I Accidentally Triggered the Restricted Punishment Protocol - Chapter 9

“Immortal, please dual cultivate with me!”

Those words were like a thunderclap, their echoes lingering in the air.

Only Yi Hanxing, the focus of everyone’s attention, remained calm, speaking of “dual cultivation” as casually as if she were suggesting “having a meal together.”

Behind her, she could feel Qin Wuzhou’s inscrutable gaze. She had to complete the mission, but how she went about it was entirely up to her. It wasn’t as if she actually wanted anything to do with the original male lead.

After a heartbeat, Lin Wujiu let out a light chuckle. “The lady must have been startled.”

He treated her words as the nonsensical ramblings of someone in shock, letting them slide effortlessly. He pulled Yi Hanxing up and smiled. “Are you injured, Miss?”

Yi Hanxing was about to tell the truth, but remembering her goal, she immediately changed her tune. “My ankle seems to hurt.”

Lin Wujiu nodded. “I heard that to prevent thieves, the hall has specifically laid protective arrays beneath the floor tiles. If a bypasser accidentally triggers a mechanism, the leaked energy can indeed cause cuts.”

Yi Hanxing followed his lead, nodding obediently. “Immortal, I…”

She trailed off, timidly glancing at the surrounding cultivators who were watching like hungry wolves, and pulled up her torn sleeve.

Noticing her gaze, Lin Wujiu scanned the crowd and frowned. “My companions and I have a private box on the third floor with empty seats. If you do not mind, Miss, you may join us.”

With a flick of his hand and a flash of spiritual light, the torn fabric on her shoulder was repaired.

Yi Hanxing had made such a scene in public specifically to leave a deep impression on Lin Wujiu for future communication. Now that the target himself was inviting her along, she had no reason to refuse.

“That is wonderful. Thank you, Immortal.”

After walking just a few steps with him, a bystander spoke up in dissatisfaction: “On what grounds can you just take her away?!”

Lin Wujiu looked toward the voice, his brow furrowing slightly. “What do you mean, sir?”

It was the same man who had reached out his “salty pig hand” earlier and been struck down. Clearly, his malicious intent had not faded. He began to argue unreasonably: “You and this lady only just met, didn’t you? Hmph, a man of unknown origin, seeing a young girl and immediately taking her to a private room… aren’t you afraid of what people will say about your suspicious behavior?”

It was a blatant case of the thief crying “thief!” Just as Yi Hanxing was about to defend the male lead, another person chimed in: “Exactly. He claims it is for protection, but who knows what foul thoughts are hidden behind that face?”

Lin Wujiu simply said, “We meet by chance, yet you repeatedly insult my reputation. This is not the conduct of a gentleman. Please watch your words.”

The “salty pig hand” cultivator was about to continue, but Yi Hanxing could no longer endure it. She interrupted sharply: “If the Immortal who saved me is not a good person, then what does that make you lot? Just now, when someone’s clothes were torn, which one of you offered a cloak?”

The two cultivators choked for a moment before arguing, “Is merely lending a cloak enough to be called a ‘gentleman’?”

Yi Hanxing put her hands on her hips, ready to say more, but Lin Wujiu spoke beside her in a warm tone: “In that case, perhaps you could tell me what defines a gentleman?”

The cultivator’s eyes darted around, and he declared, “Lin Wujiu, the Shura Sword of Yuxu Mountain! He slays demons and saves the people without taking a cent or seeking fame. That is the pinnacle of the righteous path!”

He then glanced at the two of them sideways. “Someone like you doesn’t qualify.”

Yi Hanxing: … Forget it. If he doesn’t qualify, no one in this world does.

She silently swallowed the curses at the tip of her tongue. Her gaze toward the man held a hint of pity; he likely thought that by citing such a high standard as the Shura Sword, he could scare the male lead away.

It wasn’t surprising he thought so. Many others in the hall began to agree: “Indeed, only a cultivator like Lin Wujiu can be called a noble gentleman!”

Lin Wujiu smiled slightly. “Everyone praises me too much; I truly do not deserve it.”

This statement left everyone stunned. Yi Hanxing wanted to laugh out loud in her heart. Serves you right! In The Overbearing Immortal Lord’s Daily Forced Love, one of her favorite tropes was the male lead “playing the pig to eat the tiger.”

In the strange silence, Lin Wujiu’s smile remained unchanged. “To avoid trouble on this trip, I should have remained in disguise. But it seems that unless I reveal my identity, you will not easily let me leave.”

Only silence met him. A moment later, someone pointed at his wrist and shouted: “He has Phoenix Wood Buddhist beads on his wrist! It’s the real Lin Wujiu!”

Finally recognized. Yi Hanxing, arms crossed, was enjoying the drama when a thought struck her with a shock: Wait, in this part of the plot, the male lead is supposed to be undercover to investigate a case! How did his cover get blown now?

Oh no, I changed the original plot again…

With Lin Wujiu’s identity revealed, the previously arrogant cultivators turned pale and slunk away with their tails between their legs. In their haste, one tripped over the stairs and fell flat on his face, while other passing cultivators “accidentally” stepped on his back.

