The Second Duel

Inside and outside the battle circle, silence reigned, broken only by the sounds of breathing. Most eyes focused on the victor.

Everyone watched as Amalia calmly retrieved her nameplate from the stone slab and returned to the Green Lotus Sect. Her face betrayed no excitement or triumph at having defeated Jiheon Yang; it was as if she'd merely gone through a minor formality.

"This disciple has an exceptional temperament," Hayeon Ren's master, who rarely spoke, murmured in quiet admiration, surprising her.

"Where did the Green Lotus Sect find someone like her?" Fairy Girl Ahyeon Xuan remarked, her eyes fixed on Amalia. Sensing the gaze, Amalia briefly glanced back, her eyes meeting the elder's for less than a breath before she looked away with a calm, faint smile.

"Master, who exactly are you talking about?" Hayeon Ren asked with genuine curiosity.