The mood is sombre and serious when everyone gathers together in the largest hall in the palace, for what looks like the last conference held by the Wens in a long time.
All the members from the Cultivation sects are present, as well as the servants and disciples of the Wen Sect. All of those belonging to the Wen Sect are dressed in pure white mourning robes, and at first glance, one could be forgiven for wondering if this wasn't the Cloud Recesses, except that they're not wearing the Lan Sect headband.
All the red decorations have been taken down and replaced with white silk banners, white carnations and white vases on tables covered by white cloth. The lack of red, where once it was prominent and stark, like a fresh drop of blood upon pristine snow, is visibly jarring, a solid reminder of why they're here.
Wen Tang Changpu stands next to her brother's throne which is covered in a white sheet. Next to her are her husband and her children, Wen Qing and Wen Ning, all of them dressed in pure white.
They all four bow to everyone and wait for everyone to bow back. Then, Wen Tang Changpu begins speaking to them.
"It is with a heavy heart that I am the one addressing you today, instead of my brother. I'm sure you all are wondering where he is, and it falls to me to have to tell you that my dear brother encountered an unfortunate accident early this afternoon. All of you must have heard that terrible noise that came from the foundations of this palace.
"In the interests of full transparency, I must confess to you the crimes of Wen Ruohan, stressing to you that none of the Wen Sect had any idea of his doings. I know you will find that hard to believe, but I hope I can rely on those of you who are our friends to trust us." She seeks out Lan Qiren then, and bows to him when he nods.
"She must be telling the truth," voices speculate around the room.
"The Lans are forbidden to lie."
"Let's see what she says," others announce, waiting to decide.
"Wen Ruohan had found a way to harness resentment energy. I do not know how or why he thought of doing something like that, only that it took a great toll on his body and mind. He used his own blood to seek more experience, conducting such abhorrent rituals in the private and secret caves under Nightless City, one of which was accessible from his bedroom. That's where we found his body after quelling the fierce corpses that escaped from the cave earlier today. We think they must have indirectly caused the explosion to happen, due to a backlash of the resentment energy, thus highlighting how dangerous such a practice is.
"My brother slipped and fell to his death. The healers are preparing his body to be cremated later today, before the sun sets. But he wasn't alone. Wen Zhuliu was discovered next to him, and because he had drunk wine from a jar infused with yew berries, we think he, whether alone or in a collaboration with my brother, might have conspired to kill Sect Leader Yao, though that's purely speculation at this point. You may remember there were several witnesses who saw Sect Leader Yao munching on Yew berries, so really, there's no way to tell.
"So, in my brother's stead, I will endeavour to nurture the Wen Sect and take it towards another direction. This is where my brother and I differed, regarding our interests. Our mother had always valued the preservation of lives over taking them, and as such, she had brought many renowned healers and doctors together under one roof. The Dafan Wen are but a section of the Wen Sect as it is now, but we hope to open our doors to anyone who wishes to learn, or has an interest in medicine.
"To give you a rough idea of our future plans, we wish to hold public seminars that showcase medical breakthroughs. These will be open to everyone in the interests of spreading factual information over speculative treatments rooted in myths and legends. We hope to have your support as we find our way forward."
