CHAPTER 30 (PART 2)

In the following days, the Hanging Cauldron Sect kept a low profile.

First, they removed all the posted notices. Then, even their Nascent Soul Elders stopped patrolling the Western Extreme City to inspect the demon cultivators.

Rumors said that, to save face and quell the gossip among the rogue cultivators, they ultimately handed over 100,000 spirit stones to the cultivator who returned the spatial pouch.

“I heard that the Empty Hands Sect set up a tavern in the Western Territory and hired people to queue up, creating the illusion of a bustling business. They successfully caught the attention of the Southern Territory cultivators,” Qi Nanfeng reported excitedly upon returning. He pointed to the luxurious floating cloudship above. “The Southern Territory cultivators fell for it and asked them to send food onboard. But the ten so-called waiters who went up were all top experts of the Empty Hands Sect! They nearly emptied that cloudship overnight!”

Yu Youyou: “…This is ridiculous.”

As for the Northern Territory’s Hanging Cauldron Sect, not even the Empty Hands Sect dared to touch them anymore.

Because the Su Family’s Nascent Soul ancestor had arrived.

“Huh? Did they really make such a big commotion just to catch a thief?” Yu Youyou asked in surprise.

Su Yizhi, who was munching on melon seeds beside her, gave her a look that was hard to describe. He truly couldn’t understand how she could be so ignorant about the cultivation world.

Not far away, Jiang Yuan furrowed his sword-like brows and scoffed. “You mean to tell me you don’t know that each territory must send a Nascent Soul Elder to protect the younger generation of cultivators?”

Because the Everlasting Ancient Forest was too mysterious, if a Nascent Soul-rank demonic beast appeared, not a single one of the young geniuses entering would make it out alive.

As for three years ago, the Northern Territory had only lured in a few Golden Core-rank demonic beasts, and they hadn’t violated the tournament’s rules, so the Nascent Soul cultivators had no reason to intervene.

Yu Youyou was quite candid: “No, I didn’t know.”

She had only been cultivating for a year. Most of her time was spent either earning spirit stones or studying alchemy. Just surviving was already hard enough—where would she find the time to learn about all this?

Jiang Yuan frowned deeply at her shamelessness. “You wear your ignorance like a badge of honor!”

Yu Youyou couldn’t be bothered with him and casually pulled out a book to read.

Seeing her getting scolded, Qi Nanfeng immediately stood up to defend her: “Xiaoyu is an orphan. She grew up with no one to rely on, no one to teach her. Unlike you, who had a Nascent Soul master personally guide you, provide resources, and teach you about cultivation and the world!”

Yu Changan, who had been listening from the side, pursed his lips and turned away.

Every time he thought about how pitiful Yu Youyou’s upbringing had been, and how his own elder sister had repeatedly bullied her, he couldn’t help but feel ashamed to the point that he dared not meet her eyes.

Jiang Yuan, who had been arrogant just moments ago, was also taken aback. His gaze toward Yu Youyou grew complicated. After a long silence, he finally cupped his fists toward her.

“I apologize,” he lowered his head and said softly.

However, Yu Youyou did not respond.

Jiang Yuan lifted his head, only to see that Yu Youyou hadn’t been looking at him at all, nor had she been listening to what he said. Instead, she was focused on cracking melon seeds while reading “The Grand Compendium of Ancient Forest Beasts.”

“…”

Why is it that when others call you an orphan, you don’t get emotional or tear up? Instead, you look rather pleased?

Yu Youyou: I am an orphan. My parents are dead. Well said, well phrased. So well, in fact, that your master might just drop dead tomorrow.

Amidst the crisp sound of melon seeds cracking between her teeth, the brief moment of sorrow dissipated into nothing.

The group turned their attention to the topic of the Nascent Soul stage seniors.

“The one coming from the Northern Territory is True Person Su, the Western Territory is likely to be Wuchen Buddhist Son, the Southern Territory has True Person Gu, and as for the Eastern Territory…”

Jiang Yuan spoke as he respectfully cupped his hands toward the east before continuing, “If nothing unexpected happens, it should be your esteemed master, the Immortal Sword God.”

Yu Youyou paused in her melon seed cracking.

She suddenly looked at Jiang Yuan and spoke, “Want to bet?”

“Bet on what?”

Yu Youyou tossed the last melon seed into her mouth and said decisively, “Bet that the person coming won’t be your master. The loser has to follow the winner’s commands during the Four Territories Assembly.”

Jiang Yuan frowned, not understanding why she was suddenly proposing a bet. After all, he had already known since last year that the sect had arranged for Yu Bumie to attend.

