The Dong Clan's ancestral compound sprawled across dozens of li, mountains and rivers woven into its foundation. Tiled-roofed pavilions gleamed faintly beneath layers of protective formations, while jade bridges arched over lakes where rare spirit fish glimmered like living jewels. Ordinarily, the place exuded tranquil majesty. Today, however, that serenity was drowned beneath a tense undercurrent.
The main ceremonial hall blazed with light. Crimson silk banners fluttered from carved beams, and auspicious incense rose in curling streams, only to mingle with faint fluctuations of spiritual power. A wedding ought to be a festive occasion, yet the air within the hall felt heavy—far heavier than celebration alone could explain.
"I didn't think so many people would attend." Dong Tianzi stood at the threshold, his eyes widening as he scanned the crowd.
