The first rays of dawn spilled across the sky as the Beggars' Sect gathered in silence, the light casting a golden glow over the courtyard.
In that quiet stillness, 1,500 members... men and women, young and old... stood assembled, their packs ready, their faces filled with a mix of weariness and steely resolve.
Some bore fresh scars from the recent assault; others carried years of experience in their stoic expressions.
The full strength of the Beggars' Sect was there, from trained assassins and skilled swordsmen to spearmen and those who had mastered ancient fist techniques.
At the forefront stood the elders, alongside Sect Leader Bu Zheng and his two children, Bu Fan and Bu Qing, their presence steadying the sect members as they waited in silence.
Today was different from any journey they had ever undertaken... today they would leave behind not only their home but a part of themselves.