Divine Ice Sect gift.

In the quiet warmth of his private courtyard, Fang Yuan sat beneath the open rafters of the moonlit eaves, the last remnants of the banquet echoing faintly through the manor's distant halls.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness.

"Uncle," Fang Yuan said with a faint smile, rising politely. "Thank you for coming."

Fang Chen, tall and solemn in his long dark robes, gave a brief nod in return. "Family Head."

But there was no chill to the title. Only respect and a trace of familial warmth.

They took their seats across from each other at the stone table in the courtyard, moonlight glinting off its polished surface.

Fang Yuan turned to the servant girl nearby. "Felicia, prepare tea for us."

Felicia bowed and disappeared soundlessly into the inner halls.

And then the stillness returned.

Fang Yuan leaned forward slightly, hands clasped, voice quiet.