Song Wanníng's words pushed Ye Chuxue straight into the eye of the storm.
Everyone turned to look at her, expressions expectant and intense.
In their eyes, Ye Chuxue had always been known not only for her beauty, but also for her kindness. She often inspired and encouraged other disciples, preaching ideals like fairness and equality.
So now, many still held onto that image of her, hoping she would uphold those very values.
Ye Chuxue, who had been anxiously worried over Gu Qingyuan's poisoned state, froze the moment she heard Song Wanníng's suggestion.
She could feel the weight of every gaze, full of expectation. And her heart sank. Her eyes snapped toward Song Wanníng, barely able to conceal the rage and hatred welling up inside.
This was a trap. Song Wanníng had set her up deliberately.
No matter what she chose now, it would be the wrong move.
How devious. How calculating.
Ye Chuxue's face darkened, but she stayed silent. Song Wanníng tilted her head slightly, her lips curling with mockery.
"What's wrong, Junior Niece Ye? Having trouble deciding?
If it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to save the innocent disciple. After all, she's the one who suffered most unfairly in all this. But you look torn. I suppose all those slogans you shout about fairness and equality were just for show, weren't they?"
Ye Chuxue had spent years crafting her image, building goodwill among the disciples. In her past life, they had become the sharpest blades in her hand, cutting down enemies without hesitation.
If she could steel herself now and seize this moment, her reputation might rise even higher.
But she couldn't abandon Gu Qingyuan.
"Master's injuries are more serious, I..."
She bit her lip, humiliated and helpless. She had no choice. She had to protect him.
The lives of others were not her concern.
Summoning her courage, she said aloud, "Please, Aunt-Master Song, give the pill to my Master. As for the other disciple, I will make sure she is compensated and survives this ordeal."
"—!"
A wave of noise spread through the crowd. Countless disciples stared at her, eyes filled with disbelief and disappointment.
They had thought Ye Chuxue was different from those selfish geniuses. Now they realized she was no different at all.
Just another hypocrite.
The looks in their eyes changed instantly.
Under the growing tension of their stares, Ye Chuxue straightened her back, trying to hold firm. She did not believe she owed them anything.
That disciple, Wu Dan, had taken the pill of her own will. She hadn't charged a single coin. Where had she gone wrong?
"Clap, clap, clap. Such touching loyalty between master and disciple." Song Wanníng clapped slowly, her face brimming with mock emotion. "Gu Qingyuan knelt before me for your sake. Now you repay him by abandoning a fellow disciple. Truly moving."
Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she glanced at the pill in her hand.
"What a shame. If that girl doesn't take the antidote now, she'll die. Gu Qingyuan, at least, can still hold on a little longer. He'll just have to endure."
Without waiting for a reply, Song Wanníng flicked her wrist. The pill flew directly into the unconscious Wu Dan's mouth.
Decisive. Clean. Not a trace of hesitation.
The pill was gone.
Ye Chuxue stood frozen, disbelief scrawled across her face. Then her expression twisted with anger.
"Aunt-Master Song, you—"
She had made her choice. Song Wanníng had no right to interfere. Did she think this was all a joke?
Ye Chuxue clenched her fists tight, her nails digging into her palms. Her killing intent surged.
But Song Wanníng rose to her feet lazily, brushing her skirt into place. Her voice remained gentle.
"I had no choice. We are all disciples of the same sect. I couldn't just watch her die."
"Oh, by the way, there's an auction happening in Tianlai City in a few days. I heard a Heavenly Origin Nurturing Heart Pill will be up for sale. Maybe you can get lucky. Who knows? It might cure Gu Qingyuan's poison."
She smiled openly now, unable to hide her amusement, and gave Ye Chuxue a playful wink.
Karma always hurts more when it circles back around.
Today, it was Ye Chuxue's turn to taste the humiliation she had once dished out.
"Elder Song is the only fair one here!"
"Exactly. Wu Dan was dying. Why shouldn't she get the antidote?"
"Gu Qingyuan is a Nascent Soul-level elder. He has more ways than one to stay alive. Unlike us."
"Senior Sister Ye really let us down. This whole mess started because of her, and now she wanted to leave someone behind? Too selfish!"
"..."
The louder her praise had once been, the harder her fall became now.
Who would have thought that, in the end, it was the Elder Song—whom they once resented—who stood up for Wu Dan?
The irony cut deep.
The disciples' words sliced into Ye Chuxue like blades. She bit her lower lip, eyes glassy, filled with grievance and despair.
Over the past half year, she had handed out countless pills. She had stood up for other disciples many times.
But when things turned sour, no one remembered.
Just like that, they flipped on her.
Her heart turned cold.
Now that the pill's recipient had been decided, the Sect Master looked like he'd just swallowed poison. Disgust twisted across his face.
Still, if the auction truly had a Tianyuan Nurturing Heart Pill, then maybe this disaster could be salvaged.
He turned to Song Wanníng again, seeking reassurance.
"Are you sure Junior Brother Gu can hold out until the auction?"
Right now, he was terrified that Song Wanníng might actually let Gu Qingyuan die.
"Naturally. You underestimate him."
Song Wanníng gave Gu Qingyuan a glance, unreadable and calm.
If not for the injuries he suffered trying to protect Ye Chuxue—and the beating she had given him afterward—that poison wouldn't have posed any threat at all.
"Then that's good."
The Sect Master finally relaxed.
"Junior Niece Ye, take him back to rest. In a few days, do everything you can to win that pill at the auction. If spirit stones are short, the sect will assist you."
"Yes. Thank you, Sect Master!"
Ye Chuxue bowed in gratitude, then gathered Gu Qingyuan into her arms and prepared to leave.
But Song Wanníng's voice rang out again, halting her steps.
"Junior Niece Ye, aren't you forgetting something? Your pill was poisonous. It harmed an innocent disciple and nearly killed Gu Qingyuan. You still haven't received your punishment."
Her words stirred the crowd's memory.
Hadn't Ye Chuxue herself agreed to accept punishment if she lost the bet?
She almost got away with it.
"Junior Sister Song, there's no need to press further. Gu Qingyuan still needs care. Let's not make things harder than they need to be."
The Sect Master's brows furrowed. His patience was wearing thin.
Why did she always have to push everything so far?
"You're absolutely right."
Song Wanníng nodded in agreement.
"Since Gu Qingyuan needs her right now, we'll wait until he recovers. Then she can accept her punishment."
She had no intention of letting Ye Chuxue off the hook.
"You wouldn't want others saying the Sect plays favorites, would you? That would really break the disciples' trust."
With a playful grin, Song Wanníng leaned against Liu Lanyi's leg.
"Ancestor, I think the Devouring Wind Cavern would be a fitting punishment."
Her bright eyes blinked up innocently, her soft body resting against the older woman's leg. Liu Lanyi's heart softened. She rubbed Song Wanníng's head gently.
"This matter did start with Ye Chuxue, and punishment is necessary. Since her mistake was unintentional, she will spend one year in the Devouring Wind Cavern for reflection."
"Does the Sect Master agree?"
Her light gaze fell on him. The Sect Master stiffened and quickly bowed.
"I defer to Ancestor's judgment."
"Good. Then let this matter end here. Everyone, disperse."
Liu Lanyi gave a satisfied nod and rose to her feet, holding Song Wanníng's hand.