The Main Hall of the Sanatan Flame Sect stood quiet beneath the morning sky.
Soft mountain winds drifted through the open archways surrounding the enormous chamber, causing the orange-and-gold banners hanging between the jade pillars to sway gently. Spirit lamps continued burning along the walls despite the daylight outside, casting a warm glow across the polished white jade floor and the silver throne positioned at the highest point of the hall.
The sect's elders had already gathered.
Elder Wu stood near the front with several jade slips hidden within his sleeves. Beside him, Elder Jian Fan remained as expressionless as ever, arms folded across his chest while his sharp gaze swept across the hall. Elder Hua and Elder Wan stood nearby, the latter already looking mildly concerned despite nothing having happened yet.
