The escorts spoke again, introducing Elyon as the official mercenary and the leader of the group, before naming each of the others.
Lin Mu, Daoist Chu, Meng Bai, and Cattaleya stepped forward in turn, cupping their fists in the traditional greeting of respect they had noticed in the clan. Their demeanor was calm and dignified.
Seeing this, the elders relaxed slightly. They had been expecting arrogance or carelessness from such powerful outsiders, but the visitors' respectful behavior eased some of their tension.
The Patriarch rose slowly from his coral throne, his old joints creaking softly but his posture still proud. "Welcome, honored guests," he said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the authority of age and experience. "I am Shanhu Haiyang, Patriarch of the Shanhu Coral Clan. These beside me are the four elders who oversee our affairs."
