Xiaochen felt the insidious logic of Ye Cangtian, tempting him to unleash a fraction of the sword's power, to make them tremble. But he fought it back, focusing on Ling's words, on the genuine fear in her eyes. It was not just Kael's reckless anger; it was deeper, a fear of the unknown, of the darkness he embodied.
"My sword is a tool," Xiaochen said, his voice low but clear. "A dangerous one, yes. But it is my tool. I control it. Not the other way around." He paused, letting his gaze meet Ling's. "I understand your fear. It is valid. But fear of me should not outweigh the fear of our true enemy. The Taixu Palace would have us believe that I am the demon, that my power is tainted. They want us divided, broken, easy to consume."
"And are you not tainted, Xiaochen?" Kael spat, emboldened b
