Chapter 20
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This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 20: You and Me!
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The sun on the eastern horizon had completely sunk below the ground.
Night descended like a flowing river, and stars emerged one after another.
After a slow flight lasting two and a quarter hours, Bai Lian finally arrived near the Duxian sect.
From her position on the wall of Spirit Qi formed by the Dirt Free Sword, she could see in the distance a cluster of mountains soaring into the clouds, and when her gaze shifted downward, she observed the small town below the peaks.
This town could no longer be called small.
Compared to when Bai Lian first arrived, it now rivaled the ancient cities of the world in both size and vibrancy.
This night.
Lights illuminated the city from all directions, with a galaxy of stars reflected in the river’s surface!
Bai Lian extended her arms upward in a lazy stretch.
Her slender waist was fully visible at that moment.
The only disappointment was that after her body had shrunk, her chest had become smaller as well.
She then lifted her right hand to wipe away the tears that had gathered in her right eye.
“Hmm~”
In short, she was exhausted!
For Bai Lian in her current state, maintaining a single avatar and flying two thousand miles was no minor feat.
She simply wanted to return to her room and fall into a deep sleep.
As for appreciating the scenery along the way.
She decided against it, lacking the energy.
Her legs were so numb that she feared taking another step would reduce her to a puddle of exhaustion.
Just as she was about to pass over the town, her Jade Message Slip suddenly received a new message.
“?”
She retrieved the jade slip from her chest.
The message was from Second Martial Sister; it had been quite some time since they had communicated through the jade slip.
Second Martial Sister wrote, [Elder Martial Sister, Third Martial Sister is waiting for you in the town at the mountain’s base. She has been there since noon.]
Oh?
Bai Lian paused.
Third Martial Sister’s behavior didn’t surprise her; it was Second Martial Sister’s proactive communication and detailed explanation that caught her off guard.
Under normal circumstances, it would be fortunate if Second Martial Sister didn’t actively seek reasons to draw her away.
Bai Lian had developed this understanding primarily because such events had occurred countless times in The Battle of the Gods.
In particularly dire situations, Second Martial Sister had even willingly “offered herself” to “Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian,” solely to prevent Third Martial Sister from seeing “Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.”
Because it had been Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s birthday that day, and Third Martial Sister had fought numerous fierce demonic beasts to prepare a birthday gift for Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Therefore.
When Third Martial Sister discovered Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian and Second Martial Sister engaging in “improper behavior” in the pouring rain, she went berserk and used the demon beast’s blood to activate the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl’s hidden power, instantly poisoning Second Martial Sister to death.
However…
Bai Lian suddenly tapped her forehead.
“I’m being foolish, truly foolish!”
Now, she shared nothing with the “malicious Bai Lian” from the game except their name.
Even their bodies were different.
After all, her current form had been created by her master.
And the Second and Third Martial Sisters were entirely different from their game counterparts.
They still had conflicts, but that was normal in any family.
Just like the relationship between Bai Lian and An Lan – it would be miraculous if they never experienced any friction.
These things simply take time!
As long as the intensity remains controlled, more friction leads to better understanding.
Clearly, the Second and Third Martial Sisters managed this well; they might secretly curse each other, but if something happened to either one, their concern would match Bai Lian’s own.
After brief consideration, Bai Lian replied.
[I’ll return soon and bring you something to eat.]
Second Martial Sister responded, [Thank you, Elder Martial Sister!]
Bai Lian gazed up at Qiongming Peak, shrouded in darkness.
Spring brings flowers, autumn reveals the moon; summer offers cool breezes and winter presents snow.
“When there’s nothing to worry about, these are the finest moments one can have.”
That was likely just a dream!
After completing her transaction with Dao Xingyuan, her only remaining concerns were Fourth Martial Sister and her master.
Bai Lian felt as if half the burden had lifted from her shoulders, and her body, though weary with fatigue, unconsciously straightened.
Perhaps she would grow faster now?
The Dirt Free Sword altered course and flew westward toward the town.
Tonight’s sky was crystal clear.
Starlight mingled with the ground’s illumination.
Bai Lian’s slight figure walked through the town’s main street, surrounded by people. Unlike before, she didn’t draw crowds of onlookers.
