Chapter 11
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
This chapter is edited by Sheepadu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 11: Elder Martial Sister Bai’s Advice!
Xiao Jinse felt like she was drunk. She inhaled the faint fragrance emanating from Bai Lian, listened to her steady breathing, and felt as though she were about to melt.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian smells so good. Her heart fluttered as her thoughts wandered. Well, Martial Sister Bai Lian is soft too. Her skin looks just like a soft, delicious bun.
Xiao Jinse unconsciously compared herself to Bai Lian, her gaze drifting to her own figure. She lowered her head in shame. Compared to Bai Lian, I’m just a village girl.
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined being able to accompany Bai Lian, let alone becoming her younger martial sister. The very thought filled her with equal parts joy and disbelief. How many people outside must be jealous of me?
Yet that joy was quickly overshadowed by doubt. Xiao Jinse hung her head. Am I really qualified to be treated so nicely by Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian? The question swirled in her mind, leaving her heart heavy with confusion.
……
Bai Lian didn’t wake until the sun hung high in the sky. Her first sensation was discomfort—a heavy, suffocating weight pressing against her chest.
Crap. She forced herself to sit up, her movements sluggish and disoriented.
The moment she moved, something shifted.
“Wow—”
Xiao Jinse, who had apparently been the “heavy stone,” rolled off Bai Lian and landed unceremoniously on the floor with a dull thud.
“Ah?” Bai Lian’s eyes widened in alarm. She watched, frozen, as Xiao Jinse hit her head against the hard floorboards.
Did that just happen?
Panic rose in her chest. Hey, hey, hey—what if she hates me for this?!
Her mind raced as she recalled her second younger martial sister’s reputation. While Xiao Jinse didn’t seem like a cruel or vindictive person, Bai Lian knew one thing for sure: if someone truly provoked her, they’d better start preparing their own grave.
“I should be safe… right?” she whispered, half to herself, half to the air. But even as she said it, doubt lingered at the edges of her mind.
A moment later, Xiao Jinse got up from the ground. Her expression was calm, but a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Elder Martial Sister, are you okay?” she asked gently.
Bai Lian shook her head quickly, eager to reassure her. “I just spent some of my spirit energy. I only need to rest a little. But you fell just now—are you okay?” Concern flickered in her eyes as she leaned forward, though she hesitated to act. What if the system pops up again with one of its ridiculous tasks?
Xiao Jinse shook her head, her voice steady. “Elder Martial Sister, I’m fine. I’ve been used to it for a long time.”
Her words were casual, but Bai Lian frowned. Used to it? She couldn’t ignore the scar on the back of Xiao Jinse’s hand, a pale reminder of old wounds.
Is she hinting that she’s been mistreated by the Xiao Family? Bai Lian’s chest tightened at the thought. This sentence—it carries resentment, doesn’t it? What kind of life did she endure there?
Bad. Very bad.
Fearing she’d accidentally dredge up painful memories, Bai Lian quickly steered the conversation to a more cheerful topic. “Since your Spiritual Root has been repaired, younger martial sister, let’s test your Spiritual Root attribute. That way, I can help you choose a suitable cultivation method.” Her tone was light, deliberately encouraging.
Xiao Jinse nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes.”
But beneath her composed demeanor, her heart raced. Did she notice? Xiao Jinse carefully kept her expression neutral, but inwardly she panicked. Did Elder Martial Sister realize I accidentally fell asleep with my head buried in her chest?
Stop overthinking! How could I do something so disgusting?
“？”
Bai Lian blinked, her brow furrowing. Is this cold attitude because I made her fall earlier?
Damn!
Her frustration mounted as she considered the situation. I should really add a character favorability indicator to the system. A woman’s mind is like a bottomless pit—unfathomable.
As they reached the door, Bai Lian suddenly paused, her hand resting on the frame. “I almost forgot—you were sweating a lot just now. You’d better take a bath before going.”
“Ah, yes.” Xiao Jinse nodded, her response dull and automatic.
Bai Lian lingered, hovering over her like a kind but overly nagging mother. “Let me help you with your laundry.” She didn’t wait for a reply before continuing. “I’ll help you carry the basin. I’ll boil water for you. I’ll take it off for you—” She stopped mid-sentence, her face heating slightly. “Forget it. You’d better take it off yourself.”
Behind the door, the sound of water splashing echoed through the room. Xiao Jinse’s voice followed, soft and hesitant. “Elder Martial Sister, I know you were sweating a lot too. Don’t you need to take a bath?”
Bai Lian smiled, her tone carrying a hint of pride. “There’s no need.”
Xiao Jinse gasped softly. Elder Martial Sister really gives me every favor.
Before Xiao Jinse could dwell too long on her admiration, Bai Lian elaborated, her voice light with amusement. “I know the spell to remove dust and clean clothes. I’ve already cleaned my body and clothes. Younger Martial Sister, you don’t have to envy me. When you reach the seventh level of the Refining Qi Stage, you can learn similar spells.”
“Oh… well.” Xiao Jinse’s cheeks flushed a faint pink. She sank lower into the bath, half of her small head disappearing beneath the water.
