between them.

"Claiming to be lost at this timing is a bit too coincidental. What brings you here?"

"Actually, I didn't want to do this... and my father asked me to. To be honest, I also want to walk in the garden with Jinhyuk, and... uh..."

Teresa faltered at the end of her sentence, her neck reddening with embarrassment.

-him: Don't be shy! Let's seize that rose!

-Eeeeeee: That's right, Teresa. Do whatever you want!

-Sungsungsung: I've been waiting for this for a year. Is the reward finally coming?

-fashionister: We need to do it quickly. The martial world and the empire are breaking the bank for tracking items.

The viewers betting on Teresa were flooding the chat madly. But Teresa couldn't decide what to do, her feet tapping anxiously in place. That's when...

"Ah! Not now... wait!"

It was too late.

[Another aspect of Teresa enforces 'Corruption'!]

The once holy aura darkened with corruption.

The corrupted saintess, the seductive blackened Teresa, emerged anew.

"I couldn't bear to watch anymore. Sister will entertain you all day, so hand over that rose."

Teresa drew her sword, the 'Blessing of the Stars' engulfed in darkness.

"Wait... aren't you close with Chunyusung? We'll be in trouble if we both become the official couple of the Tower of Trials," Jinhyuk tried to stall.

But Teresa was impatient.

"Just have both, what's the worry?"

-Tired: A perfect answer!

-Instarite: Let's go for a harem!!

-Tokkobacks: Let's get this over with before others show up. My whole fortune is riding on this!

-Sunset: Chunyusung fully supports this.

Like the player, like the viewers.

It looked like Jinhyuk was in for a challenging day.