The night passed, giving way to morning. However, the sun remained hidden behind a heavy veil of clouds. The sky was a vast expanse of white mist and light fog. The morning was unnervingly quiet, as if even the birds had refused to take flight. In this deep morning chill, Grandmaster Kang Jue stepped onto his balcony. His breath was visible in the frozen air, and his hands were cold. His calm eyes looked down into the courtyard, which stood completely empty. He scanned the horizon, but everywhere was cloaked in silence and mist.

  On the other side, Gu Zong stretched and rose from his bed. As always, the silence brought him solace. Though the morning was quiet, a different kind of warmth simmered in his eyes. He glanced back at the table where Jun Wan's letter still lay. A small smile touched his lips at the sight of it.

  As he stepped further out to take in the morning air, he drew a long breath. But just as he was about to return inside, a voice called out from behind him: "Servant of the Hazu Tai settlement!"

  Gu Zong’s steps froze. His fists clenched. He cast a sharp, sideways glance over his shoulder. A few students from the Han Clan were standing there. One of them spoke with a prideful, sharp voice that cut like a blade:

  "What are you looking at? Huh!!... Get over here, quickly."

  Gu Zong turned fully. His eyes were no longer calm; they blazed like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Yet, his posture remained as still as water. He turned toward them, but as he walked, his Grandfather's words echoed in his mind:

  "Zao. You can defeat a wise man. You can even defeat a strong man. But you can never defeat a fool. Because a fool's greatest folly is his own perspective. Therefore, stay away from fools with the same wisdom you use to seek the wise."

  As these words settled in his mind, his eyes regained their composure. He approached them. But at that moment, the main gate heralded a grand arrival: Han Lao Fang and Han Zao Shi had arrived, followed by a massive contingent of the Han Qiantian Sect. At the front stood Clan Head Han Juan Hao and his wife Shi Jing, dressed in full ceremonial splendor. The main gate flourished with the gold and purple hues of their robes. Han Lao Fang and Han Zao Shi stood in perfect harmony, pride etched on their faces though Lao Fang's eyes seemed to be searching for someone in the crowd.

  Seeing this, Grandmaster Kang Jue turned from his balcony and made his way down to join them.

  Time passed...

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The atmosphere grew heavy. The courtyard was now full. On one side stood the Han Qiantian Sect; on the other, the Hazu Tai settlement. At the front of the settlement group stood Gu Zong, gripping his sword tightly. Once again, a silent fire flickered on his face, directed straight at the Han Clan.

  Grandmaster stood before everyone, silently observing the crowd, specifically Gu Zong. Then, walking with a slow, measured gait through the corridor, Han Wuang Shi appeared. While the rest of the Han Clan wore magnificent robes, Wuang Shi was dressed in simple, plain white attire. Master Han Juan Hao’s eyes widened in astonishment, and Shi Jing looked on in shock. She looked into Wuang Shi’s eyes, but they were fixed on the ground; he walked without looking at anyone. Her anxiety deepened. The Hazu Tai students began whispering amongst themselves:

  "I can't believe it. Prince Han Wuang Shi isn't wearing the robes of his own sect."

  "Look at Master Han Juan Hao's face. He doesn't look happy at all."

  A disciple of the Grandmaster shouted: "Silence, please!"

  Wuang Shi walked over and stood near Han Lao Fang. Just then, Prince Mo Shiwang and Prince Mo Zhenhai arrived at the main gate. Their light purple and pink robes fluttered in the breeze.

  Despite being heirs to a great legacy, they remained far from vanity; their clothes were simple, and their smiles were as bright as blooming lotuses a stark contrast to the dry, somber weather. Following them, the heads and princes of the Yingtian and Hegong clans also entered. The vast courtyard became a sea of noble presences.

  The Grandmaster could feel the rising heat of the moment, yet a line of tension remained etched on his brow a detail his disciple noticed immediately.

  Within moments, all the disciples of the four clans were gathered. Seeing such grand legacies together, a sense of awe surged through the Hazu Tai students. They all bowed respectfully in silent homage to the noble clans. In return, the clans acknowledged them with a nod. The entire Hazu Tai settlement was bowed low except for Gu Zong.

  His fists were white-knuckled. His unbending body stood perfectly upright, and a silent fire smoldered on his face. The Grandmaster and his disciples watched him, their breath hitching in surprise.

  As everyone straightened up, Han Lao Fang noticed the one person who had refused to bow. His eyes sharpened, and his voice thundered like a lightning strike. His hand moved toward his sword.

  "What... what is this insolence? A mere servant dares to show such defiance? This is an insult! A grave insult! Apologize this instant!"

  Han Lao Fang stepped forward. Seeing the situation escalate, Prince Mo Shiwang intervened. He looked calmly at Gu Zong and then at the fuming Han Lao Fang. He spoke with ease:

  "Prince Han Lao Fang, please remain calm. We should handle this with peace."

  But Han Lao Fang’s piercing gaze remained fixed on Gu Zong.

  Watching the tension, the Grandmaster stood still, analyzing every nuance. His disciple whispered to him:

  "Master, should we intervene and stop this here?"

  The Grandmaster replied, his eyes fixed on the crowd:

  "No. We do not have to do everything. Sometimes, when ripe fruit does not fall from the tree, a strong wind is needed to shake it loose. We must wait. They need an opportunity to handle this themselves. The most difficult situations are what force us to fight and what make us capable."

  The disciple nodded and stepped back silently, watching the storm brewing ahead.