After Constantly Courting Death, I Became the White Moonlight - Chapter 5

Ning Ning had been a complete sports failure in her previous life.

She could play piano, sketch, and do calligraphy—but when it came to physical strength, she was utterly hopeless. If there was any form of exercise she had done growing up, it was probably the elegant ballet routines and swan-arm workouts during posture training.

Other girls were graceful little swans. She, on the other hand, was half-dead midway through—more like a flapping moth about to be served on a dinner plate.

In the end, she never mastered posture training. Instead, the muscles on her face nearly cramped up—because her expressions while performing “death ballet” were always very expressive.

All from exhaustion.

So, all in all, she should naturally hate physical activity. She had outright rejected the idea of learning swordsmanship from Meng Jue from the bottom of her heart.

But… it was just too tempting.

The body of a cultivator was vastly different from her previous life. Tempered by spiritual energy, the body could refine essence into energy, and energy into spirit. Sword heart, sword intent, and sword bones—all could be concentrated into a single move when drawing the blade. The moment Xing Hen was unsheathed; her blood surged with exhilaration.

A sword cultivator’s swing wasn’t just a motion—it was a deeply instinctual act guided by the inner self. As her body moved, the spiritual energy of the world surged through her like never before.

It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

So even though Ning Ning yelled “I’m never practicing again” like a tired old dog, she still resumed training under Meng Jue after a short break, learning one move after another.

She wasn’t kidding when she said she once planned to conquer the college entrance exam.

Practicing swordsmanship wasn’t all that different from studying. Everyone had different aptitudes, mastery came through effort, and no one got far without learning from a master. Some geniuses fell, and some nobody climbed their way up from the bottom.

And those major and minor exams? They weren’t all that different from the secret realm trials in the cultivation world.

She had survived endless math, science, and history practice tests. Was she supposed to be afraid of a sword technique that didn’t even require much thinking?

“The Golden Serpent Sword Technique originates from Miao territory. It relies on unpredictability—overhand chops, angled thrusts—all can defeat the enemy in a flash. It’s not bound by fixed forms. This move, ‘Golden Light Serpent Shadow” is the deadliest. By splitting sword energy, it allows a single person to command a hundred swords. Watch closely.”

Meng Jue adjusted her stance, then withdrew his hands from her shoulders and personally demonstrated the move.

As Ning Ning listened, her brain automatically translated it into her English teacher’s classroom voice.

“Remember this phrase! If you add an inversion or attributive clause, and don’t stick to fixed sentence patterns, you’ll get a high score with multiple advanced expressions in your essay.”

So relatable.

The Golden Serpent Sword Technique had countless variations—not something that could be learned overnight. Fortunately, Meng Jue had fully mastered the sword heart, making him one of the best instructors of his generation. Ning Ning’s body also had exceptional natural talent, and within three days, she had mostly gotten the hang of it.

And the most important part of all.

Training (eating) with Senior Brother Meng meant she got to eat meat!

That’s right. Among the many poverty-stricken sword cultivators, Meng Jue stood out. He was rich enough to afford meals from the sect’s cafeteria.

“Xuanxu Sword Sect? Poor?”

Meng Jue chuckled softly at the question. He truly was the epitome of an elegant nobleman, his peach blossom eyes glittering like starlight.

“Little junior sister, Xuanxu is the number one sword sect. Naturally, we are not short on funds. It’s not the sect that’s poor, it’s the people spending the money. Very few are like Master, who gave up everything in pursuit of the sword.”

Ning Ning tilted her head, thinking: Oh, that makes sense.

Their eccentric, sword-obsessed master was always flying around the world. The moment he saw a rare sword or manual; he’d buy it without hesitation.

The original Ning Ning was spoiled and lacked any concept of saving, so her poverty was destined.

The little junior brother also spent money like water, and as a pampered royal descendant, he had no understanding of hardship and had been swindled out of countless spirit stones.

As for the senior sister she hadn’t met yet, according to the novels she was a full-time drunk who lived for swords, alcohol, and beautiful people.

