Chapter 60: Shura Field
The warm spring’s steam curled upward, mingling with the afternoon sunlight, but the air at Jinghong Peak’s heart was anything but serene. Shu Yue stood frozen, her Golden Core aura trembling under the third curse’s unnoticed grip, her mind a storm of panic. This is a nightmare. Liu Qingxu’s brazen familiarity, Wan Qing’s calculated warmth, Qing Wan’s icy resentment, and Lin Xiaoxi’s protective glare boxed her in. The sect trials’ duels loomed mere hours away, and this chaotic convergence threatened to unravel her. I just wanted peace!
Liu Qingxu, undeterred by the tension, stepped closer, her plumed skirt swirling. “Moon Sister, you’re avoiding me!” she teased, her voice syrupy but edged with intent. Her hand reached for Shu Yue’s arm, but Shu Yue sidestepped, her voice cold. “Sect Master Liu’s daughter should mind her conduct.” The rebuke only made Liu Qingxu pout theatrically, her eyes glinting. She’s rattled. In her sleeve, the third jade slip pulsed, amplifying the curse’s drain on Shu Yue’s qi. Perfect timing.
Wan Qing’s jade flute tapped lightly against her palm, her smile serene but sharp. “Clear Ripples Sister, Elder Luyue seems… occupied. Perhaps another time?” Her words were gentle, but her gaze flicked to Shu Yue, noting her strain. She’s cornered. Wan Qing’s zither, hidden nearby, thrummed faintly, weaving subtle discord into the crowd’s murmurs beyond the spring. She signaled Liu Qingxu discreetly: Push her now. Qing Wan’s presence, however, complicated her plan—her icy aura was a wildcard.
Qing Wan’s Silent Annihilation Sword Intent flared briefly, her eyes locked on Shu Yue. She’s surrounded, yet I’m the outsider. The memory of their trial alliance clashed with the sting of seeing Liu Qingxu’s familiarity and Wan Qing’s warmth. “Elder,” she said, her voice cutting like frost, “if you’re done entertaining, we have duels to prepare for.” Her words were sharp, but her hand twitched, betraying a flicker of concern. Shu Yue met her gaze, guilt and resolve warring within. “Qing Wan, I—”
Lin Xiaoxi, still glaring at Liu Qingxu, tugged Shu Yue’s sleeve, her voice fierce. “Teacher, you don’t need her! We’re enough!” Her novice qi pulsed with loyalty, her small frame bristling like a guard beast. Shu Yue’s heart softened, but the third curse surged, a sharp pain lancing through her dantian. She swayed, clutching Frost Silence, and Qing Wan instinctively stepped forward, her hand steadying Shu Yue’s elbow. “You’re not well,” Qing Wan said, her tone softer but firm. “Stop hiding it.”
Liu Qingxu’s eyes narrowed, sensing opportunity. “Moon Sister, you look pale! Let me help—” Her hand reached out, but Lin Xiaoxi blocked her, eyes blazing. “Stay away from Teacher!” Wan Qing’s smile deepened, her flute twirling. Chaos suits me. She spoke softly, “Perhaps we should all calm ourselves. The trials await.” Her words diffused nothing, the air crackling with tension.
Elder Yuheng, arriving unnoticed, observed from the grove’s edge, her counter-talisman glowing faintly. Liu Qingxu’s curse is active. Her disciple’s report confirmed forbidden arrays in Liu Qingxu’s quarters, and Qing Wan’s concern hinted at a shift. Yuheng stepped forward, her voice cutting through. “Enough. Elder Luyue, your team is needed at the arena. Sect Master Liu’s daughter, return to Yaochi Peak.” Liu Qingxu pouted but retreated, her jade slip’s pulse hidden. Wan Qing bowed gracefully, retreating with a knowing glance.
Shu Yue, steadied by Qing Wan and Lin Xiaoxi, nodded weakly. “To the arena.” Qing Wan’s grip lingered, her eyes searching. “No more secrets after this.” Shu Yue’s voice was faint but resolute. “No more.” Lin Xiaoxi clung to her side, her loyalty unwavering. As they moved toward the trial grounds, Wan Qing’s zither notes faded, but her signal to Liu Qingxu lingered: The duels will break her. The third curse pulsed stronger, and Jinghong Peak’s unity faced its fin
al test.