The midday sunlight spilled over the Side Hall of the Central Courtyard, making it gleam.
The representatives of the Ten Great Families had gathered under one roof.
Chu Tianshu broke the silence first, teasing, "The Chen Clan is finally willing to bleed a little and treat us to a proper feast."
"I haven't eaten or slept well these past few days. I've been looking forward to this meal."
Gao Ying rolled his eyes at Chu Tianshu and snapped, "Dog-faced Chu, can you rein in your performance art? We're on the Chen Clan's turf."
Chu Tianshu smiled unconcernedly, then turned to Shen Lang and asked, "Old Shen, surely you know why the Chen Clan invited us here? Give us a hint."
Shen Lang shook his head and answered calmly, "I don't know the details either. But be patient. Won't we find out soon enough?"
Chen Xuanqi could not resist chiming in. "Exactly. Old Shen is right. Guessing blindly won't do us any good. Let's wait for someone from the Chen Clan to explain."
You Dongshan asked in a deep voice, "Then who from the Chen Clan will be coming?"
Shen Lang said calmly, "If my guess is right, it should be Xiaojun."
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.
So it really was Chen Xiaojun?
Just then, footsteps approached from the distance.
Everyone turned toward the sound and saw Chen Xiaojun walking slowly into the hall with Zhu Yanfeng and Ling Yunxiao.
Their arrival made the already tense atmosphere even heavier.
Chen Xiaojun wore a smile as gentle as a spring breeze brushing their faces, warm yet dignified.
First, he bowed deeply with his hands clasped to everyone present. "Thank you, elders, for taking precious time out of your busy schedules to honor the Chen Clan with