Chen Qing left Zhou Academy and headed home. Just after turning past the entrance to Changping Street, an inconspicuous blue-canopied carriage quietly drew near and stopped beside him.
A plainly dressed but sharp-eyed driver jumped down from the carriage shaft and bowed slightly. "Lord Chen, my master invites you to a chat in the private room of the teahouse at the alley entrance ahead."
Chen Qing asked, "What is your master's surname and name?"
The driver smiled ingratiatingly. "My young master's surname is Huang, given name Mingxuan."
Chen Qing's steps paused slightly, but his expression did not change. "Lead the way."
Huang Mingxuan!?
The Huang Family's eldest young master, rumored to be the next candidate for head of the Huang Family.
"Lord Chen, this way."
The driver gestured invitingly, then led Chen Qing to a nearby teahouse.
In a window-side private room on the second floor, the fragrance of tea curled through the air.
A man in his thirties wore a moon-white brocade robe, carrying himself with refined grace.
This man was none other than Huang Mingxuan, eldest young master of the Huang Family.
Half a step behind him stood an ordinary-looking old man, his hands tucked into his sleeves and his gaze lowered.
Chen Qing raised a brow. At a glance, he could tell that this old man was a Transformation Force expert.
When Huang Mingxuan saw Chen Qing enter, a perfectly measured smile appeared on his face. He gestured toward a seat. "Brother Chen, please sit. I hope you will forgive my presumptuous invitation."
Chen Qing sat as invited. "Young Master Huang is too courteous."
Huang Mingxuan got straight to the point without any beating around the bush. "Brother Chen is a straightforward man, so Mingxuan will not speak in circles. I came today for two reasons. First,