Yi Hanxing had no time to bother with them. She gripped her skirt, her tone apologetic: “I am sorry, Immortal Lin. Did I ruin your plans?”

News would travel fast. The Lord of Wuxiang would soon know that Yuxu Mountain disciples had infiltrated the market. The danger would now be manifold compared to the original book.

Lin Wujiu said gently, “Do not think that way, Miss. I came here to save people. Since you needed saving, how can this be considered contrary to my plans and original intent?”

Truly the model of morality from the book! Yi Hanxing was actually a bit moved.

Suddenly, a “meow” came from behind.

“Ah, right, I almost left something behind.” She turned, picked up the expressionless cow cat, and hurried back to Lin Wujiu’s side.

Alas, compared to the male lead, this “cheap” Master is becoming more unbearable by the second…

Lin Wujiu waited patiently for her to catch up. After confirming she was unharmed, his gaze drifted toward the cow cat.

The cat’s golden pupils met his calmly. Lin Wujiu paused for a moment, then seemingly realized something. He shook his head with a smile and looked away.

Yi Hanxing introduced him: “This is my spirit pet. His name is… uh… Little White.”

The cow cat knitted its brows, looking disgusted by the common name.

“Little White,” Lin Wujiu laughed. “A very cute name.”

The two humans and one cat arrived at the third-floor private box. A female cultivator wearing a demon mask was looking around anxiously. Seeing Lin Wujiu return, she sighed in relief but then opened her mouth wide: “Senior Uncle Lin, did you pick something up from outside again?”

It was true; in the original book, if Lin Wujiu saw anything in need of help even cats or dogs, he would bring them back to Yuxu Mountain. Thanks to him, the Sword Sect had more spirit beasts than swords.

Lin Wujiu gave a light scold: “Yingzi, do not be rude. This is Miss Yi Hanxing.”

On the way, Yi Hanxing had already introduced herself. Her new persona was the only daughter of a rogue cultivator family from a distant place—mediocre cultivation but doted on by her family, here to see the world.

Lin Wujiu introduced the two. The masked woman was Wu Yingzi, who stuck out her tongue apologetically at Yi Hanxing.

Lin Wujiu said, “This lady was cut by the array energy earlier. I remember we brought spirit medicine; please help her treat it, Yingzi.”

Wu Yingzi nodded and led Yi Hanxing into the box, chatting familiarly. “This Ghost Market is indeed a wicked place. Even in broad daylight, those people targeted you. Luckily, Senior Uncle Lin heard the commotion and got there in time, or you would have been in real danger.”

Yi Hanxing put on a terrified expression. “I only heard that the Ghost Market was lawless, but I did not expect it to be this bad…”

Wu Yingzi found the medicine. Turning to see the cow cat on Yi Hanxing’s shoulder, she made the ferocious expression everyone makes when seeing a cat: “Where did this kitty come from? Give me a kiss—”

The cow cat flicked its tail and nimbly jumped onto the highest shelf in the room.

Wu Yingzi, clutching the medicine bottle, jumped a few times but couldn’t reach it. She gave up and turned back to apply medicine to Yi Hanxing, continuing her previous thought.

“Exactly. I heard a cultivator once won a rare item at the auction and showed his wealth. His mask wasn’t tied properly, and he was targeted by thieves. He was found dead the next morning with his throat slit in the inn. The item was gone. That is why Senior Uncle Lin told us never to take off our masks inside the assembly.”

Yi Hanxing asked in confusion, “But I saw Immortal Lin earlier, and he was not wearing a mask?”

Wu Yingzi’s tone was guilty: “Last night, the inn where we stayed was hit by thieves. My mask and luggage were stolen. Senior Uncle Lin lent his mask to me.”

Yi Hanxing gave an “Oh,” then suddenly thought of something. “What time did you encounter the thief last night?”

“Around the hour of the Rat,” Wu Yingzi said, gritting her teeth at the memory. “The thief even exchanged blows with Senior Uncle Lin, but he escaped very quickly. If only we could not—”

She suddenly realized something and quickly covered her mouth, looking terrified that she had let a secret slip.

The hour of the Rat was approximately when Yi Hanxing had been hiding in the washroom using a Silence Spell to communicate with Senior Aunt Su.

Yi Hanxing smiled at her and changed the subject. “I feel like the injury on my foot is much better.”

Wu Yingzi nodded repeatedly.

Both women tacitly refrained from mentioning the previous topic, but having read the original book, Yi Hanxing could roughly guess the second half of Wu Yingzi’s unfinished sentence.

It was nothing more than the fact that they were undercover in the Wuxiang Ghost Market and feared being discovered by the Lord of Wuxiang, so they dared not use their spiritual power to fight. That was why the thief had escaped.

However, was there a chapter in the original book where the male lead was robbed? Yi Hanxing could not recall, so she decided not to think about it. Since the male lead had the “protagonist’s luck,” he would surely turn misfortune into a blessing; she might as well focus on her own concerns.

