When the White Moonlight Holds the Script - Chapter 3

The surroundings fell silent for a moment.

Re… rejected!?

All the disciples, whether selected or not, turned their gazes incredulously toward the source of the voice.

The girl had rare snow-white hair, and her back, wrapped in loose clothing, stood straight and tall.

From the side, only a section of her fair neck was visible, wrapped in a blood-stained cloth.

She looked like a beautiful, fragile piece of porcelain that ought to be carefully cherished.

Everyone couldn’t help but think: appearances can be deceiving.

This was, just too bold!

That was an immortal! Being chosen was already an immense stroke of luck.

How could anyone possibly refuse?

Even Danqi Zhenren clearly hadn’t expected such a response.

Her gentle, purple-hazed eyes widened slightly, freezing into an expression of near astonishment.

That subtle shift in expression suddenly made this compassionate, goddess-like woman seem a bit more human.

Unfortunately, the person opposite her was unyielding and had already lowered her gaze.

The white-bearded elder beside Danqi Zhenren saw this and, with a pair of triangular eyes filled with disdain, chuckled and said, “Little girl, you should think this through carefully. This is an elder from the Medicine Sect, one of the Five Great Sects. She rarely takes disciples. With your aptitude, if you miss this chance, it will be hard to come by such an opportunity again.”

The underlying meaning was clear: your aptitude doesn’t actually meet the standards for discipleship in the Five Great Sects, don’t aim too high.

Not only did he imply that the girl was reaching beyond her grasp, but he also subtly flattered Danqi Zhenren. One had to admit, it was quite clever.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the girl’s response.

The words were unpleasant to hear, but not entirely unreasonable.

On the path of cultivation, talent was the most important factor. Just like in this grand selection, those without talent or spiritual roots didn’t even have the qualification to participate in the trials.

It was that cruel.

Their aptitude and talent were placed on a scale to be weighed. If one’s aptitude was lacking but they were still chosen by a major sect, it was truly something to be grateful for.

Zhu Zhihan was a bit annoyed.

She had finally mustered the resolve to draw a clear line, only for someone else to pop up and try to push her together with Danqi.

“Of course, I’ve thought it through,” she said.

She paused, swallowing the sharper words she wanted to say, and addressed the white-bearded elder tactfully, “Since you’re so eager, why don’t you become this immortal master’s disciple yourself?”

As her words fell, the other powerful cultivators subtly glanced toward the white-bearded elder.

Of course, they weren’t taking it seriously they just found it, quite amusing.

The white-bearded elder choked, his eyes bulging wide, so angry he could barely speak.

“You!”

Looking at his expression, Zhu Zhihan suddenly felt it was somewhat familiar.

Ah, yes.

In her previous life, she had actually crossed paths with this white-bearded elder once.

The white-bearded elder was a elder from some minor sect, with a cultivation level only at the late Golden Core stage achieved through pill consumption. He had always enjoyed stepping on newcomers and currying favor with people from major sects.

Later, when she advanced to the Golden Core stage, the white-bearded elder came to congratulate her but ended up flattering the wrong person, displeasing her. Danqi Zhenren had him driven out.

At that time, he had worn the exact same expression, leaving a vivid impression on her.

This person truly hadn’t changed at all from start to finish.

The white-bearded elder frowned displeasedly, opening his mouth as if to reprimand her, this disrespectful junior.

She waited nonchalantly for him to speak, ready to counterattack, but—

At that moment, Danqi Zhenren cast a fleeting glance, heavy with warning.

The white-bearded elder jolted awake, breaking into a cold sweat on his back, and resentfully fell silent.

Zhu Zhihan was somewhat surprised.

She hadn’t expected Danqi to be willing to stand up for her.

But she quickly figured it out. It seemed her master was even more meticulous with appearances than she had imagined.

Indeed, in her past life, she hadn’t been unobservant. If Danqi hadn’t been so thorough in her facade, how could Zhu Zhihan have placed her complete trust in her, only to end up in such a dire situation?

