Chapter 32: Cracks in the Ice
The Azure Moon Sect was as peaceful as ever on the surface, but within the heart of its grand palace, Sect Mistress Yue Qingyan sat in silence, deep in thought.
Her mind kept drifting back to her earlier conversation with Lin Tian.
That insolent, shameless man.
That… infuriatingly confident smirk of his.
No disciple had ever dared to speak to her like that, let alone tease her so brazenly. And worse, she hadn't even been able to respond properly.
She let out a slow breath, steadying herself. She was the Sect Mistress. She had spent years cultivating an unshakable heart, untouched by worldly distractions.
And yet, Lin Tian's words still echoed in her ears.
"Why did you summon me instead of avoiding me?"
Yue Qingyan's fingers tightened around the jade teacup in her hands. She had called him there to put an end to his arrogance, but instead, she had ended up on the defensive.
No, this couldn't continue. She needed to reaffirm her position as his superior.
A firm knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Enter," she commanded, her voice returning to its usual calm.
An elder stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Sect Mistress, Elder Su Meiyu wishes to speak with you."
Yue Qingyan's brow furrowed slightly. Su Meiyu? This couldn't be a coincidence.
"Let her in," she said.
Moments later, Su Meiyu strolled into the room, dressed in her usual flowing robes, her golden fox-like eyes gleaming with mischief. She carried herself with the elegance of a seasoned expert, yet there was an unmistakable playfulness in her every movement.
"Yue Qingyan," Su Meiyu said smoothly, skipping the formalities. "You seem a bit troubled today."
Yue Qingyan remained expressionless. "If you came here just to make small talk, you're wasting your time."
Su Meiyu smirked, taking a seat across from her. "Oh, come now. You know why I'm here."
The Sect Mistress narrowed her eyes. "Do I?"
Su Meiyu took a slow sip of tea before setting the cup down with a soft clink. "It's about Lin Tian."
Yue Qingyan's expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, she tensed.
Su Meiyu leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "You see, I've been watching you, Sect Mistress. And I think you're starting to crack."
A flicker of irritation crossed Yue Qingyan's gaze. "Careful with your words, Su Meiyu."
Su Meiyu chuckled. "Oh, relax. I'm not here to start a fight. I'm just curious. After all, Lin Tian has been quite… bold with you, hasn't he?"
Yue Qingyan didn't respond. She didn't need to. Su Meiyu had already seen enough to know the answer.
The fox-like elder smiled knowingly. "It's amusing, really. I expected you to freeze him out by now. And yet, here you are, still thinking about him."
Yue Qingyan exhaled slowly. "And what of it? Are you here to lecture me?"
"Lecture you? No." Su Meiyu's smirk widened. "If anything, I came to warn you."
Yue Qingyan's gaze sharpened. "Warn me?"
Su Meiyu leaned back, stretching lazily. "You see, if you hesitate too long, someone else might take what you're struggling to deny."
Yue Qingyan frowned. "You speak as if Lin Tian is something to be possessed."
Su Meiyu laughed softly. "Oh, he is. The question is, who will be bold enough to claim him first?"
Yue Qingyan's fingers twitched slightly, but she quickly masked it. "I have no such intentions."
Su Meiyu gave her a knowing look. "Keep telling yourself that."
Then, with an elegant motion, she stood up. "I'll take my leave now. But just a little advice—sometimes, when you refuse to make a move, someone else does."
Yue Qingyan watched as Su Meiyu walked out of the room, her confident strides filled with amusement.
The door closed behind her, leaving the Sect Mistress alone once more.
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes.
She wouldn't be swayed.
She couldn't be swayed.
And yet, Lin Tian's words still lingered in her mind.
Meanwhile – Lin Tian's Next Move
Lin Tian strolled through the sect grounds, hands behind his back, as he enjoyed the cool breeze of the morning.
His little encounter with Yue Qingyan had gone even better than expected. She was fighting her emotions, but he knew the outcome was inevitable.
And now, Su Meiyu had entered the fray.
A smile played on his lips. This was getting interesting.
Just as he was thinking about his next move, a new presence appeared before him.
A woman dressed in deep violet robes, her long dark hair cascading down her back, stood in his path. Her gaze was sharp, her aura strong.
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.
It was Jiang Yuyan.
The former Sect Mistress.
And the way she was looking at him…
This game was far from over.
End of Chapter 32