The two standing closest were Liu Yongzhou, an outstanding member of the Liu Clan, and Zhao Dingtian, an outstanding member of the Zhao Clan.
He was suddenly seized by panic and involuntarily staggered back two steps. Yet the moment he made that move, shame and indignation surged up, turning his face red.
The Liu siblings had also come out behind Wang Shouzhe. Fearing that Wang Shouzhe might suffer a loss, they had intended to come support him, only to witness this scene.
"Brother Shouzhe really is extraordinary," Liu Ruolei murmured softly.
After blanking out for a moment, Liu Yuanrui revealed a helpless, bitter smile. Brother Shouzhe, Brother Shouzhe... you truly surpassed my expectations again and again.
The Clan Leaders of the Liu-Zhao Clans, who had originally worn expressions as warm as a spring breeze and as high-spirited as the wind, froze on the spot.
The mighty, surging morale the two clans had built up was utterly shattered by a single sentence from him.
Several breaths passed.
Only then did Liu Shengye recover from his shock. He shot a fierce glare at the disgraceful Liu Yongzhou before speaking to Wang Shouzhe in a mocking, sarcastic tone. "Nephew Shouzhe, ever since we parted at Dingpu Ferry, you have become more and more imposing. Even when this uncle of yours comes to visit, you do not take me seriously. Your Ping'an Wang Clan has a long heritage, yet you do not understand even the slightest bit of etiquette?"
Since their momentum had been broken, Liu Shengye, who was skilled with words, was already preparing to win back some ground.
Wang Shouzhe looked left, then right, before finally fixing Liu Shengye with a puzzled gaze. "Oh, isn't this the Liu Clan Leader? My apologies, my apologies. I, Wang Shouzhe, am a fine, upright man—I