"..." Elora didn't know how to answer his question. Should she tell him the truth?
"If you don't wish to speak, you don't have to," Gu Han said, interpreting her silence as reluctance to share. "Everyone has their own secrets; I won't press you."
"What do you think of Nebula Sect?" Unable to deceive Gu Han, Elora decided to test his opinion on Nebula Sect first.
"Nebula Sect! That heretical cult?" At the mention of Nebula Sect, Gu Han's expression darkened with disgust, as though the mere thought of it stirred an intense hatred. His entire demeanor exuded a chilling killing intent. "Nebula Sect has committed countless atrocities; it is a disgrace to the martial world, and it deserves to be eradicated by all!"
"A disgrace to the martial world?" Elora's eyes flickered with sharpness. Did he truly think of her that way? "Eradicated by all?" "How can you be so certain that Nebula Sect is a disgrace to the martial world? What makes it a disgrace?"
"They have killed so many innocent people, even disciples of Skycrest Sect. What else could they be but a disgrace?" Gu Han couldn't fathom why Elora would defend Nebula Sect.
"Well, in that case, I must apologize. I am, indeed, the greatest disgrace in your eyes—the leader of Nebula Sect, Elora." Elora gazed at him with pride, her voice dripping with defiance. "So, how do you plan to deal with me?"
"I..." The realization hit Gu Han like a thunderclap. She was the leader of Nebula Sect, the very cult he despised? His expression turned one of disbelief as he looked at her.
"Do you regret saving me now?" Elora smiled bitterly. "Nebula Sect has always acted with integrity. What we do, we own, and if it's not us, don't try to place the blame on our heads. Yes, we killed the disciples of Skycrest Sect, but why did we do it? They were using the name of Nebula Sect to commit vile deeds in the shadows. Should we just stand by and let them bully us?"
As she spoke, Elora's body trembled with anger, her voice tinged with a cold bitterness.
"Enough of this nonsense!" Gu Han stood up, his face turning cold as he drew his sword, pointing it at Elora. "Skycrest Sect is a righteous, prestigious sect. There's no way they would do such vile things. It's you, the demoness, who's spreading lies."
Gu Han had always admired Evan Skylar, the leader of Skycrest Sect, a righteous man and a skilled martial artist. He had spent many years there, learning martial arts and the way of righteousness. To accuse Skycrest Sect of such deeds was something he could not believe.
"My Nebula Sect possesses a unique martial arts manual, the Nebula Eclipse," Elora continued, her voice unyielding. "Evan Skylar of Skycrest Sect covets this manual, and that's why he used Nebula Sect's name to commit countless atrocities. In truth, the ones who have done all these despicable deeds are his own disciples!"
"You think I would believe your words?" Gu Han wasn't one to waste words with her. He charged forward with his sword raised.
Elora leaped into the air, unsheathing the soft sword that had been coiled at her waist, and met Gu Han's attack with equal fervor. "You so-called righteous sects are no better than us. At least Nebula Sect stands by its actions. How many unspeakable deeds have you done in secret? Allan was the leader of the Shadow Serpent Hall, but no—perhaps he should be called Aiden. Do you know? He has a twin brother. The position of leader was originally meant for his brother Allan, but Aiden murdered him and took the title for himself, assuming his brother's name! There's much more you don't know... You should investigate and see if I'm lying."
"Clang!" Gu Han's sword was pointed at Elora's chest. "Do you believe I won't kill you now?"
Elora wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, swaying slightly as she rose to her feet. "If you wish to kill me, then do as you please." With those words, she turned her gaze away, not even sparing him another glance.
"Rest well. I have matters to attend to and must leave now." Gu Han sheathed his sword, his back turned as he walked away.
He was unsettled. She was, without a doubt, a leader of a heretical cult, and he should have struck her down without hesitation. Yet, no matter how grievous her injuries, she stood before him like a plum blossom in the snow, dignified and unyielding. He could not bring himself to kill her.