After Constantly Courting Death, I Became the White Moonlight - Chapter 8

A crimson purgatory, the scent of white bones in the air.

Inside the Star-Picking Pavilion, where music and dance flowed like water and men and women reveled in endless pleasure, no one would have imagined that beneath this building lurked two terrifying monsters that struck fear into the hearts of many.

The Star Scar Sword glimmered with radiant light. Under the dim, ever-burning lamps of the room, it looked as if it were sheathed in a veil of soft moonlight. Venomous spiders swarmed forward, only to be instantly sliced apart by the sword.

Yin Mountain Ghost Mother was startled.

She had assumed the girl was bluffing, but judging by her fluid and composed movements, her cultivation was already above the second level of the Golden Core stage.

Had she been in peak condition, defeating Ning Ning wouldn’t have been difficult. But after a grueling battle with the Bone Lady that drained 40% of her strength, even going all out would at best end in a draw.

She mustn’t be hasty.

She comforted herself inwardly—after all, orthodox sword cultivators were mostly straightforward and direct in their techniques. They might fare well in one-on-one combat, but when surrounded by venomous spiders from all directions, there was no way they could find them off—

Suddenly, the Ghost Mother froze.

It felt like she’d just been slapped hard across the face, leaving her stunned from the pain.

What kind of sword technique was that?!

The trajectory of the Star Scar Sword suddenly shifted. The blade’s movements became strange and unpredictable. The sword light split into several luminous afterimages, swirling like a flurry of serpents leaping into the air, striking the incoming spiders with astonishing speed.

The sword’s release was fast, the sword aura vicious, and her movements impossibly elusive. Not to mention mere monsters, even dark cultivators would probably gasp and say she looked like someone from the demonic sects.

Was this really a sword technique orthodox cultivators should be using?!

Outside the Mystic Mirror, Sword Sovereign Zhen Xiao nodded slightly. “The Selling-Pants Sword Technique.”

He still hadn’t forgotten the time his junior sold his pants to buy a sword manual.

“It’s the Golden Serpent Sword Technique! She’s only learned it a few days ago, and she’s already using it this fluently?”

Tian Xianzi ignored him, clapping gleefully with delight. “She’s adapting to the situation—very good, very good. Looks like Ghost Mother’s spiders are all going to be devoured by snakes.”

“Watch closely,” Zhen Xiao said calmly. “The Ghost Mother is making a move.”

Yin Mountain Ghost Mother wasn’t stupid. She knew now wasn’t the time to confront Ning Ning head-on. With most of the girl’s attention occupied by the spiders, it was the perfect moment for a surprise attack from behind.

Unlike the self-righteous orthodox cultivators, demons and monsters had no such moral constraints. To win, they would use any means necessary.

A brief, fleeting smile appeared at the corner of her lips. The eight thin spider legs beneath her coiled like springs, and in a burst of power, she launched herself forward. Her movements were so fast they blurred. By the time Ning Ning sensed the cold gust of wind behind her and turned around, the Ghost Mother was already close.

Switching sword styles took time. At Ning Ning’s level, it was impossible to seamlessly transition into another form within a breath.

Moreover, while the Golden Serpent Sword Technique was unpredictable and wide-reaching—great for fighting multiple enemies—its strength was too dispersed. Against a powerful opponent in a direct clash, its force wasn’t focused enough.

This battle was hers for the taking.

The Ghost Mother was certain of victory—yet, to her surprise, Ning Ning didn’t show the shock or fear she had expected.

Instead, the girl raised a brow at her—as if she had seen this coming all along.

Then, sword light burst from Ning Ning’s hand, surging straight for the Ghost Mother’s head.

The woman’s cloudy eyes narrowed sharply.

This sword technique…!

Outside the bronze mirror, Tian Xianzi jumped to his feet in excitement, knocking over a teacup with his long robes. “That… that move isn’t even recorded in the Golden Serpent Sword Manual! Ning Ning has already comprehended a sword technique beyond the basics!”

Zhen Xiao, arms folded, for once gave a rare reply. “Indeed.”

Until now, his impression of Ning Ning was merely “a clever person.” She knew how to assess the situation, think quickly, and use strategy to overcome the stronger Yin Mountain Ghost Mother—very much in line with her master Tian Xianzi’s style.

But that was it.

As a sword cultivator through and through, Zhen Xiao didn’t really approve of such roundabout tactics.

