When the White Moonlight Holds the Script - Chapter 43

Walking outside the teahouse, Zhu Zhihan observed the source of the commotion.

The reactions of the crowd were surprisingly uniform everyone was staring blankly in one direction, their mouths slightly agape.

They were all looking at the highest pavilion in the entire Hehuan Sect.

Zhu Zhihan followed their gaze in that direction.

“This is…”

At the topmost floor of the pavilion, rows of maids surrounded the area. Just as she looked over, the maids parted like receding tides, revealing a slender, graceful woman at the center.

The woman wore a mask that covered half her face, her hair tied back and secured with a butterfly-shaped hair ornament. She was draped in layers of sheer gauze made from dragon silk, embroidered with large peonies in gold thread. Her appearance was ethereal and dreamlike, like a celestial consort.

At the sight of this person, Zhu Zhihan’s mind buzzed.

The clamor of passersby reached her ears: “Look, it’s the Saintess!”

“Oh heavens, I never thought I’d lay eyes on the Saintess in my lifetime.”

“That figure… As my elder brother said, just one glance is enough to drive one mad! I wonder what’s under that mask. hehehe.”

Zhu Zhihan’s gaze grew distant.

The Saintess of the Hehuan Sect, Hua Wuying.

Her friend from a past life.

The surrounding noise seemed to fade into the distance as Zhu Zhihan couldn’t help but recall her first encounter with this person.

It was rather amusing, actually her first meeting with Hua Wuying had stemmed from a misunderstanding.

Back then, in a secret realm, Zhu Zhihan happened upon Hua Wuying being surrounded by a few rogue cultivators.

Hua Wuying’s appearance, in every aspect, suggested a delicate and vulnerable woman, and she was facing several burly men. Zhu Zhihan, jumping to conclusions, assumed Hua Wuying was in danger and immediately called upon the sword cultivators she had hired to rescue her.

Though Zhu Zhihan was only at the Golden Core stage at the time, the cultivators she had hired were all at the Nascent Soul stage or higher. They quickly drove the men away.

Hua Wuying cast a light glance her way, gracefully bowed, and curved her crimson lips into a faint smile. The lower half of her face, unobscured by the mask, was elegant and beautiful. “Thank you for your assistance,” she said.

Her voice was equally captivating soft and gentle, with a unique texture that soothed the listener.

As Zhu Zhihan looked at Hua Wuying, she felt that this person carried an indescribable aura. Every gesture was so refined that one couldn’t help but focus their attention on her.

No wonder those men had bothered her. She was so striking that even Zhu Zhihan, as a woman, couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances.

A young woman alone in a secret realm was always in danger.

With good intentions, Zhu Zhihan suggested, “This secret realm is perilous. Why don’t we travel together? My name is Zhu Zhihan, a disciple under Elder Danqi of the Medicine Sect. May I ask your name, fellow cultivator?”

Hua Wuying glanced at her. Before Zhu Zhihan could decipher the meaning behind that look, Hua Wuying replied, “My surname is Hua.”

“Sister Hua.”

In the end, Hua Wuying agreed to accompany them.

When they reached the core of the secret realm, they encountered significant trouble.

Hidden traps set by the realm’s master caused Zhu Zhihan to become separated from the sword cultivators she had hired, leaving her alone with Hua Wuying.

The mechanisms were treacherous, and their lives were constantly at risk. Believing her cultivation level to be higher than Hua Wuying’s, Zhu Zhihan took on the task of scouting the path ahead.

“This place is dangerous. It won’t be easy to get out. Let’s work together,” she said, extending her hand.

Of course, she wasn’t entirely without caution. Her words carried an implicit warning if either of them harbored ill intentions, neither might make it out alive.

When she offered to scout the path, Hua Wuying looked at her with a complex expression part confusion, part curiosity, as if observing something entirely new.

After a moment, Hua Wuying placed her hand on hers.

Their hands clasped together.

The place was truly treacherous, requiring extreme caution with every step.

Even so, mistakes happened.

Hua Wuying was suddenly dragged into a mechanism-filled wall by a mechanical hand. Without a second thought, Zhu Zhihan grabbed Hua Wuying’s hand and was pulled in as well, plunging into the water.

