Chapter 1967: The Academy Alliance Leader • Qingwu's Proposal (Part One)
Deep within the Chen Residence lay another quiet, elegant courtyard.
Ancient trees towered over the courtyard, unusual rocks stood in artful arrangements, and the murmur of flowing water accented the tranquility. Two parties sat around an exquisitely carved round table of rosewood.
Chen Cong occupied the host's seat. Dressed in a simple, elegant robe, he carried himself with composure, radiating an authority that needed no anger to make itself felt.
To his left sat Zhuo Qianren. His frame was straight as a javelin, his silver hair meticulously groomed, and his features resolute. Even seated, he exuded a sharp, piercing presence.
To his right sat Xia Yun. His bearing was gentler and more reserved, and he wore a blue-green robe as he quietly observed those across from him.
Opposite them were two influential figures from the Academy Alliance.
The guest of honor was none other than the Academy Alliance's leader, His Excellency Qingwu.
Although the individual academies were essentially affiliates, the Academy Alliance itself had its own system of succession.
He was slightly plump and ruddy-faced, his most striking feature his signature bulbous, wine-red nose. At present, he leaned leisurely against his chair, idly picking his teeth with a toothpick while making satisfied clicking sounds.
Accompanying him was Kent Edwin, chief referee of this year's Heaven Dou National Tournament.
Edwin wore formal attire and sat upright, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward the uninhibited alliance leader with a trace of embarrassment before quickly looking away. Once the Chen Clan's meal had been served, his leader's "free-spirited," casual behavior had become almost painful to watch.
The sumptuous dishes had already been cleared away and replaced with fresh tea, its fragrance curling through the air.
A perfectly measured, warm smile rested