Fang Wanqing simply couldn't understand how things had come to this.
She clearly held every advantage, having memorized every detail of the entrance trial from her previous life. She had made all preparations in advance, utilized every resource at her disposal, all for the sole purpose of delivering a fatal blow to Jiang Ruoshui during the trial and withdrawing unscathed and blameless.
So why was she the one being ground into the dirt by Jiang Ruoshui, rubbed back and forth like a filthy rag?
Fang Wanqing's face burned with pain, her bones ached as if they had fallen apart, and her mind and heart throbbed with a sharp, agonizing pulse, as if screaming in silent torment.
Let me go, send me back to my previous life. I don't want to stay in this absurd world anymore.
This isn't the cultivation world I know at all.
In the end, what saved her from the endless agony was a clear, piercing crane cry, signaling the "end of the trial."
Fang Wanqing had once raced against time, attempting to eliminate Jiang Ruoshui before the trial concluded. Now, however, she lay collapsed in the dust, her face streaked with grimy tears, longing for the finish line more fervently than anyone else.
Fortunately, it was all over.
Just like in her previous life, the Jiuhua Sect's medical cultivators arrived promptly, treating the severely injured and unconscious Qi Yuxuan and Lin Xiaomei.
This time, however, no one sucked out the poison for Qi Yuxuan, leading to aggravated injuries and irreparable damage to his meridians. Though seemingly minor, it represented an insurmountable chasm separating a genius from an ordinary person.
The dazzlingly talented young man of her past life, the peerless "Dragon Proud Heaven" who once looked down upon the world, was destined to become a mere echo in this life.
Fang Wanqing felt as if struck by lightning, overwhelmed with regret.
How could she have known that the "unremarkable" green serpent in her eyes was actually a genuine descendant of a divine dragon, the Wu Yao, renowned as the "Foremost of All Strange Poisons under Heaven"?
The Wu Yao was a rare spiritual beast in this world, and an antidote for its venom was an even rarer treasure, requiring over a dozen precious ingredients to refine. Even with her knowledge from a past life, Fang Wanqing, a young lady in her teens, could not easily obtain it.
Furthermore, in her past life, she had been too arrogant, looking down upon the green serpent within the Purple Jade Pot, never bothering to learn where this old serpent came from or what breed it was. In this life, as an examinee, no matter how partial Master Huaigu might be, he wouldn't leak exam answers, leaving her with no way to find out.
And so, Fang Wanqing personally dug a pit and then pushed the man she loved most into it.
Strangely enough, Wu Yao was usually peaceful and rarely harmed anyone, a seemingly temperamental but actually virtuous and gentle old serpent. Yet, by sheer coincidence, he had poisoned Qi Yuxuan in two consecutive lifetimes.
In Shu Fu's view, this was fate and retribution at work.
Perhaps protected by the halo of the original male lead, Qi Yuxuan didn't die on the spot, but he was half-gone. His innate talent, destined opportunities, and the happy life that should have unfolded—all of it had now completely vanished.
Shu Fu did it, and I feel great.
As for the three thousand Crimson Pearls for "defeating the great demon," Wu Yao was very generous. Claiming that Shu Fu's "state of mind was commendable and beating people up was refreshing," he waved his hand and awarded the prize to her.
By the way, during their fight, Shu Fu's teammate Ye Shusheng didn't just watch. He had gone to the lakeside alone to diligently defeat monsters. He recognized the strength of the "Lich King" and the difficulty of victory, unwilling to add his own burden to Shu Fu's shoulders.
In the end, the Crimson Pearls collected by Ye Shusheng, combined with Shu Fu's grand prize, totaled over two thousand more than needed. Shu Fu accepted them calmly, not leaving a single pearl for Lin Xiaomei.
If you repay kindness with virtue, what do you use to repay virtue?
She wasn't worthy of the word "friend."
The moment Shu Fu stepped out of the Purple Jade Pot and onto the solid ground of Xianyun Terrace in reality, she received an unexpectedly warm welcome.
