At the inner border of the capital city in the Azure Flame Kingdom,
Morning light streamed through the great hall of the Exorcism Sect, casting long shadows across the ancient inscriptions on the walls.
The scent of incense lingered in the crisp air, mixing with the quiet rustle of robes.
Six elders sat in a half-circle, their expressions calm yet firm.
Outside, five hundred disciples stood in the courtyard, their ceremonial robes fluttering in the breeze with their faces obscured by the hoodie-like robes, a symbolic uniform of exorcists.
Heads bowed, hands clasped, they awaited the departure in silent reverence.
A tall elder, his beard streaked with gray, exhaled slowly. "It is time. The sect must remain secure in our absence."
"The possibility of a trap exists," an older woman added, her sharp eyes narrowing. "We do not know the royal family's true intent."