A sharp pain shot through her right arm likely injured. But what was even more terrifying was the water surrounding them. It was strange, as if immense pressure weighed down on them, making it impossible to surface, threatening to drown them alive.

Just as Zhu Zhihan thought she was done for, countless ribbons shot out from Hua Wuying’s robes, attaching to the distant mountain walls and pulling her to safety.

Once ashore, both were drenched and gasping for breath, equally disheveled.

In the chaos, Hua Wuying’s mask had fallen off, revealing her true face.

Zhu Zhihan caught a fleeting glimpse and was struck by her breathtaking beauty.

But she quickly realized that Hua Wuying might not want her face to be seen, so she averted her gaze, retrieved the mask, and handed it over. “I accidentally caught a glimpse just now, but I didn’t see clearly. Don’t worry.”

Hua Wuying took the mask, wiped off the water, and placed it back on her face.

Zhu Zhihan felt Hua Wuying’s gaze on her again that peculiar look.

She had learned to ignore it, but this time, Hua Wuying actually laughed.

Hua Wuying usually smiled without showing her teeth, quietly, like a beautiful, serene flower in bloom.

But this time, she laughed aloud though it was only a very soft sound.

“That’s a bit much,” Zhu Zhihan said, wringing the water from her sleeves and applying medicine to her injured right arm. “You’re not at the Foundation Establishment level, are you? I couldn’t have done what you just did.”

“Hmm,” Hua Wuying replied, still smiling. Her usually reserved face now seemed radiant.

She extended her hand and performed a formal salute. “Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Hua Wuying.”

Zhu Zhihan found the name vaguely familiar. After a moment, she said, “Are you the Holy Maiden of the Harmony Sect?”

So she had been thoroughly deceived.

If this was the Holy Maiden she had heard of, then her earlier attempt to help had been nothing but presumptuous. No wonder Hua Wuying had looked at her that way. Of course, she understood why Hua Wuying had concealed her identity. Given her status and reputation, exposing herself in the secret realm would have been unwise.

Zhu Zhihan was initially a bit angry, but Hua Wuying was incredibly skilled with words. If she wanted to win someone over, it was effortless.

Before long, her anger subsided, leaving only a sense of resignation.

After resting sufficiently, the two began to explore their surroundings.

By sheer luck, they had stumbled into the very core of the secret realm, surrounded by seamless stone walls.

To avoid being trapped, they had no choice but to solve the puzzles left by the realm’s master.

In the process, their cultivation was completely stripped away, forcing them to rely on cooperation to survive the dangers.

The cunning realm master had even set a final trial, tempting them with treasures to turn against each

Upon hearing the condition that “only one person could obtain it,” Zhu Zhihan frowned.

Being naturally gentle and uncontentious, she didn’t hesitate long before voluntarily giving up, which earned her a few more glances from Hua Wuying.

Ironically, this act of relinquishment allowed her to pass the trial. The core was eventually unlocked, and the master of the secret realm released them, enabling Zhu Zhihan to reunite with the hired bodyguard she had brought along.

Initially, Zhu Zhihan thought that would be the end of their interaction.

Unexpectedly, after the secret realm closed, Hua Wuying sought her out, speaking softly and persuasively until Zhu Zhihan found herself dazed and confused, ultimately agreeing to the request to exchange letters frequently.

In short, despite their awkward first encounter, their relationship gradually improved over time largely due to Hua Wuying’s efforts.

Hua Wuying was the most enigmatic among Zhu Zhihan’s many friends.

Zhu Zhihan often couldn’t grasp what Hua Wuying was thinking and found her inscrutable. Yet, Hua Wuying always conducted herself with impeccable grace, making Zhu Zhihan feel comfortable at all times. No one could resist such a friend.

The turning point in their relationship came with Hua Wuying’s confession.

On one occasion, Zhu Zhihan heard from others that if the saintess’s true face beneath the mask was seen by someone, she would have to form a Daoist partnership with that person.

Recalling their first meeting, Zhu Zhihan went to console Hua Wuying.

