The last traces of sunset lingered above the mountains surrounding the Sanatan Flame Sect as the evening sky slowly deepened into shades of violet and gold.
The courtyard before the Main Hall was illuminated by rows of spirit lanterns, their warm glow stretching across the polished stone pathways. A cool breeze drifted through the mountain peaks, causing the orange sect banners to flutter softly overhead.
Although night had already fallen across the Sanatan Flame Sect, the plaza before the Main Hall remained unusually lively.
Spirit lanterns cast warm golden light across the stone courtyard while disciples gathered beneath the fluttering sect banners, their voices blending into a low murmur that drifted through the mountain air. No announcement had summoned them here, nor had any elder ordered their presence. News simply traveled quickly within the sect, and by now almost everyone knew that a special mission was about to begin.
