The last embers in the brazier had gone completely cold, the charcoal ash collapsed into a small heap like a trampled mound of dirt. Chen Wuya had just tucked the cloth into his sleeve when he looked up and saw the Qingfeng disciple standing in the doorway, dust still clinging to his shoulders and his breathing somewhat unsteady.
"Senior Sister, the sect leader has issued an order—after a joint deliberation by the elders of the Seven Peaks, they have unanimously nominated Senior Sister Bai Zhi as the Qingfeng Sword Sect's eighth-generation successor to the sect leadership. You are to return to the mountain on a chosen date for the succession ceremony."
His voice was not loud, yet it struck the hall like a heavy hammer. Several representatives who had been quietly checking documents stopped writing. Some lifted their heads, their gazes circling around Bai Zhi.
Bai Zhi stood still, her fingertips trembling slightly. She did not speak at once, merely stared at the azure jade token held in the disciple's hands. Its jade was warm and lustrous, carved with fine cloud patterns. It was unmistakably the token of the Qingfeng sect leader.
"Say that again." Her voice was soft, as if afraid of waking something.
The disciple repeated himself, his tone becoming weightier. "Sect Leader Ling Xuzi personally bestowed this token, saying that your sword heart is clear and lucid, your judgment decisive in battle, and your service protecting the border armies has shaken the entire sect. None of the Seven Peaks objected."
Chen Wuya turned his head to look at her. Candlelight fell across her face, revealing a tremor she could not fully hide. She had once said that if she ever took charge of her sect, she would uncover the people responsible for the village massacre that year—and