A Spar Before Departure

Han Ze, Han Liang, and Han Jing had only just come up with tactful words to decline you when the situation before the hall shifted several times.

Seeing that you and the socially inept Xue Qing were about to come to blows, the three of them stepped forward to mediate, regardless of whether this was merely a spar. After all, both of you were the Snow Spirit Race's hope for the future. Barring any mishap, the next Snow Emperor would be chosen from the two of you.

If the hatred between you ran too deep now, or if either of you was injured in this spar, it would clearly do no good for Han Ze, Han Liang, and Han Jing, whose interests were bound to those of the Snow Spirit Race. Thus, all three of them tried to persuade you in earnest.

But Xue Qing's poor social skills were plain for all to see. Even toward Han Ze, whom she considered a friend, she felt not the slightest warmth.

Although Han Ze and the other two were restraining themselves as they mediated, they unconsciously spoke in your favor. Their meaning was clear: Xue Qing had gone too far and should take back her earlier unreasonable words.

In truth, Xue Qing's words had indeed spared no one's feelings. She had been far too blunt and harsh. Yet she herself did not see it that way. Now that the three were subtly taking sides, the Xue Qing being persuaded only grew angrier, and she insisted on accepting your request for a spar.

As for you, that was precisely what you wanted. You had no intention of taking back your challenge. The reason you had invited the four of them to Maple King Palace was to travel together into the inner region of