Xiao Yan opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.
He instinctively looked toward his father. Xiao Zhan sat in the seat of honor, his expression calm, showing no intention of speaking.
The air in the Council Hall grew heavy.
Xiao Heng spoke up then, his tone gentler than Xiao Shan's. "The Great Elder isn't saying you're unworthy. He's saying this matter is too significant for the Xiao Clan to place its bets lightly.
Your master is here in Wutan City. If he truly means it, even if he doesn't offer any sixth-rank magical beasts, he could first show some other token of sincerity to put the clan at ease."
Xiao Yan pressed his lips together. The Second Elder's words sounded polite, but he was still asking for something. Yet whether his master would give anything, and when, was entirely beyond his control.
"Second Elder, my master said I had to find a way myself. He won't interfere."
"If your master won't interfere, what do you intend to do?"
Xiao Yan froze. Truthfully, he hadn't thought that far ahead. Until now, sheer determination had kept him going. When the time finally came to make a decision, he realized he had no cards up his sleeve.
"Xiao Yan, it's not that the Xiao Clan distrusts your master. We simply dare not act rashly.
To someone like your master, the Xiao Clan is no different from ants by the roadside. An ant wouldn't dare guess what an elephant is thinking, much less reach out and ask for what belongs to it.
If he gives, it's a kindness. If he doesn't, he owes us nothing. The Xiao Clan cannot lose its head over a single promise."
Even when the meeting ended, Xiao Yan still hadn't persuaded a single elder. He stood off