I Ruined the Long Ao Tian Script

Xu Shulou retrieved the face-changing artifact seized from the Void Abyss Secret Realm from her Qiankun Bracelet: "It seems this will come in handy again."

This item had seen quite frequent use since she stole it.

A worthwhile theft indeed.

Luo Hongtang curiously borrowed it to examine, turning it over in her hands a few times: "This artifact is exceptionally rare—it must be incredibly precious. Where did you obtain it, Miss Xu?"

"So it's actually valuable?" Xu Shulou paused to recall. "No wonder the woman looked so heartbroken when I took it from her."

"..." Luo Hongtang felt she was beginning to understand why Xu Shulou had managed to offend so many people. She chuckled. "By the way, I have something for you all—a token of gratitude and a parting gift."

Before their departure, Luo Hongtang led the Dustless Island group into a cave. After navigating a winding path, they gradually reached the mountain's core.

The space abruptly widened, and as they raised their lanterns to survey the mining cave, they gasped. "The Joyous Union Sect actually possesses a spirit ore vein!"

Xu Shulou sighed softly. No wonder—in the legends, the Black Tortoise Tower had insisted on attacking the Joyous Union Sect. Aside from their dual cultivation techniques, this spirit ore vein was another treasure coveted by the entire cultivation world.

The Black Tortoise Tower must have learned of its existence through some means.

Luo Hongtang handed them tools. "Please, take as much as you wish."

Xu Shulou didn’t refuse. She picked up a pickaxe and gently chipped off a piece of spirit iron ore. This material could either be directly absorbed by cultivators for spiritual energy or forged into offensive artifacts. Even this fist-sized chunk could fetch a considerable sum of spirit stones in the outside world.

The others each took a small piece before stopping, none of them greedy for more.

Luo Hongtang smiled as she watched them. "As expected of disciples from Dustless Island—your temperaments are truly detached."

Xu Shulou returned the smile. "You flatter us, Sect Leader."

When the group prepared to leave, Luo Hongtang and her sect sisters came to see them off.

After a moment’s hesitation, Xu Shulou pulled Luo Hongtang aside and asked bluntly, "Sect Leader, are you nearing the end of your lifespan?"

Luo Hongtang remained composed. "I still have a few years left. You noticed?"

"Is there any way to prolong it?"

"I’ve tried everything," Luo Hongtang sighed. "There are… darker methods, but I could never bring myself to resort to them. What difference would there be between me and a demon then?"

"..."

"I’ve lived long enough," Luo Hongtang said, seeming at peace with her fate. "My only concern is for A’Fu and the Joyous Union Sect."

And she had every reason to worry.

Xu Shulou thought of the fates of the Joyous Union Sect and Luo Fusheng in the legends and sighed quietly.

"Senior Sister," Song Ping bid her farewell, "we’ll take our leave now. You and Junior Sister must stay safe. Whether the curse is lifted or not, send us word."

"Of course. You take care as well," Xu Shulou nodded before turning to Luo Hongtang and clasping her hands in salute. "Sect Leader, farewell."

Luo Hongtang inclined her head, watching until their figures vanished into the sky.

The Black Tortoise Tower was situated in Ruzhou City. Unlike most sects that chose secluded locations for their headquarters, the Black Tortoise Tower defied convention by establishing theirs in the bustling heart of the city.

Nearly all the surrounding commoners were their tenants or leased shops from them to run businesses. Even street vendors had to pay a portion of their earnings as "protection fees."

Xu Shulou and Bai Roushuang stood at the city gates, gazing up at the towering walls. Xu Shulou had altered her appearance, while Bai Roushuang remained unchanged—since the Black Tortoise Tower didn’t know her, there was no need for disguise.

They strode confidently into the city.

A notice board stood just inside the gates. Bai Roushuang’s eyes immediately caught on bold characters: "The following individuals are forbidden entry into Ruzhou City? What is this?"

Xu Shulou didn’t need to look to know. She touched her face. "The Black Tortoise Tower holds grudges, it seems."

"Is this you?" Bai Roushuang exclaimed, then quickly lowered her voice when passersby glanced their way. She pointed at one of the portraits. "This can’t be you, Senior Sister?"

Xu Shulou admitted, "No need to doubt—it’s definitely me."

Bai Roushuang immediately scoffed. "This portrait doesn’t capture even half of your beauty."

Xu Shulou studied it and nodded approvingly. "I’m listed further down. Seems I’m far from the most hated in the eyes of the Black Tortoise Tower."

Bai Roushuang couldn’t resist teasing, "And that satisfies you?"

Xu Shulou replied solemnly, "One must learn contentment in life."

"Fine, let’s keep a low profile." Bai Roushuang nervously glanced around. Though it was her first time here, she felt like a fugitive—ironic, since the actual wanted person, Xu Shulou, strolled through the streets without a care.

Gao Ming, despite being the Tower Lord’s son, wasn’t difficult to meet. After stopping a passerby to explain their purpose, the locals directed them to a modest courtyard.

