In the Lotus Pavilion at Venerable Qingyun's Dojo.
Venerable Gu Yu and Venerable Qingyun were playing chess. They played very slowly, sometimes taking a long while to place a single stone.
"Are you ready to make your move, senior brother?"
Qingyun held a stone, asking seemingly casually before placing it on the board.
Gu Yu smiled and picked up a stone as well, though his gaze remained on the board. "You won't stop me this time, will you, junior sister?"
"Are you so certain he won't clear the trial, senior brother?" Venerable Qingyun asked with a smile.
Gu Yu placed his stone and looked up at Venerable Qingyun. "Do you think he still has a chance of clearing it, junior sister?"
"What if he does?"
Qingyun spoke calmly.
"There is no 'what if'!" Gu Yu remained composed, brimming with confidence as he looked at Qingyun. "The reality is that the people from Qingyan Peak, Taichu Peak, and Yun Que Peak have all withdrawn! I imagine you won't interfere either, junior sister!"
"What if I do?"
Qingyun spoke calmly.
Venerable Gu Yu's brows suddenly drew together. He stared intently at Qingyun, and the atmosphere grew heavy for a moment.
"Master, we're back!"
Only Chi Yu and Nangong Aoyun's return broke the oppressive atmosphere.
"Our respects, Venerable Gu!"
The two bowed to Gu Yu.
Gu Yu let the sternness fade from his eyes and looked at them with a faint smile. "Not bad. After a trip to the Redrock Battlefield, both of your auras have grown much steadier. It seems you made some progress on the battlefield!"
"Thank you for your praise, Venerable. We did indeed gain something!"
The two hurriedly bowed. Proud as Nangong Aoyun was, she dared not act presumptuously before a Venerable and observed every courtesy.
"You've returned at