A War of Attrition
"Wait here a moment." Shi Yue nodded and headed toward a nearby side courtyard.
Ximen Yao's figure blurred, and she vanished in an instant.
Shi Yue's vision blurred. Ximen Yao suddenly appeared right in front of him.
A dazzling white light flared around Ximen Yao, enveloping the two of them.
"Fellow Daoist Shi, our clan's treasured Green Mulberry Demon Slaying Sword has gone missing. Could you tell me what happened when you rescued Jie'er?" Ximen Yao asked gravely.
Shi Yue briefly recounted what had happened. He had already told Ximen Jie the same story.
"Fellow Daoist Shi, did you see whose hands the Green Mulberry Demon Slaying Sword fell into?" Ximen Yao pressed, suspicion filling her eyes.
The situation had been chaotic. Ximen Jie had been unconscious, and there was no way to tell who had ended up with the Green Mulberry Demon Slaying Sword. As far as Ximen Yao was concerned, everyone present was a suspect.
Shi Yue shook his head. "I didn't see. After rescuing Fellow Daoist Ximen, we were in a hurry to escape. How could I have spared a thought for whose hands the Green Mulberry Demon Slaying Sword had fallen into?"
"Really?" Ximen Yao asked, frowning.
Growing impatient, Shi Yue said, "I'm telling the truth. Do you believe me?"
"Of course I believe you, Fellow Daoist Shi. After all, you saved Jie'er's life, and I'm deeply grateful. But I'd like to remind you of something: whoever dares take our clan's treasured Green Mulberry Demon Slaying Sword will become our sworn enemy. There will be no room for reconciliation. Our Ximen Family will spare no expense to deal with whoever took it, whether a cultivator or a faction." Ximen Yao's words carried a deeper meaning.
"Suit yourself. Do whatever you like." Shi