Elder Xue's expression shifted slightly, her fury tempered by a forced calm as she tried to mask her unease. She took a deep breath, lowering her blade but not her aura. "This isn't about fear, Kael. This is about principle. The Cloud Heavens Sect will not stand idly by while its name is dragged through the mud by a liar seeking to sow chaos. If we allow such accusations to spread unchecked, how can we call ourselves a sect worthy of respect? How can we hold our heads high with such disgrace hanging over us?"
Kael's lips curved into a faint smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, principles. Honor. Respect. All admirable things, Xue." He paused, his smirk growing sharper. "But those principles only hold water as long as the accusations are, in fact, lies."
