The midnight moon hung high over the Holy Sky Sect, casting long, silver shadows across the sprawling courtyards. The Outer Court, usually bustling with the chaotic energy of thousands of disciples, was dead silent. Following Mo Yuan's effortless and terrifying victory in the Martial Arena, an unspoken rule had settled over the initiates: stay out of the gray-cloaked wanderer's way.
Mo Yuan stood in the deep shadow of an ancient weeping willow, entirely cloaked in the dark. Beside him, Hu Linger crouched, her violet eyes scanning the heavily guarded perimeter of the sect's Grand Pavilion of Knowledge—the main library.
"The patrols have doubled since your display this afternoon, Your Majesty," Linger whispered, her voice barely a breath against the cool night air. "Three squads of inner c
