The summons went out before dawn.
From the jade towers of the White Jade Sect to the crimson spires of Scarlet Sun, from frost-bound Frostpeak to the wind-carved cliffs of Azure Wing — every major sect sent their envoys to the central pavilion of the Eight Sect Alliance.
They came cloaked in silk and steel, their eyes sharp and their smiles sharper.
On the raised dais, Elder Ming of the Azure Wing Sect unrolled a scroll.
Elder Ming: "Three witnesses. One anomaly. The second moon appeared above Scarlet Sun territory and vanished within the span of half an incense stick. The Heaven's Vein shows signs of awakening."
Murmurs rose, thinly veiled panic beneath the measured tones.
A Frostpeak elder leaned forward, his voice cold.
Frostpeak Elder: "The Vein has not chosen a vessel in centuries. We cannot allow its power to fall into… unworthy hands."
The White Jade Sect's representative, Elder Yu, spoke with careful weight.
Elder Yu: "We have identified the one at the moon's center. A young omega cultivator — Ruo Han — formerly a disciple of the White Jade Sect."
That name dropped like a pebble into deep water. Ripples of interest. Calculation. Thinly masked hunger.
The Scarlet Sun envoy's lips curled.
Scarlet Sun Envoy: "If the Vein has marked him, he must be brought under proper protection. For the stability of the realm, of course."
From his place at the back of the hall, Lan Xiyue's jaw tightened. He had no official seat here — only Feng Lian did — but the idea of these vultures circling Ruo Han made his qi coil dangerously.
Feng Lian, lounging as if bored, flicked a glance at him and smirked — a silent message: If you want to keep him, you'd better be ready to play the game.
And above it all, in the highest seat, the Alliance Master raised a hand for silence.
Alliance Master: "The Heaven's Vein is no mere prize to be claimed. But neither can we ignore the danger it poses if uncontrolled."
He looked out over the gathered lords, his eyes like a blade.
Alliance Master: "Bring Ruo Han to the Alliance within seven days. Or the sects will take him by force."