The atmosphere in the front courtyard of Zhengyang Martial Arts School was solemn.
All disciples, whether inner or outer disciples, had been summoned here.
One after another, they stood straight-backed and attentive, their eyes fixed on Chen Zhengyang, the school master, who stood atop the high platform with his hands clasped behind his back.
Such a grand assembly clearly meant something extremely important was about to be announced.
Wang Pangzi, Zhou Chen, Chen Yin, Zhao Tie, and several other core disciples stood separately at the front. Fang Yuan stood respectfully at the lower front of the disciples' ranks.
The disciples below whispered among themselves, their discussions buzzing:
"Why did the school master suddenly gather everyone? Is something major happening?"
"Look at how radiant the school master is. Could it be good news?"
Among the crowd, Liu Chengfeng, dressed in a blue robe, appeared calm, but his hands hanging at his sides were clenched tight.
His gaze, venomous as if steeped in poison, remained nailed to Fang Yuan's figure on the platform.
Deep in his eyes surged jealousy, along with a trace of furious alarm that his plans had been disrupted.
Chen Zhengyang seemed not to hear the discussions below, allowing the speculation to ferment.
Gradually, some quick-witted disciples appeared to catch on. Their gazes swept back and forth between Chen Zhengyang and Fang Yuan, vaguely guessing something.
Fang Yuan understood inwardly. His master intended to use today's occasion to formally build his prestige and establish his standing within the Martial Arts School!
Seeing that the time was ripe, Chen Zhengyang raised both hands slightly and pressed them down through the air.
An invisible majesty spread out. In an instant, the area below fell so silent that a needle dropping could be heard.
Chen Zhengyang cleared his throat. His voice was