Chapter 27 · The Gatekeeper's Gambit - Chapter 27: The Candidate They Erased

Yun Sheng didn't wait for Wei Tiegu to finish his speech. She was already walking toward the trial platform, her boots loud against the stone floor. Every disciple in the hall turned to look. Su Jin stood near the observation deck, arms crossed, her face unreadable.

Mo Han stayed by the registry pillar. His hand still hurt from where the seal had burned him, but he kept his face blank. Wei wanted a show. Fine. He'd get one.

"Disciple Yun," Wei called out, his voice smooth as oil. "Before we proceed with your formal expulsion hearing, I must remind you of the charges. Falsified credentials. Bribery of a junior Keeper. Attempted manipulation of trial results to gain unfair advantage." He paused, letting the words settle. "Do you contest these claims?"

Yun Sheng stopped at the edge of the platform. She didn't turn around. "I contest all of them."

"Then you'll need proof." Wei gestured to the ledger still floating beside Mo Han. "Unfortunately, the records show otherwise. Your entry token was flagged three years ago. The Frost Abyss Valley submitted a formal rejection notice. You were never supposed to be here."

Su Jin's eyes flicked to Mo Han.