The residence wasn’t shabby, but compared to the Black Tortoise Tower’s opulence, it seemed cramped and plain.

Xu Shulou knocked, and a man in a wheelchair answered—his features refined, his demeanor cool. Bai Roushuang scanned the surroundings but saw no sign of Yue Ling, whom Luo Hongtang had mentioned.

The man was undoubtedly Gao Ming. His reception was neither warm nor hostile. Upon hearing their request to break a love curse, he responded indifferently.

"I don’t know how to locate that Miaojiang sect."

Bai Roushuang’s heart sank.

"But there’s no need to." He continued.

Bai Roushuang blinked in confusion.

"Because I can break the curse myself."

Her spirits instantly lifted.

"Though I can’t guarantee success."

Who taught him to speak in such infuriating pauses? Bai Roushuang clenched her fists—if he weren’t already in a wheelchair, she might’ve been tempted to put him there herself.

"First, bring the cursed person to me for examination," he demanded.

Xu Shulou’s eyes flickered. "I am the one afflicted."

"The love curse is on you?"

"Yes."

For the first time, his detached expression shifted. "Give me your left hand."

Xu Shulou complied. He placed his fingers on her wrist, closing his eyes briefly before reopening them. "It’s true."

He studied her with newfound interest. "I don’t understand. The curse should’ve taken effect long ago. How are you still standing here unaffected?"

Bai Roushuang tensed. "What does that mean?"

"Nothing." Xu Shulou lowered her arm, her fair wrist disappearing beneath layered silks. Ever the aesthete, she’d accessorized her robes with a jade-bamboo fan to match, undeterred by the curse.

Gao Ming said no more, simply pointing to a peach tree in the yard. "There are jars of medicinal spirit wine buried beneath it. Dig them up and take them."

Bai Roushuang brightened. "Will this wine cure the curse?"

"Such a miraculous wine doesn't exist," the man glanced at her. "It merely temporarily suppresses the effects. I still need time to formulate an antidote for the gu poison. Drinking this wine can prevent the gu worm from migrating toward your heart meridian."

Upon learning that alcohol could suppress the gu poison, Xu Shulou immediately felt a surge of goodwill toward the man.

After thanking him, they made arrangements with Gao Ming—if there were any progress in curing the gu poison, he would send someone to notify them at the Bright Moon Inn in the city.

Xu Shulou then booked two rooms at the inn and turned to her junior sister. "Since it's your first time here, why don’t I show you around Ruzhou City?"

Bai Roushuang happily agreed.

At the city center stood an imposing, sprawling tower—ornately carved, towering into the clouds. Bai Roushuang had noticed it the moment they entered the city. Now, standing beneath it, she was even more struck by its grandeur.

"This must be the Black Tortoise Tower?" Bai Roushuang chuckled. "Does Senior Sister still want to go in and try petting the spirit beast?"

"Better not. If it has no affection for me, then so be it," Xu Shulou said wistfully. "Forcing things never ends well. If it has no interest in me, how can I impose?"

Bai Roushuang gave her a sidelong glance.

It’s just a spirit beast that won’t let you touch it. The way you talk, one would think you’d been jilted by a scoundrel.

She then studied the intricate array patterns painted on the tower’s facade. "Still, it’s clear the tower master truly dislikes his son, Gao Ming. The Black Tortoise Tower is so wealthy, yet as the eldest son, he lives alone in an ordinary little courtyard outside."

Xu Shulou offered another possibility. "Or perhaps Gao Ming dislikes his father and refuses to live under the same roof."

Strolling through the streets, Bai Roushuang marveled at everything—this was her first time in a city where mortals and cultivators coexisted.

A fabric shop catering specifically to cultivators stood by the roadside. Curious, Bai Roushuang stepped inside and immediately spotted a dazzling rainbow gauze dress. She tugged at her senior sister’s sleeve. "Isn’t this the same kind of feathered robe produced by the Joyous Harmony Sect?"

"Exactly," Xu Shulou nodded. "These garments have always been popular."

"Why would the Black Tortoise Tower allow Joyous Harmony Sect goods to be sold here?"

"Because ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‍the shopkeeper shares a portion of the profits with the tower. When it comes to money, some people become less… principled about grudges."

Bai Roushuang inquired about the price and gasped. "So expensive! And Sect Leader Luo just gave them to us like that."

Xu Shulou smiled. "These robes are different from mortal clothing—they all have minor enchantments. Pick a few; I’ll buy them for you."

Bai Roushuang shook her head. "Senior Sister, you’re still afflicted with the love gu. How can I happily shop for clothes at a time like this?"

"Silly girl," Xu Shulou tapped her junior sister’s forehead. "Whether you frown or smile, the day passes all the same. Just because I’m poisoned, must everyone around me mope as well?"

"..."

Xu Shulou laughed. "I’m not even moping myself. Go pick a dress—I’m not always this generous."

Bai Roushuang pulled her along. "Then let’s choose together."

Xu Shulou indulged her with a nod. "Fine."

