Chapter 56:Temptation

The late afternoon light faded, casting long shadows across Jinghong Peak as Shu Yue sat alone in her bookroom, the bamboo grasshopper and empty lotus pastry plate on her desk. The lingering sweetness of Wan Qing’s offering mingled with the faint scent of condensa flower tea, but her Golden Core aura flickered, the second curse pulsing unnoticed, a subtle drain on her focus. I handled Wan Qing… right? Her interaction with Wan Qing had been disarming—too disarming. She’s not pushing, but she’s always watching. Shu Yue’s fingers brushed the grasshopper, her thoughts drifting to Qing Wan. I need to reach her before the trials.

In the sect’s trial grounds, Qing Wan trained relentlessly, her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent carving through practice dummies with precision, but her movements carried a restless edge. The memory of Shu Yue’s warmth with Lin Xiaoxi gnawed at her, fueling her strikes. She’s soft with everyone but me. The curse’s remnants, though subdued, whispered doubts: You’re nothing to her. Chu Yi approached, his Foundation Building aura calm but concerned. “Sunny Sister, the trials start at dawn. Master’s counting on us.” Qing Wan’s sword paused, her voice sharp. “She doesn’t need me.” But her heart wavered, recalling Shu Yue’s earnest offer of the azure leaf.

Wan Qing, in her quarters, strummed her zither softly, the notes weaving a subtle charm to mask her divine sense as she monitored Shu Yue’s bookroom. Her guard’s lowering. The memory of wiping crumbs from Shu Yue’s finger, her fleeting acceptance, sparked a thrill. She’s not as cold as she seems. Wan Qing sent a message to Liu Qingxu: “Luyue’s distracted. The trials will break her.” Liu Qingxu, in her chamber, clutched the third jade slip, her smile cold. “Her bond with Qing Wan is her weakness. Trigger the curse when they clash.” The council’s scrutiny loomed, and Jinghong Peak’s unity hung by a thread.

At the trial grounds, Lin Xiaoxi returned from the task hall, her eyes bright despite the late hour. “Teacher! Big Brother Chu! I got us extra spirit stones for the trials!” She bounced toward Qing Wan, oblivious to her tension. “Second Sister, your sword’s so cool today!” Qing Wan’s expression softened, but her voice stayed curt. “Focus on your own training, Xiaoxi.” Lin Xiaoxi tilted her head, undeterred, and tugged Chu Yi’s sleeve. “Is Second Sister mad? We’re a team, right?” Chu Yi sighed, glancing at Qing Wan. “She’s… working through things.”

That evening, Shu Yue stood outside Qing Wan’s courtyard, the azure leaf still in hand, her resolve firm despite the curse’s faint drain. I can’t keep dodging her. She knocked, her voice steady but soft. “Qing Wan, we need to talk.” The door opened, revealing Qing Wan, her eyes guarded but less icy. “About what?” Shu Yue held out the leaf again. “Your sword heart. The trials. Us.” Qing Wan’s jaw tightened, but she stepped aside, letting Shu Yue in.

Inside, the air was heavy. Qing Wan crossed her arms, her voice low. “You think a leaf fixes everything? You’re kind to Xiaoxi, patient with Chu Yi, even civil with Wan Qing. Why not me?” Shu Yue’s heart clenched, the second curse pulsing, unnoticed, as she met Qing Wan’s gaze. “I’ve hurt you most. I’m trying to make it right, but I don’t know how.” Qing Wan’s eyes flickered with pain, then softened. “You left me. Now you’re here, but I see you with her—Xiaoxi—and it…” She stopped, her voice breaking.

Shu Yue stepped closer, her voice raw. “Xiaoxi’s a child, Qing Wan. You’re my family. I failed you, but I’m not leaving again.” The curse flared, making her sway, and Qing Wan instinctively reached out, steadying her. Their eyes locked, the tension electric. “You’re not well,” Qing Wan said, her voice softer but firm. “What’s wrong?” Shu Yue shook her head, pushing through the haze. “Just… trust me tomorrow. Fight with me.” Qing Wan hesitated, then nodded, her hand lingering on Shu Yue’s arm. “One chance.”

Outside, Wan Qing’s zither notes sharpened, sensing the shift. They’re aligning. She signaled Liu Qingxu: “Now.” The third curse activated, a dark pulse surging through Shu Yue’s spiritual veins, unnoticed by both. As dawn approached, the sect trials loomed, testing Jinghong Peak’s fragile unity against Liu Qingxu’s

schemes.