Chapter 46: Are we going to show our cards right from the start?
[Ding! Detected abnormal status in female lead ‘Dugu Ningshuang.’ Querying residual simulation memory status…]
[Error! Error! Unable to confirm her memory status due to unknown reasons.]
[Advisory: Host must not reveal simulation details to avoid her learning the truth.]
Faced with this sudden turn of events, the corner of Luo Jiutian’s mouth twitched slightly.
Just moments ago, he had successfully allowed White Tiger to possess him, his spiritual energy surging, his state pushed to its peak, ready for a big move.
But before he could act—
Dugu Ningshuang appeared.
Though she hadn’t directly affected him or the soul, for Luo Jiutian, the scene felt like charging up a massive attack only for the enemy to be flattened by a meteor from the sky—an absurd anticlimax.
He sighed, transmitting to the ring: “Senior, I’m absolutely safe now. You can rest assured. I’ll call if I need you.”
After a pause, a low, hoarse reply came from the ring: “…Mm.”
Luo Jiutian took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions.
When he looked up, Dugu Ningshuang was gazing down at him, her cold eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuation, as if confirming something.
The surroundings fell silent.
After a moment, Dugu Ningshuang spoke: “I am here to take Luo Jiutian as my direct disciple at Jingyu Peak.”
Her tone was calm, cutting straight to the point without preamble.
The crowd froze, then erupted.
“For real? A Deity Transformation expert personally taking a disciple?”
“Not just any Deity Transformation—it’s the master of Jingyu Peak, Tianheng Sect’s strongest!”
“I’d wake up laughing if I got that chance.”
Everyone wore expressions of envy, jealousy, and awe—even Luo Chen, though his reaction was subdued, having been worn down by Luo Jiutian’s mind games too many times.
Su Wan’er stared at Dugu Ningshuang in the air, growing more uneasy.
This woman seemed cold as ice, but the way she looked at Nine Heavens Brother… something felt off.
She instinctively gripped Luo Jiutian’s sleeve, her eyes wary.
Everyone held their breath, awaiting Luo Jiutian’s response.
Time ticked by.
Finally, Luo Jiutian spoke slowly: “Thank you for your kindness, Senior…”
The crowd nodded, assuming no one would refuse such a golden opportunity.
But then, he pivoted: “…but I must respectfully decline.”
The words landed, followed by a brief silence, then an explosion of reactions.
“What the hell?!”
“She personally came to take him as a disciple, and he refused?”
“So ungrateful! Countless dream of becoming a direct disciple at Tianheng Sect, and he turns down a free pass.”
The crowd’s chatter surged, most criticizing Luo Jiutian’s decision.
In the air, Dugu Ningshuang remained as calm as ever, not immediately processing his words. She nodded slightly: “Good. Prepare yourself, and tomorrow your master will personally escort you back—”
She stopped, looking down at him. “Wait, what did you say?”
Luo Jiutian, unfazed, bowed respectfully, his tone earnest: “I’m deeply moved that Senior would come in person.
But… I plan to participate in the upcoming Tianheng Sect disciple recruitment tournament. If I join your sect directly, others might think I took a backdoor.
What I want is to stand out among countless prodigies by my own strength and then become your disciple.
Only then can I face myself with a clear conscience!”
As he spoke, he seemed to radiate a holy light, so dazzling it was hard to look at him.
But in his mind—
Hell, does she think I didn’t notice that suspicious look?
This map isn’t cleared yet. If I follow her to Jingyu Peak now, will I ever get out?
Gotta stall—stall as long as I can, until this main storyline wraps up.
The crowd didn’t know his inner thoughts.
So, when they heard his righteous speech, their earlier criticisms vanished.
“I take it back—I was too loud earlier…”
“He’s right! That’s the spirit a cultivator should have!”
“Luo Jiutian is a role model for our generation!”
Su Wan’er’s eyes sparkled with admiration, practically glowing as she looked at him.
Those who knew Luo Jiutian’s true nature had mixed expressions.
If they hadn’t seen him scheme, they might’ve been fooled by his saintly aura.
In the air, Dugu Ningshuang gazed at him, her eyes softening slightly.
“Tian’er, you’re still… as kind and upright as ever,” she thought silently.
She had planned to bring Luo Jiutian to Jingyu Peak before her seclusion to break through to the Void Refinement stage, settling him there so she could personally guide his life and cultivation after emerging, making up for what she hadn’t given before.
But this boy was as stubborn as she remembered, refusing shortcuts. Forcing him now would only dampen his spirit.
She hesitated, ultimately letting it go with a tinge of regret.
The crowd expected her to be furious.
After all, a Deity Transformation expert being publicly rejected would bruise anyone’s pride.
But surprisingly, Dugu Ningshuang showed no displeasure.
She looked at Luo Jiutian and suddenly said, “Can we… speak privately?”
Luo Jiutian paused, his expression unchanged, and nodded lightly: “Alright.”
…
The scene shifted to high in the sky.
Luo Jiutian and Dugu Ningshuang stood face-to-face, enveloped by a barrier that blocked sound and sight from outsiders.
“So… what does Senior want with me?” Luo Jiutian asked, looking at the aloof immortal-like woman, puzzled.
Dugu Ningshuang studied him without answering immediately, her gaze lingering.
After a while, she lowered her eyes and said, “Do you believe in rebirth?”
Luo Jiutian’s heart skipped a beat.
So direct?
Her sudden question caught him off guard, but he remained composed.
“No,” he said, shaking his head.
Dugu Ningshuang’s eyes flickered faintly. “Why not?”
“Time flows one way. We cultivators seek only to advance. If such a thing as rebirth existed, wouldn’t all the obsessions and struggles of this world become a joke?” he replied.
She nodded slightly, not refuting, her gaze still fixed on his face, as if searching for something.
“I’ve cultivated the Supreme Art in seclusion for years, my heart undisturbed by external things,” she said, her voice softening unconsciously. “But lately… whenever I meditate, my mind grows restless.”
Luo Jiutian listened quietly, not interrupting.
She slowly raised her eyes, meeting his: “Certain images keep appearing in my mind. You’re there, and so am I. You call me Master, and I call you…”
“Tian’er.”
—