Chapter 62: Memories

In the abyss of Shu Yue’s consciousness, the heart lake rippled, reflecting her fractured choices. The third curse’s dark threads pulsed faintly, weakened by Elder Yuheng’s counter-talisman, yet still tethering her to despair. Her question—What do I truly want?—echoed unanswered. Outside, the warm spring’s chaos had stilled, Jinghong Peak holding its breath as Shu Yue lay unconscious, surrounded by Qing Wan, Lin Xiaoxi, Wan Qing, and Liu Qingxu, with Yuheng’s steady presence anchoring the scene.

Qing Wan knelt beside Shu Yue, her Silent Annihilation Sword Intent subdued, her hands trembling as she channeled qi to stabilize Shu Yue’s meridians. “Master, you can’t fall,” she whispered, her voice raw with fear and guilt. Lin Xiaoxi clung to Shu Yue’s other side, her novice qi pouring recklessly into her teacher, tears streaming. “Teacher, wake up! Please!” Her loyalty burned fiercely, her intuition sensing the curse’s malevolence. Wan Qing stood back, her flute silent, her mind calculating. Luyue’s collapse could shift the board. Liu Qingxu, cornered by Yuheng’s scrutiny, clutched her jade slip, its glow faltering. I miscalculated.

Yuheng’s counter-talisman flared, its light unraveling the curse’s grip on Shu Yue’s Golden Core. “This is no ordinary affliction,” she muttered, her divine sense probing deeper. “Qingxu, you will answer to the Sect Master.” Liu Qingxu’s defiance crumbled, her voice shrill. “I did nothing wrong!” But Yuheng’s evidence—traces of forbidden arrays—silenced her protests. Qing Wan’s gaze snapped to Liu Qingxu, her sword intent flaring. “You cursed her,” she hissed, stepping forward. Lin Xiaoxi, still holding Shu Yue, glared. “You hurt Teacher!”

Inside Shu Yue’s mind, the heart lake churned, her reflection shifting between Cheng Mo’s modern fears and Luyue’s cold facade. I hurt them all—Qing Wan, Xiaoxi, even Wan Qing. A faint light pierced the darkness—a memory of Lin Xiaoxi’s anshen tea, Qing Wan’s tentative trust, Chu Yi’s loyalty. They care for me, despite everything. The realization sparked a fragile resolve. I can’t keep running. Her consciousness stirred, the curse’s hold loosening as Yuheng’s talisman worked.

Shu Yue’s eyes fluttered open, her breath shallow. Qing Wan’s face hovered above, her icy demeanor cracked by worry. “Master,” she said, voice breaking, “no more secrets.” Shu Yue’s gaze softened, guilt heavy but tempered by gratitude. “Qing Wan… I’m sorry.” Lin Xiaoxi sobbed in relief, hugging Shu Yue tightly. “Teacher, you’re okay!” Wan Qing’s smile returned, subtle and unreadable, while Liu Qingxu retreated under Yuheng’s glare, her scheme exposed.

Yuheng helped Shu Yue sit up, her voice firm. “The sect trials wait, but this curse must be addressed. Qingxu’s actions demand justice.” Shu Yue nodded weakly, her mind clearer. I’ve been running from my heart. She looked at Qing Wan and Lin Xiaoxi, their loyalty a lifeline. “We face the trials together,” she said, her voice steadying. Qing Wan’s hand lingered on her arm, a silent vow. No more running. Wan Qing’s flute twirled, her plans shifting, while Liu Qingxu’s jade slip cracked, her influence waning.

As Jinghong Peak’s team prepared for the trials’ final phase, Shu Yue’s resolve hardened. The third curse lingered, but her disciples’ faith and Yuheng’s intervention offered a path forward. The heart lake stilled, her question unanswered but her purpose clear: Live, not just for survival, but fo

r them.