"Sir."
A steward approached quietly. "Sir," he reported in a low voice, "Brother Zhong Yu has come to visit. He is waiting in the reception hall."
Lu Chenming's brow twitched, and he nodded. "Please have Brother Zhong wait a moment. I'll be right there."
He turned to Lu Yan in the courtyard and instructed, "Yan, continue your cultivation on your own. Don't slack off."
"Yes, Father," Lu Yan replied respectfully, lowering his fist.
Lu Chenming straightened his robes, then turned and walked towards the reception hall.
Inside the reception hall, Zhong Yu was already seated. Steam curled up from the Spirit Tea a maid had served him.
He wasn't wearing his True Disciple robes today, just a simple set of dark, everyday clothes.
"Brother Zhong, what an honor. Forgive me for not coming out to meet you," Lu Chenming said with a smile as he entered, clasping his hands in greeting.
Zhong Yu stood to return the gesture. The two exchanged a few pleasantries before sitting down.
