The council chamber felt heavier than usual as the eight elders took their seats. Elder Míngzhì's chair remained empty, a reminder of the betrayal that had brought them together for this emergency session.
Húwáng entered the formal ceremony as he took his position at the head of the circular chamber. Princess Ruxi followed, taking her designated seat as heir, while Húxiān settled into the guest position reserved for divine advisors.
Grim sat in the section allocated for concerned parties, though his presence carried more weight than his official status suggested.
"This council convenes to determine the fate of Elder Míngzhì," Húwáng announced. "The charges are clear: providing forbidden knowledge to an enemy of the realm, enabling dangerous ritual magic, and betraying his oath as keeper of restricted texts."
