The younger generation of each family had yet to return to Liangshui City from outside the city, but news of the gathering beyond the city walls had already made its way back through various channels.
Within Pine Wave Pavilion of Fang Mansion, sandalwood incense curled through the air, yet it could not dispel the sudden gloom.
"..."
Fang Lingyuan sat upright in the seat of honor, holding a freshly delivered urgent report. His knuckles unconsciously tapped against the armrest of the rosewood chair, producing dull thudding sounds.
On his face, usually unreadable in joy or anger, his brows were now tightly furrowed, as though an invisible cloud weighed upon them.
His gaze swept over the paper, each word like a cold pebble dropped into the lake of his heart.
Elder Fang Yuan, standing below, had his grizzled brows nearly twisted together. His eyes were fixed on the changes in the Clan Head's expression, while the air in the Quiet Room seemed frozen solid.
"Lin Ao... revealed the peak of Bone Refining Late-Stage and the perfected Army-Breaking Spear Art."
After a moment, Fang Lingyuan slowly spoke. His voice was low, carrying a palpable gravity.
"He consecutively defeated Yue Lingtian, He Qingyan, Sun Qing, and Fang Hong of our Fang Clan, becoming the universally acknowledged number one among the younger generation!"
"What...?"
Elder Fang Yuan sucked in a sharp breath, his face full of shock. Only after a long while did he speak in a shaken voice.
"The peak of Bone Refining Late-Stage, perfected Army-Breaking Spear Art?... That boy from the Lin Family has hidden himself far too deeply. In terms of prestige among the younger generation, the Lin Family will likely stand alone at the top from now on."
A trace of worry flashed through his eyes as he considered the