The sudden, devastating news struck like a clap of thunder, instantly shattering the festive atmosphere that had just filled the Gao Family's main hall.
The seated elders all turned deathly pale. The composed smiles from moments before froze on their faces, twisting into expressions of terror and horror.
The most seasoned and steady of them, the Gao Family's Fourth Great-Uncle, shot to his feet. His Black Wood Walking Stick slammed heavily onto the floor, making a dull thud.
For the first time, a look of disbelief flickered in his world-weary eyes. His cloudy pupils constricted slightly, as if unable to accept the sudden news.
Gao Yuanhe froze in the doorway. The triumphant smile from moments ago was still on his lips, but his face was instantly drained of all color. He stood motionless, as if struck by an Immobilization Spell.
"What did you say?"
