Shadow stood before the simple grave in the corner of the courtyard, where the world believed Han Yuelin now rested.
He inhaled deeply.
"It's my turn now," he whispered.
His fingers clenched. His eyes burned with purpose. If she was fighting her war beneath the surface, then he had to rise—no matter the weight.
Just as he turned to leave, he noticed two familiar figures standing silently near the edge of the courtyard.
The two inner disciples who once guarded Yuelin's residence.
He smiled faintly at them. "Your mistress told you everything, didn't she?"
They exchanged a glance, then nodded.
"Good. Then go," Shadow said gently. "You have work to do. The next few months won't be easy."
Without a word, the two women turned and left, disappearing quietly into the morning mist.
Shadow turned to walk down the mountain.
But before he could take another step—
A message talisman flickered beside him.
He was being summoned.
By the sect master.
---
Shadow arrived at the inner sanctum of the sect, where the core elders gathered around the long stone table beneath the towering jade pillars.
The sect master sat at the head, his expression unreadable. Around him sat five core elders, their eyes cold, their faces carved from stone.
"Disciple Shadow," the sect master began. "We heard about Han Yuelin. I offer our condolences."
Shadow bowed his head slightly, his voice quiet. "She died during the final soul trial... I brought back what was left."
The sect master raised a hand.
"That is not the reason we summoned you."
Shadow looked up.
"You are aware of the… incident inside the Thunder Tomb. The killing of other sect disciples."
Shadow said nothing.
"They have accused you of murder," the sect master continued. "And now, several sects are demanding reparations. If not—war. All because of you."
One of the elders slammed his hand on the table. "This arrogant brat thinks he can act with impunity! Sect Master, allow me to slap him to death right now!"
Shadow didn't flinch.
The sect master waved the elder back. "Peace."
He turned his cold gaze toward Shadow. "What punishment do you believe is appropriate for your actions?"
Shadow met his eyes. "Senior brother Jian Mu will return in six months. He saw everything. He will speak the truth."
"You wish to push responsibility to another?" the sect master said, tone hardening.
"I am simply saying," Shadow replied calmly, "that truth will not change because others fear it."
The sect master's face twitched, but he said nothing.
Another elder growled. "We cannot forget Elder Yan's legacy. But this boy dares raise his voice as if he has value! That man served the sect until his death. The disciple should hand over any inheritance or treasures left by Elder Yan—especially now, to atone."
Shadow's eyes narrowed.
"Inheritance?" he echoed. "Elder Yan died with only ten spirit stones in a broken satchel. He never left anything behind."
"Lies!" one of the elders snapped. "That man was a formation master! He must've left more. Stop pretending you don't know!"
Shadow remained silent.
Then, slowly, he raised his hand and pointed directly at one of the core elders seated across the table.
"It was Elder Wei," he said, his tone even but firm. "He was the one who handed me the ten low-grade spirit stones after Elder Yan's death. He told me personally that it was all that remained of Elder Yan's possessions. If you want to know the truth, then confirm it with him."
Elder Wei's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't speak.
Some of the elders turned to him with questioning expressions, but the man simply folded his arms and looked away, offering neither confirmation nor denial.
Shadow didn't stop there.
He pulled his spatial ring from his finger and placed it gently onto the stone table. The ring echoed with a faint metallic ring, drawing every gaze.
"Here," he said. "This is my entire ring. Search it. Every corner, every compartment. If you find any hidden inheritance, secret scrolls, or treasures left by Elder Yan—then I'll accept any punishment without a word."
He stood tall, staring at each elder without a hint of fear.
"But if not," he continued, voice sharpening, "then stop using Elder Yan's name to cover your own discomfort. Don't turn his grave into a political excuse."
There was a long silence.
The sect master finally leaned forward and picked up the ring with a flick of his fingers. His spiritual sense brushed over it.
"We will verify your words," he said without emotion. "But this matter is not over."
He set the ring aside and looked at Shadow again.
"For now, you are dismissed. Your punishment will be decided after a full investigation. You may return to your residence. Do not leave the sect grounds."
Shadow bowed slightly, keeping his composure.
"As you command, Sect Master."
He met each of their gazes with unwavering calm.
He wasn't afraid of the truth—only of the rot hiding behind titles..
They didn't want truth.
They wanted a scapegoat.
He stared back at the sect master.
So this is what gratitude looked like?
Yuelin had been right.
He was a frog at the bottom of a poisoned well.
He turned and walked out of the hall without looking back.
---
The morning sun had shifted higher by the time he returned to his courtyard.
The path felt longer than usual. Colder.
When he entered the residence, everything was silent. The stone where he had buried Yuelin lay untouched. Flowers rustled softly in the breeze.
Shadow sat on the steps, elbows resting on his knees, gaze lost in the distance.
*Elder Yan... if only you were here now. They twist your name while pretending to honor it.*
But he knew better.
The world didn't care for truth.
Only power.
And somewhere beneath his courtyard, the one person who could change everything was waiting in silence.
---
**End of Chapter 65**"