The message from the Grand Shaman was brief yet forceful.

"By divine decree, the Divine Child and the Goddess, naturally a pair, destined to unite, should marry. On a fortunate day, when Ziyang City falls, then the perfect couple shall form."

Simply put, it meant that Lin Yun and the Snow Maiden were a match made in heaven, and the fall of Ziyang City would be the perfect wedding day.

Upon hearing this news, countless warriors across the Grassland had their hearts broken, but as it was the will of the gods, they could only offer blessings to the Snow Maiden.

It was from that moment that the Snow Maiden started blushing whenever she saw Lin Yun.

It was quite amusing; she didn’t blush when she teased her but became curious, bombarding him with questions. But now that she knew she was to marry Lin Yun, she turned bashful.

The Snow Maiden also became clingier than before, finding excuses to stick close to Lin Yun. Yet each time, she was so shy that she didn’t dare to meet Lin Yun’s eyes. This clingy yet bashful demeanor was truly adorable.

Aside from that, she was also actively preparing for battle.

Ziyang City must be taken!

Even if Yuxuan stood in her way, the Snow Maiden wouldn’t hesitate to strike him down.

No one could stop her marriage.

The Snow Maiden was happy, but Lin Yun now had a headache.

He had intended to send instructions to others for coordination. Thank goodness the message wasn’t sent yet, for if it had been, he feared being strung up and beaten by three enraged women knocking on his door.

Moreover, Lin Yun was now in a dilemma.

According to the plan, he was to help with the siege, but without a doubt, if Lin Yu and the others received this news, they would defend the city with all their might.

When that happened, if his own wife were hurt in the fray, wouldn’t that break his heart?

Yet, he couldn’t stop this war.

The Snow Maiden wanted to marry him, but the others wouldn’t let her win so easily.

Lin Yun was stuck between two choices: to help or not to help. He couldn’t find a third option.

Run away right then and there?

That wouldn’t do either; if he stayed and watched, the Snow Maiden’s fight with them would be confined to a certain extent. Conversely, if he left, it was hard to predict what jealous women were capable of.

"Big sister."

Lin Yun suddenly called out to the Snow Maiden very seriously, prompting her to instinctively lift her head.

Seizing the moment, Lin Yun lowered his head and kissed her fiercely.

The Snow Maiden was too slow to resist and allowed him, only afterward protesting, "Ah Yun, how can you be so naughty? What if someone saw us!"

The Snow Maiden softly admonished Lin Yun with a blush. Lin Yun smiled, pinching her cheek, and said, "Don’t worry, they all know that you’re about to marry me."

"But I’m not married to you yet!"

Although eager in her heart, the Snow Maiden still retorted bashfully, lowering her head to gaze at her toes.

Ever since visiting the Central Plains, she had started wearing shoes, and these shoes were bought by Lin Yun, which she loved.

"The so-called wedding ceremony is just a formality. In my heart, big sister, you have long been my bride."

The Snow Maiden had a thin face. Although she was straightforward and honest, and previously often naïve, she was still a young girl.

Upon hearing Lin Yun’s words, her heart felt like it was melting, and before she knew it, she was enveloped in his arms, her mind feeling dizzy.

She had no idea that when a man starts using sweet words, it often means he’s after something.

"Big sister, I’d like to discuss something with you."

"You say, I’ll listen to you," responded the Snow Maiden, completely smitten at this point, her head resting on Lin Yun’s chest, turned into a little confused girl.

Lin Yun saw that the timing was just about right and finally spoke, "In the battle for Ziyang City, we need to lose three times in three battles."

"Why?"

Even though she was in a daze, when it came to critical matters, the Snow Maiden’s mind suddenly became sharp again.

"Don’t you want to get engaged to me?"

The moment this topic came up, the Snow Maiden’s eyes began to mist over. Before Lin Yun could say anything, she’d already conjured up scenarios in her mind where Lin Yun didn’t like her anymore because of her past mistakes, which then morphed into Lin Yun not wanting her and about to abandon her.

As this sequence of dramatic imaginings played out, the Snow Maiden was on the verge of tears.

Seeing this, Lin Yun hurriedly explained, "Why would that be, I just can’t wait to get engaged with you!"

This was a lie, as Lin Yun was terrified of being dismembered on his wedding day—a situation so gruesome it required pixelation, hence the term ’pixelated dismemberment.’

But to calm the Snow Maiden’s emotions, Lin Yun had no choice but to sweet-talk and cheer her up.

Only then did the Snow Maiden start to hold back her tears, but she still said with a sense of grievance, "Then why do you want to lose three battles in a row?"

Despite all her conjecturing, the Snow Maiden was still willing to listen to Lin Yun’s explanation.

Lin Yun then explained his concerns in detail.

"I initially planned to have my lover in the Central Plains help us take down Ziyang City, but now that the news of our engagement has spread, they must be unwilling in their hearts. We’ll definitely face their resistance. Moreover, it’s not convenient for me to help you."

After envisioning numerous escape routes in his head that all ended in death, Lin Yun finally thought of the last way out.

A series of cons.

The Snow Maiden was the easiest to trick. He had to secure her cooperation first, then deal with the others, and everything would probably be stable.

With Lin Yun’s hint, the Snow Maiden also understood his predicament and confidently said, "It’s okay if you don’t make a move, you just relax. I’ll be gentle with them and won’t hurt them."

Lin Yun was hoping to hear this assurance, but he would be a fool to agree to it so simply.

He immediately grabbed the Snow Maiden’s hand, objecting, "I’m worried they might hurt you. They’re numerous, and each has their unique skills. If you get hurt, I’d be heartbroken."

Uttering such sappy words, the Snow Maiden was befuddled once more.

"Don’t worry, even with their numbers, they can’t hurt me."

But Lin Yun persisted, "No, I can’t put you in danger. So, I want you to lose three battles in a row to lull the others into complacency. In the fourth battle, we’ll capture Ziyang City in one fell swoop. That way, we can avoid too many warriors being sacrificed. Also, you are the one to become my first bride, letting them win three matches would be enough to pacify their anger."

The title of the first bride truly touched the Snow Maiden.

Humph, it doesn’t matter that Lin Yun met you first; she was the first bride!

With that thought, she perked up, considering it was also Lin Yun’s request, she agreed.

For the sake of Lin Yun’s face, she’d pretend to lose three rounds!

After all, being the first bride, it was normal for others to be envious and resentful.

At this moment, the Snow Maiden completely missed the emphasis of the phrase ’the first bride.’

If there’s a first, then there could be a second and a third...

"Alright then, Ah Yun, I agree to it."

"You can call me husband."

"Oh, stop it, I won’t! It seems like they’re going to attack; I’m going out to check the situation."

After saying that, the Snow Maiden ran out of the tent shyly, and Lin Yun, watching her leave, couldn’t help but smile indulgently.

Silly girls are indeed the cutest.

Now, he had to go and con a few who were not so silly...