The Disciplinary Elder sat up straight, his expression solemn. “Qu Qi, is what you said true?”
“True! Guaranteed true, truer than pure gold. I’m the one who pushed Junior Sister Su. I was simply jealous that she’s beautiful, kind, and stronger than me. Seeing how I was inferior to her in every way, I let malice take over.”
After adding some extra flair to her “psychological journey,” Qu Qi shuffled forward a few steps on her knees. With a face full of sincerity, she said, “Elder, I know I was wrong. In the future, I will treat Junior Sister Su with nothing but respect. Please, punish me!”
The crowd was speechless, their faces filled with shock.
Has this woman been possessed today? Usually, she can’t wait to make excuses, so why is she so eager for punishment now?
Elder Jing Shu, being well-traveled and experienced, was not as stunned as the others. He nodded calmly. “Very well.” He stroked his beard and looked toward the other side. “Fuwan, what is your take on this?”
Su Fuwan looked surprised for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “So that’s how it was.”
“I have always been focused on my cultivation, so I never realized Senior Sister Qu felt this way about me. It was my lack of consideration for her feelings.” She paused to cough softly before continuing, “Now that everything has been cleared up, I am sure Senior Sister Qu feels deep remorse and is willing to turn over a new leaf. Elder, why don’t we give her another chance?”
Su Fuwan’s voice was soft and clear, like a gentle spring breeze that made everyone feel at ease. The disciples relaxed, and a smile even appeared on Jing Shu’s face.
Only Qu Qi was dumbfounded. Wait, what?
Good grief, the heroine was even more ridiculous than her. Who gets pushed off a cliff and then pleads for their attacker’s mercy? As expected of a “silly-sweet” protagonist, her brain simply didn’t work like a normal person’s.
But if she pleaded like this, would Qu Qi still get locked up?
Qu Qi’s expression turned stern as she shouted, “Junior Sister Su, you are mistaken!”
“The sect rules state that those who harm their fellow disciples must be punished without leniency! The Sect Master teaches us that a sword wielder must follow the rules with their whole heart. Without rules, there is no order. If Junior Sister insists on pleading for me, how will we answer to the Sect Master and the Ancestors?”
The hall broke into an uproar.
“Holy cow, it’s my first time seeing someone rush to get punished!” “Has Qu Qi lost her mind? Junior Sister Su is kindly pleading for her, and she’s rejecting it? She doesn’t know what’s good for her!”
Su Fuwan narrowed her eyes, looking dazed. “Senior Sister Qu… you are right.”
Qu Qi knelt with her back straight, her eyes sparkling. From the top of her head to the soles of her feet, she radiated a sense of absolute righteousness. “This matter must not be handled lightly. I ask the Elder to uphold the law!”
Quickly! Don’t hold back! It would be best to kick me out of the sect and send me as far away as possible!
Hearing this, Jing Shu showed a look of admiration and clapped his hands. “Well said! ‘Without rules, there is no order.’ Truly a disciple of our Wenjian Sect.”
As soon as he spoke, the noise around them died down. The white-bearded old man swayed his fly-whisk and made his final judgment. “Qu Qi, I originally planned to send you to the Cliff of Reflection for thirty strokes of the cane. But since you have proactively admitted your fault and refused leniency, I am somewhat impressed.”
He pondered for a moment. “To err is human, but to repent is divine. In light of your sincere request for punishment, I will send you to the back mountains for one month of solitary confinement. The back mountains are quiet and remote, which should help you clear your mind and focus on your cultivation.”
Solitary confinement?
That means she can stay away from the heroine and the plot!
Qu Qi’s eyes lit up, and she broke into a wide grin. “Thank you, Elder!”
The back mountains…
Upon hearing this, many disciples’ faces changed. Their gaze toward Qu Qi became filled with pity. Elder Jing Shu closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. “Alright, everyone is dismissed.”
The disciples lined up, bowing in unison. “Thank you for your wise judgment, Elder.”
As the meeting ended and people filed out, Qu Qi was about to climb up from the floor when Gao Wuheng walked over, looking down at her with disdain.
Qu Qi was confused. “Senior Brother Gao, is there something else?”
