The following morning, sunlight bathed the newly reconstructed headquarters of the Golden Cauldron Merchant Union.
The grand structure stood taller and more imposing than before, its dark timber and gold work fully restored, with only the defensive array formations left to be reactivated.
At the highest point of the primary tower, inside the spacious Union Leader's office overlooking the entirety of Crimson Iron City, four figures were gathered.
Shen Yu leaned back in the central head seat, his posture relaxed yet radiating absolute authority.
To his right sat Bai Ruolan, dressed in her newly tailored indigo robes embroidered with gold threading.
To his left sat Cao Shuying, elegant in jade silk, and beside Shuying sat her daughter, Cao Wanru, looking demure yet sharp.
The air in the room was thick with a subtle, electric tension.
Ruolan and Shuying exchanged occasional sharp glances, like two prideful cats marking their territory.
