The morning training session gradually returned to normal after Sheng Lu's humiliating defeat at the hands of Lu Fang's last-second counterattack.
Disciples continued sparring across the training grounds while laughter still echoed from nearby platforms. Several younger disciples repeatedly reenacted Sheng Lu's face-first landing with dramatic exaggeration until Elder Jian Fan threatened to personally train them.
Alchemy disciples hurried toward Elder Wan's residence with baskets filled with herbs.
Everything appeared normal.
Yet beneath the routine—
The entire sect was preparing for war.
Shaurya's mind remained elsewhere.
The moment he left the training grounds, his relaxed smile faded slightly.
His hands remained inside the pockets of his black-and-gold coat while mountain winds drifted through the fluttering banners overhead.
Shaurya left the inner courtyard and followed the stone pathway descending toward the eastern side of the sect.