Gao Wuheng looked her up and down, his expression arrogant. “What kind of scheme are you cooking up this time?”
“I don’t understand what you mean, Senior Brother.”
Gao Wuheng folded his arms and sneered. “Don’t think I can’t see through you. A viper-hearted woman like you would never willingly admit fault. You must be thinking of some new way to target Junior Sister.”
Behind him, Su Fuwan suddenly interrupted, “Senior Brother, watch your words.”
Gao Wuheng immediately looked like a wilted eggplant and shut his mouth. Su Fuwan looked at Qu Qi with a faint smile, her voice soft. “If Senior Sister encounters any difficulties in her cultivation in the future, feel free to come to me. I would be happy to share your burdens.”
Qu Qi squinted her eyes. “Hiss. Junior Sister Su, you’re such a good person.”
The blinding light of her “Saint Mother” aura was almost too much to look at.
Gao Wuheng gazed at Su Fuwan with obsession, his cheeks flushing. “Junior Sister Su is truly pure and kind, a person of extraordinary character.”
Some people whispered nearby. “I don’t get it. Qu Qi went too far, and Junior Sister just forgives her like that? If it were me, I’d want an eye for an eye.” “Junior Brother, you don’t understand. Junior Sister Su repays evil with kindness. That is a true noble soul, with a heart as vast as the ocean.”
Regardless of what others said, Su Fuwan simply sat there with a calm smile on her pale face. That holy, broad-minded smile formed a perfect contrast with the “wicked, greedy woman” Qu Qi.
Qu Qi suddenly realized. So this is what you call ‘vision.’ Using retreat as a way to advance—that’s true strategy. She suffers a little bit of physical pain but wins over everyone’s hearts and builds her harem. She’s winning big time!
She had underestimated the heroine. Qu Qi reached out a hand toward her. “Junior Sister Su, I actually have a small favor to ask you right now.”
“Go ahead, Senior Sister.”
Qu Qi’s mouth twitched, her face contorting slightly. “My… my legs are numb from kneeling. I can’t stand up. Give me a hand.”
A girl nearby shouted, “Junior Sister, don’t believe her! She definitely wants to hurt you!”
Qu Qi was speechless. Am I some kind of monster? Is it that serious? I can’t exactly eat her in front of everyone!
After a brief pause, Su Fuwan reached out and helped her up. Qu Qi stood up, wincing, and brushed off her skirt. “Thanks, Junior Sister.”
Gao Wuheng grew angry just looking at her and rolled up his sleeves. “Don’t think that just because Junior Sister forgave you, you can continue to be arrogant! If I catch you doing anything suspicious again, I’ll…”
Qu Qi proactively stepped away from Su Fuwan. “Don’t worry, I promise to get along with her.”
As if! I’m never coming near you people again.
A woman in green grabbed Gao Wuheng’s sleeve and said coldly, “Senior Brother, don’t waste your breath on her. She’ll get what’s coming to her in the back mountains.”
Gao Wuheng seemed to remember something and smirked. “Junior Sister Qu, good luck to you.”
Su Fuwan said softly, “Senior Brother Gao, it’s getting late. Let’s go.” She gave Qu Qi a slight nod and walked out of the hall, surrounded by the crowd like a star amongst the moon.
Once everyone was gone, the rope on Qu Qi’s body lost its magic and fell to the ground. She stretched her sore legs and walked out boldly. Outside, the sun was at its peak.
Ji Ling had been waiting at the door for a long time. Seeing her come out, he hurried over. “Senior Sister! How could you agree to that?”
Qu Qi stuffed the rope into her pocket. This thing was quite sturdy; it might come in handy later. She looked at her “cheap” junior brother and asked, “How could I what?”
“You were too impulsive! This matter hasn’t been fully investigated. You should have at least waited for Master to return before…”
Qu Qi shook her head. “No, I’m the one who harmed Junior Sister Su. It’s only right to admit my mistake and apologize.”
Ji Ling had thought it was just a temporary tactic, but hearing this, he was shocked. “No way. Was it… was it really you?”
As soon as Qu Qi nodded, he hung his head and pulled at his hair in frustration. “Senior Sister, oh Senior Sister, why would you do that! Of all people to provoke… Sigh, now even Master won’t be able to protect you.”
