Though they haven't properly greeted each other yet, Cain could tell his expectations were subverted so far. And from Kali's bemused smile, he could guess this meeting would be an interesting one.
Kali's look towards Cain only lasted for a split second before turning her attention back on the young maiden before them.
"Qiu Lan, you're back here again after some time. Seems like your Sect Master has another interesting business proposal for us?" Kali greeted with a friendly wave of her hand.
In return, Qiu Lan gave a respectful nod towards her. There wasn't any hint of disdain or indifference in her actions, treating Kali as someone on her equal level.
In the same calm tone, Qiu Lan told her, "Indeed he does. Master claims it's time to foster better times between us since it's been too long we've tread around here."
After saying so, Qiu Lan immediately snapped her attention to Cain.
At that moment, her calm, unwavering eyes peered directly into Cain's slightly surprised gaze. Then, just like with Kali, Qiu Lan inclined her head towards Cain in a respectable manner.
She didn't take her eyes off him for a second as she then asked, "Speaking of which, how are you fairing these days, Cain?"
Cain didn't immediately respond at first. He could admit, he was slightly entranced at how amicable Qiu Lan is.
Even though he doesn't know her exact cultivation level, Kali had explained that Qiu Lan is similarly a famous genius across their Thunderous Collision Realm.
So, of course, her cultivation is at least in the Divine Realms.
Naturally, being able to attain such heights at a young age would lead to a high level of pride and arrogance.
Cain certainly saw that pride within Huang Lei and Jie.
Yet with Qiu Lan, while she undoubtedly had a proud air surrounding every breath she takes. It wasn't overbearing or at an obnoxious level.
In just this short greeting, Cain had the impression she was an honorable young genius who most likely abides by the rules.
At this moment, Cain already considers Qiu Lan as a possible good acquaintance to have. Of course, he himself would never follow strict rules and guidelines himself, but having a reliable acquaintance like this could prove helpful in the future.
"I've been alright. Things have always been pretty much the same for us, nothing too grand." Cain smoothly said with a slight smile curving his lips.
Despite being in front of a glorious beauty, Cain wasn't nervous at all. Hell, he wasn't even considering her level of beauty in his mind.
Instead, his mind was all focused on whether or not they could form a reliable partnership in the future.
After all, his primary focus was becoming a free reign expert. And having connections is an equally important aspect in cultivation that shouldn't be looked down upon.
Seeing how unwaveringly calm Cain is, did cause Qiu Lan to ever so slightly curl her eyebrows.
She recalls that indeed it has been months since she last saw this sibling duo. Usually, where ever Cain is, Kali would always follow. But, while Kali seemed the same since she last saw her, there was something peculiar she immediately noticed from Cain.
It was like Cain developed a different air about him. One that seemed far more assured in himself and determined. Intrigued danced in her mind, but Qiu Lan still kept her expression calm.
She spoke after only a second of pause, "Mnh, that's good. With your situation, I can see why you would have extra free time. I'm assuming you're in the same boat too, Kali?"
"Yep. We basically spend most of our time together." Kali said with a soft smile.
As she spoke, Kali did notice the slight movement of Qiu Lan's eyebrows and assumptions already formed in her mind.
Kali had then gestured to one of the luxurious-looking couches in their meeting hall and told Cain and Qiu Lan, "Come on. Let's sit down and get comfortable. I'm assuming this will be a long talk."
Neither Cain nor Qiu Lan offered any disagreement, and the trio casually plopped right onto the couch.
When sitting, Kali had, of course, stuck close to Cain's right side.
While Qiu Lan sat a respectable distance away. She wasn't too far or too close, maintaining the air of a casual acquaintance.
There was only a slight moment of pause between the trio before, surprisingly, Qiu Lan spoke up first. "Now that the beginning pleasantries are out of the way, I believe we should discuss our continuous engagement."
Such casualty in Qiu Lan's tone truly did speak volumes to Cain.
In all honesty, he didn't want to be bog down by troublesome relationship drama or any forced arrangement. Of course, he wasn't against getting into a natural blooming relationship. But it wasn't a priority at all for him at this moment.
Out of how calm Cain and Qiu Lan were, Kali was actually the only one who reacted with higher emotions. She began to say in a slightly exasperated tone,
"Huee~. This matter. You know, it's pretty cumbersome how they keep forcefully pushing this arrangement."
