Chapter 21
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Chapter 21: The Kindest Bai Lian
Su Youwei had sensed something was amiss.
After all, she was not a mindless piece of wood.
If the transaction had gone smoothly, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian would have picked her up on July 12 at the trading location.
But the reality was that she had waited for two days, only to receive news of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s wellbeing.
“Has the other party had second thoughts?”
A sliver of morning light pierced through the dense forest and fell upon the muddy ground.
Su Youwei and Hong Yi stood side by side, anxiously watching Bai Lian who had just dismounted from the Dirt Free Sword.
Over the past half month, Bai Lian’s figure had finally filled out somewhat.
Although it would take some time before she recovered completely, she could now match the third Martial Sister in strength.
A worthy achievement.
“Alas -”
Bai Lian gazed at the cowering Third Martial Sister for a long moment before letting out an internal sigh.
Perhaps this was destiny.
It’s the protagonist’s possession. No matter what, it will always belong to the protagonist!
There’s no point discussing anything else now. She couldn’t burden her Martial Sister with her sorrows.
And so.
Bai Lian’s face instantly brightened with a cheerful smile.
The expression was so natural that even under close inspection, no flaws could be detected.
It must be said that Innocent Heart’s departure hadn’t affected her expression yet.
“I suppose I had grown accustomed to the shape of the mask by then.”
Once the mask was removed, her face could never return to its previous state.
Overall, this was beneficial.
No matter how timid, cowardly, ugly, or wicked she might be, in others’ eyes, she must remain Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, who stayed composed regardless of circumstances, as if everything in the world was within her control!
Just as the system had granted her many Special Effects, outsiders had bestowed upon her numerous glories.
Those honorific titles were “Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian,” “Natural Saint,” and “White Emperor Bai Lian,” never simply Bai Lian.
Because Bai Lian was too commonplace.
As ordinary as morning dew falling on grass blades in the autumn dawn.
However…
Now Bai Lian no longer rejected these appellations.
Fame was like a blade.
The blade might wound her, but it would also aid her quest to save her master and Martial Sisters.
“I understand that to gain something, one must sacrifice something else.”
Bai Lian gently stroked the silvery hair of the Third Martial Sister.
She no longer needed to stand on tiptoe.
She smiled and said, “It can’t be called a change of heart; perhaps something occurred on his end.”
“Hmm.”
Su Youwei lowered her head slightly.
She wished that Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian didn’t have to maintain such lofty expectations.
“It’s his loss if he doesn’t come, not yours. Even without the Ten Thousand Calamities Refining Cultivation Method, I’m certain you can forge your own path and become a Heavenly Lord.”
Su Youwei quickly demurred, “I’m not that remarkable.”
If even Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian was only an Immortal Emperor, how could an ordinary girl like her become a Heavenly Lord without throwing the world into chaos?
Bai Lian smiled without comment.
She didn’t intend to pursue the matter with the third Martial Sister, as that would only burden her unnecessarily.
She merely took two steps to the left and, to Hong Yi’s surprise, patted her head.
“!”
Ah, this sensation…
Hong Yi reacted as if Bai Lian had prodded her spine – her chest suddenly straightened and her entire body became rigid as stone, as though any relaxation would bring a stab of pain.
“It’s time to return to Qiongming Peak.”
Bai Lian withdrew her hand and produced the Cloud Chasing Boat.
Su Youwei quickly grabbed the dazed Hong Yi, “Don’t just stand there!”
Hong Yi sighed inwardly. I’ve done far worse things than this, so there’s no reason to be so affected by a mere pat on the head from Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Right?
Hong Yi followed Su Youwei onto the Cloud Chasing Boat.
The Cloud Chasing Boat soared into the morning clouds instantly.
The journey proved brief.
Bai Lian hadn’t had time to appreciate the gradually dispersing dawn when the Cloud Chasing Boat penetrated the magic array of the Duxian Sect and ascended to the sky above Qiongming Peak.
“Go attend to your duties.”
“Yes.”
Su Youwei agreed earnestly.
