As the two spoke, they had already reached the open plaza outside the Sword Trial Platform. Morning light had fully spread, illuminating the bluestone ground and the towering outlines of the distant arenas. Disciples from every sect and spectators arrived one after another, their shifting silhouettes, hushed conversations, and footsteps merging into a rising clamor.
From afar, they saw Lu Qingzhuo striding quickly toward them. A trace of anxiety showed on the youth's face as his gaze locked directly onto Jing Cangyi. "Senior Brother, where did you go so early in the morning?"
Jing Cangyi remained perfectly composed. "I woke early, so I went down the mountain for a casual walk and looked at the Profound Heaven Sect's morning scenery."
"Don't run around," Lu Qingzhuo said, shooting him a disapproving glance. "The match is about to begin. At least calm your mind, regulate your breath, and steady yourself."
As he spoke, his gaze swept quickly over Shen Yuxi, who stood quietly nearby. He gave him a slight, courteous nod before continuing to urge Jing Cangyi, "Hurry up, Senior Brother."
Jing Cangyi smiled at Shen Yuxi in farewell, then turned with Lu Qingzhuo and headed toward the gathering place of the Undying Flame disciples.
Lu Qingzhuo seemed to still be murmuring something. Jing Cangyi tilted his ear to listen and nodded occasionally. Before long, the two figures merged into the increasingly dense crowd, one steady and composed, the other light and nimble.
Shen Yuxi watched that retreating figure, his thoughts like a pond wrinkled by the wind, faint ripples spreading across its surface.
I'll probably like Senior Brother Jing for the rest of my life.
"How are your preparations, Junior Brother?"
Just as he was lost in thought, Chu Shihan's voice sounded behind him. It was half a shade lower than