Gu Xijiu almost burst out laughing. Without hesitation, she rejected the offer, "Thank you very much, My Lord, but I do not wish to pledge my life a mere flagon."
The Lord did not speak any further.
It seemed like her reply was within his expectations. He looked down and quietly took a sip of his tea.
Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing the offer - one that she had rejected it almost instantaneously.
She knew it very well that The Lord could easily make it happen. Even though Celestial Master Zuo did not approve of their marriage anymore, there was no way he could reject the offer if The Lord had made his decision.
However, she did not wish to make him agree under duress.
But, how did she come up with the word ‘under duress?
Was it because she actually wanted to marry him, at the bottom of her heart? She only rejected the offer because she did not wish to force him to the agreement.
Her hand froze whilst holding the cup of tea.
Both of them sat wandering into their own thoughts for a while. An awkward silence slowly crept up upon them.
Oh no, she had almost forgotten all about the topic at hand, due to several interruptions.
"About that… My Lord, you have yet to answer my questions." Gu Xijiu was finally bringing back the subject of their conversation.
The Lord was rather bewildered. "Hmm?"
His gaze was a little misty in his blue eyes. For a moment, he did not seem like The Lord who was high up on the pedestal and sharp-tongued. Instead, he was just like a lost, innocent child.
Gu Xijiu’s heart throbbed at the thought of The Lord.
However, The Lord was still The Lord. He only remained so for a split second and returned immediately to his usual behavior. His gaze returned to its usual intensity. With a smile, he said, "What is the problem? Did I promise to answer any of your questions?"
Gu Xijiu was worried that he would go back on his words. "I asked you those questions when we were outside just now. You asked me to follow you."
"Yes, I only asked you to come for tea and I did not promise to answer your questions. Now that you have had your tea, you seem energetic enough to run for a few rounds." The Lord stood up and said, "I need a rest and you may go now."
He was being so difficult.
Gu Xijiu clenched her fists.
The Lord looked at her face and asked, "Are you not convinced?"
Gu Xijiu said nothing back.
The Lord continued, "You may hit me if you are unconvinced."
Gaping and speechless, Gu Xijiu was at a loss for words. She had never thought that The Lord would act in such a shameless manner.
"My Lord, was the one behind the scenes too strong for me to contend with? Therefore, there is no need for me to find out who he is, as there is nothing I can do. Is this why you have been avoiding my question and not telling me the truth?"
The Lord sighed. "He is indeed not your match. You are not on the same level."
"Then, who exactly is he? You should at least tell me so I can be prepared," said Gu Xijiu, not letting it go.
The Lord looked at her for a brief moment and suddenly asked, "Where did you learn the venomous spell?"
This time, Gu Xijiu withheld nothing and decided to make it clear, "My Lord, if I answer you, will you please answer my question in return?"
"Are you trying to bargain with me?"
"One question in return for another question, fair and square. This is an honest deal." Gu Xijiu insisted.
"Not a lot of people have the opportunity to bargain with me. You are really something else - how audacious! However, I'm in a really good mood today so there is no big deal exchanging a question with you. You must first tell me the master of the succession for your venomous spell. I will then tell you what I saw from Qian Lingtian."
It was rare for The Lord for being so straightforward, so Gu Xijiu talked about the history of her learning without further ado.
She had befriended someone who was a master in venomous spells in the modern times. She thought it was fun, so she decided to learn a few types, too. She was a natural learner.