The standoff in the council hall had turned icy, like the mist that lingered year-round above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, weighing heavily on Lin Yi's heart.
Tang San had used an alliance as leverage to demand Xiao Wu. It was more than a provocation—it was a trampling of Lin Yi's principles and dignity.
Ning Fengzhi had ultimately chosen to stand by Lin Yi and reject the absurd demand. That warmed his heart, but it also meant they might lose their strongest potential ally against Spirit Hall.
Lin Yi didn't stay long in the council hall. He needed to calm down, and he also needed to... confirm a few things.
When he returned to the residence he shared with Xiao Wu in the branch sect, she was sitting by the window. The glow of the setting sun gilded her delicate profile with a warm golden edge, making her look peaceful and lovely.
The moment Xiao Wu saw him, her face lit up in a smile, and she bounced over to greet him. "Lin Yi, you're back! You finished training so early today!"
Looking at her innocent, trusting smile, Lin Yi felt the cold anger Tang San had stirred in him quietly melt away. In its place came a deeper tenderness and resolve. He gently drew Xiao Wu into his arms and led her to sit down in the inner room.
"Xiao Wu, there's something I need to tell you, and I need you to make a choice." Lin Yi's expression was unusually serious.
Xiao Wu blinked her big eyes, her smile fading as she obediently sat down. "What is it? Why so serious?"
Lin Yi didn't hide anything. He told her exactly what the Golden Iron Triangle had brought back: Young Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect