Inside the Disciplinary Hall, curls of sandalwood smoke drifted through the air, yet they failed to mask the heavy, tense atmosphere. The disciplinary plaques hanging on the surrounding walls looked stern and cold in the dim light. Uncle-Master Zhao and I stood facing each other like two fierce beasts about to clash, the air thick with hostility. All around us, the elders and the peak masters sat upon the high platforms, their gazes piercing as they scrutinized us.
I took a deep breath and gently laid Zhou Wan upon the meditation cushion behind me. Her face was pale, yet she gripped my hand tightly, offering me silent support. Straightening up, I looked straight into Uncle-Master Zhao's eyes, my voice calm yet steady. "Uncle-Master Zhao, you and I are both disciples of the Xuantian Sect. Today's matter requires careful deliberation."
Uncle-Master Zhao let out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with disdain. "Deliberation? Lu Chen, you colluded with the demonic race and harmed your fellow disciples. The evidence is ironclad. What is there to deliberate?"
Chapter 69