The clan hall settled into a quiet stillness as the elders took their seats.
Present were Fang Mei, Fang Chen, Fang Jingyi, Fang Sun, Fang Ra, Fang Joshua, Fang Long, Fang Yang, Fang Bo, and Fang Ruì.
Two seats remained empty.
Fang Tian was away on a long-term exploration, and Fang Yin, stationed in Tushar Village, couldn't make it on such short notice.
When Fang Yuan stepped forward, the low murmurs faded quickly. Eyes shifted to him, some curious, some cautious.
Fang Sun and Fang Ra, in particular, looked weary, the long nights leaving their marks beneath their eyes.
Yet, everyone turned to the young Clan Head, the weight of their hopes resting on his shoulders.
Fang Yuan gave a warm, easy smile that reached his eyes, gentle but confident, the kind of smile that made you trust him without question.
