Chapter 152: The Unfilial Offense

**Azure Ethereal Peak, Jade Purity Hall**

“Impossible!” Startled disbelief colored Daoxuan’s voice as he exclaimed, “The three major sects of the Demon Sect were all utterly annihilated after their battle with the Beast Fiend?”

Standing beneath the three esteemed leaders of the righteous path, and amidst the many elders who sat or stood nearby, Xiao Yicai, Fazheng, Lu Xueqi, and the other disciples who had just returned to Azure Ethereal Conclave, remained silent. Only Xiao Yicai, the leader among them, nodded firmly, saying, “Yes, Master. All seven of us saw it with our own eyes. The southwestern Venomous Snake Valley was a scene of carnage, unbearable to behold. The Demon Sect indeed suffered a devastating blow. We found the bodies of many prominent figures from the Pleasant Sect and the Ten Thousand Toxin Sect, including Madam Sanmiao. However, we did not find many of the key figures from the Ghost King Sect. It’s possible that the Beast Fiend devoured them…”

Lu Xueqi’s face grew even paler, as if the horror of the event and the sight of the carnage were etched into her mind, making it impossible for her to forget. Nevertheless, she managed to control her emotions, showing no outward signs. No one noticed anything, except for Shui Yue, the head of Lesser Bamboo Peak, who had raised Lu Xueqi. Shui Yue noticed the uncharacteristic sorrow on Lu Xueqi’s normally icy and beautiful face.

Shui Yue’s brows furrowed slightly, and she sighed softly, remaining silent.

In the Jade Purity Hall, the crowd murmured, growing louder as they discussed the situation. Among the faces of these elite practitioners, some showed surprise, others fear, but most had complex expressions of mixed joy and concern. For countless years, the Demon Sect had been a thorn in the side of the righteous path, and multiple campaigns to eradicate them had met with little success. This time, the Beast Fiend had dealt a fatal blow, which was indeed a welcome, albeit unexpected, development. However, the strength of the Demon Sect was not to be underestimated, and their defeat at the hands of the Beast Fiend was cause for serious alarm. None in the hall were fools; they could all see that the next target of the Beast Fiend would likely be Azure Ethereal Conclave, the stronghold of the righteous path.

Could the righteous path, the last hope of the world, withstand this unprecedented and calamitous threat?

No one knew for sure.

After a brief, low-voiced discussion, Daoxuan, Pu Hong, and Yun Yilan, the three great pillars of the righteous path, all frowned deeply. Daoxuan then spoke, and both Pu Hong and Yun Yilan nodded in agreement. Daoxuan rose to his feet and cleared his throat.

The murmurs in the Jade Purity Hall subsided, and all eyes turned to Daoxuan. His expression was grave, and once the hall was completely silent, he spoke solemnly, “Fellow Daoists, you have all heard what happened. The annihilation of the Demon Sect was completely unexpected, but we still need to ascertain the full details. We must determine if any remnants of the Demon Sect escaped the battle. However, for now, that matter is not the most pressing.”

His stern visage and piercing eyes conveyed a sense of authority, and he continued, “Fellow Daoists, the calamity before us is dire, and the strength of the Beast Fiend is truly alarming. As members of the righteous path, we cannot retreat. This matter is complex, and I, along with Pu Hong and Master Yun, will need to discuss it further. In the meantime, I ask all of you to return to your quarters and rest. The battle is not far off, and for the sake of the people of the world, I hope you will all do your best!”

The crowd nodded in agreement, and a faint smile crossed Daoxuan’s face. Pu Hong and Yun Yilan also rose, heading toward the back chambers. Just as Daoxuan was about to follow, he remembered something and called out, “Yicai, come with us. Tell us more about what you witnessed.”

Xiao Yicai responded and strode forward, following Daoxuan to the back chambers.

As soon as the three venerable elders departed, the hall became lively again. People gathered in groups, discussing the situation. While Xiao Yicai accompanied Daoxuan, the other six disciples who had returned from the southwest were surrounded by many, eager to hear their accounts. They expressed shock, shook their heads, and sighed, each in their own way.

