Hao raised his hand. "Begin."
He had no idea what emotions brewed beneath the surface for the two old men. No clue of the vows, regrets, or sentiments weighing quietly in their hearts.
But he knew one thing.
This match was about to be a banger!
Elder Bai Qingshui stepped into position.
His hands rested lightly on the cue stick, as if he were just stretching before a walk.
Then his eyes opened.
Not the usual half-lidded gaze he always wore. This time, his eyes were fully awake. Clear, alert, and unblinking.
Xiao Lianfeng, watching from the sidelines, leaned in and gave Lin Yijun an elbow tap.
'Hey, look. You remember that expression, Brother Yijun?'
Lin Yijun nodded, eyes sharpening.
"Yeah. That's the same look Elder Bai had when he fought that giant fish monster at the Foggy Sea."
Xiao Lianfeng grinned.
'Elder Bai's not giving away a loss. Not today.'
'Still not sure on that one.' Lin Yijun replied.
He squinted toward the table.