Cain kept his calm stature as he had a different stance on this matter. Feelings between both parties aside, he could see the other various gains of arrangements like this.
Shrugging his shoulders, Cain spoke his opinions. "A more connected and stronger alliance between two groups always comes with their advantages. Though, I see it as more trouble than it's worth in the long run."
While speaking his honest thoughts, Cain was trying to probe more out of Qiu Lan to see how she really feels. Although, Cain wouldn't get much out of it as Qi Lan's calm expression never faltered.
But, within Qiu Lan's mind, an idea had suddenly surfaced. Without any hesitation, she spoke out her idea, telling the sibling duo,
"Indeed, this is a complicated, troublesome matter. But I do believe I have a way that we can make this arrangement more cordial until we can smoothly transition through it. This would be especially helpful since I will be showing up here quite often now."
"Oh?" Both Cain and Kali were intrigued and open to listen.
It wasn't like either of them currently had the prowess to change anything. Cain was the one who then asked, "What do you have in mind?"
"It's quite simple, actually. Since we can't break the engagement, let's simply maintain an honorable friendship behind closed doors. This way, we both can enjoy this arrangement without anyone generating feelings of resent."
"As expected from an honor above all girl like you. Although I'm curious. Don't you want to have an experience of a natural blooming love rather than being tied down to an arranged marriage?" Kali swiftly spoke up without missing a beat.
At this moment, she had other thoughts brewing her mind about their whole situation. But her primary focus right now was testing Qiu Lan's true character.
Sure, they did meet a few times in the past, but those encounters were relatively short and too spaced out to have any lasting impact.
So now that it seems her Sect Master and their Grandfather wants to take another step forward in this matter, she needed to see if Qiu Lan was really genuine in her words.
Her eyes became slightly more intense, focusing on every little detail on Qiu Lan's beautiful face, wanting to make sure she spotted even the slightest of twitch.
Seeing that subtle slight shift in Kali's demeanor also got Cain similarly intrigued on Qiu Lan's response.
He remained silent and kept his gaze intently focused as well, though not as overt as Kali's.
In response to both siblings' subtle gazes, Qiu Lan actually changed her expression.n But instead of getting annoyed, displeased, or even upset, she let out a small, calming smile.
"Such matters like Marriage never really crossed my mind. While I do have other interests, my main focus will always be the Dao of Cultivation. To me, I have a more fascinated interest in exploring what seems impossible to others. So to put your worries at ease, our continuous engagement will not sour my mind."
Neither Cain nor Kali immediately responded. They admittedly got slightly entranced when listening to Qiu Lan's simple declaration.
Truthfully, Qiu Lan wasn't that much older than them. And yet, her mind seemed far more stable than a lot of other divine talents in their generation.
Still, Cain wasn't so readily willing to take Qiu Lan's words at face value. This is only his first time meeting her, plus in their merciless universe, charismatic, smooth liars can be found quite often.
But even with his precautions, Cain had felt an inexplicable pull towards Qiu Lan.
At the very least, he could be assured that there was potential for a reliable partnership with her in the future. Having the backing of another God Realm organization would be more beneficial than harmful.
Easing up his previous slight intent gaze, Cain let loose a more friendly smile as he then said, "I'll be upfront; that's quite a determined mindset you have, Qiu Lan. Really, if we can make this friendship work, it would make everything laxer for all of us."
"Hehe~. With all that said, I'm glad we can have chances like this to talk more openly."
Kali smoothly followed up after Cain. Then, spouting a more teasing smile, she directly asked Qiu Lan, "And you know what? I can't help but wonder what does a proud Sword genius like you does for fun other than cultivating?"
Qiu Lan had a brief look of ponderance. She was going to answer, but a better idea struck her mind.
"I have several things that aren't related to cultivation or battle. But first, I believe it would be more cordial to hear your two interests before me. After all, I am a guest in your home."
At that moment, Cain and Kali tossed a look at each other simultaneously. Then, without any words needing to be spoken, a silent agreement formed between them.
Turning their attention back on Qiu Lan, Kali was the one to speak first, saying, "Alright….let's see….. I'll start off our little talk first."