Turns out, the entire sect wasn’t poor—it was just this bunch of weirdos in their master’s personal lineage.

Birds of a feather flock together. A bunch of broke weirdos gathered in one place—what a group.

After three days of training (eating meat) with Meng Jue, Ning Ning received a transmission talisman from their master, Tian Xianzi, inviting her to his residence to meet the new junior disciple.

It was the male lead, Pei Ji.

She held the paper crane-shaped talisman, gently rolling it between her fingers. Leaning against the doorway, Ning Ning furrowed her brows and gave a faint smile.

Up till now, it had all been child’s play. But the upcoming plot… would not be so kind to her.

…

According to Tian Xianzi, the mountaintop was too barren, and the mountain base lacked dignity. The best spot for a residence was halfway up the mountain, that was the real celestial lifestyle.

The book had never described the residence in detail, so when Ning Ning arrived at the mid-level of Yuheng Peak, she was momentarily stunned.

At first glance, it looked like a beautifully crafted replica of a traditional garden pavilion—painted beams and carved rafters, jade railings and marble steps. Untrimmed spiritual plants spiraled upward, emerald leaves entwining with a flying dragon sculpture above the building. It had a sense of wild vitality amidst elegance.

But upon closer inspection, something fell off.

The jewel in the dragon’s eye was missing.

Several delicate wood carvings had been pried off.

There were faint marks left by paintings that had been removed from the walls. As for those paintings—gone.

The grand hall was completely empty. Not a single piece of furniture remained. Like a butterfly leaving its chrysalis, all that was left was a massive empty shell.

Ning Ning: “…”

This man was truly poor.

She had heard that to buy a superior Qing Sword; he once tried to auction off his own residence within the sect at a high price. In the end, several elders joined forces to stop him. They each chipped in some money, and only then did he give up the idea.

After all, it would be a disgrace if word got out that the prestigious Elder Tian Xian of the Xuanxu Sword Sect was so poor he had to sell his house.

“Yo, Ning Ning!”

The young man in white robes instantly sensed her presence and turned around, grinning and waving cheerfully.
“I heard you mastered the Golden Snake Sword Technique in just three days! Impressive for someone so young! Makes selling my pants to get it back for the sect all worth it!”

Who wants to hear about you selling your pants?!
Wait, did you come back naked back then?!

Ning Ning felt that the entire Golden Snake Sword Technique now had an ominous vibe.

Every time she thought of “Golden Light, Serpent Shadow,” she couldn’t help but picture her master flying with the sword manual in hand—his leg hair fluttering wildly in the wind.

Yup. That’s the image.

“Thank you, Master,” Ning Ning replied with a smile.

She lifted her gaze and saw two others in the main hall.

Lin Xun wore blue robes; his black hair tied neatly behind him. When he saw her, his round, dark eyes sparkled like a puppies, and he greeted her with a cheerful, “Little Martial Sister!”

It was noon, and golden sunlight streamed in through the windows. Standing amidst the shimmering light and shadow, even his eyelashes seemed dusted with golden powder. He looked warm and radiant.

Standing on the other side was Pei Ji, completely enveloped in shadow.

His expression was still cold and indifferent as always, with a faint, almost imperceptible trace of mockery in the corners of his eyes. Dressed in black, he appeared even more somber in the gloom, and his bloodless face looked even paler by contrast.

“This is your new junior brother, Pei Ji — you two should already be somewhat acquainted,” said Tian Xianzi, clearly oblivious to the concept of jealousy between people. He was so carefree, it was no wonder the original Ning Ning had dared to act so wildly.
“Though he was formerly an outer sect disciple, he’s now reached the second level of the Golden Core realm. What’s even rarer is his steadfast sword heart. I hope you’ll train and spar often—you’ll both benefit greatly.”

Ning Ning gave Pei Ji a faint smile. “Junior Brother.”

“Oh, oh, oh! She smiled so sweetly!”
“Pei Ji, say something back! This girl’s your senior—it’s fate, right?!”

