I Ruined the Long Ao Tian Script
Chapter 107

A New Realm

As everyone sorted out the counterfeit items one by one, the shadow of an hourglass appeared in the sky.

The crowd erupted in murmurs: "What is that?"

Speculations arose: "Surely when all the water in the hourglass has dripped away, this trial will come to an end."

Spirits lifted, everyone focused intently on distinguishing the real from the fake among their peers, striving to secure a higher ranking before the trial concluded.

Soon, the dripping sound from the hourglass ceased. When the crowd looked up, they saw the full moon vanish, the stars dim, and the lanterns on the ground extinguish. Darkness gradually enveloped everything, so thick that one couldn’t see their own hand before their eyes.

Bai Roushuang awoke with a start, finding herself safely lying in her dormitory bed. She sat up in confusion—had it all been a dream? The thought of those bitten classmates made her sigh in relief.

Not far away, in another dormitory, Xu Shulou also opened her eyes. She had suspected as much and wasn’t surprised. If the trial’s rule—that a single bite would turn one into a monster—had been real, countless students would have been lost. The teachers would never allow such a thing.

This trial had taken place in a dream. The reason for not disclosing it beforehand was likely to prevent students from becoming complacent, knowing it wasn’t real. Without tension, they wouldn’t give their all.

She recalled the lucid dream—had she entered another layer of the dream, granting her the chance to face the fictional Xu Shulou from the storybook?

After the trial, the teachers announced the results. Those bitten were naturally eliminated, while those deceived by the disguised monsters received the lowest rankings. Xu Shulou had performed well, but missing the written exam cost her the top spot.

She smiled, unbothered by the trial’s outcome. After all, her name, "Contestant 121," was already etched at the top of the first assessment in Xuan Cang Academy’s history. She first exchanged a few words with Teacher Xue about her progress with the Sword of All Living Beings, receiving his delighted praise, then sought his advice on some matters. After bidding farewell to her junior disciples, she set off for Dustless Island. For such a long seclusion, she preferred the absolute safety of Bright Moon Peak.

The secluded area in the back mountain was serene. Xu Shulou sat cross-legged on a stone platform, sensing the spiritual energy flowing into her dantian and gathering in her qi sea.

She loved liveliness but was no stranger to solitude. On the path of cultivation, everyone had to walk this road. If one couldn’t endure solitude, how could they complete the journey to immortality?

The spiritual energy cycled through her body countless times. The energy between heaven and earth seemed to sense her pull, surging toward her like waves and merging seamlessly into her being, becoming an effortless extension of herself.

Seven years passed in the blink of an eye, from spring to autumn.

Xu Shulou opened her eyes. She had smoothly entered the early stage of the Tribulation Transcendence realm, her body brimming with abundant spiritual power. Every movement carried the unique pressure of a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator.

With her breakthrough, she could now perceive the mysteries between heaven and earth, touch the scattered spiritual energy in the air, and hear the sounds of leaves growing and flowers blooming. No wonder the cultivation world often said that reaching the Tribulation Transcendence realm meant one foot had already stepped into immortality.

She reined in her aura and stepped out of the cave, as if entering another world. Outside, it was the season of spring growth—birds sang, flowers bloomed, and the grass was fresh and green. The air carried the scent of soil, the sunlight was warm, and the sky stretched clear and blue, a sight that lifted the spirit.

Xu Shulou closed her eyes, savoring the moment, then followed her routine by soaking in the hot springs at the back mountain. She changed into a light spring robe and wandered through the vibrant scenery.

At the foot of Bright Moon Peak, a spring pond shimmered with rippling light. A rabbit drank from its edge. Xu Shulou approached and stroked its ears. Perhaps sensing her harmony with nature, the rabbit merely twitched its ears, unafraid.

A tree of apricot blossoms stood by the water, petals occasionally drifting onto the surface without disturbing the tranquil pond.

Stepping back into the mortal world after seclusion, Xu Shulou took a moment to adjust before seeking out others. Finding her master in seclusion again and her junior disciples absent from Bright Moon Peak, she hesitated briefly before flying to the mortal realm.

The bustle of mortal life was her favorite kind of atmosphere.

Xu Shulou discovered that, upon reaching the early Tribulation Transcendence stage, she had gained a useful ability: as she walked through the streets, she could instantly and accurately identify the most fragrant food stalls.

"Having power is truly wonderful," she mused again, holding the chestnut cakes, jelly noodles, beef meatballs, and eel buns she’d bought based on their enticing aromas. Not a single one disappointed.

With these treats in hand, she knocked on the Sheng family’s gate. Her appearance unchanged from seven years ago, the servant at the door recognized her immediately: "Miss Xu?"

"It’s me. Are the masters of the house home?"

"Yes, yes! You’ve come at the perfect time," the gatekeeper replied cheerfully. "The master, mistress, and young mistress with her husband returned just half a month ago."

