I Ruined the Long Ao Tian Script-Chapter 51

What is real, what is illusion?

"……"

"……"

From humans to beasts, silence reigned.

Not only were Bai Roushuang and the others stunned, even the fierce beast froze in place. In all its existence, it had never been treated this way before.

The rogue before it offered an apologetic smile.

Amid the deafening silence, the faintest click of a mechanism reached everyone's ears.

As the beast's lips curled into a forced grin, a hidden passage materialized behind it.

Jiang Yan and the others gaped. "This actually worked?"

It seemed the Void Abyss Secret Realm's magical mechanism wasn't particularly discerning—it only cared that the beast showed a smile, whether genuine or feigned, voluntary or coerced.

Xu Shulou was just as surprised as her juniors. She'd only been fooling around on a whim, never expecting it to succeed.

The group moved closer to examine the painting. Bai Roushuang reached out curiously, but the artwork seemed alive, coiling around her fingers and startling her into retreat.

As she withdrew, the painting settled back into stillness.

"Senior Sister, this looks far too dangerous," Bai Roushuang pleaded. "Please reconsider."

Footsteps sounded behind them as a steward-like man ascended the stairs, eyeing the group with astonishment. "Which cultivator passed the Ink Qilin's judgment?"

"……" None of them had—they'd cheated.

But the beast's gaze betrayed Xu Shulou, forcing her to step forward. "And you are?"

"I'm one of the stewards of the Void Abyss Secret Realm. Whenever someone enters this chamber, a treasure alerts us." The man bowed to Xu Shulou. "Young lady, please accept my respects."

She quickly stopped him. "Why?"

"Young lady, our master raised the standards after too many cultivators became lost in this nameless painting," the steward explained. "Now, only those truly free of desire and pure of heart can make the Ink Qilin smile. My bow honors your virtue."

Xu Shulou, this "pure-hearted" soul, glanced guiltily at the beast, wondering if it would expose her.

The creature ignored her. Why stop someone so eager to court death?

The steward continued, "Even if you've passed the divine beast's test, you may still turn back. Are you certain you wish to enter the painting?"

"Yes."

"By my master's decree, I must ask: Do you understand the dangers within? Have you truly considered this?"

"Yes."

Feng Yi sighed silently. Some people seemed born to be drawn to peril—thriving in adversity, their resolve tempered by danger. Retreating might shake their fearless dao heart…

Only then did the steward produce a booklet from his storage pouch. "Young lady, this contains portraits of those lost in the painting. If you encounter them inside, perhaps you can guide them out—though your own escape must come first."

Xu Shulou accepted it and began flipping through.

The steward turned to Feng Yi. "Since our painter is here, let him sketch your portrait too. Should you fail to return, we'll add it to this record."

Feng Yi refused. "Are you cursing my senior sister? No!"

"……I merely speak plainly," the steward sighed. "This is for her sake, so future seekers may recognize her."

"Then I still won't do it!" Feng Yi glared before remembering the man was technically his superior. "Fine. If she's not back in a month, I'll paint it."

"But you—"

"Don't worry. I remember her face."

Reluctantly, the steward yielded. To Xu Shulou, he added, "The last page notes important warnings, though the few who returned faced entirely different trials, so our advice is limited. My master also bade me remind you: There are no inescapable traps in the painting. So long as your dao heart remains unbroken, you will find a way out."

Xu Shulou nodded. "I understand."

She memorized the final page's notes and studied each portrait, committing distinguishing features to memory—a mole here, a broken eyebrow there.

Uncertain if the booklet could enter the painting with her, she erred on the side of caution.

The steward watched her with approval.

Truly a pure soul—whether she succeeded or not, she earnestly sought to remember those faces, willing to save them…

As he mused, Xu Shulou tucked the booklet away and smiled. "One more request: Could you lure the Soaring Eagle Sect here? I want them to witness my entry."

The steward blinked. "You're the one they're chasing—the 'hero' who groped the demonic cultivator at the auction, then kidnapped her when you couldn't pay?"

Hero? What a diplomatic choice of words from someone who'd risen to steward in a place like this. One could only guess what insult he'd originally intended.

The "hero" Xu clasped her hands. "I'm undeserving."

The steward sighed. "Very well."

