At noon, sunlight streamed through the hall's latticed windows as Li Shen gestured for Mei Ling to summon Elder Tian Wei. The old master entered with measured steps. The weight of recent losses marked his weathered face.
"Elder Tian." Li Shen poured tea with practiced grace. "What does the White Crane Sect have in plan?"
Tian Wei took his offer for tea. He looked deep in thought before taking a sip. "Safety is our priority. The remnants need shelter more than anything. After that, time to rebuild." His eyes met Li Shen's. "With only three leaders left - you, Mei Ling, and myself - we lack the strength to stand alone."
Li Shen took this opportunity to express something that had been on his mind sometime. A memory from his past life, conversations overheard in shadowed corridors whispered tales of the Crane Sage's greatest regret.
