The vast courtyard of Fukun Xueyuan was packed with students draped in elite, royal regalia. Yet, despite the crowd, every breath seemed held in anticipation. Cold winds swept through them like an attempt to douse a fire raging upon water.

  Gu Zong stood in a state of absolute alertness calm and restrained. Only his eyes betrayed him, burning with an inner conflagration. Opposite him, Mo Shiwang was doing his utmost to pacify Han Lao Fang. But Lao Fang’s gaze remained fixed on Gu Zong with a thunderous intensity. With every passing second, his grip on his sword tightened until, finally, his voice rang out colder and sharper than before:

  "You shall pay the price for this!"

  The sound of metal shrieking against leather echoed through the air as he drew his sword. Simultaneously, Gu Zong’s blade erupted from its sheath like a bursting volcano, creating a ripple of energy that flickered for a heartbeat before vanishing.

  Panic set in. The surrounding students stumbled back, clearing a wide circle. Seeing Gu Zong's audacity, the Hazu Tai students retreated in fear. Gu Zong glared at Lao Fang with eyes of fire. As Lao Fang lunged with a lightning-fast strike, a deafening clang resonated before the blades could meet.

  Han Lao Fang froze. A hand, gripping a sword, had intercepted his strike. When Lao Fang looked up at the face of the interrupter, he was stunned. It was Han Wuang Shi. Without a word, Wuang Shi signaled Lao Fang to step back, and then, he launched a precise, powerful strike at Gu Zong.

  Blades clashed. Wuang Shi’s sword met Gu Zong’s with the violence of two celestial lightning bolts colliding. Gu Zong skillfully parried the blow, but this only fueled Wuang Shi’s frenzy. Within moments, a lethal duel erupted between Gu Zong and Han Wuang Shi. Their swords became bloodthirsty; every thrust and parry was an attempt to pierce the throat. The courtyard of Fukun Xueyuan had transformed into a battlefield in mere seconds.

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  A terrifying reality stood before them. The students of all clans watched helplessly; no one dared to intervene in such a deadly dance of steel. The eyes of the two combatants locked, radiating a mutual intent to kill.

  Gu Zong launched a strike that was inches away from Wuang Shi’s abdomen when a voice suddenly called out his name. The sound rippled through the atmosphere, carrying a strange authority.

  The Hazu Tai students looked toward the main gate and felt a surge of relief. Gu Zong’s sword halted mid-air. Wuang Shi tried to seize the opening to strike, but someone stepped directly between them. Gu Zong was breathless with shock as was everyone else in the courtyard. Standing between the two blades was Jun Wan. At the main gate, Zhuang Hue stood watching.

  Jun Wan spoke in a natural, gentle tone, though lines of deep anxiety were etched across her brow:

  "Prince Han Wuang Shi, please... be at peace."

  She turned her gaze to Gu Zong and added, "Zao. Calm yourself. Compose your soul, Zao."

  An uneasy silence descended. Jun Wan stood her ground, using every ounce of her presence to soothe the two warriors.

  Wuang Shi’s sword slowly lowered. The eyes that had been ready to kill moments ago were now shrouded in a silent, unreadable void. He sheathed his blade and walked away without a word. Gu Zong’s eyes, however, showed not a single spark of peace. Zhuang Hue rushed over, and at Jun Wan’s signal, he took Gu Zong by the arm and led him toward their quarters. Jun Wan watched them go, her face a mask of worry.

  The silence that followed was deeper than the ocean.

  Throughout the entire spectacle, Grandmaster Kang Jue had remained a silent observer. He gave a slight nod to his disciple, who immediately understood his cue. She announced in a loud, clear voice:

  "Thank you all for coming. You may now rest. The Grandmaster will meet with you tomorrow morning. You are dismissed."

  As the Grandmaster departed with his disciples, the courtyard began to empty. However, the Han Clan members remained for a moment, glaring at the Hazu Tai students until they had all cleared the area. Finally, the Han Clan left as well.

  Only two figures remained. Jun Wan stood as if in a trance, still processing the shock. A short distance away, Han Lao Fang stood staring at her. Jun Wan cast a single glance in his direction before walking away silently, a heavy stillness settled upon her.

  Soon after, Han Lao Fang also departed, leaving the courtyard completely desolate.