Gang Xing stepped between his sister and father, adopting his familiar drunken swagger. Sand crunched beneath his feet as he spread his arms wide, his merchant's robes billowing dramatically.
"Father, surely you'd like to see how our dear sister has led the sect? The trade routes have expanded, the treasury overflows, and our warriors grow stronger each day." Gang Xing's voice carried its usual jovial tone, though his eyes remained sharp and watchful.
Lord Jiao didn't even glance at his illegitimate son. His gaze stayed fixed on Lady Jiao as he spoke, his words cutting through Gang Xing's attempt at levity.
"I want nothing." Sand continued falling from Lord Jiao's robes as he stood perfectly still. "My return... I have no memory of how it happened. But this storm..." He gestured toward the howling winds outside. "This is no natural phenomenon. Someone plots against the Golden Blade Sect."
Lady Jiao's grip tightened on her weapon as her father continued.
