A few breaths later, Huangfu Jinhuan stepped forward with a beaming smile. "You must be Wang Shouzhe, Clan Leader of the Ping'an Wang Clan? Just as the rumors say, you are an outstanding talent of this age."
Wang Shouzhe likewise cupped his hands with a smile piled across his face. "Shouzhe greets Senior Huangfu. You flatter me, truly flatter me. Shouzhe is still young and has many opportunities to learn from a senior like you."
The two clan leaders clasped each other's hands, smiling as they exchanged compliments, looking like old friends who regretted not meeting sooner.
The other families also stepped forward one after another to exchange pleasantries with Huangfu Jinhuan. Everyone wore smiling faces, and the atmosphere was exceedingly harmonious.
Before long, the Clan Leader of the Celestial Lei Clan also arrived at the venue, naturally prompting another round of warm greetings.
The two Celestial Aristocratic Clans shared the same city and had no marriage alliance between them. If anyone claimed their relationship was truly so harmonious, naturally no one would believe it.
Yet that was how Profound Martial Aristocratic Clans were. So long as they had not torn off all pretense, they would preserve superficial courtesy on formal occasions.
Thus, two Seventh-Rank Celestial Aristocratic Clans and eight Eighth-Rank Aristocratic Clans had gathered in one hall. Such an occasion was rare even in the entire history of Changning Guard.
After waiting briefly.
Another palace general outside called out, "Lord Citadel Governor has arrived."
As soon as the words fell, all the clan leaders stopped talking and turned solemn, respectful gazes toward the main entrance.
Outside the vermilion-lacquered gates, a middle-aged man in black armor crossed the threshold, surrounded by several deputy generals, and strode toward them.
He had the typical face of a military commander, upright features, several