The Hall of Infinity fell silent. After a moment, the Sect Leader spoke in a low voice, "Zi Qin, you unworthy disciple, have violated the natural order and remain unrepentant. Fifty lashes of the soul-scattering whip, followed by expulsion from the sect."
Fifty lashes of the whip would be enough to scatter my soul, but what terrified me even more were the last four words: expulsion from the sect.
I said firmly, "Zi Qin is Master’s disciple. Unless Master expels me, I will remain his disciple."
Below, an elder sneered, "Hmph. The sect has never accepted monsters. If not for the Venerable One’s kindness, would a half-spirit, half-demon creature like you have been admitted in the first place?"
Though his tone was disdainful, his words were not entirely wrong. I had been an ancient zither imbued with spiritual energy. An immortal had attempted to refine me into human form, only to discover my spirit power was insufficient. He had no choice but to mix demon energy with it to complete the process.
Half-spirit, half-demon. No kin, no clan. Even that lone immortal who created me eventually succumbed to the passage of time.
I wandered aimlessly for countless years until I met my Master. On a vast sea beneath a newly risen moon, he approached, treading the moonlight like a divine figure from legend. He saved me from the clutches of sea demons. Clinging to him, I refused to let go. He smiled faintly and asked, "Aren’t you going home?"
"I have no home."
"In that case, would you like to come to Qingzhu Peak and become my disciple? You can call it home."
From that moment, my memories became vivid and clear. He gave me a name, taught me cultivation techniques, and showed me how to read. Together, we experienced the rains, snows, winds, and frosts of the immortal mountains, walking every inch of Qingzhu Peak hand in hand.
To others, he was the lofty and detached Immortal Venerable Mu Jin, full of compassion but devoid of emotion. But I knew he had feelings—he smiled at my joy, grew annoyed at my mischief, and panicked when I was injured.
"Enough!" The Sect Leader’s stern voice interrupted my thoughts. He waved his hand dismissively. "Carry out the punishment immediately." He handed the soul-scattering whip to the elder in charge of discipline.
The suppressing stones on my wrists sealed all my powers, leaving me utterly unable to resist.
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