Zhao Kun took another step forward, closing the distance between them as his presence grew heavier, his confidence absolute, as if the outcome of any confrontation had already been decided in his favor, and the surrounding disciples watched in complete silence, fully aware that this exchange would determine the direction of the conflict within the inner sect.
"You think you can challenge me?" Zhao Kun asked, his tone calm but filled with quiet disdain.
Li Hao did not respond immediately, allowing the silence to stretch for a brief moment before answering, his voice steady and controlled.
"I already did."
A flicker of amusement passed through Zhao Kun's eyes.
"Then let's stop wasting time," he said, a faint smile forming on his lips. "We'll finish this properly."
The meaning behind his words was clear.
This would not remain a hidden conflict.
It would become a public confrontation.
A duel.
And in that duel, only one side would emerge with their standing intact.
The air grew heavy as both of them stood facing each other, neither willing to step back, their intentions laid bare without the need for further words.
Because from this point onward—
There was no turning back.