At Xiao Yan's words, Gu Yuan's dark golden pupils rarely went blank. He seemed frozen in place like a statue, at a loss for words.
One breath, two breaths.
After an unknown length of time, just as the atmosphere grew ever more silent, he suddenly let out a long sigh. The weariness in his eyes deepened, as though he had aged decades in an instant.
"I have known these things all along," he said hoarsely.
Xiao Yan raised his brows in surprise. "From what you're saying, Senior, could it be that Xun'er's mother—"
Gu Yuan sighed faintly, then shook his head and refused to speak further on the matter. Instead, he said, "Young friend, what happened earlier was merely born of my own selfish thoughts. I hope you will not take it to heart."
"Since you already have someone in your heart, I will not ask any more questions. Given that girl's current temperament, perhaps she has no intention of seeking a partner either. It is I, as her father, who have been needlessly meddlesome."
Seeing Gu Yuan's helpless expression, Xiao Yan smiled, but did not rush to agree.
He knew that a figure of such stature would never appear before him merely to discuss matters unrelated to the interests of his clan.
The Elder Council had sent him here at this moment; there had to be another purpose.
"If I'm not mistaken, Senior, you came here for the Ancient Jade, didn't you?" Xiao Yan said calmly.
The sudden question caused Gu Yuan's expression to shift slightly. He had never expected the other party to be so forthright.
After all, the Ancient Jade was the most precious thing the Xiao Family possessed now. To the Soul Clan, its value might even far surpass Xiao Yan himself!
"...Correct."
Gu Yuan's expression