The stone house door closed with a faint creak, leaving Elder Park inside, trembling between rage and confusion. Her chest rose and fell sharply as if she had just survived a duel. She pressed her fingers against her temples, muttering, "Mo Han… say your name ten times? What kind of arrogance is this? What trick hides behind those eyes?"
Her nails dug into her palms until blood beaded, but she hardly noticed. The memory of his calm expression lingered in her mind like an itch she couldn't scratch. A low growl escaped her throat. "He dares mock me in my own sect… in front of disciples… while hiding under Elder Mei's wing. No… this can't continue."
She turned sharply, robes snapping in the wind as she strode into the night. Her disciple, Jumi, who had been standing in the shadows, quickly followed.
"Master…?" Jumi asked timidly. She had seen Mo Han's shadow leaving and felt the oppressive silence that followed. "What happened inside?"
