The Female Lead Always Comes Around [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 13

Everyone watched Ning Shu’s boldness with the detached amusement of spectators. After all, Ning Bai’s reputation in the martial world was mixed, and most people didn’t want to provoke trouble.

Ning Bai hadn’t been born into privilege. In his early years, he had to sneakily learn martial arts from others. Later, with the help of Ning Shu’s mother, he befriended some martial heroes. After aligning with the Zhao family, he abandoned his pregnant wife and children and married Zhao Xian in the capital.

Ning Shu and Ning Han were born just three months apart, yet their fates couldn’t have been more different.

Ning Han was born a high-born lady, pampered by both the Ning and Zhao families, granted everything she desired.

Ning Shu, on the other hand, endured the disdain of others. When she was five, her mother returned to her former work to make a living, and Ning Shu was even insulted as a child prostitute. Her mother fought tirelessly to ensure her safety as she grew.

Most sects were aware of Ning Bai’s true nature behind his facade of benevolence. They were polite on the surface but secretly despised him, viewing him as unworthy of standing alongside them, a man who had risen solely through exploiting women.

Though Ning Bai lacked recognition from major sects, he commanded loyalty from many smaller factions. Seeing him insulted, several disciples immediately stepped forward in defense.

“This is the so-called etiquette of Yan Yue Palace? A mere girl dares speak like this? Audacious!”

“Hah, what’s so shocking about someone from Yan Yue Palace saying that? Yue Tang even sent an unknown girl to such an important event what else could you expect from them?”

“Exactly. As the leader goes, so goes the followers. Birds of a feather!”

The speakers were the leaders of Silver Whip Sect, Kongtong Sect, and Scorpion Sect. Ning Shu memorized them, planning to “take care” of them properly during the matches.

Once they finished, Ning Bai finally spoke slowly, “This martial arts tournament, organized by Wudang, is for young warriors to spar. This old man won’t participate. The Little Palace Master and my disciple are of similar age; let’s grant him the courtesy of a duel, lest his wish remain unfulfilled.”

Though Ning Bai spoke of a duel, he was secretly implying that Long Tao still had feelings for Ning Shu, hoping to manipulate her into showing mercy. But Ning Shu wasn’t buying it; she even found him disgusting.

After all, he was exploiting the man her daughter loved shamelessly, by any means necessary.

Ning Han, wrapped in a thick fox fur blanket, had been glaring at Ning Shu in hatred. Upon hearing her father’s words, she froze, then turned toward him in disbelief, as if she had heard the world’s biggest joke.

Ning Bai paid her no mind. A daughter who had become useless meant nothing to him far less than Ning Shu, whom he intended to exploit.

From the platform, Long Tao watched Ning Shu leaning casually against the table, nibbling on a pastry. The red of her outfit made her stand out brilliantly. Her posture was informal, yet her aura remained impeccable.

Seeing her like this stirred something long dormant in Long Tao. With Ning Han now incapacitated and Ning Bai only seeking to use him, why remain in Ren De Manor enduring insults? He might as well follow Ning Shu to Yan Yue Palace. With her devotion, she would willingly surrender the palace leadership for him.

Having made up his mind, Long Tao cleared his throat, attempting to project a deep, emotional voice—only to be cut off by Ning Shu.

“You really want to challenge me, huh?” Ning Shu stretched lazily, brushing pastry crumbs off her hands with the cloth Mo Shang had handed her. “Fine. Since you insist on seeing the skills of Yan Yue Palace, I’ll indulge you. But I warn you on this platform, swords have no mercy. If you get injured or crippled, don’t blame me.”

Long Tao smirked, thinking himself charming and sinister. “Of course. If I dare step onto this stage, I’ve already accepted the consequences.”

Though he said it, he was certain Ning Shu wouldn’t truly harm him. After all, she had once wanted desperately to be with him; she couldn’t be that heartless.

To show the grace of Yan Yue Palace, Ning Shu didn’t even use the custom sword Yue Tang had specially made for her. She lightly touched the platform with her toe, leapt up, and picked an ordinary sword from the rack.

Her eyes darkened with intent, the sword glinting coldly in the sunlight.

This was the scumbag who had toyed with the original owner and pushed her off a cliff. Such a menace was wasting air in this world it was time to deal with him.

“Shu Shu, I—”

Long Tao barely began, and Ning Shu’s sword thrust straight at him. He barely dodged, only for the next strike to follow immediately, keeping him off balance.

Each of her strikes aimed at his vital points. She showed no restraint. Who had time for pleasantries? She was here to take his life!

Long Tao fought desperately, but he soon faltered. Gritting his teeth, he persisted, unwilling to lose face in front of hundreds.

This suited Ning Shu perfectly. If he surrendered too quickly, she wouldn’t get her personal revenge.

Following the method she had used on Ning Han, she struck Long Tao’s meridians in secret. The injuries weren’t obvious now, but the next time he channeled his inner energy, he would find his martial arts gone, his strength vanished worse than an ordinary person.

The thought alone delighted Ning Shu, and she carved a few extra strikes.

When Long Tao was covered in cuts, his white robes streaked with bl00d, he could no longer hold out. He conceded.

Ning Shu didn’t glance at him, casually throwing the sword into the rack. Long Tao was carried off, speechless from the pain.

As the victor, Ning Shu had to accept challenges from anyone in the audience. If she won, she would continue to face challengers. If she lost, the victor would take her place until the next winner emerged.

The rule was a little harsh for Ning Shu. Few could match her. She was just about to slip away when a girl in green leapt onto the platform, arching a brow: “Li Qing of Tian Shu challenges the Little Palace Master of Yan Yue Palace.”

Ning Shu looked at the familiar face and teased, “Recovered already?”

Li Qing stomped embarrassedly, drawing her sword. “No more talk! Watch my blade!”

Ning Shu clicked her tongue and stepped back, “This is how you repay your savior? Ungrateful little wolf.”

Knowing she was from Tian Shu Sect and her surname was Li, Ning Shu recognized her identity immediately.

She treated her with special care—defending only, not attacking—ensuring she wouldn’t get hurt while appearing to fall behind.

Li Qing realized Ning Shu was holding back, fuming as she lowered her sword. “That’s not your true strength! Why won’t you fight me?”

Ning Shu smirked. “I don’t want to. If you need a reason, call it… pitying the delicate.”

Of course, it was because of Li Xiao. If her sister were harmed, she would never forgive it. Otherwise, male or female, she wouldn’t hesitate.

Their voices carried, and from the stands, Li Xiao heard every word. Her gaze darkened, and she crushed the corner of the table with her fist.