The Heaven Sword Sect had changed.
Not in name.
But in spirit.
What was once restrained discipline had rotted into open disorder.
Sword halls that once echoed with controlled sparring were now filled with raised voices and cruel laughter.
Patrols existed only in name. Rules were enforced selectively—if at all.
Those aligned with the former Anti-Sect Leader faction walked openly, arrogantly.
They no longer feared consequences.
After all, there was no one left to punish them.
In one of the outer courtyards, a small crowd had gathered.
Not to cultivate.
Not to train.
But to watch.
At the center, a female disciple was forced to her knees, her sword knocked aside, robes torn at the shoulder.
Dust clung to her palms as she struggled to rise—only to be kicked back down.
"Did you hear her?" one disciple sneered. "She actually asked why her senior brother was detained."
Another laughed loudly.
