Chapter 20: Did I Owe You in My Past Life?

“This is the site for the sect entrance exam.”

“The matches are about to start. Find a spot to sit and wait for me at the back gate when it’s over.”

Arriving at the Wuji Sect’s martial arts arena, Mo Yuyan gave He Yimo brief instructions before heading to the judges’ area where the elders were seated.

Though her words were a bit sharp, she personally escorted He Yimo to the venue. Along the way, she seemed unfazed by the whispers and gossip from the surrounding disciples.

Who in the world didn’t know about the Grand Tutor’s influence?

No doubt, this kid must have used connections to become Mo Yuyan’s junior brother and receive special treatment!

He Yimo had heard these kinds of comments countless times before. In his past life as a game protagonist, he’d been subjected to them repeatedly.

He wasn’t here to endure scorn; he was here to observe the true face of the story’s protagonist.

For instance…

Was there a candidate named Chen Jianxin this year?

And was Chen Jianxin still male with sword talent?

These doubts seemed absurd, but seeing was believing. He Yimo couldn’t be sure if his reincarnated timeline had altered events.

Lost in thought, He Yimo navigated through the crowd of disciples and found a secluded corner in the audience. His gaze remained cool as he observed the eager new candidates preparing for their matches.

Soon, his vision caught sight of a shady-looking man—

“Ugh, why is this guy here again?”

He Yimo sighed, turning his face away in resignation.

He didn’t want trouble, but Zhong Yuhe approached him regardless, stopping right in front of him.

The scene was reminiscent of when he played games in his past life and got harassed by minor characters…

He Yimo knew he couldn’t avoid this encounter. He looked up, meeting Zhong Yuhe’s gaze with a dull expression.

Zhong Yuhe smirked coldly.

But before he could speak, a girl with a cherry-red ponytail appeared behind him:

“Excuse me, Senior Brother, if you’re not sitting, could you please not block the way?”

She spoke with a straightforward tone, looking up at Zhong Yuhe without hesitation.

He was taken aback, not expecting a junior girl to speak so bluntly to him.

He wanted to retort, but when his eyes met her charming peach blossom eyes, all his prepared words vanished instantly.

In Zhong Yuhe’s eyes, blood-red patterns reflected back at him. His gaze turned vacant as he politely stepped aside:

“Sorry, Junior Sister, please have a seat.”

He apologized courteously and turned away without any trace of resentment.

He Yimo sat nearby, witnessing the entire scene unfold.

The girl wasn’t tall but exuded vibrant energy. Her cute face was bare of makeup, save for a hint of pink at the corners of her eyes.

She wore the sect’s standard female disciple attire. Her short hair was dyed cherry-red and tied into a low ponytail that hung neatly over her shoulder.

No matter how many times he saw her, He Yimo was always captivated by her enchanting peach blossom eyes.

The girl didn’t find it strange; with her natural charm, almost everyone who met her gaze would get lost in thought or be compelled to look back.

Moreover…

This was someone she’d cast an illusion on just three days ago?

However, Jiang Jinyue’s illusions weren’t foolproof. The stronger her target, the more mental strain she endured using them.

So unless necessary, Jiang Jinyue rarely abused her illusions—unless her target was truly weak.

After a long moment of eye contact…

He Yimo snapped out of his daze from staring at her face.

He had nothing to say and could only muster an awkward smile before pretending nothing happened and refocusing on the martial arts stage.

But as luck would have it, despite many empty seats around them, the red-haired girl chose to sit right next to him.

“He Yimo, Seventh Young Master of the Grand Tutor’s residence—I’ve heard so much about you.”

Her posture was polite; her voice sweet. Her lively smile rivaled Yuan Xinyao’s in cuteness.

But knowing her dangerous identity as an enchantress made He Yimo’s expression subtly tense.

Jiang Jinyue…

Today was the entrance exam. She should be looking for the “Child of Prophecy,” so why was she bothering with me again?

“Don’t be so cold~ I just helped you out!”

She leaned closer with an innocent smile. Her light red eyes naturally carried an impish charm.

If it were any other disciple, they’d probably be spilling everything by now.

He Yimo knew silence wouldn’t work and sighed:

“Thank you for your help, Senior Sister.”

“So you’re admitting you offended that Senior Brother Zhong Yuhe?”

The girl counted on her fingers as she analyzed aloud.

As she spoke, she glanced sideways at He Yimo beside her. He continued watching the martial arts stage without changing his expression.

“Anyone can see his hostility towards me.”

He Yimo explained calmly.

