Falling Blossom Villa.
The quiet, expansive main pavilion of the villa was bathed in the warm, ambient glow of flickering spirit lamps.
Outside, the delicate pink petals of the surrounding spirit blossom trees drifted gently on the evening breeze, but inside the hall, the atmosphere was dense, focused, and humming with tactical intent.
Seated at the head of the long, polished mahogany conference table sat Shen Haoran, his posture relaxed yet commanding as he leaned back in a carved wooden chair.
Arranged around the broad table was his core retinue and elite inner circle: Xu Xiansu, Qian Yunxi—her cheeks still carrying a faint, delicate flush, though her posture was crisp and sharp—along with Huo Yue, Zhu Ziyan, Ning Xueli, Ling Luochen, Luo Mingye, and Xia Mengyao.
Flanking the sides of the hall stood all Ten Crowns in full, immaculate martial uniform: Shen Tao, Shen Fei, Shen Xinye, Shen Jian, Shen Ji, Shen Hei, Shen Cai, Shen Xun'er, Shen Bai, and Shen Ying.