In his eyes, true sword cultivators should draw their blades and charge forward using the purest, most unrelenting violence to subdue evil. Even if they lost, at least the battle would be honest and satisfying.

But in this moment, the famed Sword Sovereign Zhen Xiao’s expression shifted slightly. He couldn’t help but let a faint smile tug at his lips.

In the mirror, the young girl’s skirt fluttered, stirring a breeze oddly soft and graceful for such a grim environment.

And amid this faint scent of elegance, the Star Scar Sword gave a crisp hum as its scattered starlight shadows began to converge.

The spirit serpent emerged from its lair—countless serpent shadows gathered and fused along the blade, coalescing into a dazzling golden radiance that surged upward with the momentum of a rising dragon.

Countless small snakes could never devour a giant beast.

But a celestial dragon could, effortlessly.

“This move is called: Spirit Serpent Becomes Dragon.”

The long sword pierced through thick webs with precision, plunging straight into the Ghost Mother’s heart. Ning Ning smiled at her. “If I don’t practice swordsmanship, Senior Brother won’t give me food. You should blame him.”

In the original novel, the protagonist had been severely injured by this Ghost Mother’s venomous spiders. Knowing how troublesome they were, Ning Ning had been especially diligent when learning the Golden Serpent Sword Technique from her senior brother.

As for this final, hidden move—she had grasped it while high on grilled duck and fish, euphoric from the feast. Her senior brother had later given her a few pointers to help her focus on the force more effectively.

Ning Ning wasn’t particularly powerful, but she was extremely cautious—there was no way she’d fall twice in the same place the protagonist had fallen before.

The Yin Mountain Ghost Mother fell to the ground, face full of disbelief, her breath gradually fading. A small, round, emerald-green pearl slowly rose from where her heart had been.

Ning Ning caught it in her hand.

Since it was a once-in-a-century Easter egg, it was bound to come with a very special reward. The Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl, which contained both the Ghost Mother’s cultivation and deadly poison, was the trophy for clearing the stage.

With its master dead, the barrier inside the underground cave began to tremble and collapse, on the verge of crumbling at any moment.

Ning Ning grabbed the pearl and rushed out. As she stepped into the narrow, shaking tunnel, a deafening boom echoed behind her—

The rocks from the cave ceiling crashed down, the walls caved in, and the limp spider webs and bloody stains covering the walls gave the place an indescribably eerie atmosphere.

The tunnel she was in was equally perilous, stones falling like toppled building blocks, one after another, without warning. After much difficulty, she finally caught sight of the orange glow of the exit. But along with that light came a shadow in black—vaguely familiar.

Suddenly, a gust of sword wind swept by, and a sharp sword aura came slashing toward her—

A loud explosion followed as a boulder that was about to fall on her head blasted away.

“Little Senior Sister, are you okay?!”

Another white-clad figure appearing at the cave entrance was Lin Xun, who they hadn’t seen for a while. Seeing that Ning Ning was unharmed, he instinctively grabbed her arm and quickly pulled her out of the tunnel.

Realizing the gesture might’ve been a bit too intimate, the small dragon horns atop his head twitched slightly, and he quickly let go with reddened ears.

Ning Ning didn’t notice the pale pink blush on his horns. Still shaken, she patted her chest. “That scared me to death! Thanks, Little Junior Brother.”

After a pause, she turned to Pei Ji, who had just saved her life. “You too—thank you.”

Pei Ji, still looking cold and distant, had a trace of killing intent lingering in his dark eyes. His voice was hoarse. “No need.”

He answered curtly, but Ning Ning didn’t mind. Something more important was on her mind.

If she hadn’t interfered, then according to the original plot, it should have been the male lead Pei Ji who killed the Ghost Mother and obtained the Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl.

Though the pearl was highly toxic, it could suppress the demonic bloodline inside Pei Ji. He had suffered from demonic energy for years, plagued by physical pain and growing increasingly cold and ruthless. With the pearl, things would ease considerably.

…Not to mention, she had essentially stolen this opportunity by deviating from the original storyline.

She didn’t want a stolen fortune.

“Why the deadpan face? Looking down on me? I didn’t let you save me for free.”

Ning Ning snorted and, imitating the tone of the original host with great dedication, tossed the jade-green pearl in her arms at him. “There was a Ghost Mother under the building. I took care of her. This pearl dropped—take it as a thank-you gift. I refuse to owe you a life.”

