Bo Xian'er slowly rose to her feet, her gaze firm yet gentle.
She gently took Chen Zixiu's hand. In that moment, her fingers flowed over the back of his hand like a slender stream, conveying a wordless strength.
Side by side, they walked with steady steps toward the blond Titled Douluo, whose golden hair shone brilliantly in the sunset's lingering glow.
She stopped before him and said softly, "Aier, I stand here today not merely as the High Priest, but because my husband and child are clan chiefs of the Chen Clan, and I am the Chen Clan's elder matriarch."
"Aier, your Sea Spear Nanook Family has served as the High Priest's guard captains for generations, with unwavering loyalty."
"In the battle fifty years ago, your elder brother died heroically protecting me. That is a fact I cannot evade."
"He did indeed lose his life because I sought revenge for the Chen Clan. For that, I feel deeply guilty."
"I have carried that weight day and night, unable to lay it down."
"Now, standing before you, I offer my deepest, most sincere apologies to you and to the Nanook Family."
Having spoken, she slowly bent at the waist in a sincere, solemn bow. Her posture conveyed respect for life and reflection on the past, and the gesture seemed to freeze the very air around them.
A flicker of emotion passed through Aier's eyes. He was the current Sea Spear Douluo, one of the Seven Sacred Pillars.
The Sea Spear Nanook Family's ancestor was said to have been the captain of the guards who followed the Sea God. That honor and responsibility had always flowed through their blood.
Chen Zixiu followed with a deep bow of his own, and the rest of the Chen Clan followed suit. The scene was solemn