"As you say, Senior," he said, stepping back with his hand pressed to his chest.

Xu Mo turned his attention back to the group that now stood against him. He hadn't heard the full story—his mind had been occupied, fighting off the waves of pain and a silent mental battle. But after catching Mei Xueyin's version of the events, the disciples of their sect had become divided. One side stood with Mei Xueyin, believing her accusations. The other remained loyal to Xu Mo, the True Successor—a logical choice, considering Mei Xueyin had presented no real evidence to support her claims.

Among those opposing him were Xue Lingxi, Jin Meiyu, Wei Rong, and several others Xu Mo wasn't particularly familiar with. What did surprise him, however, was seeing Su Wenqing among those supporting him. They had only been together for a day or two.

"Senior Xu Mo is innocent," Su Wenqing stated firmly, stepping forward to defend him. "According to your account, this incident occurred four days after we entered the secret realm, correct? But during that time, Senior Xu Mo and I were traveling together, searching for opportunities after escaping the beast tide."

"Were you with him the entire time?" someone challenged from the opposing group. Xu Mo didn't recognize the voice. "He could have done something disgusting after parting from you."

Su Wenqing's eyes narrowed. "Senior Xu Mo and I were exploring the nameless ruin during that period. We stayed there for two full days. I was in the middle of enlightenment and completely defenseless for 48 hours as I was advancing to become a Rank 2 Alchemist. Senior Xu Mo stood guard the entire time."

Her words rang with conviction. Though anger simmered in her tone, it wasn't directed at the nameless voice—but at Mei Xueyin. Su Wenqing couldn't understand how Mei could accuse Xu Mo of such a thing. From what she'd seen—especially through how Xu Mo had interacted with Wei Rong—he didn't seem like the kind of person who would betray someone, much less attempt murder.

"I'll ask you one question," Mei Xueyin said suddenly, her voice slicing through the growing tension like a blade. "Answer with a yes or no."

All eyes turned back to Xu Mo, who was still struggling to stand upright. Blood pulsed behind his eyes, and his knees threatened to buckle again.

"…"

Xu Mo remained silent.

His silence was accepted as a willingness to hear her out.

"Were you in the tomb that day, or not?"

"...Yes."

That single word caused the entire atmosphere to freeze.

The supporters behind him shifted uneasily. Their expressions darkened. Even those who trusted him began to question. If he was in the tomb, then—why hadn't he denied it? Why not lie, at the very least? The other party had no proof. He could've denied it outright and walked away clean.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"What?!" Wei Rong shouted, his face filled with disbelief. He stormed forward and grabbed Xu Mo by the collar, shaking him violently. His grip was tight, veins bulging across his arms. Pain and confusion danced in his eyes. "Xu Mo, is what Mei Xueyin said about you… really the truth?"

Xu Mo didn't retaliate. Instead, he met Wei Rong's gaze and said calmly, "I went there to save her. When I realized you were arriving as well, I placed her behind the throne—hidden, but in a position where you'd find her quickly. I sat on the headrest of the throne, keeping watch to protect her from any hidden threats."

Huh?!

A wave of disbelief swept through the crowd. Jaws dropped. His expression, his tone—everything about him seemed sincere. He spoke plainly, without trying to defend himself or earn sympathy.

"I don't know why you believe I tried to harm her," Xu Mo continued. "When I found her, she was unconscious and covered in blood—lying some distance from the shattered coffin."

"You're lying! Liar!" Mei Xueyin screamed.

Suddenly, an invisible force slammed into Xu Mo, crushing him to the ground. His knees cracked against the stone, and even the sword in his hand was driven deep into the earth. He couldn't raise his head, couldn't even open his mouth. His body trembled under the weight. Something was wrong. This wasn't spiritual pressure. It was something more.

He realized, with growing dread, that he was the only one being affected by the force. A glowing outline of his frame began to form beneath him on the ground, as if branding him.

His tongue refused to move. He couldn't speak even if he wanted to.

"Senior!!"

"Xu Mo!!"

"Senior Xu Mo!!"

Multiple voices cried out from the crowd. Panic spread like wildfire. They couldn't comprehend what was happening. Where was this terrifying majesty coming from?

There was only one explanation.

—Mei Xueyin.

'System… what's going on? What's happening to me?!'

A calm, cold voice responded in his mind:

[The Daughter of Destiny—Mei Xueyin—has considered you her enemy. She is invoking: Dragon's Majesty.]

Dragon's Majesty…

A fitting name. Too fitting.

But Xu Mo's thoughts didn't stop there. A wry smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Is a dragon more powerful than Dao?

Even as his body shook under the weight of her aura, Xu Mo's will remained unbroken.

He had chosen silence not out of weakness, but as a path. A Dao. The Dao of Silence—rooted in restraint, stillness, and unwavering intent. It wasn't just a concept. It was power. It was the foundation of his very existence.

And now, as Mei Xueyin's emotions spiraled, her powers ran wild—lashing out against the one person who refused to explain himself with excuses.

Xu Mo closed his eyes.

If this was the power of a dragon…

Then let the world witness the power of Dao.

But before anything could happen—before his body could gather even a shred of energy in resistance—

Crack—

Clang—

A sound like thunder split the air. The ground shook violently beneath their feet. Stones cracked. The sky overhead darkened. The trees trembled. Even the beasts hidden deep within the forest howled in fear.

The secret realm began to quake.

Xu Mo's body was suddenly released. The crushing pressure vanished as if it had never been there. His limbs went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

He blinked rapidly, trying to understand what had just happened.

All around him, disciples staggered. Even Mei Xueyin's expression turned pale.

It felt as though the entire world was collapsing.

Xu Mo's hand dug into the earth. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand, even as the tremors continued.

He looked around, scanning the faces of those still standing. Panic. Confusion. Fear. No one knew what had triggered the collapse.

But Xu Mo had a feeling—deep in his bones—that this wasn't just a natural phenomenon.

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