But after bidding farewell, she quickly doubled back. She crept softly to the rear window of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s room.
This window had always remained open, requiring just a slight peek forward to view Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s entire room.
Then…
She discovered Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian lying listlessly on the bed.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian hadn’t removed her shoes, socks, or even her clothing.
The blankets were neatly folded in the corner of the wooden bed against the wall.
When the breeze blew, the wind chimes hung at the window tinkled softly.
Su Youwei tilted her head slightly, her gaze shifting from Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian to the family portrait hanging on the opposite wall.
In the picture, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian wore unusual attire, holding a teaching whip while earnestly lecturing to them seated below the stage.
The fading sunlight filtered through the window frame and fell upon the desk, creating a melancholic atmosphere.
Su Youwei departed glumly.
Instead of returning to her room, she headed toward the Cold Pool in the back mountain.
She asked Hong Yi, who floated beside her, “When will I become useful?”
Hong Yi shook her head.
Her maturity only manifested in her ruthlessness toward enemies; she couldn’t provide an answer to this question.
Ah!
Su Youwei felt utterly lost.
Recently, she had seen fewer of those strange visions.
As time passed, she might even come to believe it had all been an illusion.
She used to fear that possibility, but now her perspective had shifted somewhat.
If accepting this could ease Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s burden, why not attempt it?
In the visions she witnessed, she wasn’t always distressed. Usually, she resembled Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, cheeks flushed with joy, emitting cheerful sounds.
But upon deeper reflection, Su Youwei still retreated.
How embarrassing!
If she dwelled on it further, her face would flame crimson.
If she tried to be forthright with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, her body would become paralyzed as mud before she could even reach out.
No.
To be precise, matters never progressed that far; she lacked the courage even to approach Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Su Youwei murmured, “We should consider another approach.”
Hong Yi inquired curiously, “What idea just occurred to you?”
“Oh, nothing at all.”
Su Youwei’s face reddened, and she hastily averted her gaze, fearing Hong Yi might notice something peculiar.
How shameful!
She couldn’t be that depraved!
As Hong Yi’s Elder Sister, she must set a proper example and guide Hong Yi along the righteous path.
Don’t be fooled by Hong Yi’s current normal appearance; with the stimulus of blood, she might transform into a bewitching entity emerging from endless bones.
That wouldn’t do.
She didn’t want Hong Yi to perish.
Before they realized it, they had arrived near the cold pool.
“Eh?”
Su Youwei froze.
It was barely past dawn, when ordinary people still slumbered. Even cultivators rarely wandered at this hour; typically, they would be meditating and practicing.
But she found Lu Wantong curled up in the corner of the cold, dark shelter.
The girl’s beautiful white hair cascaded carelessly over her shoulders; she hugged her knees, chin resting upon them.
Her eyes remained open but lifeless, as though she slept with them unsealed.
Su Youwei felt as if she beheld an ice sculpture.
Truthfully, she maintained great affection for Lu Wantong.
Because Lu Wantong and she both originated from the Sand Region, shared the same hair color, and had similar past experiences.
Moreover, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had previously entrusted her with Lu Wantong’s care.
“Martial Sister Lu is new here, so naturally she’s somewhat reserved.”
“Her temperament differs from the outgoing Martial Sister Tong Yao. She… isn’t exactly introverted, perhaps family circumstances prevent her from opening her heart.”
For these reasons, Su Youwei had diligently looked after Lu Wantong when she joined Tong Yao in studying at Qiongming Peak.
This time proved no different.
She swiftly approached Lu Wantong and gently shook her shoulder.
“Martial Sister Lu?”
“Hmm?”
Lu Wantong’s body trembled slightly.
A layer of gray mist floated before her.
She had been sitting here since Bai Lian’s departure from Qiongming Peak.
She waited endlessly – an hour, a day, two days – yet Bai Lian hadn’t returned.
Had Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian encountered misfortune?
Was the supposed transaction actually a trap?
Were all these events her doing?
