Hiss.
The Heaven-Burning Flame quietly rose in Xiao Qian's hand, its golden tongues flickering as they released an intensely scorching heat.
He tossed the wisp of toxin he had just extracted into the flame. In an instant, it burned away completely, becoming a thin curl of smoke that dispersed into the air.
"Old Master Nalan, Xiao Yan is a good brother of mine."
Xiao Qian's voice was steady and resolute.
Nalan Su was stunned stiff as a wooden chicken by Nalan Jie's proposal. He had expected Xiao Qian to be either utterly shocked or overwhelmed with delighted surprise, but never imagined he would react so calmly, as though he had anticipated it all along.
"Besides, Xiao Yan is Xiao Lin's true grandson. I'm not," Xiao Qian added.
Nalan Jie rested both hands on his cane, his aged eyes fixed intently on Xiao Qian as he scrutinized every subtle change in his expression.
He confirmed that this youngster was not retreating to gain ground, but genuinely had no interest in the marriage contract.
Even with his deeply calculating temperament, he could not help feeling a little annoyed at how this fellow failed to appreciate his favor and showed him no respect whatsoever.
"Hmph. I'll have Nalan Su go to the Xiao Clan to apologize, then discuss it directly with your clan elders." The old master believed he had already made an enormous concession by accommodating his granddaughter's wishes, and now took an especially forceful stance.
The corners of Nalan Su's mouth twitched slightly. Inwardly, he groaned without end, sensing that he would likely lose every last scrap of face at the Xiao Clan.
"Old master, you really don't understand young people." Xiao Qian was not angry. His gaze remained as calm as still water, without a ripple.
"Originally, standing on Xiao