With the decision made that Zou Jiayi would now rule over the Jing Clan, the commotion in the Great Hall had settled down.
Jiǔwěihú reverted to a smaller size so that he could be comfortably accommodated on his master's shoulder.
Jingxun Zhenyi was escorted away to rest and clear his thoughts. Although the tension between him and his uncles had been somewhat cleared, he still needed time alone to process that everything he worked towards was because of his cowardice.
His uncles understood that it would take him a while to be himself again. It was best if he was supported when necessary but otherwise left alone to sort through his dilemmas.
"You spoke of darkness coming," Elder Jing Tao stated, stroking his beard as he addressed Zou Jiayi. "What do you speak of? Why did Grandmaster Jing Lingzhen not accompany you?"