Though some commented on her cuteness, no one approached to bother her.
She stood motionless in the street’s center.
Looking around, the world seemed to spin about her.
She observed pale pink candles burning on flower boats moored by the river.
She noticed the traffic light glowing in the darkness near the town gate.
All these sights merged into ribbons of color as they spun, like fleeting dreams or shooting stars across the sky, vanishing when Bai Lian ceased her spinning.
Though their physical forms disappeared, their beauty would forever remain in Bai Lian’s heart.
Perhaps this is what they call an eternal moment.
At that time.
A concerned passerby approached Bai Lian from behind.
“Little girl, are you lost?”
Bai Lian stopped.
Her gaze passed beyond the pedestrians to fall upon Third Martial Sister, who stood with bowed head and clasped hands.
Finally!
“Little girl?”
Another call arose.
Bai Lian quickly shook her head and ignored the stranger, instead running straight toward her Third Martial Sister.
Sometimes, she wished to be less concerned with politeness.
It’s exhausting to constantly consider others’ thoughts!
“Hey -”
The passerby extended his right hand but ultimately shook his head in resignation. He might as well enjoy the fireworks illuminating the night sky.
Pat pat pat.
The hurried footsteps startled Su Youwei.
The worried young woman quickly lifted her head.
Upon seeing the little girl in a light blue gauze skirt, panting with hands on knees, a pure smile bloomed on her face.
[Nothing compares to this moment.]
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, you’ve returned.”
Su Youwei gently waved her right hand.
As she did so, Hong Yi emerged from behind her.
“Elder Martial Sister.”
Hong Yi now resembled a shy young lady. Though an item spirit, her cheeks and neck flushed pink.
“Puff~”
Bai Lian touched her modest chest.
She managed a smile, “I’m back. There’s no need to worry. I was just listening to Dao Xingyuan’s stories – how could there be any danger?”
How could I believe that!
Though Su Youwei didn’t believe it, she chose not to press the matter, “Elder Martial Sister, shall we return to Qiongming Peak now?”
To her surprise, Bai Lian shook her head.
“Huh?”
Bai Lian said, “Since we rarely come down from the mountain, let’s explore a bit more.”
She understood the meaning behind Second Martial Sister’s message.
Not only herself but Third Martial Sister needed attention too.
“But the master and Second Elder Martial Sister are still…”
“I’ve already spoken with them.”
Su Youwei ceased her protests, grateful for this rare opportunity to be alone with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian – she wouldn’t be foolish enough to waste it.
Right now, her heart pounding wildly, she desperately wanted to nestle into Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s arms.
Everything felt somewhat surreal.
The Ten Thousand Poison Pearl had accompanied her through two lifetimes, and her feelings toward it were complex.
Because of the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl, her previous life had been utterly destroyed, and countless people had pursued her. Yet it was also because of the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl that she had found light in the darkness.
And without the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl, she couldn’t have so easily transformed her internal demon into her ‘good sister’.
Now the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl would leave her.
She couldn’t determine whether she felt relief or reluctance.
When Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had asked her opinion, she had quickly consulted Hong Yi.
“What should I do?”
Hong Yi had answered, “Choose for yourself; for me, it’s merely changing residences.”
Make my own decision?
Su Youwei closed her eyes and contemplated for ten breaths.
Ten breaths weren’t long, but sufficient to recall her past life.
Then, she opened her eyes and stated firmly, “I agree to the exchange!”
She still held attachment to the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl, but if relinquishing it could protect those around her from harm, then the trade was worthwhile.
Su Youwei asked Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, “Where shall we shop?”
Instead of answering, Bai Lian suddenly approached her.
Su Youwei’s eyes widened.
She watched as little Bai Lian’s right arm threaded through hers, firmly grasping her hand.
This…
Su Youwei froze as if struck by lightning.
She dared not move.
She feared movement would bring pain.
Not physical pain from bloodshed, but emotional pain from discovering good things were merely dreams.
Hmm.
Bai Lian narrowed her eyes.
Inhaling Third Martial Sister’s scent, she felt pleasantly dizzy.
She had previously thought Third Martial Sister was very thin with little flesh.
