Trap?

"Please, Master, calm yourself," Yao Ling'er interjected urgently, her expression fraught with concern as she attempted to temper Ning Xuanwu's rising anger.

"Why do you stop me? This person's audacity, his disrespect to our Xuanwu Sect, it's unfathomable. Step aside," Ning Xuanwu demanded fiercely, his impulse urging him to charge into the martial hall and confront its inhabitant head-on.

"Master, please, consider the possibility of deception," Yao Ling'er urged emphatically, her tone weighted with significance. "The hanging of the Swift Cloak could be a deliberate provocation, a trap set to incite our retaliation. Falling for it..."

Ning Xuanwu's gaze shifted to Yao Ling'er, contemplating her words.

"If we fall for it, we may be walking into his trap. Our senior brothers may have fallen victim to a similar ploy," Yao Ling'er continued, her words resonating with a somber truth.

Upon absorbing her words, Ning Xuanwu's demeanor softened, a moment of clarity dawning upon him.

"This was rash," he admitted with a sigh, suppressing his indignation and directing his attention to the death warrior.

"Fear not, I shall honor my word. Proceed with your mission," Ning Xuanwu reassured the warrior. "Investigating the martial hall is an honorable yet perilous task. I entrust it to you."

With determination, the young warrior clenched his jaw. "You have my word, Master. I will fulfill the task."

"Remember, discretion is paramount. Do not draw attention to yourself, nor exhibit hostility. Your objective is to gather intelligence," Yao Ling'er cautioned gravely. "Be vigilant."

The warrior nodded solemnly, his resolve unwavering as he approached the martial hall under the watchful gaze of Ning Xuanwu and his retinue.

Pausing at the threshold, he hesitated briefly.

The Swift Cloak hung, a blatant provocation.

The Shaking Heaven Stone lay beneath his feet.

Suppressing his apprehension, he steeled himself and stepped over the stone.

Absurd.

In that moment, understanding dawned. The placement of the Shaking Heaven Stone was intentional, a mockery.

With resolve, he entered the main hall.

Inside, the ambiance was ordinary, devoid of any conspicuous features, indistinguishable from a typical martial hall. In fact, it appeared even less remarkable.

No apparent threat loomed.

"In the courtyard, Yi Feng, tending to the dog, inquired of Zhong Qing, 'Why did you remove this plaque?'

'Master, it was coated in dust, so I took it down for cleaning. However, it retains water stains, so I'm drying it temporarily. Once dried, I'll reinstall it,' Zhong Qing responded softly.

'Excellent,' Yi Feng praised. Zhong Qing exhibited meticulous attention to detail, a commendable trait.

'Is someone present?'"

At that instant, a voice resonated from within the main hall.