Amidst the crowd, Lu Xueqi remained silent, her gaze distant, seemingly lost in thought.

A sudden commotion arose, and a path cleared as Shui Yue, the head of Lesser Bamboo Peak, entered the hall, followed by Wen Min and several other beautiful female disciples from Lesser Bamboo Peak. Lu Xueqi snapped back to reality, seeing her master approaching and looking at her. She moved her lips and quietly called, “Master.” Then, she lowered her head.

Shui Yue’s expression was unreadable as she said, “The sect leader and the other elders are discussing the matter. There is nothing else to be done here for now. Return with me to Lesser Bamboo Peak.”

Lu Xueqi nodded and replied softly, “Yes, Master.”

Ignoring the others, Shui Yue led the way out of the Jade Purity Hall, and Lu Xueqi followed. The respect for the head of Lesser Bamboo Peak was significant, and the other righteous path practitioners quickly made way. As Lu Xueqi was about to leave with Shui Yue, Li Xun, standing nearby, looked anxious. He took a step forward, about to speak, but a figure blocked his path. Li Xun, startled, recognized Wen Min, Shui Yue’s senior disciple.

Wen Min smiled at Li Xun and said, “Senior Brother Li, Junior Sister Xueqi is very tired. She needs to rest. Besides, she has been away for a long time, and our master has much to discuss with her.”

Li Xun looked at Wen Min, his expression disappointed, but he eventually stepped back, saying, “Alright, but please take good care of her—”

Before he could finish, Wen Min smiled and replied, “Rest assured, Senior Brother Li. Junior Sister Xueqi and I are like sisters. I will do everything necessary to support her.”

Li Xun blushed and nodded, stepping aside. Wen Min and the other female disciples from Lesser Bamboo Peak also left the hall, and soon, the entire group disappeared from sight.

※※※

They traveled through the clouds, returning from Azure Ethereal Peak to Lesser Bamboo Peak. After landing, Shui Yue’s expression was cold, and she said nothing to anyone, walking directly into the hall. The others respectfully watched as Shui Yue vanished into the building.

After Shui Yue disappeared, Lu Xueqi stood motionless, her gaze vacant, until Wen Min tapped her shoulder, bringing her back to reality.

Wen Min, with a hint of concern in her eyes, asked softly, “Junior Sister, what’s wrong? You seem lost, and you didn’t respond when I called you several times.”

Lu Xueqi blinked, forcing a smile, and said, “I’m sorry, Senior Sister.”

Wen Min shook her head, “What are you apologizing for? We are sisters, don’t be so formal. By the way, I noticed that Master’s expression was a bit off. I’ll go check on her. You must be tired, go rest.”

Lu Xueqi remained silent for a moment, then whispered, “I think Master is still angry with me.”

Wen Min looked at her beautiful and most distinguished junior sister, noticing the additional weariness in her pale, beautiful face. She sighed inwardly, placed an arm around Lu Xueqi’s shoulders, and said, “Don’t worry, silly girl. You know how Master treats you. Everything will be fine. I’ll go check on her.”

Lu Xueqi nodded silently. Wen Min smiled, gave a few instructions to the other disciples, and was about to leave when a young girl, Xiao Shi, who had been secretly observed by Ge Lie on Lesser Bamboo Peak, emerged from the hall. Because of her young age and insufficient cultivation, she had stayed on Lesser Bamboo Peak. Shui Yue, fond of her clever and endearing nature, kept her close.

Xiao Shi glanced around and quickly approached Wen Min and Lu Xueqi. Wen Min exclaimed in surprise, and when Xiao Shi reached them, she said, “Xiao Shi, why are you here? Master just returned. Shouldn’t you be attending to her?”

Xiao Shi nodded, glancing at Lu Xueqi, and said, “Senior Sister, Master asked me to call Junior Sister Xueqi to ‘Quiet Bamboo Hut’ to see her.”

