Chapter 16

“Hmph, what’s there to be so smug about? It’s not over yet.”

Zhu Qianyin said indignantly.

If she had known earlier, she would’ve taken Liu Chengzhi for herself before Luo Chu got to him.

Sure, he had those weird blue-and-yellow eyes, but with proper guidance, he wouldn’t have caused any trouble under her watch.

What a miscalculation—letting Luo Chu snatch such a bargain.

“It’s just a disciple competition, Peak Master Zhu. Why take it so seriously?”

“Of course I’ll take it seriously. After all, the Netherworld Ancient Realm isn’t a place just anyone can enter.”

“Mm. True.”

Luo Chu had initially wanted to praise Liu Chengzhi, but then she thought—if she did, wouldn’t it make her look even worse when Xiao Chen took first place later? So she kept quiet.

“Luo Chu, have you ever considered reflecting on your extreme mindset of ‘my disciple is the most OP in the entire novel, and if not for the male lead’s protagonist halo, no one could defeat him’?”

The orange cat lounged on her lap.

“You just don’t get it. Once you’ve chosen to cling to someone’s thigh, you’ve got to stand firmly in their camp, make them feel you’re on their side. First, you gotta align yourself mentally.”

“Wow, you’re so wise.”

Liu Chengzhi won every match with such effortless grace that Luo Chu almost felt bad.

The one everyone had high hopes for became a stepping stone, while the overlooked underdog rose to become the pride of the cultivation world.

Finally, Xiao Chen and Liu Chengzhi stepped onto the arena, marking the beginning of the final match of the Immortal Alliance Conference.

Xiao Chen had won all his previous matches, and with his legendary all-spirit roots revealed, he was practically floating with joy.

Seeing Liu Chengzhi, he paused in surprise before saying, “What a coincidence.”

“I look forward to learning from you.”

Liu Chengzhi smiled at him gently.

Xiao Chen shuddered.

For some reason, despite the warm smile, those blue-and-yellow eyes made him feel an inexplicable sense of danger.

The drums sounded, and the battle began.

Before Xiao Chen could react, a chilling sword aura was already upon him.

He barely managed to dodge the razor-sharp blade by leaping back several steps.

Watching Xiao Chen continuously retreat, the coldness in Liu Chengzhi’s eyes deepened.

The wind howled, swirling with crimson leaves.

The sword’s aura was overwhelming, yet its movements were impossible to track.

The air was thick with a desolate, murderous intent.

“This swordsmanship—!”

The spectators below widened their eyes, unable to look away.

Xiao Chen’s vision blurred.

He tried to counterattack, but the sword in his right hand was knocked away by an unseen force.

Before the clatter of the falling blade even registered—

The wind stilled.

The leaves settled.

When he opened his eyes again—

A frost-white sword tip hovered a mere inch from his throat.

A close call, but the outcome was decided.

Xiao Chen smiled bitterly and bowed.

“Thank you for the lesson.”

“Mm.”

For a moment, the disciples were stunned—some in awe, most in sheer disbelief.

A few seconds later, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.

Yun Xinyi sighed.

“Junior sister, your disciple’s talent is truly remarkable. To reach such heights in just three years…”

“Indeed. Who would’ve thought the Venerable Luo Chu could nurture such an outstanding disciple?”

Zhu Qianyin’s smile was strained, the teacup in her hand cracking faintly.

Luo Chu sat in her chair, her expression as cold and detached as ever, seemingly indifferent to the congratulations around her—but her eyes were filled with shock.

What?!!!

“Chun Desi, what’s going on?”

The orange cat’s jaw dropped.

“I don’t get it either, but I’m shook! Luo Chu, the big villain is way too cool.”

“True. As expected of someone I taught.”

She gave Liu Chengzhi a slight nod of approval as he gazed at her from the stage.

The boy smiled back at her, sweet and innocent, nothing like the icy demeanor from before.

“But if Liu Chengzhi won, how are we supposed to continue the mission?”

[Main Mission 4—Attend the Immortal Alliance Conference, take the heaven-blessed, peerlessly handsome, prodigiously talented, universally adored male lead Xiao Chen as your disciple, and personally bestow upon him the Kunwu Sword. Proceed according to the original mission parameters.]

“You’re making this impossible! Liu Chengzhi won first place, yet I’m supposed to give the Kunwu Sword to Xiao Chen? How does that make any sense?”

[RUMBLE]

Luo Chu: “……”

The male and female tournament brackets were separate.

Over on the other side, Yuan Moli had just defeated her opponent and stepped off the stage when she heard the uproar.

Must be Xiao Chen’s victory, she thought.

Liu Chengzhi returned to the disciple seating area, swarmed by admirers.

“Senior Brother Liu.”

He turned to see a shy, delicate girl in a blue dress standing before him, her eyes bright and teeth pearly white.

Not even one ten-thousandth as beautiful as Master.

Liu Chengzhi glanced at her, disinterested, and walked away.

“Losing the match doesn’t matter. You’re still the strongest in my heart. Here, this is for you—I hope it cheers you up.”

Yuan Moli held out a delicate little bell, smiling gently.

“Heh. Why would you assume I lost?”

Liu Chengzhi scoffed and left without looking back.

“Huh?”

Yuan Moli was left bewildered.

“Which sect’s disciple are you? You’re quite pretty.”

A male disciple approached, eyeing her with barely concealed interest.

“Excuse me, who won the last match just now?”

“That guy who just walked past—cold as ice, ignores anyone who talks to him, only sticks to his master. Though, if I were him, I’d stick close too—who wouldn’t want to be near a beauty like Venerable Luo Chu?”

The two of them? Impossible! Was I really overthinking things? But in my past life, he protected me for a lifetime…

Tears welled up in Yuan Moli’s lovely eyes.

“Hey, little beauty, don’t cry! You’re gorgeous too. Venerable Luo Chu’s all cold and aloof—no matter how pretty, she’s not my type. I prefer someone sweet and charming like you.”

The disciple scrambled to console her.

“Really?”

Yuan Moli wiped her tears.

She knew exactly how attractive she was—and how to use it.

Deep down, she believed men were born to worship at her feet.

“Absolutely.”

“Senior Brother, you’re such a flatterer. I’m Yuan Moli—just call me Ah Li.”

“What a lovely name. I’m Pei Yu from Changsheng. Judging by your attire, you’re not a sect disciple, right? If you ever need anything, just ask.”

“Then thank you, Senior Brother.”

Yuan Moli smiled sweetly, though her gaze drifted toward Liu Chengzhi, still surrounded by disciples.

It’s fine.

He just doesn’t know me yet.

Once we spend more time together, he’ll realize how good I am.

“Look! It’s the Kunwu Sword!”

Someone’s exclamation drew all eyes to the platform where the Peak Masters sat.

Yun Xinyi stepped onto the Execution Platform, holding an exquisitely crafted sword.

Its blade, forged from profound iron, gleamed with a faint, icy light.

The hilt was carved with a golden dragon, radiating majesty.

“Legends say that from the mountains’ accumulated ores, iron was smelted, forged into a blade sharp enough to slice jade like mud—its name, Kunwu. Disciple Liu Chengzhi of the 183rd generation, step forward.”

“Your disciple obeys.”

Liu Chengzhi’s lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement in his heterochromatic eyes as he glanced at Luo Chu, as if awaiting praise.

“Your outstanding performance at the Immortal Alliance Conference has been witnessed by all. Today, this master bestows upon you this sword as a reward.”

“Wait.”

Luo Chu ascended the platform, her white robes fluttering like rippling water—or surging snow.