Lin Xiu's reaction made it clear that he, too, was following the wishes of the clan elders...
To take very good "care" of Xiao Yan...
After all, ever since Gu Xun'er had declared her feelings before all the elders...
There was no doubt that Xiao Yan would become the focus of the Ancient Clan's younger generation at this coming-of-age ceremony...
Upon hearing Lin Xiu's words, Xiao Yan took a step forward without speaking!
He had tacitly confirmed Lin Xiu's question...
Having received a satisfactory answer, Lin Xiu's lips curved upward slightly:
"A five-star battle venerable..."
"No wonder Ling Quan lost to you. Not bad..."
"But, Brother Xiao Yan, would you care to exchange a few moves with me?"
Yao Xuan, however, smiled faintly:
"What, does the Second Commander refuse to recognize the Ancient Clan's invitation as well? Is this how you treat your guests?"
Lin Xiu remained unconcerned. "You misunderstand, honored guest..."
"Our Ancient Clan's invitations cannot possibly be forged. Anyone bearing this token is naturally a guest of our clan..."
"It's just that I've long heard about Brother Xiao Yan and our clan's young lady Xun'er. Now that I've met him today, I simply wish to exchange a few moves..."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan instinctively stepped forward, intending to accept Lin Xiu's challenge, but Yao Xuan reached out and stopped him:
"Xiao Yan..."
"He's a six-star battle venerable. Fighting him would expose your trump cards ahead of time..."
Yao Xuan then turned to Lin Xiu and said in a low voice:
"Second Commander, if you're in the mood, why not let me be your opponent?"
At Yao Xuan's words, Lin Xiu turned toward him with considerable interest:
"Oh?"
"May I ask your name, honored guest...?"
"Yao Xuan..."
Hearing the name Yao Xuan, an unusual gleam flashed through Lin Xiu's