Senior Brother Duan gave Han Yu a sideways glance, a faint smile curling his lips. "Of course, Junior Brother Han. You look troubled."
Han Yu did not mince his words. "I thought all of the stronger inner court disciples had already been sent into the realm. Yet both of you are still here. Did the elders decide otherwise?"
Duan chuckled softly, the sound steady but tinged with weariness. "Not quite. The majority have gone, that is true. But the sect is not reckless. A few of us were asked to remain behind as backup, should something unexpected happen outside the realm or at the entrance point. It would be foolish to put all our strongest cards in one hand without keeping some in reserve."
Xuan Qing gave a short nod, her expression as calm and steady as ever. "I was scheduled to enter as well, Han Yu. My batch was to be among the last. But before I could step through, Elder Qing called me into a meeting. After that, I was reassigned to remain outside for the time being."