Wen Min was taken aback and looked at Lu Xueqi, who, with a complex expression, replied, “Alright, I’ll go.” She then walked off, disappearing into the buildings of Lesser Bamboo Peak.

Wen Min watched her go, frowning, and asked Xiao Shi, “Did Master say anything else? Why did she call Xueqi?”

Xiao Shi shook her head, “No, Master has been silent since she returned. She just asked me to call Junior Sister Xueqi to see her.”

Wen Min sighed, unsure of the situation. She then told the other female disciples, “Alright, it seems there’s nothing to worry about. Go rest.”

The women nodded and dispersed. Wen Min cast a final glance in the direction Lu Xueqi had gone, feeling a heavy weight in her heart, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.

The “Quiet Bamboo Hut” was a secluded part of the Lesser Bamboo Peak, near the back of the mountain, surrounded by green “Tear Bamboo.” The gentle breeze caused the bamboo leaves to sway, creating a calming atmosphere. Shui Yue often retreated here for solitude, and the other disciples were familiar with the place.

Lu Xueqi walked through the corridor, stepping onto the smooth, pebble-paved path through the bamboo grove. Winding through the bamboo, she soon reached the hut, built entirely of bamboo. From the outside, it appeared simple and unadorned, with the pearl-like walls showing signs of the passage of time. Two small windows, one on each side, revealed the silhouette of Shui Yue, sitting in quiet contemplation.

Lu Xueqi approached the door, which was slightly ajar. Feeling a sense of unease, she took a deep breath and said, “Master, it’s Xueqi. Did you call for me?”

Shui Yue’s voice came from inside, calm and emotionless, “Yes, come in.”

Lu Xueqi gathered her courage, pushed the door open, and entered. The room was simply furnished with a table, chairs, and a tea set. Near the window was a desk with writing materials. Shui Yue, who never cared for luxury, was sitting by the window, gazing out at the bamboo forest.

Lu Xueqi approached, looking at Shui Yue’s back, and said softly, “Master.”

Shui Yue slowly turned, looking at Lu Xueqi, who seemed reluctant to meet her gaze and lowered her head. The silence between them was awkward. Neither Shui Yue nor Lu Xueqi were talkative, and such moments had occurred before, but today, there was a strange, unfamiliar distance between them.

After a while, Shui Yue broke the silence, asking in a flat tone, “Was your journey to the southwest smooth?”

Lu Xueqi nodded, “It was fine. The Beast Fiends were rampant, but we avoided them. In the end, we found a mad Demon Sect disciple, which led us to the Venomous Snake Valley, where we saw—”

Her voice faltered, and a clear pain flashed across her face, causing her to shiver slightly. Shui Yue watched her, her eyes flickering, as if pondering something. After a moment, she asked, “Did you see him?”

Lu Xueqi froze, looking at Shui Yue, whose eyes seemed to pierce her soul. Her expression changed, and she said softly, “Master, what do you mean?”

Shui Yue’s voice was cold, “I mean Zhang Xiaofan, the Ghost Li of the Ghost King Sect!”

Shui Yue’s words, though soft, were like a thunderclap to Lu Xueqi. She lifted her head, her face pale, but Shui Yue’s piercing gaze held her eyes. Lu Xueqi’s lips parted and closed, tightly pressed together, and she said nothing.

Silence fell again.

After a long moment, Shui Yue’s face relaxed, and her gaze softened, showing a mix of pity and pain.

“Qier, how long will you deceive me?” Shui Yue asked slowly.

Lu Xueqi’s hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white from the force. She was clearly agitated. Looking at her master, who had raised her, her eyes filled with a misty haze, but she held back, biting her lip, and slowly knelt before Shui Yue.

“It is my fault, I have failed to live up to your teachings,” her voice grew smaller, her slender figure trembling slightly.

Shui Yue sighed, her eyes reflecting the hardships of the past. She seemed to recall old memories, and her own expression held a hint of sadness. She turned, walking to the window, gazing at the swaying bamboo, wondering if the person from the past still remembered this place.

