Chapter Nine: In Truth, I Am Just an Ordinary Person

"Killing is a vice, but it seems I can't give it up."

When Wang Ran spoke, he knew at once he was destined to gain another admirer.

The innocent and naïve junior sister, initially intrigued by Wang Ran during the task handover, had, by pure chance, encountered him again when his charm was in full effect. Her heart fluttered, and just as she was about to fall for him, she unexpectedly witnessed a breathtaking duel between masters.

Now, as she gazed upon that graceful figure—standing with hands clasped behind his back, balanced solely on his toes atop a stalk of purple bamboo, looking up at the moon—the junior sister’s heart could not help but be moved. Especially when his blue and white robe billowed in the wind, the attraction was at its peak.

"Senior brother is handsome and dignified, full of righteous spirit, and his cultivation is high—truly a dragon among men..." Yan Wanrou pressed her rosy cheeks, shyly twisting her body, and after a moment seemed to recall something. She quickly looked up, calculated the time, and slapped her forehead. "Oh no, it's already midnight. If I don’t go back soon, I’ll be scolded again!"

With that, she turned to run toward the inner mountain, but after just a few steps, she retraced her path, waving to Wang Ran. "Senior brother, I’m going back to rest. See you tomorrow!"

Wang Ran, who was gazing at the moon, came out of his reverie, stopped his show of elegance, and leaped after Yan Wanrou. "Junior sister Yan, it’s late. Allow me to escort you back."

Hearing this, the junior sister’s cheeks flushed with delight. "Senior brother, you’re not only beautiful but gentle too. If that’s the case, I would love it."

Wang Ran smiled politely, embodying the perfect gentleman, and walked with Yan Wanrou toward the inner mountain.

Along the way, the two chatted about history and poetry, admired the moon, and enjoyed themselves immensely.

"Senior brother, you said today one could paint with their feet—is that true?"

"Of course, it’s true. I’m skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and painting. Once, I even had another name—Tang Bohu."

"Can you compose poetry, senior brother?"

"If junior sister would like to hear, I can offer a couple of verses. Let’s take the moon as our theme."

"Yes, yes!"

"Listen carefully, junior sister: 'Blue hills faintly veiled, waters winding far; autumn ends, southern fields wither. Twenty-four bridges under a bright moon night—where does the jade beauty play her flute?'"

"A jade beauty playing the flute? Such poetic imagery!"

"Isn't it evocative? Junior sister, would you like to play the flute for senior brother as well?"

"I would, I would! I’ll definitely play the flute for senior brother!"

"Junior sister, you’re so obedient."

...

As one of the elite sects, the Only Me Sect occupied an extensive territory, divided into northern and southern banks.

Wang Ran resided in the rear mountain of the southern bank, and normally his activities were limited to that area. But tonight, without realizing it, he had accompanied the junior sister all the way to the northern bank.

The scenery around them felt unfamiliar to Wang Ran—he had never been here.

They walked on, and before they knew it, found themselves in a bamboo grove. Unlike the purple bamboo in Wang Ran’s rear mountain, the bamboo here was fiery red, quite unusual.

Wang Ran had never seen such a sight and looked around curiously. "Junior sister, you live here?"

She nodded. "Yes, just ahead."

The path through the grove was not wide. Wang Ran looked around and suddenly froze. In one spot, a pile of rocks hinted at a fork in the path, and at the entrance of that fork, a shadowy figure was lurking, seemingly engaged in something suspicious.

They soon encountered the figure. Upon seeing Wang Ran and his companion, the person shuddered, his expression panicked. But when he saw Wang Ran’s blue and white robe, he steadied himself.

He approached, scanning Wang Ran up and down, and said arrogantly, "Which outer disciple are you? Wandering around at midnight instead of sleeping?"

Hearing his tone, Wang Ran frowned. Is this guy crazy? How does my midnight stroll affect him?

His expression darkened immediately. The junior sister, equally annoyed, retorted, "Senior brother, this path isn’t your property. Why can’t we walk here?"

The disciple sneered and tugged at his purple and white robe. "Because I am an inner disciple, and you’re an outer one. It’s only right that inner disciples command outer disciples!"

In the Only Me Sect, the disparity between outer and inner disciples was vast, reflected even in their attire. Outer disciples wore blue and white robes made of ordinary cloth, while inner disciples donned purple and white robes crafted from premium fabrics.

As for the true disciples, their clothing was even more elaborate, made from golden silkworm thread—light and smooth, but as tough as a third-grade defensive artifact, impervious to blades, and colored red and white.

This inner disciple was exceedingly arrogant, looking at Wang Ran with disdain. "Kid, don’t interfere with my business. Get lost!"

The junior sister pouted, arguing, "You’re so unreasonable! We’re just passing by and haven’t bothered you. Why are you bullying us?"

"Enough nonsense! I told you to leave, and you dare talk back? Believe me, I’ll—ah!"

Before he could finish, he let out a scream.

Wang Ran stood in a punching stance, then casually wiped his nose. "No need to waste words on idiots like this. Remember, junior sister, sometimes it’s better to use your fists than your mouth."

Seeing Wang Ran’s graceful actions, the junior sister only half understood, but her eyes shone with admiration.

The inner disciple hadn’t expected Wang Ran to be so decisive, striking him with a punch. Though he was at the Foundation Establishment stage, he was no match for Wang Ran, who had cultivated the Diamond Glaze Body.

With one blow, Wang Ran made him feel his insides trembling. Now, the disciple lay on the ground, retching.

"I can’t stand pretentious types like you—ruining my poetic mood!" Wang Ran, still unsatisfied, gave him another kick.

The disciple’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.

"Senior brother’s words are profound and extraordinary. Wanrou is truly enlightened." The junior sister was filled with admiration, feeling that every moment with Wang Ran brought new surprises.

Meanwhile, Wang Ran gazed into the distance, sighing with melancholy. "The truth is, I’m just an ordinary person, like all of you."

Hearing this, the junior sister’s body trembled. She felt this statement was steeped in philosophy, and as she gazed at Wang Ran’s profile, her affection only grew deeper.

Wang Ran sighed inwardly, shaking his head. It seemed the little girl had fallen hopelessly in love—but who could blame her? He could only fault himself for being too exceptional.

The junior sister blushed, looked up at the sky, and reluctantly said, "Senior brother, my residence is just ahead. I’m so happy to have met you today, but I’ll take my leave now."

"Very well, junior sister. Let’s meet again another day," Wang Ran replied, cupping his fists in farewell.

She gave a joyful smile, her little tiger teeth charmingly exposed, and walked cheerfully into the bamboo grove, waving as she went. "Senior brother, be sure to get home early, too!"

In the cool moonlight, her lively silhouette was pure and innocent. Wang Ran watched until she vanished from sight before withdrawing his gaze.

Just as he was about to leave, he felt something underfoot. Looking down, he realized he had stepped on the inner disciple’s hand.

Wang Ran frowned in curiosity. Why was this person lurking here in the middle of the night? Judging by his furtive behavior and panicked reaction upon seeing them, was he hiding some secret?

Just as Wang Ran pondered this, he noticed a yellow talisman peeking out from the disciple’s chest...