Inside a secluded courtyard within the Meng Family residence, a middle-aged man sat in his study, carefully examining a jade slip.
He wore luxurious robes and carried himself with the air of someone with authority.
Several servants stood outside the door, while a faint spiritual barrier surrounded the room, preventing anyone from eavesdropping on his conversation.
Everything appeared peaceful.
Until a sudden knock broke the silence.
"Enter."
A young man hurried inside and immediately knelt before him.
"Elder, we have a problem!"
The middle-aged man frowned as he looked at his trusted subordinate.
He knew the young man well enough to recognize that something must have gone terribly wrong for him to appear so panicked.
"What is it? Speak clearly."
"The auction… the attack last night… has failed!"
The young man's voice trembled.
"And the Righteous Sword has declared the Meng Family innocent!"
