Chapter 31: The Blazing Sun, The Resplendent Heavenly Dao
Manager Qiu’s eyes flashed coldly, sharp as an unsheathed sword, piercing straight toward Ye Zhao Zhao. “This Recording Stone—do you recognize it? If you claim ignorance, I have plenty more. I’m certain the Enforcement Hall of Sword Sect would love a thorough examination!”
Every time Ye Zhao Zhao had come, Manager Qiu had secretly preserved the evidence.
He even sent shadowy disciples to track her movements, recording each of her visits to the Sword Sect.
So many images. Ironclad evidence.
And if she still dared deny it, there was an oath-bound parchment ready. If necessary, he would force Ye Zhao Zhao to swear upon it. [Would she dare?]
Pang Zhi Xue’s expression grew serious, his voice stern. “Ye Zhao Zhao, do you have anything to say?”
Putting past grievances aside, plotting harm against a fellow disciple was a serious crime within Sword Sect.
Previously, the disputes between Emotionless Peak and Spirit Void Peak had many accusations but no solid proof, so Pang Zhi Xue had held back judgment.
But today, Manager Qiu had laid undeniable proof before them.
Ye Zhao Zhao’s face turned pale. Instinctively, she wanted to deny everything, but the Recording Stone replayed her voice again and again—cold, calculating, unmistakably hers.
Her body trembled slightly. “I… I…”
Her eyes, desperate and pleading, instinctively turned to True Immortal Ling Xu.
True Immortal Ling Xu’s expression darkened, teeth tightly clenched. “Even… even if the recording is true, Li Shuang suffered no actual harm. Isn’t she standing here unharmed?”
Despite clear evidence, True Immortal Ling Xu still shielded Ye Zhao Zhao.
Sheng Yuan lifted his head, stunned as he looked at his Master.
Master had always said he treated everyone fairly. Master had insisted he never showed favoritism to Little Junior Sister.
Sheng Yuan recalled it vividly.
That time, Little Junior Sister had gone out on her first mission with Eldest Senior Sister. They returned successfully, Zhao Zhao’s Storage Pouch brimming with spiritual herbs.
Among them was a poisonous herb. Unaware, Zhao Zhao almost consumed it. Master stopped her, furious, sentencing Eldest Senior Sister harshly to the forbidden grounds.
Master had declared Zhao Zhao innocent due to inexperience. But Eldest Senior Sister knew better and had allowed harm to nearly reach Zhao Zhao. Such actions were treacherous and deserving of severe punishment.
At that time, none of them questioned Master’s decision. They comforted Zhao Zhao and blamed Li Shuang.
But now—
Had Eldest Senior Sister truly intended harm back then? No one was certain.
Yet now, Zhao Zhao had deliberately plotted against Eldest Senior Sister.
Back then, Master said even intentions of harm deserved punishment.
But now, Master claimed, “Li Shuang suffered no loss.”
Sheng Yuan’s heart twisted painfully. Doubt clouded his mind.
He cherished Zhao Zhao dearly, yet this time she had undeniably done wrong.
Master—did he truly never show favoritism?
And themselves, as Junior Brothers—had they not favored Zhao Zhao too?
Sheng Yuan felt lost, his gaze drifting toward Li Shuang.
Li Shuang’s eyes were calm, unwavering like still water.
Lin Qing Ling laughed coldly. “Ling Xu, Ling Xu, do you even believe your own words? You say Ye Zhao Zhao intended harm, yet claim Li Shuang suffered no harm—so it doesn’t matter? If Li Shuang had fallen into the trap, you’d say she deserved it? Her clarity prevented harm—that was her skill, not Ye Zhao Zhao’s kindness!”
Her gaze swept fiercely around the hall. “If only actual harm counts, why have rules at all? Let Sword Sect disciples betray and harm freely, and if victims manage to survive, culprits remain innocent? How convenient that would be!”
True Immortal Ling Xu’s face turned darker. “Lin Qing Ling, I refuse to argue pointlessly with you.”
Instead, he turned sharply toward Li Shuang. “You and Zhao Zhao are fellow disciples. Today’s events have benefitted you somewhat. As the authority here, I suggest we drop this matter. What say you?”
