The scene opened in the City Lord's courtyard.
Shaurya stood with a slightly puzzled expression, facing Muo Qian.
"So," he said, folding his arms, "what is the important thing you wanted to tell me?"
Muo Qian took a slow breath and replied calmly,
"Master, I want Su Quan to participate in the competition… in my place."
Shaurya froze.
So did everyone else—especially Su Quan.
"What did you just say?" Shaurya asked, making sure he hadn't misheard.
"I said exactly what you heard, Master," Muo Qian replied firmly.
Shaurya frowned and scratched his head.
"Wait a moment. Why did you make this decision?"
Before Muo Qian could answer, Su Quan stepped forward, eyes wide with panic.
"Senior, what are you saying?! Why me?"
Muo Qian looked at her seriously.
"Because I want you to take revenge for the insult you suffered. You've awakened your power. Now is the time to prove yourself—especially against that arrogant, foolish girl."
Everyone was stunned by her declaration.
"Senior, please don't give up your spot for me," Su Quan pleaded.
Muo Qian placed both hands gently on her shoulders and smiled.
"Junior, you need to trust your own strength. This is your moment. Show the world who you are. Create your own identity."
Shaurya watched the scene with wide eyes.
They've only known each other for an hour… and they're already this close?
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Host, Muo Qian has faced a similar situation in the past. Most likely… she sees herself in Su Quan."
Shaurya nodded internally.
Yeah… that makes sense.
"I'm always right, Host."
Shaurya stepped forward.
"Muo, I hope you're making this decision after careful thought—not purely out of emotion."
Muo Qian met his gaze calmly.
"I've thought it through, Master. I have no regrets. It's just a small tournament."
Shaurya sighed.
"Alright then. Su Quan, get ready. You'll be participating in the competition alongside Wang Tian and Luo Chen."
Su Quan froze, completely stunned.
Muo Qian patted her shoulder reassuringly.
Su Quan nodded slowly, then bowed.
"Yes, Master. I promise I won't let your trust go to waste."
Wang Tian, who had been watching quietly, felt unexpectedly moved. He smiled faintly, then turned to Luo Chen with a smirk.
"Hey, big bro," Luo Chen said teasingly, "your girlfriend is really pure-hearted."
Wang Tian nodded absentmindedly—
Then realized what Luo Chen had just said.
His eyes widened.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
Luo Chen immediately began backing away, waving his hands nervously.
"Hey, big bro! I was just joking! Just a joke!"
A sudden chill ran down his spine.
Please don't let it be what I think it is…
From behind him, a cold voice cut through the air.
"Luo Chen."
He slowly turned around, forcing a stiff smile.
"S-Senior… what happened?"
"Luo Chen," Muo Qian said coldly, "not only is your face sharp—your tongue is sharp too."
She began walking toward him.
"Senior, it was just a joke! Please don't take it seriously! Senior—wait—!"
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Muo Qian started beating him mercilessly.
Wang Tian watched from a distance, eyes wide, and silently took a few steps back.
Shaurya wore a half-smile.
Luo Chen… oh, Luo Chen. This kid has absolutely no control over his mouth. And honestly, it's a good thing he said it—otherwise, I might have…
Shaurya glanced nervously at Muo Qian.
Nope. I'm safe. Narayan, Narayan.
---
The scene shifted.
Luo Chen now sat on the ground, his face covered in bandages, swollen like a potato. His lips were puffed up, and his eyes were half-open.
Shaurya and Wang Tian sat beside him, both struggling to hold back their laughter.
Finally, Luo Chen snapped.
"If you want to laugh, then just laugh already! Stop pretending you're holding it in!"
That was all the permission they needed.
Shaurya and Wang Tian burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Luo Chen puffed his cheeks angrily.
Wang Tian wiped a tear from his eye and said,
"Hey, Luo Chen… your Master—Elder Wu—was right. You really lack experience. Not just in battle, but in life too. You always say the wrong things at the worst possible time."
Luo Chen scoffed.
"When did you get so close to my Master? Oh right—you're an old fossil just like him. Of course you two match the same vibe."
Wang Tian's expression turned serious.
Luo Chen instantly panicked.
"S-Senior, I didn't mean that!"
BAM!
Another blow landed on his head.
Luo Chen trembled while holding it. Shaurya laughed loudly.
Wang Tian pulled Luo Chen into a friendly chokehold and began mock-beating him.
Shaurya watched the scene quietly, his smile slowly fading into thought.
Wang Tian… he's a Great Emperor. When he first joined the sect, I thought handling him would be a nightmare. I expected arrogance—someone who believed he was above everyone else.
But he blended in so easily…
Shaurya shifted his gaze toward Muo Qian and Su Quan, who were practicing together nearby.
And those two… they bonded so quickly as well.
Suddenly, realization dawned.
He looked back at Wang Tian and Luo Chen.
Not just them… Wang Tian with Muo Qian. Luo Chen with Su Quan.
All of them grew close so fast—not just in cultivation, but in relationships too.
The system's voice echoed again.
"And here you are, Host—single in both your lifetimes. Maybe it's time you learned something from your disciples."
That hit harder than any punch.
Shaurya sulked, walked to a corner, and sat down with a gloomy expression.
The system panicked.
"Host! I was just joking! Don't take it seriously!"
To Be Continued…