After Becoming a High-Risk Master, I Flipped the Script Chapter 46

And so things developed into master and disciple accompanying each other, roaming freely through the mortal realm in some “romantic” journey of… —that was absolutely impossible.

Even if he couldn’t break the script, Gu Baiqing would never allow things to drift into the ambiguous tones of the original storyline.

With the sound of carriage wheels rolling, a horse-drawn cart sped along the main road.

The driver was tall and upright, dressed in white martial robes. If one had sharp eyes, they would surely marvel in passing: why was such a strikingly handsome man serving as a mere driver?

Just then, a meowing sound came from within the carriage. A tricolored cat bounded out, leaping into the man’s arms.

“What’s wrong? Done playing chess?”

“Master bullied me. I’m just a little kitty—I can’t possibly beat him. If he’s so skilled, let him play against you! Bullies me just because I’m easy to beat.”

Mo Xuanli was smiling, when inside came Gu Baiqing’s voice:

“How much longer until we reach Quanshu Village?”

Mo Xuanli knew his Master must be bored, so he replied, “If Master wishes to rest, it should be about two hours more. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

“…Alright then.”

Three Bean flicked its tail unhappily. “Stinky Master, making our Xuanli into a servant.”

Originally, they could have simply ridden horses together, but for some unknown reason Gu Baiqing insisted on a carriage. And so it ended up with him resting comfortably inside while Mo Xuanli became the driver.

Mo Xuanli, however, had no complaints. “If we ride, sometimes we’d have to camp in the wild. With a carriage, we can sleep inside.”

“But when have you ever slept in the carriage? Don’t you always sleep outside?” Three Bean grumbled.

Mo Xuanli’s face turned awkward. The carriage wasn’t large—if he shared it with Master, wouldn’t that mean… sleeping side by side? He thought Master wouldn’t go so far as to demand that, and likely it was just that he disliked riding. After all, every time he slept outside, Master never asked him to come in.

Leaving Zixiao Sect felt like leaving behind an invisible barrier. At first, walking beside Master made him happy, but slowly, he became at a loss. He couldn’t stop himself from wondering: did Master truly have business, or was that just an excuse—because he couldn’t resist staying close?

If it was truly an excuse, then even after five months, Master’s feelings hadn’t lessened? Instead, they’d grown only more restless—so much so that he had to follow, unwilling to part for even a day?

Mo Xuanli’s mind churned with uneasy guesses. Seeing Three Bean still muttering complaints, he laughed lightly. “If you really feel that way, why don’t you come out at night and keep me company?”

Three Bean choked immediately. Fine, it admitted—the carriage was far more comfortable. Mo Xuanli had furnished it with great care, soft furs laid out, making it a warm, cozy place to sleep. But still, it pained the little cat to see him outside, while Gu Baiqing showed no such concern for his disciple.

But concern—that must never be shown.

This arrangement of driver and passenger was simply too satisfactory for Gu Baiqing.

After several days, the carriage finally reached Quanshu Village, adjacent to Star-Stepping City. Mo Xuanli woke Gu Baiqing.

When he opened his eyes, Mo Xuanli had even prepared a warm towel for him. Gu Baiqing accepted it, wiping his face, when Mo Xuanli said, “Master, in a while I’ll ask the villagers for the location of the stationed disciple’s medical hall. We can go directly to him. If things move quickly, we could reach Star-Stepping City by tonight. What do you think?”

Quanshu Village fell under the jurisdiction of Zixiao Sect. A stationed disciple lived there, running a humble medical hall—likely once a medical cultivator. The mission had been issued through him. Naturally, Mo Xuanli would first seek him out to ask for details.

“Mm, you decide.” All along the road, Mo Xuanli had arranged everything with orderly precision. Gu Baiqing, like a clueless tourist following a clever guide, lazed along, leaving everything to him.

“Then… Master, will you keep your current appearance, or…?”

Three Bean’s illusion lasted for three months. If one spent points to recharge its spiritual energy, it could also cancel the illusion immediately.

“Better not. I’m supposed to be in closed-door cultivation at Luofeng Pavilion. If my whereabouts are exposed, your Second Martial Uncle will send people to drag me back.”

Mo Xuanli held back a laugh. “Then let it be. Others won’t recognize you. But… how should I introduce you? Will Master take a false name?”

This part matched the original text—Gu Baiqing’s status was too high, so entering Star-Stepping City openly was impossible. Naturally, he had to use an alias. If he remembered correctly, it was…

“Mo Bai,” Gu Baiqing murmured as he recalled.

