Unknown Origins

Boom!!

With a loud blast, a shockwave crackling with lightning exploded outward, instantly snuffing out the bonfire and snapping the branches off nearby trees.

The Left Protector stood above them, his eyes narrowed and brow furrowed.

"You actually blocked my Storm Hammer. As expected of the Nine Provinces Divine Beggar!"

Ashina sat frozen on the ground. The Nine Provinces Divine Beggar stood before her, one hand raised, five fingers spread like a shield.

"Why..." Ashina shook her head in disbelief, then gritted her teeth and shouted, "Left Protector, you dared attack this sect's Holy Maiden! Are you planning to betray the Six Paths Sect and betray the Sect Leader?"

"Holy Maiden? Heh heh..." The Left Protector smiled faintly. "The one betraying the Six Paths Sect isn't me. It's you, Holy Maiden."

"You disobeyed the Sect Leader's orders, descended the mountain without permission, and even colluded with an Ascension-level cultivator from the Central Plains. Isn't that a betrayal of the sect?"

"Don't slander me!" Ashina argued. "I was kidnapped by him. It wasn't voluntary..."

"Then what punishment should you face for leaving the mountain without permission?" the Left Protector asked with a cold snort.

"This... Even if I was at fault, the Sect Leader should be the one to punish me!" Ashina said through gritted teeth. "If you kill me, aren't you afraid the Sect Leader will hold you accountable?"

The Left Protector chuckled. "How do you know that killing you wasn't the Sect Leader's intention?"

"What did you say?" Ashina's eyes widened. "You're lying. That's impossible. Grandpa, he couldn't possibly..."

"Shut up!" the Left Protector snapped. "The Sect Leader is the Sect Leader. He is no one's parent, much less your grandfather!"

The Left Protector's words completely stunned Ashina. She sat there blankly, murmuring, "The Sect Leader... is the Sect