Much later.
Li Xinge withdrew his gaze.
He slowly spoke. "Elder Jiang."
Elder Jiang emerged from the shadows.
He cupped his hands and bowed to Li Xinge. "Lord."
"Send word to the Elder Council. Tomorrow at the hour of the Snake, we'll hold an elders' meeting. I'll preside over it personally."
Li Xinge spoke calmly.
Elder Jiang's heart tightened.
"Yes, Family Head."
He turned and disappeared into the shadows.
The next day, at the hour of the Snake, the sun hung high in the sky, its light spilling across the land.
A bluestone path led straight to the council hall.
At that moment, along both sides of the path,
stood rows of young Li Family disciples. They wore short jackets, their muscles knotted, their temples bulging high.
They stood with their hands behind their backs, gazes fixed straight ahead.
These Li Family disciples made no effort to conceal their auras. Every one of them was in the Qi and Blood Realm.
From afar,
came the steady, powerful sound of footsteps.
It was Li Xinge.
Today, Li Xinge wore a white robe and a jade belt. His long hair was loosely tied behind his head with a hemp cord.
At the sight of the Family Head,
reverence and fervor filled the eyes of the Li Family disciples. They all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
When Li Xinge reached the hall entrance,
"Family Head has arrived!"
A loud, ringing announcement echoed out.
Two Li Family disciples pushed open the heavy doors together.
Inside the hall, the Li Family Elders had already taken their places.
They all turned their heads, directing their gazes toward Li Xinge.
With his hands behind his back, Li Xinge slowly walked to the empty Family Head's throne, turned, and sat down.
Everyone rose