Upon hearing of Xu Shulou’s visit, the entire Sheng family came out to greet her. Though the past seven years had treated them well, time had still left its marks—Sheng’s Father and Sheng’s Mother now had streaks of white in their hair, and Sheng Wuyou had matured, though her eyes remained as bright as ever.

Their joy at seeing her was unmistakable. Sheng’s Mother took her hand, saying, "You’ve been in seclusion for seven years—we’ve missed you terribly."

"I came to visit as soon as I emerged," Xu Shulou replied with a smile, presenting the snow-bubbled plum wine she’d brought. "How has everyone been these seven years?"

"We’ve been wonderful! A-Ping took us to the City That Never Sleeps not long ago," Sheng’s Mother gushed. "It was so thrilling—the old man even talked about settling there for a while!"

Sheng’s Father looked sheepish. "Wasn’t it because you didn’t want to leave?"

Sheng Wuyou laughed, linking arms with Xu Shulou. "Forgive them—they’ve grown more childlike with age."

Xu Shulou smiled. "It just means you’ve all been living well."

Sheng Wuyou gestured with her hands. "Last time I saw you, you were only this tall. Who knew seven years would pass in a blink?"

Xu Shulou touched her face, suddenly feeling like a child dragged before a long-unseen elder who marveled at how much they’d grown.

She embraced Sheng Wuyou. "I’m glad to see you all so happy."

Sheng’s Father and Sheng’s Mother had the kitchen prepare a feast. Remarkably, after all these years, they still remembered Xu Shulou’s favorite dishes.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xu Shulou asked about Song Ping and her junior disciples.

"They’re doing well," Sheng Wuyou replied with a smile. "Your junior sister and sixth junior brother worked together on the fasting pill recipe. Five years ago, they succeeded in creating an osmanthus cake-flavored version. It became famous in the cultivation world as soon as it was released. Since then, they’ve developed a new flavor every year—crispy apple, lotus seed with egg yolk, almond Buddha’s hand, and creamy grape so far."

Xu Shulou chuckled.

"Indeed," Sheng's Father sighed, "Half a year ago, they improved this elixir formula, making it suitable for ordinary people as well. Now many commoners use it as travel rations, no longer needing to carry heavy provisions on long journeys."

Sheng Wuyou added, "And they priced it affordably, making it accessible to many. Truly a blessing for the world."

Song Ping continued, "The names Bai Roushuang and Ji Ci have become legendary in the cultivation world, but they insist all credit belongs to Mr. Dan, refusing to take any glory for themselves."

Xu Shulou smiled. "They're good kids."

Song Ping nodded. "Yes, even our master said Bright Moon Peak is no longer infamous solely because of the notorious Xu Shulou."

"..."

The group couldn't help but chuckle. Xu Shulou, unbothered by the teasing, shook her head and laughed along.

"Has everyone left Profound Azure Academy?"

"Most have graduated and departed. Only Fourth Junior Brother remains, determined to read every book in the library. Profound Azure even hired him to manage the archives," Song Ping said with a smile. "Given his temperament, the quiet atmosphere suits him well."

Xu Shulou nodded. "And the others?"

"Third Junior Brother is traveling the world with his spirit beasts. They say whenever he runs out of spirit stones, he takes odd jobs wherever he goes," Song Ping explained. "Fifth Junior Brother recently attended a talisman conference to exchange insights on crafting techniques. Sixth Junior Brother has settled near the Endless Sea, refining pills in solitude. Junior Sister spends a few months there each year, helping him develop new flavors, and the rest of her time is spent cultivating and honing her swordsmanship."

"Everyone has their own path..." Xu Shulou mused.

Song Ping raised a toast to her. "If they knew you’ve left seclusion, they’d all return to reunite."

Xu Shulou drained her cup of plum wine. "I’ve missed them too."

"I’ll send word," Song Ping offered, then reconsidered with a grin. "Though perhaps it’s unnecessary. Just step outside and pick a fight—soon the entire cultivation world will know Xu Shulou is back."

"Where has my dignified, upright Second Junior Brother gone?" Xu Shulou teased. "Seven years apart, and your wife’s influence has taught you to mock me?"

"Wouldn’t dare," Song Ping laughed. "I’ll write those letters now."

"No need," Xu Shulou gazed out the window. "I’ll visit them myself."

Perhaps everyone needs to draw warmth from family and friends now and then—Xu Shulou was no exception. Though brief, her reunion with the Sheng family had reconnected her to the mortal world. After bidding them farewell, she set out once more.

Xu Shulou had often heard that as cultivators reached higher realms, each breakthrough would make them more detached, their ties to the world fading—a sign of ascension beyond this realm.

Yet she found herself still bound to this world, still yearning to wander its wonders, to seek out old friends, to roam with her sword and savor life’s joys and grudges, to drink and sing freely with her junior brothers and sisters.

Soaring through the sky, the breeze brushing her face, she smiled faintly. It seemed such tales were merely rumors—not to be taken too seriously.