Time drifted by. The heavy, overcast weather had summoned the night long before the evening could even settle, lulling every leaf and every tree into a profound stillness. Yet, this meditative silence was not shared by all.

  Grandmaster Kang Jue sat at his private desk within the grand library. Before him lay an open tome of the Fukun Laws, his eyes tracing the ancient regulations. Soon, his female disciple entered the library and, receiving his silent permission, sat across from him. For a time, nothing but silence filled the room until it was broken by the Grandmaster’s voice, heavy and laden with a suppressed weight.

  "Yung Ke. A tree whose roots reach the very center of the earth bears fruit late. Within Fukun Xueyuan, two opposing directions have come face-to-face. Their union is an impossibility."

  Hearing such a profound observation, Yung Ke’s gaze lowered. She could feel the depth of the Grandmaster's emotions; undoubtedly, today’s events had far exceeded even his expectations. Looking up at him, she spoke softly:

  "Master. I believe that when one is blindfolded, even the light approaching from the front seems like darkness. I do not think you have made a wrong decision. As for today... mountains only stand before those who possess the strength to cross them. Please, do not trouble your heart."

  Hearing his disciple’s consolation, the Grandmaster took a long breath, letting the fire in his eyes simmer. He closed the book of laws and looked at Yung Ke. She immediately understood his silent gesture and took her leave.

  Zhuang Hue’s Quarters...

  A hollow, half-dead silence filled the room. Nothing was peaceful, yet nothing moved. Gu Zong sat before Zhuang Hue, his eyes still burning with that same lingering fire. The door creaked open, and Jun Wan entered. She glanced at Zhuang Hue, silently inquiring about Gu Zong’s state; in response, Zhuang Hue simply shook his head.

  Jun Wan sat beside Gu Zong, placing a gentle hand over his. In a voice filled with maternal affection, she said:

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  "Zao. You must remain calm here. Conflict is never the solution to anything."

  Just then, Zhuang Hue stood up and approached him, speaking in a playful, teasing manner:

  "Brother, let go of this anger now. If you're really that furious at them, let's just release a bunch of roosters into their rooms tonight. What do you say, brother?"

  Jun Wan let out a soft laugh, playfully tapping Zhuang Hue on the head. "You, stay quiet, Lao!"

  Watching their antics, the stony hardness of Gu Zong’s face finally began to soften. His eyes grew peaceful. He spoke at last:

  "Senior Sister... could you make some bamboo soup for me?"

  Taken aback by the sudden request, Jun Wan stared at him for a moment before a warm, radiant smile broke across her face.

  "Of course, Zao. I’ll prepare it. And you, Lao don't you dare get into any mischief, or you won't get any food!"

  Zhuang Hue made a face, grumbling, "What?! But what's my fault? This isn't fair!"

  But Gu Zong simply stretched his limbs, looking at Zhuang Hue with a mischievous glint in his eyes. When Zhuang Hue caught that look, his face instantly fell. This wasn't the first time Gu Zong had looked at him like that.

  The Second Watch of the Night...

  Outside a poultry coop, Zhuang Hue stood pleading with Gu Zong. Gu Zong, however, stood tall with an air of stubborn arrogance. Zhuang Hue tried to pull him back, whispering frantically:

  "Forgive me, brother! I didn't think you'd actually take me seriously! Let’s leave right now, or we’ll face a severe punishment! Didn't you see how terrifying the Grandmaster looked? He looked like the leader of some secret assassin cult! Let's go, brother!"

  Gu Zong remained unmoved, standing there with a smirk at Zhuang Hue’s pleas. He replied:

  "You have the audacity to leave Grandfather all alone? Huh!! I may be punished in the morning, but now, you're going down with me. Come on, let's catch the roosters."

  As Gu Zong started moving, Zhuang Hue’s desperation increased.

  "Brother, wait! Who said I left Grandfather alone? Hui Chi is with him. She’ll take care of him. Brother, let's just go back to the room and talk it out, but please, let's get out of here!"

  Hearing that Hui Chi was with his Grandfather, Gu Zong’s expression shifted to one of slight irritation and he scolded him softly:

  "What???? Hui Chi? You left that little fox in charge of Grandfather? Now, these roosters are definitely going to roam through every single room of the Han Qiantian Sect!"

  Zhuang Hue fell to his knees in despair, crying out, "No, brother, no! I’m sure she can handle it!"

  Meanwhile, back at Gu Zong's home, a loud, frustrated voice echoed through the kitchen the voice of Hui Chi:

  "NO!! I can't do this! These eggs just won't boil!"