THE ORPHAN GIRL IS THE MARTIAL ARTS QUEEN의 모든 챕터: 챕터 51 - 챕터 60

Sana approached Elaine one morning with a small woven basket already in hand, asking if she'd accompany her to the market for a fresh supply of herbs. Over the weeks Elaine had spent helping in the medicine stores, Sana had noticed something remarkable about her. She had a natural and instinctive understanding of herbs that went far beyond anything she'd seen in Vaelmoor. She could identify a plant purely by scent, name its properties without hesitation, and suggest combinations that even Sana, with years of training behind her, hadn't considered before.She'd mentioned it to Master Wu privately because she was curious whether he already knew, and he'd merely nodded, unsurprised. Elaine, he told her, was full of surprises he'd only begun uncovering himself. Still, he warned Sana firmly before they left, reminding her to remain alert throughout the trip and to watch their surroundings carefully. Renn would normally have accompanied them, but Master Wu had sent him on a separate errand

Elaine and Sana made it back to the house just as dusk settled. They both agreed not to tell anyone about what happened on their way back. Elaine suspected there might be more to the pendant but she didn't want to worry master Wu hence she kept the many questions in her head.That night, Elaine sat by her window with the pendant in her palm. She first tilted it slowly beneath the moonlight pouring into her room. The pale green stone caught the light and gave off a faint glow. She knew the pendant was of high quality.What had frightened those men so completely. What secret did this small piece of jewelry carry that could send four grown men running in terror at a single glance. What was she missing?She thought of these questions over and over again in her mind as she examined every inch of the pendant. She tried searching for some hidden marking or inscription she might have overlooked over the years but found nothing at all. Eventually, she drifted off whiles holding it in her hand.

Lord Ashworn's gaze was fixed on Elaine with an intensity he fought hard to mask. He was careful to keep his expression neutral so that anyone watching would assume he simply happened to be looking in Lira's direction. Master Su and Evie both noticed and exchanged a satisfied glance. They were already imagining the possibilities such attention might suggest. Who wouldn't want their daughter aligned with a man as powerful as Lord Ashworn who is widely known for his arrogance and his complete indifference toward nearly everyone around him. He'd never shown genuine interest in these Trials before. So why, they wondered, was he staring so fixedly now.Ashworn's thoughts run in an entirely different direction. What was this woman doing in this land. How could she possibly be connected to Vaelmoor, if everything Master Wu claimed carried any truth. Question after question stacked up in his mind behind his composed expression though he forced himself to remain outwardly unaffected.Elaine fe

The second day of the Trials came quite quickly and the arena was filled once again to the max. The spectators were eager to see what surprises today might hold after yesterday's shocking deaths. The Council occupied the same VVIP box as before, and Lord Ashworn arrived earlier than everyone else, his attention fixed unwaveringly on the entrance as though waiting for someone specific.As the day before, Elaine walked behind Master Wu, while Lira and Master Su arrived at nearly the same moment."Look, Lord Ashworn hasn't taken his eyes off the entrance.""He's been staring that way this entire time.""I really think they might be together."The whispered gossip spread through the crowd. Several people were secretly shipping Lira and Lord Ashworn. Elaine happened to hear parts of the conversation as she passed, her expression remained blank as she deliberately ignored Kael's continued stare. She and Lira were the last two to join the assembled contestants."Today's trial carries a sligh

Lord Ashworn signaled the host over with a little motion of his hand and murmured something to him. When the host straightened again, Ashworn had already turned his cold and calculating gaze back toward the stage, watching Corren and Elaine with narrowed focus."Everyone, there's a slight adjustment to today's remaining trial." The host cleared his throat, addressing the arena as murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd."I'd bet Lord Ashworn had a hand in this.""I only hope it doesn't grow more brutal than it already has."The host continued despite the crowd's commentary. "The winners of this round will advance to the next stage of competition." He scanned the assembled crowd with a small, knowing smile enjoying the anticipation building around him. "This round will consist of free combat. Everyone remaining will fight simultaneously, until only four finalists remain standing."The announcement sent the crowd into loud, excited chatter."Interesting." Master Su stroked his bea