A Mad Fox Storms the Screen-and-Candle Grounds; the Old Sword Leans on the Willow and Spits New Edge

Starlight swayed down, and the heavenly mechanism curtain descended.

Before the Dao Department crowd, a graceful figure appeared.

Under everyone's gaze, she seemed somewhat constrained. Her pretty face beneath the gauze veil tilted slightly aside, her long lashes trembling faintly, stirring tenderness in all who saw her.

"Ahem!"

On the jade steps, someone happened to clear their throat without leaving a trace.

It did not draw much attention.

Yet Yu Zhiwen sensed it. Looking up, she saw the encouragement and kindness in Fish Elder's eyes. It was as though she had found solid ground in her heart, and a great stone finally fell away.

The old her would never have appeared on such an occasion—an occasion with so many people.

Even if the Dao Hall Master had asked her to become the Dao Department's chief seat, she would never have agreed. Even if she could not refuse, she would have had her master speak for her.

Now, things were different.

The bright moon hung overhead, with stars in its wake.

His radiance, and theirs, had been too dazzling.

If she did not fight, contend, or advance, remaining where she was would no longer be possible. She would only be cast farther and farther behind.

Especially after the legend of Cloud Ridge's Saint-slaying had come to earth and ceased to be a rumor.

That had struck Yu Zhiwen too deeply.

Her peers had unknowingly pulled so far ahead that, when she raised her eyes, she could no longer even glimpse their backs.

"I have thought through what I want..."

"How could I retreat again this time?"

The shoulders Yu Zhiwen had kept subtly drawn in for so long relaxed. She lifted her chin and slightly thrust out her chest, the shapely curves beneath her long dress displaying themselves in full.

Before