Hehuan (2)

Zhu Yaoyao had no ulterior motive. She only wanted to learn more about Chu Xuan, and incidentally witness an iron tree bloom.

She noticed none of the rumors quietly sprouting around her. Every day, she still flitted excitedly between Spirit Martial Peak and Spirit Sword Peak. Either she followed the kitchen masters to diligently practice making mung bean cakes, or she seized every opportunity to seek out Chu Shihan, probing from the side to see how this "rotten wood" would react.

Yet no matter what, she could never have imagined that her seemingly ordinary actions would stir up such an enormous uproar within the sect and give rise to such absurd misunderstandings.

One day, the sunlight was just right, spilling across the bluestone paths of the Profound Heaven Sect.

As usual, Zhu Yaoyao hummed a little tune, her steps light and lively as she skipped along toward Spirit Sword Peak to find Chu Shihan. But the moment she turned past a corridor, several disciples suddenly emerged from the side and blocked her path.

The senior sister surnamed Zhao at their head wore an exceptionally solemn expression. Her face was full of concern as she called urgently, "Junior Sister Zhu, wait!"

Zhu Yaoyao halted, her face filled with confusion. She looked up at them and asked, "Did you senior brothers and sisters need something from me?"

Senior Sister Zhao nodded slightly, her expression growing even more serious. She spoke earnestly, "Junior Sister Zhu, I should not be the one to say this, but rumors are like tigers; one must guard against them."

"We cultivators place the greatest emphasis on upright conduct. Character is the foundation of the path of cultivation. If that foundation is unsteady, I fear one will struggle to walk far." As she spoke, she gently shook her head.