Jin Yue did not wait for dawn.
The lantern in Jun Kai's chamber had long since burned low when he finally lifted the latch. The corridor outside was quiet, the guards stationed farther down the walkway pretending not to notice as he stepped out.
He did not look back at the door.
He did not hesitate.
Distance restored itself in silence.
The night air was cooler beyond the restricted pavilion grounds. Arena torches flickered against stone walls, casting long shadows across the pathways leading back toward the participant encampments.
The tournament did not pause for private turmoil.
It never did.
By the time Jin Yue reached the central grounds, activity had resumed in orderly waves. Officials were moving between administrative tables. Attendants were reorganizing records. Several Pavilion gates had gone dark completely, their formations sealed until the next stage.
A staff official glanced up as Jin Yue approached.
"Qualified participant?" the man asked briskly.
"Yes."
