The scene opens in the City Lord’s courtyard. Shaurya stands in slight confusion, facing Muo Qian.
"So, what is the important thing you wanted to say?" he asks.
Muo Qian takes a breath and replies calmly, "Master, I want Su Quan to participate in the competition in my place."
Shaurya, along with the others—especially Su Quan—looks at her in shock.
"What did you just say?" Shaurya asks, trying to make sure he heard her right.
"I’m saying exactly what you heard, Master," she responds firmly.
Shaurya frowns and scratches his head in confusion. "Wait a moment. Why did you make this decision?"
Before Muo Qian can respond, Su Quan steps forward, her eyes wide. "Senior, what are you saying? Why me?"
Muo Qian looks at her and says, "Because I want you to take revenge for your insult. You’ve awakened your power. Now is the time to prove your worth—especially against that arrogant, foolish girl."
Everyone is stunned by her declaration.
Su Quan pleads, "Senior, please don’t give up your spot for me."
But Muo Qian places both hands gently on her shoulders and smiles. "Junior, you need to trust your own strength. This is your moment to show the world who you are. Create your own identity."
Shaurya watches the scene, eyes wide with disbelief. They’ve only met an hour ago, and they’re this close already?
The system’s voice rings in his mind: Host, Muo Qian has faced similar situation , so probably...Probably She sees herself in Su Quan.
Shaurya nods internally. Yeah, you’re probably right.
System: I’m always right, Host.
Shaurya steps forward. "Muo, I hope you’re making this decision after careful thought—not just out of emotion."
Muo Qian meets his gaze. "I’ve thought about it, Master. I have no regrets. It’s just a small tournament."
Shaurya sighs. "Alright then. Su Quan, get ready. You’ll be participating in the competition alongside Wang Tian and Luo Chen."
Su Quan is shocked and confused. Muo Qian pats her shoulder with a reassuring smile. Su Quan nods slightly, then says, "Yes, Master. I promise not to let your trust down."
Wang Tian, watching the scene, is moved. He turns his head with smile then Luo Chen with a smirk. "Hey big bro, your girlfriend is truly pure-hearted."
Wang Tian nods absentmindedly, then suddenly realizes what Luo Chen just said. His eyes widen, and he roars, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
Luo Chen starts backing away with a nervous grin. "Hey, big bro! I was just joking!"
He suddenly feels a cold chill behind him. Please don’t let it be what I think it is...
From behind, Muo Qian’s chilling voice cuts through the air. "Luo Chen."
He slowly turns, nervously smiling. "Senior... what happened?"
"Luo Chen, not only is your face sharp, but your tongue is sharp too."
She begins slowly advancing towards him. "Senior, it was just a joke! Don’t take it seriously! Please, no—senior!"
Muo Qian starts beating him up. Wang Tian watches from a distance, eyes wide with fear, and silently steps back. Shaurya lets out a half-smile.
Luo Chen, oh Luo Chen... this kid has no control over his mouth. And it’s good he said it—otherwise, I might’ve... He glances nervously at the scene. Nope, I’m safe. Narayan, Narayan!
The scene shifts. Luo Chen now sits down, his face covered in bandages and puffed up like a potato. His lips are swollen from the beating. Shaurya and Wang Tian sit beside him, both barely holding back their laughter.
Frustrated, Luo Chen shouts, "If you want to laugh, just laugh already! Stop pretending to hold it in!"
That’s all the permission they need. Shaurya and Wang Tian burst into uncontrollable laughter. Luo Chen puffs his cheeks in protest.
Wang Tian chuckles, "Hey, Luo Chen, Your Master (Elder Wu) was right—you really lack experience. Not just in battle, but in life. You always say the wrong things at the wrong time!"
Luo Chen scoffs. "When did you get so close to My Master? Oh right, you’re an old fossil just like him. Of course you two would match the vibe."
Wang Tian’s face turns serious. Luo Chen quickly covers his face and stammers, "Senior, I really didn’t mean that!"
BAM! Another blow lands on his head.
Luo Chen trembles while holding his head. Shaurya laughs out loud.
Wang Tian grabs Luo Chen in a friendly chokehold and begins fake-beating him.
Shaurya looks on, thoughtful. Wang Tian... he’s a great emperor. When he first joined the sect, I thought handling him would be a nightmare. I expected arrogance, someone who thought he was above others. But he blended in so well...
He shifts his gaze slightly toward Muo Qian and Su Quan, who are practicing together.
And those two girls... they bonded so quickly as well.
Then realization dawns. He looks back at Luo Chen and Wang Tian.
Not just them—Wang Tian with Muo Qian... Luo Chen with Su Quan... all of them have grown close so fast. Not just in cultivation, but in relationships too.
The system’s voice rings in again: And here you are, Host—single in both your lifetimes. Maybe it’s time you learned something from your disciples.
That one hits Shaurya hard. He sulks and quietly sits down in a corner with a sad face.
System: Host! I was just joking! Don’t take it to heart!