Fang Yuan arrived quietly at the gates of the Phoenix Soul Pavilion, the heart of the Fang family estate.
From the distance, he could already hear the laughter, music, and the unmistakable clinking of wine cups.
Lanterns hung high in the sky, flickering softly in the evening light. Celebration was in full swing.
He gave a faint, knowing smile.
"Well, our family is never short of banquets, huh," he muttered, descending into the crowd with the ease of falling snow.
As soon as his feet touched the courtyard tiles, the festive chatter slowly stilled.
Heads turned and gasps followed.
"The clan head's returned!"
The entire Phoenix Soul Pavilion erupted in cheer.
And none louder than Fang Chen, his uncle, the current acting clan head.
Arms wide open, face beaming like a child reunited with his long-lost toy, he charged forward with absolutely no regard for seniority or image.
"Ah, nephew! I missed you so much!" Fang Chen bellowed, nearly tripping over his own sleeves in joy.
