Just as the crowd was murmuring with a mix of thoughts and speculations, a side door to the banquet hall opened, followed by the sound of steady footsteps.
The hall instantly fell silent as all eyes turned to the entrance.
Mansion Master of Yunlin Prefecture, Bian Zhengze, strode into the room.
He was a man of about fifty with a refined, scholarly face. Dressed in a brocade robe, he wore a gentle smile as his gaze swept over the crowd, and he gave a slight nod.
However, the crowd's attention was quickly drawn to the man beside him.
The man was clad in black martial attire, with a standard-issue long saber hanging from his waist. His posture was as straight as a pine, a stark contrast to the typical Jianghu aura of the many sect disciples present.
'The Commander of the Jingwu Guard, Zhao Lin!'
Chen Qing's gaze sharpened as he immediately recognized the man.