Qu Qi patted his shoulder to comfort him. “Don’t panic, am I not perfectly fine? Stop pulling your hair, you don’t have much left as it is.”
Ji Ling choked. “Senior Sister!”
They talked as they walked. Leaving the Disciplinary Hall, the view opened up. Wangxu Peak was a floating immortal mountain on the sea, the residence of inner disciples and elders. The mountain sat on a spiritual vein, and the air was misty and grand. Elegant pavilions were nestled among the purple clouds, looking like a traditional landscape painting.
Qu Qi nodded repeatedly. The Wenjian Sect truly lived up to its name as one of the top three sects; the environment was like a 5-star tourist attraction.
In the sect, only disciples of the four elders and the Sect Master were considered “Inner Sect.” Despite being in the same sect, there was constant infighting. The Sect Master’s disciples were the most talented and, as “dragons among men,” they were extremely arrogant.
Su Fuwan and Gao Wuheng were both disciples of the Sect Master. Qu Qi, however, had a different fate. Her talent was abysmal. She shouldn’t have been an inner disciple, but she was taken in by Elder Shouyi, one of the four elders.
The original story said that Elder Shouyi loved to travel. During one trip, she found an abandoned infant crying in her swaddling clothes on a busy street. For some reason, the passersby were terrified and avoided the baby; no one went to help. Out of pity, Shouyi took her back and raised her, naming her Qu Qi.
Over the years, Shouyi had treated Qu Qi with great importance. She never looked down on her for her mediocre talent and instead taught her personally day and night. The two were more like family than master and disciple. Because of this, Qu Qi disliked everyone else but was exceptionally respectful toward Elder Shouyi.
Ji Ling was the second disciple under Elder Shouyi and Qu Qi’s junior brother. The original host neither liked nor hated Ji Ling, but for the sake of their bond, she never bullied him.
Unlike the other elders who stayed at the sect, Shouyi was rarely home. Qu Qi and Ji Ling only had each other to rely on. Qu Qi remembered that the original story barely mentioned Shouyi—no description of her origins or appearance. The author probably didn’t want to flesh out a minor character who rarely appeared.
With the elder gone on another journey, Qu Qi and Ji Ling were left alone. Without a protector, the original host had been quite lonely and helpless.
Qu Qi walked with her hands behind her back, like an old official inspecting a worksite, admiring the scenery while half-listening to her junior brother’s nagging.
Seeing people sparring, she stopped to cheer: “Brilliant!” Seeing people flying on swords, she praised: “Nice sword!” Hearing someone play the zither, she nodded: “Exquisite!”
No matter what others were doing, Qu Qi joined the fun, drawing many sideways glances. It was as if she were visiting for the first time rather than living there for over a decade.
Ji Ling rubbed his forehead in frustration. “Senior Sister, did you hear a word I said? The back mountains are really not a good place, especially for a whole month.”
Qu Qi stopped petting a rabbit by the road and said seriously, “I know, I know.”
She knew exactly how dangerous it was around the heroine, which is why she confessed to lower the punishment. As for the back mountains being remote? That was perfect! As a cannon-fodder character, staying away from the heroine meant staying away from the plot’s conflicts, which meant a better chance at survival.
Qu Qi’s steps became lighter at the thought of escaping the plot, while Ji Ling looked even more miserable.
You don’t know anything!
He continued to ramble, “Senior Sister, why are you still so happy? We’re going to the back mountains soon. I heard it’s desolate and the conditions are harsh. What if you can’t get used to it? Master will definitely blame me for not taking care of you.”
Ji Ling was a good guy, but he was incredibly naggy. Even though he was younger, he always tried to protect the host.
Qu Qi suppressed her joyful expression and put on a deep, serious face. “Junior Brother, say no more. This is all my own doing. A person must take responsibility for their actions. When Master returns, I will explain it to her myself.”
Ji Ling, being simple-minded, was immediately moved. “Senior Sister!” he cried.
“Good Junior Brother!” “Good Senior Sister!”
Qu Qi sighed deeply and walked past him, leaving behind a “noble” silhouette.
Ji Ling wiped his tears. “Senior Sister, where are you going?” “Back to pack my things for the back mountains.” Ji Ling hesitated. “You’re going the wrong way. Your room is to the south.”
