Jiang Lu lowered her head, shrugged, and shifted her gaze to Mu Xiaoqing beside her, her eyes filled with helplessness.
Seeing the bitterness and obsession she could no longer suppress in her eyes, Jiang Lu finally let out a soft sigh. She stepped forward slowly and gently patted her shoulder, her movements tender with silent comfort.
Mu Xiaoqing's entire body stiffened. Her chaotic thoughts were abruptly interrupted by that gentle touch. She turned her head slightly, her reddened eyes staring blankly at Jiang Lu, filled with confusion.
Jiang Lu blinked, her tone carrying careful deliberation and hesitation, afraid of hurting her. "Senior Sister Mu, the person on the ground... is he truly the avatar of your master, Lingyun Venerable?"
At those words, Mu Xiaoqing's fingers abruptly tightened around the warm white jade pendant at her waist.
She squeezed the jade pendant until it grew slightly hot, her knuckles turning white.
Her lips pressed into a taut line. After a long while, she gave the slightest nod, her voice hoarse and dry, carrying an almost imperceptible tremor. "Yes."
The instant that word fell, the courtyard sank into dead silence, and everyone fell quiet.
A moment later, Jiang Lu broke the stalemate. She stepped forward and gently linked arms with Mu Xiaoqing's cool one, warmth in her fingertips as she spoke softly and patiently. "Senior Sister Mu, if you're willing, tell us everything from beginning to end."
Mu Xiaoqing lowered her eyes to look at the gentle hand around her arm, and the tension in her eyes eased slightly.
She slowly withdrew her arm and walked step by step toward the unconscious man on the ground, then slowly bent her knees and crouched down.
She extended her slender fingers and lightly brushed across the man's brows and eyes. This face was exactly