"When it's beneficial for you, the Occasion Clan would curry favour. And when there's the slightest hint of trouble, you would happily wash away all bonds."
Ranze's words stumped everyone in the main hall. After all, even if the same thought had been in their minds, none of them had voiced it. The only reason was that if they had done so, it would trigger a war between the two Clans.
And the declining Opposition Clan couldn't afford to go against the Occasion Clan that was still a reigning power.
"Boy, you shouldn't speak nonsense due to your impulse. There would be adverse consequences if you do so without thinking." The envoy snorted in distaste.
"Elder, let's set aside that for a moment and talk about Bing," Ranze said, not even flinching under the envoy's gaze, nor did he act in any way that could offend the other party.
He still maintained a pose and expression of respect, stating calmly, "The reason for the Occasion Clan wishing to dissolve this engagement is that Lady Bing stated that she has no intention to marry someone she has no feelings towards. Logically, she has a sound argument. But,"
Ranze gazed at Bing, "Why tell this today?"
"What do you mean?" Bing frowned, asking in anger.
"Had you stated this three days ago, it would be reasonable. Your words would have solid grounds. It's because irrespective of what happened in the past, your marriage is your right. Whether you wish to sacrifice yourself for your Clan's benefit or not is entirely up to you and your responsibility as the future Clan Leader." Ranze said, "But, you came to announce this now. And that's the problem."
"So what?" Bing snorted, "I came to void this engagement because you awakened a Trash Martial Spirit. Here, I said it. So what?"
The envoy frowned, wishing to glare at Bing when he noticed the smile on Ranze's face turn wider.
Ranze then gazed at the envoy, "Elder, it's not me that has said it, but your future Clan Leader. I'm sure it'll negatively impact your Clan's credibility in the future."
"Are you threatening me?" The envoy said, intending to pressure Ranze with his aura until he fell unconscious. But right as he was about to do so, Ranze's smile widened, causing him to feel a foreboding sensation.
"I'm neither in a position to threaten you nor am I even capable of protecting my Clan under your wrath." Ranze spoke, sporting a pitiful expression, "As a weak, declining Clan, there's not much we can do if a stronger party wishes to wipe us out, right? Especially since they share a deal with us that's no longer of any benefit to them."
"Fine, state your terms." The envoy snorted, no longer putting up any fronts, "Remember that this marriage will never happen. Just be happy with what we offer."
"Don't press your luck, trash." Bing snorted in displeasure, "No matter what you say, your value is inferior to even a pebble."
"You think having an Earth Martial Spirit is all that great?" Ranze laughed, using the exact tone Compass Carburettor used to mock Xuer, "When you become Sect Master, you'll lead your Clan to ruin. Sure, you'll be strong. But that's it."
"You won't even be able to manage your Clan's assets, not to mention placate the internal friction in your Clan." Ranze giggled all of a sudden, "And, trade relations between your Clan and the other Clans would weaken, causing you financial losses. You'll still be damn strong, but your Clan would also reach its end with your death."
"Trash Martial Spirit…huh?" Ranze laughed, "If you don't have a good head above your shoulder, you'll be trash, even if you possess a Heaven Martial Spirit."
"You should learn from Elder here." Ranze suddenly pointed at the envoy, causing the seething rage within the other party to instinctively cool down, "He was aware of what he needed to do as an envoy and was on the right track of negotiating such a sensitive topic."
"After all, if this is handled loosely, your Clan's reputation would be gone in a flash. It is because, in your times of need, it was the Opposition Clan that protected you." He glared at Bing, "Elder here was aware of the fine line he was threading and hence was trying his best to ensure this situation never blows up. But, you just had to come and ruin everything."
"So what? Do you seriously think your Opposition Clan can even fight our envoy?" Bing snorted.
"Easily." Ranze said, "Our previous Clan Head is a powerhouse even among the Martial Providence Stage. Even if he had retired, if someone were to actually threaten his Clan, he would take action. And that's not all. There are quite a few powerhouses that are indebted to him, including some elders from your Clan. A word from him would cause a lot of waves in our region."
Ranze smartly praised the envoy while also displaying the fact that the Opposition Clan still had enough power to seriously injure the Occasion Clan if they went overboard, instantly causing the envoy to calm down and ponder his words.
And right as Bing wished to retort, the envoy raised his hand, motioning for her to stop speaking as he looked at Ranze, "Boy, what do you propose now? Do you seriously wish to go through with the engagement?"
"No, no." Ranze waved his hand, acting like the envoy had asked him to sacrifice his life, "Why would I marry someone that has no feelings for me? So, we'll do this, Elder."
As the envoy raised an eyebrow in response, Ranze came to the truth of the matter, "We'll not immediately cancel the engagement. We'll cancel it after six months. And in the meantime, both our Clans will collaborate on a joint venture. That way, it'll seem like our Clans still maintain the friendship of the past and the cancellation of this engagement is something accepted by both the Clans harmoniously."
"And, we'll make someone from our respective branch families marry one another after giving them honorary main family status." Ranze concluded, gazing at the envoy as he said, "What do you say, Elder?"