Danqi Zhenren looked at her, a hint of confusion in her expression. “It seems you don’t like me very much? Why?”

Zhu Zhihan lowered her gaze and smiled lightly, her eyes beneath her lashes cold and detached.

Why?

Naturally, it was because you are two-faced and have too many hidden motives.

Of course, she couldn’t say that. Instead, she replied, “You and I have only just met by chance. How can we speak of liking or disliking?”

Danqi Zhenren seemed unsatisfied with this answer and pressed further, “Then why are you unwilling to become my disciple?”

This relentless questioning was unlike the person Zhu Zhihan remembered.

But she didn’t dwell on it.

Zhu Zhihan wore a careless smile. “Perhaps it’s because I consulted the divinations and felt our destinies are in conflict. Being together would only lead to misfortune.”

Danqi was taken aback.

Zhu Zhihan added, “Just kidding. The truth is, I already admire another immortal master. I hope that person will take me as their disciple.”

Since the opportunity had presented itself, why not make good use of it?

She turned her gaze to the farthest corner, where a woman in red was idly toying with a jade pendant, seemingly uninterested in selecting a disciple.

Her true target for this journey, the future great antagonist.

Taking a deep breath, she bowed respectfully and declared firmly, “Honored immortal master in red, might you still be in need of a disciple?”

As soon as she finished speaking, the surroundings fell into silence.

The powerful figures who had been secretly watching the scene couldn’t help but shift their attention to the corner.

Zhu Zhihan also hid her gaze among the crowd, discreetly observing.

During her earlier scan, she had only formed a general impression. But now, looking again, she suddenly noticed that this great antagonist was remarkably beautiful.

With a tall, straight nose and upturned eyes.

It wasn’t the delicate, pitiable beauty of a dodder flower, but a rare, sharp, and flamboyant allure aggressive and thorny, like brambles.

Some people wore red to appear bright and enchanting, but on this person, red only evoked solemnity and severity. Looking at her, one couldn’t help but recall that red was also the color of blood.

This was the Luanwu Daozun of the Immortal Alliance, the one spoken of as more terrifying than any demon.

Zhu Zhihan raised her guard to the highest level.

She knew her high-stakes gamble had begun.

She was facing the most dangerous character in the entire story. Even though she had considered every possible outcome, she had to admit her actions carried significant risk.

But there was no better alternative.

If she didn’t enter Danqi’s tutelage and failed to win over this ultimate antagonist, her most likely fate would be to join some minor sect.

In that case, she would have to find other ways to approach other antagonists.

Such a path would be too mediocre and convoluted.

Moreover, she couldn’t guarantee that an ordinary antagonist would truly withstand the protagonist’s halo, rather than dragging her down to ruin along with them.

Thus, this was truly the only path left for her.

She could only hope that the future antagonist would show some restraint, given that this was the Immortal Alliance, a righteous organization.

A few moments later, the woman finally noticed the various gazes fixed upon her and lifted her eyelids. “What is it?”

She seemed completely unaware of the minor commotion that had just occurred.

Zhu Zhihan dearly wished someone would explain the situation to her. Unfortunately, the esteemed figures present merely exchanged glances, no longer watching the spectacle, and obediently averted their eyes like chastened children.

Are they really that afraid?!

Zhu Zhihan felt the intimidating presence this future antagonist held within the Immortal Alliance.

Left with no other choice, she raised her voice and explained herself. “My name is Zhu Zhihan, esteemed senior. I was wondering, do you still accept disciples?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhu Zhihan felt a gaze settle upon her.

Unlike any of the previous stares, this one felt like an invisible blade pressed against her neck a chilling, dangerous sensation that sent a shiver down her spine.

The antagonist was looking at her.

Zhu Zhihan instinctively held her breath.

Now, her real challenge had truly begun.

Luan Wu’s gaze lingered on her for only a moment before shifting away. “I’ve seen your performance during the trial. You cling too tightly to your life.”