Countless worries had knotted together, making it difficult for Lu Wantong to breathe. The extended wait had shattered her already chaotic mind.
She began falling endlessly into a deep, bottomless void.
Neither time nor space existed there, only bone-piercing cold.
Fortunately, just as this process began, she heard someone calling her name from beyond.
Lu Wantong struggled desperately, as if grasping for survival.
Once.
Twice.
Finally, she glimpsed light, and she lunged toward it with all her might.
Boom.
After traversing a vast white expanse, Lu Wantong discovered the fog clouding her vision had cleared, and she could finally see what lay before her!
That’s…
She hesitated momentarily before stammering, “Elder Martial Sister Su? How did you come to be here?”
Su Youwei explained, “I just returned from outside with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian. But why are you sitting here alone, lost in thought? Has something happened with your father?”
She deliberately spoke gently, fearing she might inadvertently upset Lu Wantong.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?
Lu Wantong fixated solely on this name.
She clutched Su Youwei’s sleeve, “Elder Martial Sister Su, is Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian alright?”
Su Youwei shook her head, “Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian is perfectly fine…”
She detailed the transaction process thoroughly.
As she spoke, she realized she might seek Lu Wantong’s counsel.
But first, she questioned Lu Wantong again.
“Are you truly not troubled by anything? If you are, please tell me – we’re Elder Martial Sisters, there’s no need for formality between us.”
“I…”
Lu Wantong bit her lip secretly.
She struggled to articulate her current emotional state; the most fitting description would probably be “torment”.
The deeper she sank into this gentleness, the nearer she felt to the mountain of blades called “guilt”.
Her cultivation base offered no shield; her feet were already pierced with bleeding wounds and her heart lay vulnerable.
“I’m fine, truly.”
Lu Wantong replied with a smile.
Truly fine?
Su Youwei shifted the conversation, “Lately, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian has done so much for me that I feel deeply indebted. I’m thinking of ways to bring joy to Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.”
“I see.”
Lu Wantong lowered her gaze.
Perhaps only in this realm could she expend some effort, and maybe ease a fraction of her suffering?
With the thought that even minimal effort surpassed none, she began offering Su Youwei suggestions.
“Why not prepare a gift for Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian? The Wet Clothes Festival arrives at month’s end, doesn’t it? Though it’s unfortunate the festival isn’t particularly grand. If this were Sand Region, it would be simpler – the Sacrifice to King Daming represents their grandest yearly celebration.”
“The surprise would be more meaningful if Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian remains unaware of your gift preparations, so secrecy is essential.”
Su Youwei asked modestly, “What sort of gift would be appropriate?”
“Well…”
Lu Wantong fell into contemplation – it was a challenging choice to make.
On the morning of July 14th.
Lu Wantong and Su Youwei conversed until midday.
Her spirits had lifted considerably.
That day, she wandered through the Duxian sect, though its vast size and her limited time meant she could only visit familiar locations.
That evening, she returned to her chamber at Qingyu Peak, and beneath the moonbeams streaming through the window, she performed the simplest of rituals to honor King Daming of Ancient Mingzhou.
Lu Wantong recalled the tales her father shared during her childhood.
“In ages past, Mingzhou stood among the Thirteen Sea States…”
This was at creation’s dawn, when fearsome monsters roamed the entire world.
There existed hundred-meter-tall blue-faced demons with razor-sharp fangs!
There lurked invisible bloodthirsty parasites beyond naked eye detection!
There waited vicious fish ready to ambush travelers at river depths!
“What became of those terrifying monsters?”
“They were all vanquished by King Daming, the most courageous, dauntless, and righteous being in existence…”
When terror kept others indoors, King Daming ventured into the wilderness bearing a torch.
He slew evil demons, incinerated venomous insects, and confronted fierce fish.
For these deeds, he sacrificed his right arm, both eyes, and his left leg.
“King Daming embodies the world’s greatest kindness.”
He dragged his exhausted form back to his homeland, and though running became impossible, he persisted in aiding others.
He taught survival skills to those around him in this demon-filled world.
