I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

Choice

“Yong Shao! Long Tian has been summoned to the grand hall by the four elders. Given the recent rumors, it’s likely they’re discussing the matter of taking disciples.” Ye Gou reported to Ye Yong immediately upon hearing the news, as usual.

Ye Yong did not stop this behavior, for the butterfly effect had caused many details to change. He needed informants to grasp and relay Long Tian’s movements. Ye Gou, who was in the same Sword Pavilion as him, was a good human-shaped information receiver and sender.

“Got it. Just be careful not to pry too much into others’ affairs, lest you provoke their displeasure.”

“Don’t worry, Yong Shao, I know my limits.” Ye Gou shared some basic information about the elders, making it clear who was interested in taking Long Tian as a disciple, and soon tactfully ended the communication, no longer intruding.

Ye Yong increasingly felt that saving Ye Gou was not in vain; he was clearly much smarter than described in the novel. Though he occasionally overstepped, causing Ye Yong some trouble—like that incident of excessive flattery, he was definitely the loudest in calling for it.

But then again, expecting a sycophant to be perfect was unrealistic.

“The elders involved in the disciple-taking event are no different from those in the novel.” Ye Yong rested his chin on his hand, murmuring to himself, “The timing is a bit earlier; it must be that my battle with Long Tian exposed too much of my strength, prompting the Bai family to act quickly. It’s also possible that, under my interference, the Ye family hasn’t made an enemy of the protagonist, and the Heavenly Dao has shifted all the pressure onto the Bai family…”

“What are you mumbling about? Who were you talking to just now?” Liang Xiaorou, who was rowing the boat, glanced at Ye Yong.

They had previously agreed to enjoy some time together at the Yinhua Hall, and now Ye Yong was sightseeing on the lake with Liang Xiaorou. As for why Liang Xiaorou was rowing, it was because she wanted to go at her own pace.

Well, actually, she was afraid Ye Yong would row too fast and end things too soon. After all, this was their time alone; although Wu Xue and the others were watching from the shore, there was no one around them now, so it could be considered a private space.

“Ye Gou was just consulting me about some cultivation issues.” Ye Yong felt a bit embarrassed; he was clearly spending time with the female lead but was thinking about someone else, and a man at that. But it wasn’t Ye Yong’s intention; it was best to keep track of the protagonist’s movements. While he couldn’t prevent the butterfly effect from occurring, he at least needed to be prepared.

“Alright, I want to ask you something.” Liang Xiaorou, seeing that Ye Yong was no longer distracted, hesitated for a moment before speaking, “What do you think of Shi Meng?”

Oh, starting to probe who holds a more important place in my heart?

Ye Yong smiled slightly: “Shi Meng is like a plum blossom blooming in the harsh winter, beautiful and ethereal, standing alone without competing with other flowers, possessing a proud spirit. Though she speaks little, her determination is strong; once she commits to something, she perseveres through any hardship. She is an incredibly rare woman.”

“Oh…” Liang Xiaorou’s voice lowered, seemingly feeling that the praise was too high, and that she might not measure up.

“This scene is perfect for composing a piece of music.” Ye Yong didn’t immediately share his thoughts on Liang Xiaorou but instead took out his flute and played a cheerful tune.

—

“Not bad at all.” Compared to poetry, Liang Xiaorou preferred music. When she had previously told Mu Qingyin that she wanted to join the Music and Art Hall, it wasn’t just a polite remark; she had genuinely considered it. However, she ultimately gave up due to a lack of talent in that area.

Only with emotional fluctuations can feelings become more profound. At this moment, Ye Yong began to get to the point, expressing that Liang Xiaorou was like a cool breeze in summer, like the sunshine in winter, akin to a melody that suddenly plays during a dull moment, refreshing and uplifting. His cheesy compliments flowed one after another, as if they were free.