Senior Brother Qi Yexin was the first to approach. With a stern face, he looked her up and down and said in a deep voice, "Are you unharmed?"
"..."
Shu Fu didn't answer immediately. Instead, she glanced down at her legs, survivors of the ordeal.
Although she had withdrawn in time, the area under her pant leg was still covered in blisters from the scalding. She had already applied ointment, but the lingering pain remained, causing a noticeable limp when she walked, making the injury obvious.
Shu Fu's gaze lingered on her injured leg for only a moment before she raised her head and gave Qi Yexin a smile as if nothing was wrong. "I'm fine, Senior Brother. Please don't worry."
"That's good."
Yun Ying followed closely behind Qi Yexin, nodding to her with a calm expression. "Jiang Ruoshui, the total number of Crimson Pearls you obtained is five thousand three hundred and twenty-seven, ranking first among all cultivators who participated in the trial. Congratulations."
"Congratulations, fellow cultivator!"
Ye Shusheng also offered his sincere congratulations. "Not only is your swordsmanship superb and your character upright, but you also roast an excellent chicken. You truly deserve first place."
Shu Fu: "Thank you... but, are you sure that's a compliment?"
Shu Fu had achieved her wish of taking first place. Her companions, Ye Shusheng and Bai Tian, had both passed the trial successfully, and the wisp of soul released by Liu Ruyi had returned to its place. As for her rivals, both Qi Yuxuan and Fang Wanqing were severely injured, and Lin Xiaomei was not only badly hurt but also tragically eliminated. In short, none of them fared well.
The first round of the Jiuhua Sect entrance exam could thus be said to have ended in universal satisfaction.
Of course, as a final embellishment to the story, a jarring note of discord inevitably appeared.
"Wait! I object!"
"Hmm?"
Shu Fu turned towards the voice. The speaker was none other than Fang Han, Fang Wanqing's distant cousin and the "Young Master Fang" who had once arrogantly bullied Bai Tian.
Though Shu Fu thought it more fitting if he changed his name to "Fang the Fool."
Fang the Fool was supporting Fang Wanqing, whose face was covered in blood and nearly disfigured. With a grief-stricken and indignant expression, he pointed a trembling finger at Shu Fu and cried out hoarsely, "Jiang Ruoshui used such vicious methods against other cultivators, showing cruel and savage nature. How can such a venomous woman be worthy of entering the Jiuhua Sect?"
"..."
Playing along with his gesture, Shu Fu innocently pointed at herself. "Little friend, are you calling me venomous?"
Fang Han's face stiffened. "You... who are you calling little—"
"Ah, my apologies. It's just that your statement was so foolish, for a moment I thought you were only five years old."
Shu Fu smiled amiably, narrowing her eyes. Without waiting for him to continue his accusation, she turned to Qi Yexin and declared, "This Miss Fang, for reasons unknown to me, has repeatedly schemed to harm me. I merely acted in self-defense, returning her actions in kind. I never intended to cause deliberate harm."
"You're slandering me!"
Fang Wanqing was nearly driven mad with hatred. Suppressing the searing pain on her face, she was determined to tear a piece of flesh from Shu Fu no matter what. "I beg the Immortal Masters to see the truth. I did use a spell on Jiang Ruoshui, but it was only to restrain her, never with intent to harm. Ultimately, it was because she was too overbearing, using talismans to immobilize me, attempting to monopolize the challenge against the great demon alone, hindering others from taking their turn!"
She swept a meaningful glance over the other dust-covered examinees nearby and sneered, "If not for that, first place wouldn't have fallen into her hands."
Shu Fu thought, Oh ho, so that's it.
No wonder Fang Wanqing dared to make her move so brazenly; she had already prepared this line of argument.
It must be said, it did sound somewhat plausible.
Shu Fu monopolizing the boss was true, while Fang Wanqing's attempt to steal the kill was false. When lies are mixed in with the truth, they always gain an extra bit of persuasiveness.
