Mu Xiao's face darkened, his expression contorting for a moment before he forced a sorrowful look. He turned to the crowd and declared, "Everyone! In broad daylight, the State Preceptor dares to disregard human life before your very eyes. This is utter lawlessness! Will you all bear witness for me?"
The crowd exchanged glances and chose silence.
Among them were Taoists and ordinary citizens of the capital, but no matter who they were, they knew the State Preceptor was untouchable. Even if they reported this crime to the Emperor, it would likely result in only a minor reprimand.
And once the State Preceptor recovered from this, they, the accomplices, would face dire consequences.
This was not mere speculation; it was a matter of record.
Once, the son of a high-ranking official had abducted an innocent maiden on the street. Coincidentally, the State Preceptor witnessed it. Without even inquiring about the reason, she drew her sword and severed his head, displaying it on the city walls as a warning to all.
For seven full days, no one dared to collect the body. From then on, the entire capital revered the State Preceptor as a deity, even seeking her out for matters the authorities could not resolve.
And for Taoists from different sects, the fear was even greater.
They harbored thoughts of sending their own disciples to the State Preceptor's mansion for training. Moreover, having witnessed the recent duel, they were certain they were no match for the State Preceptor. Since they could not replace her, why court disaster?
Mu Xiao observed their expressions, understanding dawning in his heart. He gritted his teeth and declared with resolve, "On behalf of Ruo Yan Temple, I implore you all. Whoever can avenge my master, I am willing to hand over the position of Temple Master of Ruo Yan Temple."
Mu Xiao was desperate. Though he couldn't recall where he had offended a fox, he had slain numerous demons. It was possible one of them was connected to this fox. And he could clearly sense the profound connection between the State Preceptor and that fox.
Although his master hadn't died by the sword, it was only due to his extraordinary luck. The State Preceptor's sword techniques carried a chilling killing intent.
With this offer, many were tempted. Most were rogue cultivators or Taoists of ordinary talent. Though they had thoughts, they hesitated due to the State Preceptor's status and did not step forward. Instead, they sent telepathic messages of support to Mu Xiao.
Then, they subtly departed, heading towards their designated meeting place.
Mu Xiao's gaze flickered a few times. He then knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times, "Master, forgive your disciple's presumption."
He carefully lifted the elder and began walking towards Ruo Yan Temple's residence.
Naturally, he was not the only disciple in the sect. However, he was the only one his master favored. Since his master had imparted knowledge to them, it was only fitting that they avenge him, was it not?
Several hours later, Xing Yuan slowly regained consciousness. The wounds on her body served as a stark reminder of her recent actions.
When she saw Dao Yu Yue sitting by her bedside, her face a mask of silent displeasure, a sense of dread washed over her.
It was over! Her sister had seen her violent outburst!
"Sister," Xing Yuan began, her voice thin and slightly broken.
Dao Yu Yue, however, turned to her, her gaze as gentle as ever. She softly stroked Xing Yuan's head and asked in a warm tone, "Does it still hurt?"
Xing Yuan nodded, "Mm, a little."
If no one cared, Xing Yuan would have licked her wounds in solitude. But meeting Dao Yu Yue's tender gaze, she felt an involuntary surge of childishness. She needed her sister's kisses, hugs, and to be lifted high.
This was, of course, a jest. Even if Dao Yu Yue were willing, Xing Yuan's injuries would not permit it.
"Don't be afraid! Sister is here! With me here, no one can bully my little fox," Dao Yu Yue said gently.
"Tell me, why did you suddenly run out? And why did you get into a fight? Hmm?"
Perhaps it was Dao Yu Yue's gentleness that lowered her guard. After all, it was rare to have someone who unconditionally supported her no matter what.
She was often bound by various constraints. Xing Yuan didn't want her sister to be troubled because of her, so she rarely told her things she might not approve of. This was because, in her affairs, she sought a specific outcome and didn't want to risk anything else.
Xing Yuan looked at Dao Yu Yue frankly, feeling a bit ashamed of her outrageous explanation. She said in a low voice, "Sister, if I told you I had a dream, and in the dream, that person was my enemy, and I got too carried away and lost control, would you believe me?"
"I believe you! Why wouldn't I?" Dao Yu Yue chuckled, her eyes filled with endless indulgence.
"No matter what our A Yuan does, it's always right. Even if she were to commit arson or murder, I believe A Yuan would have her own reasons."
Xing Yuan's eyes lit up, her uninjured tail giving a little flick, a smile appearing in her eyes. "Sister is so kind!"
Dao Yu Yue curved her lips slightly, as if speaking casually, "By the way, A Yuan, which enemy was it you dreamt of?"
"It was that man with no distinguishing features. He couldn't beat me and even called his master to back him up. How infuriating!" Xing Yuan said indignantly.
"Is that so?" Dao Yu Yue gently massaged Xing Yuan's head, her gaze as tender as water. "Does A Yuan remember what you dreamt about him?"
Xing Yuan's expression instantly became conflicted, malevolent energy swirling around her. Before she could lose her reason again, Dao Yu Yue dispersed the energy.
She frowned slightly, as if puzzled, "Where does A Yuan's resentment come from? Why can't it be completely eradicated?"
Xing Yuan felt a pang of guilt, fearing Dao Yu Yue might suspect her. She pouted pitifully, her voice full of woe, "I dreamt I was skinned alive and my tendons were pulled out. I died a terrible death!"
Dao Yu Yue indeed stopped dwelling on the malevolent energy, as it had now transferred to her.
Her face turned ashen with cold fury. Just imagining the scene sent a chill through her blood, her heart seeming to stop.
Xing Yuan hadn't expected Dao Yu Yue to react so strongly. She instinctively tugged at her sleeve, her face etched with worry, "Sister, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." To avoid frightening her little fox, Dao Yu Yue suppressed the chilling aura around her, her voice steady. "You just woke up and have spoken so much, you must be tired. Rest for a while!"
Xing Yuan blinked, feigning distress. "But I just woke up, and I don't think I can sleep yet."
"Be good~ The more you rest, the faster you'll recover," Dao Yu Yue soothed gently, while also channeling a bit more spiritual energy.
Xing Yuan felt a warmth spread through her body. She indeed began to feel sleepy, just as Dao Yu Yue had said. She no longer insisted, merely clutching Dao Yu Yue's sleeve with her paw and saying softly, "I'll accompany Sister after I wake up."
Dao Yu Yue nodded gently. Only after Xing Yuan had fallen asleep did she slowly stand up.
She wiped her sword, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. She never left loose ends. Therefore, she had to go and kill someone now.