The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Half-divine, half-commoner | Composed, perceptive, and quietly resolute.
Miao Miao: Yena's friend | a flower spirit | Courageous, affectionate, and emotionally open.
Jin Yue: Zhang Haoran's disciple | Loyal, grounded, and emotionally attuned.
Shu Lin: Zhang Haoran's disciple | Calm, intuitive, and emotionally significant.
Zhang Haoran: Headmaster of the Flying Dragon Sect | Disciplined, fair-minded, and inscrutable.
Qing Yi: Young Disciple | Proud, insecure, and emotionally reactive.
Shen Lei: Senior Disciple | Watchful, loyal, and steady-handed.
Yu Chen: Senior Disciple | Stern, outspoken, and fiercely principled.
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Amidst the tension, Jin Yue leaned closer to Yena."Did Qing Yi say something to you?"
Yena's expression remained unreadable. "She is young. I do not mind her words... but they may have wounded Miao Miao."
Jin Yue nodded in understanding. "I see. Miao Miao cannot abide injustice—especially when it concerns you. Perhaps she feels this is the only way to teach Qing Yi a lesson."
Then, attempting to lighten the mood, he added with a wry smile, "Though, Qing Yi is 'young'? Maybe by cultivation years. She's likely past fifty. You, on the other hand, are merely twenty-one. Bold of you to call her young."
Yena blinked. "She's older than I am?"
"Mm-hmm. I heard her cultivation level is high. That's about right for her age. Not that age matters much among cultivators, but still—but still, she may take offense."
Yena nodded slowly, absorbing this. Seeing the seriousness still in her face, Jin Yue chuckled. "Alright, alright—do not dwell on it too much. Let us go and lift Miao Miao's spirits."
Yena took a deep breath. "Mm. Let us go."
Miao Miao, spotting Yena, dashed toward her. "Yena-ya! Where were you?" She leaned closer, voice lowered. "I do not know why, but I feel… nervous."
Yena reached out and steadied her. "Do not worry, little Miao Miao. I am here—and Jin Yue is too."
Miao Miao turned toward him with a pout. "Tch. You're never around when we need you."
Jin Yue raised his hands in surrender. "And you don't sit quietly when I'm not."
"It is not my fault! She provoked it."
Yena sighed, half-amused. "Why don't you two have a duel instead? I'd be more at ease watching that."
They all laughed, briefly diffusing the mood. But Miao Miao's smile faded, and she asked quietly, "Yena... do you think I'll win? I mean—I'm not doubting myself, but... can I truly?"
Yena placed both hands firmly on her shoulders. "Why are you doubting yourself now, little Miao Miao? You've already shown great bravery by accepting the challenge. I do not wish for you to fight—but that does not mean I doubt you. I have seen your resolve. Now, believe in yourself as I do."
Jin Yue added, "She's right. Do not worry about the outcome. Just focus on doing your best."
Miao Miao nodded, reassured by their support.
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Meanwhile, one of Zhang Haoran's disciple arrived—a young man close to Qing Yi. He bowed deeply.
"Headmaster. Seniors."
Shen Lei shook his head. "Qing Yi's at it again. She has provoked a duel with our guests."
The disciple spoke calmly. "I heard. Have you urged her to stand down?"
Yu Chen folded his arms, exasperated. "You know her. Do you think she listens? Once this is done, I swear I'll teach her a lesson—and don't you interfere."
The disciple asked, "And what of you, Master? Has she even disregarded your words?"
Zhang Haoran, hands folded behind him, replied, "I have not spoken to her. It is her will to fight. To initiate a duel with guests is unacceptable, and warrants punishment—but both parties have agreed. I cannot intervene now."
He turned toward the disciple.
"That is why I asked for you. Qing Yi listens to you. Speak with her—perhaps it is not too late."
"If you believe I can help, I will try." The disciple turned to leave but was stopped by the Headmaster's raised hand.
"Remember—Qing Yi is your direct junior. Her conduct reflects upon you. Speak with the others as well. She has disrespected our guests."
The disciple nodded solemnly and entered the arena. He saw the backs of Yena, Miao Miao, and Jin Yue—but before he approached, he went to Qing Yi, who stood alone at the far end.
Qing Yi lit up at the sight of him and hugged him on impulse. He gently stepped back. "You have stirred up trouble again, Qing Yi. How could you—"
"You're scolding me before even asking if I'm alright?" she snapped, turning away with a pout. "Do you know how frightened I am?"
He sighed. "Don't be afraid. Your seniors are here. I came to ask—can you withdraw from this fight?"
She turned back to him, indignant. "Withdraw? Me? Why? She accepted the challenge. Now you want me to back down?"
His voice was firm. "I heard you were the one who provoked it. Our sect does not treat guests so dishonorably. There will be punishment—and if you withdraw, I may be able to lessen it."
Qing Yi's gaze faltered. "So even you will not stand with me?"She glanced across the arena. "She has people to stand beside her... I have no one."
Just then, Zhang Haoran and other disciple joined them. Qing Yi bowed.
"Qing Yi," Shen Lei began, "we have always supported you. But this—this was not right."
Zhang Haoran spoke, his tone calm. "Qing Yi. The desire to fight is not wrong. But your conduct toward our guests is unbecoming of a disciple."
"Headmaster, I swear—I meant no harm. If you say I should not fight, I will stop. But she accepted the duel. I did not force her. If I step back now, it will seem as though I fear her!"
The disciple opened his mouth to object, but Zhang Haoran gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "No. I understand. Your heart is steadfast." He turned to her. "Then go. Compete—and show me what you have learned."
Qing Yi's eyes lit up. "Yes, Master. I shall not disappoint you!"
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The disciple turned back toward the trio across the arena. Their faces were still hidden by the crowd—but something about them—about her—felt strangely familiar.
Zhao Haoran clapped, sharp and loud. "Clear the arena!"
The disciples stepped aside. As the space opened, the trio came into view—and the disciple's breath caught.
Yu Chen stepped forward and called for Miao Miao to prepare. As the trio turned toward them, the disciple froze.
"She's... her," he murmured.
Across the space, Miao Miao locked eyes with him. Her voice dropped to a murmur.
"I was right. He is here."
She turned to Yena, who stood frozen. Her lips barely moved.
"…Shu Lin."
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