Jiang Jinyue’s eyes narrowed slightly; her peach blossom eyes gleamed with intrigue: “I heard people say that Senior Brother Yuhe is one of Senior Sister Mo Yuyan’s most devoted admirers!”

“But despite his seniority, he lacks talent and courage. It’s all just gossip among disciples since Zhong Yuhe doesn’t even dare speak to Senior Sister Mo directly—I don’t know if it’s true…”

“Oh, I see.”

He Yimo watched the matches disinterestedly without turning back to meet Jiang Jinyue’s gaze.

He wanted to avoid eye contact with her for fear of falling under another illusion. Who knew if she’d make him jump onto the stage and shout something ridiculous like “Everyone look at me!”

It sounded absurd but wasn’t impossible.

After all, who could predict an enchantress’s whims?

At least Jiang Jinyue had the power to toy with mortals—and even cultivators like Mo Yuyan couldn’t detect her illusions.

In Fallen Immortal, she’d caused plenty of trouble for the protagonist.

In his past life playing through those storylines, He Yimo had suffered under her antics once already.

Now reincarnated, he still couldn’t escape being targeted by Jiang Jinyue…

Did I owe you something in my past life?

He cursed inwardly.

But then he froze—had she sensed his mental outburst?

“So how did you offend Senior Brother Yuhe? Are you also pursuing Senior Sister Mo?”

Jiang Jinyue continued gossiping eagerly with wide-eyed curiosity.

Her innocent peach blossom eyes sparkled as she gazed at He Yimo like an outsider genuinely interested in his story.

Damn bitch—asking questions she already knows…

He Yimo couldn’t help cursing her again mentally.

But outwardly he sighed and replied helplessly:

“How could I possibly match up to Senior Sister?”

“It’s just because she took me as her disciple that he got jealous and started imagining things.”

In truth, He Yimo didn’t want to engage with her at all.

He wanted to say “None of your business,” but didn’t dare. For years he’d played the role of a playboy; if he acted aloof towards Jiang Jinyue’s charming form now it’d only raise suspicion further.

Even so… Jiang Jinyue still harbored some doubt in her eyes…

She sensed He Yimo intentionally avoiding eye contact…

Was it lingering fear from that night’s illusion?

“So rumors aren’t false—you really are Senior Sister’s junior brother!”

“And is that Dye Ink Peak token real? I heard it’s exclusive access granted by Sword Master Senior Sister herself!”

Jiang Jinyue maintained her enthusiastic facade like an adoring fan girl.

But when mentioning this token specifically… He Yimo’s wariness visibly increased…

Which made sense—Jiang Jinyue knew full well what possessing such a token meant: no one could harm He Yimo anymore…

Not that she cared much herself…

Being an illusionist… killing wasn’t necessary for achieving goals…

“Actually… there’s no need for you to be so guarded around me—I don’t hold any bias against you like other disciples do; I’m simply curious why Sword Master agreed bringing you up mountain?”

Jiang Jinyue spoke candidly now…

Ultimately all these questions boiled down one thing: why hadn’t He died that night?

It didn’t add up logically…

Though skilled at illusions herself… Jiang wasn’t powerful enough take risks openly within Grand Tutor’s residence… so after issuing final hypnotic command left before Mo drew sword…

Otherwise Mo would’ve sensed magic immediately…

Thus leaving genuinely unaware what transpired afterwards…

Logically speaking upon opening bathroom door Mo should’ve killed intruder instantly!

“Because my great-grandfather is Grand Tutor—I pulled strings.”

He shrugged openly revealing background…

Hearing this explanation Jiang’s smile faded slightly…

Her peach blossom eyes recalled past memories while forcing polite smile:

“As expected from Great Xia Dynasty’s Grand Tutor residence—I envy young masters like yourself…”

…

“And what about your background?”

Seizing opportunity He shifted topic back towards red-haired girl…

Momentary silence followed before she replied softly:

“I’m just from some unknown small country within Western Regions—nothing compared grandeur Middle Kingdom…”

—Standard answer fitting original character design perfectly…

Mentally noting alignment He felt unsurprised…

Seeing Jiang stop questioning further neither did seek conversation resumed watching match unfold quietly…

Until black-clad youth caught attention—

“Chen Jianxin… still possesses innate Sword Saint physique…”

Muttering softly vigilance filled gaze…

Meanwhile beside him Jiang leaned closer pointing excitedly towards stage:

“Look! That boy named Chen Jianxin seems talented enough even catch Sword Master’s interest!”

……

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Mo Yuyan: ?