Han Yu's fist slammed into the burly man's jaw.
The sound was dull and heavy.
The man's head snapped back. His feet left the ground. He flew backward, spinning once in the air before crashing hard into a broken table.
Wood splintered under his weight.
His eyes rolled back as he went limp.
Unconscious.
The corridor fell silent for half a breath, then the four men behind him shouted.
"He hit the Hall Master!"
"Kill him!"
Weapons flashed out.
Swords. Short blades. Even a hooked spear.
Using weapons inside the pavilion was strictly forbidden, but drunk men rarely cared about rules.
The courtesans screamed again.
Some covered their heads. Others turned their faces away, unable to watch. And deep inside the pavilion, the hidden presence surged.
Han Yu felt it clearly now. It was like a giant beast shifting in its sleep.
It was about to move but Han Yu did not wait.
He raised one hand.
HUALA
A thin line of flame appeared, dancing lightly between his fingers.
