The handful of Merak Elders in the room all had a barely perceptible flicker of joy on their faces.
The Grand Elder spoke, her face a mask of sorrow. "Oh, my poor, ill-fated sister!"
The rest of the Elders also put on mournful expressions, looking utterly heartbroken.
Just then, a voice announced from outside, "Young Master Ark of the Tianquan Sect has come to pay his respects to the Elders of Merak!"
"Show him in at once!" The trace of grief on the Grand Elder's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a warm, benevolent smile.
But to Qiushuiduan and Phoenix, that smile was an absolute eyesore.
'How ironic!' Qiushuiduan felt a growing urge to leap to his feet. He desperately wanted to slam his hand on the table and storm out.
'I hope Master makes a full recovery this time,' Phoenix silently vowed.
Just then, a tall, debonair young man walked in, followed by two middle-aged men in martial attire.