Bai Roushuang selected a moon-white trailing skirt with anti-poison properties—simple at first glance, but when she walked, the hem rippled like water, adding an ethereal grace. She paired it with a pale blue sash, perfectly matching her usual style.

Xu Shulou changed into a misty plum-blossom gown, more understated than her usual layered brocade. The sleeves and hem were embroidered with plum blossoms. She cared little for enchantments, choosing purely for aesthetics, and only learned from the shopkeeper that this dress enhanced defense.

Dressed in their new robes, they left the shop in high spirits.

As they passed a building with a plaque reading "House of Intoxicated Dreams," Bai Roushuang caught a whiff of warm, alluring fragrance and spotted a seductive woman at the entrance—her ears still bearing a faintly bestial shape. A sense of foreboding crept in. "What is this place?"

"A brothel for cultivators."

"Cultivators have brothels too?" Bai Roushuang stiffened, her expression darkening. "This kind of thing… it’s inescapable, no matter where you go."

"They exist, but they’re slightly different from mortal ones. Besides selling pleasure, they also offer demonic cultivators for energy absorption."

Bai Roushuang frowned. "I thought only the Joyous Harmony Sect practiced such techniques?"

"Brothels have their own methods—though they can only absorb from demonic cultivators, not humans."

Bai Roushuang pressed further. "Are those demonic cultivators willing?"

"Most are. Their cultivation is arduous, but they have one advantage: once they attain human form, they live for a millennium. Some willingly trade their vitality for resources."

Bai Roushuang sighed softly, then caught a detail in her senior sister’s words. "...Most?"

"Some cultivators secretly keep demonic cultivators for personal use. They crave the benefits but fear losing face if exposed, so they silence their victims permanently. Those demons have no choice—some are drained to death." Xu Shulou explained. "Years ago, I encountered a few who weren’t willing."

"What happened then?"

Xu Shulou smirked. "That’s how I ended up offending the Black Tortoise Tower’s Third and Fifth Young Masters."

"Wait—" Bai Roushuang blinked. "Third Young Master? You mean there are male demonic cultivators for women too?"

Xu Shulou nodded. "I told you—in the cultivation world, gender doesn’t matter. Strength is everything."

"Strength is everything…" Bai Roushuang murmured. "I can’t decide if that’s good or bad."

"It depends on how you wield that strength." Xu Shulou pointed her folding fan at the brothel’s plaque. "Want to go inside?"

Bai Roushuang hesitated. She was curious, but having survived a mortal brothel herself, how could she casually partake in the exploitation of these demons?

For a moment, she felt a kinship with them.

Xu Shulou reassured her. "Relax, I’m not taking you there to absorb anyone. Just a look around."

Only then did Bai Roushuang relax.

The moment they entered, a stunning demonic cultivator approached. "Will you be dining or staying the night?"

Bai Roushuang tensed. "Is this some kind of code?"

Xu Shulou clarified. "Dining means drinking with companionship. Staying means absorption."

The demoness giggled. "This young lady is clearly a regular."

Bai Roushuang shot her senior sister a suspicious look.

The demoness arched a slender brow. "Very well. If anyone catches your eye, rooms are available upstairs."

Xu Shulou led Bai Roushuang into the courtyard, where a white long-tailed rabbit lay sunbathing, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon.

Xu Shulou scooped it up and cradled it in her arms.

The demonic creature was initially tense and resistant, but after being stroked a couple of times, it seemed to grow comfortable, its fluffy tail curling around her wrist as if urging her to continue.

The alluring female demon cultivator, whose true form was unclear, approached with a smile. "Shall I have Ping'er transform back into human form to share a drink with you?"

Xu Shulou scratched behind the rabbit's ears. "So your name is Ping'er."

She then shook her head at the demon cultivator. "No need. This is fine as it is."

Bai Roushuang suddenly understood—her senior sister had come here solely to pet these fluffy creatures.

Xu Shulou proceeded to caress the long-tailed rabbit thoroughly, from its ears to its tail, smoothing its fur in one continuous motion.

Leaning against the doorframe, the enchanting demon cultivator watched them with amusement before finally speaking up. "Did you know, young lady, that stroking a demon's entire body like this signifies a pledge of lifelong commitment?"

"How could that be?" Xu Shulou laughed, assuming it was a joke.

"It's true," the demoness replied with a playful grin. "If you don’t believe me, you can ask any demon cultivator you come across."

Xu Shulou's hand froze mid-stroke. "That can’t be right. Why has no one ever mentioned this to me before?"

The long-tailed rabbit, displeased at the sudden halt in its pampering, shot a reproachful glance at the demoness for ruining the moment. It then brushed its fluffy tail against Xu Shulou’s hand, trying to lure her back into petting it.

Bai Roushuang immediately cried out in indignation, "You even petted that little fox like this before!"

"..."

Seeing Xu Shulou sink into deep contemplation, Bai Roushuang sensed trouble and pressed urgently, "Just how many demons have you stroked like this?"