Chapter 16: Observing Meng Hao
Meng Hao, having entered the grand jade hall of the Sixth Peak, remained calm amidst the stares and whispers of the gathered female disciples. Many pairs of eyes observed him with varying degrees of curiosity, surprise, and even a trace of disdain. But he ignored them all.
Even when his eyes met the gaze of Li Yao—who was standing not far away, her brows furrowed with obvious confusion—he remained unmoved. He gave her no nod of recognition, no acknowledgment, only a calm, indifferent expression. His focus was elsewhere. He had not come here to explain himself.
Just as the murmurs began to settle, the quiet hall was pierced by the slow, deliberate creak of heavy doors opening.
All attention immediately turned toward the entrance.
From beyond the polished jade doors, a figure emerged—a woman clad in flowing robes the color of deep sunset orange, her presence commanding and cold. Her robes trailed along the smooth marble floor, brushing against it like waves across still water. Her long black hair, untied, flowed freely down to her shoulders, swaying gently with each step she took. In her right hand, she held a slender sword, its blade shimmering faintly with a silvery-blue hue that seemed to chill the very air around it.
Her eyes were sharp and cold, like twin blades of ice, and her expression unreadable. It was as though she carried with her the weight of a thousand winters.
The disciples froze.
As one, they bowed in unison, their voices echoing through the hall:
"We greet Peak Master Su Lan!"
Su Lan, without uttering a word, gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Her gaze swept over the gathered disciples, pausing for only a moment as it passed over Meng Hao, then continuing. With silent poise, she made her way to the raised platform at the far end of the hall, where a single throne carved from moonstone stood like a queen’s seat amidst stars.
Taking her place upon it, she sat gracefully, sword resting on her lap.
A heavy silence followed.