Based on the family's rules, Mrs. Jenkins detailed the plans for the family competition during the meeting.

The elders were cautious about proceeding. They were hesitant to take sides and eyed each other carefully. Finally, their gazes settled on a man's face. The man took the first seat on the left side and had a long peppered beard.

It was clear that the man held considerable influence in the board of elders.

“Canaan, is there something you wanted to say?" Mrs. Jenkins asked. She held the smile on her face as her gaze settled on the man.

“Yes, madam,” Canaan answered.

He was one of the grand elders of the Jenkins family.

Even though he was third most senior among all elders, he actually wielded the most power and was second only to the matriarch within the Jenkins family.

Canaan rose slowly and cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention.

“We've decided to hold the family competition regularly to inspire and motivate the next generation to improve their skills in the cultivation of ancient martial arts," Canaan stated.

“The matriarch's decision to donate generous resources as a prize to the winners is bold and honorable," he added.

Mrs. Jenkins was an avid supporter of the family competition. Canaan made sure to express his admiration to show his respect.

Mrs. Jenkins was satisfied with how he addressed her. The longer he spoke, the wider her grin became.

“However, I can't help but feel concerned." Canaan suddenly changed his tone.

Mrs. Jenkins’ brows wrinkled upon hearing that.

Noticing that, Canaan stopped speaking at once. For a moment, the pressure as the spokesman for the board of elders overtook him.

Canaan sighed dramatically to himself. He clenched his hands underneath the table to harden his resolve.

After a pause, he said, “The competition has never been opened to the public. Only the young members of the Jenkins family are qualified to enter the event. I was surprised to hear an unfamiliar name make it to this year's list. I wonder why the matriarch decided on adding an outsider to the List," Canaan said.

Once he finished speaking, everyone present turned to look at Mrs. Jenkins with questions in their eyes.

On the wall behind her, the projector displayed an image detailing the competition's rules, the criteria, and the List of contestants. Barbara was first on the list.

She was the top-seeded player.

Her name on the screen seemed to unsettle everyone in the room. The elders fell into a sullen silence.

Maria was last on the list, which made her forgettable. One could assume that Mrs. Jenkins didn't place her on the List until the Last minute.

“Does everyone agree with what Canaan pointed out?" Mrs. Jenkins questioned in a commanding voice.

The smile on her face evaporated, and her eyes went stone cold.