A Sacrifice for Survival

Lan Yue's grip on her sword was steady as she moved through the sect's training grounds. Each step was deliberate, every breath controlled. Mu Qinglan's words echoed in her mind, sharp as a blade pressed against flesh.

"A weak-willed suspect is a dead suspect."

"A disciple who exposes the true traitor becomes a hero."

There was no hesitation left. She needed a target—someone insignificant, someone the sect wouldn't mourn. Her gaze swept across the courtyard until it landed on Zhao Min. A quiet, forgettable disciple. Weak. Disposable. Perfect.

Luring the Prey

Zhao Min hummed to herself as she walked alone toward the medicine hall, oblivious to the predator falling into step beside her.

"Junior Sister."

Zhao Min turned, startled. "Senior Sister Lan Yue? You're talking to me?"

Lan Yue smiled, an empty gesture. Beneath her sleeve, her hidden blade pulsed like an extension of her will.

"I need your help with something."

Zhao Min hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Lan Yue's gaze remained patient, unwavering.

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

Zhao Min gave a nervous smile. "Alright… what do you need?"

"Follow me."

The Perfect Crime

Lan Yue led Zhao Min to the bamboo forest near the sect's outskirts—a place where sound was swallowed by the wind, where cries would go unheard.

Zhao Min followed without suspicion. That trust sickened Lan Yue. It was pathetic.

The moment they were alone—she struck.

The blade tore through Zhao Min's abdomen in a clean, brutal arc. Flesh parted, warmth gushing over Lan Yue's fingers as the girl staggered back, eyes wide, disbelieving.

"S-Senior Sister…?"

Her voice trembled, wet with blood. The air reeked of iron.

Lan Yue tilted her head, expression void of pity.

Zhao Min collapsed, choking, her body convulsing as she clawed at the wound. Desperate. Dying.

"Why…?"

Lan Yue knelt beside her, eyes cold, voice devoid of feeling.

"Because I have to live."

With precision, she carved a familiar symbol into Zhao Min's arm—the same mark found on Fang Yi's corpse. A fabricated sign of treason. A perfect lie.

Zhao Min's lips parted as if to protest, to beg—

But Lan Yue drove the blade into her throat, silencing her forever.

The body spasmed once. Then it was still.

Lan Yue exhaled, the warmth of fresh blood cooling on her skin. She wiped the blade clean, her face an unreadable mask. Then—

She screamed.

"HELP! TRAITOR! I FOUND A TRAITOR!"

The Sect's Reaction

The night was split by the pounding of hurried footsteps. Elders and disciples flooded the scene, weapons drawn.

Lan Yue stood over Zhao Min's corpse, trembling, her hands slick with blood.

The First Elder's eyes locked onto her, cold and calculating. "Explain."

Lan Yue bowed deeply, her voice shaking—flawless in its imitation of shock.

"I followed Zhao Min… she was acting strangely. When I confronted her, she attacked me."

She gestured to the mark carved into Zhao Min's flesh.

"She was part of the traitor's group."

Gasps spread like wildfire.

The Third Elder narrowed his eyes. "You are saying she was the one who killed Fang Yi and Xu Tian?"

Lan Yue lowered her gaze. "It must be."

The Fourth Elder knelt beside the body, tracing the carved symbol with his fingers. His expression darkened.

"This is the same mark found before."

The First Elder's voice was final. "Then the culprit has been found."

He turned to the gathered disciples, his tone sharp with authority.

"Let this be a lesson."

"The Azure Moon Sect will not tolerate betrayal."

Lan Yue remained silent. The sect had swallowed the bait whole. Her place was secure. For now.

Mu Qinglan's Approval

That night, Mu Qinglan stood before Lan Yue, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"You did well."

Lan Yue did not respond. The blood on her hands had been washed away, but the memory lingered.

Mu Qinglan laughed softly. "Still troubled?"

Lan Yue exhaled slowly. "I didn't hesitate this time."

Mu Qinglan tilted her head. "And? How did it feel?"

Lan Yue's eyes were steady. Unshaken.

"Easier."

Mu Qinglan's smirk widened.

"Good. Soon, you won't feel anything at all."

Lan Yue looked at her hands. The blood was gone. But she could still feel it.

Would that ever change?

She didn't know. She didn't care.

Because she had survived.

And that was all that mattered.

Jin Xiao's Amusement

Far away, Jin Xiao observed through Bai Ling's vision. He chuckled, dark amusement curling in his throat.

"She is no longer resisting."

Bai Ling smiled, hunger lighting her gaze. "She has fully stepped onto the path."

Jin Xiao's fingers drummed lazily against the armrest.

"Good."

Because the next step would be even crueler.

And he would enjoy watching her bleed for it.