Discussions

Three days later, travelling at a pace dictated largely by Mei Rong's considerable speed, they reached the familiar main gates of the Bai Clan estate.

Awaiting them was an impressive reception. Bai Feng already stood at the gate, his expression serious but welcoming. Lined up respectfully behind him were the other seven elders of the Bai Clan, including Elder Wan from the Repository. It was clear Elder Jian had already notified them via some swift means of what had happened and who was arriving.

When Bai Yu's group arrived, the assembled Bai Clan elders immediately felt the immense presence radiating from the visitor beside Elder Jian. They could sense the strong aura of Mei Rong. Even without knowing his identity beforehand, his power was undeniable. He was, without doubt, a Late-Stage Martial Grandmaster, a level palpably higher than their own Patriarch, while Bai Feng himself was currently at the Mid-Stage Martial Grandmaster Realm. This subtle difference hung in the air, adding weight to the impending discussions.

Despite the power difference, Bai Feng led the reception with dignity. "Greetings, Snow Moon Sect Leader," Bai Feng and the Elders said in unison, their voices resonating with formal respect as they performed a unified bow.

Mei Rong nodded sharply in acknowledgement, then his stern expression broke into a broad smile as he gestured towards Bai Yu and Elder Jian. "Haha! Patriarch Bai, Elders, don't mind the formalities! Your son, Bai Yu, and your esteemed 5th Elder, Bai Jian, saved my precious daughter's life, after all. Gratitude outweighs ceremony today."

The tension eased slightly with his words. Bai Feng guided the guests inside the clan compound and towards the main Meeting Hall.

Inside, the hall was prepared. Around twenty key figures of the Bai Clan were already present – not just the Patriarch and the eight elders, but also branch heads and other important figures, the elite of the Bai Clan, all possessing Martial Master cultivation at minimum. It was a clear display of the Bai Clan's strength and the seriousness with which they viewed this visit. Mei Rong and Bai Feng took the central seats at the head of the hall, signifying their respective positions as leaders.

As the high-level discussions were about to begin, Bai Yu knew his presence wasn't required for the initial strategic talks between the leaders. Besides, he had a pressing need. His Mortal Grade saber had been snapped in two by the berserk Shen Mo in their previous fight. Quietly excusing himself, Bai Yu turned to go to the Repository for a new saber.

Seeing him about to leave, Mei Ling, who felt somewhat out of place amongst the stern-faced elders and unfamiliar Bai Clan elites, quickly stood up. "Father, may I?" she asked Mei Rong quietly, gesturing towards Bai Yu. Mei Rong, seeing no harm and perhaps wanting his daughter to foster a connection with her rescuer, nodded his assent. To Bai Yu's slight surprise, Mei Ling accompanied him as he headed towards the Repository, leaving the powerful figures in the Meeting Hall to begin their crucial negotiations.