The sun had only just climbed over Celestial Brook's outer walls when Tom Walker arrived at the Carr compound.
The estate, once bustling with swaggering disciples and proud laughter, was now an echo of itself. Its gates hung half-open, one broken on its hinges, and the courtyard smelled of blood that had already gone cold. Crows perched on rooftops, silent and watchful, as if guarding a battlefield no one dared to claim.
Tom Walker stepped inside, his robes sweeping the dust as his eyes swept over the scene. The walls bore scorches, and the ground had cracks where qi had exploded in fury. And yet, no voices, no living presence. Only silence.
Moments later, one of his guards approached, his face pale. He bowed deeply before speaking.
"Elder Tom, the report is clear. Every member of the Carr clan is dead. Not a single survivor was found."
Tom's jaw tightened. His voice came low and heavy.
"And the treasury?"
