The valley was quiet, though the smell of scorched earth and smoke still lingered. Azure Sky Sect's disciples moved quickly, repairing damaged platforms, collecting debris, and tending to minor injuries.
Li Ming stood atop a ridge, watching the sun rise over the horizon. His hair still stuck in wild spikes from the previous battle, and his sword hummed faintly with leftover Qi.
Bai Guo landed beside him in human form, arms crossed. "So… you survived that, huh? I half-expected to have to drag you off the battlefield myself."
Li Ming smirked. "Half-expected? That's encouraging."
Lan Yue appeared from the courtyard, her sword strapped to her back. She gave a faint nod. "The intruders are gone… for now. But you need answers, don't you?"
Li Ming folded his arms. "Exactly. Why did the Crimson Sect attack us? We were just… fighting in the tournament. Nobody died."
