C14 The Succession Ceremony

Today, Shen Xuan donned a grey robe cinched with a black belt at the waist. His hair was casually tied at the back of his head. His handsome features were accented by a trace of nonchalance in his expression, giving him an air of effortless grace that belied his mere sixteen years.

He pushed Shen Xiaomei's wheelchair, advancing steadily.

"He's here!"

A voice rang out from the crowd.

Eyes filled with a mix of anticipation, schadenfreude, and the thrill of impending drama turned toward Shen Xuan. Some were aware that the Han family intended to stir up trouble today, and that Shen Xuan was bound to be embroiled in it.

"Brother, do you feel confident about today?"

Shen Xiaomei's voice carried a note of concern from her wheelchair.

She had witnessed the fight between Han Feng and Shen Xuan, where Shen Xuan had clearly been at a disadvantage. If Han Feng were to challenge him again, the outcome was far from certain.

"Silly girl, have I ever deceived you? Just sit back and enjoy the show. And remember, take your medicine on time. How's your leg feeling?"

"Hmm, my legs have improved a lot these past couple of days. The medicine is truly working. At this rate, I think I'll be able to walk in ten days."

Mentioning her legs seemed to lift Shen Xiaomei's spirits. Indeed, Shen Xuan had never once lied to her.

They continued their conversation as they approached the martial arts field.

"You've arrived. Please, take a seat," Shen Lang said with a nod to Shen Xuan.

"Yes, Grand Elder," Shen Xuan replied, guiding Shen Xiaomei to their reserved seats.

The Shen family had assembled in force, with over seven hundred members present, excluding those tending to the family's enterprises. They had all come to witness this pivotal moment.

The Shen family's elders and deacons were all at least Martial Generals, with six at the peak of their rank, including Shen Wentao. The Second and Third Elders had nearly reached the Martial Grandmaster level. Should they achieve that status, the Shen and Han families' power and prestige would be nearly indistinguishable.

The Shen family's standing as one of the top three powers in Emergence City was no accident—it was a testament to their formidable strength.

"Let's begin!"

Shen Lang surveyed the assembly before addressing the Fourth Elder, who presided over the event. Shen Wentao sat quietly to the side, his eyes closed, seemingly having anticipated all that was to unfold.

The Fourth Elder acknowledged Shen Lang with a respectful nod and rose to his feet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the position of Shen family patriarch has been vacant for three years. Today, we gather for the succession ceremony. Now..."

"Wait."

An untimely voice interrupted from outside.

At the sound, the Shen family members turned their collective gaze toward the entrance. A procession of over thirty people entered through the Shen family gates.

Leading the group was none other than Young Master Jian of the Sword Sect.

Clad in a white and gold feathered robe, with a feather fan in hand, he moved with an effortless grace that made his attire seem to dance around him. Han Feng followed at his side, the source of the earlier interruption.

Unexpectedly, Sima Wan'er stood on Young Master Jian's other side, her attire as striking as the day before, her presence commanding yet overshadowed by his elegance.

A few Han family elders trailed behind, with the notable absence of Han Dao.

Young Master Jian's guards encircled the Shen family's entrance, forming two neat rows and leaving a clear path for passage, presenting an imposing formation.

The Shen family was already grappling with the troublesome Han Feng, and now, with Young Master Jian's arrival, confusion and astonishment rippled through the crowd. Clearly, Young Master Jian was a recognized figure.

From the elders' seats, Shen Lang's gaze narrowed as he observed Young Master Jian. His face remained stoic, yet his heart was awash with shock, a sentiment echoed by the other elders, each displaying varying degrees of reaction.

"Allow me to introduce to you all, from the Sword Sect, Young Master Jian Wuchen," Han Feng announced to the assembly of over seven hundred Shen family members. His voice, soft as it was, reached every ear present.

The mere mention of the Sword Sect was enough to rattle their deepest defenses.

"The legendary top three sects!"

"I've heard of Jian Wuchen. He clinched first place in the last Sword Sect's triennial competition and is the Sect Master's direct disciple. He's rumored to be the next Sect Master."

The Shen family murmured among themselves, unable to hide their astonishment. It was hardly surprising, given Jian Wuchen's status as a youthful icon within the Greencloud Empire.

At just sixteen, he had achieved the realm of Martial Grandmaster, his talent alone outshining everyone present.

"Young Master Jian wishes to observe your succession ceremony. Surely, there are no objections?" Han Feng said, his voice laced with contempt as he surveyed the crowd.

Intent on reclaiming his dignity after his embarrassing exit three days prior, today he sought to restore his honor and settle the score with Han Dao.

"The presence of Young Master Jian graces our Shen family with honor. Please, take a seat," the Fourth Elder quickly interjected, aware that the Sword Sect was not to be trifled with.

"Please, continue. I'm merely here to observe," Jian Wuchen chimed in with a light chuckle, fanning himself as he made his way over.

Jian Wuchen took his place in the VIP section, with Han Feng and Sima Wan'er seated nearby.

Some of the Shen family's elders had indeed noticed Sima Wan'er, but Jian Wuchen's overwhelming fame had cast her presence to the sidelines.

"Now, I declare the Patriarch's succession ceremony officially underway," the Fourth Elder proclaimed once calm had been restored.

"The Shen family upholds strength above all. To be Patriarch, one must exemplify this virtue. Now, I invite the Young Patriarch to take the stage."

Following the Fourth Elder's cue, Shen Xiaomei turned to Shen Xuan beside her and encouraged, "Brother, give it your all."

"Of course, Xiaomei. Just watch," Shen Xuan replied, giving her a reassuring smile before stepping onto the martial platform.

If there was anything left in the Shen family that Shen Xuan held dear, it was his sister, Shen Xiaomei. Perhaps it was her helplessness, confined to a wheelchair, that stirred his affection. Or maybe it was because Shen Xuan had never truly experienced familial warmth and care. Regardless, his love for his sister was profound.

Shen Xiaomei reciprocated that sentiment. Since Shen Xuan's return from seclusion, she had placed unwavering trust in him, believing wholeheartedly in his promises.

Adorned in a gray robe, Shen Xuan ascended the platform with graceful steps. His slender frame might have suggested fragility, but the crowd knew better, especially after the events that had transpired in the council hall three days prior, which shrouded Shen Xuan in an aura of mystery.

"This young man is certainly extraordinary," Jian Wuchen observed from his seat, nodding in approval as Shen Xuan took the stage.

"Young Master Jian, he's all show and no substance. Today, I'll show him what it means to be a real man."

Han Feng murmured to Jian Wuchen.

"You? Haha, well, we'll see about that!"

Jian Wuchen glanced at Han Feng and chuckled.

Feeling the doubt in Jian Wuchen's laughter, a muscle in Han Feng's cheek twitched. He balled his fists. He was determined to prove his worth through his actions.

Sima Wan'er stood off to the side, her face devoid of emotion. She wouldn't have bothered attending this tedious match if not for Jian Wuchen's invitation.

"The clan members may now challenge the Young Patriarch."

The voice of the Fourth Elder resonated.

"I will."

No sooner had the Fourth Elder's words faded than Shen Tao, from his place among the Shen family, bellowed and leaped onto the stage.