The mountain winds swept quietly across the Sanatan Flame Sect while evening shadows slowly stretched across the ruined training grounds.
The celebration from earlier had faded.
No more cheering.
No more laughter.
Only silence remained beneath the orange banners fluttering against the darkening sky.
King Tian Long stood near the shattered remains of the Heaven Measuring Monument with both hands folded behind his back. His silver eyes remained fixed upon the distant horizon beyond the mountains.
And for the first time since arriving at the sect—
He truly looked like a king carrying the weight of war.
Shaurya stood across from him calmly while the elders gathered nearby.
Even Wang Tian and Luo Chen had stopped talking now.
Because everyone could feel it.
The atmosphere had changed completely.
King Tian Long finally spoke.
"You asked about Liu Tong."
The mountain wind brushed softly through his silver robes.
Then his voice lowered slightly.
