Chapter 1674: Chapter 1674

Zhuang Ling could easily think of what Lan Peiyu had already thought of, so even though Zhuang Ling’s tone was somewhat unfriendly, she wasn’t angry and said with a smile, "What is Steward Zhuang saying? Your manor’s He Linfeng is indeed a perfect match for our Sect’s disciple Shi Xiaolian. How about this, once Shi Xiaolian returns, I will consult her opinion before giving your manor a reply. Is that acceptable?"

Zhuang Ling replied sourly, "As long as Sect Master Lan agrees, how can a junior disciple dare to have an opinion?"

Lan Peiyu smiled wryly, "Steward Zhuang might not know, Shi Xiaolian may be young, but she is extremely strong-willed. Forcing her would only have the opposite effect. Therefore, this matter needs to be discussed with her slowly, and cannot be rushed."

Zhuang Ling assumed Lan Peiyu was making excuses, his tone growing increasingly cold as he snorted, "Sect Master Lan’s words seem to lack sincerity... How about this, you discuss it first, and please provide me with a deadline, so our Danxia Manor can send someone to inquire about the result at that time."

He stood up, muttering to himself, "I heard that the Blue Sea Sect also has several outstanding female disciples. I’ll take a trip there to see."

Though he spoke softly, Lan Peiyu and others heard his words clearly, like thunderous sound.

Lan Peiyu felt a tightness in her chest and quickly exchanged glances with the Sect’s high-ranking officials on either side, all seeing a hint of worry in each other’s eyes.

In recent years, the Yunhai Sect and the Blue Sea Sect have increasingly clashed over sect interests, and competition has grown more intense. Though it hasn’t yet reached a breaking point, both sects’ high-ranking members understand that this day will come sooner or later.

Therefore, both sects are secretly forming alliances and seeking support to prepare for future conflicts.

Originally, the strengths of the Yunhai Sect and Blue Sea Sect were evenly matched, and neither could suppress the other.

However, if either side formed a marriage alliance with the transcendent power of Danxia Manor, it would create a coalition able to gain an overwhelming advantage over other rival sects.

Hence, a marriage alliance between Danxia Manor and the Blue Sea Sect was something the Yunhai Sect was unwilling to see.

"Steward Zhuang, please stay."

Seeing Zhuang Ling about to leave, Lan Peiyu hastily called out to stop him.

Zhuang Ling curled a corner of his mouth into a smirk of triumph, clasped his hands behind his back, and said without looking back, "Does Sect Master Lan have something to say? I have urgent matters to attend to!"

Lan Peiyu knew what he meant by "urgent matters" was indeed the intention to seek marriage alliances with the Blue Sea Sect, and couldn’t let him leave. "Steward Zhuang, we can discuss this. How about this: I’ll first agree on behalf of Shi Xiaolian to the marriage alliance with your manor. Once Shi Xiaolian returns from her training, I’ll send someone to bring her to your manor to meet He Linfeng. If the two young people get along well, then the marriage alliance can be concluded. How about it?"

Zhuang Ling’s expression softened a bit, nodding, "That... could work. Then I’ll return to report. I believe the Manor Master will be delighted upon hearing this news."

Lan Peiyu feigned happiness, while inwardly sighing and wondering how Shi Xiaolian would react upon hearing this, as she had agreed without consulting Shi Xiaolian first.

What if she firmly refused, what then?

Ah well, when the time comes, she would lower herself to persuade her, offering some benefits, hoping that Shi Xiaolian would agree for the sake of the sect’s greater good.

For now, Zhuang Ling took his leave, preparing to report back, and Lan Peiyu asked Elder Hai from the Sect to escort him out.

Just as Zhuang Ling and Elder Hai stepped out of the Sect Master Hall, a disciple stationed at the mountain’s base flew down to report loudly, "Sect Master, Huo Zhenying is here with her direct disciple Shi Xiaolian, seeking a meeting with you."

Upon hearing the name "Shi Xiaolian," Zhuang Ling’s eyebrows raised, and he smiled at Elder Hai at his side, "Haha, it seems Shi Xiaolian’s return is quite timely! I won’t rush off; I’ll stay and listen to your Sect Master’s inquiry with Shi Xiaolian in person."

Lan Peiyu did not expect Huo Zhenying and Shi Xiaolian to arrive back at such a moment, she couldn’t help but smile wryly and shake her head, contemplating before saying, "Let Elder Huo and Shi Xiaolian in! Steward Zhuang hasn’t left yet, right? Invite him in as well!"

While speaking, Zhuang Ling was already striding back, seated himself back where he was before, and fixed his eyes on the entrance, seemingly waiting for Huo Zhenying and Shi Xiaolian to enter.

A dozen breaths later, three Martial Artist auras approached from outside the Sect Master Hall, prompting Lan Peiyu to ask, "Elder Huo, have you brought an outsider?"

Huo Zhenying, though outside, had her voice carry inside, "To report to the Sect Master, he is no outsider. He is Shi Xiaolian’s Martial Dao companion, with the surname Fang and given name Bai."

Hearing the words "Shi Xiaolian’s Martial Dao companion," Lan Peiyu was initially stunned, then felt a jolt in her heart, involuntarily glancing at Zhuang Ling.

Zhuang Ling’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp glint shooting out, and his expression turned unfriendly.

The other high-ranking Yunhai Sect members inside the hall exchanged puzzled looks.

"Shi Xiaolian went out for training, so how did she suddenly return with a Martial Dao companion? Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue, but with Zhuang Ling present and the sect master having promised the marriage alliance with Danxia Manor, this is a thorny situation to handle now. Mishandling it could mean big trouble!"

All the Yunhai Sect high-ranking members thought this in their hearts.

Lan Peiyu withdrew her gaze from Zhuang Ling, took a deep breath, and said in a solemn tone, "Elder Huo, you all may enter!"

Footsteps sounded outside the Sect Master Hall, and the three silhouettes quickly appeared at the entrance.

The people inside the hall turned their gaze to these figures, unable to hide their surprise.

Huo Zhenying was an Elder of the Yunhai Sect and a powerful practitioner of the first stage of Heavenly Tribulation, so she should have been leading the way.

Yet, the scene Lan Peiyu and others observed was the trio walking side by side, none in the lead.

The two walking beside Huo Zhenying included a striking young man in white robes, and the other was the Shi Xiaolian whom Lan Peiyu and Zhuang Ling had just been discussing.

Zhuang Ling had once seen Shi Xiaolian at a Danxia Manor auction, so he recognized her immediately. Seeing her hand in hand with the young man in white, walking shoulder to shoulder, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

The ideal Martial Dao companion for the Manor Master’s son, how could she be so intimate with another man?

Shi Xiaolian was infuriating! The young man in white was even more detestable!

Lan Peiyu sensed the murderous intent emanating from Zhuang Ling towards the young man in white and deliberately coughed as a reminder. She thought, even though Zhuang Ling held an ultra-worldly status, he couldn’t act openly in the Sect Master Hall, as it would disregard the presence of the high-ranking members of the Yunhai Sect. Read full story at novｅlfire.net

"Elder Huo, please have a seat. Shi Xiaolian, come here, I have some questions for you."

As the trio walked into the great hall, Lan Peiyu solemnly addressed them.