Chapter 16

Xiang stood in the middle of the commotion, her wrists bound by the guards, her face a mix of frustration and pain. The guards' grip on her tightened as the Heavenly God stepped forward, his eyes filled with judgment. Wen Shia's gaze bore into her, a mixture of worry and anger shadowing his usually calm demeanor.

"Why are you trying to run away?" Wen Shia asked again, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "I told you that I would save you, Xiang. You just need to trust me."

Xiang clenched her fists, feeling the weight of the betrayal she had overheard. She looked at Wen Shia, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance and sorrow. "Trust you? How can I trust you when you've made a deal to keep me as a prisoner? I heard it myself. You're planning to destroy my spiritual power and turn me into nothing more than an ordinary girl!"

Wen Shia's face flickered with shock and then frustration. "Who told you this?" he demanded, glancing around. "This is a misunderstanding. I would never—"

So Young stepped forward, her expression laced with feigned innocence. "Master Wen, I tried to stop her. She attacked me and refused to listen. I only did what I thought was right."

Xiang's anger flared. "Don't lie, So Young! You were the one who encouraged me to leave. You said the Master would destroy me!" She struggled against her captors, her voice trembling. "You wanted me gone!"

The Heavenly God raised a hand, silencing everyone. "Enough!" His voice was stern, echoing through the courtyard. He turned to Xiang. "Your actions have caused chaos. Whether you were misled or acted on impulse, this cannot be ignored."

Xiang bit her lip, her defiance waning under the Heavenly God's scrutiny. She glanced back at Wen Shia, whose expression was now unreadable. "I only wanted to protect him," she said quietly. "If staying here means putting him in danger, I'd rather leave."

Wen Shia stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "You're not protecting me by running away, Xiang. You're making it harder for me to protect you." He turned to the guards. "Release her."

The guards hesitated but obeyed, letting go of Xiang. She stumbled slightly but held her ground, her eyes locked on Wen Shia.

"Xiang," Wen Shia said gently, "I promise you, I would never do anything to harm you or your spiritual power. If you've been told otherwise, it's a lie meant to divide us."

Xiang hesitated, her heart torn between belief and doubt. She turned to So Young, who looked away, her act of innocence faltering for a moment. Xiang narrowed her eyes. "You lied to me, didn't you?"

So Young took a step back, her composure breaking. "I... I only wanted what was best for you. You wouldn't understand."

Wen Shia's expression hardened. "Take So Young away for questioning," he commanded. The guards moved swiftly, seizing her.

Xiang watched as So Young was dragged away, her mind swirling with emotions. She turned back to Wen Shia. "If what you say is true, then why did you make a deal about me?"

Wen Shia sighed, stepping closer. "I made a deal to ensure your safety, Xiang. There are forces that want to destroy you, and I've been doing everything I can to protect you, even if it means making difficult choices. Please, trust me."

Xiang looked into his eyes, searching for deception but finding only sincerity. Her resolve softened, and she nodded slowly. "I'll stay... for now."

Wen Shia gave her a small, relieved smile. "That's all I ask."

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