The old man's face was pale. At last, he understood that he had been outmaneuvered by this seemingly delicate woman.
He collapsed helplessly to the ground, his heart full of regret. "Please, spare that child. He's just a fool. He doesn't know anything."
"A fool?"
Su Qing sneered, cutting him off. "In that case, keeping him around is just a waste of food. If you truly cared, you shouldn't have let him live this long."
A flash of despair passed through the old man's eyes. He struggled toward Su Qing, trying to grab the hem of her skirt. "Please, spare him. I'm willing to trade my life for his."
Su Qing leaped lightly aside, avoiding his touch. "Old sir, you're this old and still so naive. Without you, how could a fool like him survive? I'm only doing a good deed."
Yun Dian Prefecture, Yellow Mountain, atop Three Purity Peak, before the Imperial Sword Stele.
Li Qingzhu and a group of men and women had changed into gray-and-white Daoist Robes and knelt before the stele.
A middle-aged man dressed as a Daoist, holding a long sword, slowly emerged from Yangwu Hall.
This middle-aged Daoist was the Discipline Elder of the Three Purity Sword Sect, known as Daoist Xuanzhen.
Three young disciples followed close behind him. Among them, Li Muhe's figure stood out.
Li Qingzhu held her breath and composed herself. She had passed Three Purity Peak's Entrance Trial, and today the formal initiation ceremony would be held.
The square before the Imperial Sword Stele was tranquil, with gentle breezes and wispy clouds. Sunlight fell upon the ancient flagstones, casting warm shadows.
Li Qingzhu was filled with anticipation and nervousness. She knew that from this day onward, she might embark on an entirely new path.
Daoist Xuanzhen walked