When one person proves insufficient, then many must unite in effort!
“Legend says that even the Blue Bird came to bid farewell when King Daming passed.”
“We can face this world with smiles because countless brave souls paved our path.”
Lu Wantong remembered her naive response from that time.
She had raised her right hand, wearing a pure, unblemished smile.
“Then… We’ll grow as mighty and powerful as King Daming!”
Her father had patted her head and said, “You’ll need to work hard for that.”
How foolish I was!
Lu Wantong shook her head, smiling.
King Daming stands unique and singular – how could she possibly match his stride?
It’s unthinkable!
Lu Wantong set down her pen and lifted the paper covered in writing.
Review.
Only after the ink dried did she carefully fold the paper.
“Mechanical bird, I’m relying on you.”
Lu Wantong tapped the mechanical bird resting in the table’s corner and tucked the paper into its belly. She then grabbed her sword and departed for the Duxian sect.
July 14th hadn’t concluded, so rest remained impossible.
Next Destination.
The Guangtong Gate’s station.
Despite the late hour, people still moved about here.
“Here are 10 lower-grade Spirit Stones!”
Lu Wantong arranged the lesser Spirit Stones across the counter as usual.
The counter attendant smiled and gestured with his right hand.
“Please proceed.”
Lu Wantong returned the smile.
Such matters had long since become her expertise.
She collected the public jade slip and transmitted her prepared message.
A quarter-hour later.
Lu Wantong approached the servant while holding the jade slip, asking, “Should you encounter Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, might you deliver this to her?”
“Eh?” The servant startled and quickly waved his hands, protesting, “No, impossible. How could someone like me address Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?”
“Perhaps you could try? You might grant me this favor when the moment comes.”
Lu Wantong produced additional Spirit Stones.
“…”
“…”
“I’ll attempt it.”
“Thank you.”
July 14th at 3:15 pm.
This marked the servant’s final glimpse of that gentle young woman.
“Such a gentle soul.”
She gazed toward the distant darkness beyond her camp.
In the pre-dawn hours, heavy raindrops descended from above, drumming against the roof tiles.
This early autumn rain dispersed the lingering warmth and roused Bai Lian from her dreams.
“Ah -”
Bai Lian rubbed her drowsy eyes and sat upright in bed.
How to describe her current state?
Simply put.
From spirit to flesh, all weariness had vanished with sleep.
Bai Lian looked down, discovering a blanket draped over her form at some unknown point. A subtle fragrance permeated the chamber.
I understand.
It’s the master’s scent, unmistakably the master’s!
HAHAHAHA!
Bai Lian suddenly bounded from bed, energized, feeling ready to continue the fight!
She partially opened the window, then eagerly rushed toward her master’s cave. She still hadn’t shared recent events with her master.
Just as she stepped onto the mountain path, she spotted a mechanical bird winging through the distance.
Bai Lian extended her right hand, and the mechanical bird settled quietly in her palm.
“?”
Bai Lian hesitated briefly before turning the mechanical bird over and retrieving paper from its belly.
Thanks to her incomplete Fu Zhu Immortal Body, she hadn’t even channeled spirit Qi yet the downpour already parted around her, creating a sphere of clarity.
Words filled the paper, with the writer’s identity clearly stated in the first line.
“Martial Sister Lu.”
Bai Lian’s heart twinged as she continued reading.
As she read, understanding dawned – this was Martial Sister Lu’s account of her experiences, her purpose at the Duxian Sect, and her subsequent transformation.
“Forgive me, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.”
“I must also forgive myself.”
“Age gradually erases childhood’s essence.”
“Yet still, joy finds me.”
“Today I honored King Daming, remembering my father’s words and my former dreams. I now see my past naivety.”
“That’s well.”
“…”
Bai Lian refolded the letter and regarded the mechanical bird still perched on her palm.
It had braved the rain.
The downpour had soaked its wings, yet it maintained its gentle appearance.
“The gentlest King Daming?”
Bai Lian recalled her first encounter with Martial Sister Lu.
