After Becoming a High-Risk Master, I Flipped the Script Chapter 69

After hearing this story, everyone fell silent. Gu Baiqing, Ji Chuling, and Three Bean all sank into melancholy.

Only Mo Xuanli and Li Xiuran began to discuss the strange points.

Li Xiuran said: “What exactly did Ruiyao come for? It can’t have been just to toy with Zhuo Ling. For a fallen cultivator who has already entered demonic path, the best place to cultivate is naturally the Demon Realm—why stay in the Human Realm?”

Mo Xuanli said: “If we follow Zhuo Ling’s original investigation, a wild spiritual vein forming here should have meant continuous worsening of the environment around Star-Stepping City. It shouldn’t have stopped after just three years. Why didn’t it continue? And how could Ruiyao be so certain it wouldn’t?”

“Could it be related to the sword intent of the Godslayer Sword?” Li Xiuran asked. “Because of this, the wild spiritual vein emerged, Star-Stepping City fell into disaster, and Ruiyao appeared.”

“Attracted here? But before you inherited the sword intent, it never leaked even the slightest trace. If it had, wouldn’t elders and experts of other sects have long since come?” Mo Xuanli said.

Li Xiuran frowned. “That’s true.”

“The people are dead. These doubts will forever remain a mystery. What’s the point of dwelling on them? Isn’t it better to think about Zhuo Ling and Zhu Si? Such a pitiful pair. They could have been happily the City Lord and Lady City Lord—how could it end like this?” Ji Chuling sobbed, still mourning for Zhu Si and Zhuo Ling.

Mo Xuanli and Li Xiuran exchanged glances. They could say nothing.

Gu Baiqing, however, suddenly gained another realization. The original text said that four years later, Star-Stepping City was annihilated. Zhuo Ling perished together with a high-ranked demon. For someone only at the Foundation Establishment stage to prepare so thoroughly to kill such a high-ranked demon—it could only have been Ruiyao. Perhaps he could not bear for the city to be destroyed. Perhaps he finally discovered the truth of the deception. Zhuo Ling awakened, and chose to drag Ruiyao down to death with him.

So even though Ruiyao had already become a high-ranked Love Demon, Gu Baiqing never saw her again later in the original text. Because Ruiyao was dead, there was no chance for her to appear before him to stir up trouble.

But thinking about it this way was still strange. Since her obsession was so deep, why hadn’t she tried from the beginning to find Gu Baiqing and cast a spell? Was it because Gu Baiqing never left the mountain, and she couldn’t go up to Zixiao Sect? Or… was she entangled by something here, with something she had to complete before she could go to Gu Baiqing?

When Gu Baiqing thought of this, he suddenly couldn’t figure it out.

In the original text, it was also the master and disciple who descended the mountain together. But Ruiyao never appeared in the storyline then. Could it be just coincidence? That in the original text she wasn’t recognized, but this time, by accident, she was?

Anyway, the plot was growing more and more chaotic.

….

Because of the mourning, Star-Stepping City stayed sleepless all night. An old man rode a strange bird and landed on the city wall.

The old man tilted his head, muttering to his Ascending-Cloud Stork:

“Strange, strange. That person turned out to be Gu Baiqing. I wondered when Mo Xuanli had gained an elder brother by his side. But why would Gu Baiqing be here?”

Originally, Mo Xuanli was supposed to descend the mountain alone for his trial, then encounter an ambush by the Love Demon. Though enduring hardships, he would ultimately turn defeat into victory, rising from despair. He would devour the demon qi of the Love Demon, be forced to deepen his own demonic nature, and undergo worsening demonization. The Love Demon, heavily wounded, would then hide in the City Lord’s manor to recover, waiting four years before the plot continued.

But now, not only was Mo Xuanli unharmed, Gu Baiqing was also present. The Love Demon and the City Lord had both died. The plot was completely scrambled.

The old man cautiously glanced at the night sky, muttering quietly: “This has nothing to do with me. I haven’t done a thing.” But… having it all scrambled wasn’t so bad.

….

In Zhuo Ling’s tomb, Lin Ningshuang alone kept vigil, unwilling to leave, staring blankly at the name carved on the gravestone.

Suddenly someone appeared behind her. Lin Ningshuang reacted immediately, “Who’s there?!” She struck out, only to be casually swatted aside.

Lin Ningshuang fell to the ground in disarray. “You… you are also demons? You’ve come to kill me?”

“We have no interest in killing you. We only wish to help you.”

“Help me?”

The newcomer glanced around. “Do you wish for your beloved man to come back to life?”

Lin Ningshuang’s eyes flickered…

Half an hour later, two figures disappeared into the tomb.

“The Love Demon is dead. The inheritance of the Godslayer Sword’s intent has already been claimed by Li Xiuran. We came too late.” A playful voice rang, accompanied by the clear, tinkling sound of silver bells.