The moment the words left his mouth, he saw Mo Xuanli freeze, his gaze trembling before he quietly shifted his eyes aside.

“Master… taking my surname?”

Gu Baiqing also froze, instantly flustered. He had forgotten—originally, when others asked their names, it was that wicked disciple who first answered, giving Master the same surname as his own. The meaning behind it was self-evident.

Because he was too familiar with the original story, the name “Mo Bai” had just slipped out. Hopefully Mo Xuanli wouldn’t overthink it now.

But since it was spoken, he had to carry it through naturally.

“Because we’re pretending to be brothers, of course we’d share a surname.” Gu Baiqing forced himself to appear calm.

“…Brothers?”

What else could they pretend to be—father and son? Dao companions? Naturally, only brothers.

In truth, Gu Baiqing would have preferred to play the role of master and servant, but looking at Mo Xuanli now—

At this moment, Mo Xuanli was no longer wearing the purple cord that marked him as a disciple of the Zixiao Sect, and he had even changed out of his disciple robes. Strictly speaking, Mo Xuanli didn’t need to go this far, but because he was traveling with Gu Baiqing, he was overly cautious, stripping away any sign of the sect to avoid trouble.

But when it came to choosing clothes later, Gu Baiqing indulged a little selfishness and had Mo Xuanli wear flowing white robes. He had originally wanted him to look a little more “submissive,” to contrast with the original text and give himself some psychological comfort. Who would have thought that dressed in white, Mo Xuanli looked even more exquisite, refined as jade, like a graceful young gentleman? Along the way, who knew how many young ladies had been captivated by him—there were even people asking whether the “coachman” was for sale. Truly… an evildoer.

This “servant” was one he couldn’t control.

Gu Baiqing looked at Mo Xuanli and calmly said, “Mm. You are a disciple of the Zixiao Sect, and I am your elder brother who is a rogue cultivator outside the sect. Traveling together like this won’t arouse suspicion. I think neither the stationed disciple nor the outer-affairs elder would bother to investigate your details too closely.”

“Master speaks reason. Then we’ll do it this way.” Mo Xuanli obeyed without hesitation.

Once things were settled, Mo Xuanli got down from the carriage to ask for directions, while Gu Baiqing, still like a useless cripple, stayed seated inside waiting. Perhaps because Mo Xuanli did everything so matter-of-factly, Gu Baiqing now felt no pangs of conscience at being taken care of like a lazy freeloader. Only Three Bean grumbled non-stop.

Soon they confirmed the location of the medical hall, and smoothly arrived to meet the stationed disciple.

This disciple was named Hong Xian, already fifty years old, with children and grandchildren, living a very comfortable life. Seeing people from the Zixiao Sect arrive, he immediately greeted them respectfully.

Mo Xuanli was polite as well, directly addressing him as Senior Brother Hong.

Gu Baiqing also cupped his hands in greeting. “Greetings, Daoist Friend Hong.”

“Oh? You’re not a disciple of the Zixiao Sect?” Hong Xian looked at Gu Baiqing with some confusion. He had thought both of these outstandingly handsome young men must be from the sect.

Mo Xuanli, by habit, always spoke in his master’s place—after all, in his subconscious, his master was lofty and above, never needing to speak casually to others.

So he stepped forward and instinctively began: “This is my mas—”

Gu Baiqing instantly drew in a sharp breath. This brat isn’t about to expose us right away, is he?

Mo Xuanli too suddenly realized, coughed, and hastily corrected himself: “…my elder brother.”

Gu Baiqing: …

That one “elder brother” made Gu Baiqing’s scalp tingle, and even Mo Xuanli himself felt mortified. He had blurted it out in panic and regretted it immediately. Would his master be angry?

“So the two of you are brothers! No wonder—both so handsome. I thought you looked somewhat alike just now.”

Gu Baiqing’s lips twitched. This uncle really knew how to talk. How could he and Mo Xuanli possibly look alike? He stepped forward and said, “I am Mo Bai, Mo Xuanli’s elder brother. My aptitude was mediocre, so I never entered the Zixiao Sect, but became a rogue cultivator. Since my younger brother was going down the mountain for training, I was uneasy, so I came along to look after him and broaden my own horizons as well. I hope we haven’t caused trouble for sect affairs.”

