"An imposter?" Fang Yuan chuckled, the sound low and edged with mockery.
He descended slowly, as if the sky itself bent to his will.
When his boots touched the courtyard stone, the weight of his presence crashed down like a collapsing mountain.
Those who had not knelt were driven to their knees instantly, their bones creaking under the invisible pressure.
With each step Fang Yuan took forward, the oppressive force deepened, pushing them lower, grinding pride and defiance alike into the dust.
Even the air quivered around him, thick with killing intent and divine authority, as though heaven itself acknowledged his claim.
Fang Yuan's steps were unhurried, each one ringing in the ears of those forced to kneel.
At last, he stopped before the elder who had dared to scoff.
Without a word, he lifted his boot and pressed it against the man's bowed head.
The elder stiffened, trembling, but Fang Yuan's leg bore down with implacable weight, grinding him into the stone.
