Chapter 54: Self -examination

The air on Jinghong Peak was crisp, the morning mist curling around the pavilions as Shu Yue stood before the sect’s council chamber, her heart heavy but resolute. The summons had come at dawn, a formal jade slip bearing the sect master’s seal: Elder Luyue, report to address Blackwind Gorge. Her Golden Core aura was steady, but the second curse, unnoticed, pulsed faintly, sapping her strength. No more running. Her reflection at the cold spring had shifted something—she wasn’t just surviving; she was starting to face the ties she’d forged, however messy. Qing Wan, Chu Yi, Xiaoxi… I owe them better.

Inside, the council chamber buzzed with tension. The sect master, a towering figure with a Nascent Soul aura, sat at the head, flanked by elders, including Yuheng and Liu Qingxu. Liu Qingxu’s eyes glinted with cold calculation, her third jade slip hidden in her sleeve, ready to amplify the curses during the trials. “Elder Luyue,” the sect master began, his voice calm but probing, “your actions in Blackwind Gorge—destroying an array and Yaochi Sect intruders—have raised questions. Explain.”

Shu Yue stepped forward, her voice clear despite her inner turmoil. “The array was a trap, designed to destabilize Qing Wan’s dao heart. Yaochi’s rogue cultivators were complicit. I acted to protect my disciple.” Her gaze flickered to Liu Qingxu, who smiled thinly. She’s behind it. Yuheng nodded slightly, her earlier report of the counter-talisman supporting Shu Yue’s claim. The sect master’s eyes narrowed. “Your power was… excessive. Some call it reckless.”

Before Shu Yue could respond, Liu Qingxu interjected, her tone smooth but venomous. “Elder Luyue’s strength is undeniable, but her lack of restraint endangers the sect. Blackwind Gorge’s chasm disrupts the local qi flow. Who bears the cost?” Whispers rippled through the council, some elders nodding. Shu Yue’s jaw tightened, but she held her ground. “The chasm sealed a corrupted vein. The sect’s safety was my priority.” And Qing Wan’s.

Outside, Qing Wan practiced her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent in a secluded grove, her movements sharper but her heart unsteady. Shu Yue’s drunken vulnerability lingered in her mind, clashing with years of resentment. She apologized. She stayed. The nickname “Little Wan’er” echoed, softening her resolve. Does she mean it? The curse’s remnants were quiet, but her dao heart wavered. Chu Yi approached, his Foundation Building aura steady. “Sunny Sister, the council’s questioning Master. Liu Qingxu’s pushing hard.”

Qing Wan’s sword paused, her eyes darkening. “She’s targeting her?” Chu Yi nodded, worry etching his face. “Master’s strong, but the council’s divided. We need to support her.” Qing Wan gripped her sword, torn between joining the council and avoiding Shu Yue. If I face her, what do I say? Her hesitation broke when Lin Xiaoxi ran up, breathless. “Second Sister! Teacher’s in trouble! I heard elders talking—someone’s framing her!” Qing Wan’s heart clenched. I owe her… for Blackwind Gorge.

At the same time, Wan Qing lingered near the council chamber, her zither silent but her divine sense active. Luyue’s composure is new. Her plan to bind Shu Yue was faltering, but Liu Qingxu’s plot offered an opening. She sent a subtle message: “Expose her weakness now.” Liu Qingxu activated the third jade slip, and the second curse in Shu Yue flared, unnoticed, causing her to sway mid-speech. Yuheng’s eyes sharpened, sensing the disturbance. “Elder Luyue, are you well?” Shu Yue steadied herself, her voice firm. “I’m fine. Let’s continue.”

Qing Wan arrived at the chamber’s entrance, her presence unannounced. She caught Shu Yue’s brief falter, her instincts screaming. Something’s wrong. She stepped inside, her voice cutting through the murmurs. “Sect Master, Elder Luyue saved my life in Blackwind Gorge. The array was a deliberate attack—likely from within.” Her gaze locked on Liu Qingxu, who stiffened. The sect master raised a hand, silencing the room. “Qing Wan, elaborate.”

Qing Wan’s heart raced, but she pressed on, her voice steady. “The array targeted my dao heart. Elder Luyue destroyed it and Yaochi’s rogues to protect me. If anyone’s reckless, it’s those who let such traps fester.” Shu Yue’s eyes widened, a flicker of warmth breaking through her calm. She’s defending me. Liu Qingxu’s smile faltered, her third curse ready but untriggered. Yuheng seized the moment, presenting the counter-talisman. “This proves external interference. We must investigate.”

The sect master’s gaze swept the room, lingering on Liu Qingxu. “Agreed. Elder Luyue, you’re cleared—for now. The trials will test Jinghong Peak’s unity.” Shu Yue nodded, her relief tempered by the curse’s subtle drain. Outside, Qing Wan avoided her gaze but lingered, her voice low. “I didn’t do it for you.” Shu Yue smiled faintly. “I know. Thank you.” The trials loomed, and Liu Qingxu’s next move waited in th

e shadows.