After the Villainess Awakens

Before the competition even began, the news of the First Disciple of the Sect Leader publicly inviting the Second Elder's disciple into the woods spread like wildfire.

Wherever there are people, there will always be drama, even in a Xianxia sect.

Especially since the person at the center of this drama was You Zishu. As the model disciple of the entire Tai Chu Sect, he had always treated everyone with an indifferent attitude. He even had a nickname given to him by the disciples he had reported to the Disciplinary Hall - "The Living Dead."

This meticulous disciple, who seemed to want even his stray hairs to be identical every day, was now inviting a female cultivator into the woods? How scandalous!

This was far more interesting than watching the new disciples bicker amongst themselves.

The disciples whispered excitedly amongst themselves, while Leng Mushi remained unaware that she had been dragged into the center of this storm.

Her hearing was normal, but her eyesight, enhanced by the Demon Hawk's Eyes, was exceptional. Thus, she didn't hear the gossip about her relationship with You Zishu but instead saw many disciples smiling at her from afar.

These senior brothers and sisters… why were they suddenly so friendly?

Leng Mushi smiled back politely, her standard fox-like eyes narrowed, revealing neat white teeth. Leng Mushi believed in making more friends to widen her path, after all, she used to roam the streets.

However, after entering this sect, she had been so busy, constantly flirting with death, that she hadn't had time to cultivate relationships with these senior brothers and sisters.

But since they were showing goodwill, Leng Mushi naturally responded with enthusiasm. What if she encountered danger during future training, maybe these senior brothers and sisters could save her life.

Therefore, following the rumor of "The Living Dead inviting the Second Elder's disciple into the woods," the disciples' discussions shifted to "The Second Elder's disciple is not quite right in the head."

Completely oblivious to her newfound fame, Leng Mushi looked down at the wooden token she had drawn. Her fourth-round opponent was Sun Wufang, a disciple of the Fourth Elder.

That was still a while away, perhaps even until evening, as the first round hadn't even started yet.

Clutching the wooden token, Leng Mushi waited with the other first-round contestants, her eyes constantly darting towards Leng Tianyin and Xiao Mian, feeling a little embarrassed to approach them.

"Can we skip this part of the plot and do it later?" Leng Mushi squatted down, hiding herself among the disciples, whispering to the Law.

The main reason was that Xiao Mian still seemed upset by her earlier rejection. The more resolute her previous words had been, the more… shameless it would seem to approach him now.

She felt so ashamed of herself that she wanted to hit herself.

However, the discussion was ultimately futile. The Law was a heartless stone, cold and merciless - "No."

Leng Mushi wanted to explode, but then she thought, this time, although she was risking death, the potential rewards were limitless!

Purifying her spiritual roots, suppressing other incompatible spiritual roots during alchemy, if she succeeded, coupled with her ability to even concoct pills from medicine balls the size of her head, what was the Dao of Alchemy to her?

This world would be hers for the taking!

So, Leng Mushi gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, and stood up.

She bravely walked towards Leng Tianyin and the others. She saw Yi Tu and Xing Zhou had already noticed her. Leng Tianyin looked pale today, as if she was unwell, but she still waved happily when she saw her.

Leng Mushi tugged at the corner of her lips, smiling as she avoided Xiao Mian's death glare, and quickened her pace.

"Sister, which round did you draw?" Leng Tianyin asked softly.

Leng Mushi stopped not far away, just as she was about to speak, a figure suddenly appeared beside her and grabbed her arm, dragging her in the opposite direction without a word. "Come with me."

Leng Mushi turned her head to see You Zishu, the one who had handed her the wooden token earlier. He pulled her along at a fast pace, even using spiritual power to propel their steps. Leng Mushi felt like a kite being dragged along, her feet barely touching the ground as they headed straight for the woods behind the Hall of Healing.

"Hey, hey, hey… Senior Brother? What are you doing…" Leng Mushi's voice trailed off in the wind.

At the same time, runes began to swirl in the center of the Hall of Healing, quickly forming a rune mirror that reflected the Divine Array Battle Platform. All the disciples present, including those from the outer sect, could see clearly.

