As soon as Shen Lian finished speaking, the suffocating darkness in the room abruptly receded like a tide.
The flames on the candlesticks sprang back to life, quietly casting a dim yellow glow over the chaos.
Only, a faint scent had mingled with the air, as if old spices had been mixed into it.
A person sat upright on the only undamaged grand chair in the hall, though no one could say when he had appeared.
His entire body was shrouded in a wide, floor-length black robe. A black veil without a single decoration covered his face, leaving only his eyes exposed.
Now, he stared fixedly at Shen Lian, who stood with his head bowed, bringing a wordless pressure to bear.
"You used the 'Secret Dark Pigeon' to send the highest-level distress signal and summon me here in person."
The voice from behind the veil was hoarse and flat.
"Shen Lian, you'd better have something... truly valuable to report.
"Otherwise, the sect's rules are strict. As a Walker, you should know the price of needlessly disturbing a Dharma Protector."
Shen Lian maintained his respectful bow, lowering his head even further.
His voice was laced with venom and fear that had yet to fully subside.
"Your subordinate wouldn't dare make false claims!
"Reporting to you, Dharma Protector: something terrible has happened!
"In Duck Dung Alley... the Spirit Monster our sect secretly cultivated and supported, along with his pack of monsters, was wiped out by the East Street Patrol Bureau last night!
"That Hidden Force 'Master Dog' was even beheaded on the spot!
"I heard that after dawn, his head will be hung at the archway at the entrance to East Fourth Street, as a warning to others!"
"What?"
The Dharma Protector sitting upright suddenly stiffened. Although his expression was hidden beneath