Azure Ethereal Peak, atop the lofty and majestic Jade Purity Hall, once a symbol of solemn dignity, now seemed to be in disarray. The echoing footsteps, both inside and outside the hall, were frantic and chaotic, punctuated by hushed whispers that spread like ripples through the air. Distant clamors, unheard of in the past, now seemed to grow louder, drawing ever closer to the Jade Purity Hall.
The Jade Purity Hall stood high above the sea of clouds. Even after crossing the Rainbow Bridge and ascending the stone steps from the Azure Waters Pool, it would take some time to reach. But the sounds indicated that the commotion had already reached halfway up the steps.
Xiao Yicai, the eldest disciple of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, hurried to the scene, flanked by several younger disciples. Despite his profound cultivation, an uncharacteristic look of weariness marred his handsome face.
Yet, as he entered the grand hall, Xiao Yicai’s expression remained stern, his brows furrowed with a hint of anger. “What is the meaning of this? Is there not enough trouble already? Who dares to make such a commotion here?”
Several young disciples, stationed at the entrance, hastened to explain. Since the Grand Master Dao Xuan had retreated into seclusion after the great battle with the Beast God, and his temper had become increasingly unpredictable, the affairs of the Azure Ethereal Conclave had largely been managed by Xiao Yicai, who was highly respected and somewhat feared by the younger generation.
As the noise continued to escalate, the disciples’ faces betrayed a mixture of unease and bewilderment. One of them approached Xiao Yicai, whispering, “Senior Brother Xiao, it’s Senior Sister Su from Bamboo Peak.”
Xiao Yicai was taken aback. “Senior Sister Su Ru?”
The others nodded in confirmation. Xiao Yicai, surprised, asked, “What brings her here? And why has she caused such a commotion without any prior notice…?”
Before he could finish, a sharp, clear whistle, reminiscent of a phoenix’s cry, rang out from outside the hall, rising high and clear.
Xiao Yicai’s expression darkened. “This is bad. Quick, we must… Wait! Junior Brothers Cao and Xu, go to the rear courtyard and bring the senior elders to persuade Senior Sister Su. We, as juniors, are in no position to speak. Hurry!”
Two young disciples nodded and rushed to the rear of the hall. Xiao Yicai strode towards the entrance, but the piercing whistle suddenly became urgent and shrill. Xiao Yicai’s face paled, and he darted towards the door, calling out, “Senior Sister Su, please, whatever it is, let us talk it over. Do not…!”
But before he could complete his sentence, a series of thuds and groans interrupted him. Several figures, knocked off their feet, tumbled into the hall, unable to stand. They sprawled on the ground, rolling and struggling to regain their footing.
A shocked silence fell over the Jade Purity Hall.
“Hey!” A cold, disdainful voice cut through the stillness. Su Ru, a slender and elegant figure, appeared at the doorway, her presence commanding and formidable.
Her sudden appearance silenced everyone. The hall, usually bustling, now lay hushed, all eyes fixed on the woman radiating an aura of both beauty and fury.
Her lustrous black hair, coiled in an elaborate bun, was adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin, its beak holding a small, sparkling jade bell. Her willowy brows, a blend of frost and allure, framed her eyes, which blazed with barely contained anger. Her lips, pressed tight, and her cheeks, pale as snow, only added to her striking appearance. Instead of her usual loose robes, she now wore a simple, form-fitting dress, accentuating her fierce determination. In her hand, she clutched a dark green sword, its sheath gleaming, though the sword itself seemed to pulse with a life of its own, eager to be unsheathed and wielded.
Xiao Yicai felt a chill run down his spine.
Su Ru’s icy gaze swept over the gathered crowd, her beautiful but unyielding face leaving no one brave enough to meet her eyes.
Xiao Yicai glanced at the young disciples slowly getting up, their minor injuries a testament to Su Ru’s restraint. He felt a slight sense of relief, knowing she had not used her full strength. However, when her gaze finally landed on him, a chill ran through him.
He stepped forward, bowing respectfully, and tried to engage her, “Senior Sister Su, what brings you to our Azure Ethereal Peak today?”
Su Ru’s cold stare pinned him, and she ignored his attempt at civility. “Enough talk. Bring Dao Xuan out to me!”
Her words sent a ripple of shock through the hall. Xiao Yicai, his face changing, stammered, “Senior Sister, is something wrong? Our master has been in seclusion. By the way, where is Senior Brother Tian Yi?”
Mentioning Tian Yi was a mistake. Su Ru’s expression turned grim, a mix of sorrow, anxiety, and barely controlled rage.
“Roar!” A low, bestial growl emanated from the dark green sword, startling everyone. The sword’s glow intensified, emitting a sound like a wild beast’s roar.
Su Ru’s fingers, pale and strained, held the sword tightly. The sword, a mighty and fierce weapon, seemed perfectly at home in her hands, amplifying her resolve and power.
Xiao Yicai, his scalp tingling, stepped back. “Senior Sister, call for Dao Xuan, I will ask… What did you do to Senior Brother Tian Yi?”
A deep, rumbling voice interrupted, “Senior Sister Su, if something happened to Tian Yi, let’s talk about it. We are all from the same family, do not act rashly.”
From the back, several elder figures emerged, including Elders Yang and Fan. Elder Yang, his hair blacker than the other, spoke, “Senior Sister Su, if something happened to Tian Yi, tell us. We can resolve it together.”
Su Ru’s gaze remained cold. “I want to see Dao Xuan. I need to know what he did to Tian Yi.”
Elder Yang, sensing the tension, gestured to Xiao Yicai, “Go to the Ancestral Hall and ask the Grand Master. If possible, bring him here to clarify everything.”
Xiao Yicai, after a moment’s hesitation, nodded and hurried off.
Elder Yang turned to Su Ru, “Senior Sister, I understand your concern, but this is a bit too much, isn’t it?”
Su Ru, silent for a moment, replied, “If Tian Yi is fine, I will accept the consequences. But if he is harmed, I will seek justice, even if it means facing the entire Azure Ethereal Conclave.”
With a swift, decisive motion, she drove the sword into the stone floor, causing the hall to shake. The sword, now embedded, glowed ominously, a low, menacing growl resonating through the hall.
Elder Yang sighed, “Senior Sister, you’ve gone too far. Why did you unseal ‘Ink Snow’?”
Su Ru’s cold smile never wavered. “If Tian Yi is in danger, I will use Ink Snow to demand answers from the Grand Master.”
Elder Yang, shaking his head, sat down beside her. The atmosphere in the hall slowly calmed, and Elder Yang whispered words of comfort. Other elders either stood or sat, while Elder Fan kept a respectful distance.
Suddenly, a loud, panicked voice shattered the relative calm. “Trouble, big trouble!”
Everyone turned to see Xiao Yicai, his face pale and alarmed. Su Ru, her world tilting, almost fainted, but was caught by Senior Sister Shui Yue, who had just arrived. She steadied Su Ru, her eyes filled with concern.
“What happened, Xiao Yicai?” she demanded.
Xiao Yicai, his voice trembling, hesitated, the weight of the news too heavy to bear.
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