At that time, Zhu Zhihan was still unaware that love could exist between women and said to Hua Wuying with relief, “Luckily, I’m a woman. Don’t worry, you can still form a Daoist partnership with the one you love.”

Hearing this, Hua Wuying pursed her lips into a smile and looked at her with that familiar gaze.

Zhu Zhihan was puzzled. “Did I say something wrong?”

Hua Wuying shook her head and suddenly said, “Actually, this identity of mine may seem glamorous, but in reality, I have little control over my own life.”

“When I was ten, the sect master selected me from among many disciples. Before I even understood the world, I was confined to a high tower. The mask is merely a gimmick added by the Harmony Sect to cater to public fascination. In the future, my Daoist partner will likely not be of my choosing.”

Hearing these words, Zhu Zhihan was deeply shaken.

Not by the revelation itself, but because if Hua Wuying had previously been like a perfect yet shallow silhouette to her, this confession transformed her into a flesh-and-blood person whom Zhu Zhihan could finally understand.

Hua Wuying quickly smiled and said, “But I have genuinely wanted to search for something in my heart. Not finding it leaves me unsettled.”

Zhu Zhihan asked, “What are you looking for? Can I help?”

“I must find it on my own,” Hua Wuying replied. “But recently, I feel I’ve gained some clues. If one day I find it, Zhihan, you must be happy for me.”

“Of course,” she answered.

At that time, Zhu Zhihan never imagined that when she learned what Hua Wuying had been searching for, it would be under such wretched circumstances.

Her bones had been extracted, her body cold and wracked with pain.

Bo Mingwei held her in place, averting her eyes guiltily in response to Zhu Zhihan’s accusations. Meanwhile, Hua Wuying said to her, “Zhihan, do you remember what I told you before? I’ve always been searching for something. Now, I’ve found it.”

On Hua Wuying’s face was that practiced, template-like smile she often wore around strangers, one that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Are you happy for me, Zhihan?”

Suddenly, Zhu Zhihan felt bitterly cold.

She had imagined the scenario of Hua Wuying saying these words to her, and she had also thought about how she would congratulate Hua Wuying achieving one’s wish is always a cause for joy. Perhaps she could give Hua Wuying some gifts? Or host a banquet?

In the end, she thought, forget the banquet. Hua Wuying cherished peace and quiet and would feel uncomfortable around strangers.

She had never imagined that such a situation would occur when Hua Wuying betrayed her.

And the answer Hua Wuying had found was the very culprit that had led Zhu Zhihan to her current predicament Zhu Zhihan, of course, could tell that Hua Wuying was referring to Su Siyue, her dear junior sister.

“I won’t congratulate you,” Zhu Zhihan finally said.

Lying on the cold jade bed, with her blood nearly drained, Zhu Zhihan suddenly understood many things.

Perhaps she had never truly understood Hua Wuying from the very beginning. This person was too cunning, too adept at hiding.

When Hua Wuying had “opened her heart” to her, she had likely already calculated that Zhu Zhihan would place her trust in her.

Or perhaps, even that so-called heartfelt confession was nothing but a lie.

The clamor around her grew increasingly fervent.

Zhu Zhihan snapped back to reality.

‘If only I had never crossed paths with this person.’

She had once thought this.

So, in this life, she avoided that secret realm and made sure to have no chance of encountering this Saintess of the Joyful Union Sect.

Now, she was merely one among the countless people on the ground, looking up at her.

That kind of encounter would never happen again.

As the noise gradually subsided, Hua Wuying on the pavilion turned gracefully to face the crowd.

Beside her, a maid holding an amplifying stone spoke up.

“Now, as the Saintess is selecting a consort, she has taken pity on all of you and specially requested the Sect Leader to add several benefits. Listen carefully as I explain.”

The maid’s crisp voice, amplified by the stone, rippled like water waves throughout the entire Joyful Union Sect.

Anyone on the streets, unless in special circumstances, could hear it.

“First, all recent events and competitions hosted by the Joyful Union Sect will have increased rewards. For specifics, please inquire with the disciples on duty at the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion.”

