Acceptance

Zou Fang stumbled slightly as he was led deeper into the sect grounds, his steps heavy with both caution and exhaustion.

The path they walked on was made of smooth, polished stone, though cracks and dried bloodstains hinted at the chaos that had recently unfolded.

Lanterns hung from curved wooden beams, their soft, flickering light casting eerie shadows against the grand structures of the Autumn Dragon Sect.

Towering pagodas stretched into the sky, adorned with intricate carvings of coiling dragons, their eyes glinting in the moonlight like they were alive and watching.

Smoke from incense burners drifted lazily in the night air, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood and herbs.

As they approached a vast open courtyard, Zou Fang's gaze swept over the scene before him.

Dozens of in-name disciples were gathered here, some sitting against pillars, others lying on cloth mats hastily laid out by sect attendants.