Inwardly, she gave herself thunderous applause. This was the true spirit of Lei Feng—doing good without leaving a name.

Even if the male lead never understood her good intentions… well, she was a good socialist successor. Seeing how pitiful he looked; it was like raising a son.

After all, the male lead had it really rough early on.

Pei Ji froze. “I don’t need it.”

“I said take it, just take it. I don’t even want this stupid—ow!”

Before Ning Ning could finish her sentence, someone smacked her hard on the head.

When she opened her eyes again, the celestial halls around them had vanished like smoke, and the three of them were back in Tian Xianzi’s shabby little courtyard.

“What stupid pearl? That’s the Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl—it contains most of the Ghost Mother’s life’s cultivation. It’s a top-grade treasure weapon.”

Tian Xianzi smiled helplessly. “You silly girl. I was just about to praise your performance today, but now you’re showing how ignorant you are. No wonder you’re broke.”

Ning Ning pouted and frowned.

Seriously, you, Master, are the last person qualified to say that!

“Your mission at the Starseizer Pavilion—both your Senior Uncle Zhenxiao and I were watching.”

Tian Xianzi continued, “Lin Xun is still a bit soft-hearted. When sword energy arises from compassion, the sword intent naturally lacks aggression. Pei Ji is sharp-minded with a natural sword physique—a born swordsman, though he harbors too much killing intent. As for you, Ning Ning—how did you figure out the mystery at Starseizer Pavilion?”

Ning Ning scratched her nose and made something up. “I sensed demonic energy underground, but Senior Brothers and Sisters who’d been there said the Pavilion had no basement. That reminded me of a clue from The Tower Secrets, so I guessed it might be the Yin Mountain Ghost Mother.”

Tian Xianzi burst out laughing. “Not bad! Bold and meticulous! You even grasped a variant of the Golden Snake Sword Technique. Today, you performed the best!”

As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes and reached into his sleeve. “I specially prepared a small gift as a reward. Your master doesn’t have much, but I hope you won’t mind—take this and go eat whatever you want.”

Ning Ning’s eyes lit up instantly.

Whatever I want to eat?! That must be a ton of money! Or maybe it’s some ultra-rare token—pull it out, and even the cafeteria ladies would bow down and call it legendary! All hail her mighty favor!

Thank you, Master! You’re the best! True love does exist among the poor!

Then Ning Ning’s smile froze on her face.

Tian Xianzi chuckled and, with a flick of his wrist, pulled out a pair of…

…chopsticks.

Ning Ning’s pupils quaked in shock.

Take chopsticks, go eat what you want.

Flawless logic. Truly worthy of being her Master.

A dejected Lin Xun returned to his room first to contemplate sword intent. After a while, only Ning Ning and Pei Ji remained in the courtyard.

Pei Ji intended to return the Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl to her.

He had never accepted anything from others, nor had anyone ever been willing to give him something. Previously, Ning Ning thought it was just a useless, worthless bead and casually tossed it to him, which was understandable. But now, after Tian Xianzi revealed its true value, such a precious item must be secretly regretting her impulsive decision.

The black-clad youth frowned slightly and spoke in a low, somewhat unnatural voice, “Senior Sister.”

What did he want?

Ning Ning turned her head, only to meet Pei Ji’s gloomy, dark phoenix eyes. The shape of his eyes was naturally seductive, yet he forced them into a cold and fierce expression, like a wolf silently watching its prey.

The male lead probably didn’t like her—a spoiled and arrogant senior sister—and now, suddenly showing up like this… could it be…

Ning Ning quickly hid the chopsticks in her arms. “W-Why are you looking at me like that? Jealous of I got chopsticks? Well, I’m not giving them to you!”

What a joke—villainous female supporting roles aren’t supposed to be generous. The male lead must be upset that she received recognition from their master, even staring at a pair of chopsticks like that.

She already gave him the Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl!

Pei Ji: …

He was holding a priceless treasure in his hand, yet all she could focus on were those wooden chopsticks.
But Ning Ning didn’t give him a chance to explain. She turned and bolted off like the wind, vanishing from sight.

“Oh my god, the Yin Mountain Ghost Pearl? That thing’s been around for hundreds of years—an ancient treasure—and she just gave it to you? I’m telling you, this girl is either a fool, or she likes you.”

Cheng Ying gasped and concluded solemnly, “But no one could possibly be that stupid. That’s just not humanly possible. So, she likes you.”

