9 Meeting The Family - 3.2

After standing in front of the gates for heaven knows how long, Fan Hui Zhong finally sighed as he stared back at his daughter who was staring at him with an accusing look ever since she read the name plate.

"Father will explain everything to you later."

With that, Fan Hui Zhong strode over to the elaborately detailed gates and gave three loud sharp knocks before lightly stepping back.

Not even a minute passed before the gate slowly swung open and an old man with white hair and a short white beard wearing simple yet elegant robes stepped out.

Studying the two of them, the old man smiled serenely at them before his gaze stayed on Fan Hui Zhong's cloaked form looking inquisitive.

"How may this old servant be of assistance?"

His warm yet raspy voice asked calmly. The old man's demeanor looking seemingly gentle and at ease and yet Fan Zhu Xia couldn't help but feel the need to be on guard against him despite his seemingly frail and peaceful appearance.

"Will you tell the current head of the family that Lei Wangye is here."

Hearing the voice from under the hood of the cloak, the old man's eyes widened for a small fraction and a spark of recognition flashed in his eyes which now twinkled in excitement.

The old man visibly had to reign in his excitement and compose himself before he was finally able give them a nod of assent.

"Right away my lord! Please follow me first."

With another smile, the old man allowed them to enter first before closing the gates and then quickly led them inside and into an elegantly decorated hall that was located near the front of the residence.

The hall was located in a large spacious building that was comparatively near to the entrance and was partially surrounded by multiple flowers, an elegant rock garden which had several fake but exquisite human-sized mountains and a small collection of several plum and cherry blossom trees; lending the pathway to the building to have a serene and tasteful atmosphere.

The building itself was a large, two floor pagoda with an elegant archway that was flanked by two pillars made out of white jade with life-like golden dragons wrapping around each one, looking especially majestic and awe-inspiring.

When they drew nearer to the pagoda earlier, Fan Zhu Xia glanced around curiously and found everything she saw to be quite beautiful yet with a simplicity that exuded class.

Even by nearing the pagoda, she noticed that every material used to construct the pagoda was of the highest quality!

From the flawless white jade pillars, dragons made out of pure gold, to the wood that was used to construct the very pagoda was the Onyx Blood Darkwood; one of the rarest and most expensive wood there is. The Onyx Blood Darkwood is actually very hard to harvest and also attracts spirit energy and is also extremely strong and durable, as if it's actual stone instead of wood and is very rare since it can only be found and harvested at the innermost part of Spirit Forest which is inhabbited by dangerous spirit beast and untold dangers.

Just appreciating the quality and worksmanship of the pagoda was already enough to see the show of status and power of this family but when Fan Zhu Xia saw the large hall they were told to wait in, she couldn't help but praise it.

All that she has seen so far has looked absolutely exquisite without looking gauy and austentatious!

Growing even more curious the more that she looked around, Fan Zhu Xua couldn't help but ask, "Father, this building is?"

Overhearing the way that Fan Zhu Xia addressed Fan Hui Zhong, the old man's heart couldn't help but skip a beat and fill as if he's bursting with excitement.

He can't wait to inform the family head that Lei Wangye has a daughter!

"This is Na Huan Pavillion, the main area used by the family when receiving guests, throwing banquets and the like. Guests can only come up to here unless given permission by a member of the family." Fan Hui Zhong said in response, patiently explaining to Fan Zhu Xia the building's purpose, completely oblivious to the old man's reaction to their conversation.

Upon reaching the hall, the old man made sure that they were situated comfortably and had called several servants to serve them some snacks and refreshments before hastily excusing himself to go and inform the family head of their arrival.

Hurrying out of Na Huan Pavillion, the old man practically sprinted all the way to the main courtyard of Lei Palace where the study of the family head was located.

Despite his speed and the distance he ran, the old man didn't even look out of breath!

Instead, he looked full of life and vigor! With his twinkling eyes full of excitement and that joyful smile, the old man looked like an adorably endearing grandpa.

Stopping just outside of the study, the old man quickly rearranged his clothes and took a deep calming breath before promptly knocking on the door and asking for permission to enter.

A deep voice swiftly responded and ordered him to enter to which the old man quickly complied before quietly shutting the door behind him.

Giving a bow full of respect to the man sitted behind a desk filled with papers, the old man spoke in a respectful voice, "This old servant greets Clan Head!"

"Please, no need for formalities Uncle Guo... You are practically part of the family!"

Smiling warmly at the old man, the current head of the family; Fan Hui Liang remembered how the old servant in front of him; Min Guo Ji used to be the right-hand man and close confidant of his father; Fan Song Xue when he was leading the army of the Thunder Vale Country all those many years ago.

Min Guo Ji had always followed his father and also treated him and his older brother, Hui Zhong affectionately. He even retired from his post in the army to come and serve in their family as the head housekeeper to look after them when Fan Song Xue got injured and fell into a coma.

Even after all these years, Min Guo Ji's unwavering care and loyalty never changed and it left a deep impression on the whole Fan Family that it wasn't only Fan Hui Liang who thought of Min Guo Ji as family but also everyone else.

"Master is too kind to this servant." straightening up from his bow, the old man replied with a small smile.

"Tell me, what made Uncle Guo rush over?" Fan Hui Liang asked curiously. It was very rare for Min Guo Ji to be this excited. The last time Hui Liang saw Min Guo Ji look so happy was when his youngest son, Fan Xian Liang was born.

Beaming, the old man, Min Guo Ji excitedly replied, "We have guests my lord!"

"Guests?"

"Yes Master... It's Lei Wangye... ... and his daughter!"