Huang nodded slowly. "Then allow me to confirm his energy signature against our inner records. It's protocol. We must ensure we don't wrongfully execute someone with fabricated evidence."
Ruanzhi paused. "You think I don't know my own disciples?"
"I think that the Pavilion would prefer caution over recklessness."
A tense silence followed, then Ruanzhi stepped aside.
Tarkos met Huang's eyes. For a second, no words were exchanged. But the message was clear.
Before the strongest elder could blink, Elder Huang suddenly sprang into action and grabbed hold of him from behind.
He locked his arms and pulled him backward with great force.
Just at that very moment, Victor came bursting into the chamber with a sharp glint in his eyes and several qi-locking talismans in hand.
He immediately slapped two of them on the elder's back in quick succession.
But before he could slap the third one, Elder Ruanzhi let out a sudden surge of resistance.
