Du Wuchen stepped back just in time, the blade grazing his clothes.
They circled each other, and the tension in the air tightened.
"Why?" Ye Chen spoke suddenly, his voice steady despite the fight.
Du Wuchen didn't answer.
They moved again.
Blades collided.
Ye Chen pressed forward, forcing Du Wuchen back a step.
"We don't have any enmity," Ye Chen continued. "So someone must have sent you."
Du Wuchen's expression didn't change. But his attacks became faster. As if agitated.
Ye Chen blocked, stepped aside, and countered with a slash that forced Du Wuchen to retreat.
"Even after all this noise, no guards came to check…" Ye Chen said, his tone turning colder. "They must be involved too."
Du Wuchen remained silent.
That silence was enough of an answer.
Ye Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Let me guess…"
Their blades clashed again.
"Gu Xuan?"
For the first time, Du Wuchen's expression shifted.
Just slightly. But Ye Chen saw it.
A low laugh escaped his lips.