That meeting occurred on the small town’s street below the mountain.
That day, she and Second Martial Sister had descended to shop when rain began falling.
A sudden system task had led to her afternoon encounter with the gloomy-faced Martial Sister Lu before the rain.
In retrospect, everything seemed suspiciously orchestrated.
Even without knowing Martial Sister Lu’s location, the system had urgently prompted contact.
Look.
Indeed, something feels amiss!
Though not particularly clever, her accumulated experiences had taught her much.
“While perfection eludes me, self-improvement remains possible.”
Bai Lian tucked both mechanical bird and letter into her sleeve.
She had reached this point through steady progression.
[Today, I Reflect On Myself.]
Each day carried her further from the villainous “Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian” of the game.
Bai Lian ran swiftly through the downpour in her wooden clogs.
Da da da.
Wooden soles tapped against stone.
Tong Yao, playing solitary chess beneath the eaves, looked up suddenly.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!”
The girl’s eyes brightened.
Bai Lian asked directly, “Is Martial Sister Lu present?”
Tong Yao paused thoughtfully before answering, “I believe Martial Sister Lu just departed.”
“Thank you.”
Bai Lian offered thanks and continued onward.
Though Martial Sister Lu hadn’t explicitly stated it, the letter’s contents suggested her destination.
Unfortunately, she had still arrived too late.
Perhaps this aligned with Martial Sister Lu’s design.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!”
The servant froze upon seeing Bai Lian emerge through the rain curtain.
“Greetings.”
Bai Lian nodded.
As she prepared to search for traces of Martial Sister Lu, the servant called out.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, I have something to deliver to you.”
“Oh?”
Bai Lian extended her hand to receive a jade slip.
Her Divine Sense probed the slip’s contents, revealing records of exchanges between Martial Sister Lu and Dao Xingyuan.
Bai Lian immediately noticed the irregularity.
Initially, Dao Xingyuan’s tone maintained politeness, never forcing Martial Sister Lu’s hand.
[Act within your means]
[Maintain discretion]
Later, his manner transformed entirely; while not violent, warmth vanished, replaced by rigid commands.
The most troubling exchange occurred tonight.
“Dao Xingyuan” stated, [Soon I’ll provide something for you to place in Bai Lian’s chamber.]
Martial Sister Lu, [Is this meant to kill Bai Lian?]
Martial Sister Lu: [Can you truly kill her? She was once an Immortal Emperor.]
“Dao Xingyuan”: [What of it? Even an Immortal Emperor must succumb when faced with Erosion Sand!]
Erosion Sand?
Bai Lian noted the term.
Of course, this wasn’t the primary concern.
She continued reading, but nothing followed save Martial Sister Lu’s brief “I see.”
I see.
Did that indicate agreement or refusal?
Bai Lian stood motionless, her Divine Sense radiating outward like a tidal wave.
One kilometer, ten kilometers, one hundred kilometers…
Even after searching thousands of kilometers, no trace of Martial Sister Lu emerged, as if she had vanished from existence.
In that moment, Bai Lian’s heart felt hollow.
She believed she should despise Martial Sister Lu, given her role as an infiltrator, but…
She couldn’t summon hatred.
Few truly earned her dislike, and while many opposed her, she rarely resorted to killing.
After all——
I, Bai Lian, simply seek a peaceful existence!
“Thank you.”
Bai Lian smiled at the servant before plunging into the torrent.
She searched aimlessly through the dark night, knowing that Martial Sister Lu’s letter indicated preparation for departure.
“Elder Martial Sister…”
Somehow, her Martial Sisters had all gathered around.
“We’ll search together with you.”
“Yes.”
Bai Lian smiled and nodded.
With more people, fortune might guide them to Martial Sister Lu.
Wait!
Bai Lian suddenly halted.
No, luck wasn’t entirely necessary – she possessed the Future Mirror and items from Martial Sister Lu.
“Wait here!”
Leaving these words, Bai Lian rushed toward her chamber.
She knew time grew short, perhaps nonexistent, but attempt she must.
