When the announcement ended, everyone stopped what they were doing.
Footsteps came from outside the hall.
Unhurried and perfectly composed.
Yang Zhen stepped through the doors first. This favorite of the Third Prince led the way with his head slightly lowered, walking a little faster than usual. Whether he had just gone to tip the prince off was anyone's guess.
Only then did the man himself appear, with four gold-armored guards behind him.
He wore a black brocade robe patterned in dark gold and a jade crown, his features bearing that royal air of ease without any loss of authority.
It was none other than the Third Prince, Ye Jing.
Only then did everyone in the hall react, bowing in greeting. The atmosphere, which had been bristling with drawn swords, eased considerably.
Ye Jing first swept his gaze around the hall, past the shattered jade table and the two great demons poised to attack, before finally settling on Si Chen's hand pressed against Hui Chen's head.
"You have all come from afar, and you are all honored guests."
His voice was clear, carrying a pleasant warmth. "Why spoil the harmony over a few words?"
He looked toward Hui Chen first. "Master Hui Chen, Buddhism speaks of a place of purity. Discussing Zen at a banquet is an elegant pursuit, but if anger stirs in your heart, you lose sight of your true nature. Wouldn't you agree?"
Hui Chen's mouth moved. He wanted to speak, but that hand was still pressing against the back of his head, its force suppressing him so thoroughly that he could not make a sound.
Ye Jing did not mind. His gaze turned to Si Chen, and a perfectly measured smile appeared on his face.
"Fellow Daoist Si Chen, would you release him first?"
"As a