“So that’s how it is. You brothers have such deep affection—that’s nothing at all. An Outer-Affairs Elder already came before to investigate the newly-emerged spiritual vein. The entrance is in Star-Stepping City. With an elder stationed there, you needn’t worry—just take this as a journey of experience.”

“Of course, the mission must still be done diligently. I wouldn’t want my younger brother to bring shame to the sect.” Gu Baiqing smiled. “Since the elder came for the spiritual vein, I imagine he won’t have time to interfere in other matters.”

“You’re quite right. Based on the current task level, an Outer-Affairs Elder wouldn’t step in personally. But if you encounter difficulties, fellow disciples will surely help.”

“Then I’ve nothing to worry about.”

While Gu Baiqing exchanged courtesies with Hong Xian, Mo Xuanli stared at him blankly. Ever since leaving the mountain, his master seemed like ice gradually melting. Once cold and aloof, seldom speaking with others, he now conversed naturally, even giving the genuine impression of an elder brother bringing a younger one out to handle affairs.

Such a master gave Mo Xuanli, all at once, a feeling of being cared for, of being able to relax without having to remain constantly on guard, because someone was sharing the burden.

“You must be weary from the journey. It’s late already—Junior Brother Mo, why don’t you and your elder brother stay here for the night and head into Star-Stepping City tomorrow?” Hong Xian said warmly.

Mo Xuanli was jolted back to himself by another “elder brother,” and quickly said, “No, my… elder brother and I will set out tonight. I’ll trouble Senior Brother Hong to tell me the mission details.”

Since he had already called him elder brother, there was no taking it back.

Gu Baiqing, meanwhile, was regretting so much his guts turned green. He truly felt the malice of this world—avoid one pitfall and another hidden one appears. Impossible to guard against!

Why in the world play at being brothers? Mo Xuanli’s voice was unique, and that one “elder brother” really couldn’t have sounded any worse.

Gu Baiqing was exasperated. He could have said “senior,” or “brother.”

Why “elder brother”? If you’ve got the guts, call it out with a bold, manly voice—I guarantee I’d find it pleasing!

Hong Xian didn’t notice the awkwardness between these two “brothers” and directly explained the mission.

Quanshu Village and Star-Stepping City were neighboring and had always been on good terms. The matter began when two families from Quanshu each, in succession, were to marry brides from Star-Stepping City.

In the first case, on the chosen auspicious day, the bridal sedan brought home a bride beaming with joy—but when the sedan curtain was lifted, what came out was a corpse, dead long before, all her blood drained.

A wedding turned into a funeral. No culprit, no cause, not even the sound of a struggle throughout the whole process.

At first, people speculated that the bride had been unwilling, forced into marriage by her family, and so had killed herself. But when the second case occurred, they realized something was amiss—for this time a maid had sat with the bride in the sedan. Somehow the maid inexplicably fell asleep, and when she awoke, her mistress could no longer be roused. She was dead, in almost the exact same manner as the first.

This pair of newlyweds had known each other since childhood, liked each other since young—there was no possibility of suicide. In the end, the maid was so frightened she went mad. Once suspicion was ruled out, the only explanation left was that something non-human was at work.

The second groom’s family was unwilling to let the matter go. They happened to be a prominent local household, and they sought out Hong Xian, begging him to uncover the truth. Even the village head pleaded with him—if this continued, not only would people be panic-stricken, but Quanshu Village’s reputation would be ruined. Who would dare marry their daughters here in the future?

Hong Xian had indeed tried to investigate, but with his level of cultivation he could find nothing. He only sensed an unpleasant, unsettling aura when approaching the bridal sedan and corpse, and so had reported the matter up.

Mo Xuanli listened carefully, then planned to visit the two families involved in the marriages to gather information. Naturally, Gu Baiqing would not stay behind at the medical hall, so he accompanied him. In truth, he already knew the direction of the plot and what the real answer was—but he could not spoil it, only follow the story along. Fortunately, in the original text this second family was the last to hold a wedding; before Mo Xuanli resolved the matter, no new brides would be harmed, so Gu Baiqing was in no hurry.

When they arrived at the first family, the matron of the house, seeing two handsome young men, had a decent expression at first. But once she learned they had come to investigate the case, she immediately raised her broom and tried to chase them out.

“Haven’t you done enough? We don’t know anything! It was sheer bad luck. We finally arranged a marriage, only for the bride to die outright, ruining my son’s reputation. And now you keep bringing it up again and again—this was a year ago! Can’t you just let us go? Go ask the Qi family instead!”

