In the tranquil confines of the Scripture Pavilion, Elder Mei Zhiyuan sat cross-legged in deep meditation, his consciousness drifting through realms of spiritual energy. The abrupt sound of shattering crystal violently yanked him back to reality. His eyes opened slowly, their depths reflecting confusion as he lifted his gaze toward the wall.
Life lamps hung there—crystalline vessels containing flickering flames that represented the living essence of key sect members. Each lamp maintained a mystical connection to its corresponding cultivator, extinguishing only when that person's life force ceased.
One lamp had shattered, its fragments scattered across the floor below.
"Who has fallen?" he wondered dispassionately, scanning the wall. Then his eyes locked onto the specific location, and disbelief washed over his weathered features.
"H-how is this possible!" he exclaimed, his composed demeanor cracking. "How could Gu Hanming die?"
