At the center of attention stood a woman in Four Symbols Sect robes. She was beautiful, perhaps in her late thirties, with long dark hair bound in an elegant style.
Her cultivation base radiated Golden Core realm power, the spiritual pressure making weaker cultivators uncomfortable.
Her robes bore the markings of an inner sect elder, indicating significant status within the sect hierarchy.
"I am Elder Hua," the woman announced. Her voice carried authority despite its pleasant tone. "I'm investigating the incident at the ancient ruins last night. I need to question everyone currently staying in Crimson Lotus City."
She began with the merchants and travelers, asking each person about their whereabouts during the previous night. Most had been sleeping in their rooms or drinking in the common areas. None had ventured outside the city walls.
