The Three-Year Pact

The air in the small courtyard remained frozen for a full dozen breaths.

Gu Yuan's expression shifted uncertainly, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Lin Hai's unfathomably calm face and Xiao Yan, who stood to the side with palms sweating from nerves.

As the patriarch of the Ancient Clan, he naturally had to consider more than just his daughter's marriage; he had to weigh the interests and future of the entire Ancient Clan. To agree outright would indeed cause the Ancient Clan to lose face and make it difficult to command respect from the clan members; yet, to refuse bluntly might thoroughly offend this mysterious powerhouse, or even push him into becoming an adversary.

In an instant, he had already reached a decision.

Gu Yuan took a deep breath, his face returning to a calm as still as an ancient well, though his eyes remained exceptionally sharp. He looked at Lin Hai and said in a deep voice, "What you say is not without reason. Xiao Yan and Xun Er have been together since childhood and share a deep bond; this Gu is not a man who lacks understanding."

He shifted his tone, his gaze sweeping toward Xiao Yan with a hint of scrutiny: "But marriage is no child's play, especially when it involves the bloodline of my Ancient Clan. Xiao Yan is currently... still young, and his strength has yet to manifest. If we were to formalize this now, I fear it would be difficult to convince the clan, and it would surely invite criticism from the outside world."

"How about this," Gu Yuan proposed a compromise, "our two parties shall set a pact. Let us set a term of three years."

"Within three years, if Xiao Yan can rely on his own ability to break through to the Spirit King realm, or... advance to a fourth-grade alchemist, achieving either one of these, it will prove he is truly qualified to be a match for Xun Er and possesses sufficient potential to shoulder the future. When that time comes, I, Gu Yuan, shall personally preside over their grand wedding and announce it to the world! The Ancient Clan will have no further objections!"

"But if he fails to achieve this after three years..." Gu Yuan's gaze turned back to Lin Hai, carrying a hint of subtle probing, "then this marriage shall be called off, and we can discuss it again in the future. What does Your Excellency think?"

These conditions could only be described as harsh.

In three years, to break through from a Spirit Master to a Spirit King—spanning the two major realms of Great Spirit Master and Dual Spirit—was almost a fantasy for an ordinary person.

And a fourth-grade alchemist required immense talent and an ocean of resources; it was by no means an easy feat.

Yao Chen stood to the side with his brows tightly locked; the pressure of these conditions on the current Xiao Yan was far too great.

Xiao Yan himself clenched his fists, feeling the immense pressure, yet a flame of unyielding defiance ignited within his eyes.

However, upon hearing this, there was not a trace of surprise or difficulty on Lin Hai's face, as if what Gu Yuan had proposed was merely a trivial request.

He did not even look at Xiao Yan, instead nodding faintly at Gu Yuan: "Very well. We shall abide by your words—a three-year pact."

His tone was as relaxed as if he had just agreed to have tea the following day.

A flash of surprise crossed Gu Yuan's eyes. He had not expected the other party to agree so readily, which only made him more vigilant; the confidence the man held in Xiao Yan seemed to exceed all imagination.

"Good! In that case, it is settled!" Gu Yuan was also a decisive man and immediately struck the deal: "I will send word of this back to the clan, and I will also inform Xun Er."

With the serious business concluded, the atmosphere seemed to soften slightly. Gu Yuan brought the topic back to his original purpose: "Then... regarding the joint effort to oppose the Soul Clan?"

Lin Hai's expression remained indifferent: "Regarding that, I have my own plans for the Soul Clan and the Ancient Emperor's Abode. Once I finish handling some trivial matters at hand, I will personally make a trip to the Ancient Realm. At that time, we can discuss the specific details of whether to unite with the Flame Clan and the Thunder Clan."

Gu Yuan felt a jolt in his heart.

Not only did the man agree to visit the Ancient Realm personally, but he had also taken the initiative to mention uniting with the Flame and Thunder clans?

It seemed the man's ambitions were not small.

"That would be excellent!" Gu Yuan suppressed the waves in his heart and cupped his hands: "Then this Gu shall await your arrival in the Ancient Realm!"

His goal had been achieved; although the process was somewhat unexpected, the result was satisfactory.

Gu Yuan did not linger any longer. He nodded slightly toward Lin Hai, and his figure slowly faded, eventually disappearing completely as if he had merged into the air, the terrifying pressure that had permeated the area dissipating along with him.

The small courtyard returned to tranquility, but the hearts of everyone present remained unsettled for a long time.

Xiao Yan looked sharply at Lin Hai, his face full of excitement, nervousness, and determination: "Uncle! A Spirit King or a fourth-grade alchemist in three years! I..."

Lin Hai interrupted him, looking at him with a calm gaze: "Pressure is also motivation. With Yao Chen's guidance and enough resources provided, if you cannot do it, you are not worthy of being my, Lin Hai's, nephew."

His words were cold and direct, yet they instantly swept away all distracting thoughts in Xiao Yan's mind, leaving only a burning fighting spirit!

"Yes! Uncle! I will definitely do it!" Xiao Yan nodded heavily, his eyes filled with absolute resolve.

Yao Chen also floated over, his expression grave: "A Spirit King in three years... though difficult, it is not without hope. As for the fourth-grade alchemist, I shall teach you everything I know, and with the infinite medicinal materials provided by the master, perhaps the chances are even better! Kid, you are in for a rough time from here on out!"

Xiao Yixian stood to the side, watching the determined Xiao Yan, her small hands quietly clenching as she secretly cheered herself on.

Lin Hai said no more and sat back down, his gaze fixed on the distance, as if he had already begun planning his trip to the Ancient Realm and everything that would follow.