Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 1 | A Strange Encounter | Novela.app

On the mountain path, several carriages accompanied by a dozen swift steeds galloped past. From a distance, one could see riders in white atop spirited horses; they were all women, their faces veiled. Though their features were obscured, one could still discern their solemn expressions and graceful silhouettes. Ordinary travelers dared not approach them, for everyone knew these women belonged to the Hundred Flowers Palace. "Yan’er," a woman in white suddenly spoke from within the lead carriage. Like the others, she wore white robes and had raven-black hair, yet she possessed a natural aura of authority that commanded respect without the need for anger. "I am here. What are your orders, Young Palace Master?" the woman named Yan’er replied respectfully. The two shared a sixty-percent resemblance in stature and temperament, though Yan’er lacked the other’s icy crispness, possessing a touch more softness instead. "How much longer until we arrive?" Yan’er opened the carriage door to glance at their surroundings before answering, "Roughly another half-hour. Is the Young Palace Master weary? Our journey this time has been quite fruitful." The woman shook her head. "Though we recruited many new disciples during this descent, it will take a long time to train them. The top-tier experts in the Palace are still few and far between. As you witnessed on this trip, the strength of the Heavenly Demon Palace is growing by the day." "Do not fret so," Yan’er said. Although her companion rarely showed emotion, Yan’er had grown up with her and knew her thoughts well. "We must take it slow. Among the young girls we recruited, several have excellent potential. With careful cultivation, they will surely be able to shoulder heavy responsibilities in time." "In time?" The Young Palace Master closed her beautiful eyes and fell silent. Time was the most terrifying enemy of all. "Actually," Yan’er bit her lip hesitantly, "our Hundred Flowers Palace has never accepted men. If we could..." The woman raised a jade-like finger. "It is fine to say such things before me, but you must never let Mother hear them." She paused, then continued, "The Hundred Flowers Palace has never allowed men. Any who trespass shall die." Realizing her slip of the tongue, Yan’er lowered her head and fell silent. The carriage remained quiet for a moment before the woman stood up. "It’s too stifling. Let’s walk for a bit." "Yes." The two walked at the front of the procession. As they neared the foot of Cloud-Piercing Peak, the carriages and horses behind them suddenly came to a halt. They exchanged a look, neither knowing what had happened. Those at the rear began to whisper among themselves. "Hey, why did we stop?" "I don't know." "Shh, I heard... is there a dead body up ahead?" "A dead body? What’s so strange about that?" "Quiet, I’m trying to listen." At the front, a person was indeed lying on the ground. However, they weren't dead; they were simply dressed in very peculiar clothing. It—or rather, he or she—was a very strange-looking individual. To call the person a woman seemed odd despite the strange clothes, as their chest was remarkably flat. To call them a man seemed equally off, as their features were quite delicate, with a fair, supple face. Their left ear was pierced with a strange ornament, while the right was bare. It was truly a mystery whether this person was male or female. Yan’er drew her sword, intending to end the person's life. "Young Palace Master, this person is suspicious and of unknown origin. To appear near our Hundred Flowers Palace in such bizarre attire... they might be a spy from the righteous sects. I shall finish them now." To everyone's shock, the Young Palace Master stopped the Fourth Protector, Sister Yan’er. She knelt down to check the person's pulse. It appeared they had fallen from a great height, though certainly not from the top of Cloud-Piercing Peak, or they would have been dashed to pieces. In a daze, the person seemed to regain a flicker of consciousness. They struggled even to open their eyes, moving in a disoriented stupor. Suddenly, their hand shot out and gripped the Young Palace Master’s hand. Caught off guard, the Young Palace Master froze. Seeing this, Yan’er immediately prepared to thrust her sword. "You scoundrel! Release the Young Palace Master at once! Stop playing the fool!" The Young Palace Master simply waved her hand. "I have checked; they are not faking." The person struggled as if trying to move, but their expression was one of intense pain, and they eventually gave up. Using every ounce of strength, they managed to crack their eyes open a sliver. However, their vision was a blur. They only heard a woman wanting to kill them and another stopping her. The second woman asked, "What is your name?" "Chu... Chu Ruo..." After answering, the person lost consciousness entirely, falling into a deep faint. "Young Palace Master, what should we do?" The Young Palace Master stood and smoothed her long skirt. Her sleeve, where it had been grabbed, was stained with mud. She frowned briefly. "Bring her back." Yan’er could hardly believe her ears. "But... her origin is unknown, and we cannot even tell if this person is male or female. Moreover, the Palace Master’s side..." The woman waved her hand again, her tone brookng no argument. "My mind is made up. If Mother asks, tell her... I intend to take this person as my disciple." *** Cloud-Piercing Peak. *Was I sleepwalking last night?* That was Chu Ruo's first thought upon waking. She was lying in a magnificent bed that certainly didn't belong to her, staring at a room filled with ancient, luxurious decor. Even the pillars were carved with dragons and phoenixes. She slapped her head hard. *Am I still dreaming?* She lay back down and closed her eyes. Since it was a dream, she might as well keep sleeping; she’d wake up naturally once she’d had enough rest. Unfortunately, after lying there for a long time, she didn't fall back asleep. Instead, she became more and more awake. A realization began to dawn on Chu Ruo. Trembling, she lifted her right hand and ruthlessly pinched her own fair cheek. "Aaaaah! It hurts!" At this point, she finally had to admit and face the truth. She, Chu Ruo, had transmigrated! ***