The Rebellious Disciple Was Me All Along - Chapter 4

Hoping for a quiet, comfortable convalescence, I did not reveal my lineage when I moved into the disciples’ quarters.

Given Ji Lanshuang’s talent for attracting admirers, some fanatical devotee of his might well be living here too.

Unfortunately, even though I kept out of sight and made myself as inconspicuous as possible, someone recognized me and came knocking.

The male cultivator at my door carried a basket of spirit fruit. He was so nervous he could barely coordinate his limbs.

“S-Senior Sister Xie, it’s been so long. Um…”

I leaned against the doorframe with folded arms and cut short his stammered pleasantries.

“Spare me the courtesies. Tell me what you want.”

What else could it be?

Probably another young admirer hoping to learn Ji Lanshuang’s preferences.

I was ready to turn him away with a cold face when, to my surprise, the young man bowed deeply.

“Seven years ago, during the disciples’ tournament, you defeated me in only seventeen moves. Everyone used to call me a peerless genius. You taught me that there is always a higher mountain.”

“Since then, I have trained day and night, hoping that one day I might seek your instruction again.”

What?

I searched the dustiest corners of my memory before finally unearthing the incident.

When I was first sent to infiltrate the Immortal Sect, I had only intended to become one of Ji Lanshuang’s maids.

Plans rarely survived reality.

I arrived on the very day of the sect’s five-year disciple recruitment tournament. After wandering into the competition by mistake, I assumed the Immortal Sect had a peculiar rule: only the strongest person was worthy of serving an Immortal Lord.

So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I punched clan heirs, kicked cultivation prodigies, and mowed through every competitor.

Just like that, I effortlessly took first place and became Ji Lanshuang’s first disciple.

The victory came so easily that I never gave the childish contest another thought.

I therefore had no idea that my overwhelming strength, coupled with the silent reserve of a reclusive expert, had made me appear impossibly grand and mysterious to the main peak disciples.

“For seven years, you have been my idol, Senior Sister—the beacon driving me forward!”

Junior Brother Lin grew more excited with every word. His eyes practically glowed.

“Unfortunately, Martial Uncle Ji dislikes visitors, and I could never breach Mount Lan’s defensive formation, so I had no chance to see you again. I never imagined you would suddenly come down the mountain. I know this is presumptuous, but please spar with me once more!”

At last, I understood.

He had come here asking for a beating.

I paid no attention to Lin Shi’s talk of “admiration” or “instruction.” Nor did I care whether he meant me well or ill.

But I could tell that unless I satisfied him, my peaceful recovery was over. This stubborn fool would come torment my ears every day.

To dispose of the nuisance quickly, I accepted his challenge.

…

I might have been injured, but flattening one inexperienced sect disciple was still easy.

Lin Shi was delighted to receive the beating he had yearned for.

“I understand! I finally understand! Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister. You will forever be the light upon my cultivation path!”

I was equally delighted to have solved the problem.

My happiness did not last.

Just as I thought the farce was over and I could return to my room to laze about, the disciples watching near the training field swarmed around me like chicks.

“Senior Sister Xie, I know you! You’re the immortal who sent Senior Brother flying with one sword! Immortal, may I have your autograph?”

“Senior Sister, why did you come down the mountain? Did Martial Uncle Ji do something wrong and make you angry? Would you consider my master instead? You could become my direct senior sister!”

“Senior Sister! Senior Sister, I want to spar too! Please show no mercy to this delicate flower!”

As a deathsworn warrior accustomed to crouching in dark corners, I nearly stopped breathing beneath so many burning gazes.

For the first time, my cold expression broke. I could only stare at Lin Shi in shock and confusion, hoping for a reasonable explanation.

He gave me an embarrassed smile.

“Senior Sister, everyone has waited seven years for this chance, just like me. Since we’re all here, perhaps you could…”

I stared at him.

I could not be certain, but I had the distinct feeling I had walked into a trap.