When it came to manipulating public opinion, Shu Fu truly admired her skill.
Fang Wanqing cultivating immortality was a waste of talent; she should have reverse-isekai'd to the 21st century to become a master of steering narratives, stirring up storms on the internet.
Shu Fu had never cared much for gossip, believing in the principle of "my conscience is my guide, praise or blame rests with others," and originally had no intention of paying it any mind.
Unfortunately, Fang Wanqing's backing was too solid, and her brainwashing package was too convincing, making it impossible for Shu Fu to simply brush it aside.
"Outrageous!"
Having swallowed the Fang-family brainwashing package, even Master Huaigu, who should have remained an impartial observer, was greatly incensed. He immediately materialized his form, scowling furiously as he shouted at Shu Fu:
"Outrageous, you wretched creature! Kneel at once!"
Shu Fu: "Huh?"
Kneel, kneel, kneel—why is it always kneeling? I didn't kneel to you in the secret realm, are you really that dissatisfied?
If that's the case, then of course I'm even less inclined to satisfy you now.
So she straightened her back, standing as upright as a spear, and replied bluntly: "May I ask, Master, I have acted rightly and stand with integrity. Why should I kneel?"
"You still dare to quibble and argue with cunning words?!"
Master Huaigu grew even angrier, finding everything about this little girl displeasing. "Fang Wanqing explained it clearly: it was you who monopolized the demon beast and hindered others from challenging it first. She intervened to stop you, yet you viciously beat her in return. Simply outrageous! Tell me, what defense do you possibly have left?"
Shu Fu: "..."
She seemed to understand now why the Sect Leader had once said, "If Elder Huaigu were made Sect Leader, the Jiuhua Sect would fall within three years."
Damn, the reason the original female lead had such a miserable life wasn't just due to her own personality and the antagonists' schemes—it was also because of these unreasonable, good-for-nothing elders who never distinguished right from wrong.
Look at how full of himself he is.
Being publicly scolded and pointed at by Master Huaigu didn't embarrass Shu Fu. She calmly placed her hands behind her back, strode directly over to the unconscious Lin Xiaomei on the stretcher, and pointed a finger vaguely towards her forehead.
"Miss Fang and I have contradictory accounts. The truth hasn't yet come to light, but Master Huaigu is already in a hurry to condemn me. Then I'd like to ask: this Fellow Cultivator Lin, acting on Miss Fang's orders, attempted to stab me in the back while I was infiltrating the cave—was that also to stop me from 'stealing the kill'?"
"This..."
The elders from each peak had been observing the trial. Master Huaigu had also personally witnessed Lin Xiaomei deliberately severing the rope and trying to harm Shu Fu, so he couldn't claim ignorance.
But his sole focus was on protecting Fang Wanqing, his spiritual granddaughter, and he had no intention of discerning right or wrong in this matter. After a momentary hesitation, he swiftly shifted his argument: "What does Lin Xiaomei harming you have to do with Fang Wanqing? Stop twisting the facts!"
Shu Fu found it both laughable and exasperating. "Then why don't you ask Lin Xiaomei? She stated clearly that Miss Fang promised to recommend her to you in exchange for her taking action against me."
Master Huaigu: "Preposterous! Who knows if she wasn't colluding with you from the start, deliberately framing Fang Wanqing?"
Shu Fu didn't yield an inch: "According to your logic, Lin Xiaomei was both colluding with me and trying to harm me. Don't you find that a bit contradictory?"
Master Huaigu: "Then perhaps it was a falling out among thieves, a spur-of-the-moment decision on her part, or a scheme orchestrated by the two of you. Moreover, how can the testimony of someone with such low character as Lin Xiaomei be trusted? What if she's making wild accusations to save herself?"
Shu Fu spread her hands helplessly. "Why don't you just perform a soul search? Then she wouldn't be able to lie."
Master Huaigu: "What? A soul search? Such a forbidden technique that damages the soul, and you dare mention it so casually? Your mind is truly corrupted!"