Now, having shrunk and leaning softly against Third Martial Sister, she discovered that Third Martial Sister was quite shapely, with a firm posterior, perfect waist curve, and substantial thighs, though her chest remained inexplicably flat.
Compared to her, Martial Sister Tong Yao’s chest truly represented unfortunate circumstances.
Bai Lian said, “My soul’s energy is severely depleted, and I’m afraid I might collapse if I walk much more. Let’s just explore this area tonight, and I’ll get some late-night snacks for Second Elder Martial Sister when we return.”
“Hmm.”
Su Youwei stiffly raised her head.
She moved like a rusty puppet, but her heart blazed like an inferno.
She felt as if something might burst forth at any moment.
Ah ↑ ah ↑ ah ↑
Su Youwei quickly pressed her hands to her heart, trying to contain her excitement lest she faint.
“Let’s go~!”
She held little Bai Lian’s hand and walked into the bright lights.
Hong Yi quietly followed, her eyes fixed on their intertwined arms.
There was nothing to say.
She felt jealous now.
Why?
Though it was clearly a story about three people, she could only watch Su Youwei and Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s intimacy.
How unreasonable!
Angry.
Her cheeks puffed up like buns, and her red coat fluttered in the breeze.
The three of them explored the town at the mountain’s base for a quarter hour.
Su Youwei intended to continue walking, but while introducing the new singing troupe to Bai Lian, something unexpected occurred.
“This song ‘Spring Flowers Night’ is quite famous, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, shall we go in…? Eh?”
Su Youwei’s words halted abruptly.
Something firm pressed against her arm!
Turning slightly, she found Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, who had been smiling moments ago, now completely slumped against her.
“Elder Martial Sister?”
Su Youwei called softly.
“Shh -”
Hong Yi stopped her immediately.
“Elder Martial Sister has fallen asleep.”
The whisper was so quiet that Su Youwei quickly covered her mouth.
“Then should we…”
Hong Yi suggested, “Return?”
Su Youwei shook her head.
She wasn’t ready to return yet, and Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had promised to treat Second Elder Martial Sister to supper.
“We should find somewhere quiet to rest,” Hong Yi suggested.
Su Youwei nodded in agreement.
They made their way to the pool where Bai Lian and An Lan had bathed their feet during the Lantern Festival – a pristine spot. This time, rather than settling by the water’s edge, they found a clean space near the stone wall to sit.
Su Youwei’s feet dangled in the moonlight, while Bai Lian, lost in slumber, rested against her shoulder.
She turned to look.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s face was mere inches from hers.
She observed Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s tightly closed eyes, her long eyelashes quivering softly.
She noticed Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s snow-white skin and the cool aura emanating from her body, highlighting her fragility and vulnerability.
Seeing Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian in this state was quite different from her usual demeanor. It felt like discovering an entirely new aspect of her character.
How should she describe it?
It’s peculiar.
In Su Youwei’s mind, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had always been an immovable mountain.
Yet she found herself perfectly content with this softer version of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Her heart felt full of sweetness, as if filled with honey.
[She trusts me enough to sleep peacefully beside me.]
This thought made Su Youwei’s smile grow even brighter.
She turned once more to gaze lovingly at Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s sleeping face.
Suddenly.
She noticed the star-like mark at the corner of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s eye, gleaming like a celestial light.
It shone brilliantly, its radiance reaching deep into her heart.
An inexplicable urge arose within her at that moment – to chase, to explore, to discover.
Finally, holding her breath and as if guided by some divine force, she leaned forward.
Her cherry-red lips pressed against Bai Lian’s cheek, right upon the star mark.
Boom!
A thunderous sensation exploded through both their divine senses.
Su Youwei froze, and Hong Yi, seated nearby, was equally stunned.
This…
Guruguru…
Su Youwei was bewildered, and Hong Yi was even more shocked, nearly fainting.
[Did I really just kiss Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?!]
[She kissed Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!!!]
ε＝ε＝ (＃> д<>
Hong Yi raised her hands, prepared to defend Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s honor with force.
Fortunately, Su Youwei regained her senses just then. She quickly pulled back and stammered, “I…I…it was completely accidental just now. Yes, an accident!”
