"Huan Fei!" Li Mei's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. She stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "Enough! You've taken this too far, Junior Brother Huan Fei!"

Huan Fei turned to her, his expression a mix of anger and desperation. "But Senior Sister Li Mei, I did this for you!" he protested, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't think this outsider is fit to be in our sect. He's a threat, a distraction!"

Li Mei's eyes narrowed, her stance firm and unwavering. "That is not for you to decide," she said coldly. "Your actions have dishonored yourself and the sect. Stand down now."

The tension in the air was palpable, the other disciples watching in stunned silence. Chen Yu, despite the pain coursing through his body, couldn't help but find some amusement in the unfolding drama. "Wow, didn't think I'd be in the middle of a love triangle," he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite his situation.

Just as the argument reached a boiling point, a powerful voice echoed across the courtyard, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Enough."

The single word carried immense authority and power, resonating through the air with a weight that made everyone freeze in place. A wave of spiritual pressure descended upon the courtyard, so intense that even the most experienced disciples felt a chill run down their spines. It was the unmistakable presence of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Chen Yu struggled to lift his head, peering through the haze of pain. His breath caught in his throat as he saw a figure descending gracefully from the sky. Her robes flowed like water, shimmering with an ethereal light. Her presence alone seemed to command the very elements around her, the air stilling and the earth trembling in quiet respect.

"Elder Mei Ling," whispered one of the disciples, awe and fear mingling in their voice. The Divine Orchid Matron had arrived.

Li Mei quickly bowed, her voice steady but respectful. "Elder Mei Ling, please forgive the disturbance. I was just about to bring Junior Brother Chen Yu to see you."

Elder Mei Ling landed softly on the ground, her gaze sweeping over the gathered disciples with a calm but piercing intensity. "I sensed a disturbance," she said, her voice as cool and clear as a mountain spring. "It seems there are those among us who have forgotten the principles of our sect."

Her eyes settled on Huan Fei, who had gone pale under her gaze. The weight of her presence pressed down on him, forcing him to bow his head in submission. "Elder Mei Ling, I... I only wanted to protect the sect," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elder Mei Ling's expression remained unchanged, her eyes sharp as knives. "Protect the sect by breaking its rules and attacking a fellow disciple beyond what was necessary?" she said coldly. "You let your emotions cloud your judgment, Huan Fei. This is not the behavior of a true disciple of the Azure Sky Sect."

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Huan Fei's face reddened with shame, and he fell silent, unable to meet her gaze.

Elder Mei Ling then turned her attention to Chen Yu, her gaze softening slightly. "And you, Chen Yu," she said, her tone more measured. "You show promise, but promise alone is not enough. This place demands discipline, respect, and above all, a pure heart dedicated to cultivation."

Chen Yu struggled to his feet, bowing as best he could despite the pain. "I understand, Elder Mei Ling," he said, his voice sincere. "I am willing to learn and prove myself worthy of your sect."

Elder Mei Ling nodded, her expression inscrutable. "Very well," she said. "You will have your chance. But remember, every action has consequences, and every choice has its price."

With a final glance at Huan Fei, who was still bowing his head in shame, Elder Mei Ling turned and began to walk away. "Li Mei," she called over her shoulder, "bring Chen Yu to me once he has recovered. There is much we need to discuss."

Li Mei nodded, quickly moving to Chen Yu's side to support him. "Let's get you to the healing quarters," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "You did well today, Junior Brother. But you should rest now. You're too hurt."

Chen Yu frowned slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Healing quarters?" he echoed, confusion evident in his voice. "I feel fine. Just a bit roughed up is all. Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix."

As they walked away from the courtyard, Chen Yu felt his steps growing heavier. His vision started to blur slightly, and a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. His confident smile faltered as he reached up to steady his head. "What's going on…?" he muttered under his breath.

Suddenly, a familiar sound chimed in his mind, the system's voice ringing in his ears. [System Notification: Warning! User has overextended Qi reserves during combat. Immediate rest and recovery are advised to prevent Qi depletion and internal injury.]

Chen Yu blinked, trying to shake off the dizziness, but it only grew worse. He felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead, and his legs began to feel like lead. "Oh no," he thought, realizing the severity of his situation. "I really overdid it back there…"

Li Mei glanced at him, noticing his sudden change in demeanor. "Chen Yu, are you alright?" she asked, concern deepening in her voice as she tightened her grip on his arm to support him better.

Chen Yu forced a grin, but his voice wavered slightly. "I guess… I'm not as fine as I thought," he admitted, his breathing becoming more labored. "I think I pushed myself too hard during the fight. My Qi… it's all over the place."

Li Mei's expression turned serious, and she quickened their pace. "You're experiencing Qi exhaustion," she said, her tone urgent but calm. "It happens when you use more energy than your body can handle. The healing quarters will help restore your balance and prevent any lasting damage."

As they moved through the sect's grounds, Chen Yu felt the world around him spinning. Each step became more difficult than the last, and he could feel his consciousness starting to slip. "Damn," he thought. "I was too reckless…"

Chen Yu's vision darkened, and he felt himself starting to collapse. But before he could hit the ground, Li Mei caught him, her grip firm yet gentle. "Hang in there, Junior Brother," she whispered, her voice steady despite the situation. "We're almost there."

Chen Yu tried to respond, but his words came out as a faint mumble. The last thing he saw before everything went black was the concerned look in Li Mei's eyes and the soft glow of the Azure Sky Sect's lanterns flickering in the evening breeze.