Troublemaker’s Guide to Immortality

Zhao Wuji's expression shifted slightly.

With Yun Jin's personality, what good could possibly come out of her mouth? She might just urge everyone to execute Gu Jinghong on the spot.

Although Zhao Wuji had told Gu Jinghong to step forward and explain himself, this was still his second disciple, someone he had painstakingly nurtured. He had never intended for Gu Jinghong to die because of this.

The reason he had chosen to let Gu Jinghong speak for himself was because, if Ye Danxia was truly proven to be tainted by demonic qi, her only outcome would be death. But Gu Jinghong's case still had room for maneuver.

"This seat believes…" Zhao Wuji began, ready to interject.

For the first time, Ling Fei spoke up on behalf of a disciple. He said directly, "This young girl speaks well. Since she is the victim, it is only right that she decides the punishment. Let alone punishment, even if she just wants to say a few words, that should be allowed."

"My little disciple has suffered more than her share of grievances since entering the sect. And now, you won't even let her speak?" Lin Ya spoke coldly. "Need I remind you, Xiao Jin was almost framed to death."

Zhao Wuji's face shifted several times.

At this moment, he felt a deep sense that things were slipping out of his control.

In the past, his greatest rival was Lin Ya. Lin Ya had been a sword cultivation genius. Over the years, even with Zhao Wuji's father supplying him with all sorts of pills, he had never been able to surpass Lin Ya.

Even the Grand Elders had once said that the next sect leader should be none other than Lin Ya. Zhao Wuji held himself in high esteem, yet had always been suppressed by Lin Ya. How could he endure that?

Fortunately, he had eventually become the new sect leader. As for Lin Ya, he had become a cripple. Though the injury had been sustained for the sake of the sect, it was impossible for the sect to continue supporting a cripple with a peak lord position.

Zhao Wuji had waited and waited, and now, the time had almost come. In three months, as long as Lin Ya lost the Sect Competition, he would lose his peak lord status completely.

By then, Zhao Wuji would be able to erase the humiliation of being overshadowed by him in the past. Over the years, he had secretly suppressed Lin Ya both openly and covertly. Many people had noticed. He knew some even tried to help Lin Ya behind the scenes.

But it didn't matter.

Lin Ya alone wasn't worth making these people defy him openly. He would slowly strip away every possibility of Lin Ya rising again.

However—

Ever since that five-spirit-root girl entered the sect, everything seemed to be changing. First it was Chen Hao. Then Ruan Jun. Now it was Gu Jinghong. Even Danxia's reputation had been ruined. Though no one had directly accused him yet, Zhao Wuji could sense it. Seeds of doubt were beginning to take root.

And now, even Ling Fei, who had always been neutral and uninvolved in sect politics, had taken the initiative to speak for Yun Jin. If this continued, wouldn't Yun Jin overturn the heavens?

Zhao Wuji's expression darkened slightly.

No. He wouldn't let her rise unchecked.

Five-spirit-root cultivators progressed slowly. No matter how clever she might be, against absolute power, it was all meaningless. In three months, Jun'er would personally kill her.

"Sect Leader, your face looks so grim. Why don't you hear me out first?" Yun Jin said lazily.

Letting Gu Jinghong die just like that?

She couldn't bear it.

"Xiao Jin, go ahead," Lin Ya said without hesitation.

Yun Jin grinned. "Although I haven't been in the sect long, I believe everyone has a bit of an impression of me."

Many nodded.

Yes, quite an impression.

Vengeful, dramatic, always seeking attention—that was her.

Yun Jin continued, "I've always been a low-key person. Gentle, kind-hearted, and above all, extremely beautiful."

Everyone: "...?"

Are you listening to yourself right now?

[+50 Emotional Value!]

[+10 Emotional Value!]

[+30 Emotional Value!]

Ding-ding-ding! The notifications chimed nonstop. Yun Jin's smile widened. "A good person like me loves to repay evil with kindness. And this time, I wasn't actually harmed. So, I don't think Senior Brother Gu should be executed."

Hearing this—

Not just Zhao Wuji and Ye Danxia, even Lin Ya was stunned.

But then, realization struck.

Ah.

His little disciple was definitely scheming something.

No way she's actually forgiving him.

Gu Jinghong also stared at Yun Jin in disbelief.

He had nearly gotten her killed.

And now… she was saving him?

Was this real?

Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up and he asked, "Oh? Then what do you propose?"

Yun Jin's eyes curved in a smile. "Once someone dies, they're gone. That doesn't really repay the harm they've caused. Only by living can they make amends, right?"

"Yes, yes, exactly!" Zhao Wuji nodded repeatedly. "I didn't expect you to be so reasonable."

"But," Yun Jin turned and pointed at Gu Jinghong, "though the death penalty can be waived, the living penalty must still be served. I have only one request. Let him be my servant for three months. I promise not to take his life, but aside from that, he must accept punishment without resistance."

Yun Jin remembered all too well how Gu Jinghong had tormented her in their past life.

And now that he had fallen into her hands, she would make him repay it, little by little.

Three months as a servant.

Obedient to her every word.

Zhao Wuji's face changed again.

This was a deeply humiliating punishment for Gu Jinghong.

Yun Jin raised her brow. "This is my only request. If not, then let's be clear. He slandered me as being possessed by demonic qi and tried to kill me. The evidence is plain. By sect law, this is a capital offense. If the Sect Leader insists on protecting him, I will not hesitate to use a personal favor to summon Elder Jian. I will not let this go."

At the mention of Elder Jian, Zhao Wuji's face grew even darker.

He was angry, but for the moment, there was truly nothing he could do to Yun Jin as the victim.

In the end, it was Gu Jinghong's own carelessness that had caused this situation.

Now, Zhao Wuji even felt a bit displeased with his disciple who had dragged him into this difficult position. He looked straight at Gu Jinghong. "Jinghong, what do you think?"

Gu Jinghong gritted his teeth.

Death?

Or throwing away his dignity?

After a long silence.

His once proud spine slowly bent. "I am willing to serve Yun Jin as her servant for three months."

Zhao Wuji had already expected this. He glanced around at the others. "Yun Jin is the victim. She has made this request, and Jinghong has agreed. Is this resolution fair enough?"

Since it was Yun Jin's own decision, there wasn't much to say.

Even Lin Ya had no objections this time.

Only then did Zhao Wuji snort. "Then so be it."

"Wait," Yun Jin said again.

"What now?" Zhao Wuji looked at her irritably. "It's too late to back out now."

"Back out? Why would I back out?" Yun Jin chuckled darkly. "Being able to make proud Senior Brother Gu into my obedient little dog… I'm quite satisfied."

Obedient little dog…

Everyone looked at Gu Jinghong, whose face had turned pale.

Suddenly, a shared thought occurred.

With Yun Jin's vindictiveness, he'd be better off dead.

"But," Yun Jin continued, "I don't have enough cultivation right now."

She spoke plainly, "So how can I make sure Senior Brother Gu listens to me obediently? I want to sign a three-month master-servant contract. I'll be the master, he'll be the servant."