The first battle had begun.

And Leng Mushi was dragged into the woods by You Zishu, who was supposed to be presiding over the battles.

They were alone. You Zishu released Leng Mushi and bowed slightly to her. "Apologies, Junior Sister, but this is a matter of great importance."

Leng Mushi stood still, looking at him with confusion. He extended his hand towards her. "Junior Sister, please hand me the Second Elder's jade pendant."

"Why?" Leng Mushi asked, "That was given to me by Master. What do you need Master's jade pendant for?"

You Zishu realized Leng Mushi didn't know the function of the jade pendant, so naturally, he couldn't tell her. He simply extended his hand further. "It's a matter of great importance. I hope Junior Sister will give it to me first. When the Second Elder returns, I will personally return it."

You Zishu's nickname "The Living Dead" was not an exaggeration. He was notoriously inflexible, following rules meticulously, and demanding a reason for everything. Although his cultivation was extremely high, his lack of empathy and inability to adapt made many in the sect fear him, but few respected him.

He had other matters to attend to and didn't have time to waste with Leng Mushi. He had already reported to the Sect Leader, who had instructed him to handle it swiftly. His current attitude was already considered polite.

Seeing that Leng Mushi still hadn't taken out the jade pendant, You Zishu grew anxious and his tone hardened.

"Do you not know that disciples are forbidden from wearing the Elder's jade pendant? Hand it over quickly, or I will have to escort you to the Disciplinary Hall!" You Zishu said with a cold expression.

Leng Mushi frowned at his inexplicable aggression. If he had explained clearly and reasonably… Leng Mushi would have spoken politely, but she still wouldn't have given him the jade pendant.

After all, this was personally given to her by her Master. Someone was demanding it from her so aggressively right after her Master had left. Thinking of the top-grade pills in the cellar that would drive any cultivator mad with envy, how could Leng Mushi hand over the jade pendant that controlled the Cang Sheng Courtyard's array to someone else?

Not even the First Disciple, not even the Sect Leader himself. Unless her Master personally asked her to give it to someone else.

Besides, every month, when the disciples from each Elder's peak came to the Cang Sheng Courtyard to collect their daily pills, they were all polite and respectful. Since joining the Cang Sheng Courtyard, this was the first time Leng Mushi had encountered such a rude and unreasonable person like You Zishu.

Therefore, Leng Mushi's superficial respect vanished. She took a wary step back, her expression turning cold, and said to You Zishu, "I don't know about that. All I know is that this was given to me by my Master. Even if disciples aren't allowed to wear it, I've been wearing it for three months. Master gave it to me the day I entered the sect. If you want it, wait for my Master to return and ask her for it yourself."

You Zishu didn't expect her to refuse. He was taken aback for a moment before saying, "The Sect Leader asked me to retrieve it from you. Hand it over quickly. When the Second Elder returns, the Sect Leader will explain everything to her."

Seeing the jade pendant hanging conspicuously from her waist, Leng Mushi covered it and took two steps back. Not to mention that this jade pendant was the key to entering and exiting the Cang Sheng Courtyard, and without it, she wouldn't be able to enter the array. Besides, if the Sect Leader wanted this jade pendant, why didn't he ask Hua Yanyue for it last night?

Leng Mushi knew that Hua Yanyue had gone to the Sect Leader last night to discuss leaving the mountain. If he didn't ask for it then, why send You Zishu to demand it right after she left? Anyone could tell something was off.

"Senior Brother, I don't care about any of that. I am a disciple of the Second Elder, and I only listen to my Master," Leng Mushi said, neither respectful nor disrespectful. It wasn't that she was being difficult, but she had her reasons.

Firstly, with her Master gone, she naturally had to guard the Cang Sheng Courtyard. Those pills were no joke.

Secondly, Leng Mushi felt that You Zishu's behavior was suspicious and unconvincing. She suspected there was more to it.

As for the third reason, hmph, she had long seen through Hua Yanyue's true nature in the Tai Chu Sect. That day, during the apprenticeship ceremony, the Sect Leader's humble and compromising tone made Leng Mushi realize that her Master wouldn't give face to anyone.