Pei Ji said nothing. He lowered his gaze to the ghost pearl in his hand.

The small, thumb-sized bead glistened with a vivid green, gleaming enchantingly in the sunlight. Its brilliant, jade hue was dazzling and seductive, as if it could slip right into one’s heart.

Since he could remember, he had grown up under the abuse and cold indifference of his mother.

The neighborhood children knew he was the son of a demonic cultivator. Fearing the demon clan, no one wanted to be friends with him. Instead, they often ganged up to the corner and beat him.

This was the first time someone had ever willingly given him a gift.

And such a valuable one at that.

It was like a child who had never tasted candy suddenly getting a piece—no matter how sweet it was, someone who’d never known sweetness could only feel confusion and bewilderment.

He couldn’t understand why Ning Ning was being kind to him.

Especially… when he was like this.

Cheng Ying’s chatter continued in his ears. “This girl is amazing! She’s pretty, kind-hearted, and keeps finding ways to help you. If I were you, I’d already be head over heels for the fairy in her flowing robes—hey! Don’t walk away! Pei Ji, where are you going?”

The boy with red lips and white teeth carefully stored the pearl away. A dark shadow still clouded his eyes. “To practice swordsmanship.”

=====

After recovering in the courtyard for a few days, Ning Ning received another task prompt from the system.

[Ding dong!]

[After the battle at the Star Plucking Pavilion, you’re feeling bored and idle. You decide to take a walk in Qingxu Valley to relax but unexpectedly encounter Elder Wen Hemián of the Xuanxu Sect, who has lost all his cultivation.]

[Please follow the original plot and humiliate Wen Hemián.]

Oh oh oh! It’s finally time for his appearance!

In the original novel, aside from the male lead, Ning Ning was most impressed by this Elder Wen.

Wen Hemián, born with a sword heart, was a prodigy of his generation and the youngest elder in the history of the Xuanxu Sword Sect. Unfortunately, during the great battle between immortals and demons ten years ago, though he and several top cultivators defeated the Demon Lord, he suffered grave injuries—his spiritual bones shattered, his sea of consciousness broken, and all his cultivation lost.

Since then, he had secluded himself in Qingxu Valley. The disciples knew a senior lived there and wisely kept their distance.

But the original Ning Ning had just suffered heartbreak at the Star Plucking Pavilion and being a headstrong young girl, barged in anyway.

As for the relationship between Wen Hemián and the original character, there was some history.

From birth, the original Ning Ning had shown incredible spiritual talent. One day, Wen Hemián happened to pass by the Ning residence. Admiring her potential, he openly said that when she grew up, if she wished to pursue the immortal path, she could join the Xuanxu Sect and take him as her master.

However, by the time she finally came of age, the long, drawn-out war between immortals and demons had begun. What followed was the fall of a prodigy—Wen Hemián’s injuries and his seclusion in Qingxu Valley.

Had things gone differently, he should have been her master.

Perhaps because of this, the original Ning Ning had treated Wen Hemián with particular harshness.

She believed her master should be someone of high standing. A crippled has-been like him was a joke not even worth mentioning.

No one expected that later in the story, Wen Hemián would encounter a great opportunity and regain his strength—so that by the time she tried to call him “Master” again, it was already too late.

Even Ning Ning got secondhand embarrassment reading that part.

Qingxu Valley was a place where immortals rested and recovered. Towering peaks in the distance were hidden among drifting clouds. Passing through a narrow path between cliffs, one would find a verdant and serene valley.

The breeze was gentle, the waters still. Fragrance of flowers mingled with dappled shadows. Sunlight, scattered across green branches, shimmered like broken glass. Spring’s grace was carried everywhere by the chirping of birds, and petals drifted gently in the wind, creating a soft pink haze.

Ning Ning heard a guqin.

She had studied music and had a natural gift for it. She could tell that though the melody was elegant and otherworldly, it carried a deep, unspoken sorrow—like a grief too thick to dissipate.

This was her first encounter with Wen Hemián, just like in the novel.

Wen Hemian was feeling dejected and unaccomplished, playing music on his zither in the valley. The original host had long looked down on him with contempt—not only did she speak rudely, but she also even smashed his ancient zither with a big rock.

Truly, there was no such thing as the “worst mistake”—only worse ones.