“No choice. Chuixue Pavilion’s lovesick girl is still bound by emotions, but luckily she has some use. Next, send people to keep watch on Li Xiuran. Find a chance to kill him.”

“Don’t pout, leave it to me. I’ll feed them to my bugs,” the young girl giggled.

“Mm. But beware the woman at his side. She makes me feel very uneasy.”

“Got it. But… what about Mo Xuanli? What do we do with him?”

“Heh. No matter. Sooner or later, he must face his fate.”

….

The next morning, the group prepared to set out again.

Mo Xuanli was to head off to carry out his second trial task, while Li Xiuran would return with Ji Chuling to the Hidden God Clan. Since their destinations lay in different directions, they would not travel together.

They were just about to part ways in front of the inn when suddenly the sound of hoofbeats came from afar. Looking closer, both Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli were startled.

Mo Xuanli quickly stepped forward, “Senior Sister Nan Zhi, Senior Sister Yun Yue, why are you here?”

Nan Zhi was still in her neat disciple’s garb, carrying a massive greatsword on her back. Yun Yue, graceful and elegant, carried a small medicine pouch, clearly dressed as a healer cultivator.

Yun Yue’s face was full of warmth and concern. “How has this trial been? Everything going smoothly? You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Senior Sister Yun Yue, I’m fine. I even smoothly advanced to the Golden Core stage,” Mo Xuanli smiled.

Nan Zhi nodded. “You look good. Let’s spar later.”

Mo Xuanli gave an embarrassed laugh. Yun Yue tugged at Nan Zhi’s sleeve. “Don’t forget, we’re here for proper business.”

“What business?” Mo Xuanli asked in puzzlement.

“The Elder of External Affairs reported back. We happened to come down the mountain on an errand and passed through here, so we’re delivering a message from Second Senior Uncle,” Nan Zhi said in her cool voice, her gaze drifting to Gu Baiqing at the side.

At this moment, Gu Baiqing was still in his illusion disguise—yet Nan Zhi directly stepped forward, clasped her hands, and saluted: “Disciple greets Fourth Senior Uncle.”

Yun Yue also came up: “Greetings to Elder Luofeng.”

Gu Baiqing had been planning to play ostrich and avoid being recognized by his sect. “You… how did you…”

“After the Elder of External Affairs made his report, Second Senior Uncle said it must have been you, and asked us to bring you and Junior Brother a message,” Nan Zhi said.

A bad premonition rose in Gu Baiqing’s heart. Sure enough, Nan Zhi, utterly serious, repeated Fu Zhiyi’s words word for word: “Since you can’t bear to part with your disciple, then go along with him. With your experience, you’ll surely be of help. From now on, no other disciples will accompany Mo Xuanli on his trials. He’s your precious disciple—then you protect him yourself. But if he gets hurt or bullied out there, don’t blame me for not warning you. Truly caring more for your disciple than for his life.”

Gu Baiqing: …

A stifled laugh seemed to come from Ji Chuling’s direction, followed by Li Xiuran trying to hush her. On Yun Yue’s side, she looked embarrassed, scolding Nan Zhi for speaking out of turn. Mo Xuanli stood there helpless, glancing over with an awkward face.

Gu Baiqing forcibly suppressed his blush, at most letting it spread down to his neck.

Nan Zhi! You blockheaded fool! Did you have to repeat it word for word?!!!

It was obvious those were Fu Zhiyi’s actual complaints, but any normal person with a shred of tact would have adjusted them a little! At least… told him privately when no outsiders were listening!

Really, it was Fu Zhiyi’s fault too—why send Nan Zhi to deliver the message? Didn’t he know she was rigid as stone? If only Yun Yue had been the one!

And now look—so many people listening! His cold and aloof “high-mountain master” image that he’d worked so hard to maintain—completely shattered! Shattered!

Gu Baiqing kept his face pale and forced out an air of composure. “I merely happened to come handle some matters. I was intending to return.”

…Fine, even he himself felt that sounded like an excuse to salvage his pride.

Mo Xuanli, whose cheeks had reddened from Nan Zhi’s words, suddenly heard Gu Baiqing say that. His heart sank. In truth, when he woke this morning, he had already sensed this problem—but at that time, he hadn’t dared think further. Instinctively, he just wanted things to stay as they were: Master not mentioning it, himself not saying anything, and perhaps they would continue traveling together.

But how could he forget that returning was the proper course? Otherwise, if they encountered danger again like last time, what then?

Mo Xuanli’s heart was deeply conflicted—reluctant, unwilling to part.

“Senior must be just softhearted under the stern face. Clearly he’s worried for his disciple. Isn’t it fine for master and disciple to go through trials together?” Ji Chuling said carelessly.

Li Xiuran stepped forward, coughed, and threw his brother a lifeline. “If Senior truly does not accompany Brother Xuanli, then according to your sect’s arrangements, Brother Xuanli would have to travel alone. That would indeed be quite dangerous.”

