"Please calm down, young miss. Although that was what the clan elders said in their message, I imagine the clan chief will certainly oppose it."
Northwest Continent, Wutan City, Xiao Clan, Xiao Xun'er's room.
Hearing Ling Ying's words did nothing to improve Xiao Xun'er's mood. Instead, a trace of panic stirred in her heart.
Although her father, Gu Yuan, was the Ancient Clan Chief, she knew perfectly well that plenty of old fellows in the Gu Clan liked to throw their seniority around, invoking the clan rules at every turn.
"That's enough, Uncle Ling. I want some time alone. You can leave."
Feeling unsettled, Xiao Xun'er waved her hand, signaling for Ling Ying to leave.
Seeing this, Ling Ying dared not say more. He merely told her not to worry too much before turning into a wisp of black smoke and vanishing.
After Ling Ying left, Xiao Xun'er looked utterly helpless. Though young, she possessed the mind of an adult.
She knew very well that once she was taken back to her clan and sent to the Xiao Clan to marry one of its geniuses, her beauty and talent for cultivation would inevitably draw countless admirers.
When that happened, could she still be with her beloved Brother Xiao Yan?
At the thought, a feeling of powerlessness washed over her.
Unexpectedly, she fell ill that very night.
Fortunately, Ling Ying discovered it and treated her with medicinal pills, allowing her to gradually recover.
But although her body recovered, her heart felt empty. She could muster no enthusiasm for anything, not even cultivation.
After watching Xiao Xun'er remain like this for several days, Ling Ying could no longer bear it. He knew that if he let this continue, the young miss's health would likely deteriorate again.
Thus, Ling Ying made a decision: