The National Competition Storm Begins

Recommendation Tickets, please.

Their convoy entered through the western city gate and headed northeast toward the nobles' district.

Heaven Dou City was simply enormous. The carriages wound through its busy, broad streets for more than an hour before finally arriving at the Chen Duke Residence.

This residence had been granted to the Chen Clan when generations of the family had received the empty ducal title from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and it represented long-standing status and glory.

A small group was already waiting in front of the residence gates.

Ji Xiang, Xia Yun, and the others who had arrived earlier were among them. At their head stood an old man with white hair and beard, his figure somewhat stooped.

The wrinkles on his face were so deep they seemed almost piled together, and in his hand he held a smooth ebony cane with steady poise.

After Chen Xiaojun and the others got down from the carriages, the old man slowly stepped forward, and the crowd behind him followed with a step of their own.

The old man bowed slightly. "Greetings, Young Master."

Chen Xiaojun hurriedly returned the courtesy with solemn respect. "I don't deserve such formality. Elder, how should I address you?"

The old man raised his head. Though his voice was somewhat aged, it was clear. "This old man's surname is Shi. I am the Grand Manager here. Young Master, you may simply call me Old Shi."

Chen Xiaojun was a little surprised, but his attitude remained respectful. "Old Shi, you're too courteous."

Old Shi nodded. Without much small talk, he turned to an elderly man beside him, tall in build and steady in bearing, and instructed, "Bingming, take some people and help Changfeng and the others get the belongings properly settled."

"Yes, Old Shi." The man