The mission Qin Wuzhou gave her had not even begun to take shape.

Speaking of Qin Wuzhou, she suddenly noticed the room was exceptionally quiet. The shelves of the treasure cabinet were empty.

“Huh? Where is my cat?”

“Master.” Nan Xun stood with his hands at his sides at the bottom of the steps. Only after the person inside responded did he lift the curtain and enter.

This was the cultivation room behind Qin Wuzhou’s bedroom. Ordinary people were forbidden from entering, and at this moment, it was only the two of them.

Qin Wuzhou wore a gold-flecked purple robe, his black hair like satin, loosely gathered into a bun with a single withered twig. He sat barefoot and cross-legged on an ice-crystal lotus seat, eyes closed, circulating his energy in meditation.

Nan Xun dared not make a sound. As usual, he stood quietly and respectfully below.

After a long time, Qin Wuzhou finally opened his eyes and slowly exhaled a mouthful of turbid air. The Glass Sun within his eye sockets spun half a turn before he turned toward the silent young man in green. He grinned. “I told you not to be so rigid in front of me.”

Nan Xun maintained a stiff face. “The mortals often say that etiquette must not be discarded. Since Master is the Master for one day, you are the Master every day.”

Qin Wuzhou let out an exaggeratedly long sigh. “Nan Xun, you are still the same—as pedantic as an old man. Truly boring!”

He fell backward, kicking off his two wooden clogs and spreading his arms wide. “And I told you not to call me ‘Master’ (Lord); it is no fun at all. Besides, on the surface, you are currently my ‘Eldest Disciple.’ Be careful not to let it slip.”

Nan Xun said indifferently, “I am not like you, Master. I have always been cautious.”

Qin Wuzhou curled the corner of his mouth, resting his head on one hand as he tilted it to look at him. “Then, may I ask the cautious and prudent Master Nan Xun, what news have you brought back for me this time?”

Nan Xun suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud. “I have handled matters poorly! I deserve ten thousand deaths! Last night at the hour of the Rat, while I was in the Wuxiang Ghost Market, I was accidentally discovered by the accompanying cultivators. To avoid ruining Master’s great plan, I did not dare to fight them and could only disguise myself as a thief. The person you ordered me to kill… I failed to kill him.”

Qin Wuzhou rolled over, showing no sign of agitation. “It is not your fault. Lin Wujiu has always been as meticulous as hair. I suspect the moment you began following him in the Ghost Market, he had already noticed.”

Nan Xun remained kneeling, refusing to stand. “It was my dereliction of duty. I am willing to accept punishment.”

“Punish what?” Qin Wuzhou flicked a finger, and a gentle breeze forced Nan Xun to his feet. “I only have one loyal dog like you left. If I break you with punishment, I will truly be all alone.”

Nan Xun’s expression was serious. “Then I shall go back and kill that man—”

Qin Wuzhou shook his head. “Your Junior Sister Hanxing has already met them. If you go again, I fear she will recognize you.”

Nan Xun was stunned. “Hanxing?”

He frowned, and after a pause, he could not help but speak. “Honest advice is hard to hear but beneficial to action. I must speak my mind. In truth, I did not agree with involving Hanxing in this matter from the start. Her cultivation and spells are all mediocre, and she is an honest child who cannot handle pressure. How can she carry out a mission like seduction and assassination? Lin Wujiu will suspect her the moment he sees her.”

Qin Wuzhou let out a light laugh. “How do you know that this is not exactly what I intended?”

Nan Xun was startled again. “I am dull-witted. Master, you mean…”

“Throwing a small pebble just to distract their eyes and ears,” Qin Wuzhou smiled and did not explain further, waving his hand to signal him to leave.

Nan Xun was accustomed to obeying, so he bowed and retreated.

Once Nan Xun had left, Qin Wuzhou slowly rolled over and sat up. The window was half-open, and the sunlight streamed in diagonally. The cheerful chirping of birds could be heard faintly from outside.

The room was silent. After a long while, Qin Wuzhou’s mouth curled into a silent smile.

He gradually began to laugh out loud as if he could not control himself, covering his cheeks with both hands until he was out of breath. Between his splayed fingers, the molten-gold Glass Sun was spinning rapidly.

A divine artifact that has not been fully tamed will bring various side effects to its host.

Just like now, Qin Wuzhou’s laughter slowly mixed with low growls of anger. At one point, the Glass Sun fell out of his eye socket and spun away from his palm.

The laughter stopped abruptly. At some point, he had become drenched in sweat, his face as pale as paper.

He curled into a ball like a cat, gasping for breath several times before fumbling to find his fallen eyeball. Just as his fingers touched the edge of the Glass Sun, the transparent golden bead rolled away as if it possessed a mind of its own.

“Stupid thing, get back here,” Qin Wuzhou said expressionlessly. “I will only count to three.”

“Three, two…”

The Glass Sun spun twice in place and finally rolled into his palm, seemingly reluctant.

Qin Wuzhou sat upright again, gave an emotionless laugh, and pushed the eyeball back into its socket.