"That's enough!" Silas' powerful voice boomed across the viewing platform, bringing instant silence to the restless Serpentwind disciples arrayed behind him.
His gaze was icy, sword-like, brooking no further whispering. The tension hung like a drawn bowstring.
Flint glanced sidelong at Ethan, his voice as calm as ever.
"You're collecting more and more enemies, it seems."
Ethan gave a faint, confident smile.
"It hardly matters. I seldom fight for the joy of it, but here—every new enemy is another test for my cultivation. The greater the number, the greater the opportunity."
While they spoke, a white rainbow flashed across the sky, streaking downward at breathtaking speed before alighting on their viewing platform. Several disciples gasped, unable to even register the motion until it ended.
Only Ethan and Flint, ever vigilant, recognized the immense pressure and turned warily.
