"State your case," the leader commanded, his voice echoing in the chamber.
Liu Yan took a deep breath, her gaze steady on the leader. "I come seeking recognition for my children, Liu Cheng and Liu Erlong. Their father is Yu Luomian, and I wish for them to be accepted as members of the Blue Electric Sect."
The leader studied her, his expression unreadable. "You dare to claim lineage without proof? What makes you think we would accept you and your children?"
Liu Yan felt her heart sink, but she refused to back down. She knew that she had to fight for her children's future, no matter how daunting the task seemed. "I have no physical proof," she admitted, "but I swear on my honor that Yu Luomian is the father of my children. I was working at the local tavern when he came in, heavily intoxicated. He took advantage of me, and I became pregnant with his children."
The leader's expression remained unreadable, but Liu Yan could sense a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And what makes you think that Yu Luomian would acknowledge his children?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.
Liu Yan took a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew that she had to tread carefully, to avoid offending the leader or the sect. "I know that Yu Luomian is a member of this sect," she said, "and I believe that he would want his children to be recognized as part of the Blue Electric Sect. I am not asking for anything more than what is rightfully theirs."
The leader nodded, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. "I will summon Yu Luomian," he said finally. "If he acknowledges his children, we will consider their application for membership. But if he denies them, you and your children will leave this sect immediately."
Liu Yan felt a surge of hope, mixed with fear. She knew that Yu Luomian's reaction was unpredictable, and that the outcome was far from certain. But she also knew that she had to try, for the sake of her children.
As they waited for Yu Luomian to arrive, Liu Yan couldn't help but think about the past. She remembered the night that Yu Luomian had taken advantage of her, and the shame and guilt that had followed. But she also remembered the moment when she had discovered that she was pregnant, and the sense of purpose that had driven her to fight for her children's future.
When Yu Luomian arrived, Liu Yan felt a mix of emotions. She was angry and hurt, but she was also determined to see this through. Yu Luomian looked at her with a mixture of surprise and guilt, but he said nothing.
The leader turned to Yu Luomian, his eyes stern. "Do you acknowledge these children as your own?" he asked, his voice firm.
Yu Luomian nodded, his eyes darting between Liu Yan and the children. "Yes, I acknowledge that they are my children," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I do not recognize them as my heirs."
Liu Yan felt a surge of anger and disappointment. She had been hoping that Yu Luomian would acknowledge his children and take responsibility for them. But instead, he was denying them their rightful place in the Blue Electric Sect.
The leader's expression turned stern. "Very well," he said. "If you do not recognize them as your heirs, then they will not be eligible for membership in the sect."
Liu Yan felt a sense of desperation wash over her. She had come so far, and now it seemed like everything was being taken away from her. She looked at her children, and saw the disappointment in their eyes.
Yu Luomian, the father of her children, looked at her with a mixture of disgust and disappointment. "You're nothing but a gold-digger, a toad who wants to eat swan," he spat. "You think you can just use my children to gain status and wealth? You're not worthy of being a member of this sect, let alone a mother to our children."