However, after staring at the lazy girl slouched in her chair for a moment, he still expressionlessly nodded, “Alright, I’ll bet with you this time.”

Because he suddenly remembered what kind of people these alchemists were. If they were truly willing to listen during the assembly, it would certainly save a lot of trouble.

Coincidentally, Yu Youyou thought the same way.

Sword cultivators were as stubborn as mules and would surely give her a hard time during the assembly.

Besides, she was absolutely confident.

Because in the original story, there was no mention of Yu Bumie attending this Four Territories Assembly at all.

If Yu Youyou remembered correctly, right now, Yu Bumie had just met his nineteenth romantic interest and was currently disguised as a private tutor in the mortal world, playing out a noble maiden-raising scenario.

Not long after, the noble maiden’s family would be framed by a treacherous minister, and the foolish emperor would order their exile. The unscrupulous soldiers escorting them would attempt to take liberties.

At that moment, the seemingly weak and powerless scholar would unsheath his sword, and a wave of sword energy would fiercely protect the delicate beauty, scaring the treacherous minister and foolish emperor into kneeling and calling him an immortal master.

The noble maiden’s parents, who once looked down on him, would weep bitterly, admitting they had been blind before.

And the noble maiden herself, with an expression of disbelief and admiration, would snuggle into Long Aotian’s embrace, her cheeks flushed. By nightfall, she would don a red bridal dress and enter the bridal chamber, leading into scenes that Jinjiang couldn’t depict—

Having watched eighteen versions of this harem plot, Yu Youyou could recite the routine by heart.

However, since the original story was told from the protagonist’s perspective, even Yu Youyou didn’t actually know who was coming to the Four Territories Assembly.

Time passed quickly, and seven days later, the young disciples of the Four Territories gathered outside the Westernmost City.

That place was the western entrance to the Ancient Forest, as well as the location for this year’s Four Territories Assembly.

….

Knowing that once they entered the Ancient Forest they might go hungry, the disciples of the Eastern Territory, following Elder Ma’s suggestion, all filled their bellies before setting out.

Though the sword cultivators felt it was beneath their dignity and were initially reluctant to eat, the mere thought of fasting pills’ taste led them to eat even more than the alchemists once they reached the restaurant.

By the time the Eastern Territory arrived, the other three territories had long since gathered.

The Northern Territory naturally let out cold snorts upon seeing them. Elder Ma, leading the group, warmly expressed his concern, “Why do Northern Territory cultivators always snort like that? Have you caught swine fever? Do you need us alchemists to check your health?”

The cultivators from the Southern and Western Territories greeted them with polite nods.

Soon, the three elders representing the host faction of the Western Territory stepped forward. After nodding to the assembled cultivators, they gracefully flew to the front.

A stunningly beautiful female cultivator gazed at the crowd with a smile and said, “I am Elder Mei of the Hehuan Sect. Since most of you are participating in the Four Territories Assembly for the first time, I will now explain the rules.”

“Once you enter the Ancient Forest, an array will randomly distribute you to different areas of the outskirts. You may choose to stay put for thirty days or venture deeper at your own risk. Remember to act within your means, as the Nascent Soul seniors will only intervene when a beast at the Nascent Soul stage or higher appears.”

“The rankings will be determined based on the number and strength of the beasts you slay. Those who discover new species will receive additional rewards. All resources obtained within the Ancient Forest will be divided among yourselves.”

Elder Mei scanned the crowd, her smile deepening. “Additionally, according to the rules of the Four Territories Assembly, aside from spirit stone and resource rewards, the top performer will receive a treasure bestowed by a senior. Allow me to reveal in advance—this time, the prize is a pair of celestial-grade spirit swords personally granted by the Immortal Sword God of the Eastern Territory, obtained during his past travels in the demon realm.”

As expected, the young cultivators’ eyes instantly burned with excitement. Even those who didn’t use swords were eager.

After all, that was a celestial-grade treasure.

Yu Youyou expressionlessly watched the scene, her hands tucked in her sleeves, fingers tightly interlocked.

Beside her, Qi Nanfeng recalled their earlier conversation and discreetly nudged her shoulder, attempting to distract her with idle chatter.

“Look, the Nascent Soul seniors from the other three territories are already hovering above them. Why isn’t anyone above us yet?”

As expected, Yu Youyou was drawn in by his words. She squinted her eyes and looked up.

Indeed, although the Nascent Soul powerhouses had yet to reveal themselves, the other three territories’ skies carried an overwhelming presence that inspired awe. Even traces of spiritual light shimmered among the clouds.

Only the sky above the Eastern Territory was utterly empty, devoid of even a single cloud.

