Chapter 44:Return to jinghong peak
The air on Jinghong Peak crackled with tension as Cheng Mo stood in the grand hall, her Golden Core aura subtly radiating, no longer fully suppressed but carefully controlled. The familiar scent of pine and spiritual mist filled her lungs, but the peak felt alien, its once-warm halls now shadowed by her absence. Lin Xiaoxi hovered nearby, her eyes wide as she took in the towering architecture and bustling disciples, her refining qi fifth layer aura buzzing with nervous excitement. Chu Yi, ever dutiful, guided her toward the disciple quarters, casting worried glances at his master. Sunny Sister’s coming. This won’t be easy.
Cheng Mo’s heart thudded, her thoughts on Qing Wan. She’s out there, fighting, growing colder. The news of her disciple’s “Ice Fiend” reputation and near-Foundation Building Late Stage prowess weighed heavily. I hurt her, and she’s forged that pain into a blade. Wan Qing’s gentle yet probing presence lingered in her mind, as did Liu Qingxu’s lurking threat. I’m back, but the plot’s tightening. I need to fix this—before it’s too late.
In the council hall, Elder Qingxu convened a meeting, his face stern as Liu Qingxu presented her falsified jade slip, its accusations painting Shu Yue as negligent and Qing Wan as unstable. “Elder Luyue’s return is timely,” Liu Qingxu said, her voice smooth but venomous. “Her absence fueled chaos on Jinghong Peak. Qing Wan’s recklessness proves it.” Elder Yun frowned, her gaze sharp. “Shu Yue’s here now. She’ll answer for herself. Summon her tomorrow.” Liu Qingxu’s smile hid her glee. Luyue’s return is my chance to bury her.
Wan Qing lingered near Jinghong Hall, her zither silent but her presence a quiet storm. Shu Yue’s cold dismissal stung, but her resolve deepened. You push me away, Elder, but I see your heart. She sensed Qing Wan’s imminent return, her aura sharp and volatile. Sunny Sister’s grown too strong to ignore. This reunion will be… enlightening. She slipped into the shadows, her lotus-pink robes blending with the mist, waiting for the inevitable clash.
Qing Wan’s sword light tore through the skies, her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent a chilling torrent as she raced toward Canglan. The jade slip’s message burned in her mind: Luyue’s back. Rage, pain, and a buried longing warred within her, her dao heart trembling on the edge of collapse. You left me. You don’t get to just return. Her bloodied robes fluttered, her injuries from the demon beast ignored, her focus singular: confront Shu Yue, demand answers, and sever the past—or be consumed by it.
On Jinghong Peak, Cheng Mo settled into her old chambers, the familiar jade carvings and silk drapes now foreign. She sat cross-legged, her divine sense sweeping the peak, pausing at Qing Wan’s sealed courtyard. She’s not here, but she’s coming. Lin Xiaoxi’s voice broke her thoughts, timid but curious. “Elder… is this place always so… tense?” Cheng Mo forced a smile. “It’s home, Xiaoxi. Just complicated. Stay close to Chu Yi; he’ll guide you.” The girl nodded, her trust unwavering, anchoring Cheng Mo’s resolve.
As night fell, a disciple rushed in, breathless. “Elder Luyue, Qing Wan’s approaching—her aura’s unstable!” Cheng Mo’s heart clenched. She stepped outside, her law robe billowing, her Golden Core aura steady but ready. The sky darkened as a sword light pierced the horizon, landing with a shockwave of icy intent. Qing Wan stood before her, her eyes bloodshot, her sword drawn, her voice a low growl. “Master. Why did you come back?”
Cheng Mo met her gaze, guilt and determination warring. “Qing Wan, I ran to protect you—to protect this peak. I was wrong.” Qing Wan’s sword trembled, her aura surging. “Protect me? You abandoned me!” Her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent flared, cracking the plaza’s stones. Lin Xiaoxi gasped, hiding behind Chu Yi, who stepped forward, pleading. “Sunny Sister, please, let Master explain!”
Wan Qing emerged from the shadows, her zither’s note cutting the tension. “Elder Luyue, you’ve stirred quite the storm.” Her smile was soft but calculated, her eyes flicking to Qing Wan. “Sunny Sister, your anger’s justified, but hear her out.” Qing Wan’s glare snapped to her. “Stay out of this, Wan Qing. This is between me and her.” The air grew heavy, three auras clashing—Cheng Mo’s steady resolve, Qing Wan’s icy rage, and Wan Qing’s subtle provocation.
Before the situation could escalate, Liu Qingxu’s voice rang out, her figure appearing with council enforcers. “Elder Luyue, your return demands accountability. The council summons you—now.” Her eyes gleamed with triumph, her trap closing. Cheng Mo’s jaw tightened, her hand resting on her sword. No running this time. She glanced at Qing Wan, her voice soft but firm. “We’ll talk, Qing Wan. I owe you that. But first, I face the council.”
Qing Wan’s sword lowered slightly, her eyes locked on Cheng Mo, pain and doubt flickering. Lin Xiaoxi clutched Chu Yi’s sleeve, whispering, “Will Elder be okay?” Chu Yi’s face was grim. “She has to be.” As Cheng Mo followed the enforcers, the weight of her choices—and the novel’s looming fate—pressed down, her path forward fraught w
ith danger.