Qu Qi smiled and turned around smoothly. “Sorry, I was thinking too hard and lost my bearings for a moment.” “Senior Sister, wrong again! That’s the west!”
The directionally challenged Qu Qi: “…”
Once she left, Ji Ling nervously took out a small mirror to fix his hair.
Finally back in her room, Qu Qi picked through the host’s belongings and stuffed anything useful into her storage bracelet. She had researched it—the bracelet was convenient and opened with just a thought, like futuristic technology.
The room was large but cluttered with junk: flying swords, jewelry, pill bottles, toys. It was a mess. Some things were new, some were broken, and the chaotic spiritual energy lingering in the room came from many different people. There was no telling who she had snatched these things from.
To Qu Qi’s surprise, the original host had a cabinet full of books. She was impressed. Who knew she loved studying so much? Qu Qi also loved buying books, though they usually just gathered dust.
She pulled one out. The cover was surprisingly erotic, with a line of seductive text: The Immortal Concubine’s Escape: I Won’t Be the Demon Lord’s Prisoner.
Qu Qi: “…” I spoke too soon. I didn’t realize you were this kind of person!
She flipped a page when suddenly the door creaked and was blown open with a loud bang. A gust of wind rushed in.
Qu Qi turned in terror. “Is it haunted? I thought I locked the door!”
“Pah! Who are you calling a ghost? You don’t even recognize your own grandmother anymore?”
A woman in green stood at the door, holding a gold-patterned staff, her eyebrows raised in anger. “Hurry up! What are you dawdling for?”
Qu Qi had seen her in the hall; she was one of the people surrounding Su Fuwan. She deduced this person was likely another disciple of the Sect Master. Of the six disciples, there were three men and three women. Excluding Su Fuwan, there was the second sister Xia Zhiyao and the fourth sister Ruan Tang. Xia Zhiyao was known to be gentle, so this had to be…
Qu Qi walked over to inspect her precariously hanging door. “Grandmother, if you break my door, you have to pay for it.”
“It’s just a door. You think I can’t afford it?” Ruan Tang looked around the room with a face full of disgust. “This room is a mess. How can anyone live in here? What a disgrace.”
Seeing the room in such a state, even the thick-skinned Qu Qi felt embarrassed. She coughed and held out her palm to Ruan Tang.
Ruan Tang looked at her soft palm. “What?” “Senior Sister Ruan, pay up first.”
“Who is your Senior Sister? Don’t try to get close to me.” Ruan Tang rolled her eyes and tossed a few spirit stones into her palm. “Look at you, so poor. Keep the change.”
Qu Qi played with the glowing stones, feeling the faint spiritual energy within. This was the currency of the cultivation world.
“Senior Sister Ruan, remember to knock next time.”
Ruan Tang sneered. “Hmph. If the Elder hadn’t told me to watch you and make sure you actually go to the back mountains, who would want to come to this dump?”
Qu Qi realized she was a sentry. That old man Jing Shu wasn’t as kind as he looked—was he afraid she’d run away?
“I’ll have to trouble Senior Sister Ruan to lead the way then.”
Ruan Tang raised an eyebrow, suspicious. “You’re not angry?” Usually, if someone spoke to her like that, Qu Qi would have started a shouting match. Was she really changing? No, this woman is cunning. I can’t trust her!
Qu Qi smiled. “Senior Sister, you have such a straightforward personality, it’s enviable. Why would I be angry?”
Ruan Tang looked about seventeen or eighteen. To Qu Qi, a weathered office worker, she just looked like a child throwing a tantry.
Ruan Tang felt complicated. Seeing that “vixen-like” face wearing an unnaturally motherly smile felt like punching a bale of cotton. She stepped back and urged, “Hurry up.”
“One moment.”
Qu Qi was mostly packed, but she grabbed a few books to relieve her boredom. Ruan Tang’s gaze fell on the book in her hand. “Your taste is…”
Qu Qi looked down. It was the erotic Immortal Concubine’s Escape. Her scalp tingled. “I can explain…”
But Ruan Tang’s face turned red, and she lowered her voice. “How far are you? I like this book too!”