His voice was steady, yet the meaning was clear—if Li Shuang agreed, all would be quietly forgotten.
Chang Le An finally understood clearly. The figure in the Recording Stone truly was Little Junior Sister! He felt shaken, yet instinctively defended her, “Senior Sister Li, Zhao Zhao is still young. Please don’t hold this against her!”
Li Shuang’s face was calm as still water. She turned decisively and bowed to Hall Master Pang Zhi Xue of the Enforcement Hall.
“Hall Master Pang,” she spoke, her voice clear and steady, “the sect’s rules must be upheld. In all my life, I have sought only fairness.”
Indeed.
She had never hoped for special treatment.
Fairness—that was all she asked.
Yet even such a simple thing had slipped beyond her reach on Spirit Void Peak.
Once, she had been naive enough to believe patience in the face of injustice might earn understanding.
But in the end, patience had only sharpened the sword of her tormentors.
[Then why endure any longer?]
Her words struck deep into True Immortal Ling Xu’s pride, igniting his fury. His voice was like thunder, echoing with anger: “Li Shuang, must you push so ruthlessly? Is punishing Zhao Zhao your only satisfaction? Is your heart so dark that you fear not even Heaven’s wrath?”
Li Shuang turned slowly toward him, her gaze steady, eyes shining like cold steel. Each word fell from her lips, firm and unshakable:
“The sun above bears witness.”
“The Heavenly Dao watches from high.”
“If my quest for fairness is wrong—”
“Then let Heaven punish me. Let lightning strike my soul. Let my spirit wander endlessly, never knowing peace!”
Her voice echoed clearly through the great hall, unbending and sharp as a sword.
True Immortal Ling Xu’s eyes widened in shock.
For cultivators, swearing an oath before the Heavenly Dao was no small matter.
Though Heaven rarely intervened in trivial matters, what if, just this once, it took notice?
Respect for Heaven was the root of every cultivator’s path.
Yet Li Shuang had boldly spoken her oath aloud. Had she gone mad?
But above, the sun still burned brightly.
The wind still whispered gently.
After a long silence, Li Shuang quietly added, “I ask only for fairness. The Heavenly Dao finds no fault in my heart.”
She turned again, facing the sect leaders without fear. “Sect Master, Hall Master—I ask the Sword Sect to judge fairly.”
A heavy silence descended on the hall, stretching endlessly.
All eyes fixed upon the lone figure at the center—a girl cold and distant as moonlight.
Fairness.
That was all she desired.
And beneath Heaven—
Who did not long for fairness?
Those who erred must be punished.
That was fairness.
Those who harmed others must face judgment.
That, too, was fairness.
“Sect Master, Hall Master,” Lin Qing Ling spoke calmly, clearly. “Please pronounce judgment upon Ye Zhao Zhao.”
Usually, in the Sword Sect, such matters were handled by each peak’s own master.
But—
Li Shuang no longer belonged to Spirit Void Peak.
According to sect law, only two had the authority to judge now:
Hall Master Pang Zhi Xue of the Enforcement Hall.
Or Sect Master Meng Yi Xin himself.
“Sect Master, Hall Master—please pronounce judgment upon Ye Zhao Zhao!” Luo Ming Yue and Liu Jun Cheng echoed firmly.
Jiang Yi, who had kept quiet until now, hesitated slightly, then softly joined the chorus.
“You disciples from Emotionless Peak—” True Immortal Ling Xu snapped, “do you truly wish to force our hand?”
Yet before he could finish, another voice pierced the hall:
“Sect Master, Hall Master—pronounce judgment upon Ye Zhao Zhao!”
Who?
Who else had spoken?
True Immortal Ling Xu scanned the crowd fiercely.
But before he could react further, more voices rose, a chorus swelling like storm clouds gathering strength.
One by one, disciples shouted their demands, their words ringing like swords drawn against injustice.
“Sect Master, Hall Master—pronounce judgment upon Ye Zhao Zhao!”
The cry for justice surged throughout the Sword Sect, unstoppable and strong, echoing toward the heavens themselves.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation