Xia Qing, standing at the hall entrance, heard Abbess Jingyi's voice. The hesitation on her face turned to resolve. Gritting her teeth, she walked into the hall.
"Xia Qing, you have been lingering outside the door for quite some time. Is there some urgent matter?"
Abbess Jingyi's expression was far from pleasant.
"Cult Master..." Looking at Abbess Jingyi, Xia Qing inexplicably panicked and stammered, "It's nothing. This disciple... this disciple merely came to see whether there was anything I could do!"
"Hm?" Abbess Jingyi sneered. "Xia Qing, if there is anything, speak to me freely. On Huaiyu Peak, I will stand up for you!"
"This..." Abbess Jingyi's accumulated authority had long since scared the courage out of Xia Qing, but with matters having reached this point, she could only steel herself. She threw herself to the floor and cried, "Cult Master, have mercy! This disciple... this disciple begs the Cult Master to permit her to participate in the sword-discussion matches!"
"Ah?" Abbess Jingyi was greatly taken aback. She looked to Peacock and Chen Chen on either side, only to find both wearing equally blank expressions as they gently shook their heads.
"Xia Qing, get up and speak." Abbess Jingyi said pleasantly, "Had I not already explained this before? Leave such contests of strength and courage to the male disciples of Ruijin Hall. It would be best if the female disciples of Mocu Palace did not take the stage!"
"You... could it be that you have some other idea?"
"Cult Master..." Xia Qing stood upright, looked at the three people in the hall, moistened her lips, and said, "I ask the Cult Master to understand: ever since my failure in Heart Refining Cave, I have been anxious day and night, hoping to find an opportunity upon the immortal path. This disciple