Chapter 16

Xiang stood amidst the chaos, her wrists firmly bound by the guards, her expression a turbulent mix of frustration and heartbreak. The weight of betrayal hung heavily in the air, and she could feel the guards' grip tightening, their determination unwavering. The Heavenly God advanced, his gaze piercing and filled with judgment, while Wen Shia approached her, worry etched across his usually calm features.

"Why are you trying to run away?" he asked again, his voice dipping into a softer, more pleading tone. "I told you that I would save you, Xiang. You just need to trust me."

Xiang's fists clenched at her sides, a surge of anger and pain igniting within her. "Trust you? How can I trust you when I overheard the deal you made to keep me imprisoned? You plan to destroy my spiritual power and reduce me to nothing more than an ordinary girl!"

Wen Shia's expression flickered, shock and frustration warring within him. "Who told you this?" he demanded, his gaze darting around the room. "This is a misunderstanding. I would never—"

So Young stepped forward, her demeanor laced with feigned innocence, her gaze darting between Wen Shia and Xiang. "Master Wen, I tried to stop her. She attacked me and refused to listen. I only did what I thought was necessary."

Xiang's fury ignited again. "Don't lie, So Young! You were the one who encouraged my escape! You said the Master would destroy me!" She struggled against her captors, her voice trembling with emotion. "You wanted me gone!"

The Heavenly God raised a hand, silencing them all with an authoritative presence. "Enough!" His voice resonated through the courtyard like thunder. Turning to Xiang, he said, "Your actions have caused chaos. Whether you were misled or acted on impulse, this cannot be ignored."

Xiang bit her lip, her defiance wearing thin under the weight of the Heavenly God's scrutiny. With a glance back at Wen Shia, whose expression had turned unreadable, she whispered, "I just wanted to protect him. If staying here puts him in danger, I'd rather leave."

Wen Shia stepped closer, his voice firm yet gentle. "Running away won't protect me, Xiang. It only makes it harder for me to protect you." He turned to the guards, his tone brooking no argument. "Release her."

The guards hesitated, their loyalty pitted against his command, but ultimately obeyed. As they loosened their grip, Xiang stumbled slightly but steadied herself, locking her eyes onto Wen Shia, emotions churning within her.

"Xiang," he said softly, "I promise, I would never harm you or your spiritual power. If you've been told otherwise, it's a deceit aimed at tearing us apart."

Doubt flickered in Xiang's heart as she contemplated his words, turning her gaze towards So Young, who now appeared only slightly less collected. "You lied to me, didn't you?" Xiang's voice was low, a dangerous edge in her tone.

So Young took a step back, her facade cracking. "I... I only wanted what was best for you. You wouldn't understand the dangers you face."

Wen Shia's expression hardened, resolve hardening like steel. "Take So Young away for questioning," he commanded. The guards moved swiftly, apprehending her as she stumbled in protest.

Xiang watched in a whirlwind of tumultuous emotions as So Young was dragged away. Turning back to Wen Shia, she demanded, "If what you say is true, why did you arrange a deal about me?"

Wen Shia sighed, closing the distance between them. "I made that deal to ensure your safety, Xiang. There are dark forces out there wanting to obliterate you. I'm doing everything within my power to protect you, even if it means making difficult choices. Please, you must trust me."

Xiang searched his eyes, desperate to uncover any trace of deceit, yet found only sincerity and earnestness reflected back. Her resolve began to waver, and after a moment's hesitation, she nodded slowly. "I'll stay... for now."

A small, relieved smile crept onto Wen Shia's face, a glimmer of hope breaking through the tension. "That's all I ask."

As the atmosphere shifted, the two stood uncertainly in the aftermath of conflict, the shadows of doubt still lingering, but now entwined with the fragile threads of trust.

The tumult in the courtyard faded to whispers, but the stakes were higher than ever. Together, they would navigate the turbulent waters ahead, burdened by secrets and enemies lurking in the shadows, all while seeking the truth that could either unite or tear them apart.