The Main Hall of Azure No. 4 Courtyard was quiet, elegantly understated, and spotless.
Yang Jing led Si Jiawen and Xiao Nu inside and lit the candle stand beside the table.
A warm yellow flame sprang to life. Its dancing light shimmered, instantly dispelling the darkness of night within the room and illuminating the entire Main Hall.
A square wooden table stood in the center, with wooden chairs neatly arranged on its four sides. Shifting candlelight played across the three composed faces, lending the room a warm, solemn atmosphere and banishing the chilly solitude of the late-night courtyard.
The two had come to discuss business tonight, not indulge in leisurely conversation, so Yang Jing did not boil water for tea or prolong the pleasantries.
The three sat down, taking three sides of the table.
The candle flame danced softly, its light drifting across the tabletop. Yang Jing spoke first, calmly looking at the two opposite him and getting straight to the point. "Senior Brother Xiao, Senior Sister Si, I imagine you've come so late tonight because of Pingtian Academy?"
At his words, Xiao Nu's eyes suddenly shone. He could not conceal the excitement and fervor in them, and even his aura stirred slightly. He nodded emphatically, his voice filled with emotion and conviction. "Exactly! For me, Junior Sister Jiawen, and you alike, this is a tremendous opportunity that might not come once in a lifetime!"
Thinking of the recent shifts among the sect's young prodigies, Xiao Nu's thoughts churned, a jumble of conflicting emotions.
Once, he had held first place on the Profound Truth Ranking for years, firmly surpassing every disciple of his generation in the Profound Truth Sect. He had been universally acknowledged as the sect's foremost young disciple. His talent, foundation, and combat strength had all set the