Su Yizhi, always fearful of death, nervously asked Jiang Yuan, who was walking ahead, “Didn’t you say your master would be coming? Did he get the time wrong?”

Jiang Yuan neither turned around nor answered.

Su Yizhi only now realized that something was off about him today. Normally, he loved to give orders and boss around the alchemists, but today, he had been silent from start to finish, even deliberately avoiding eye contact with them.

Yu Changan, standing at the side, saw this and explained in a low voice, “Father has yet to leave seclusion, so our sect has sent another Nascent Soul senior in his place.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Junior Master Baili.”

Yu Youyou found this title somewhat familiar. She frowned and looked over, asking, “Junior Master Baili?”

“He’s that sword cultivator who beat up his own sister in front of our sect’s gates that time!” Qi Nanfeng immediately recalled and even took the opportunity to enlighten Yu Youyou. “Back then, the elder even said he was a madman and that we shouldn’t mention him!”

“Mind your words, Daoist Qi!” Yu Changan swiftly cut him off and whispered, “Junior Master Baili is merely… somewhat aloof. Many outsiders misunderstand him, but do not slander our martial uncle.”

The more Yu Youyou listened, the more she felt something was off. Last time, when she collapsed from exhaustion at the gates of the Pill Cauldron Sect, she hadn’t paid attention to what the elder had said. Now, hearing the distinctly unique surname “Baili,” she felt a deep sense of unease.

“The Junior Master Baili you’re talking about… what’s his full name?”

Seeing that it was her asking, Yu Changan lowered his voice and answered quietly, “His surname is Baili, given name Kongshan. He is, like my father, a disciple of the Sword-Wielding True Lord of the Yunhua Sword Sect.”

Baili Kongshan.

Yu Youyou froze.

That name was far too familiar. Why?

Because she suspected that this Baili Kongshan was none other than Yu Bumie’s twentieth romantic interest!

In the original novel, Baili Kongshan was a wandering Golden Core cultivator who was nearly killed while being hunted by the demon race. Fortunately, the Sword-Wielding True Lord found him, took pity on his plight and his exceptional talent, and accepted him as a disciple, making him Yu Bumie’s junior martial brother.

But this junior brother turned out to be a monstrous genius. In just ten years, he leaped from the Golden Core stage to the Nascent Soul stage and opposed Yu Bumie at every turn.

More importantly, Yu Bumie had survived multiple assassination attempts in the novel, and each time, there were faint traces of this junior martial brother’s involvement. It seemed like he was the ultimate villain of the entire story.

Of course, a Long Aotian protagonist wouldn’t die so easily, so to this day, the junior martial brother had yet to succeed.

But was that really the case? Yu Youyou wasn’t sure.

Because in the apocalypse, zombies ran rampant, and a single misstep could mean getting half her head bitten off. While she had managed to keep her head, the last two volumes of the Long Aotian novel had been chewed to pieces during an escape.

The story had stopped right at the page where Yu Bumie suspected his junior martial brother was a demon race infiltrator and planned to assassinate him that very night…

With so few entertainment options in the apocalypse, Yu Youyou had reread the novel at least twenty times. She had even memorized every romantic subplot between Yu Bumie and his nineteen love interests.

So Yu Youyou boldly speculated that this Baili Kongshan wasn’t actually the villain!

Why?

Because the novel’s description of Baili Kongshan’s appearance went like this—

“Though Yu Bumie had grown accustomed to the stunning beauty of demon princesses, had witnessed the gentle charm of Cui Neng’er, and had even admired the unparalleled allure of Elder Mei, none of these breathtakingly gorgeous women could compare to the junior martial brother standing before him.”

Could a villain look that good? Even the novel’s villainous mother was only ever described in crude, objectifying terms, with her face barely receiving a passing mention as merely “bewitching.”

If someone was even more beautiful than the protagonist’s main love interest, then there was only one possibility—they were another main love interest.

With her extensive experience reading novels, Yu Youyou immediately concluded that this so-called junior martial brother was actually a cross-dressing junior martial sister, about to engage in a dramatic love-hate relationship with Yu Bumie.

This was how novels worked: the female lead would mistake the male lead for her father’s murderer and infiltrate his side seeking revenge.

Along the way, there would be thrilling gender disguise antics, heart-wrenching misunderstandings, and melodramatic suffering, but in the end, she would discover that he was her true love!

Right now, they might be enemies on the surface, but soon, it would be “she flees, he chases, she has nowhere to run,” leading to an epic and tragic romance!

So, case closed.

Baili Kongshan was actually the real female lead!

She was Yu Bumie’s twentieth love interest!

—

Author’s Note:

The male lead of this ridiculous novel slowly typed out three question marks: ???

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