Outside, Shirley stood waiting, accompanied by a few of her loyal followers.
It hadn’t even been that long, yet a crowd had already formed outside the Scripture Hall. Outer Disciples and even some Inner Disciples were gathering, murmuring among themselves with growing curiosity.
"Senior Sister Tian, it’s getting really crowded here. Maybe we should leave now," said a kind girl softly, glancing around nervously.
"Yes. Look at those ugly boys. They’re ogling at you like they’ve never seen a woman before," added another, more fiery disciple, crossing her arms in irritation.
Shirley noticed the wandering gazes, her expression tightening in visible disgust. Still, she shook her head and answered calmly, "No. Just wait a little longer. I’m sure he’ll be coming out soon."
Her shift in tone didn’t go unnoticed. Her followers exchanged looks, their curiosity instantly piqued.
"Seriously... I’ve never seen you act before, Senior Sister. You usually can’t stand men. So who is this person you’re waiting for? He must be someone incredibly special."
Shirley smiled softly, a glint of anticipation in her eyes as she replied, "You’ll find out in a few moments. Just be patient."
"Sigh, I get it now. Our untouchable Senior Sister has finally fallen for someone," one girl teased playfully, nudging the other.
But then her expression turned puzzled as she looked around. "But why are those girls over there gathered too? Aren’t those some of the Inner Court Senior Sisters?"
Sure enough, several elegant and powerful female disciples from the Inner Court were standing nearby, watching the entrance with their own expectant eyes.
The crowd was no longer here just for gossip or curiosity.
Something, or rather someone, was drawing attention from every corner of the sect.
Shirley’s brows furrowed slightly.
Could it be... they’re all here for him too?
A flicker of jealousy sparked in her ember-like eyes as she narrowed her gaze toward the group of Inner Court girls. Her lips curled into a cold snort.
"Hmph. I won’t let any woman take him away from me. He’s mine. Only mine."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward confidently.
Standing tall in front of the stunned Inner Court girls, she slowly unsheathed her beautiful, gleaming longsword and pointed it toward them.
Gasps rippled through the surrounding disciples.
"What? A challenge to a duel? Here? Of all places?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, idiot! Elder Jian will punish us all if this gets out of control."
"Tsk. First look at who issued the challenge, brother. That’s Tian Yue. She’s the youngest disciple of Supreme Elder Serenity. She’s basically a core member. Someone like her can get away with it."
"True... but still, why would she challenge Inner Court disciples? That makes no sense."
"Something’s definitely off here."
Murmurs and speculation grew among the crowd as everyone waited in tense silence, unsure what would happen next.
The Inner Court girls, though surprised, didn’t back away. One of them, a silver-robed beauty with a composed demeanor, stepped forward.
"Sister Tian Yue... what is the meaning of this?" she asked in calm voice.
Shirley didn’t hesitate to reply.
"No meaning. Just making sure you know your place. There are people you can covet, and people you cannot. The person you’re waiting for today... he belongs to me."
Gasps rippled across the crowd, especially from the boys.
Heartbreak and confusion reigned among them.
"What! Senior Sister Tian is fighting over a guy?"
"Who is it? Who dares to take our untouchable goddess from us? I’ll challenge him to a duel!"
"Yeah! Who’s that hateful bastard who tricked our goddess? She belongs to no man but me!"
"Tsk, tsk... Just look at your face, you ugly toad. You want Tian Yue? Dream on. She’s mine."
"Damn you! How dare you insult my looks!"
Arguments broke out among them. The scene descended into pure chaos and confusion, full of loud declarations, swollen egos, and desperate fantasies.
Meanwhile, the Inner Court girl standing opposite Shirley narrowed her eyes.
"Senior Sister, I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said coolly, "but if it’s a challenge you want, I’ll give you that. I’m not a loser."
"Oh ho! Way to go, Junior Sister Murong!" a male disciple shouted from the crowd. "I’m here for you!"
Murong Hua shot him a glare. "Shut up, Chen Ping."
Then, she stepped forward and drew her sword in a clean motion. It gleamed under the daylight, a blade forged at Sword Peak, rumored to slice through boulders like tofu.
"As a proud Inner Disciple of the Sword Peak, I will not back down from this challenge," Murong declared. "I will defeat you!"
A breathless silence swept through the crowd.
Shirley gripped her sword tightly. Her expression was tense, but her determination was unwavering. Her eyes never left Murong Hua’s.
This isn’t just about pride. She did not want anyone take him away.
Just then, a wave of suffocating pressure swept across the courtyard like an invisible storm.
Several Outer Disciples staggered backward as a tall figure descended the stone steps of the Scripture Hall. His striking robe fluttered in the wind. On his back, a sheathed blade hummed with dormant power. His blue eyes, cold and unreadable, swept across the gathering with regal detachment.
The chatter died instantly.
Whispers turned to silence.
No one dared breathe too loudly.
"That’s him..." someone whispered. "The Dao Child..."
He walked slowly, each step deliberate, like an emperor striding through lesser beings. His presence was enough to make even Inner Disciples feel like children. The Inner Court girls, including Murong, froze mid-step. Their swords trembled ever so slightly in their hands.
But Igaris ignored them all.
His gaze was fixed on only one person.
Before anyone could speak or react, Igaris closed the distance between them.
And then right before a crowd of stunned disciples, wide-eyed elders, and a red-faced Murong, he pulled Shirley into his arms.
She gasped softly, surprised by the sudden warmth and strength wrapping around her.
"I missed you," Igaris murmured, voice low and husky, just for her to hear.
Shirley’s eyes widened in surprise. Her sword slipped from her hand and clattered onto the courtyard floor.
The entire sect fell into deathly silence.
Even the wind forgot to move.