Her Master was so strong-willed, and her non-existent Senior Brother, Xuan Zhu, was a nightmare figure among the disciples. She was, after all, from the Cang Sheng Courtyard. If she allowed herself to be bullied, knowing Hua Yanyue's personality, she might be expelled from the sect.

This was a bigger problem than her inability to refine pills.

It was all about using one's connections to one's advantage. She was going to use Hua Yanyue's power to her advantage. After all, she was just a small fry who hadn't yet established herself as a respected alchemy master.

Therefore, Leng Mushi became even more determined to become strong quickly. She dismissed You Zishu's words and turned to leave.

You Zishu stood there dumbfounded. No one in the sect had ever dared to speak to him like that. Even if they didn't respect him, they feared him. Everyone had a natural inclination to admire strength. You Zishu was at the peak of the Moon Compression realm, second only to the Elders in the entire Tai Chu Sect.

His hand was still outstretched, frozen in the gesture of asking for the jade pendant.

His eyes widened slightly as he watched Leng Mushi turn and leave, her ponytail swaying defiantly in the air.

You Zishu had always disliked talking. Speaking so much to Leng Mushi was already out of character. He always believed in actions over words, so he withdrew his hand, intending to drag Leng Mushi to the Disciplinary Hall. A little scare tactic, and she would hand it over.

He reached out to grab her shoulder, but his hand grasped only air. It was as if Leng Mushi had eyes on her back. Just as his palm was about to touch her, she twisted her waist in a strange arc, slipping past his grasp.

"Senior Brother, what are you doing?!" Leng Mushi couldn't defeat him, so she naturally sensed his every move. His spiritual power was like a vast ocean to her, insurmountable.

But she appeared extremely calm, turning to face You Zishu, like some animal in the forest that, unable to fight, puffs up its fur to appear larger, attempting to scare off the enemy with exaggerated tactics.

For a moment, You Zishu was actually intimidated. He looked at her with surprise. He could clearly sense her low cultivation and weak spiritual power, yet she could dodge his hand. What strange movement technique was this?

However, You Zishu quickly composed himself and said, "Follow me to the Disciplinary Hall."

"Why?" Leng Mushi discreetly moved her hand behind her back, rummaging through her storage bag for a moment before pulling out a handful of pills.

These were the potent Spirit Scattering Pills she had specifically brought down the mountain for today's plot. They were considered Hua Yanyue's specially refined life-saving talismans for her.

As long as she could find a way to feed enough of these pills to a cultivator, even those on the verge of ascension would become as docile as lambs.

She maintained a slightly fearful and confused expression on her face, strategically feigning fear. "Senior Brother, don't scare me. I'll go with you. But may I ask, Senior Brother, what sect rules have I broken?"

You Zishu was indeed deceived by her act, thinking she was actually willing to go with him. He had never interacted with Leng Mushi before, so naturally, he didn't know that she was essentially a tough nut to crack, even for a thousand-year-old dog.

Even the Bone Crusher Lizards wouldn't dare to bite her.

Seeing Leng Mushi obediently walking towards him, You Zishu prematurely relaxed his guard. As Leng Mushi reached his side, her eyes clear and bright, You Zishu resumed his usual indifference, still unwilling to explain too much to her, lest she learned the true function of the Elder's jade pendant and caused a disaster.

He simply said, "If you hand over the Elder's jade pendant, you won't have to go to the Disciplinary Hall."

Leng Mushi raised her hand, clutching something, and held it out to You Zishu. "Here."

The moment You Zishu reached out, Leng Mushi swiftly pinched the soft flesh on his waist with her other hand. As You Zishu cried out in surprise and opened his mouth, Leng Mushi immediately flipped her wrist, stuffing the handful of pills into his mouth.

Then, channeling spiritual power into her hand, she clamped his jaw shut and expertly slid the pills down his throat.

"Gulp," the pills went down.

This pill-feeding technique was honed on Xiao Mian. However, You Zishu wasn't Xiao Mian, so she couldn't let her guard down.

The instant You Zishu swallowed the pills, Leng Mushi threw herself backward, her body almost parallel to the ground as she dodged You Zishu's instinctive swing.

The next moment, with a clang, You Zishu's longsword shot out of its scabbard, a chilling aura spreading out. Leng Mushi instantly felt goosebumps erupt on her skin.

It was said that You Zishu's life-bound sword was called Snow Spirit. It truly possessed a bone-chilling, awe-inspiring sharpness.

This was the mark of a true expert. A single move could evoke primal fear, like a house dog encountering a tiger or wolf, a suppression that came from deep within.

But what good was that? Leng Mushi excelled at exploiting her own pain and fear. If she had to be categorized as a dog, she would be a hyena specializing in the art of the anal attack.

So, she remained completely unaffected by the frost-like sword energy. She rolled on the spot, dodging You Zishu's strike.

"One!" Leng Mushi shouted!

This first strike was made in haste, so the spiritual power hadn't been fully unleashed, yet it was still incredibly powerful.

Cold sweat broke out on Leng Mushi's forehead as she scrambled deeper into the woods.

The trees could offer some cover, but You Zishu's second strike was already upon her - sword energy, mixed with shredded leaves, shot towards her back. This was the "Dusting the Wind" technique that Xiao Mian had taught her.

Only, the dust she swept away with her sword was just dust, while what You Zishu swept away were omnipresent wind blades!

Recalling the evasion technique Xiao Mian had taught her, she threw herself to the ground, burying her head in the dirt. The wind blades danced around her like crazed butterflies, slicing off a few strands of her hair - the back of her head was ice-cold with fear!

This bastard was ruthless.

"Two!" Leng Mushi shouted again.

After muffling her second shout, Leng Mushi quickly got to her feet, grabbed the Elder's jade pendant, and tossed it towards You Zishu.

"Here! Isn't this what you want?"

You Zishu's robes billowed, his spiritual energy raging. In that instant, fury mixed with spiritual power, creating an oppressive aura around him that would make anyone weak in the knees.

However, as the jade pendant flew towards him, You Zishu quickly regained control, reaching out to catch it.

Leng Mushi straightened her clothes, picked up the strands of hair that had been cut off, and slowly walked towards You Zishu, her steps leisurely and relaxed, showing none of the panic from dodging the sword strikes just moments ago.

She smiled defiantly, her voice as bold as ever. "My body and hair are gifts from my parents, Deadpan. You cut off so much of my hair, kneel and apologize, and I'll forgive you."

You Zishu glared at her, his eyes sharp as blades, the anger in them barely contained. It had been a long time since he had been angered to such an extent.

But this reckless low-level disciple actually walked up to him, crossed her arms, and looked him up and down with amusement, raising an eyebrow provocatively.

"Three," Leng Mushi tilted her head at You Zishu.

Then, her cherry-red lips parted slightly, and she uttered a single word: "Kneel."

She had been counting from the start. You Zishu didn't know why, but the moment the word "kneel" left her lips, he suddenly felt all the strength drain from his body, as if it had been snatched away.

His sword and the jade pendant fell from his grasp. His knees buckled, and he fell straight towards the cunning, smiling low-level disciple in front of him.

Leng Mushi took a step forward, stopping him before he hit the ground. She grabbed his neck and tilted his chin up.

"You dare provoke a disciple of the Dao of Alchemy? I admire your courage," Leng Mushi said, her tone and demeanor that of a true master.

Then, she bent down slightly and glanced at the sword, Snow Spirit, lying beside You Zishu. It must have a sword spirit, because it was trembling slightly, sensing its master's danger.

She wasn't entirely sure of herself. After all, You Zishu's cultivation was beyond her. That was why she hadn't given him just one pill, but a handful.

Excluding the ones that missed, it was enough to incapacitate even Hua Yanyue for an entire night. Moreover, You Zishu had been enraged, circulating his spiritual power to draw his life-bound sword against her, which only accelerated the effects of the pills. Three seconds was all it took for him to become as limp as a noodle.

Leng Mushi deliberately said, "We're alone here. If I were to grab your sword and slit your throat… do you think your sword spirit would die too?"

