Han Yu worked alongside the others.
Examining.
Assessing.
And subtly…
Altering.
A small piece of fabric was 'discovered' within the joint of a damaged puppet. Its texture, its weave, its coloration…
Matched the style used by the Wen Clan.
Elsewhere, traces of Qi were identified, faint but detectable. Han Yu ensured they aligned with the signature patterns associated with the Zhao Clan.
And finally…
A puppet core.
Partially intact.
Its design…
Reminiscent of Qing Clan craftsmanship.
Nothing blatant.
Nothing obvious.
But enough.
Enough to raise doubt.
Enough to shift suspicion.
When these findings were presented…
The reaction was immediate.
Explosive.
The Elder Council descended into chaos once more, but this time, the focus was external.
Accusations flew.
Voices rose.
The clan elders were summoned.
Confronted.
Defensive responses followed.
Denials.
Counter-accusations.
Tension escalated rapidly.
The fragile balance between the sect and the clans…