Bubble, bubble. Goo goo…
She buried her face deeper, trying to shake the ridiculous thought that popped into her mind. Fortunately, I didn’t blurt out, ‘Why don’t we wash together?’
……
The sun shone brightly in the clear sky as Xiao Jinse followed Bai Lian down to the foot of Qiongming Peak. Their destination was the Cultivation Method Pavilion at the base of Yunluo Peak, a place where disciples could test their qualifications and select cultivation methods.
Xiao Jinse’s steps were light, her anticipation growing with each step. But Bai Lian, walking slightly ahead, looked indifferent.
Why should I care? Bai Lian thought to herself. I’ve played the game—I know how this goes. My second martial sister’s cultivation journey will be full of ups and downs regardless of what I do. These martial sisters, destined for greatness, never have smooth lives even without me bullying them.
She cast a sideways glance at Xiao Jinse, her mind drifting to the details she already knew. Take the second martial sister, for example. Sure, her Spiritual Root has been repaired, but it’s still considered the worst kind—a low-grade Fire-type Spiritual Root. If she were an ordinary person, it would take her over fifty years of grueling effort just to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Bai Lian smirked faintly. But underestimate her, and you’re bound to suffer.
Because, in truth, Xiao Jinse’s Spiritual Root wasn’t ordinary at all. It was a Holy Spiritual Root, a rare and ancient talent that had once awed the cultivation world. Its deceptive nature mimicked the lowest-grade Fire-type Spiritual Root, but with the right treasures, it could evolve. Obsolete Spiritual Root to Fire-type Spiritual Root. Fire-type Spiritual Root to Immortal Spiritual Root.
And beyond.
Even the strongest Flame Heavenly Lord wouldn’t dare claim a talent greater than hers. Bai Lian’s gaze lingered briefly on Xiao Jinse. That’s the protagonist for you.
Then she glanced at herself, her thoughts turning sour. And what about me? Her lips quirked in a self-deprecating smile. Water-type Spiritual Root? What an NPC.
Though she had a system, it often felt more like an annoyance than an advantage. It’s too useless. It can’t even help me become the final boss.
Bai Lian sighed softly as she approached a bustling square, her steps steady and deliberate. The noise of the crowd filled the air, but the moment she appeared, the crowd parted like waves, leaving a clear path for her.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian is here!”
“It’s Martial Sister Bai Lian!”
“Ah, ah, ah… (sniff)… I’m done,” one particularly enthusiastic admirer cried out, trembling with emotion.
Xiao Jinse leaned closer to Bai Lian, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. “Senior Sister.”
The two looked ahead and saw a young man sitting cross-legged on the ground, his sword resting beside him.
Ho ho. Bai Lian’s fine eyebrows rose slightly. What a great young man.
The sword caught her attention first. Its blade gleamed snow-white, as if forged from ice and snow. The young man himself was equally striking—dressed in white-gold robes, with green hair tied neatly behind his head, he exuded an air of elegance and refinement.
As the crowd dispersed further, the young man rose to his feet, lifting his sword with practiced ease. His posture was upright and dignified as he turned his gaze toward Bai Lian.
Jiang Ning.
Bai Lian recognized him instantly. The “Jade Sword Hero.” In the game, he was a notable figure, the prince of a small country called Nanyue, and a cultivator at the later stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage. His noble demeanor and upright nature earned him many fans among players.
What’s he doing here? Bai Lian frowned slightly, her mind racing.
Her musings were interrupted when Jiang Ning suddenly stepped toward her, his excitement evident in his quick movements.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!” he called out, stopping a respectful distance—a foot or so—away from her. He arched his hands in a formal salute, his expression earnest.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian gave a warning at the Medical Pills Pavilion that was truly shocking to me!” he said with conviction, his voice ringing clear.
Bai Lian blinked, her face betraying none of the confusion she felt. What? Warning? What is this bullshit? She resisted the urge to groan. I’m very busy right now. I don’t have time for your flattery.
But Bai Lian knew better than to show her impatience. Her expression remained calm, almost cold, as she regarded Jiang Ning in silence, waiting for him to elaborate.
Jiang Ning’s voice rang with conviction as he declared, “I have been living in the shadow of my eldest brother for far too long. It was Martial Sister Bai Lian’s words that made me wake up. I am myself, and he is himself. The immortal road is full of thorns. If I keep bothering about such things, how can I ever climb to the immortal peak?”
His impassioned words drew nods of agreement from the onlookers, who murmured amongst themselves.
“Now he gets it.”
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, you’re the white moonlight in my heart!”
“It’s a blessing for the Duxian Sect to have Senior Sister Bai Lian!”
“That’s great! I’ve come to understand everything!”
Oh, so it’s a commendation meeting now, Bai Lian thought, her expression unreadable.
But inwardly, she frowned. My fame just keeps growing bigger and bigger. If my true strength is exposed, it’ll all be over for me—even if I’m not a villain. Her gaze narrowed slightly. System, was this part of your plan too? Damn it!