Xu Shulou returned the token to her third junior brother, instructing him to hide with the others and the little fox.

Soon, the steward's theatrically panicked voice echoed below: "Oh no! The woman the Soaring Eagle Sect is hunting is entering the top-floor painting!"

He sprinted downstairs, shouting it thrice with commendable professionalism.

"What? Where?" The Soaring Eagle Sect took the bait.

A clamor of footsteps approached. Ensuring they saw her clearly, Xu Shulou smirked and leaped into the painting.

Darkness swallowed her.

———

"Today marks the wedding of Lingxiao Sect and Dustless Island disciples. May this union bind two sects in eternal harmony…"

A booming voice rang in her ears. Xu Shulou steadied herself, taking in the festive scene—countless red lanterns floating midair, decorations everywhere, tables laden with feasts.

A shower of red envelopes drifted down. She caught one, finding a note for 100 premium spirit stones inside, redeemable with the attendants after the banquet.

"Quite generous," she mused, scanning the crowd. "But whose wedding is this?"

She tested her spiritual energy, finding her core barren—barely stronger than a mortal's.

The booklet was gone, though her folding fan remained, now just an ordinary accessory without spiritual power. Her storage bracelet, too, had become mere jewelry.

"Remember: There are no inescapable traps in the painting. So long as your dao heart remains unbroken, you will find a way out."

Recalling the steward's words, Xu Shulou sighed. Without her spiritual power, she wondered if she could rely on her Daoist heart to endure if a fight broke out.

To soothe her trembling heart, she reached out and snatched another red envelope.

The girl beside her failed to grab one and shot her a glare before turning to complain to her companion, "Senior Sister Bai was already magnanimous enough to allow her to attend the wedding banquet. Who would’ve thought she’d actually have the audacity to show up? And now she’s shamelessly snatching red envelopes too!"

Her voice was deliberately loud, clearly meant for Xu Shulou to hear.

Xu Shulou opened the envelope and shook it in front of the girl. "Another hundred top-grade spirit stones. How’s that for envy?"

"You—" The girl gritted her teeth, glaring at her, but unwilling to cause a scene at the wedding, she stomped her foot and dragged her companion away.

Seeing the shower of red envelopes had ended, Xu Shulou stepped forward and took in the wedding decorations. "This is… the Lingxiao Sect?"

Spotting a familiar figure passing by, she hurried after him. "Fourth Junior Brother!"

Shan Yu turned at the sound of her voice, his gaze icy, as if looking upon an enemy. Without a word, he walked away.

Instead, the fifth junior brother paused, his expression complicated. "Senior… Xu Shulou, the elders have shown great forbearance by allowing you to attend. Don’t push your luck. If you dare cause trouble at this wedding, I’ll be the first to deal with you!"

"…" Xu Shulou understood. "A scripted drama, then? So this painting is drawing from this dream memory. I thought it would be…"

She chuckled self-deprecatingly. If that was the case, the wedding must belong to Lu Beichen and Bai Roushuang.

And she was cast as the senior sister who schemed relentlessly to obstruct their relationship, only to have her cultivation crippled and be expelled from the sect.

No wonder everyone here kept glancing at her with disdain, whispering behind her back.

After a moment’s thought, she carefully tucked the red envelope into her robe and wandered to a flower garden, where she began picking blossoms.

"Is she insane?" someone murmured.

Lu Beichen had chosen a fine season for his wedding—the garden was in full bloom.

Xu Shulou arranged the flowers into a delicate bouquet of soft pinks and reds, admiring her handiwork with satisfaction.

"Shulou." A familiar male voice called from behind her.

Followed by a gentle, melodious female voice: "Senior Sister Xu."

Xu Shulou stood and faced the newlyweds, Lu Beichen and Bai Roushuang, both dressed in vibrant red. She offered the bouquet. "I’m penniless now, so consider this my gift. May you… remain devoted to each other for a lifetime."

Bai Roushuang’s beautiful eyes flickered over the flowers. "These are for us?" freewebnσvel.cѳm

"Regardless, this is my first time attending your wedding. It’s only proper to bring something," Xu Shulou replied with a smile. "One shouldn’t come empty-handed to a celebration."

