More than forty inner disciples stood assembled in the hall. Their robes marked them as disciples of black, white, and red rank; not a single purple-robed disciple stood among them. A solemn air hung over the gathering, and every face was set with grim purpose. Among them, Su Zhenghao recognized several familiar faces: Su Feiyu, a girl named Xu, another named Hao, apprentice-brother Jianxiong, and more.
In front of them sat two rows of a dozen
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