But the silence that followed was crushing. She waited and waited, but there was no response. The door remained firmly shut.
Mo Wushuang's chest tightened with rising dissatisfaction. She had knelt down, humbled herself, and yet there was still no sign of Xie Ren acknowledging her. No response, no words of encouragement, nothing.
A storm of emotions churned within her. How could he treat her this way after everything? Didn't she deserve a chance?
But as she sat there, her mind drifted to darker thoughts. She had nowhere else to go. If she left now, she would only fall into the hands of the Mystic Frost Sect.
And as much as her pride burned, she couldn't deny the rapid advancements of Chen Yinyin and Lan Yue. Their breakthroughs were undeniable proof of something, something she was now desperate to understand.
Mo Wushuang remained kneeling, her body growing stiff and sore as the hours turned to days. Three days passed in total silence, and as the sun set each evening, her resolve began to waver.
Had she missed her chance to apprentice under Xie Ren? Was this rejection the sign of her ultimate downfall?
The doubts clawed at her, but still, she stayed. Would the Mystic Frost Sect come for her soon? Would she die without ever having truly lived? Would she fade into nothing, her name swallowed by the currents of time?
…
Over the past few days, Xie Ren had kept a careful watch on Mo Wushuang from the shadows. He observed the subtle shifts in her behavior, her once-proud arrogance slowly fading away. The sight pleased him.
Her desperation was palpable, and he knew that if he didn't intervene soon, this stubborn girl might give up and leave before he had a chance to fully shape her.
After three days of kneeling, Mo Wushuang's body had begun to tremble, the strain of staying in one position for so long taking its toll.
Just as her patience was wearing thin, the door creaked open.
Mo Wushuang's breath caught in her throat as she looked up. Standing before her was Xie Ren, his strikingly handsome face framed by a soft, ethereal glow.
A rare feeling of nervousness surged through her, something she hadn't experienced in a long time.
"Mo Wushuang," Xie Ren's voice was low and steady. "Entering my Taishan Sect means all beings are equal. You are no longer the proud sovereign of the past. Are you willing to abandon that identity?"
Her heart pounded in her chest as she slowly rose to her feet, wiping the dirt from her knees. There was no hesitation in her answer. "I am willing to abandon the past and start anew."
Xie Ren's gaze softened, but only for a moment. "Mo Wushuang, entering my Taishan Sect means you will carry a great karmic burden. If the Sect faces a crisis, are you prepared to lead the charge, to shoulder the responsibility for its survival?"
Her eyes hardened with resolve, a flicker of her former strength returning. "Even in death, I will defend the Taishan Sect's honor!"
"Mo Wushuang," Xie Ren continued, his tone turning even more serious, "within my Sect, no disciple may harm another or plot against their own. Do you understand, and can you abide by this?"
Mo Wushuang's gaze faltered for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her features. She had lived her entire life surrounded by power struggles, but she had also known betrayal all too well. She hesitated. Would she truly be able to uphold such an oath?
But after a brief pause, her voice was steady and filled with conviction. "I cannot. But if anyone betrays the Sect, I will do everything in my power to destroy them."
Xie Ren's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. Since you have understood. I will give you this earth-grade healing elixir. Once you take it, you'll be fully healed."
Mo Wushuang's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and gratitude. This was the chance she had been waiting for.
"Disciple Mo Wushuang thanks the master!" she said, bowing deeply.
Xie Ren gave a slight nod. "Go now. Once your body is healed, I will teach you my methods."