Not long after leaving the palace.
Paul arrived at the prime minister's mansion and asked for a meeting with the minister and his son.
Luckily for him, both men were inside and agreed to meet him.
-Prime minister, I assume that you know why I'm here, so let's not waste time and solve this matter as quickly as possible.
Paul said after greeting the minister.
-We were just discussing this topic with my son.
Minister Long said, looking at the young man, next to him, who was visibly not happy with this discussion.
-Since that's the case, then let's not beat around the bush.
Paul said calmly and looked at the young man, who, other than being a bit overweight, which was strange since most cultivators were slim and handsome at his stage, was also far from good-looking in any way.
Truth be told, he looked like a total slob.
-Will you step away from this marriage proposal, or do you intend to follow the custom of lovers' disputes?
Paul asked, hoping that this man would not back down, since it would be a good lesson for everyone if he took him out in a duel.
-Why should I step away from a marriage bestowed by his majesty?
The young man asked with arrogance.
-What's more, there is no need for any custom since the emperor has spoken.
Who do you think you are, to come to my house and ask me such things?
The prime minister's son was now angry, like he never expected anyone to defy him.
-I am Natalie Jeager man, and his majesty the emperor said today that this matter will be solved by either you stepping away or by the custom, so choose wisely, because I don't like people coveting my women.
Paul said, his voice was still calm, but inside he was burning with rage.
It was beyond his comprehension, how the hell did this pig think he was good enough to try and take away his woman?
-Ming'er, I told you about this just now, and I advise you to step away, while you can.
The prime minister said, looking at his son with a bit of hope that the young man would listen to him for once.
He spoiled and shielded his son from a young age, which, unfortunately, left Long Ming with a superiority complex and a delusion that he was untouchable.
-Why should I leave such a fairy with this nobody?
The prime minister's son asked, pointing at Paul, who was starting to lose his patience.
-Since that's the case.
Paul finally said, with ice in his voice.
-Then, I'll await you within two hours outside the eastern gate, at the edge of the forest line.
If you won't show up, then I'll take it as you stepping away from this marriage proposal, but if you do show up, then I'll kill you for coveting my woman, and it will be anything but quick and painless.
A chill ran down the prime minister's spine.
He had only this one son, as the rest of his children were daughters, who, by the way, were beautiful and virtuous, unlike their brother.
However, no matter how many flaws the young man had, he didn't want to see him getting killed.
After saying this, Paul turned to leave.
-Please wait.
The prime minister said hurriedly, stopping Paul in his tracks.
-Ming'er, step away from this marriage proposal, while you can.
There is no way for you to defeat someone two whole stages above you.
Minister Long said to his son.
-Father, why do you help this stranger?
Long Ming asked, surprised, that his father didn't back him up in this matter.
-Because I want to save your life.
You know the custom.
Once you start fighting, only one of you can walk away alive.
-Why do you believe that I won't be me who walks away alive?
His son asked.
He could not comprehend his father's lack of faith in him.
-Son, can't you feel the difference in your cultivation levels?
Can't you see that this man is battle-hardened and ready to kill you for his woman, who, by the way, I very much doubt will even want to marry you, since she does not know you at all.
-What's going on here?
A domineering woman's voice asked, right before a beautiful, mature woman came into the room, followed by two young ladies, who were also beauties and greatly resembled the older woman.
-I'm trying to save our son before he gets himself killed.
The prime minister.
-Oh, and who dares to threaten our son's life?
The prime minister's wife asked.
She was furious at the mere mention of such a thing.
-He is doing it himself.
Paul answered.
-He covets my woman, and does not want to step away, so the only other solution is the custom of lovers' disputes.
He added.
-And who are you to demand this custom?
One of the young ladies asked.
-As I said, I'm the man of the woman he covets.
Truth be told, I don't care if he steps away or meets me in two hours outside the city to settle this.
Whatever he decides, I'll accept it.
Paul said, as calmly as if he were talking about the weather.
-And who might you be, to stand in my son's way?
-I'm Paul Marshal, nephew of the Storm Wave province's province lord.
As much as he didn't want to rely on this identity, this time, he had no choice if he wanted to be treated seriously.
His words surprised the ladies, since they heard about Xiao Han's nephew.
This also assured them that Long Ming was truly in danger.
If what they heard about this young man was true, then the young master of the prime minister's family had no chance to win a fight with such an opponent, especially with the power difference between the two of them.
-Brother, give up on this woman.
The older-looking young lady said to Long Ming.
-Why should I, you always tell me to reach my goals, so why do you want me to give up now?
The stubborn brat retorted.
-Because there is no goal at the end of this road.
The younger sister said angrily.
-You'll either give up, or you can be stubborn.
The only difference between the two is whether you'll live or die.
As for that woman, whoever she is, you won't get her either way, so stop being stubborn and end this farce already.
-Mina!
Madam Long said and looked angrily at her younger daughter.
-No, Mother.
If no one is willing to say it, then I will.
He is used to getting his way, but this time, he will truly die if he does not back off, and I don't want my brother to die.
She said.
-Or you can try to persuade him to give up his woman for my brother, but I don't think it's possible.
Mina added, looking at Paul.
-Not a chance.
Paul confirmed.
-You heard him.
Now tell me, mother, what chance does Ming have fighting this man?
The girl asked, stunning her mother as it was obvious to everyone that her son had no chance to win, and defeat meant death.
-Son, your sisters and father are right, give up this idea.
Madam Long said, looking at her son.
-So you all think I'll lose to this nobody?
Long Ming asked angrily.
-I won't give up, I'll prove you all wrong.
He screamed, then pointed at Paul.
-I'll see you in two hours, if you have the guts to even appear.
-You can be certain that I'll be there, but before I leave, let me show you something.
Paul said and released his mana, filling the whole room with so much pressure that everyone present was having a hard time breathing.
It was terrifying and majestic at the same time.
-This is what you will be facing, so think carefully if you have what it takes to face me.
Long Ming plopped to his knees, shaking and terrified at this display of power.
For the first time, he understood that his whole family wanted to save him, and he was too blind to see that.
-I yield, you won, I'll step away from this proposal, and notify his majesty.
Long Ming said in a shaky voice.
-Good.
Paul nodded with a smile and stopped releasing his mana.
As soon as it disappeared, the whole Long family was covered in sweat and breathing heavily.
The two young ladies were looking at Paul with wide eyes, and Madam Long was not afraid of him.
-Since this matter is solved, I'll take my leave.
Paul said, cupping his hands and turning to leave.