"Jin Yang?" A raspy female voice called my name.
My breath hitched as a figure in full ninja-like attire emerged, face completely covered.
"Ye—yes."
She pulled out a metal plate, small, about the size of a dagger, and presented it to me with careful respect.
I took it awkwardly. Before I could say anything—
She was gone.
Vanished back into the shadows.
I stared at the plate. "Uh… what does this mean?"
Xun Lian didn't even blink. "You are now the Sect's officially appointed leader of this pilgrimage."
"Wait, what? It was supposed to be Ling Ling!" I turned to her. "I never wanted to take this from you—I just wanted to help."
Ling Ling shook her head, eyes steady. "No, Master. I'm happy to follow you."
"But—" I opened my mouth, then closed it.
I had no words.
No way out of this, either.
"Fine. Let's go." I sighed, rubbing my temples—then paused.