Was the Portrait Honored at Azure Alliance Headquarters a Painting of Lu Lanxin?

Meanwhile, at Azure Alliance Headquarters.

Black-clad guards stood on either side of the entrance, backs straight, radiating an authority that warned strangers away.

Today was the annual Branch Hall Assembly!

It was the Azure Alliance's grandest gathering. All twelve branch Hall Masters were in attendance.

Even the six powerful elders would appear in person.

Most of the elders were over seventy and senior even to Third Master Du. They rarely showed themselves, appearing only for the Branch Hall Assembly.

In previous years, the main business had been dividing up territory for the coming year and allocating profits from the alliance's enterprises.

This year, though, the atmosphere was unusually tense.

"Have you heard? Apparently, the elders have something important to announce this year."

"What could it be? Someone's probably taken territory up north, and they want us to take it back!"

"No. I heard from the brothers at headquarters that it has something to do with Miss Lu..."

Amid the murmurs, the six elders slowly entered the main hall, with Third Master Du close behind.

He wore a black Zhongshan Suit, his hair meticulously combed. His face showed nothing, but a trace of anxiety lurked in his eyes.

"Is everyone here?"

The First Elder cleared his throat. His voice was raspy but strong.

At eighty-seven, he was the oldest of the six elders. He leaned on a cane.

"First Elder, all twelve branch Hall Masters are present!"

The guard in charge of the count made his report loudly.

"Good."

The First Elder nodded. "Before the Branch Hall Assembly begins, we'll go to Loyalty Hall and pay our respects."

Thud, thud, thud!

No one dared delay. They followed the elders toward Loyalty Hall on the east side of headquarters.

The heavy wooden doors swung open, revealing three portraits hanging side by