Xiao Hua immediately stepped forward and bowed. "Three seniors, this junior greatly admires Fire Fierce Mountain, but the matter is just as Fellow Daoist Huo Furong said. This junior has only met Fellow Daoist Huo a few times and has never harbored any such thoughts. If Seniors forcibly pair us together, we simply cannot cultivate together, and it would do neither of our cultivation any good! Besides, this junior and Xue Xue have long been in love. In this life, no one but Xue Xue will do for me. As for Seniors' kind intentions... this junior can only accept them in spirit!"
"That's right!" Xue Xue stepped forward, seized Xiao Hua's hand, and interlaced her fingers with his. "In this life, this junior will only cultivate together with Xiao Hua. I would rather die than submit to anyone else!"
"Rather die than submit?" Huo Paikong burst into laughter. "Mine said the very same thing back then, but after I cultivated together with her..."
"Third Brother!" Hearing Huo Paikong starting up again, Huo Zheshhan hurriedly rebuked him. "Watch your mouth!"
"Big Brother, it's nothing!" Huo Paikong said innocently. "I only meant that she always made me drink Fiery Blaze Brew!"
"Mm, I know!" Huo Zheshhan said, both annoyed and amused. He turned to Xiao Hua. "The decisions we have made—how can juniors like you interfere? Once Fire Fierce Mountain informs Thunder Control Sect of this joyous news, even Ganlei Zi of Thunder Control Sect will surely be delighted!"
"My apologies, Senior!" Xiao Hua flatly refused. "This is this junior's private matter and has nothing to do with Thunder Control Sect. Just as Xue Xue said, this junior would rather die than submit!"
"Hmph, then die!" Huo Paikong had long since lost patience. He made a grabbing motion, and before Xiao Hua