There was no use crying over at this point.
Jaya forced himself to straighten up and walked toward Sirina with a firm step. If he didn't move now, others would get ahead of him.
Ren also stepped forward at the same time, having reached the same conclusion.
The two martial brothers glanced at each other. Their eyes were full of mixed emotions—shame, regret, stubbornness, and a silent understanding.
They both sighed… at the exact same time.
Then they shoved aside the other disciples crowding around Sirina and congratulated her together, wearing the best smiles they could manage.
The competition was over.
A new era for the Haan Di state had begun.
***
The doors of the Haan Di Pavilion closed behind the two Lords with a soft thud, shutting out the noise of the disciples outside.
The air inside was quiet and still, with a faint smell of old paper, polished wood, and Spirit energy that had sunk into the walls over the years.
