The Patriarch's residence stood at the heart of the Li Family Clan, its jade-pillared halls rising above the surrounding estates like a silent throne. Xiao Fang arrived as dusk settled, lanterns igniting one by one along the walkways.
Servants bowed as he passed.
But the moment he reached the grand doors of the Patriarch Hall, the guards stepped forward to bar his path.
"Young man," one of them called out, frowning. "Are you lost?"
"Hey—can you hear us?"
Xiao Fang ignored them and continued up the steps.
Another guard's voice hardened. "If you take another step, you'll have to excuse us for being rude."
Xiao Fang walked on, his pace unhurried.
The guards exchanged glances, then shrugged. One of them descended the steps to stop him. He reached out, but then collapsed.
The guard passed Xiao Fang without resistance, his body crumpling and rolling down the steps behind him.
"What?" someone muttered.
