106 Lady Xueyan

Wuyi, dressed in luxurious black robes, acted as a proper noble. Nobles seldom carried their weapons or armor themselves until they were engaged in battle.

It was a grand display when they arrived inside the fort, and Wuyi noticed many faces peering from every window and doorway around the courtyard.

A tall female elder, dressed in a slate-grey robe similar to that of the deceased elder, reached for Wuyi's horse's reins. Another female elder gestured for him to follow. Neither spoke.

Wuyi was pleased to see Jia dismount gracefully despite the rain and take Haruki's reins without physically shoving the female elder aside.

He nodded at the female elder of the Lotus Blossom Pavilion and followed her across the courtyard toward an intricately designed door adorned with ornate ironwork and elaborate wooden panels.