Was this a keen edge, or recklessness? She had actually hidden it from everyone with such resolve-where had she found such confidence and courage?
Watching the faces before her freeze or shift, Li Piaoqing slowly tightened her hand behind her back around her clothes. Fine beads of sweat seeped into her palm.
She first forced the corners of her mouth upward, then put on a composed smile. "Why the long faces? Haven't we already settled everything from beginning to end? Just do as we agreed-ah, you couldn't tell then that this plan hadn't come from the sect. Doesn't that mean it was no different from anything the elders would have devised? Now you know I made it, you've started looking down on it, have you?"
The courtyard remained silent, but soon the woman surnamed Shen also managed a smile. "Actually, the elders couldn't have come up with a plan this bold."
Those words were so sharp that they pierced even the rigid atmosphere. Arms shifted and feet moved; everyone reacted to some degree.
Yes, that was one reason the young woman had acted so independently-if she handed the matter back to the mountain, even half a month might not produce a clear decision.
"All right." Li Piaoqing loosened her grip on her skirt behind her back and smiled. "Has Senior Brother Chu not come out yet?"
"Coming, coming." A tall man emerged from the room, his clothes still not properly straightened.
"Sorry you've had to stay cooped up inside all these days, Senior Brother."
"No, no, that's hardly any hardship."
Li Piaoqing smiled and nodded. "Once the Martial Competition is over, I'll treat you to a meal at the Moon-Catching Tower, Senior Brother."
"...All right!"
"In that case, senior brothers and sisters, please set out." The young woman sat before