Chapter -13.Shine like moon.

Divya's heart leapt into her throat. She forced a sniffle, trying to lean into the act. "It's... it's nothing, Master. I just feel weak from all the crying." She shifted slightly, wincing as the box tied to her leg scraped against her skin. "It's just... emotional, you know?"

Hearing her response, the old man's frown deepened, but he paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. As the punishment master, the one tasked with disciplining all the disciples in the sect, he had known this Xiao Pang Pang for a while. She was, by all accounts, a fool and utterly useless—a lazy troublemaker with little talent or discipline. Yet, for all her flaws, she wasn't a bad child. Not malicious, at least.

Even so, he had been genuinely surprised when news of her expulsion reached him. It seemed out of character for the sect to make such a public example of her. And when he heard the rumors—how she had spoken out against the Grandmaster himself and insulted her fellow disciples—his surprise turned into fury. How dare she? A disciple of her caliber should have been groveling for forgiveness, not challenging her superiors.

But now, as he stood before her, something didn't add up. She didn't look like the same girl he remembered. The defiant, foolish glint in her eyes was gone, replaced by something more subdued, almost... mournful? He studied her stance—awkward and unsteady, as though she were bracing against pain or discomfort. Could it be...?

He coughed, straightening his posture as he adjusted his sleeves. Ah, of course, he thought to himself. The Grandmaster must have taught her a lesson. No doubt she was disciplined thoroughly, maybe even beaten. That would explain her strange posture. She's probably sore.

Satisfied with his assumption, he shook his head, dismissing any lingering doubts. "Well," he muttered, his tone softening slightly, "at least it seems you've learned a little humility."

Hearing the old man's words, Divya lowered her face, putting on an expression of pure guilt. But internally, she was scoffing so hard she almost gave herself away. Learned my lesson? Humanity? Oh, please. You ancient fossils wouldn't know humanity if it bit you. Nearly getting a 16-year-old girl eaten alive… and now you're preaching about morality? She held back a snort. And anyway, what does it matter? Every girl is eternally 16! Ageless queens, wrinkles be damned.

She looked back up at the old man, her eyes brimming with fake remorse, and spoke in a soft, quivering voice, "Yes, Master, I've seen the error of my ways. I know my fault." She paused, letting her words hang in the air like a monk seeking redemption. Then, with just the right amount of sadness, she added, "That's why I want to go down the mountain… to do good deeds, to atone for all my wrongdoings and bring honor to the sect."

The old man, clearly intrigued but skeptical, stroked his beard and eyed her from head to toe. "Hmm… then why don't you just—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Divya's internal alarm went off. Oh no, I know exactly where this is going. You're about to suggest staying here, doing grunt work, being the sect's favorite punching bag. Not happening!

She quickly interrupted, her tone hurried and desperate. "Master, no! Master, please. What I've done is terrible. I can't allow the Heavenly Sect to bear the shame of raising someone like me. The sect deserves better!"

The old man raised an eyebrow, visibly taken aback by her enthusiasm. "You're saying you would leave to protect the sect's reputation?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, clutching her chest like a martyr. "It's the only way I can redeem myself. If I stay here, people will only associate my mistakes with this noble sect. But if I go out into the world and correct my wrongs, everyone will see the greatness of the Heavenly Sect through my actions!"

The old man squinted at her, clearly suspicious of her sudden passion for self-sacrifice. But after a moment, he nodded slowly. "Hmm, perhaps you do have a point. Very well. You may leave to atone for your sins. But remember, you carry the Heavenly Sect's name with you."

Divya bowed deeply, hiding the triumphant smirk threatening to break through her sorrowful facade. "Thank you, Master. I will not let the sect down."

Divya , her face still a mask of devotion. But inside, she was doing mental backflips. Freedom at last! Sayonara, old geezer. And don't worry, I'll be sure to 'redeem' myself far, far away from this cursed place.

Divya's heart thudded in her chest as the old man's voice suddenly turned sharp and commanding, freezing her in place.

"Wait."

The single word reverberated in the room, making her pulse race. Every instinct screamed at her to keep moving, to leave before he could do anything more, but her body froze as she looked up at him. His eyes were sharp, cutting through the room like a blade.

"Y-Yes, Master?" she managed, trying to keep her voice steady, though it was laced with the slightest tremor. Why now? Why is he stopping me? Panic gripped her insides. She could feel her body stiffen as she struggled to hide the unease gnawing at her.

The old man stared at her with piercing, calculating eyes. "Before you go, I must check you. It's the rule. No one leaves without my inspection." His words were firm, heavy with authority. Her breath caught in her throat. What the hell? she thought. He's going to check me? Now? After everything?

Divya forced herself to stand taller, even as dread coiled in her stomach. "Check… me?" She said it like it was the most absurd thing she had ever heard. Check me? For what?

The old man nodded, his frown deepening. "Yes. You are leaving, and it's important I know what you're taking with you." He motioned for her to approach. "All of it—no exceptions."

Oh no. No, no, no. Divya's mind spun wildly as she desperately searched for a way out.