Cause and Effect (1)

On the day of the Heavenly Mystery Assembly, the sky was still steeped in ink-black darkness. The clouds hung low, and even the light of the morning star could barely penetrate them. Only the dim halos cast by the two ever-burning lamps at the mountain gate barely illuminated the figures moving through the square.

The elders and disciples responsible for the arrangements stepped through the morning dew, their shoe tips dampened by the cold moisture condensed on the bluestone slabs, spreading across the square for their final inspections.

At a grand gathering like the Heavenly Mystery Assembly, with so many participants, all manner of people would inevitably be mixed together. If an accident occurred, or if outsiders caught even a glimpse of disorder, it would be a disgrace to the sect.

For that very reason, the sect had long since assigned numerous disciples to stand guard around the square and maintain order. Some stood along both sides of the passageways, while others guarded the offering tables, ready to handle sudden situations at the first moment and swiftly quell any mishaps.

"When the time comes, hold your positions and do not wander about!" the elder leading them barked. His voice was not loud, yet it was enough for every disciple to hear clearly.

That day, everyone had changed into formal attire—ordinarily, the Profound Heaven Sect imposed no strict requirements on its disciples' clothing. If they had spare money, they could visit the market and select robes embroidered with spiritual patterns, dressing as they pleased. The sect never interfered.

But for an occasion as solemn as the Heavenly Mystery Assembly, the rules became strict. Whether inner-sect or outer-sect disciples, all had to wear the standard disciple uniform. Not the slightest mistake was permitted.

The knotted buttons at their collars were fastened tightly