Shen Family, Council Hall.
Sandalwood incense curled through the hall, and the atmosphere was solemn.
The Shen Family elders sat on either side. Seated in the seat of honor at the head was none other than the Shen Family's First Elder, Shen Boyuan.
His beard and hair were entirely white, yet his eyes showed no cloudiness. When they opened and closed, sharp light flickered within them. Without anger, he commanded authority.
First Elder Shen Boyuan slowly swept his gaze over everyone present. His voice was steady, yet carried unquestionable authority. "I have gathered you all today mainly because there is a matter that requires discussion and a decision."
Second Elder Shen Wanqing, seated at the foremost position on the left, unconsciously straightened his back at those words. A barely concealed smile lingered between his brows, as though he had long anticipated the subject.
Across from him, Third Elder Shen Qianshan remained expressionless. He merely lifted the tea cup at hand and waited quietly for what followed.
"It concerns Ninth Brother, that girl Xinyue, and Han Xiong, the genius of the Xuan Yang lineage."
The First Elder continued, "I trust everyone has heard of Han Xiong. He is one of the eight publicly recognized True Disciple Candidates in the Inner Sect, with a solid foundation and immense potential. Xinyue and he are in love, and I believe the Shen Family should do all we can to bring this matter to fruition. Moreover... we should devote resources to help Han Xiong contend for a True Disciple position as much as possible."
The moment his words fell, low murmurs rose throughout the hall. The elders leaned together in discussion, and most wore expressions of approval.
Second Elder Shen Wanqing spoke first, his voice ringing clear. "First Elder's words are exactly what I had