"Arrange another marriage?"
Gu Nanhai and the others were slightly stunned upon hearing this, and their gaze shifted to Huo Zhi, who was quietly sitting at the end of the table. They began to vaguely understand the purpose of the Yan Clan's visit.
"It sounds like they're here to arrange a marriage for Gu Fei..."
"This is strange. Traditionally, it's the man who proposes marriage, and it's rare for the woman to take the initiative, especially from a prominent clan like the Yan Clan..."
Gu Nanhai looked at the Yan Clan's elders and Huo Zhi with confusion. The Yan Clan's proactive offer of a talented young woman left them puzzled, leading to various speculations.
"Haha, this is a younger member of our clan, Huo Zhi, only nineteen years old, and already an eight-star Dou Ancestor. She would be well-matched with Gu Fei..."
Elder Huo Yao of the Yan Clan noticed Gu Nanhai and the others' confusion but did not offer much explanation, instead introducing the red-clothed woman.
The woman in red was Huo Zhi. She wore a light red dress, and her face was covered with a veil. Yet, even with the veil, her stunning features were evident. Her bright eyes showed no emotion, even when facing several elders of the Gu Clan.
"Only nineteen years old and already an eight-star Dou Ancestor!"
Gu Nanhai looked at the woman in red with amazement, marveling at her talent. In terms of talent, there was no one in the Gu Clan, except Xun'er, who could compare to her.
Such a genius should be among the top in the Yan Clan. The Yan Clan's decision to proactively offer her for marriage... What is their real motive?
Gu Nanhai's gaze grew more cautious as he considered the Yan Clan's intentions, though he continued to praise Huo Zhi, "Such talent is extraordinary. Your Yan Clan is truly blessed with successors!"
Elder Huo Yao smiled and said, "I'm sure you can see that our Yan Clan is sincere, so please give serious consideration to this marriage proposal."
If the Yan Clan was genuinely interested in a marriage alliance, Gu Fei marrying the Yan Clan's prodigy would benefit both the Gu Clan and the Yan Clan immensely.
The Yan Clan and Gu Clan would be deeply bound together.
With the combined power of the two clans, even the Hun Clan and the other ancient clans would be firmly suppressed.
However, Gu Nanhai couldn't make this decision alone. It wasn't because of the Xiao Yi Xian that Gu Fei brought back; the Gu Clan elders didn't consider her significant enough to deserve their attention. In fact, they thought she was a distraction for Gu Fei.
What they cared about was Gu Fei's own wishes.
Given Gu Fei's special status within the clan, every decision concerning him had to be made by Gu Fei himself.
"Gu Fei is the number one genius of our Gu Clan, and the grandson of the Black Submerged King. His marriage is not something we can decide..."
"So, please rest here for a few days. We will discuss this with the other elders in the clan and then give you a satisfactory reply..."
Elder Huo Yao had expected Gu Nanhai's hesitation and wasn't surprised.
"We will await your good news then!"
...
"I heard that the Yan Clan members have arrived in our Gu Clan, accompanied by several Dou Saint elders and a red-haired woman. Even though the woman was veiled, it's clear she's a great beauty!"
"As far as I know, the Yan Clan is here to arrange a marriage..."
"A marriage proposal! If I could marry that beautiful woman, I would have no regrets in life!"
"Stop dreaming; they're here to propose to Gu Fei."
The Gu Clan disciples who heard this were instantly deflated, like wild grass trampled underfoot.
As the conversation was taking place, Xun'er happened to pass by and overheard the purpose of the Yan Clan's visit. She was very surprised.
"Even the Yan Clan wants to compete for him?"
Xun'er bit her lip, her expression filled with resentment.
It was something she once had but didn't care for.
Now that she had discarded it, it suddenly became a prized possession in everyone's eyes. The immense sense of loss continued to assault her mind, breaking down her fragile defenses.
"No, I need to find out what's really going on!"
Just as Xun'er was about to take action, a flash of red light appeared before her, and then a red-clothed woman appeared- it was Huo Zhi.
"This must be Miss Xun'er!" Huo Zhi said, sizing up Xun'er with a smile.
Xun'er stared at Huo Zhi, her sixth sense filling her with hostility toward this unfamiliar woman.
"Haha, I've heard about Miss Xun'er's exceptional talent. Seeing you today, the rumors do you justice..."
Huo Zhi laughed, sensing Xun'er's aura, which was only at the five-star Dou Emperor level, and her tone carried a clear sense of mockery.
"Who are you?"
"I am Huo Zhi of the Yan Clan!"
"You're the girl the Yan Clan wants to marry to Gu Fei?"
Xun'er's eyes grew cold. The man she couldn't have, she wouldn't let anyone else have easily.
"Gu Fei will never agree to marry you!"
"He already has someone he loves, and he's now living with his new love in the Gu Sacred Mountain... Your visit here is just to humiliate yourself."
Xun'er's words were laced with venom, humiliating Huo Zhi while also dragging the Xiao Yi Xian into the fray.
You want to marry Gu Fei?
Gu Fei already has a new love. Let's see what you do now!
Go find his lover, humiliate her, and cause a big scene relying on your Yan Clan status.
Maybe even alert the Gu Clan's higher-ups, putting Gu Fei and Xiao Yi Xian in an awkward position!
Xun'er thought everything out beautifully, but Huo Zhi didn't react as she had expected.
Learning that Gu Fei already had a new love, Huo Zhi remained completely indifferent, showing no interest whatsoever, and said calmly,
"It doesn't matter if he doesn't agree. After all, I'm not interested either..."
Huo Zhi had a very high opinion of herself, and in her eyes, there weren't many men who were worthy of her attention.
Her visit to the Gu Clan was at the elders' request, not her own. She was merely curious about what kind of person this so-called genius Gu Fei was.
"But you, speaking so eagerly about Gu Fei... I've heard some rumors about you..."
"Enough!" Xun'er shouted angrily, cutting Huo Zhi off before she could continue.
Huo Zhi looked at the furious Xun'er with a satisfied smile.
"Miss Xun'er should take care of her own affairs before thinking about others." Huo Zhi left these words behind as she turned and walked away.
Xun'er stood there, furious, her fists clenched tightly.
If she were stronger than Huo Zhi, she wouldn't have held back from attacking just now.
...
At the mountain where Gu Fei resided.
Zi Yan's figure flashed across the mountain, looking very anxious. She rushed to the bamboo house and immediately shouted toward the main building, "Xiao Yi Xian, something terrible has happened!"
"Zi Yan, what's the matter? Why are you so agitated?"
Xiao Yi Xian came out of the main building and asked, seeing Zi Yan's anxious expression.
"I was just out wandering and overheard that the Yan Clan, one of the eight ancient clans, has sent an envoy. They came here to arrange a marriage for Brother Gu Fei!"
"What?"
"A marriage for Brother Gu Fei?"
Xiao Yi Xian's expression changed instantly upon hearing this.
(TL/n: Fun Fact- Yan Clan is in possesion of five heavenly flames, the highest of which is ranked at 8.)