“Rise,” Shui Yue said softly.

There was no movement behind her; Lu Xueqi remained kneeling.

Shui Yue continued, “Qier, you have always been wise. Some things I thought you would understand without me saying them.”

Lu Xueqi remained motionless, and Shui Yue continued, “Your entanglement with Zhang Xiaofan is a cursed fate. Do you understand?”

Lu Xueqi’s voice was barely audible, “Yes, Master.”

Shui Yue’s voice was calm, “Moreover, Zhang Xiaofan has betrayed the righteous path, succumbing to demonic blood. His actions over the past ten years are well-known. The truth is, your relationship with him has been the subject of much gossip, and even your Master Daoxuan knows. However, out of consideration for your youth and your remarkable talent, the elders have given you numerous chances. Do not be stubborn!”

As she spoke, Shui Yue’s voice grew urgent, and her tone became more severe.

Lu Xueqi’s face grew even paler, but her body became still, no longer trembling.

Shui Yue’s expression softened, and she turned, helping Lu Xueqi to her feet, speaking gently, “Qier, you are my most beloved disciple. Among the younger generation of Azure Ethereal Conclave, your talent for cultivation is the highest. Your future is limitless. I have high hopes for you, do you know that?”

Lu Xueqi’s voice was soft, “Yes, Master.”

Shui Yue gazed at her, “With your talent, the position of head of Lesser Bamboo Peak will naturally be yours. You will be revered, and you will focus on understanding the Dao. Isn’t that what you’ve always dreamed of?”

Lu Xueqi remained silent, her head lowered, her beautiful face pale, but her bright eyes flickered with changing emotions. The misty haze in her eyes had disappeared.

Shui Yue sighed, “Think about it carefully.”

Lu Xueqi stood before her, but instead of leaving, she slowly lifted her head, looking at the master who had raised her.

“What is it, Qier?” Shui Yue asked.

“Master,” Lu Xueqi said softly, “I am sorry.”

Shui Yue sighed, “Stop saying foolish things.”

Lu Xueqi’s expression was unusual, her usually cold face showing a rare trace of agitation, and her breathing quickened. Shui Yue noticed, frowning, “What is it, Qier?”

Lu Xueqi’s face was a storm of emotions, but finally, she spoke softly, “Master, you are right. I was foolish. I know that my relationship with Zhang Xiaofan was a doomed one.”

Pain flashed in Shui Yue’s eyes, and she spoke softly, “Qier, turn back while you can. If you sever your ties, it won’t be so bad. At least, you still have me, Lesser Bamboo Peak, and Azure Ethereal Conclave to rely on.”

Lu Xueqi suddenly looked up, her speed and force startling, her face filled with pain and anguish, her voice trembling, “Master, but I cannot sever them.”

Shui Yue’s face changed, and she stared deeply at Lu Xueqi, then suddenly struck her with a resounding slap. Lu Xueqi did not flinch, standing still, her lips tightly pressed, her body trembling.

“You, what did you say?” Shui Yue’s voice trembled with anger, “You, rebellious disciple, do you know what you are saying?”

Lu Xueqi’s face was already devoid of color, but she met Shui Yue’s gaze, determined, and said, “Master, you raised me, nurtured me, and taught me. I am unworthy and deserve punishment for making you angry. But I swear, I will not betray the righteous path. If I ever meet Zhang Xiaofan, I will do my utmost to kill him with Tianya. If I fail, I will die at his hand.”

Shui Yue, initially furious, saw Lu Xueqi’s determination to stay true to the righteous path, and her expression softened slightly. But Lu Xueqi’s next words caused her face to change again.

Lu Xueqi, kneeling before her, took a deep breath, her gaze lowered, and said slowly, “But this thread of sinful affection, I cannot cut. I cannot sever it!”

The room fell into a deathly silence, as if even breathing had stopped. After a moment, Shui Yue’s sharp, angry voice echoed in the hut:

“You, you rebellious disciple, get out! Get out! I never want to see you again!”