Chapter 19: Contesting the Opportunity for Ascension

[Ding! Successfully seized the divine medicine of the heroine’s destiny. Congratulations to the host for receiving a cashback reward: Points +100,000, Luck +1, and Creation Pill Formula x1 (assists in ascension, increases ascension probability by 30%).]

Shi Muran tucked away the divine medicine, feeling slightly surprised by this reward. It seemed this opportunity was of vital importance to the heroine, as the point value was absurdly high. It came just in time for her to exchange for a prop; otherwise, she would have had to haggle with the system for credit.

"Exchange for the prop 'Perfect Death Shield', auto-activate upon use."

[Ding! 444,444 points deducted. Prop exchange successful. Remaining points: 65,556.]

After confirming the successful exchange, Shi Muran looked outside the Heavenly Dao Sect, where three major factions had long been lurking like tigers watching their prey. They looked as if they wished they could bore holes straight through her.

"Little one, your cultivation is completely ruined now. There's no use in you consuming that item. Why not give it to this old man? I guarantee you a life of ease and comfort!"

"No, no, no, give it to me instead. Look at how heartless your sect is! You were once a genius disciple I admired and loved; I would have been overjoyed to have you as my apprentice." Gongxi Xinghe laughed loudly, looking toward the members of the Heavenly Dao Sect. "Unlike these elders of your sect, they don't care about you at all."

Yi Xing did not want to be outdone and extended his own olive branch: "The Demonic Path is the most suitable place for you. All these righteous sects are cold and ungrateful to you; you might as well join my Demonic Path! My Demonic Path can help you restart your cultivation and take revenge on the Heavenly Dao Sect with your own hands!"

Yi Xing spoke with seductive intent. As the leader of the Eastern Region's Demonic Path, he saw it clearly: Shi Muran was a disciple wounded by her own sect. Such temptation was something most people would not refuse. He curled his lips, looking at Shi Muran with a gaze full of calculation and certainty. Pfft, once he got the divine medicine, who cared about this useless little disciple? He remembered that little girl Wanwan had been hurt by her; if she really joined the Demonic Path, he could manipulate things—perhaps it would even bring him closer to that little one.

Shi Muran ignored them completely and continued walking. Mo Zichuan rushed over, trying to hold her back: "Don't! If you go out now, aren't you just waiting to die? Don't believe a word they say!"

Shangguan Yun slapped Mo Zichuan’s hand away: "Senior Brother, I don't think Muran wants any contact with you, do you agree? You are not worthy of touching her!"

Mo Zichuan’s expression froze. He sneered at Shangguan Yun, who was trying to play the knight in shining armor: "I’m not worthy? You’re not either! Who do you think you are? Have you forgotten everything you’ve done?"

"Shut up!" Stung in a sore spot, Shangguan Yun drew his sword and launched an attack at Mo Zichuan. The two actually started fighting right there!

Zhai Zhe frowned at the chaotic scene. It was a mess! This was not the decorum a top sect should display! With a wave of his hand, Mo Zichuan and Shangguan Yun were suddenly bound by chains: "Swish!"

Both were pulled back to the side of the Grand Elder by a powerful suction force. Zhai Zhe said in a deep voice, "Keep a close watch on them. They will be punished twofold later!"

"Master! That is a divine medicine Shi Muran has! Wanwan has already told me that as soon as she steps out, she will be targeted by those three factions. It will be the end for her!" Mo Zichuan struggled as he pleaded, trying to get Zhai Zhe to stop Shi Muran.

Jiang Wanwan, who had been silent on the side, felt immense fury upon hearing this. Jealousy made her entire body tremble. Was she truly the "White Moonlight" after all? Even in this state, Mo Zichuan still pleaded for Shi Muran!

Unlike Jiang Wanwan, Shi Muran found these words laughable, and her assessment of Mo Zichuan dropped even further. It sounded like he was pleading for her sake, worried about her life, but in reality, it was all for the divine medicine! Shi Muran had noticed the situation from the start: Mo Zichuan had been indifferent until he confirmed something with Jiang Wanwan, and then he suddenly erupted. Even without hearing what was said, Shi Muran knew he had realized the medicine hadn't been swapped and was unhappy that it might be snatched away by others right before his eyes. What a greedy, hypocritical man.

"Divine medicine?" Zhai Zhe seemed thoughtful but said nothing, silently gesturing to the Grand Elder. *Wait and see.*

Shi Muran looked up. The Heavenly Dao Sect members had gathered together at some point, working in unison to form a defensive formation. She watched them, tens of thousands of disciples on their swords also watching her, their eyes filled with suspicion, dissatisfaction, mockery, and triumph... as if she would be executed on the spot the moment she dared to look back!

Once, she had been the Head Senior Sister leading the entire formation from the front. Now, she was an outcast, a useless cripple rejected by all. Everything had changed.

"Tsk. You all are something else."

"It’s time to end this."

Shi Muran swayed as she walked toward the edge of the sect's protective formation. Her back looked small and weak, tinged with a hint of loneliness. Yet, even so, she held her sword, her cool, dust-free immortal grace making it seem as if none of this was happening to her.

They saw in Shi Muran a tenacity and an awe-inspiring, ethereal beauty. This was precisely what touched the Heavenly Dao Sect members so deeply. It was as if they saw that figure who had stood at the front time and time again—even though she was the youngest, she had shouldered the greatest responsibilities, leading the disciples through countless perils. She had been the "White Moonlight" in the hearts of all the disciples!

Now that the White Moonlight had fallen from her pedestal, some rejoiced, some were heartbroken; they were all despicable. They were so base that they believed only by watching Shi Muran fall could they finally reach her, finally have a chance. It was their insecurity, their baseness, that created the tragedy.

In that moment, Shi Muran understood. The tragedy of the original plot might have been partially influenced by Jiang Wanwan's heroine halo, but the root cause lay in the baseness of these people! Because they couldn't climb higher, they wanted to drag others down, watching those who were once untouchable fall. They were heartbroken, yet excited! As bystanders, they stood high and mighty, criticizing the person they could never reach! They... were the original sin!

Shi Muran gritted her teeth, her inner resolve hardening. She was still not strong enough. She had to become strong—she must! Only her own strength could save her. Relying on others to save your life is worse than saving yourself!

As Shi Muran stepped forward, getting closer and closer to the outside of the formation, Gongxi Xinghe and Shan Qixiang’s breathing quickened, both preparing to launch an attack first to snatch her away. *Almost there! Almost there!* Soon they would obtain the opportunity for ascension!

Just as she was about to step out of the Heavenly Dao Sect’s formation, Shi Muran paused, turned her hand, and swallowed the divine medicine!

The pupils of the powerful figures present constricted, and Zhai Zhe suddenly flew into the air.

"No!!!"