Chapter 46:Frost silence
Cheng Mo stood frozen outside Qing Wan’s courtyard, the echo of the slammed door ringing in her ears. Frost Silence buzzed erratically at her side, its icy glow a damning spotlight on her shattered composure. I just wanted to help her, not… this. Her Golden Core aura, usually so tightly restrained, flickered under the strain of her emotions, making Frost Silence’s presence even more defiant. Get back inside, you traitor! she mentally hissed at the sword, her hands fumbling to rein it in. After a moment of struggle, the blade finally vanished into her dantian, leaving her alone in the moonlight, her heart pounding with embarrassment and despair. She thinks I’m mocking her. I’ve made it worse.
Inside the courtyard, Qing Wan leaned against the door, her breaths ragged, her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent coiling tightly around her. The image of Frost Silence—its chilling, familiar aura—burned in her mind. That sword saved me in Blackwind Gorge. She saved me. But the memory clashed with her anger, her jealousy of Lin Xiaoxi, and the sting of Shu Yue’s two-year absence. Why come back now? Why bring her? Her dao heart trembled, teetering on the edge of Foundation Building Late Stage, fueled by pain as much as resolve. I’ll prove I don’t need you. She gripped her sword, channeling her turmoil into practice, each strike a vow to bury her weakness.
In the disciple quarters, Lin Xiaoxi sat cross-legged, her small hands clutching a basic cultivation manual Chu Yi had given her. “Big Brother Chu, Second Sister… she’s so scary,” she whispered, her eyes wide. Chu Yi sighed, his face heavy. “Sunny Sister’s not herself, Xiaoxi. She’s hurting, but she’s strong. Master’s trying to fix things, but…” He trailed off, his worry for both Shu Yue and Qing Wan evident. Master’s plans keep backfiring. And Liu Qingxu’s waiting to pounce. He glanced toward the council hall, dreading tomorrow’s meeting.
Liu Qingxu, in her private chambers, reviewed her falsified jade slip, her lips curling. Luyue’s blunders are perfect. Qing Wan’s outburst and Shu Yue’s emotional lapse outside the courtyard had reached her ears through spies. “The council will see Luyue’s weakness and Qing Wan’s instability,” she murmured to her cloaked contact. “Push the narrative—Jinghong Peak is a liability. By the sect trials, they’ll both be stripped of their status.” The contact nodded, slipping away to spread her poison.
Wan Qing sat in her guest courtyard, her zither silent, her eyes gleaming with calculation. Shu Yue’s failed attempts to reach Qing Wan amused her, but the appearance of Frost Silence intrigued her more. That sword… her true strength is slipping through. She sensed Qing Wan’s growing power and Shu Yue’s vulnerability. This is my chance to bind them to me—or break them. She sent a jade slip to her tracker, ordering discreet surveillance on both. Sunny Sister’s trials will test her, but Elder Luyue’s heart is my prize.
The next morning, Cheng Mo faced the council, her law robe pristine but her heart heavy. Elder Qingxu presided, his gaze stern. Liu Qingxu stepped forward, her voice sharp. “Elder Luyue, your return has only worsened Qing Wan’s instability. Witnesses saw your… display outside her courtyard. Your leadership is unfit.” Cheng Mo’s jaw tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “My actions were to mend ties with my disciple, not destabilize her. Qing Wan’s strength is Jinghong Peak’s pride, not its shame.” Qing Wan, standing at the hall’s edge, clenched her fists, her icy aura wavering.
Elder Yun interjected, her tone measured. “The sect trials will test both of you. Luyue, prove your leadership. Qing Wan, prove your control. Failure will cost Jinghong Peak dearly.” Qing Wan’s eyes flashed, but she nodded curtly. Cheng Mo bowed, her resolve firm. I’ll face the trials—for her, for the peak. As the council adjourned, she caught Qing Wan’s gaze, a flicker of doubt in her disciple’s eyes. She’s listening, even if she won’t admit it.
Outside, Wan Qing approached, her smile gentle but piercing. “Elder Luyue, your heart’s in the right place, but Sunny Sister’s stubborn. Let me help.” Cheng Mo’s eyes narrowed, sensing the manipulation. “I’ll handle my disciple, Fairy Wan Qing. Stay out of this.” Wan Qing’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes glinted. You’ll need me soon enough.
Later, Cheng Mo found Lin Xiaoxi practicing sword forms under Chu Yi’s guidance. “Elder!” Xiaoxi called, her face bright. “I’m learning! Will you teach me like you taught Second Sister?” Cheng Mo’s heart softened, but Qing Wan’s pain lingered. “I will, Xiaoxi. But first, I need to fix something.” She turned toward Qing Wan’s courtyard, steeling herself. One more try. No swords this time.
She knocked softly, her voice low. “Qing Wan, I know you’re there. I’m not here to fight. I left because I feared my fate would drag you down. I was wrong. Let me make it right.” Silence answered, but the bans didn’t flare. Cheng Mo placed a vial of spiritual wine—Jade衡’s gift—by the door and stepped back. Please, take it. As she turned to leave, the door creaked open, just a sliver, Qing Wan’s shadow visible within. No words came, but the vial was gone when Cheng Mo gla
nced back.