Coldwind City, Fang Clan Estate:
The phoenix soul pavilion was alive with warmth and laughter.
Survivors gathered shoulder to shoulder, the air filled with the clamor of voices, the smell of food, and the steady rhythm of drums echoing in the courtyard.
Those who had fought and returned alive were embraced as heroes.
Mothers clutched their children close, tears shining in their eyes as they whispered blessings, while the little ones tugged on sleeves, asking questions too big for their years.
The whole estate pulsed with relief, the heavy shadow of battle momentarily lifted.
And then, Lin Zhaoyue walked in.
Her presence alone drew every eye. The noise softened, then steadied into respectful silence as the people stood and bowed.
"Matriarch Fang!" they greeted, voices tinged with reverence.
A few who had only recently arrived blinked in confusion, whispering to their neighbors, "Matriarch Fang, who are they?"