Pei Ji’s sword spirit, Cheng Ying, was twisting wildly inside him. He frowned and suppressed it with spiritual power, but still answered emotionlessly, “Senior Sister.”

He frowns the moment he sees me. Is it really that unbearable?

Ning Ning said nothing more and turned her gaze back to Tian Xianzi.

“Today, I’ve called you here for two reasons.”
The young man gave a lazy grin and gestured with his hand.
“First, as fellow disciples, you should meet and get acquainted. Second, I want to check on your cultivation progress.”

Lin Xun paled for a moment.
“Master, you don’t mean to have the three of us… duel with swords?”

Tian Xianzi answered righteously, “Would I let my precious disciples injure each other?”

Wow, Master really cares about us!

The little white dragon breathed a sigh of relief, feeling overwhelmed by the kindness—until Tian Xianzi continued.
“If you all get injured, I’d have to pay for the medicine! That just won’t do!”

Lin Xun fell completely silent.

“So, I’ve come up with a better idea,” Tian Xianzi chuckled.
“How about a trip into the Pagoda of Ascension?”

The Pagoda of Ascension was a training ground for disciples of the Xuanxu Sword Sect.

The tower had 100 levels, each containing a separate illusion realm. Only by overcoming each illusion could one ascend to the next floor. The levels grew increasingly difficult, and the place trapped countless demonic remnants and vengeful spirits. The scenarios were vivid and complex, often indistinguishable from real-world trials outside the sect.

“I’ve already chosen the level for you. I’ll open it directly as a special case.”

Tian Xianzi said, “Level 40 — Midnight Visit to the Star-Picking Pavilion. It’s perfect for Golden Core-level cultivators. Interested?”

At the mention of “Star-Picking Pavilion,” Ning Ning’s brow twitched.

In the original novel, the original Ning Ning was defeated in that very place…

…beaten to a pulp and thrown out of the illusion, left bedridden for half a month.

…

Illusion Realm: Star-Picking Pavilion

Moonlight and starlight scattered across the river like golden fragments. A flower barge drifted along the current, and the seductive songs of courtesans floated with the breeze, soft enough to melt bones.

Riverside buildings towered with layers upon layers. Between ornate eaves and carved balconies, the glazed tiles glistened under the moonlight, illuminating the pointed rooftops. Dim lantern light seeped from intricately carved windows, casting a soft glow over the entire high-rise—like mist, like gauze—a realm fit for the heavens.

It was said that from the top of the Star-Picking Pavilion, one could pluck stars and embrace the moon. The entrance bustled with traffic and guests.

Ning Ning stood alone before its doors when a coy female voice teased beside her,
“Young lady, have you come here looking for someone special?”

A faint scent of rouge wafted by. Lanterns flickered, casting shadows over flirtatious figures of women in their seductive attire.

Star-Picking Pavilion was a brothel.

Tian Xianzi really knew how to pick a location.

Although the three of them had entered the illusion realm simultaneously, they had been separated once inside. Before Ning Ning could reply, a commotion erupted nearby.

“You slut! I only touched you once, why act so high and mighty?!”

“Sorry, sir! She’s new here and doesn’t know the rules—you, come apologize immediately!”

Ah.
What a painfully outdated plot. Like a romance novel revival from twenty years ago.

Ning Ning knew exactly what was coming. She turned slowly—only to lock eyes with a pair of tear-filled, sorrowful eyes.

A young man in a yellow robe glared coldly while cursing nonstop. The girl in a white dress covered her face as she cried, stubbornly turning her head away. But when her eyes met Ning Ning’s gaze, a flicker of emotion passed through them.

Ning Ning turned away expressionlessly.

Fireworks, pavilions, a hero saving a damsel in distress—such tired, cliché setups, and yet these demons still insisted on using them.

—This was all a trap set by the final boss.

The bullied girl was fake. The arrogant man was also fake. If anyone stepped in to uphold justice, the girl would “repay their kindness” by taking them to a room.

Then she would slowly peel off her human-skin mask, revealing a twisted, monstrous face underneath.

