The Hearing Begins
When I stepped into the Hall of Discipline, I was already playing out every possible scenario in my mind.
Luo Wen's complaint wasn't about justice.... it was about control.
If the elders ruled against me, it would put a permanent stain on my reputation, making it harder for me to gain clients, connections, or recognition.
If I lost here, it wouldn't just be a setback..... it would be a slow death.
So I couldn't afford to play this passively.
I had to flip the entire situation on him.
...
The Accusation
Three elders sat at the head of the hall.
Elder Shen, the same elder who judged our design battle.
Elder Wu, a strict-looking man with a sharp gaze.
And Elder Huang, an older woman known for valuing tradition above all else.
Luo Wen stood confidently, hands behind his back, while I remained calm.
Elder Wu spoke first. "Luo Wen, you have filed a formal complaint against Lu Tian. State your case."
Luo Wen bowed respectfully before beginning.
"Respected elders," he said, voice steady. "I believe that Lu Tian has violated the principles of fair competition within the sect."
Elder Huang raised an eyebrow. "Explain."
Luo Wen nodded. "During our design challenge, Lu Tian used techniques that should not be possible for an outer disciple. His robe did not just fit well—it enhanced movement, almost as if it were enchanted."
The crowd behind us murmured.
I resisted the urge to smirk. This idiot.
Luo Wen continued. "It is my belief that Lu Tian either cheated or received outside assistance in his work. I request a full investigation."
He folded his arms, looking satisfied.
Elder Wu turned to me. "Lu Tian, how do you respond?"
.....
Flipping the Narrative
I stepped forward, giving Luo Wen a mildly amused look.
"With all due respect, Elder Wu," I said, "Luo Wen's argument seems to be that I am simply too skilled for an outer disciple."
That got a few chuckles from the audience.
Luo Wen's expression darkened.
I continued. "Let me clarify. There was no enchantment on my design. It was purely the result of my craftsmanship."
Elder Huang frowned. "How can you prove that?"
Good. She wasn't convinced yet, but she was open to reason.
I turned toward Elder Shen. "Elder Shen, you personally examined my robe during the challenge. Did you sense any enchantments on it?"
Elder Shen hesitated..... then shook his head. "No. The robe was crafted with a clever use of fabric alignment and patterning, but there was no enchantment involved."
That single statement shifted the entire atmosphere.
Luo Wen's confidence visibly cracked.
I took another step forward. "Luo Wen claims I must have cheated because my skills are too high. But isn't the purpose of the Azure Sky Sect to encourage talent?"
Elder Wu stroked his beard, considering.
I pressed the attack.
"If anything, Luo Wen's complaint sounds like an admission of his own incompetence."
A ripple of whispers went through the room.
Luo Wen gritted his teeth.
I smiled slightly. "Or perhaps he simply underestimated me. And now, rather than accept his defeat, he's trying to slander me out of jealousy."
Elder Huang's eyes flickered toward Luo Wen. "Is this true?"
Luo Wen clenched his fists. "I—!"
Elder Wu cut him off. "Enough."
The room fell silent.
After a long pause, Elder Wu turned to me. "Lu Tian, we find no evidence of cheating. Your craftsmanship was legitimate."
I bowed. "Thank you, Elder Wu."
Elder Shen nodded. "This hearing is concluded. Luo Wen, in the future, do not waste the elders' time with baseless accusations."
Luo Wen went pale.
I turned and walked out of the hall, feeling the weight of every stare on me.
I had won.
But I wasn't stupid.
Luo Wen had backed himself into a corner.
And that meant he was going to get desperate.