Chapter 280: Is This for Real?

Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Some people in the world were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. They had all they needed and all they wanted. Talent, ability, family background, and luck. Others would give them unconditional support, and they were always the brightest star in the sky.

This was Ling Wuxia.

Even though she was selfish, fake, and nothing near the perfect girl she thought she was, she was still always the winner.

While some were hated by many and constantly thrown into adversity, they could manage to survive no matter what, even when it seemed impossible. In their own way, they could gain the attention of the world, shining brightly in the sky too.

This was Lu Mingshu.

Even though the world seemed unfair to her and everyone seemed to be going against her, she was like Lady Luck's favourite, always opening ways for herself that helped her get through all challenges, so she had never experienced failure.

However, there were some people who always seemed to be behind no matter how much more effort they put in compared to the first two people. There always seemed to be something in between them and success. The best things would never be theirs. No matter how good they were, they would only be overlooked as a prop.

Zhou Ruying felt that this was her.

When Lu Mingshu said that she was hopeless, Zhou Ruying did not feel that it was overboard because it was all the hard truth.

But did she really not feel indignant?

Of course not! That was impossible!

Zhou Ruying had dreams when she was a kid too.

The Zhou Family adopted many orphans, and she was the most outstanding among them all. Even compared to Nine Jade Palace's disciples, she was not worse than them. Zhou Ruying always believed that one day, she would be able to break through to the Spirit Realm and become a well-respected elite. Even if Zhou Yinru disliked her and bullied her whenever she could, Zhou Ruying took it all because she owed the Zhou Family.

However, as she endured such a life, her dreams were crushed.

After that incident, Zhou Ruying shut herself in her room for ten days, staring blankly into space. She only went out during the tenth day when Zhou Miaoru called her over to complete a task, and she became Zhou Miaoru's knife starting from that day.

Nobody apologized to her or felt indignant for her, they just took it as inevitable and right, as if it was okay for the Zhou Family to take everything from here because they gave it to her in the first place.

Was she upset? As far as others could tell, no. In everyone else's eyes, Zhou Ruying recovered quickly after staying silent for a moment. She was so obedient that they nearly thought she was a dog.

Zhou Miaoru was extremely satisfied with her performance. She even told Zhou Ruying, "Do it well, and we will take care of you when you grow old."

Zhou Ruying smiled thinly in response.

The smile covered her trauma that was left behind by Zhou Yinru.

See, this is my life. I always thought I could, but I always end up with nothing.

She envied Lu Mingshu and was jealous of Ling Wuxia. One had all the luck and the other one had everything.

But everything they had was something that would never come near her.

She would only need to be good and stand next to them forever so they could shine even brighter.

"Me? It's really me?" she looked at the floor and mumbled. It was unknown whether she was speaking to herself or the Grandmaster.

Qiu Yu nodded and looked at her gently. "You're called Zhou Ruying, right? This old man needs a servant disciple, are you willing-"

"Yes!" Zhou Ruying interrupted. "I'm willing to be your servant disciple."

A servant disciple was not an official disciple, but this was the Grandmaster! Anything that he taught would benefit her for the rest of her life.

"However, this old man is leaving soon, and I do not know when I might come back this time. Ten years or maybe twenty. You have to consider thoroughly."

"Junior has nothing to care about. I can follow Senior forever!" Zhou Ruying smiled sheepishly.

Did I really hit the lottery? Even if it's fake, just let me enjoy this feeling!

Seeing her actions, Qiu Yu burst into laughter.

He then turned to Lu Mingshu and Ling Wuxia. "Okay, now, your turn."

Lu Mingshu and Ling Wuxia exchanged glances nervously.

Even though Zhou Ruying was the winner, this test was different from the previous ones. They had entered the final test and knew about the Grandmaster's secret. Despite not being chosen, he wouldn't let them walk away just like that.

As expected, Qiu Yu started, "I hope that you will keep this secret of Jasper Sun Mountain with you forever and never mention it."

Who would not fulfil the Grandmaster's request? Ling Wuxia took the lead; "Junior will not breathe a word about this."

Followed by Lu Mingshu; "I promise Senior to talk nothing about this."

Qiu Yu nodded and smiled at Lu Mingshu. "The other two items are gifts for the people who get to the final round, but..."

Seeing Qiu Yu looking at her, Lu Mingshu stayed composed.

"Young lady, you can have the rest, but I need the mirror back. It's my experiment, and it has no use to you."

"Senior's a grandmaster, how could you ask for something you've already given away?" Lu Mingshu replied.

"What do you want?" Qiu Yu smiled at her.

"How about an exchange?"

Hearing her being rude, Ling Wuxia couldn't help but interrupt. "Miss Lu, Senior has already mentioned that the mirror isn't part of the prize. Isn't it unreasonable to take people's props after participating in their test?"

Lu Mingshu side-eyed her. "You're only saying that because you didn't get it."

"You...!" Ling Wuxia nearly skinned her alive on the spot.

"Hahaha...." Qiu Yu found it entertaining to watch them quarrel. "Whatever, let's exchange then."

Qiu Yu looked in his bag and took out a book at last. "Little Boo is an experiment too. I haven't found any ways to improve him. Since you like him, take this forging book."

Lu Mingshu's eyes shone, and she took the book immediately.

Seeing her smile, Qiu Yu felt relieved. "I didn't want to give him away at first, but seeing how much you like him, I guess I'm doing the right thing. He isn't a living thing, but he has intelligence. I hope you will treat him well."

"I will." Lu Mingshu nodded.

Only

"As for you..."

Seeing Qiu Yu looking at her, Ling Wuxia felt anxious.

She had failed this test terribly. She was schemed against by Lu Mingshu and was unable to protect her juniors. She did not even get any items. Thus, in summary, she didn't perform well and based on the summary the Grandmaster gave, his view of her was rather awkward.

It was okay that she wasn't selected since Lu Mingshu wasn't either, but if she didn't even get a single item, then she wouldn't feel good.

Qiu Yu started slowly, "I didn't want to make up for the item that was supposed to be yours but was snatched away."

"Senior...." Ling Wuxia's heart was almost in her throat.

"But you have worked hard, and it's not good to let all your hard work be washed down the drain." He took something out and threw it to her. "Take it, your consolation prize."