Opposition Clan; currently seated in the Clan's main hall were the Elders of the Clan. Taking the seat of the Clan Head was a man with burgundy hair, sporting a rather dignified moustache. There was a sharp look in his eyes as his body steadily emanated a sense of suppression.

Into, the Opposition Clan Head, a cultivator at the Ninth Layer Martial Origin Stage. He was just a step away from reaching the Martial Providence Stage.

But, despite his level of power, the fact that the Clan Head wasn't at the Martial Providence Stage was enough to prove that the Opposition Clan was indeed declining.

The only one in their Clan that was at the Martial Providence Stage was the previous Clan Head, Into's father, someone that had retired from worldly affairs and only focused on his cultivation.

Following the Clan Head's seat on both sides were cultivators at decreasing levels of their cultivation, with IlletoRanze's fatherbeing positioned a couple of seats away.

Among their family line, Into was the oldest brother, followed by Inpah. Both of them were sons of the previous Clan Head.

Following after them at the third position was Illeto, whose father was the younger brother of the previous Clan Head and had passed away. It was this man that shared a close friendship with the then Clan Head of the Occasion Clan and had promised to wed their respective grandchildren.

There were the three brothers of Into, Inpah, and Illeto that formed the main family in the Opposition Clan. There were more than a hundred branch families without any blood ties to the main family. But, they were still part of the same Clan.

Mella was from one such branch family that had married into the main family. Similarly, the wives of the other two brothers too were from the branch families.

This was the method used by every Clan to ensure its bloodline was concentrated within itself. After all, forming relations with other Clans was useful, but it'll cause the politics associated with the Clan to become too complex.

It wasn't just a good deal. There were cons too.

Suppose they actually went through with the marriage to the Occasion Clan. If suppose the Occasion Clan had gotten into trouble or a war in the future, then the Opposition Clan would have no other choice but to side with them.

It was because someone from their main family line had married the Occasion Clan's Sect Leader. So, the Opposition Clan would be unfavourably dragged into war.

And suppose the Opposition Clan similarly had ties to another Clan that was currently engaged in war with the Occasion Clan, they would be messed up, placed in a dangerous fence. No matter who they supported, the other side would be offended.

And if they supported both the opposing Clans, it would only cause internal friction in them that would eventually fracture their Clan.

So, inter-clan marriage came with both pros and cons.

Currently, tension steamed within the main hall as Into cupped his fists, getting up from his seat as he greeted the envoy from the Occasion Clan.

The envoy was actually at the First Layer of the Martial Providence Stage. The fact that they had sent someone of this calibre was enough proof that they wished to dissolve this engagement and suppress any resistance with brute force.

Those from the Opposition Clan clamoured upon arriving at this line of thought, tensing up as they were ready to fight the moment a battle erupted. After all, their opponent was at the Martial Providence Stage, someone capable of easily killing them.

"The engagement was something made between the previous generation experts from our respective Clans" The envoy spoke, breaking the silence as he said, "But, we can't impose our decisions on the youngsters. That would be akin to tyranny."

The envoy then put on a helpless expression, "There's not much we can do on our side. We too are helpless in this matter."

"But, we'll definitely compensate you fairly for this." He said, waving his hand as a couple of servants came forward, bringing forth a chest full of materials ranging from Essence stones to pills and some precious materials.

"Envoy, you're not giving my Clan any face." Into snorted, expressing his anger.

"Clan Head, please calm down your anger." The envoy said politely, "I understand your situation. But please understand that I'm only a messenger. I don't have the authority to discuss anything with your Clan."

"So, you're not even giving me Clan any chance to argue." Into snorted as he emitted killing intent, "You really think my Clan is that weak?"

"I don't think" Suddenly, a feminine voice resounded as a girl entered the main hall, "I know for a fact that your Clan is weak. It has been more than four decades since your Clan last had a cultivator with an Earth Martial Spirit."

"Without a strong enough powerhouse, how do you plan to protect your Clan." The girl spoke in disdain, looking around as she said, "And, the lot of you are only in the Martial Origin Realm. It seems the Opposition Clan isn't declining as the rumours said."

"It has already declined into mediocrity."

She was Bing, Ranze's fiance, and the one that would become the Clan Leader of the Occasion Clan in the future. Her words triggered everyone, causing them to unleash their killing intent to pressure her and put her in her place.

"You dare?" The envoy suddenly unleashed his overwhelming aura, instantly destroying all the opposing pressure, displaying his superior strength.

"In the past, if the Opposition Clan hadn't shed blood to protect you, your Occasion Clan wouldn't exist today." Right as the main hall turned deathly silent, Ranze slowly entered it from the backside, stopping two metres before Bing, "And, it was your grandfather that had proposed this engagement which my grandfather accepted out of their friendship."

"So you mean to say" Ranze thought for a couple of seconds, tapping his chin as he spoke, "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."

"Is that right?"