An icy voice transmission exploded in Yun Jinglei's utterly unguarded Sea of Consciousness, startling him into a stumble that nearly sent him tumbling off the corridor railing.
"Please get lost-no, please come to Perching Phoenix Hall. Your elder brother has something important to tell you. Immediately!"
Yun Jinglei gave an inexplicable shudder. That voice... Eldest Brother?! Why was it so cold? And why was there murderous intent in it?!
A short while later.
A side door of Perching Phoenix Hall silently opened a crack. An invisible suction pulled the cautiously peeking Yun Jinglei inside, "inviting" him in.
Before he could get a proper look around the hall, he saw Yun Qing seated behind a side desk, his aura as still and deep as water.
Bathed in the clear radiance of luminous pearls, Yun Qing tossed a distinctive token into his arms without even looking up.
"Convey the Young Lord's command." His voice was quiet, yet carried a pressure that made the heart tremble. He seemed an entirely different person from the gentle, composed elder brother of ordinary days, bearing instead a hint of Yun Huang's usual lofty, imperious air.
"All of the Twelve Young Masters who are in good health and have not formally entered seclusion are to report to Perching Phoenix Hall immediately for instructions. Anyone who delays or fails to appear..."
Yun Qing paused, his lips curling into an arc that sent a chill down Yun Jinglei's spine.
"...will bear the consequences."
Yun Jinglei caught the faintly imposing Young Lord Token. Looking at Yun Qing's handsome face, shrouded in a layer of dark gloom, then glancing at the towering mountain of documents and cracked teacup beside him, he swallowed hard.
"Eldest Brother! I'll go right away!" Yun Jinglei dared not ask any questions. Clutching the Young Lord Token,