Bai Tianheng’s announcement sent waves of shock through the Bai Clan’s council hall.
Even the Grand Elders, who had initially been observing in silence, were now engaged in serious discussions among themselves.
The implications of this marriage alliance were immense.
Although the Bai Clan was one of the top three strongest clans in the Desolate Heaven Empire, its position was constantly challenged by the other two.
For years, these rival clans had been subtly working against the Bai Clan, perhaps even forming secret alliances to weaken its influence.
If the Bai Clan stood alone, it was only a matter of time before these forces would try to swallow them whole.
Thus, securing strong allies was not a luxury—it was a necessity.
The Chu Clan was the strongest force outside of the top three, sitting just beneath them.
If the Bai Clan was a mountain, the Chu Clan was a rising star—not yet at the peak but close enough to be feared.
Their businesses, trade routes, and number of experts were vast, making them one of the most influential factions in the empire.
More importantly, the daughters of the two clan leaders—Bai Xueqing and Chu Ziyan—had always been close. Some even said they were like sisters in all but blood.
For years, the Bai Clan had sought closer ties with the Chu Clan, but political differences had made such an alliance difficult.
Yet now?
With this marriage proposal, the strongest non-top-three force and the Bai Clan were one step closer to standing side by side.
Such an alliance could potentially rival even the other two strongest clans of the Desolate Heaven Empire.
It was an opportunity no one in the Bai Clan could afford to ignore.
Even those who disliked Bai Zihan had to admit—if this marriage went through, it would be an unparalleled strategic victory.
Despite their shock and excitement, the elders weren’t completely at ease.
Bai Zihan, even with this proposed marriage, was still Bai Zihan—a young master known more for arrogance and troublemaking than for talent or ambition.
One of the elders, Elder Bai Mu, spoke cautiously.
“Clan Leader… while this is indeed a great opportunity, there is still a problem.”
Bai Tianheng raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
Bai Mu hesitated, then spoke clearly.
“Even with this proposal, Bai Zihan himself has yet to prove his worth. If the Chu Clan finds him lacking, what’s stopping them from retracting their agreement in the future?”
Some of the elders nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.
Even though Patriarch Chu Xing had accepted the proposal, nothing had been finalized yet.
If Bai Zihan remained the same as he was now, the Chu Clan could still find a way to break the engagement without damaging their reputation.
And if that happened, Bai Clan could find themselves in a bad position.
Bai Feng, who had been silent until now, suddenly smiled.
“Elder Bai Mu makes an excellent point,” Bai Feng said, his voice calm but laced with hidden intent.
“Knowing Bai Zihan’s behavior, he could very well ruin our relationship with the Chu Clan.”
He glanced toward Bai Tianheng, feigning politeness.
“Surely, the Clan Leader understands this as well?”
Bai Tianheng’s gaze darkened slightly.
This was Bai Feng’s counterattack.
He had been backed into a corner earlier, but now, he was pushing back with logic.
It was true!
The Chu Clan had agreed, but if Bai Zihan caused trouble for them, the alliance could easily crumble.
Worse, if Bai Zihan embarrassed himself publicly, it could give the Chu Clan a reason to withdraw their support entirely.
The Bai Clan might be one of the top three clans, but that didn’t mean they could force the Chu Clan into an alliance they didn’t want.
The Grand Elders exchanged knowing glances.
This was the real issue at hand.
“So, how about this, Clan Leader?”
Bai Feng continued.
“Shouldn’t we change the person who is going to marry Chu Ziyan? Only someone truly capable could make this marriage work!”
His meaning was clear—he was now trying to secure Chu Ziyan for his own son.
Bai Jian’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he heard his father’s words.
Chu Ziyan… Who in the empire didn’t know of this fairy who could captivate men with a single glance?
Not to mention that with the Chu Clan’s support, his own standing would rise significantly.
Even without her background, Bai Jian thought that her beauty and talent made her worthy of him.
Other elders shared the same sentiment.
They assumed that the Chu Clan likely sought an alliance with the Bai Clan itself, not Bai Zihan specifically.
If they could replace Bai Zihan with a more exceptional Bai Clan member, they wouldn’t have to worry about the groom being unworthy of the bride.
Additionally, their original goal—removing Bai Zihan as heir—would also be accomplished.
“Yes! We need to choose a worthy groom for Chu Ziyan!”
“Bai Zihan will only embarrass us and ruin our relationship with the Chu Clan.”
“We propose that Bai Zihan should not be the groom for Chu ZIyan!”
…
The elders immediately seized the opportunity.
Even the Grand Elders seemed deep in thought, likely considering the same thing.
Grand Elder Ren stepped forward to make a suggestion.
“Clan Leader, how about this? Bai Zihan can keep his title as heir, but we must change the groom for Chu Ziyan.”
Grand Elder Ren knew that Bai Tianheng wouldn’t easily agree to remove his son as the groom, but if they assured him that Bai Zihan could retain his status as heir, he might compromise.
After all, it was clear that the marriage alliance was arranged to solidify Bai Zihan’s position as heir.
As long as they promised that the heir wouldn’t change, Bai Tianheng might accept this demand.
“I support this as well!”
Bai Feng added, his voice carrying confidence.
In Bai Feng’s mind, if his son could marry Chu Ziyan, it was worth far more than securing the heir position.
After all, an heir was only a temporary title—nothing was guaranteed until Bai Tianheng stepped down.
And with Bai Zihan’s lack of talent, there was no way he could ever inherit the clan leadership in the long run.
Moreover, with Bai Jian’s marriage to Chu Ziyan, he could influence the Chu Clan and eventually pressure Bai Tianheng to change the heir altogether.
By then, even the Grand Elders and other elders would likely support the decision.
“We also support this!”
With Bai Feng in the lead, others also nodded in agreement, showing that they were willing to let Bai Zihan keep his status as heir—as long as the groom was changed.
Bai Tianheng smirked as he observed their reactions.
He knew exactly what they were thinking.
He also knew that Bai Zihan would inevitably lose his position as heir if he lost the marriage alliance with the Chu Clan.
But Bai Tianheng wasn’t worried.
“Sorry to disappoint you all but the Chu Clan has specifically requested my son, Bai Zihan!”