The five elders left the damaged chamber one after another, walking through the long stone corridor in silence. None of them spoke. The confrontation with Lie Lang still lingered in their minds, and even after leaving the chamber, the heavy atmosphere refused to fade.
When they stepped outside, a cool breeze swept through the palace grounds, stirring the leaves of the ancient trees that lined the stone paths.
"Ruo Shuo."
A calm voice called her.
She turned around and looked at the elder with the silver rune engraved on his forehead. "Grandfather."
The other four elders exchanged quiet glances before continuing on their way. They understood there were some conversations best left between family.
The old man looked at his granddaughter for a long moment before saying, "Walk with me."
Ruo Shuo nodded and quietly fell into step beside him.
