Unlike the Sect Leader, the elder in charge of punishments was known for his precision. He could administer hundreds of lashes without causing lasting harm—or deliver a single stroke that could take half a person’s soul.
When the first lash struck, I understood: the sect intended to kill me.
Master… if I die, will you be sad?
I don’t want to see you sad.
I lost count of the lashes. My body no longer felt pain, only numbness, and my vision began to darken. A voice grew louder and clearer in my mind: "Qin’er, Qin’er." It echoed endlessly, as if it would never stop.
"Stop!" A sharp command rang out, startling me. It was Aunt Qi Ling’s voice.
Hadn’t she left?
Groggily, I propped myself up and squinted. Through the shattered stone doors of the Hall of Infinity, I saw Aunt Qi Ling silhouetted against the light. I couldn’t make out her face clearly, but I recognized the figure standing beside her.
My eyes burned with hot tears, and my heart ached. Trembling, I murmured, "Master…"
"Mu Jin did not know the Sect Leader had such a penchant for private punishments," his voice rang out, sharp and unyielding—unlike anything the sect had ever heard from him before.
I felt the suppressing stones on my wrists shatter, and in an instant, I was cradled in his warm, familiar embrace.
My vision was too blurred to see his face clearly, but I could feel his arms trembling. They were not as steady as they usually were when he held me.
"Qin’er, no more pain," he whispered, his voice as soft as when he coaxed me to take bitter medicine as a child.
"Home… take me home."
"Alright. Master will take you back to Qingzhu Peak."
“Stop right there!” The Sect Leader’s voice thundered. “Mu Jin, are you aware of what your disciple feels for you…”
“What Mu Jin’s disciple feels, Mu Jin understands. There’s no need for the Sect Leader to concern himself.”
The sunlight from outside the Hall of Infinity fell coldly on my numb face. I imagined that, at this moment, the expressions on the elders inside the hall must be far stiffer than mine.
On Qingzhu Peak, it had likely just snowed. The chill would seep into one’s bones. The ground was probably blanketed in white. If Master stepped on it now, he would leave a deep imprint.
0 Comments