Every person she had provoked had later turned out to be someone untouchable, major figures she couldn’t afford to offend. With this kind of luck, it was like betting against the lottery and ending up with a seaside villa.

Expressionless, Ning Ning picked up a large rock and walked in the direction the music came from.

She walked slowly, and somehow—without warning—suddenly came to a complete stop.

Ning Ning: “?”—her confusion was written all over her face.

She tried putting strength into her right leg—no movement.

The left didn’t work either.

Her whole body felt like it had lost all strength, frozen in place.

“Wait, wait, wait, what’s going on?!”

Ning Ning furiously prodded the system in her mind, and that perpetually-playing-dead voice finally responded, though begrudgingly.

[You’ve been poisoned by the Bewitching Soul Flower. This flower grows throughout Qingxu Valley. Anyone below Nascent Soul stage who inhales its scent will suffer full-body paralysis for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Once you adapt, the effect will fade naturally.]

Oh no.

She had to stand there like this for a whole incense stick’s time. Wouldn’t Wen Hemian just walk away before then? How come the original host never ran into things like this? Could her luck be worse than the original?

What was this—lining up at the canteen only for the person ahead of her to take the last dish, needing a guaranteed pity pull to draw an SSR, and every time she messed up, it ended with her completely wrecked?

Ning Ning’s heart filled with question marks. Quickly, the question marks gathered… and turned into a big fat exclamation mark.

She was still holding the rock.

But she had no more strength.

Realizing what was about to happen, Ning Ning chose to face death with a smile.

Once, she had a perfect chance to self-destruct right in front of her, and she didn’t cherish it. Now that it was gone, she was filled with regret. If Heaven could give her another chance, Ning Ning would say that rock.

So, your falling speed… wasn’t five centimeters per second after all.

The rock dropped. It landed squarely on her foot.

Her five trembling toes curled up tightly, shaking together, finally understanding the true meaning of gentleness.

A breeze blew through, the clouds parted, and mist scattered.

Just then, Wen Hemian looked up—and happened to catch sight of a clear and graceful figure in the distance.

A lovely young girl stood alone beneath an ancient tree, surrounded by blooming white flowers.

She stood straight and still in the lonely valley, letting the wind stir her jet-black hair and snow-white dress hem. Shadows fluttered and fragrance drifted, as she silently lingered, looking cold, distant, and melancholic.

They stared at each other in silence. Amidst the music he played, a single tear rolled down from the girl’s eyes.

Wen Hemian was momentarily stunned.

This tune held endless sorrow, but it was deeply hidden others who heard it all said it felt serene and uplifting.

But she… she cried after hearing it.

This—this must be a true soulmate!

Seeing that he’d noticed her, Ning Ning couldn’t care about anything else. She struggled with all her might to move her lips, mouthing a few shaky words:

“Master, save me! Come quickly, please!”

Wen Hemian quietly looked at her, trying to read her lips.

“Old dreams… swiftly break free?”

What a thoughtful, well-mannered little disciple—so gentle even in her speech. She must have understood his past suffering and was trying to offer comfort.

But how could one easily escape from the nightmares of the past?

Wen Hemian gently shook his head at her, responding through music, his hands pressing harder—his tune growing more sorrowful, more soul-wrenching.

Seeing him shake his head and stay seated, Ning Ning wanted to vomit blood. She cried even harder.

This damn old dog! Not only is he not helping me, but he’s also even playing his zither more passionately! Please, act like a human being!!!

So, what if she hadn’t wanted to be his disciple back then? So, what if she had a bit of a spoiled personality?! She’s still just a child, wuwuwu!

The music grew heavier, stirring wind and rustling grass.

Wen Hemian lowered his long lashes, pale lips curved ever so slightly.

That girl truly felt it—she had grasped the ever-deepening sorrow within his melody. Her expression grew sadder, her tears flowed endlessly. Who knew how long it had been?

At last, someone had come to see this abandoned, forgotten man. At last, someone understood his music.

Soulmates were rare. One melody, never to end.

The lonely young man, moved by this unknown girl’s empathy, gave his all, continuing to play without reservation.

He saw her crying nonstop—surely, she had recalled some heart-wrenching memory.

Everyone has secrets they cannot speak. He didn’t want to intrude, and so he sat there patiently, waiting for her to cry it out.

And so, Ning Ning’s toes remained swollen.

The curses in her heart formed a rap track, and she kept cussing in rhythm with the melody the entire time.