Such a reaction was only natural. The two men did not want to trouble ordinary folk further, and besides, so much time had passed that anything useful would have already been asked by Hong Xian. So they went directly to the Qi household.

The Qi family was the second family; the incident had happened half a month ago, and when they arrived the gates were still draped in mourning.

“That’s strange. Normally, without a wedding ceremony, the groom’s family shouldn’t have to hold a funeral,” Mo Xuanli remarked.

Gu Baiqing was curious too—after all, such details were not even mentioned in the original text.

They stepped forward and explained themselves to the gatekeeper, presenting themselves as daoists whom Hong Xian had invited to help.

Hearing they were daoists, the servant hurried to invite them inside, though he couldn’t help muttering, “There’ve already been several groups of people who came for this matter… sigh, when will young master’s heart ever be set at ease?”

Once inside, Old Master Qi and Madam Qi received them. Both looked haggard and worn, clearly exhausted in both body and spirit these past days. Though heavy-hearted, they still answered questions patiently. What they said was largely the same as what Hong Xian had reported.

“Forgive me for asking—was the young lady buried back in Star-Stepping City?” Gu Baiqing asked.

“No. Since Little Yan had already become one of our family, naturally she was laid to rest in our ancestral tomb,” MAdam Qi replied.

There was little more they could press on this point. Although Young Master Qi and Little Yan had never completed the wedding rites, the Qi family still kept her with them, which was both compassionate and responsible. This was why they had put up the mourning decor.

“We need to take a look,” Mo Xuanli said.

The couple nodded and instructed servants to lead the way. Before they left, Old Master Qi requested, “My son is also at the tombs. He hasn’t been well lately—please, honored daoists, see if he has been entangled by anything unclean.”

Old Master Qi spoke out of worry, but Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli felt that was unlikely—if something had, Hong Xian surely would have mentioned it.

But when they saw Qi Yi, his face was withered, his manner like a walking corpse, they understood why his parents feared it. He truly looked as though possessed by evil.

In truth, he was merely a lovesick man, brokenhearted, unable to bear what had happened.

Just as they were about to approach, Qi Yi suddenly went mad, lunging at the grave and clawing at the tomb mound.

The servants were startled and rushed to stop him.

They heard Qi Yi shouting wildly: “Little Yan isn’t dead! I heard her calling for help—she’s trapped! She must still be alive—I’m going to save her!”

“Young master, please wake up! The young lady has really passed away, let her rest in peace, don’t disturb her anymore!”

“No! Don’t hold me back! That daoist said her soul never left—she’s still here, still here…”

Qi Yi’s hands were already torn and bleeding as he dug, when Mo Xuanli stepped forward and restrained him.

Qi Yi immediately screamed and wept, utterly crazed, clearly drunk as well. His grief-stricken frenzy moved everyone present.

Seeing this, Gu Baiqing directly picked up a wine jar from the ground and poured it over Qi Yi’s head.

Drenched, Qi Yi froze, raising his head to look at the two men before him. Both were too striking to be ordinary. From his experience, people who looked like this could only be daoists.

“You… you’re cultivators? Then please, save Little Yan! She really is still alive, please believe me, I beg you—I’ll kowtow to you!”

Breaking free of Mo Xuanli, Qi Yi dropped to his knees and kowtowed fiercely before them, as though willing to smash his head bloody.

Mo Xuanli was about to speak, when Gu Baiqing cut in first: “Even if you knock yourself to death here, it’s useless. Your wife is truly already dead. Even if you dig her out now, it will only be a rotting corpse.”

His words were so cold they made Qi Yi break down, wailing as if abandoned by the whole world.

“But those daoists clearly said—”

Gu Baiqing said icily, “They lied to you, only wanting to give you a sliver of hope to keep living. Who would have thought it would only make your life worse? Death is death. Your wife long since crossed the Naihe Bridge, drank Meng Po’s soup, and reincarnated. Why cling so desperately? Having a daoist investigate the truth for her is already the best thing you could do. You still have your parents, still have a future. If you go on like this, who are you being fair to?”

Gu Baiqing’s voice was cold and cutting, sending a chill into the heart and freezing everything, forcing people into sobriety.

But Mo Xuanli looked at Gu Baiqing with some confusion. As a cultivator, he could naturally sense certain things.

For example… Little Yan’s soul really was still lingering in the mortal world.