I stood my ground as Tyler Westwood approached, his cruel smile matching the malice in his eyes. The two Martial Saints flanking him radiated power that made the air around us heavy and oppressive. Everyone nearby had backed away, creating a circle of empty space around us.
"I asked you a question, Knight," Tyler sneered. "How do you plan to thank me for allowing you to live one more day?"
"I wasn't aware I needed to thank you for anything," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the danger. My eyes darted between the two Martial Saints, calculating my chances. They were slim to none.
Tyler laughed, the sound echoing through the now-silent exchange hall. "Always defiant. I admire that about you, even if it is incredibly stupid."
I noticed the young woman with the ginseng trying to slip away, but the elderly Martial Saint gripped her arm. "Stay, apprentice. This will be educational."
