While the two men stood facing each other and Master Xie Yan took a few measured seconds to respond, the people who had been preparing to return to their daily lives suddenly halted.
Feet that had already turned away stopped mid-step.
Conversations died down, only to rise again in hushed, excited whispers as heads turned back toward the scene.
In a world like this, where true entertainment was scarce and most days were filled with cultivation or survival, such a confrontation was far too rare to miss.
"That's Mentor Lin Feng!" someone exclaimed, eyes widening in recognition.
"What in the nine realms is he talking about?" another asked, clearly confused yet intrigued.
"I bet he's jealous of Master Xie Yan," a man said with a knowing scoff. "He probably doesn't want someone else basking in the limelight while he's in the same area."
