The Female Lead Always Comes Around [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 12

Ning Shu found herself inexplicably thrust into a high position, with no way to refuse—after all, she still needed the power of Yan Yue Palace to find Li Xiao.

Below her stood the leaders of various branches of Yan Yue Palace. Most were loyal only to Yue Tang, while a few had rebellious streaks, feeling underappreciated and envious. They looked at the suddenly appearing Ning Shu with great displeasure.

Yet, none dared to show it in front of Yue Tang, so the brief ceremony to confirm her identity passed without incident.

After everyone dispersed, Mo Shang handed Ning Shu a thin piece of paper. “This is a secret message from our informants inside Tian Shu Sect. The person you’re looking for is currently there.”

Ning Shu glanced at the note and felt her heart lighten. She whispered, “That’s a relief.”

Seeing this, Mo Shang couldn’t help but warn her, “Little Palace Master, the martial arts tournament is tomorrow. You’ll represent our sect. You’re sure to meet her then… Do you think she’ll be okay with your identity?”

Ning Shu’s expression stiffened. Her fingers tightened around the paper, turning pale at the tips.

Of course… She was the heir of the top righteous sect, a daughter of privilege. And to her, Ning Shu was merely a disciple of a demonic sect what right did she have to be with her?

If Li Xiao didn’t care, she wouldn’t have left without a word after their intimate encounter.

Ning Shu didn’t even remember returning to her room. Her head was dizzy, and she collapsed onto the bed, asleep before she realized it.

The next morning, a maid woke her. Ning Shu’s head throbbed painfully, and stars danced before her eyes.

“Little Palace Master, you left your window open last night and caught a chill. I’ll make some ginger tea to warm you,” the maid said as she helped her dress.

Ning Shu nodded and sat on the bed for a while, gradually clearing her head. She looked down at her clothes: a red dress that was cheerful and bright, almost like a New Year’s painting.

She rose, picked up the sword from the table, and stepped outside.

The tournament began around ten in the morning. The journey from Yan Yue Palace to the capital took nearly three hours, so she didn’t have time for the ginger tea.

By the time Ning Shu reached the main hall, everyone was ready just waiting for her.

The four guardians stood at the front, Wu Yin in the middle, slightly ahead of them.

Seeing her, everyone saluted in unison: “Little Palace Master, we are ready to depart.”

The disciples knelt, the four guardians bowed, but Wu Yin stood straight, smiling faintly at Ning Shu. She grew increasingly curious about his identity.

“Little Palace Master, it’s time to depart,” Wu Yin said, his tone carrying no room for refusal. Ning Shu nodded. “Let’s go.”

The disciples split into two orderly lines, heads bowed in respect.

Ning Shu led the way out of the hall, watching the sun rise, gripping her sword tightly.

This tournament was organized by the sect leaders to inject fresh talent into the martial world. None of the leaders would compete themselves.

It was the perfect opportunity for revenge. After all, swords and blades don’t discriminate—any injury during the chaos would not be unexpected.

At the exit of Yan Yue Palace, six sleek black horses stood waiting.

The four guardians mounted swiftly. Wu Yin looked at Ning Shu with a teasing expression. “Little Palace Master, if you cannot ride, I can reluctantly give you a lift.”

Ning Shu glanced at him and leapt onto a horse. With a flick of the whip, it shot forward like an arrow.

She couldn’t ride but she had her special advantage. In critical moments, she could rely on her abilities with ease.

Mo Shang closed his fan with a sigh. “Better catch up. If anything happens to the Little Palace Master, the palace master won’t forgive you.”

Wu Yin vaulted onto his horse, and they sped off.

The four guardians rode leisurely behind.

Ning Shu hadn’t expected to see Li Xiao under these circumstances. Stunned for a moment, she composed herself and stepped forward.

“Long time no see.”

Li Xiao was surrounded by twenty or thirty people. Beside her stood a tall, stern middle-aged man likely Li Zhou, leader of Tian Shu Sect.

Li Zhou glanced at Ning Shu, eyes scrutinizing, then asked Li Xiao, “Do you know her?”

Li Xiao pressed her lips together, shifting her gaze away. Her voice was cold: “I don’t know her.”

Li Zhou’s frown relaxed. “It’s getting late. Let’s go.”

Li Xiao passed by Ning Shu without giving her another glance.

Ning Shu stood frozen for a while, then gave a self-deprecating smile and lowered her head.

So much for “I don’t know her.” Truly, a case of forgetting someone the moment it’s inconvenient!

Wu Yin had observed everything. As he approached, a hawker selling candied fruit appeared. He bought one and handed it to Ning Shu.

“Here. Eat it. It’ll make you feel better.”

Ning Shu rarely saw him serious like this. Awkward, rigid, his voice harsh, as if he had never coaxed anyone before.

“Thanks…” she said, taking the treat, forcing a small smile.

Even if the candied fruit wouldn’t cheer her up, at least it was a smile for Wu Yin’s first attempt at comforting someone.

They arrived at the tournament venue first. Except for Yan Yue Palace, all other sects were already in place.

Each sect had only two chairs and a table with fruit and tea, the arrangement meager.

When the four guardians saw this, they were displeased and sent Mo Shang to negotiate. Soon, he returned with four proper chairs and several small plates of snacks.

Ning Shu placed her candied fruit down and asked, “How did you manage that?”

Mo Shang snapped open his fan and smiled gently. “A mix of reason and persuasion.”

Ning Shu scoffed. Yeah, right.

She looked up and met Li Xiao’s gaze. Li Xiao quickly looked away, treating her no differently than the rest.

Ning Shu’s eyes darkened slightly. She sighed, self-soothing.

It didn’t matter. Distancing herself from Li Xiao wasn’t new it was routine.

The event was hosted by Wudang Sect. To ensure fairness, they invited the respected Master Huikong to witness the matches.

The Wudang leader gave a long, dry speech, and Ning Shu nearly dozed off.

The preliminary match was supposed to be between minor sects, but the first challenger was Long Tao.

He had learned from Ning Han that Ning Shu had returned and, under pressure from Ning Han and Ning Bai, could not resist challenging her to avenge Ning Han.

“Ren De Manor’s Long Tao, I request a duel with Yan Yue Palace’s finest,” he announced.

Ning Shu clapped lightly, ready to rise until Wu Yin pressed her down.

“A minor nobody, and you want the Little Palace Master to fight personally?”

Ning Shu considered it and thought he had a point. She sat back to watch the scene unfold.

Seeing Yan Yue Palace send another, Long Tao lost patience. “Ren De Manor’s Long Tao challenges Yan Yue Palace’s Ning Shu!”

Ning Shu finally rose, smoothing her skirt. “With your status, you are not qualified to challenge me. If you insist, have your master step in.”

Long Tao stood embarrassed, and Ning Bai in the stands nearly crushed her teacup in anger.

He had hoped to test Ning Shu’s skills. If she truly matched Ning Han’s praise, having her submit wouldn’t have been impossible. She still had some use a blade to eliminate rivals.

Yet this rebellious girl was so arrogant, so insolent, she humiliated him publicly.