The bronze bell rang out across the central courtyard to signal a two hour recess between the quarterfinal matches and the upcoming semifinal briefings. Senior Proctor Lin dismissed the remaining competitors, instructing all fighters to assemble in the main strategy hall for a mandatory rules review. Disciples packed their gear and hurried across the stone plaza toward the dining pavilions.
Ye Chen lagged behind the departing crowd, rubbing his bruised shoulder with an exaggerated grimace that matched his assigned cover identity. His external aura remained locked at Body Tempering Stage 5 behind the dark violet bands of the shackle. He watched the last of the exhausted fighters disappear around the corner of the eastern terrace before turning toward the secluded row of preparation tents.
