Chapter 24: Rite of Challenge.
Just as the air grew thick with tension—
A fresh commotion erupted at the courtyard gates.
"Elder Guo!" a voice rang out, breathless and panicked. "We caught this girl sneaking into the Spirit Pond!"
A group of Fang Family guards rushed forward, dragging a limp figure between them.
Her robes were wet, her face pale, her hair clinging to her cheeks.
It was Fang Mei.
Elder Chen surged to his feet, his chair scraping harshly behind him.
That was his daughter, adopted or not, his blood or not, he had raised her with love, protected her like blood, and cherished her as his own.
His fury surged like a wave breaking loose.
"Fang Guo!" he roared, voice shaking the courtyard, thick with rage and raw emotion.
But Fang Guo paid him no mind.