Liang Xiaorou’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Although she wasn’t compared to a flower like Qin Shimeng, receiving high praise, Ye Yong’s description made her feel as if she embodied the comfortable life he pursued, which brought her a sense of ease.

“What nonsense are you talking about? I can’t understand a word.” Liang Xiaorou said this, but her unconscious quickening of the rowing motion betrayed her, clearly indicating her shyness, and her favorability increased by 2 points.

Seeing this, Ye Yong couldn’t be bothered to think about the matter of Long Tian becoming a disciple anymore. Regardless of whether the outcome aligned with the novel, it was an event that couldn’t be prevented. Instead of worrying and guessing, it was better to just relax and await the result, focusing his thoughts on being close to the female lead.

——Sword Pavilion;

Elder He and Elder Chen had always been somewhat at odds, while the other two, Bai Manghuo and Elder Liu, remained relatively silent.

“Everyone, please do me a favor and let me take this disciple.” After a long pause, Bai Manghuo finally spoke.

The longer it dragged on, the more troublesome it would become. More elders might get involved, so Bai Manghuo immediately played the favor card. Taking advantage of the elders speaking while Long Tian couldn’t interject, Bai Manghuo had to make them give up this opportunity…

“Since Brother Bai has brought it up, it must be given.” He Bini chimed in repeatedly: “It just so happens that Brother Bai also practices the Azure Fire Cang Victory technique, which is perfect for guiding Long Tian.”

“The Azure Fire Cang Victory is strong, but it consumes spiritual energy too quickly and isn’t suitable for prolonged battles. I think he should learn something else; my Chen Dragon Sword Technique complements the Azure Fire Cang Victory perfectly…” Elder Chen believed that Long Tian had a talent for swordsmanship and also understood alchemy, making him a rare disciple he was eager to take on.

However, He Bini seemed intent on opposing him, starting to mock again: “Your Chen Dragon Sword Technique isn’t worth mentioning; it lacks lethality and only serves to annoy the opponent. A sword cultivator should fight decisively and spectacularly.”

Elder Chen was about to retort when He Bini continued, “Also, you’ve already taken on six disciples, leaving no good seedlings for others. Is it really fair to hog everything for yourself? Elder Bai only has two disciples; handing Long Tian over to him would definitely yield more and better resources.”

This left Elder Chen somewhat speechless, as he indeed had taken on more disciples than usual. Generally, elders would have three to four at most, and they would only take on new ones if their current disciples fully graduated.

At this moment, Elder Liu, who was also present, looked at He Bini: “Are you here to take on disciples or to argue? Since you say having too many disciples is bad, I only have one disciple, even fewer than Elder Bai. Isn’t that more suitable for taking on disciples?”

Elder Liu seemed to have a bad temper; rather than using words, he appeared more inclined to resort to violence. He Bini immediately laughed awkwardly: “Brother Liu, your sword technique is too rigid. Long Tian has already learned the Azure Fire Cang Victory; learning a rigid sword technique… wouldn’t be ideal.”

“Who just said that sword cultivators should fight decisively and spectacularly?”

Now it was He Bini’s turn to be at a loss for words.

“Elder Liu, are you sure you want to compete with me?” Bai Manghuo shot a sidelong glance at Elder Liu, his eyes growing increasingly hostile.

Under normal circumstances, elders wouldn’t quarrel over a single disciple.

—

Elder Liu showed no fear: “Don’t say ‘rob’ so harshly. Long Tian has not said a word from beginning to end; why not let him choose for himself?”

Bai Manghuo was afraid of this. He sneered, “Young people often struggle to discern what suits them. I’m thinking of his future. Qing Huo Cang Sheng, I have already mastered the seventh form, and I’m at great success; I’m very suitable to guide him.”

“Young people should have the right to choose for themselves.” Elder Liu, too lazy to argue, directly said to Long Tian: “I’ll give you a chance to choose.”

Long Tian met Elder Liu’s gaze: “Actually, I have already made plans. If you don’t mind, please accept me as your disciple.”