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The words of Hua Jingshan resounded in the council chamber causing many of the older guests to nod in agreement.

“This young man, Xiao Ji, is quite mature for his age and a rare talent. He would make a great match for our Miss Youyue. Plus, it’s not just about our family, but two nations coming together through this marriage. I, the Great Clan Elder, believe that such an arrangement is quite acceptable,” said the Great Clan Elder, chuckling.

Upon hearing this, everyone present exchanged surprised glances at the Great Clan Elder.

As a prominent figure within the Hua family who had significant influence, his approval certainly indicated a desire to facilitate this marriage.

The Second Clan Elder, with a smile, said, “Ultimately, this decision should rest on Youyue’s feelings. Perhaps we can discuss this further when Youyue arrives.”

The folks present nodded in agreement. The Hua Family was indeed a prominent family with considerable influence in Flame City, but they didn’t have an overbearing way of doing things.

Just when everyone was quietly agreeing with such reasoning, a sharp voice rang out, “Why should a young girl decide on such a critical matter of her life? Even though Miss Youyue is wise beyond her years, matters of the heart can be confusing even to the ones involved. Furthermore, young girls are naturally bashful. In my opinion, this marriage should be settled to give her some time to adapt.”

Everyone turned to see the Third Clan Elder whose face bore a cold expression. She harrumphed in the face of everyone’s stare, particularly casting an appreciative glance towards Xiao Ji.

“So the Third Clan Elder intends to decide Youyue’s future?”

A crisp voice echoed through the council chamber and immediately grabbed everyone’s attention.

Hua Youyue came forward slowly and reverently greeted her father, “Father!” “Honored Clan Elders!” Hua Youyue flawlessly greeted each of the four clan elders in turn.

Hua Jingshan nodded approvingly and said gravely, “Youyue, stay by the side for now. Your wishes are the family’s wishes. Your father won’t force you into anything. You might want to hear what Country Master and Xiao Ji have to say.”

The Third Clan Elder turned away with a cold huff, clearly displeased.

Hua Youyue smiled serenely and nodded before retreating to the side. Her face held a gentle smile which gave away no hint of her thoughts.

The Country Master waved his hand with a chuckle, “Today is a joyful day. Let’s not be so grave. Xiao Ji, why don’t you share your thoughts?”

All eyes fell on Xiao Ji. Even Hua Youyue cast him a glance with a peculiar spark in her eyes.

She had never met Xiao Ji before. She had only heard of the famed disciple of the country master from Dajiang Country whose reputation preceded him. Upon meeting him, she found that the rumors did not do him justice. His facial expression revealed nothing.

For a reason she could not explain, she was reminded of Yang Zhen as she looked at Xiao Ji.

Yang Zhen was unlike Xiao Ji. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, making it easy to tell when he was happy or angry. Apart from when he would put on an act to trick others, his straightforwardness made him easy to get along with – no need for guessing games.

Hua Youyue’s face remained expressionless. Even though she couldn’t read anything from Xiao Ji’s face, he similarly could not discern that she was thinking of Yang Zhen.

Xiao Ji blinked, surprised at the lack of response from Hua Youyue who merely nodded at him with a smile as he emerged from behind his master, the Country Master from Dajiang Country.

However, this was no deterrent to Xiao Ji. Looking around the room he announced, “I may not be much, but thanks to my master’s guidance, I’m here to pledge my intention to marry Miss Youyue in order to fulfill my master’s great wish. She’s a beauty beyond description. Given that so many respected seniors are present here, does anyone object to this marriage?”

Xiao Ji’s words, neither humble nor arrogant, earned him the silent approval of the people present. Hua Jingshan was especially pleased, but not more than the Third Elder, who smiled and nodded at Xiao Ji, displaying her approval.

Hua Youyue frowned. Who would dare reject the proposition at such a critical juncture?

Xiao Ji had cleverly leveraged the presence and stature of the elders present, knowing that they would not voice any opposition, and that angered her.

A hint of amusement glinted in Xiao Ji’s eyes as he declared, “Since no one has any objections, then…”

“Who said no one’s objected?”

Just then, a lethargic voice floated from the doorway causing everyone’s faces to change as they whipped to look in the direction of the voice.

Hua Youyue’s face lit up in surprise and anticipation, turning quickly to locate the source of the voice.

“Yang Zhen?”

A casually dressed young man leisurely walked into the council chamber, a teasing expression on his face. He raised his hand to greet everyone present, regardless of whether they were familiar, with a somewhat odd phrase, “Hi there, how are you?”

The corners of people’s eyes twitched. Who the devil was he greeting? Was he familiar with them?

Everyone turned to look at Hua Youyue, who was gazing at Yang Zhen. A knowing and inscrutable smile played on her lips, and all traces of worry on her face had disappeared.

Medicine Elder, standing nearby, could hardly believe his eyes as he stared at Yang Zhen.

“Yang Zhen? The same Yang Zhen who killed Yun Jie?”

“Capable of stealing a worldly treasure from under the noses of numerous Golden Core Stage practitioners, this man… Wait, wasn’t he at the Foundation Establishment stage? How did he reach Ninefold Minor Mahayana Phase?” “Wasn’t Yang Zhen supposed to have died in the Nine Realms Exquisite Tower? Why is he here?”

Everyone was buzzing in disbelief, their faces conveying amazement as they gazed at Yang Zhen. They were baffled by Yang Zhen’s sudden appearance and his objection to the marriage between Xiao Ji and Hua Youyue.

Who did he think he was? Just some lucky underdog who tried to make a name for himself. How dare he interfere?

Hua Jingshan knitted his brows as he stared silently at Yang Zhen, only to shift his gaze towards a smirking Hua Youyue.

He knew of relations between Yang Zhen and Hua Youyue, and knew she regarded him in high esteem. She’d even given Yang Zhen the title of Dark Gold Guest. But as others were saying, wasn’t Yang Zhen supposed to be dead, perishing in the Nine Realms Exquisite Tower? How did he manage to appear here?

An intense uproar filled the Hua family council chamber before a profound silence fell. The silence was so pronounced that one could hear a pin drop. All eyes landed on Yang Zhen or Xiao Ji.

“You must be Yang Zhen,” Xiao Ji commented with a glint of disdain in his eyes. His body language and tone, though not aggressive, conveyed an air of superiority.

The Third Elder scoffed at Yang Zhen. In her eyes, he was just a lucky newcomer. How could he possibly stand against Xiao Ji?

As a matter of fact, no one present, including Hua Youyue, thought highly of Yang Zhen. It wasn’t that Hua Youyue looked down on Yang Zhen’s background or ability, but the gap between him and Xiao Ji was vast. Maybe given ten years, Yang Zhen would stand a chance against Xiao Ji, but not now.

With everyone’s gaze upon him, Yang Zhen nonchalantly walked to the center of the council chamber, looked at Xiao Ji sideways, and asked in a serious tone, “That’s right, I’m Yang Zhen. You are Xiao Ji, aren’t you?”

Upon hearing these words, some chuckles broke the silence in the council chamber.

Xiao Ji’s face turned a deathly pale. “Smart aleck,” he huffed.

Yang Zhen responded, “Holier-than-thou.”

“You… You’re so pretentious!”

“1… Your face!”