Hong Yi’s eyes grew wide and round.
How dare you!
Did you think I would believe such nonsense?
If you had done this behind my back, that would be one thing, but to do it right in front of me to Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian? If I don’t give you a proper beating today, I might as well end myself!
It’s over.
Su Youwei panicked.
If Hong Yi struck now, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian would surely wake up.
If Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian discovered what she had done, how could she ever face her again with any dignity?
She felt like dying, she was finished.
Stop, stop!
“!”
Just as Hong Yi’s fist was about to descend, Su Youwei had a sudden inspiration.
Though she doubted the reliability of her plan, she had no time left and had to try.
“Wait!”
Su Youwei took a deep breath to buy time.
Humph!
Hong Yi clenched her fists while smiling coldly.
Nothing Su Youwei could say would quell her anger; she was determined to teach Su Youwei a lesson.
“For the sake of fairness, you can give Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian a kiss too.”
Huh?
Hong Yi was dumbfounded.
What did you just say?
Su Youwei lowered her head solemnly, as if making a grave decision, “Just…just kiss Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s left cheek. Only once, absolutely no more than that!”
Hong Yi’s hand dropped as she shifted nervously, “Don’t try to distract me, you…Do you think this will make me forgive you? I’m not like you…I…”
Su Youwei cut her off, saying, “You’d better hurry before Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian wakes up.”
“…”
The logic seemed sound.
But I…
Since you put it that way, there’s no point in maintaining pretenses anymore!
Su Youwei only caught a glimpse of red movement before her eyes, and when she focused again, Hong Yi’s lips were already pressed against Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s left cheek.
Click.
The sound came from Su Youwei’s breaking finger bone.
After what seemed like forever, Su Youwei’s tense body finally relaxed.
She understood that she couldn’t monopolize Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian. Besides, fundamentally, Hong Yi and she were the same person.
What reason did she have to be jealous?
Hmm.
She would buy a late-night snack for Second Elder Martial Sister and then return to Qiongming Peak.
“Hey, didn’t I say just once?”
Su Youwei whipped her head around and glared fiercely at Hong Yi.
That’s not fair.
This kiss is lasting longer than before!
Su Youwei grew angry and rushed forward to kiss Bai Lian’s right cheek directly.
One left and one right.
One cold and one warm.
One heart, split between two!
And so.
The spring breeze rippled across the pond’s surface.
Cicadas sang in the darkness.
The sky blazed with countless stars, forming a magnificent Milky Way that meandered off into unknown distances.
Under that same sky.
An Lan, her heart racing, tossed and turned dozens of times before finally rising and stepping out to the clearing before her cave.
She raised her right hand, fingers spread wide, and could just make out the bright silver disc of the moon through the gaps between her fingers.
Moments later, she lowered her hand.
“The Ten Thousand Calamities Refining Cultivation Method, that is the Ten Thousand Calamities Refining Cultivation Method!”
An Lan kept muttering the words to herself.
She vividly remembered falling to this state because that despicable Red Dust Heavenly Lord had shattered her soul into millions of pieces using the Ten Thousand Calamities Refining Cultivation Method and Taiyi Divine Wheel.
If she could obtain the complete [Ten Thousand Calamities Refining Cultivation Method] this time, she wouldn’t repeat the same mistake when confronting that bastard again!
(*^▽^*)
Bai Lian was truly a blessing in disguise!
She would take excellent care of Bai Lian once she returned.
The thought made An Lan burst into laughter.
Late into the night, Su Youwei helped the still-sleeping Bai Lian back to Qiongming Peak.
“Elder Martial Sister?”
Xiao Jinse’s expression shifted slightly.
Su Youwei quickly explained, “Elder Martial Sister was exhausted and fell asleep while we were shopping. Sigh. I’m so inadequate, always making Elder Martial Sister shoulder burdens for me.”
I know exactly how that feels!
Xiao Jinse patted Su Youwei’s shoulder consolingly, saying “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Mm.”
Su Youwei nodded.
Xiao Jinse inquired, “Nothing unusual happened, right?”
Unusual?
Ah.
“No, nothing unusual.”
