"The key player has arrived."
At those words, Xu Chuan's lips curved slightly, and he raised his teacup for a gentle sip.
Then he went forward with a smile. "Brother Jinyan, the Cao Clan sent you again. I'm delighted you could come."
"Brother Cao." All the Foundation Establishment cultivators cupped their fists in greeting.
"Your Xu Household is taking the Zhou Household as a vassal. Naturally, my Cao Clan must witness such an important occasion."
"Indeed," Xu Chuan said.
Cao Jinyan looked at Zhou Qingfang. "Brother Zhou, I've come on behalf of our household head, and I have a question."
"Please ask, Brother Cao."
"Are you becoming the Xu Household's vassal willingly? If you've been coerced or threatened, my Cao Clan can uphold justice for your Zhou Household.
"Your Zhou Household is now the only Foundation Establishment clan left in all of Moon Lake Commandery and Guangling Commandery. That shows how little tolerance the Xu Household has for you."
"That isn't so."
Zhou Qingfang shook his head. "This was my own choice. I also convened a Clan Assembly and allowed every member to choose freely. The result was that the Zhou Household willingly became the Xu Clan's vassal, to serve at their command."
Cao Jinyan stared into Zhou Qingfang's eyes. After a moment, he said, "Why go this far? Your disciple Ye Xuehua is a daughter-in-law of our Cao Clan.
"If you're in difficulty, our Cao Clan will certainly help."
"There's no need."
"In fact, when Xuehua first intended to marry into the Cao Clan, she told me she had already repaid the Zhou Household's kindness in raising and nurturing her, and would have no further ties to us."
"Thus, the Zhou Household's affairs have nothing to do with Xuehua."
The atmosphere seemed to grow heavy.
"Very well." Cao Jinyan