Then everyone would think You Zishu had committed suicide.

By now, You Zishu couldn't even move his tongue. His entire weight was supported by Leng Mushi's leg, his chin kept up by her hand to prevent him from collapsing.

His pupils dilated slightly at her words, clearly terrified. He was the Sect Leader's First Disciple. Besides him, no one knew that this place was the entrance to the Imprisonment Array. There were… no recording or tracing formations here.

He had never been so utterly defeated, especially not by a disciple with such low cultivation.

You Zishu blinked slowly, the perennial frost in his eyes showing signs of cracking.

Leng Mushi clicked her tongue and suddenly smiled again. She patted You Zishu's face and said, "Don't worry, Senior Brother. How could I bear to kill you? I'm just kidding. I was actually planning to have a little rendezvous with someone else in the woods today. Since I'm already here with you, I can't let it go to waste…"

She had been looking for someone to test her newly refined pills on. This guy was just too arrogant for his own good.

It would be a while before her match. The other disciples would be competing for hours. It was the perfect opportunity for some drug trials. She wasn't afraid of You Zishu holding a grudge. Judging by his fear just now, there were definitely no recording formations here.

You Zishu could only swallow this bitter pill. Otherwise, if word got out that he had been defeated by her, his authority as the First Disciple would be utterly destroyed.

He wouldn't seek revenge either. After all, he was the type of person who meticulously tied his robes, sash, and headband in perfectly symmetrical knots. He was, in every sense of the word, inflexible. He wouldn't stoop to underhanded tactics, nor would he openly retaliate.

"Honestly, how could you be so rough with such a cute junior sister like me?" Leng Mushi lectured the lifeless You Zishu, flicking his forehead. "You're the First Disciple, yet you have no manners at all, always walking around with that deadpan face. Even I, someone who rarely leaves the courtyard, knows that the disciples call you 'The Living Dead' behind your back."

Leng Mushi continued, "You're going to be finished sooner or later if you keep this up. Might as well get it over with quickly. Consider this me helping you face reality. Don't get cocky, young man. There's always someone stronger out there… You're being groomed to succeed the Sect Leader, yet this is how you behave? Who would ever follow you?"

As Leng Mushi dragged the completely incapacitated You Zishu deeper into the woods, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.

"What are you doing?"

The speaker arrived as soon as his voice was heard. The handsome immortal, clad in white robes and wielding the Water Cloud Sword, appeared in the woods, his robes billowing in the wind, his presence as imposing as the cold moon.

Leng Mushi froze.

She looked up and met Xiao Mian's eyes. The usual warmth in them was gone, replaced by a gaze that seemed to see her as a murderer trying to hide a body.

At that moment, the Law suddenly spoke in her mind: "Go for it."

Leng Mushi's first thought was, "Go for what?"

How? The situation was a little complicated, to say the least.

Leng Mushi instinctively let go of You Zishu's arms and hid her hands behind her back like a child caught doing something wrong. But she quickly realized there was no need to act so guilty.

The two stared at each other for a moment. Leng Mushi's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but she couldn't think of a way to explain the current situation.

Finally, Xiao Mian spoke again, pointing his sword sheath at You Zishu on the ground. "What's wrong with him? What were you doing?"

Leng Mushi glanced down at You Zishu, then back at Xiao Mian. The Law was still urging her to "go for it." Thinking quickly, and relying on the fact that You Zishu couldn't speak, move, or even blink easily, she blurted out, "He… He tried to take advantage of me. I acted in self-defense, that's why I drugged him."

Taking advantage of her robes as cover, Leng Mushi pinched her thigh hard, then swiftly undid her sash. When she looked up again, tears streamed down her beautiful face.

"Xiao Gege, you know I can't defeat him. He…" A timely gust of wind blew through, and Leng Mushi clutched at her robes with a sob.

The red marks on her shoulder and neck, revealed by her loosened robes, nearly blinded Xiao Mian.

Seeing his exaggerated reaction, Leng Mushi looked down and thought, "Heaven helps me!"

The marks were from when she had thrown herself to the ground to dodge the sword energy. She had hit the rocks and dirt quite hard.

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