Bai Roushuang accepted the bouquet with a smile. "Senior Sister, have you been seated? Let me arrange a place for you—perhaps at the same table as our Bright Moon Peak brothers."

A clever little junior sister indeed. Xu Shulou suppressed a bitter laugh—she had no intention of subjecting herself to their cold stares. "No need. Why make everyone uncomfortable? I’ll find a seat at the last table."

"Shulou, must you be so difficult?" Lu Beichen sighed. "Roushuang is being kind. Can’t you just accept it?"

Xu Shulou instinctively corrected him, "She dislikes being called 'Roushuang.'"

Both of them froze. Lu Beichen turned to Bai Roushuang in confusion. "You don’t like it?"

"Of course not," Bai Roushuang said sweetly. "Senior Sister must have misunderstood."

Lu Beichen seemed to think Xu Shulou was scheming again, shaking his head before leading Bai Roushuang away.

But before leaving, Bai Roushuang glanced back at Xu Shulou, her expression unreadable.

As the couple walked through the banquet, the guests marveled at their perfect match—Bai Roushuang’s crimson lips radiant, her beauty unmatched.

Xu Shulou settled at the last table.

On the ceremonial stage, an announcer called out, "First bow to heaven and earth!"

She rested her chin on her hand, watching intently. This scene hadn’t appeared in her dreams before—it was entirely the painting’s creation. Yet she couldn’t fathom why. If the painting truly knew her memories, it should understand she felt no sorrow over this.

"Second bow to the elders!"

Both sets of parents had long departed this world, so the bows were directed to Lu Beichen’s master, Wei Xuandao, and Bai Roushuang’s master, Elder Changyu.

"Husband and wife bow to each other!"

As they bowed, the guests erupted in cheers. Xu Shulou noticed her junior brothers clustered around Bai Roushuang, showering her with playful blessings.

Smiling faintly, she picked up her chopsticks and helped herself to a roasted chicken leg.

A poorly dressed male cultivator beside her scoffed. "You really have no shame, do you?"

Xu Shulou glanced at him. "Aren’t we all here for the free food? Who are you to judge?"

The man hesitated, then whispered curiously, "Aren’t you heartbroken?"

"Why would I be?"

"The man you love married another. Your closest juniors now dote on her, while you’re exiled to sit with freeloaders like us."

Xu Shulou served herself a steamed meatball. "It’s fine. Their table has the same dishes as ours."

"…True," the man conceded. "Even the Lingxiao Sect wouldn’t dare be too blatantly snobbish."

She poured herself a cup of Lingxiao flower wine—its rich yet crisp flavor a delight on the tongue.

Her mind wandered to whether she could ask Wei Xuandao for some once she returned to reality.

The man nudged her arm. "You’re quite interesting. So, did you really commit those crimes against your sect in a moment of madness?"

Xu Shulou sighed. "You’re a real charmer, aren’t you?"

He shrugged. "Before coming, I bet someone you’d cause a scene at the wedding."

Xu Shulou pointed at the table. "The spirit herbs are about to be gone."

While the others scrambled for the qi-infused delicacies, she calmly enjoyed her chicken and meatballs.

Midway through a bite of dragon’s beard candy, Bai Roushuang’s voice rang out. "Senior Sister!"

All eyes turned to Xu Shulou. She finished the candy unhurriedly before responding, "Yes?"

"Master never says it, but I know he misses you," Bai Roushuang said gently. "Even if you dislike me, won’t you stay to see him out of gratitude?"

"…Very well."

Xu Shulou was led to a room to wait. She reclined in a rocking chair, eyes closed, committing the faces from the booklet to memory.

Until the door creaked open.

"Senior Sister."

"Junior Sister."

Bai Roushuang smiled at her with a coy, triumphant expression: "Senior Sister, I won."

"Congratulations."

"Actually, between us, I've already won against you long ago," Bai Roushuang looked down at her. "And I've won against many other women too, becoming Beichen's rightful wife."

Xu Shulou gazed at her and sighed softly: "The real you is much more likable, and your life is easier too."

"What nonsense are you spouting? This is reality," Bai Roushuang leaned closer. "Senior Sister, have you finally lost your mind? Has your hatred for me driven you mad?"

"I don’t hate you."

"I ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‍don’t believe you."

"What do you plan to do?"

