Under the gaze of the crowd, a group of figures appeared. Leading them was a youth dressed in white, his hair as dark as ink, surrounded by an ethereal aura like an immortal descended into the mortal world, transcending all worldly matters.
Jiang Chen also walked slowly into the grand hall amidst everyone's gaze.
As Jiang Chen drew closer, the crowd found him even more breathtaking. His handsome face featured sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes; such an appearance was truly stunning.
"Is this our Jiang Family Emperor Son? Just as the rumors said..."
"Indeed. Look at that otherworldly aura alone—one can tell right away that our Jiang Family's Emperor Son is no ordinary person."
"You guys are too superficial. The natural-born Dao Rhyme radiating from the Emperor Son is the most terrifying part."
"Emperor Son... Jiang Chen??" Jiang Linglong, whose personality was usually somewhat carefree, now kept her beautiful eyes fixed upon the figure ahead. Many young female clan members inside the hall could not help blushing as they looked at him.
"You bunch of lovesick fools. Hey, Jiang Linglong, don't tell me you were captivated by the Emperor Son the very first time you saw him?!" Jiang Wanjie said, utterly speechless as he watched Jiang Linglong stare without blinking.
Just a moment ago, she had been claiming she had no interest in ordinary romantic trivialities between men and women, yet the moment Jiang Chen appeared, she stared straight at him.
"Hmph, Jiang Wanijie, mind your own business~ I'm simply interested in the Emperor Son's strength, that's all." Hearing this, Jiang Linglong immediately retorted, yet her gaze still did not leave the figure ahead.
"The Jiang Family Emperor Son truly lives up to his reputation." Jiang Lingintian, too, was intently staring at the figure ahead, though unlike the others, the fighting spirit in his eyes showed that he only wanted to challenge this opponent right now.
As Jiang Chen took his seat and noticed that everyone's eyes in the hall were focused on him, he could not help but flash a wry smile.
Only he knew the real reason: his current cultivation base had been entirely sucked away by that bastard System. If anyone were to challenge him right now, he could only rack his brains for an excuse to decline. The only consolation was that his lifestyle in the small courtyard over the past few years seemed to have accumulated an extremely profound Dao Rhyme for him.
Right now, judging purely by outward appearance, probably no one could fathom the true depth of Jiang Chen's cultivation.
In the eyes of the female clan members, however, Jiang Chen's wry smile looked all the more like Lord Emperor Son was smiling right at them, instantly capturing their hearts.
"Lord Emperor Son's smile is so handsome! If I could become a follower of Lord Emperor Son, it would be a blessing cultivated over eight lifetimes."
"Forget it, with your level of cultivation, do you really think Lord Emperor Son would look twice at you? I'm different; I know my own limitations. I only hope to be a bed-warming maid for Lord Emperor Son."
"Go on, with your looks, do you think you're worthy? Let me tell you, even if Lord Emperor Son wants a bed-warming maid, he'd pick a pretty one like me." A good-looking female clan member made no effort to conceal her thoughts.
"These women are truly shameless~" Jiang Linglong muttered, complaining directly as she overheard the discussion nearby.
Hearing Jiang Linglong's words, Jiang Wanjie's eye twitched involuntarily. *Big sister, do you really think you're any different? I bet you're thinking the exact same thing.*
Shortly after Jiang Chen took his seat, Jiang Taixu, acting as the interim patriarch, slowly walked into the grand hall.
The aura emanating from Jiang Taixu was heavy and profound, and his eyes were like the vast universe, making it terribly easy for anyone to lose themselves within them.
"Patriarch!"
"Patriarch!"
Endless voices rang out through the grand hall, expressing the Jiang clan members' respect for this interim patriarch.
"Very well, everyone. Today is our Jiang family's once-a-decade clan gathering. Let us drink to the prosperity and flourishing of the Jiang family. I wish the Jiang family: eternal prosperity and lasting peace." With those words, Jiang Taixu raised his wine cup toward everyone in the hall.
"We wish the Jiang family: eternal prosperity and lasting peace!" Seeing this, the crowd also raised their wine cups and shouted in unison, then drained the fine wine in their cups in one gulp.
"Come, let the banquet begin!" As Jiang Taixu's voice fell, numerous attendants carrying all sorts of delicacies slowly entered the grand hall through the doors.
In an instant, endless top-tier ingredients and divine wines flowed freely.
"Chen'er, it's been many years since we last met, hasn't it? I never expected you to have grown up so fast," Jiang Taixu said warmly to Jiang Chen, especially as Jiang Chen's facial features bore a striking resemblance to his eldest brother, leaving Jiang Taixu somewhat dazed.
"Indeed, Second Uncle, it has been many years. Ever since Chen'er came out of seclusion, I've remained within the Divine Emperor Palace and failed to pay my respects to Second Uncle. Chen'er is deeply ashamed."
"Hahaha, between the two of us uncle and nephew, there's no need for such formalities. Your mother mentioned to me before that even she finds your current strength somewhat unfathomable. Now, observing you myself, I see your Dao Rhyme is naturally formed. Every movement you make embodies the laws of heaven and earth. It seems your eldest aunt was merely being modest." Observing Jiang Chen, Jiang Taixu nodded in satisfaction.
"Second Uncle, you praise me too highly~" Jiang Chen felt somewhat guilty hearing the praise.
"Right, in a moment I'll introduce you to some of our Jiang family's young talents. You are all of a similar age, so I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about~"
"Thank you, Second Uncle."
Next, the elders from the various branch families and the main lineage attending the gathering came forward one after another to toast Jiang Chen, exchange greetings, and get acquainted—after all, this was the Jiang Family Emperor Son personally designated by the Thirteenth Ancestor.
His future ascension as the patriarch of the Jiang family was a certainty. After Jiang Chen finished exchanging pleasantries with these elders, Jiang Taixu called Jiang Wanjie and the others over.
"Come, Chen'er, let Second Uncle introduce them to you. This is Wanjie, my son. This is Lingtian, your third uncle's son. And this is Linglong, the most outstanding member of the younger generation in our Jiang family's branch lineage, and a great beauty as well! These three are currently our Jiang family's designated Divine Sons; you must interact more often in the future~" Jiang Taixu patted Jiang Chen on the shoulder.
"Greetings, Emperor Son. I am Jiang Wanjie. I have admired the Emperor Son for a long time, and today I finally get to witness your imposing demeanor." Jiang Wanjie spoke first to show goodwill.
"Hello, I am Jiang Chen~" Jiang Chen smiled and nodded at Jiang Wanjie in acknowledgment.
"Jiang Family, Jiang Lingtian!!" Jiang Lingtian stared intently at Jiang Chen and said indifferently.
"Emperor Son, please don't mind him. Lingtian is simply of that temperament. He has always been taciturn; even with us, he rarely speaks." Seemingly afraid that Jiang Chen would misunderstand, Jiang Wanjie quickly followed up with an explanation.
"It's fine, it's fine." Jiang Chen smiled, waved his hand, and looked at Jiang Lingtian opposite him with his icy expression. Jiang Chen understood that what Jiang Wanjie had said was entirely true.