The Star-Plucking Pavilion appeared to be a regular red-light district, but all the women inside were demons. They were controlled by the mysterious “Lady White Bones,” and to them, every guest was nothing more than a fresh, hot meal.

The illusion’s main plot wasn’t difficult. Lady White Bones was troublesome, but with the strength of the three of them, she shouldn’t be a problem. What no one expected, however, was the rare surprise hiding inside this illusion.

Or rather—an ultra-hard hidden boss.

Even after they defeated Lady White Bones with all their strength, the illusion didn’t collapse. Only then did they discover a far more terrifying monster still lurking inside the building.

The original Ning Ning had been severely beaten by that monster when she was already exhausted.

And of course, Ning Ning had no intention of repeating the same mistake!

While she was forced by the system to play the part of a villainess, that didn’t mean she wanted to suffer like the original character did. The original went through a lot of pain—and Ning Ning wasn’t interested in going through any of it.

That was also why she worked so hard to master the Golden Serpent Sword Technique.

She didn’t want to rely on clinging to others just to survive in the cultivation world. With talent like hers, she should carve her own path and break through every deadly trap on her own.

This time, for instance, she refused to be tossed out of the illusion, covered in blood.

When the girl noticed Ning Ning deliberately turning away, she whimpered in a pitiful voice, “Miss, please help me!”

Ning Ning gave her a calm, sidelong glance.

If she stepped in to help, the demons would mark her as their next “meal.” They’d watch her every move, making it hard to act freely and break the illusion from within.

It was said that righteous cultivators’ flesh was particularly tender and delicious.

Well then… why not just play the villain?

After all, she was a villainess.

“Ling Bo is just a lowly singer, selling her art but not her body. If that young lord lays his hands on me…” the girl cried behind her hands. “Could it be that you look down on me because of my low status?”

Ning Ning answered without hesitation, “Yep.”

The girl’s expression twitched violently.

Sorry, villainesses don’t have morals. You can’t guilt-trip one with virtue.

The expressions of everyone nearby froze at the same time.

Something’s off… This girl radiated sword energy—clearly a disciple of a righteous sword sect. Why was she acting so…

…completely unhinged?

But the real shock hadn’t even started.

The purple-robed girl with a sword at her waist gave a faint smile and casually wrapped an arm around the waist of a nearby woman. “I’ll take this one.”

Then she glanced around the room, clearly pleased, and pointed grandly at another woman next to the man in yellow. “This big sister looks nice too.”

“Mi-Miss,” the woman hesitated, “I’ve already been claimed by that gentleman over there for the evening…”

“So, what!”

Ning Ning cut her off instantly, mimicking a familiar tone. “He just touched you a bit—don’t act so pure.”

The woman’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the man in yellow. “Sir, please help me!”

The man yelled indignantly, “You shameless scoundrel! How dare you force—”

Mid-sentence, he froze.

What the hell was he getting indignant for?! He’s the bad guy in this scene! And wasn’t this brat using his own dialogue word for word?!

He’d never seen someone so shameless in his life!

A woman who seemed to be in charge stepped forward with an awkward smile. “Miss… which one do you prefer?”

“Huh?”

Ning Ning glanced up, flexing her right hand. “I want all of them.”

Her senior brother had told her once—sword cultivators should be confident!

The girl in white: …

The manager: …

By the time Lin Xun arrived at the Star-Plucking Pavilion, he was already a bit late.

He had heard from his senior brothers and sisters that there was a “hero saves beauty” plot here—he needed to rescue a singer from the clutches of a misbehaving young master.

He approached the scene nervously, only to witness…

That grinning rogue surrounded by women, arms wrapped around them.

That scoundrel holding one girl’s hand and shamelessly saying, “Don’t be scared! If I don’t pay, it doesn’t count as whoring!”

That despicable villain he was supposed to beat up—

Why the hell was it his little senior sister???

Ning Ning spotted him and offered a polite smile.

She didn’t care in the slightest what the little white dragon was thinking. Her only focus was on how to defeat the ultimate monster without a scratch.

Or better yet—tear this entire hellhole apart.