Suddenly, a sharp swish cut through the air. Bai Lian’s attention snapped back to the square, her body instinctively tensing. Jiang Ning had drawn his sword, its snow-white blade gleaming under the sunlight. He bowed deeply once more before her, his face solemn but determined.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian,” he began, “I know that I am not your opponent, but today I wish to challenge you. I want to follow the example of Younger Martial Sister Wen Ren Ya Le and set Martial Sister Bai Lian as my target! In this battle, I hope to prove my courage and bid farewell to my past self. Please don’t hesitate to give me your guidance!”
Jiang Ning lifted his sword, his left hand forming a precise magic formula in the air. The movement radiated confidence and intent.
“There it is!” someone in the crowd exclaimed.
The square erupted with applause, a wave of approval washing over the scene.
Clap, clap…
Though many admired Jiang Ning’s courage, there was an underlying tension in the air. After all, Bai Lian was no ordinary senior sister—she was Martial Sister Bai Lian. Even though she had expressed earlier that she welcomed challenges like Wen Ren Ya Le’s, most disciples would rather not risk their pride or suffer a humiliating defeat.
Now that Jiang Ning had stepped forward, the crowd was abuzz with excitement. A rare opportunity had fallen into their laps—the chance to witness Martial Sister Bai Lian’s fighting posture up close.
“Good!” someone shouted, and a new wave of applause rippled through the square.
Clap, clap…
Meanwhile, Bai Lian’s right hand trembled slightly. What the hell is this?! Her calm facade hid the grievance bubbling inside.
Jiang Ning, why did you come to challenge me? Did a donkey kick you in the head, or are you colluding with the system? Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the absurdity. I’m finished.
Her eyes flicked to the system panel that had appeared before her, its cold text offering three equally troubling choices:
[Task 1: Fight bravely with Jiang Ning for 300 rounds! (Reward: Secret Skill – Flying Immortal Sword)]
[Task 2: Ridicule him: “You are not my opponent, and I will not fight with you.” (Reward: Spiritual Herb – Sky Fire Divine Buds)]
[Task 3: “You need to prepare yourself better first. We’ll fight later.” (Reward: Refining Energy Pill)]
Bai Lian grimaced. Her thoughts spiraled as she analyzed the options.
Fight for 300 rounds? My strength isn’t much different from Jiang Ning’s. If I lose, I’m ruined. Judging by the reward for Task 1, the system seems pretty confident that I’d lose.
But dismissing Jiang Ning outright wasn’t ideal either. If I refuse to fight, won’t it prove that my words at the Medical Pills Pavilion were just an act?
She could already hear the whispers that would follow her everywhere:
“Liar.”
“Scheming bitch!”
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian? More like Elder Bitch Sister!”
Bai Lian winced. The imagined accusations stung more than she wanted to admit. Her gaze shifted to Task 3. A delayed action poison.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. I can’t help it. Even if it’s poison, I have to choose it. I’ll figure out an escape route later.
Bai Lian bit her lip, bracing herself for what was to come. But before she could respond, a small purple figure darted out of the crowd with astonishing speed, planting itself firmly in front of her.
How fast!
It was Tong Yao. The young girl crossed her arms, her face puffed up in defiance as she shouted, “You want to challenge Martial Sister Bai Lian? Hmph! You’ll have to pass my test first. If everyone were like you, how would Martial Sister Bai Lian ever have time to cultivate?”
Bai Lian’s eyes lit up. I’m saved!
Her earlier resentment toward Tong Yao evaporated like morning dew under the sun. The more she looked, the more adorable Tong Yao seemed. Little Tong Yao, you’re truly my hero.
“This…” Jiang Ning hesitated, clearly not expecting such interference. Around them, the crowd stirred, disappointment evident in their murmurs.
Jiang Ning’s lips moved as if to protest, but he eventually sighed, his shoulders slumping. “In that case, I won’t fight.”
His expression turned lonely, his usually vibrant demeanor dulled. It was as if he had aged several years in an instant.
Tong Yao noticed and frowned. “Are you all right?” she asked, her voice softening.
Jiang Ning shook his head. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine at all!” Tong Yao stamped her foot, frustration evident. After a moment of hesitation, she gritted her teeth and thrust out her hand decisively. “Okay, fine! This time, I won’t stop you. But you all better remember—don’t disturb Martial Sister Bai Lian at will in the future!”
“Really?” Jiang Ning’s eyes lit up with a mix of hope and surprise.
“Of course.” Tong Yao walked away with an air of magnanimity, leaving Jiang Ning and Bai Lian face to face once again.
“…”
I’m fuc$#@&…! Bai Lian’s calm facade cracked internally. Her hands twitched as the urge to grab Tong Yao by the head and swing her around like a fan overwhelmed her. Stupid girl! Die! Die! Die!
But there was no way out now.
Bai Lian’s gaze dropped to her feet, and an idea suddenly struck her. Boots?!
She had almost forgotten about the pair of Cloud Boots she’d obtained recently. In terms of speed, they gave her a clear advantage—there was no way Jiang Ning could keep up with her while she wore them.
Her confidence restored, Bai Lian decisively chose Task 3.
