Murim Recurve

'So, it's because of our connection to the Withered Courtyard.' Re'Kha frowned mentally, heaving a sigh in relief once she found out the cause wasn't her. Feeling doubtful about something, she got up and approached a lantern, using its light to glance at the mirror.

She focused on her eyes in the reflection, noticing that it was a shade of blue, slightly darker than her memories. Moreover, as she continued to stare at it, Re'Kha noticed that its shade was subtly changing, tinged with a mild green.

'It's changing into emerald colour too.' As she thought of it, Re'Kha felt relieved, 'So, if it is like this, the head Elder only saw a normal pair of eyes. So, as long as I am careful about not seeing others tomorrow, I should be fine.'

She then thought of something, feeling that she would be able to use that as a reason, 'Besides, I can blame the Blinded Ghost by saying that it did something to my eyes. So, once I snatched it back, the side effect changed its colour, also affecting my hair.'

'It might be risky, but in unavoidable situations, I can say that's the reason.' She thought, also getting an idea, 'Right, since the head Elder already saw my eyes looking normal today, I can meet up with him tomorrow and show that something had happened overnight. That way, I can get the vouch of an Elder that it's nothing to worry about. Also, I can ask his opinion on it. Whether it changed colour due to the Wood Qi I gained or if there is another reason altogether, I'll know about it once I ask.'

"That should do," Muttering, she returned to the bed, falling asleep immediately. The next morning, she was woken up by Ki'Nha, "Lady Re'Luk, you are being summoned by the Elders."

The moment she woke up, Re'Kha nodded as if she had expected it, but in reality, her heart was thumping in suspense. She didn't know if they just called her to inquire about the fight with the Blinded Ghost or wished to know more about her experience in the Withered Courtyard or something else.

If it were the former two, she was fine with it, for she didn't have anything much to hide in them. But if it was something else, she didn't know what to do. After all, the chances of her escaping in the presence of five Elders was zero.

Moreover, Re'Kha knew that the Kalki Qi wielded by the Elders gave them boosted physical powers. She had seen the head Elder sprint at speeds beyond anyone she had ever witnessed. Besides, he was able to leap to a length of thrice her height with a normal jump, as if it was easy to do so.

And when he was serious, the distance only increased. So, Re'Kha knew that any Elder had abilities beyond what she could fathom. In retrospect, despite her possessing three elements, she only had 12 units of Elemental Qi.

Besides, in a direct clash between the elements, her three elements didn't give her any special advantage. After all, it was Early Fire Month now. And, she didn't wield Fire Qi. So, she was at an elemental disadvantage already.

As for the Elders, no matter the season, they always had the home advantage. It was the advantage of possessing all the elements of their race. So, Re'Kha mentally calmed herself, repeating in her mind numerous times to not show any intentions of escaping.

Even if a situation took a turn for the worst, she planned to talk her way out. After all, that seemed to be the only viable option to her. Thinking as such, she refreshed herself and got ready, soon accompanying Ki'Nha to the main hall where everyone important among the Royal Clan was usually seated.

She was still covering her eyes with the ribbon, as usual, relying on her basic senses to probe her surroundings. The range hadn't increased much, but all she had to do was accompany Ki'Nha, which proved rather easy.

At present, the main hall was almost empty, save for the seats of the five Elders, lodged in the wall and obscured by curtains. The moment the two arrived at the entrance, a voice resounded, telling Ki'Nha to remain outside while sending Re'Kha in alone.

Upon seeing that they had used her alias, Re'Kha heaved a sigh in relief, entering as she could determine they most probably didn't possess any animosity towards her.

Upon entering the main hall, Re'Kha pulled up the ribbon, showcasing the colour of her eyes that had now turned emerald. Her eyes remained transfixed on the obscured seats of the Elders as she bowed, "I greet the Royal Elders."

"You can stand now," The head Elder's voice resounded after some time had passed. Re'Kha immediately stood straight, looking at the source of the sound, acting a bit flustered, "Head Elder, my eyes…"

"Nothing to worry about. At least, I don't sense any danger in them." The head Elder's voice resounded, calming her down immediately. The head Elder then spoke, "The Blinded Ghost had reached maturity before its death. And, based on what I witnessed while fighting it, it seemed to have done something to your eyes. This might be a result of that."

"At least, you aren't being possessed by it. That's one thing I could confirm. All the Ghost Qi that had been in your eyes before had now vanished. And there is no longer any connection between you and anything related to the Sha." Upon hearing his voice, Re'Kha was stunned for a moment.

She inquired, "What about the Withered Courtyard? I had physically entered that place."

"That's the reason we had summoned you here today," The head Elder said, "When you arrived at this place the day before yesterday, I was able to sense two connections on you. One of them was the Blinded Ghost, and the other was the Withered Courtyard. But now, neither of them exists on you."

"So," His voice resounded, pressuring her momentarily, "Tell me everything that happened in detail."