Marriage Alliance?

"What? A marriage alliance?"

Inside the Yao Clan Hall, Yao Feng had just taken a sip of tea when he heard Huo Yao's words and nearly choked on it.

Seeing Yao Feng's reaction, the red-dressed girl, who had remained silent all this time, rarely frowned and shot him a somewhat unfriendly look.

"A marriage alliance is merely an explanation for the outside world. The purpose is simply to make our alliance stronger. What do you think, Yao Clan Chief?"

Yao Dan gave Yao Feng a strange look as his thoughts raced. Marriage alliances were a common tactic among allied factions. If the Yao Clan and Flame Clan formed a marriage alliance, outsiders would see them as truly being in the same boat. Should any changes arise in the future, their alliance would be strong enough to handle many situations.

Moreover, it was only a nominal marriage alliance, so neither side would suffer any losses.

"Feng'er, what do you think?"

Although Yao Dan felt this was feasible, Yao Feng was his son, so it was better to ask for his opinion.

"Everything is for Father to decide."

Yao Feng gave an ambiguous answer. If he refused, it would inevitably affect the relationship between the Yao Clan and Flame Clan. But if he agreed, Yao Ling was still standing beside him. He had worked so hard to build a good relationship with Yao Ling; he could not abandon the girl over a stranger.

"Since that is the case, I shall make the decision. Yao Feng of my clan and Huo Zhi of the Flame Clan shall enter a marriage alliance. Once the two of them have grown up, we will decide the rest."

"Yao Clan Chief is wise. That is also what our Flame Clan Chief intended."

Huo Yao clasped his fists as he spoke. With every task of this trip successfully completed, his mood improved considerably.

"Huo Zhi, come forward and greet the Yao Clan Chief."

Huo Yao signaled to the red-dressed girl behind him. Somewhat unwillingly, she rose to her feet and slowly walked to the center of the hall.

She bent slightly at the waist and offered a proper salute.

"This junior, Huo Zhi, greets the Yao Clan Chief."

"Hehe, not bad, not bad. As expected of the Flame Clan's number one genius. Your foundation is solid, and your talent is exceptional." Yao Dan smiled in satisfaction, suddenly feeling that having her as his true daughter-in-law would not be a bad choice either.

"I am Yao Feng. Greetings, Miss Huo Zhi."

Yao Feng braced himself and stepped forward. Though everyone appreciated beauty, arranging a marriage alliance upon their first meeting was still rather awkward.

"Mm."

Huo Zhi nodded without saying anything.

"Hahaha, now that everyone has met, we shall take our leave as well. Yao Clan Chief, we shall meet again when the opportunity arises."

Huo Yao laughed, rose to bid Yao Dan farewell, then left with the young man and Huo Zhi behind him.

"Feng'er, if you are unwilling, we can discuss it again."

"It's fine, Father. It is only in name, and it will not have any effect on me."

Yao Dan patted Yao Feng on the shoulder. Looking at his son before him, he realized that before he knew it, his son had grown so much and become much more sensible.

"Good. Then go back and rest first. I will handle the Heavenly Eagle Clan matter."

"Father, I want to handle this matter myself."

Hearing this, Yao Dan looked at Yao Feng with surprise. After a long while, he said with some satisfaction, "Good, good. If you need Father's help, just speak up. A mere Heavenly Eagle Clan cannot stir up much trouble."

"Mm, I understand, Father."

"Alright, you have been running around all day. Go back and rest early!"

Yao Dan waved his hand. Yao Feng left the hall with Yao Ling and departed Medicine King Peak.

Father's information network is surprisingly efficient. I had not even told him yet, but he already knew about the Heavenly Eagle Clan. However, Yao Thirteen of the Iron Guard is by my side, so Father must know at least something about whatever happens around me.

After leaving the Yao Clan Hall, Yao Ling became rather quiet. Seeing how absent-minded she was, Yao Feng waved a hand in front of her face.

"What are you thinking about? You are so absorbed that you are not even watching where you are going."

"Ah, oh, n-nothing!"

Seeing Yao Ling's reaction, Yao Feng looked at her with an expression that plainly said he did not believe a word of it.

"It really is nothing! Stop looking at me like that."

Yao Ling's face reddened. She stomped her foot and shouted in embarrassment and annoyance.

"Ling'er, what do you think of Huo Zhi from the Flame Clan?"

"Miss Huo Zhi? She is very pretty, and her talent is high too. She is quite good!"

Yao Ling waved her hand uneasily, her gaze drifting as she spoke.

"Yes, she is very pretty and highly talented, but Ling'er is no worse than her."

Yao Feng affectionately scraped Yao Ling's delicate nose, chuckled, and spoke.

Yao Ling's face instantly turned bright red at Yao Feng's intimate gesture. After glaring at him, she ran off by herself.

No matter how Yao Feng called after her, she did not turn back.

"This girl really is thin-skinned!"

Yao Feng could not help but laugh.

After returning to his little nest, Yao Feng took out a large wooden tub. There was still quite a bit of the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid he had obtained from his last check-in. For the time being, he would cultivate properly, improve his strength, and wait for news from Yao Thirteen.

He took out the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid and dripped a single drop into the tub. Yao Feng removed his clothes, soaked his body in the water, sat cross-legged, and began cultivating.