Lin Tian stepped into the courtyard just as the first light touched the froststone pillar, and the low buzz of voices shifted when people noticed him approaching.
"Look, he's here, the one at twenty-seven."
"Han Wei posted it himself, right on the slab so nobody could miss it."
"Rank twenty-two doesn't waste effort unless he plans to push someone down hard."
Lin Tian moved closer without hurrying, eyes settling on the glowing etch.
His name.
Then beneath it.
Outer Disciple Han Wei — Rank #22
Formal Duel Petition.
He read it once, then let his gaze rest on the neat lines.
"So you chose public pressure instead of a quiet challenge," Lin Tian murmured to himself, fingers brushing the bracer on his wrist.
A disciple beside him leaned toward another.
"Midday duel, that means Han Wei wants him tired from waiting."
"And nervous. He plays the long pressure game."
"Lin Tian hasn't fought someone that fast yet."
