Chapter 19: How Can You Be So Cold-Blooded?
“Senior Sister Li!” Ye Zhao Zhao’s voice quivered with grievance as she protested, “We agreed to an honorable duel, yet disciples of Emotionless Peak joined hands against us. Senior Brother Shen has already suffered grave injuries—do you truly feel no guilt at all? And I—I was standing innocently beyond the Arena, yet Senior Sister Jiang struck without warning. Was this truly your command, Senior Sister Li?”
As she spoke, tears rolled gently down her cheeks, eyes red with sorrow as she pleaded, “Senior Sister Li, do you truly despise us so deeply? I know you’ve never favored me; however you treat me, I accept. But Senior Brother Shen… he has always longed for your return to Spirit Void Peak. If you refuse, so be it—but why…why allow others to beat him like this?”
Her hand trembled as it supported Shen Yue, her heart filled with righteous anger.
Yet Shen Yue remained silent.
He understood clearly that his Little Junior Sister was defending him. In the past, he would have stepped forward boldly to question Li Shuang as well.
But today…
Something heavy seemed lodged in his chest, silencing him.
Ye Zhao Zhao waited eagerly for Shen Yue’s outburst, but seeing his silence persist, she turned anxiously toward him and urged, “Senior Brother Shen, speak if you feel wronged! So many are watching—surely justice will prevail!”
Still, Shen Yue spoke not a word, merely gazing blankly toward Li Shuang.
At this, Liu Jun Cheng sneered coldly. “Wronged? We agreed only to test our swords, yet he suddenly unleashed spiritual power. By our sect rules, he lost that very instant! Had Eldest Senior Sister not shielded Li Shuang, can you imagine the consequence? He sought to harm a disciple of Emotionless Peak; naturally, I disciplined him. How can you claim injustice?”
Turning sharply toward Jiang Rong Yi, Liu Jun Cheng continued, “Senior Brother Jiang, you witnessed everything clearly. Please speak the truth—if I’m at fault, I will willingly accept punishment.”
Jiang Rong Yi was about to respond when Li Shuang stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm.
“Senior Brother Jiang, Senior Brother Liu acted solely in my defense. If punishment is due, let me bear it alone.”
Shen Yue’s face grew even paler.
Liu Jun Cheng’s strike had been ruthless; even now, Shen Yue’s internal energy churned violently within him.
In times past…
If he suffered even a slight scratch, Eldest Senior Sister would have shown deep concern.
He vividly remembered…
On the day he first joined the sect, disciples from another peak had bullied him, leaving a small wound on his face—not even enough to call serious. Yet Eldest Senior Sister had flown into a rage, dragging him to the Arena herself.
That day, she had stood alone against three disciples, defeating them so decisively that no one from their peak dared challenge her again.
In the end…
She had forced the one who hurt him to kneel and apologize before letting the matter rest.
But now…
Eldest Senior Sister…
Look at me.
I’m gravely wounded; even my blood stains the earth.
Why…
Why won’t you look at me anymore?
Shen Yue’s steps faltered, dizziness overtaking him.
The one who had once stood resolutely by his side now stood before another.
His heart twisted painfully, and before he could hold it back, another mouthful of blood spilled forth.
Ye Zhao Zhao hurriedly cried out, “Do you see? Senior Brother Shen is grievously injured! Senior Brother Jiang, you must speak fairly!”
Jiang Rong Yi, ever impartial, spoke with calm authority, “It was Shen Yue who first drew intent to harm. If we truly trace this duel to its roots, both sides bear fault and deserve punishment. Thus, I propose each side withdraw their swords, and we let the matter end here.”
“End here?” Ye Zhao Zhao burst out anxiously. “Li Shuang stands unharmed, yet Second Senior Brother is gravely wounded! How can we simply let this matter pass? I will never—”
“Zhao Zhao!” Shen Yue suddenly seized her arm firmly.
Ye Zhao Zhao froze.
Shen Yue’s face was pale as moonlight. Quietly, he murmured, “We shall accept Senior Brother Jiang’s judgment.”
Yet his gaze never left Li Shuang.
He could hardly believe it. Had Eldest Senior Sister truly grown so distant? Would she refuse even a single glance in his direction?
As Shen Yue’s voice faded, Li Shuang did indeed turn her head.
A flicker of hope sparked in Shen Yue’s eyes.
But Li Shuang merely nodded calmly and replied, “I agree.”
Slowly, the hopeful glow vanished from Shen Yue’s eyes.
[So, that’s it? Does Eldest Senior Sister truly feel nothing? Not even one word of care?]
Jiang Rong Yi nodded solemnly. “Then the offenses cancel each other. This duel ends with Li Shuang’s victory. According to the wager, Shen Yue’s storage pouch now belongs to Li Shuang.”
Ye Zhao Zhao’s eyes flickered anxiously.
Not only had Li Shuang won, but she had gained a treasure trove. Wouldn’t her journey ahead become even smoother now?
[If Li Shuang rises, my own path narrows.]
Ye Zhao Zhao hurriedly protested again, “Senior Sister Li! That’s everything Senior Brother Shen owns! If you claim it all, how will he survive? You’re both fellow disciples—can you truly be this heartless?”
Li Shuang calmly accepted the pouch handed over by Jiang Rong Yi. Only then did she glance briefly at Shen Yue, her voice indifferent, “A wager must be honored. Junior Brother Shen, do you object?”
Ye Zhao Zhao stared at Shen Yue, anticipation clear on her face.
Shen Yue’s lips turned pale, and after a long silence, he shook his head weakly, “No objection.”
Li Shuang nodded slightly, storing the pouch without hesitation.
“Come, Little Junior Sister,” Luo Ming Yue said cheerfully. “Our spirit stones now overflow. Let us browse the market leisurely.”
Li Shuang quietly agreed with a slight nod.
The disciples of Emotionless Peak turned away, departing from the Martial Training Field without another look.
From beginning to end, Li Shuang did not spare Shen Yue another glance.
Shen Yue stood frozen, eyes fixed upon Li Shuang’s fading form, unable to move until even her shadow had vanished. Only then did he sway, nearly collapsing onto the training ground.
“Second Senior Brother!” Ye Zhao Zhao quickly supported him, her voice filled with deep worry, though in her heart danced a secret joy.
[Perfect. Simply perfect.]
Li Shuang had wounded Shen Yue so grievously that he coughed up blood. Once she returned and exaggerated this tale, surely their master and senior brothers would burn with anger!
[Li Shuang, let’s see how long you remain this heartless!]
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation