Solitary Reflection Pavilion's cold bit like glass. Lin Tian sat motionless, not cultivating, but plotting. Xueya's bond pulsed—three days until the confrontation. Suddenly, the iron door groaned open. Three Discipline Hall disciples stood in the gray morning light, their faces set in masks of stern duty, silhouetting against the dawn. They had come for him.
Lin Tian rose to his feet, his movements calm. This is too early for a summons.
The lead disciple, a man with a severe brow and thin lips, stepped inside. "Lin Tian. You are to come with us immediately."
"On whose authority?" Lin Tian asked, his voice level.
"The authority of the Discipline Hall," the disciple said, as if explaining something to a child. "A grave matter has come to light. You are accused of theft from the Restricted Archives."
Theft? Lin Tian's mind raced. Mu Chen. He's moving. He kept his expression neutral. "I have not left this pavilion since Elder Shen placed me here."