“Second, the Saintess’s selection of a consort will not be limited by gender, and participants need not disclose their real names or sects.”

Hua Wuying nodded to the crowd, offering a faint smile.

Zhu Zhihan could hear the people around her erupting into excited discussions.

“What does this mean? Does it mean even us nameless nobodies can give it a try?”

“Don’t even think about it! Even if you did go, could you compete with the others? This is for those influential figures who are too embarrassed to reveal themselves.”

“Think about it, those esteemed individuals, some even with wives and daughters, if they had to reveal their identities as before, how could they possibly agree to come? They’d be drowned in scorn!”

“Now it’s different. After all, it’s just competing for the first dual cultivation opportunity, not truly forming a lifelong bond. Tsk tsk, the Joyful Union Sect has played this move brilliantly.”

Zhu Zhihan and Luan Wu exchanged a glance.

Zhu Zhihan transmitted her thoughts to Luan Wu: “Master, doesn’t this seem, a bit off? Too coincidental.”

Luan Wu replied, “Yes.”

Indeed, it was far too coincidental.

They had only just arrived at the Joyful Union Sect when such a significant change occurred.

And listening to the newly added “rules,” each one seemed to align perfectly with Luan Wu female, of high status as if they were afraid Luan Wu wouldn’t participate.

But being so obvious about it felt like setting a trap.

The maid continued, “…These are the conveniences the Saintess has secured for all of you. The winner of the Saintess’s spouse selection will also have the opportunity to enter our Joyous Union Sect’s sacred grounds~”

After finishing her announcement, the maids retreated just as they had arrived, only in reverse order.

Layered formations surrounded the Saintess at the center, and by the time the maids withdrew, the Saintess had already vanished without a trace.

“Sacred grounds?” Zhu Zhihan was puzzled by the last part.

A helpful man nearby explained, “It’s the ultimate paradise! Anything from the Joyous Union Sect is bound to be incredible, hehe.”

Zhu Zhihan forced a polite reply, “Thank you for the explanation.”

She continued her telepathic communication with Luan Wu, “The Joyous Union Sect’s intentions are quite clear. This is an open scheme to get you to participate in the spouse selection. What should we do? Surely we can’t actually…”

At this point, she hesitated, her expression troubled.

The thought of watching the person she secretly admired compete with others for the chance to cultivate with her former friend, who had already fallen from grace felt utterly bizarre.

Moreover, if they went along with it, they would be forced to follow the others’ lead, undoubtedly putting them at a disadvantage.

Luan Wu pondered, “Let’s wait and see. We can’t avoid it, but we can’t just go along with it either.”

Zhu Zhihan suddenly remembered something and asked the helpful man, “Excuse me, aside from the Saintess’s spouse selection, is there any other way to enter the sacred grounds?”

The man clearly had extensive knowledge and answered without hesitation, “Go to the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion! They host many interesting small competitions there. If you win the daily top prize, you’ll get a chance to enter the sacred grounds!”

He winked at the two of them, “I’ve heard they even have competitions specifically for couples! Perfect for you two!”

He muttered, “Those who enter the sacred grounds never want to return they’re too blissful to think of leaving. You two definitely shouldn’t miss out! Tsk, if the solo competitions weren’t so fiercely competitive, I’d go myself.”

Zhu Zhihan thanked the enthusiastic man again, wiped the sweat from her temple, and turned to Luan Wu, “Did you hear what he said? No one has ever returned from the sacred grounds.”

Luan Wu nodded, “That must be what we’re looking for.”

The two of them headed to the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion.

The Elegant Bamboo Pavilion was bustling with people, but fortunately, the building was vast and spacious, so they didn’t have to squeeze through the crowd.

After inquiring with the disciple on duty, Zhu Zhihan learned that there were two types of competitions being held that day.

One was exclusively for men.

The other was the couple’s competition the man had mentioned.

The rewards for winning were just as he had described: aside from certain magical artifacts and some arousal aids produced by the Joyous Union Sect, the winners would also receive a spot to enter the sacred grounds.

So, the question remained.

Would she have to pretend to be Luan Wu’s partner?

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