Han Yu let his explanation hang in the air for a heartbeat before continuing, weaving his lie with practiced ease.
"The invisible, nearly imperceptible second half was released while I fought. It was a gamble, to be honest. I doubted if enough of the Mist Eye disciples had inhaled the first part for the effect to take hold. But when they suddenly froze…" He trailed off, chuckling lightly, though his eyes gleamed with feigned relief. "It worked after all."
A few of the juniors exchanged surprised glances. Senior Brother Duan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Then the female disciple who fled…" Xuan Qing spoke again, his brows drawn tight.
Han Yu shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "Likely she did not inhale enough of the first poison for the second to affect her for long enough. That is why she escaped while the others fell. Fortunate for her, unfortunate for us."
Senior Brother Duan's eyes lingered on him. "And you? Why did you collapse at the end?"
