His gaze passed calmly over Master Feng of Lushan in his flowing silver robes, hands folded behind his back like a quiet storm.
Then to Madam Zhao of Abyssal, her obsidian cloak sharp like black ice.
Principal Kiera of Oculus, elegant in royal blue, stood with a thoughtful frown.
And Jian of Lorehaven, sturdy and silent in forest green, watched with narrowed eyes.
Wuxie's smile didn't fade.
Let's see, he thought, if any of you noticed the real problem.
Because if you didn't…
Then this exam was never meant to be fair.
And I don't lose sleep over broken games.
Then, Elder Feng of Lushan Academy hovered in the air and raised his hand. "Silence."
All conversation stopped.
The air grew heavy.
Another voice echoed through the clearing. It was deep, commanding, and resonated from the sky.
"Upon verification, one participant has violated the core rule of this trial."
Gasps erupted.
Wuxie raised an eyebrow but said nothing.