One morning several days later, before the thin mist over Wutan City had fully dispersed, more than twice the usual number of guards patrolled the Xiao Clan grounds.
Every one of them wore a solemn expression, the weapons at their waists reflecting cold glints in the morning light. Even the children who normally loved running wild were kept under strict watch by their parents, forbidden from going anywhere near the main gate. An invisible weight pressed down on everyone's hearts.
A carriage, plainly decorated yet imposing, slowly stopped outside the gate. Dressed in formal attire, Xiao Zhan strode out with a stern face, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's and devoid of any emotion. He spoke to no one, merely murmuring a few instructions to the guard captain beside him before climbing straight into the carriage. Its wheels rolled over the paving stones with a dull creak as it drove away.
Out on his morning run, Xiao Yan happened to see his father, formally dressed and solemn-faced, boarding the carriage. In the instant before the curtain fell, he caught a flash of gravity and resolve in his father's eyes. Xiao Yan's heart sank, and an ominous premonition welled up within him.
"Teacher, haven't you felt that something's been very wrong at home lately? Father left so early today-he must be going to a meeting with the other two major families. Security has suddenly become so tight that even we aren't allowed to leave."
The ring stirred slightly, and Yao Lao's somewhat aged voice drifted out.
"Mm, I've noticed it too. This tension likely has something to do with the letter you brought back from your eldest and second brothers last time. It must have mentioned something serious enough to threaten the entire Xiao Clan."
Hearing Yao Lao's conjecture, Xiao