The Ties That Bind

One

The grand hall was buzzing with excitement as leaders from various sects gathered for the esteemed Unity Convention. The air was filled with the scent of incense and the soft hum of conversation. Representatives and students from the esteemed Drakenclaw, Infernox, Meadowlawk, and Stormbringer sects mingled, exchanging pleasantries and nods of respect.
As the welcome ceremony went on, each sect leader was introduced with a lot of fanfare. The crowd applauded as the dignitaries took their seats, dressed in their finery and with symbols of their orders on display.
However, when the emcee announced the arrival of the Kraelian Sect, the crowd fell silent. The Kraelian Sect is a relatively new sect that has risen to prominence in just a decade. People were whispering among themselves, wondering how they had become so successful so quickly.
"Where is their leader?" someone asked quietly.
"I've heard that the Kraelians are arrogant and don't follow other people's rules." Another person chimed in.
"And their sect leader is also very mysterious. No one knows what he looks like."
Elder Li of the Drakenclaw sect raised an eyebrow and scanned the room. "The Kraelian leader, whoever it is, is known for being cunning. This must be a calculated move."
"They must have decided not to come," the Elder Magus of the Stormbringer sect said firmly.
When the welcoming ceremony wrapped up, the convention's host, Master Zoolander, took the stage. His wispy beard swayed as he spoke.
"Greetings to everyone here present. The Unity Convention is more than just a gathering of sects. It's a celebration of our shared pursuit: mastery of the ancient arts. This year, we're introducing the Blood Lotus Competition, a test of skill and strategy."
There was a collective intake of breath as a magnificent blood lotus emblem descended from the ceiling, radiating an otherworldly aura. This was only a prototype, though, and the real one was still missing.
"The competing sects will take part in two trials: Martial Prowess and locating the lotus. The winning sect will claim part of the Blood Lotus, which will give them unparalleled influence and recognition."
The room was filled with excitement and speculation.
Elder Li leaned over to Master Kaiser of the Infernox sect and said, "It would have been great to see Kraelian take part."
Master Kaiser gave a thoughtful nod. "It's not likely. They keep their true strength hidden, and we don't know what they're truly capable of. It's also good that they aren't attending."
"Who said we Kraelians won't be there?"
A loud rumble shook the ground. The crowd turned toward the entrance, where a procession of majestic beasts emerged from the shadows. The Kraelians had arrived, though late.
Their mounts, huge Kraelian creatures with scales that shone like polished obsidian, walked into the temple. Riders dressed in dark, flowing clothes sat on these magnificent animals, their faces hidden behind intricate masks. The crowd murmured, curious about the Kraelians' mysterious presence.
Krys, the Kraelian's representative, led the procession at the front. She got off her horse with ease and had striking features and piercing emerald eyes.
"Pardon our lateness," Krys said. Her voice was confident and melodious. "Our leader sends her regrets for not being here in person."
The news spread like wildfire:
"Arrogant Kraelians, thinking they can just waltz in late."
"Where is their leader? Is she afraid to show her face?"
"Masked figures? What are they trying to hide?"
Elder Li raised an eyebrow. "The Kraelians are pretty secretive. What are they hiding?"
Master Kaiser nodded in agreement. "Not showing up and wearing masks isn't going to win them any friends here."
Krys stood her ground, looking around the room. "We're not going to be distracted by idle chatter. Our focus is on the competition."
As Krys took her place with the other sect leaders, the atmosphere became noticeably tense. The Kraelian's enigmatic nature had sparked a mix of curiosity and hostility.
Master Zoolander's voice boomed through the temple, "With the Kraelian's arrival, the Blood Lotus Competition is officially underway! Let's get started with the Martial Prowess trial!"
The crowd went wild as the competition was about to commence.