The Han Clan, which was bustling with warmth and activity moments ago, suddenly fell into complete silence. The markets were empty and deserted; all that remained were flowing winds, swaying curtains, and falling leaves in the desolate atmosphere. The entire Han Clan had become isolated. Even the inns were empty.

  Through the deserted market of the Han Clan, where only the sound of swaying wooden lanterns and talismans could be heard, someone was approaching. Dressed in black robes and black boots, the figure, Lao Xuan, advanced step by step with a composed gait. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he held a stick, with which he was idly playing. Despite the desolate path and the frightening atmosphere, a smile played on the man's face. He continued walking peacefully. Suddenly, he came across some corpses lying on the path, the site of a massacre. The bodies lay lifeless. Seeing them, the man's eyes seemed to smile even wider; he kept walking with his smirk. Walking on, the man arrived at the High Assembly Hall.

  A Moment Before...

  Han Wuang Shi and Han Zao Shi stood facing each other. Sweat streamed down Han Zao Shi's forehead. His hands were trembling, his eyes glued to Han Wuang Shi. Suddenly, Wuang Shi prepared for a lightning-fast strike but halted instantly. The stone embedded in Su Hu Hun glowed sharply. Its initial brilliance drew Wuang Shi's attention. Wuang Shi stopped right there. His eyes filled and suddenly grew calm, as if they had found peace. He looked towards the main doorway and froze. It was as if time itself had stopped for him, because a young man, whose hair was tied with the Chong He Ribbon, was advancing towards him. Han Zao Shi also looked at the figure.

  Gu Zong, blazing with fury, drew his sword and launched a precise strike at Han Zao Shi. Wuang Shi was stunned. He simply stood there, watching in astonishment.

  Gu Zong roared in a loud, thundering voice: "Wuang. Find Senior Brother Han Lao Fang."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Han Wuang Shi, himself shocked and restless, continued to stare solely at Gu Zong. And Han Zao Shi was completely confused as to why this person called Han Wuang Shi "Wuang."

  A battle immediately erupted between Han Zao Shi and Gu Zong; their swords clashed fiercely. Every strike from Gu Zong's sword created a wave of raw energy.

  Yet, Wuang Shi remained frozen in his spot. Gu Zong spoke again, this time with a touch of annoyance: "Wuang. Go. Find him."

  But then, just once, he looked at Wuang Shi with intimate, loving eyes. His deeply private gaze seemed to tell him not to go, but to come closer. It was as if Gu Zong was looking at Wuang Shi with the eyes of his soul. And this soul energy, this profound, intimate feeling, was instantly recognized by Wuang Shi's spirit. Without any words, without any explanation, their eyes shared the profound feeling in that single moment. Then, Han Wuang Shi sheathed his sword, gripping it tightly, and left the hall, heading towards the deserted market.

  Gu Zong delivered another powerful sword strike. His sword violently clashed with Zao Shi's, grinding against it and throwing sparks. Han Zao Shi backed away, panting, sweat pouring from his forehead. He spoke in a strained voice:

  "Who are you?"

  But Gu Zong did not deem it necessary to answer him. He simply stood silent. Han Zao Shi was thinking: "Who is this person? His swordsmanship is so powerful. I have never seen such techniques before. His eyes show he is no ordinary person. But how does this stranger know Senior Brother?"

  And Gu Zong too was observing him, thinking:

  "He doesn't look like a Clan Head who rose by his own effort. He barely knows how to hold a sword. Then how ? Something is definitely wrong."

  Before Gu Zong could ask Han Zao Shi any questions or speak another word, a sword touched his back. The moment Gu Zong felt the tip of the sword, he looked at Han Zao Shi across from him, who was now smiling. He had lowered his own sword. Han Zao Shi then bowed and said:

  "My Master. Thank you for coming. I was waiting for you."

  And then, from behind, Lao Xuan whispered into Gu Zong's ear in his sweet, poisonous voice:

  "How are you, Senior Brother? It's been a long time since we last met."

  The atmosphere went silent. A heavy weight was felt in the air. An uneasy, suffocating silence filled the hall. Gu Zong was utterly stunned. His eyes froze in disbelief. His very soul shivered, because not only had he never expected that voice, but he had never even dreamt of hearing it again.