Purple represented both nobility and the prestige of the Three Origins Sect. Only its core members were permitted to wear it.
The three sets of robes differed in design-Li Xiao's cuffs were embroidered with clouds, Han Shu's with mountains, and Ye Qian's with water, each corresponding to the legacy of one of the Three Peaks.
Beside each set of robes lay a Token and a Candidate Saint Son's insignia.
The Tokens were dark green throughout, with the Three Origins Sect's emblem engraved on the back and a single character on the front.
Li Xiao's Token bore the character "Xiao," Han Shu's "steadfast," and Ye Qian's "gentle."
The insignia was a smooth jade pendant. With it, they could mobilize some of the Three Origins Sect's forces across the Three Prefectures.
The three accepted their respective robes and dressed neatly with the disciples' assistance.
The purple robes fit well and lent them a solemn dignity, making all three look even more distinguished.
Li Xiao lowered his head to examine the exquisite cloud patterns on his cuffs, then weighed the heavy Token in his hand. An indescribable sense of security welled up within him.
After straightening their robes, the three stood shoulder to shoulder in the center of the great hall.
The elders around them clasped their hands in salute in unison, their voices steady and perfectly aligned. "Our respects to the three Candidate Saint Sons. May all your endeavors go smoothly, and may our Three Origins Sect flourish ever more."
Their voices echoed through the hall, carrying the solemn dignity of a tradition passed down for generations.
Li Xiao and the other two returned the salute with grave expressions.
The Sect Master watched and nodded slightly, then briefly recounted what he had discussed with the various factions yesterday regarding Emperor Zhou's sacrifice