Shu Fu went for the decisive move: "Then how do you explain Miss Fang's lightning strike?"
Master Huaigu: "That was an accidental injury! She was only trying to attack the Wushan Cloud Python!"
Shu Fu: "..."
Wow, your logic is truly impeccable. Let me give you a round of applause.
This was also a point of Fang Wanqing's caution: she was well aware that every move of the examinees in the secret realm was under the elders' watchful eyes. Therefore, she had connected with Lin Xiaomei in advance, arranging for her to act independently within the secret realm according to a pre-established plan.
This way, even if the plot was exposed, as long as Lin Xiaomei didn't turn on her, this dirty business couldn't be linked back to Fang Wanqing.
Taking a step back, even if Lin Xiaomei suddenly grew a conscience, with Master Huaigu's unwavering support, Fang Wanqing could still emerge unscathed.
To be honest, even Shu Fu hadn't anticipated the sheer power of Master Huaigu's "Fang Fairy filter."
If this line of reasoning held, from then on, Lin Xiaomei's reputation would be reduced to mud, while Fang Wanqing would remain the pure, flawless, unblemished Miss Fang—the pristine snow atop the mountain, the untouchable flower on the high peak, in everyone's eyes.
Just like in the original work, Fang Wanqing truly cherished her reputation. Unless absolutely forced, she was unwilling to dirty her own hands.
At this moment, through the blood streaming down her face, she directed a triumphant smile at Shu Fu.
Although she had suffered some injuries and hardship, Fang Wanqing knew that Master Huaigu had always treated the children of the Fang family as his own, his heart soft as clay. Just like in her previous life, he would steadfastly stand by her side, seek justice for her, and make Jiang Ruoshui pay the price.
Even if Jiang Ruoshui's temperament had drastically changed and her cultivation was now far beyond what it once was, in the end, she was still just one lonely individual.
So what if Elder Yaoguang favored her?
During this trial, hadn't he still left her to fend for herself, standing by idly, doing nothing for her?
Moreover, the obscure and desolate Yaoguang Peak of her previous life could never compare to Tianquan Peak in this one either.
Jiang Ruoshui could not compare to her.
Never could.
Thinking this, Fang Wanqing suddenly felt the wounds on her face and body weren't so painful anymore.
She eagerly awaited Master Huaigu's judgment against Shu Fu—
But what she heard next was not Master Huaigu's voice.
"Elder Uncle, please wait a moment. Regarding this matter, I'm afraid there is more to the story."
It was a clear, gentle voice, like the warm spring breeze of March brushing past one's ear.
The voice of Jiuhua Sect's leader, Master Zhiyuan.
At the same time, another voice, equally clear and pleasant yet inexplicably carrying a chill, accompanied by the faint outline of a slender figure, descended lightly like a sudden cold rain carried by the wind.
"Sect Leader, why be so polite? Tianquan Peak turning a blind eye and bullying others is truly a colossal joke. Since that's the case, why not let everyone have a good look and listen?"
The man held an oil-paper umbrella. Its surface was painted with sparse, elegant ink-wash strokes, with pristine, jade-like night-blooming cereus patterns on a moon-white background. The handle seemed carved from green jade, and held in his long, pale hand, it resembled a pool of autumn water reflecting moonlight.
"My apologies, I am late."
This last sentence, however, was directed at Shu Fu.
Master Tanhua, Jiang Xuesheng—whether walking, sitting, resting, whether in darkness or daylight, whether amidst a crowd or in a deep valley—was like a branch of faintly fragrant, secluded night-blooming cereus.
"Clouds yearn for her robes, flowers yearn for her countenance"—whether it suited Consort Yang is unknown, but it certainly seemed to suit him quite well.
As for Shu Fu, faced with this city-toppling beauty, this ethereal and otherworldly immortal grace, she couldn't control her own wildly galloping heart. In that instant, a single thought flashed through her mind:
Master, it's been but a day, and you've already come up with a new way to show off!
