“The honored elder of the Academy graces us with your presence, bringing great honor to my The Benson Family. Mr. Benson failed to welcome you from afar—my apologies, my apologies! Please, Elder, take the seat of honor and allow me to offer you a humble drink in respect.”

John Benson’s humble demeanor did not seem the least bit out of place in the eyes of those present.

In front of an elder from the Yin-Yang Academy, even the ruler of Qingluo Kingdom would have to show deference. For the mere Head of the Benson Family to curry favor was only natural.

But why would an elder of the Academy, with such a prestigious status, lower himself to visit the The Benson Family? Was he really here to congratulate Henry Benson? This was the question lingering in everyone’s mind.

“No need for wine.” The Academy elder waved his hand. “I am here on official business. Head of the Benson Family, I must congratulate your The Benson Family.”

Chapter 0011: The Academy Elder

Congratulate the The Benson Family?

All the guests were shocked. Did something good happen to the The Benson Family again? Or was it simply congratulations for Henry Benson entering the Yin-Yang Academy?

If it was just Henry Benson entering the Academy, that hardly seemed enough for the Academy to send someone in person to congratulate them. Even if the Academy wanted to be polite, sending an ordinary steward would already be an immense honor.

How high is the status of an Academy elder? Was it really necessary to come in person?

Since when did the The Benson Family have such face?

Hearing the word “congratulations,” John Benson also felt a bit relieved. Deep down, he was still uneasy about the switcheroo they had pulled.

Although the matter had been smoothed over with the Academy’s upper echelons and received their tacit approval,

If the whole thing was seriously investigated, the The Benson Family would still be in the wrong.

So when he saw the Academy elder arrive in person, despite his pride, he couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty.

“My son being favored by the Academy is the greatest honor for my The Benson Family. Elder, for you to come in person to congratulate us—how could my The Benson Family possibly deserve such a thing? Hahaha.”

Overjoyed, John Benson still put on a show of humility.

“Come in person to congratulate you? Head of the Benson Family, I’m afraid you misunderstand. My main purpose today is to deliver an invitation and the Yin-Yang Medallion.” The Academy elder was not as enthusiastic as John Benson, his tone indifferent.

The Yin-Yang Medallion is the identification for every student of the Academy. Every admitted student receives one.

But Henry Benson’s name had already been published, and he had already received his medallion.

So why did the Academy elder say he was here to deliver the invitation and medallion?

Was there some mistake?

John Benson cautiously and quietly said, “Elder, my son Henry Benson already received his Yin-Yang Medallion a few days ago.”

The young attendant beside the Academy elder rolled his eyes. “Henry Benson? Just an impostor. What right does he have for my elder to deliver the medallion in person?”

These words struck like thunder.

Everyone present wore strange expressions. Especially John Benson and Henry Benson—their faces were a mix of emotions, as if they had swallowed something foul.

The Academy elder scolded, “You’re just a child, don’t speak out of turn!”

Though he seemed to be reprimanding the attendant, he was actually acknowledging what the boy had said.

Even if Henry Benson burned incense for ten lifetimes, he would never be worthy of the elder personally delivering the medallion.

Sweeping his gaze across the room, the Academy elder asked in a loud voice, “May I ask, which one is Edward Benson?”

Edward Benson?

Everyone present doubted their own ears. How could it possibly be Edward Benson?

But the Academy elder, a true master, had already fixed his gaze on Edward Benson. The stern face that rarely smiled now softened, showing a kind and gentle smile.

“By order of the Academy, I have come to deliver an invitation and a Yin-Yang Medallion to you, young friend. The Academy is already aware of the whole story. Please, do not lose heart, and do not harbor any resentment toward the Academy. Otherwise, I will have failed in my duty.”

The elder’s tone was as warm as could be. In a few steps, he walked up to Edward Benson and almost forced the medallion into his hand.

Edward Benson was not the type to be difficult. Seeing the Academy’s high-ranking elder act so courteously, he naturally did not respond with coldness.

“Elder, you are so courteous that I am quite confused.”

The Academy elder gripped Edward Benson’s hands tightly. “The Yin-Yang Academy spans the world, gathering talents from everywhere. A fine uncut gem like you is exactly what the Academy needs.”

With his hands held by the elder, Edward Benson felt a bit surprised. He noticed that the elder’s right hand, hidden in his sleeve, felt dry and stiff, lacking the flexibility of living flesh.

But he had no time to dwell on that now. What puzzled him more was why the elder was being so polite to him.

He could tell from John Benson and the others’ reactions just how high the elder’s status was.

Someone so exalted had no reason to treat a young man like him with such courtesy.

Touching his nose self-mockingly, Edward Benson said, “Elder flatters me. I am unworthy of being called a fine uncut gem. In fact, just before you arrived, I was treated as worthless rubble and expelled by the The Benson Family.”

“What? Is that true?” The Academy elder was genuinely startled, casting a strange look at John Benson, who immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

“It’s absolutely true.” Edward Benson smiled.