Gu Yangjin placed a gentle hand on Qiao Zhi's arm, a silent plea for restraint, though her own eyes had hardened. "Young Master," she said, her voice now edged with frost, "you overstep. We decline your offer. Step aside."
Feng Bo, emboldened by wine, arrogance, and the presence of his guards, laughed. It was a harsh, unpleasant sound. "Overstep? In my town? I think not." He gestured to his guards. "The lady seems confused. Help her understand. And remove that… distraction." He pointed at Qiao Zhi.
The four guards, used to bullying townsfolk, surged forward with confident smirks. Two reached for Gu Yangjin's arms, the other two lunged at Qiao Zhi, fists raised, low-level combat techniques flaring weakly around their knuckles.
What happened next was less a fight and more a natural disaster localized to Sunbeam Street.
Qiao Zhi moved.
