Just as the tense atmosphere reached a stalemate, a faintly mocking voice rang out coolly:
"I have long heard that Commander Chen of North City is young and impetuous, with a wild and untamed nature. I had assumed it was just baseless rumor, but seeing you today, I know the talk was true. It has certainly been an eye-opener."
Shen Yuan was overjoyed. He whipped his head around and, sure enough, saw the Huang Family Patriarch, Huang Dongchun, approaching slowly, flanked by a host of his clansmen.
"Patriarch!"
He quickly bowed, but as he was about to report on the situation, Huang Dongchun stopped him with a raised hand.
He had already been briefed on the situation while on his way; no further explanation was necessary.
"I, too, have heard that the Huang Family has an expert in the art of poison among its Tributors."
