The grand hall buzzed with activity. Each clan was busy readying weapons, gathering supplies, and strategizing for the war on the fifth day.
Wei Liang coordinated the healers, Yun Mao discussed battle formations with his brothers, Tang Hao met with his advisors, and Gu Xiao sharpened his sword, a dark look on his face.
Meanwhile, Wang San spotted Yun Zhan quietly polishing his sword in a corner. A mischievous grin spread across San's face.
San (loud enough to be heard):
"Hey, Yun Zhan! If the battle's as boring as you, I'm going to bring a pillow and take a nap!"
Yun Zhan didn't look up but his tone was deadpan:
"I fight to win, not to entertain."
San leaned closer, teasingly:
"Yeah, yeah, Mr. Serious. But tell me, do you even know how to smile? Or did the piano lessons suck all the fun out of you?"
Yun Zhan finally glanced at him with a flicker of annoyance.
"If you keep this up, I'll let the enemy capture you just to have some peace."
San laughed and mockingly held up his hands in surrender:
"Alright, alright! I'll behave… for now."
Wei Xie, nearby, shook his head with a small smile.
"You're impossible, San."
San winked at Wei Xie:
"That's why you love me."
The clans continued their preparations, the weight of war looming—but for a moment, the teasing brought lightness to the heavy night.