"Uncle Hai, come inside first. What happened?" Wei Dong invited the two men into the courtyard.
Yang Chenglu said gently, "This is a private matter for your Wei Family, so I won't go in and listen. If you wish to return to Shuzhou City, you're free to leave at any time."
"Oh, thank you, sir." Wei Dong acknowledged him and returned to the courtyard with Wei Hai.
"Young master, a month ago, your father disappeared in the forbidden grounds of the Blissful Heaven Palace. There has been no word of him since. According to the rules, all direct descendants of the Wei Family must return home immediately to decide on the next family head," Wei Hai said gravely.
"What? My father disappeared?" Wei Dong's heart lurched, and his face turned deathly pale.
"Young master, don't panic just yet. He is missing, not dead. Summoning the descendants home is merely preparing for a rainy day," Wei Hai added gravely.
"Uncle Hai, what are we waiting for? Let's leave now. As it happens, a friend of mine is going to Shuzhou City too. We can travel together."
Wei Dong spoke.
The Wei Family was one of Shuzhou City's foremost families, with strict rules. Once their direct descendants turned sixteen, they were sent to the various prefectural cities of Shu Province to temper themselves. Barring any unforeseen events, whichever descendant had attained the highest martial realm after several years would become the next family head.
But if something happened along the way and the previous family head died, all descendants away from home had to return immediately. The next family head would be swiftly chosen according to the family rules, lest the dragons be left without a head and upheaval break out within the family.
"Young master, the road back to Shuzhou City