SWNOVELXO Chapter 407: Learning her place
The female guard's composure faltered for a second, clearly caught off guard. But she quickly masked it, regaining her stern look. "Is there any proof?"
Julian smiled again, unbothered. "I do not," he replied simply. "Only my words, and the heavens as witness."
The female guard narrowed her eyes, her instincts telling her to be cautious.
"Then I am afraid," she said mockingly, raising her chin slightly, "I cannot just let anyone pass by using Young Mistress Luoshi's name."
Her voice came loud, mocking on purpose, and the gathered crowd immediately burst into laughter.
"Ha! Just another faker trying to ride on someone's fame!"
"Even monks know how to lie these days!"
"Thinking you can use Miss Luoshi's name so easily? Dream on, bald donkey!"
Julian remained utterly calm, his faint smile never leaving his face as he faced the mockery. "Well then. Thank you, young miss. I won't disturb you any further."
He bowed slightly, before turning around as if completely unbothered by the mocking laughter surrounding him.
Meanwhile, not far away, hidden among the shadows of a nearby pavilion, Luoshi stood quietly.
Her sharp eyes had never once left Julian.
From the moment he had left Mei'er's house, she had been secretly following him at a safe distance, silently observing every move he made.
Everything so far had gone exactly as she had planned.
Julian had taken the bait — he had agreed to participate in the Lotus Festival, he mingled peacefully among the disciples, and from what she saw, he showed no hostile intent.
Calm. Respectful. Harmless.
But all of that began to shift the moment that female guard opened her mouth.
Luoshi gritted her teeth slightly, her mind racing.
This wasn't part of the plan.
Heavenly Moon — her master — had ordered her to observe the monk carefully, to evaluate if he was a threat or an opportunity.
After all, if he was a Saint-level existence, a single flick of his finger could bring disaster for the Heavenly Moon Sect.
And now, because of that damn stubborn female guard...
Ugghh! What should I do?! Luoshi thought, her heart pounding as she watched Julian turn away from the VIP entrance, still wearing that unreadable smile.
If the monk took the mocking seriously and left the sect out of anger…Or worse — if he decided to attack the sect for the disrespect he just received…
The consequences would be unimaginable.
Luoshi clenched her fists, her mind already preparing to act.
She had to do something.
Fast.
Without wasting another second, Luoshi tapped the jade slip hidden in her sleeve and in a blink, she appeared gracefully right in front of Julian.
The crowd gasped in shock.
One of the most respected core disciples of the Heavenly Moon Sect.
It was not every day that outer disciples, inner disciples, or even regular elders got to see a core disciple descend from the peak of the mountain, especially someone like Luoshi, who usually remained secluded in training.
The male disciples couldn't help themselves — their eyes widened, their breathing quickened.
"Goddess…" one muttered under his breath, his face flushed.
Surprisingly, the same effect mirrored on the face of the female guard who had just mocked Julian.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Her hands, once holding the spear firmly, trembled slightly. "Miss Luoshi…" She whispered unconsciously. Her face flushed pink.
She's so beautiful… the guard thought, her mind blanking for a moment as she stared at Luoshi.
Luoshi smiled warmly, her expression gentle, almost glowing under the sunlight. She stepped closer to Julian, her tone turning overly affectionate, loud enough that everyone nearby could hear.
"Dear monk," she said sweetly. "You are here. We are all honored to have you in the Heavenly Moon Sect."
The words dropped like a bomb among the crowd.
Disciples who had been laughing moments ago stiffened, their faces paling. Some of the elders exchanged glances, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.
Even the female guard, who had mocked Julian just seconds earlier, froze completely, her eyes wide in horror. Her grip on the spear loosened as guilt and panic flooded her chest.
The silence was suffocating now.
No one dared breathe too loudly. No one dared meet Julian's gaze.
Because if someone like Luoshi — the future Sect Leader — was personally welcoming this monk with such affection and respect…
Then who the hell was he really?
Meanwhile, Julian simply smiled, folding his palms together calmly. "Amitabha," he said. "The honor is mine, young miss."
Luoshi smiled even more warmly, her gaze soft as she spoke."You are too humble, dear monk."
She turned around gracefully, her eyes drifting toward the grand entrance of the auction house. "An auction?" she said acting surprised as if she hadn't been keeping eyes on Julian. "Are you interested in buying something today?"
Julian chuckled softly. "What use would a humble monk have for spiritual stones, young miss? I simply wanted to be part of the experience."
Luoshi nodded earnestly, her face bright."Yes, you should. Today's auction features rare items — some treasures might even be of help to you."
Julian sighed softly, his expression filled with sadness. "I would… but I can't, young miss."
Luoshi frowned immediately. "Why? What is the problem?" she asked, her entire attention caught up in pleasing him — so much so that she had completely forgotten the commotion earlier between Julian and the female guard.
Julian smirked inwardly, but on the surface, he maintained a saddened, almost pitiful expression.
"The guard here, did not let me enter."
The words struck like a lightning bolt and Luoshi jolted back to reality.
She snapped her head around toward the female guard, her expression instantly cold and commanding. "You," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the heavy silence like a sword, "come here."
The female guard's eyes lit up immediately.
She's calling me! she thought, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest.
A bright blush spread across her cheeks as she hurried toward Luoshi. She smiled warmly, standing at attention before Luoshi like an eager puppy seeking praise.