The weight in Tian Lei's voice was soft—but the pain beneath it echoed like a forgotten wound reopened.
Mu Qinxue's teasing smile faltered, replaced by something unreadable. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than they should have.
Then Tian Lei spoke again, calm but firm:
"Unless you're willing to take an oath—to never treat me as a prisoner, and only harm me if I betray you—I won't be your disciple."
For a heartbeat, the Celestial Apex Hall was silent.
Even Elder Haiyun's breath hitched slightly.
Mu Qinxue studied Tian Lei, her gaze intense, golden irises faintly glowing. A thousand thoughts flickered behind her eyes—but all she said was:
"…Alright."
Her voice was soft, devoid of mockery or sarcasm. She raised her hand, weaving an arcane sigil into the air with slender fingers, a ripple of soul-light resonating through the hall.
