"Senior Yan Jin, thank you for your favor, but Xiao Yan already has a beloved companion. I truly cannot agree to a marriage alliance."
If Xiao Yan still felt there was room for discussion about becoming the alliance leader, then a marriage alliance was completely beyond consideration. Thus, he simply refused with remarkable candor and hardly any hesitation.
Yan Jin's brows lifted slightly. His expression showed dissatisfaction at Xiao Yan's straightforward refusal. "What? Do you think there are no women in the Flame Clan worthy of you, or do you intend to abandon the Flame Clan over this alliance?"
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and replied sincerely, "Not at all. I believe there are still many outstanding women in the Flame Clan; that is beyond doubt. Within our alliance, the Flame Clan would naturally be an incomparably important part. It is merely that my emotional affairs are already complete. Marrying anyone else would only be a betrayal."
"Therefore, I ask Senior Yan Jin to name another condition. Xiao Yan will do his utmost to fulfill it."
Upon hearing this, Yan Jin revealed a thoughtful expression, though it was impossible to tell whether he was pleased or angered.
"Young friend Xiao Yan, I am indeed very satisfied with you, and I sincerely wish to arrange a fine marriage for you. The matter of the alliance is of great importance, and I fear both of us need to think it over carefully. During this time, stay temporarily with the Flame Clan. Grandmaster Huo Zhen also happens to have many matters he wishes to discuss with you. Give me your answer when you leave, how about it?"
No matter how firmly Xiao Yan opposed a marriage alliance in his heart, Yan Jin had offered him a perfectly timed way out. As a