Nan Zhi also nodded. “Second Senior Uncle has already assigned other disciples elsewhere. They won’t rejoin Junior Brother. So, Fourth Senior Uncle, you…”

“No need, I—” Mo Xuanli started to speak.

But Gu Baiqing, feigning distress, shook his head and said, “Second Brother truly knows how to trouble me. In that case, I suppose I have no choice but to go along. I’ll treat it as a journey of travel.”

Mo Xuanli froze, lifting his gaze toward Gu Baiqing. Watching the flush spread from his master’s neck to his ears, seeing his flickering, uneasy eyes—his chest warmed.

Gu Baiqing had already given up resisting. Fine, let them say he was all mouth and no heart, cold words with a soft core. He couldn’t fight it. He might as well accept it. At least this way he wouldn’t have to make up awkward excuses to keep following Mo Xuanli.

He only had this one disciple—and such an extraordinary one. Wasn’t it only right to treasure him?

Gu Baiqing sighed inwardly. Was he being pua’d by this world? Why did his bottom line keep sinking lower and lower?

He asked Nan Zhi and Yun Yue where they were headed, hoping perhaps they might travel together and give him some breathing space.

But as it turned out, they were going in the opposite direction—though the same route as Li Xiuran’s group.

Li Xiuran warmly invited them along, which immediately made the straightforward Ji Chuling unhappy.

Gu Baiqing, off to the side, gloated at her discomfort. But since it was only traveling together, not going all the way to the Hidden God Clan, Ji Chuling’s displeasure was flatly ignored by Li Xiuran. In the end, it became: Mo Xuanli and Gu Baiqing taking Three Bean and setting off together, while Li Xiuran traveled with three different beauties.

Watching the four ride away, Gu Baiqing suddenly felt something amiss.

Why had all the beauties gone with Li Xiuran, while his disciple still had no female affinity at all—forced to travel only with him, a lousy man?

Heavens. Was their master-disciple pair doomed to remain lifelong single dogs?

The carriage swayed as it rolled on, still one driver, one passenger.

Only this time, the passenger was no longer so at ease. For some reason, even through the curtain, Gu Baiqing could always sense Mo Xuanli’s powerful presence. Before, it had never been like this.

This made Gu Baiqing feel a bit awkward, but that awkwardness gradually faded through the normal routine of daily master-disciple lessons and check-ins.

Yes, lessons couldn’t stop, check-ins couldn’t be skipped, cultivation had to keep advancing.

Sure enough, a month later, just as they were about to reach their destination, the mission system popped up again.

【Second Mission Quest, Mission 2: Destroy the Puppet Spirit-Gathering Formation, advance smoothly to mid-Stage Golden Core. Hint: Kill the Puppet Master, destroy the formation eye.】

Gu Baiqing’s gaze grew deep. The great upheaval of the cultivation world was about to begin here.

“Master, up ahead is Tianxian Prefecture. According to the scroll, it’s best if we first ask the family of the stationed disciple to clarify the situation.”

“Mm.” Gu Baiqing responded and opened the scroll to look.

This mission was to search for a missing stationed disciple. At Tianxian Prefecture, Zixiao Sect had disciples stationed there, and they were supposed to report back regularly. But three months had passed with no word. The sect worried something had happened, so they sent other stationed disciples nearby to inquire, but when they asked the family, the answers were nothing but “I don’t know.” They could only report back the little information they had.

Thus, Zixiao Sect sent Mo Xuanli to search and, while he was at it, to check if demons or monsters had been running wild in a place that had gone unattended for three months.

It looked like an easy task, but what lay behind it was no small matter.

As the carriage was about to leisurely roll into the city, suddenly both Mo Xuanli and Gu Baiqing felt it jolt, as if it had grown heavier.

“Master…”

“Go on in.”

Well, here came the messenger. In the original text, it was someone blocking the road to plead for help—this time, she had gone straight to sneaking into their carriage?

At that very moment, beneath the carriage, a bedraggled young girl was struggling to cling on. Her eyes were bright and shining. Once the carriage finally entered the city and stopped in a certain place, she quickly dropped to the ground. Waiting for things to quiet, she rolled out deftly, climbed up, and was about to run.

But the moment she lifted her foot, she saw two men standing ahead—one in black, one in white, both breathtakingly handsome—watching her with ease and leisure.

Her face instantly flushed red. “You… you two…”

“Young lady, to borrow my carriage and leave without a word—don’t you think that’s rather impolite?” Gu Baiqing said blandly.

The girl instantly froze in embarrassment. “Sorry, I was trying to escape with my life, I…”

Just as she spoke, several men came running from afar. “Over there, Hongxi is over there!”

“Catch her! Don’t let her run.”

“Hongxi, stop running, come home with your father.”

“Two young heroes, save me!” Wu Hongxi, seeing the situation, was instantly frightened and hid behind the two of them.

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