At Zhang Zijin's level, he could naturally tell whether Pan Yun was speaking the truth or lying.
It was precisely because she stood upright, with merit covering her whole being—and because merit was still continuously gathering around her—that he was willing to turn a blind eye to the several handwritten messages sent from the Empress Dowager, as well as Mount Longhu's requests.
Zhang Zijin stared fixedly at her for a long while. Only when she began to grow uneasy did he withdraw his gaze and say blandly, "What are you afraid of? The new Emperor trusts you deeply. Nearly half the civil and military officials at court owe you a debt, and quite a few admire your loyalty and righteousness. You are more favored now than the Zhang Family's ancestors ever were. Even the Celestial Master's seat may not necessarily remain with them."
Pan Yun hurriedly said, "Only members of the Zhang Family can become Celestial Masters. I am a student of Mount Longhu Academy."
Zhang Zijin gave a cold laugh. "Stop putting on an act in front of me. How many people did Zhang Li kill on Mount Longhu?"
Pan Yun muttered, "Isn't Zhang Li surnamed Zhang too?"
Zhang Zijin waved a hand. "Go. Since you have begun, keep walking forward. Do not turn back, and do not regret it."
Pan Yun silently rose. After taking two steps, she could not help turning back. "What if I am wrong? Should I still not turn back?"
Zhang Zijin asked in return, "Are you wrong?"
Pan Yun's expression hardened with resolve. She said in a low voice, "No."
"Then do you regret it?"
Pan Yun said, "I do not."
"Even if, in the future, your reputation is utterly ruined, and you implicate your family, your sect, and your friends?"
Pan Yun