Chapter 45:Speechless

The moon hung low over Jinghong Peak, its light casting long shadows across the silent plaza. Cheng Mo stood alone in her chambers, the weight of Qing Wan’s icy departure pressing on her chest. Her Golden Core aura pulsed faintly, a quiet anchor against the storm of guilt and resolve swirling within. She hates me, and I deserve it. Qing Wan’s bloodshot eyes and trembling sword haunted her, each word—“Why did you come back?”—a blade to her heart. I ran to protect her, but I broke her instead. The novel’s tragic arc loomed, but Cheng Mo’s determination hardened. I’ll fix this, even if she never forgives me.

In her sealed courtyard, Qing Wan sat against the cracked stone, her breaths shallow, her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent coiling like a caged beast. The jade pendant and Ten Thousand Year Stalactite Milk lay untouched, their presence a silent accusation. You left me. You took another disciple. Her dao heart teetered, rage and longing clashing. I don’t need you. Yet her trembling fingers betrayed her, clutching the ground as memories of Shu Yue’s gentle touch resurfaced. Why does it still hurt? She stood, her sword drawn, channeling her turmoil into practice, each strike sharper, colder, pushing her toward Foundation Building Late Stage.

Chu Yi paced the disciple quarters, Lin Xiaoxi trailing him, her small face creased with worry. “Big Brother Chu, will Elder and Second Sister be okay?” she asked, her voice soft but earnest. Chu Yi sighed, ruffling her hair. “They’re both stubborn, Xiaoxi. Master’s trying, but Sunny Sister’s… hurt. Give it time.” He glanced toward Qing Wan’s courtyard, its icy aura seeping through the bans. Master, you’ve got to reach her before Liu Qingxu does.

In the council hall, Liu Qingxu met Elder Yun in private, her falsified jade slip glowing faintly. “Elder Luyue’s return destabilizes Jinghong Peak further,” she said, her voice smooth. “Qing Wan’s volatility proves it. We must act—strip Luyue’s elder status and reassign her disciples.” Elder Yun’s eyes narrowed. “Your evidence is compelling, but Luyue faces the council tomorrow. We’ll hear her defense.” Liu Qingxu bowed, hiding her smirk. Luyue’s guilt will bury her, and Qing Wan’s outburst seals it.

Wan Qing sat in her guest courtyard, her zither humming softly as she plucked a single string, her thoughts weaving a delicate plan. Elder Luyue’s shaken, and Sunny Sister’s a spark ready to ignite. Qing Wan’s rage intrigued her, a mirror to her own obsession with Shu Yue. I’ll push them closer—or break them apart. She sent a jade slip to her tracker, ordering surveillance on Qing Wan’s movements. If Sunny Sister snaps, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.

Morning broke, and Cheng Mo stood before the council hall, her law robe pristine, her aura steady. Lin Xiaoxi clung to her side, nervous but trusting, while Chu Yi stood firm, his loyalty unwavering. Elder Qingxu presided, flanked by Elder Yun, Elder Xuanshi, and others, their gazes heavy with scrutiny. Liu Qingxu stepped forward, her jade slip raised. “Elder Luyue, your two-year absence caused chaos. Qing Wan’s instability, Jinghong Peak’s decline—your negligence is undeniable. What is your defense?”

Cheng Mo’s voice was calm but resolute. “I left to seek a breakthrough, as many cultivators do. My absence was not abandonment. Qing Wan’s strength proves Jinghong Peak’s foundation, not its failure.” Her eyes flicked to Qing Wan, who stood at the hall’s edge, her aura icy, her expression unreadable. Liu Qingxu smiled coldly. “Strength? Her recklessness endangers us all. Your leadership failed her.”

Before Cheng Mo could respond, Qing Wan’s voice cut through, sharp as her sword. “My strength is mine, not hers. Judge me, not her.” Her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent flared, silencing whispers. Cheng Mo’s heart ached, but she seized the moment. “Qing Wan’s right. Her path is her own, but I’m here to guide her—if she’ll let me.” Qing Wan’s eyes flickered, doubt clashing with rage.

Wan Qing entered, her zither’s hum softening the tension. “Elder Luyue’s return strengthens Jinghong Peak,” she said, her voice gentle but strategic. “Sunny Sister’s passion is proof of her loyalty, not instability.” Her words were a calculated balm, but Qing Wan’s glare sharpened. “Don’t speak for me, Wan Qing.” Liu Qingxu’s eyes narrowed, sensing an opportunity. “This chaos proves my point. Luyue’s return only fuels discord.”

Elder Qingxu raised a hand, his voice firm. “Enough. Shu Yue, you’ll oversee Jinghong Peak under probation. Qing Wan, prove your stability in the upcoming sect trials. Failure invites sanctions.” Cheng Mo bowed, her resolve firm. Probation’s a start. I’ll rebuild trust. Qing Wan’s jaw tightened, her sword hand twitching, but she nodded curtly.

As the council dispersed, Qing Wan approached Cheng Mo, her voice low. “This isn’t over. You owe me answers.” Cheng Mo met her gaze, her voice soft. “I know. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll explain everything.” Qing Wan turned away, her aura icy, but a crack in her resolve lingered. Lin Xiaoxi whispered to Chu Yi, “Elder’s strong, right?” Chu Yi nodded, but his eyes were on Liu Qingxu, retreating with a predatory smile. This

isn’t over.