The Young Man

Soon, Liu Bowen and Chen Zonghan arrived at the port with more than a dozen councilors.

"We failed to welcome the Yun Clan's honored envoys upon their arrival. Please forgive us, please forgive us." Chen Zonghan cupped his hands from afar, bowing so low his back nearly doubled over.

Liu Bowen stood half a step behind him. He cupped his hands slightly, caution showing in his expression.

"Mm." The gray-robed elder lifted his eyelids and swept a cool glance over them. That was his acknowledgment.

Yun Ting did not even look them in the eye. He simply played with the jade thumb ring on his hand.

"Honored envoys, the port is windy and noisy." Chen Zonghan smiled apologetically. "Please come to the Nine Provinces Council Hall and allow us to offer what hospitality we can."

The gray-robed elder nodded faintly.

The group headed straight into the depths of the market in a great procession.

The Nine Provinces Council Hall.

The councilors, normally so lofty and untouchable, now stood with their hands clasped at either side.

The seats of honor had naturally been given to the Yun Clan's gray-robed elder and Yun Ting.

"Bring tea," Chen Zonghan ordered loudly.

Several maids carried in trays and served the finest spirit tea the Nine Provinces had to offer.

The gray-robed elder picked up his teacup but did not drink. He set it aside at an unhurried pace.

"Enough." Yun Jiaojiao, seated nearby, had long since grown impatient.

Her sickly, ample body shifted in the wide chair. "Where's Lu Zhen? Why isn't he here yet? Hurry and bring him to see me!"

Chen Zonghan froze and instinctively looked toward the gray-robed elder.

"Jiaojiao, don't be impatient," the gray-robed elder mildly chided her.

Only then did he raise his eyes to Chen Zonghan and