In the Yue Lai Inn of Longhu Town.
"I didn't expect this place to be Yuan territory. According to the map, the Yuan clan's influence is quite strong."
Li Xuan leaned by the window, observing the pedestrians on the street below. After a moment of thought, his brows furrowed.
Several years had passed since he parted ways with Yue Fuyao. Regardless of her current strength, the news of the Moon clan's Saintess ceremony alone made it clear what a high status Yue Fuyao held within the clan.
If he wanted to take Yue Fuyao away, the path ahead would be fraught with difficulties.
"This is truly troublesome," Li Xuan sighed helplessly and took a sip of spiritual wine from a flask.
Three days later, after gathering some information from wine shops and teahouses, Li Xuan finally set off for Moon Spirit Mountain, where the Moon clan resided.
Unbeknownst to Li Xuan, mere moments after he departed on his flying boat, the elder from Tuli Pavilion whom he had met before appeared at the spot Li Xuan had just left. After a glance, his figure gradually vanished into the void.
At the Moon clan's grand hall on Moon Spirit Mountain.
The heads of the six lineages of the Moon clan were all seated, from left to right, top to bottom. Presiding over the gathering was naturally Yue Zheng Hua, the head of the Zheng lineage. Following him was Yue Yan Tian.
The remaining four figures were Yue Wen Yu, head of the Wen lineage; Yue Qiong Guang, head of the Qiong lineage; Yue Mu Heng, head of the Mu lineage; and Yue Yuan Qi, head of the Yuan lineage.
In addition, several elders of the Moon clan were also seated in the chairs below.
"The Saintess ceremony is in five days. During this period, I will need to trouble all of you. Furthermore, I have convened this meeting for another matter. According to intelligence, our Moon clan must select an ally during this Saintess ceremony. The Saintess will be the key to this alliance through marriage."
"At that time, the Yuan clan, Xuan clan, and other clans will bring their outstanding disciples. If the Saintess fancies someone, there will be no need for further proceedings. If not, then a competition will be held," Yue Zheng Qi said, looking at everyone.
Although it was a discussion, his tone was undeniably firm.
"This... Clan Leader, the Saintess's marriage cannot be arranged in such a manner," Yue Yan Tian immediately stood up and cupped his fists in a salute to Yue Zheng Qi.
"Elder Yan Tian, although you are the Saintess's father, you will likely have to address her as Saintess from now on. Moreover, this selection of an alliance is not something I am doing solely for the Moon clan's benefit. According to reliable intelligence, the Saint Lord of the Sacred clan is very likely on the verge of breaking through to that next level."
"If we do not choose an ally, our Moon clan's future may not be smooth sailing. Likewise, we will not be able to protect our clansmen," Yue Zheng Qi said with a slight frown, then took a deep breath.
"Clan Leader, it's not that I am unwilling, but I fear the Saintess will not agree to this matter. Elder, you are aware of some of the specifics," Yue Yan Tian said, looking helplessly towards Yue Zheng Hua.
Even though Yue Yan Tian was now a lineage head and held the second-highest seat, he still had little sway with Yue Zheng Qi.
"This matter... indeed has some background," Yue Zheng Qi's expression softened slightly upon hearing Yue Yan Tian mention Yue Zheng Hua. As Yue Zheng Hua saw Yue Zheng Qi's questioning gaze, he also stood up and spoke.
Then, he recounted the relationship between Yue Fuyao and Li Xuan in detail.
"This matter is known only to our Moon clan. There's no need to leak it. Even if they are already married and have children, did they have our Moon clan's consent? " After listening to Yue Zheng Hua, Yue Zheng Qi's decision seemed to remain unchanged.
"Clan Leader, when Fuyao was brought back, Elder had mentioned that if Li Xuan could reach the Eternal Continent, our Moon clan would give him an opportunity. If we arrange a marriage now, wouldn't our Moon clan be going back on our word?" Yue Yan Tian insisted again.
"This is indeed something I said back then," Yue Zheng Hua nodded with a wry smile, not denying it.
"Then for the spirit stones from the lower world continent to ascend to our Eternal Continent, it will take quite some time. Even with exceptional talent, it would likely take decades or even a century. Elder, what is Li Xuan's strength?" Yue Zheng Qi asked, glaring somewhat reproachfully at Yue Zheng Hua.
"Li Xuan's strength is unknown, but from what I've gathered indirectly, he seems to be passable. Of course, compared to our Moon clan's youths, he is likely much weaker. To possess a cultivation base at the Divine Realm would already be quite an achievement," Yue Zheng Hua said, shaking his head.
As Yue Zheng Hua finished speaking, everyone in the hall chuckled lightly.
"A spirit master at the Divine Realm, yet he dreams of ascending to the Eternal Continent. Patriarch Yan Tian, let's put this matter aside for now."
"The Saintess is the future of our Moon clan, and considering the current situation, which do you think is more appropriate: entrusting her to an uncertain young man or forging an alliance with a family of comparable strength to ours?" Yue Zheng Qi said.
"This... Clan Leader, your instruction is correct. If the Saintess can accept it, I have nothing more to say." Yue Yan Tian sighed helplessly. Yue Zheng Qi's attitude had made everything clear, even though he was Yue Fuyao's biological father.
"I will personally discuss this matter with the Saintess. It concerns the future of all our Moon clan members, and this cannot be taken lightly. Alright, everyone, you may be dismissed to make your preparations. I will also announce the Saintess's choice during the Saintess ceremony," Yue Zheng Qi said slowly, glancing at Yue Yan Tian.
"Elder, you stay behind." As everyone rose to leave, Yue Zheng Qi called out again. Yue Zheng Hua, who had already stood up to depart, stopped with a wry smile.
Outside the grand hall, Yue Yan Tian sighed softly.
"Daughter, oh daughter, your father has done all he could to secure things for you. The rest depends on the person you care about."