Bai Roushuang drew a dagger and plunged it into her own abdomen, carefully avoiding vital meridians, then cried out, "Help! Help!"

A flicker of emotion finally crossed Xu Shoulou’s face: "...Are you serious? I’ve lost all my spiritual power—who would believe I could harm you?"

"Of course they’ll believe me. They always believe me," Bai Roushuang’s lips curled into a smile even as a trickle of blood escaped the corner of her mouth. "I’ll tell them you were driven mad by this wedding feast."

Xu Shulou steadied her: "Why go to such lengths?"

"With spiritual medicine, this wound will heal quickly," Bai Roushuang, hearing approaching footsteps, collapsed into her arms. "A little pain in exchange for your life—it’s a fair trade. Why aren’t you angry? Why are you looking at me like that? Are you... pitying me?"

Xu Shulou studied her, her expression devoid of rage, only tinged with sorrow: "I don’t know what choices led you to this point, but in reality, I would have done everything to prevent this ending..."

Her words cut off abruptly as a sword pierced through her chest.

Xu Shulou followed the blade to the hand gripping it: "Junior Brother..."

"I told you, you’re no longer my senior sister," Shan Yu said coldly, withdrawing the sword without sparing her another glance as he steadied Bai Roushuang. "Junior Sister, are you alright? Someone, help! Junior Sister is injured!"

Xu Shulou slid to the ground, arranging herself into a less painful position. Amid the chaotic footsteps, she still couldn’t comprehend—what was this painting trying to achieve?

To torment her with these people and shatter her Dao heart?

But she had already endured this cruelty and favoritism in her dreams...

Bai Roushuang, now cradled in Lu Beichen’s arms, was quickly revived with spiritual medicine. Struggling upright, she retrieved an object from her Qiankun Ring: "Senior Sister is pitiful too. Recite the Futu Nian for her."

Lu Beichen frowned. "Rou’er, you’re too kind. She just attacked you!"

Futu Nian... Xu Shulou recognized this artifact. In reality, she had taken her junior sister to the Void Abyss Secret Realm, where Bai Roushuang, caught in quicksand, had obtained it. The Futu Nian wove a beautiful illusion for the dying.

Bai Roushuang activated the artifact, and as it settled over Xu Shulou’s face, it pulled her into a vision.

She found herself standing atop the Black Tortoise Tower. The ferocious beast lay subdued at her feet, the steward gaping in shock while her junior siblings crowded around: "Senior Sister, are you alright? We were so worried!"

"I’m fine," Xu Shulou heard herself reply.

"Thank goodness! Just as you predicted, Senior Sister, the Soaring Eagle Sect retreated the moment they saw you enter the painting! We’re free to leave now!"

"Wonderful."

She received 100,000 spirit stones, Third Junior Brother no longer had to work as a painter, and they returned to their sect, living in harmony ever after...

Xu Shulou’s cultivation advanced rapidly. A century later, she stood on the verge of the Tribulation Transcendence stage. Her juniors, though reluctant to part, rejoiced for her.

On the eve of her heavenly tribulation, they threw a banquet in her honor. Amid the laughter and wine, a voice suddenly whispered in her ear: "This happy life is but an illusion—a mercy granted by the Futu Nian as you lie dying in Lingxiao Sect’s wedding hall..."

The vision shattered. Xu Shulou felt herself sprawled on the ground, a gaping hole in her chest. What had happened? After so many years, she could barely recall—ah, yes. Fourth Junior Brother had run her through...

It hurt. It was cold.

And yet...

The voice returned: "If you wish, I can restart the Futu Nian and send you back to that false happiness. No more suffering."

"You’re saying," Xu Shulou gasped weakly, "that pining for Lu Beichen, being betrayed by my junior sister, and dying a fool’s death—that’s my real life. While all those joyful moments—exploring the Void Abyss Secret Realm, visiting the Black Tortoise Tower, encountering the Mystic Ram, traveling to Fan City with my juniors, attending auctions, entering the Black Tortoise Tower together... that brilliant life as the sect’s prodigy—was just the Futu Nian’s mercy?"

"Exactly."

Xu Shulou’s folding fan was out of reach, but she still clutched a green brick she’d pried from a flowerbed earlier. With the last of her strength, she hurled it toward the voice: "Bullshit!"