Su Youwei answered promptly, turning her head bashfully, worried Xiao Jinse might discover her secret transgression against Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
If the truth came out, it would surely spark a great conflict at Qiongming Peak!
Fortunately, Xiao Jinse’s attention was completely focused on Bai Lian, leaving her no time to scrutinize Su Youwei.
“Let’s get Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian to her room first.”
“Yes, yes.”
Su Youwei nodded eagerly.
Together they carried Bai Lian to her bed, and afterward, Xiao Jinse insisted that Su Youwei join her for a midnight snack.
Her reasoning was simple – with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian absent, she was the senior disciple at Qiongming Peak.
Seeing third Martial Sister’s unease, she needed to assume second Martial Sister’s role and provide comfort.
“Please don’t trouble yourself.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I enjoy doing this.”
“…”
Couldn’t you be a little less kind?
What should have been delicacies tasted like plain flour in Su Youwei’s mouth.
This meal brought her no joy at all!
She began to feel like a truly terrible person.
…
After returning to Qiongming Peak, Bai Lian resumed her routine life.
She practiced martial arts with fifth Martial Sister each morning and consumed numerous medicinal pills and spiritual herbs in the afternoons.
Thanks to the combined effects of the incomplete Fu Zhu Immortal Emperor and Snow Spiritual Root, her spirit Qi absorption rate was now ten times faster than before.
Bai Lian calculated that by the agreed date of July 12th, her cultivation base would at least recover to the Soul Changing Stage!
In truth, the difference between now and then wasn’t particularly significant.
Because Dao Xingyuan was an Immortal from the Immortal World.
Even with his power restricted by law, he would certainly be stronger than that Sea Monster. The Soul Changing Stage and Foundation Establishment Stage were merely trivial levels he could defeat with ease.
However, Bai Lian had no intention of fighting Dao Xingyuan. Her rush to regain strength was purely for her own sense of security.
Time flowed quietly onward.
During this period, Lu Wantong finally received word from the leader.
[I’ve reached an agreement with Bai Lian, so your task is complete.]
It’s done.
When Lu Wantong read these words, her heart instantly lightened.
At last.
She released a groan and sank to her knees, weariness overwhelming her heart.
She’d been in turmoil lately, especially after hearing about Su Youwei’s attack by unknown assailants.
She was terrified.
It was her message that had caused all this, and if Su Youwei faced trouble because of it, how could she ever face Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian again?
It seemed absurd.
Someone as unworthy as her had actually gained Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s attention.
Thankfully, now that everything was resolved, the leader’s message served as a beacon through the fog for her.
She made her decision.
Once everything settled, she would confess her sins to Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian in person, and whatever punishment Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian chose…
She would accept it.
Even if Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had to take her life, it would be fine; the leader had informed her that her father’s injuries were healed, so she had no remaining regrets.
“As long as it brings Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian peace, that’s enough.”
Memories of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s kindness flashed through Lu Wantong’s mind.
She smiled bitterly and shook her head.
For the following days, she attended Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s evening classes as usual.
She maintained a constant smile, convincing everyone that all was normal.
This would continue until the appointed date of July 12th.
In early autumn, the weather remained warm.
After bidding farewell to the Martial Sisters of the Duxian sect, Bai Lian flew directly to the pavilion where she had last encountered Dao Xingyuan at the mountain’s base.
For safety, she created an avatar while concealing herself thousands of miles away.
The avatar arrived at the pavilion at noon, but no one could be seen among the mountains. Only birds flew about occasionally.
Bai Lian waited patiently.
A cultivator’s patience was legendary, and she was no exception.
Yet events unfolded differently than Bai Lian had anticipated.
She waited from noon until evening, but saw no sign of Dao Xingyuan.
She continued waiting until midnight, but still, Dao Xingyuan didn’t appear.
During this time, fearing Dao Xingyuan might be plotting something, she consulted her master several times. But each time, she was assured all was safe.
“…”
Bai Lian felt unease growing in her heart.
She waited until the early hours of July 14th before finally departing reluctantly.
Something must have happened to Dao Xingyuan!
She was powerless to act.
She only knew Dao Xingyuan was in the Sand Region, but it was so vast that even with her current cultivation level, finding one person would be nearly impossible.
