Chapter 10: The Broken Betrothal

The Azure Sky Sect was bustling with activity, its disciples moving about their daily routines with a mix of purpose and vigor. The grandeur of the sect's architecture, with its towering pavilions and serene courtyards, belied the simmering tensions that lay beneath. Among the many disciples, none had drawn more whispers and speculation in recent days than Mo Xiu.

Unbeknownst to most, a storm was brewing—not one of heavenly thunder, but one born of pride, ambition, and betrayal.

News of the meeting between the Moon Clan and the sect elders reached Mo Xiu through Chen Wu, who rushed into the forest where Mo Xiu often trained.

"Mo Xiu!" Chen Wu called out, his voice breaking the tranquil silence of the woods.

Mo Xiu, seated cross-legged beneath a towering oak tree, opened his eyes. The golden hue in them flickered briefly before fading as he stood gracefully.

"What is it, Chen Wu?" Mo Xiu asked, his tone calm yet tinged with curiosity.

Chen Wu hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "The elders and the Moon Clan... they're meeting in the sect hall. It's about your betrothal."

Mo Xiu's expression remained neutral, but Chen Wu's words had ignited a flicker of unease within him. "I see. And what are they discussing?"

Chen Wu shifted his weight, unsure how to phrase it delicately. "There's talk... that they're going to annul the engagement."

Mo Xiu raised an eyebrow but said nothing for a moment. Finally, he nodded. "Let's go."

The GatheringWhen Mo Xiu arrived at the sect's grand hall, the atmosphere was already tense. The Moon Clan delegation, led by Patriarch Mu Tianhe, stood on one side of the hall. The Azure Sky Sect's elders occupied the other, with Sect Master Tian Guang seated at the head of the chamber.

Mu Xie, Mo Xiu's betrothed, stood beside her father. Her expression was a mixture of discomfort and guilt, though she avoided meeting Mo Xiu's gaze.

The hall quieted as Mo Xiu entered, his calm demeanor commanding attention. He bowed respectfully to Sect Master Tian Guang and the elders before turning to face the Moon Clan.

"Patriarch Mu," Mo Xiu began, his voice steady, "I hear there is a matter regarding my engagement to your daughter. I would like to hear it directly from you."

Mu Tianhe stepped forward, his posture radiating authority. His robes, embroidered with intricate designs of the moon and stars, reflected his clan's noble heritage.

"Mo Xiu," Mu Tianhe began, his tone cold and dismissive, "the engagement between you and my daughter was arranged years ago, when the Mo family still held influence and power. However, times have changed. Your family's decline and your... reputation leave much to be desired."

The words were a thinly veiled insult, but Mo Xiu's expression remained composed. "Reputation?" he echoed, his voice calm.

Mu Tianhe's eyes narrowed. "You spent years unable to cultivate, bringing shame to your family. Even now, despite your recent progress, you lack the standing and lineage worthy of my daughter."

Mo Xiu turned to Mu Xie, his gaze steady. "And what does the young miss think of this decision? Do you agree with your father?"

Mu Xie hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, but her father cut her off. "This is not her decision to make," Mu Tianhe said sharply.

Mo Xiu's gaze didn't waver. "Mu Xie?" he prompted again, ignoring the patriarch's interruption.

Mu Xie finally looked at him, her eyes filled with guilt and uncertainty. "It is... for the best," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her words were like a dagger, not because of the rejection, but because of the lack of conviction in her tone. Mo Xiu's expression remained unreadable as he turned back to Mu Tianhe.

The silence that followed was broken by Elder Lan, whose sharp features mirrored her equally sharp tongue. "Patriarch Mu, while your concerns about family standing are understandable, this decision seems rather abrupt. Mo Xiu's progress in cultivation has been nothing short of remarkable."

Elder Bai, ever the blunt one, crossed his arms and added, "If anything, the Moon Clan stands to gain from this union. Mo Xiu's recent achievements are proof of his potential."

Mu Tianhe scoffed, his disdain evident. "Potential is not enough. My daughter deserves a husband who is already a pillar of strength, not someone who only recently discovered his abilities. This engagement is an insult to our clan."

Sect Master Tian Guang raised a hand to silence the growing murmurs. "Patriarch Mu, while your decision is your own, it is customary to resolve such matters with dignity and respect. Let us not forget that we are allies."

Mu Tianhe inclined his head slightly, though his arrogance remained. "The Moon Clan values its alliances, but this is a personal matter. The engagement is annulled. That is final."

All eyes turned to Mo Xiu, expecting anger or humiliation. Instead, he simply bowed slightly. "If this is the Moon Clan's decision, I will respect it. However," he said, his voice steady and filled with quiet strength, "I hope you will not regret this choice in the future."

The room fell silent at his words. Mu Tianhe bristled but said nothing, choosing instead to turn and leave with his entourage. Mu Xie hesitated for a brief moment, her eyes meeting Mo Xiu's once more before she followed her father out of the hall.

AftermathOnce the Moon Clan delegation had departed, the sect elders turned to Mo Xiu. Sect Master Tian Guang spoke first. "Mo Xiu, this decision was not a reflection of your worth. You have proven yourself time and again."

Elder Lan nodded. "Let their arrogance fuel your determination. You have the potential to surpass even their highest expectations."

Mo Xiu smiled faintly. "Thank you, Sect Master, Elders. But their decision changes nothing for me. My path remains the same."

Reflections Under the StarsThat evening, Mo Xiu sat alone beneath the stars, his mind replaying the events of the day. He wasn't angry; he had expected this outcome. But the Moon Clan's arrogance and dismissal had only strengthened his resolve.

"They see only what is before them," he thought, his golden eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. "One day, they will look back and realize their mistake."

Chen Wu and Zhang Hao approached quietly, their expressions a mix of concern and admiration.

"You handled that better than I would have," Chen Wu said with a grin.

Zhang Hao added, "The Moon Clan doesn't deserve you. Let them cling to their pride. We'll show them what true strength looks like."

Mo Xiu chuckled softly. "Thank you, both of you. But this isn't about them. My focus is on the future, not the past."

As his friends left, Mo Xiu turned his gaze back to the heavens. The seal on his powers had been broken, and the path ahead was clear. It was time to forge his destiny, one step at a time.