The bronze bell atop the central administrative tower rang out three times, summoning the upper outer disciples into the paved courtyard before the inner gate. Hundreds of young men and women wearing clean blue and gray tunics pushed forward through the stone arches, their eyes fixed on the towering wooden notice board erected beside the proctor station. Proctors stood shoulder to shoulder around the heavy oak board, holding long iron stamps and jars of red wax to finalize the official decrees for the upcoming tournament season.
Senior Proctor Lin raised a heavy iron scroll above his head, waiting for the murmurs of the crowd to subside before addressing the assembled disciples. He wore the formal slate robes of the upper administration, his voice carrying clearly across the stone flagsto
