"Junior Xiao Yan pays his respects to Uncle Gu Yuan."
Inside the main hall of the Clan Leader's Mansion, Xiao Yan stood beneath the stairs and solemnly bowed to Gu Yuan, who stood above him.
Gu Yuan rose and descended the stairs. After sizing Xiao Yan up, his formerly stern face broke into a smile. He lifted a hand and patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, his tone exceedingly gentle.
"It's good that you're back."
Gu Yuan thought highly of Xiao Yan. His strength, character, and current status were all extraordinary. More importantly, it was because of Xiao Yan that Gu Yuan's guilt toward Xiao Xuan, which he had carried for so many years, had been eased. Gu Yuan sincerely regarded Xiao Yan as one of his own juniors.
It was just a pity. Such an outstanding man, and his own daughter loved him so deeply, yet Xiao Yan had absolutely no feelings for her. He couldn't exactly force Xiao Yan to marry Xun'er, could he?
As Gu Yuan was thinking this, Xiao Yan turned to face Gu Lin beside him and spoke respectfully under the latter's hopeful gaze.
"Elder Gu Lin, please rest assured as well. Qinghan has safely returned to the Tianhe Alliance."
Only after hearing Xiao Yan's answer did Gu Lin finally set his uneasy heart at rest. He nodded lightly.
From the moment Xiao Yan had entered, Gu Lin's eyes had been fixed squarely on him. He only had one daughter—how could he not worry?
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Gu. Xiao Yan has come to visit the Gu Clan this time because of an important matter."
After hearing this, Gu Yuan casually waved his hand.
"If it is about the alliance, there is no need to ask. Whatever agreement you make, I have no objections."
Gu