“Those who wield the blade must advance fearlessly without looking back. You are not suited.”

So blunt.

Truly worthy of being the antagonist.

Zhu Zhihan wasn’t surprised by this response. She let out a soft exhale, lifted her head, and fixed her clear eyes directly on Luan Wu.

“I cannot accept such a reason.”

To capture the antagonist’s attention, one must first stand out from the ordinary in other words, one must not simply comply.

The prospective disciples inwardly gasped: Sh-she actually talked back? This person is truly bold, incredibly daring!

The esteemed figures were also stunned. Unlike the candidates, they understood just how terrifying the woman in red seated before them was. Was this a case of “ignorance is bliss”?

The surroundings grew so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

Luan Wu’s gaze returned to her, this time with a hint of amusement. “Oh?”

Zhu Zhihan spoke calmly and deliberately. “Cultivation is about seeking life, not death. So why should one not value their life? If it is for survival, I too can advance without hesitation. Why, then, can I not learn the blade?”

The second step to seizing the antagonist’s attention: present a unique perspective, preferably one backed by logic.

“…”

Just as Zhu Zhihan had anticipated, Luan Wu did not fly into a rage as everyone expected. Instead, she gently stroked the jade pendant in her hand, pondering for a moment. “Not entirely without reason.”

Zhu Zhihan pressed further, “Then—”

“No.”

“Why?”

As long as Luan Wu gave a reason, Zhu Zhihan would have a chance to refute it. And if she could argue her point, there was hope she could gradually shift Luan Wu’s opinion.

But Luan Wu parted her lips and said, “Your heart is not in the blade.”

A direct strike to the core.

Luan Wu’s gaze was light, yet in that instant, Zhu Zhihan felt as if she had been completely seen through.

Her worst fear had come true.

Luan Wu had seen right through her, she did not wish to become her disciple for the sake of learning the blade, but for another purpose.

It seemed Luan Wu had encountered many like her, people with ulterior motives, and had no intention of paying them any mind. She averted her gaze, appearing to have lost interest.

One of the esteemed figures signaled to an attendant with a glance, indicating they should call the next candidate.

Zhu Zhihan pressed her lips together.

Elder Danqi looked at her, speaking in a coaxing tone as if to a child, “This venerable master is straightforward with words; don’t take it to heart. Your foundation is weak, why not come with me? Practicing alchemy is actually quite promising.”

She completely ignored Elder Danqi, treating her as if she were air.

She thought to herself: There’s no other way.

She had anticipated this situation and had even prepared a backup plan for it though that plan would undoubtedly place her in a perilous position.

But what did danger matter? High risk meant high reward perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to take a risk every now and then.

Amidst everyone’s disapproval, she suddenly raised her voice and declared, “May I speak with you alone? You will change your mind!”

The immortal attendant snorted disdainfully, “I suggest you save your breath.”

Luanwu raised a hand, cutting off the attendant’s words, and said indifferently, “Speak here.”

Zhu Zhihan thought, You’re the one who asked me to speak here, don’t regret it later.

She lifted her gaze, her eyes lighter than most, like translucent yet unfeeling glass. “Do you remember, the small sandalwood room, the goldfish.”

Before she could finish speaking, she felt an immense pressure, incomparable to before, bearing down on her like a colossal weight.

Her bones seemed to creak under the strain.

But she did not flinch or shrink back, simply staring calmly at the fiery red figure.

Every second was agony.

Her consciousness began to blur, but she bit her lip and held on.

Her body, already pushed to its limits after enduring the trials and half of the grand selection, was at the end of its rope.

Just before her vision darkened, she saw a pair of eyes as deep and dark as an abyss, along with a vermilion floral adornment shaped like flames scorching, as if it could burn her very soul.

A beautiful voice, laced with suppressed anger, rang out.

“Fine, very well.”

“As you wish, I will take you as my disciple.”

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