Chapter 14
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Chapter 14: A World With Only Xiao Jinse Injured
Despite being mid-winter, the rain in Heluo Country was exceptionally heavy.
The latter half of the night.
The rain clouds spread for thousands of miles, heavy as if they could fall onto people’s heads at any moment.
The heavy rain poured down like buckets, filling the mud holes on the ground in no time.
The sound of the rain was loud and continuous, hiding away all the small movements in this world, and erasing the slight smell of blood that had just arisen.
At this moment.
In a desolate, overgrown field of dry grass, a raggedly dressed man with his upper body exposed lay prone in the muddy ground.
His body was covered in tiny scars, as if it had been cut by a million sharp knives, looking extremely frightening.
He remained motionless, as if his life had already passed.
Until the accumulated rainwater on the ground finally covered his face, did he weakly prop himself up and struggle to get up.
"Is this Heluo Country?"
Xu Pan looked around confusedly.
He remembered.
Over twenty years ago, when he was still the emperor of Heluo Country, he had visited here.
There is a small river to the north that often floods.
Ten miles to the south is a mountain village suffering from serious youth loss.
Further south for thirty miles is an ancient city with a history of seventeen hundred years.
On that occasion, he traveled with only a few people, including his guards, several learned scholars, and Marquis Wu’an.
Along the way, scholars asked him, "What does Your Majesty desire?"
He replied with a smile, "I aspire for a world of universal harmony!"
The other person replied, "Even during the reign of the benevolent king, universal harmony was not achieved."
He laughed even more joyfully, "That’s why I will only light a fire, a fire visible to others."
At that time, he was full of vigor and swept away all the worries in his heart. He had no regrets, and only thought of opening up a new route in the vast sea.
Twenty years have passed.
"I am no longer the emperor of Heluo Country, and Marquis Wu’an is gone as well."
Gone.
He can never return!
Amidst the vast expanse of earth and heaven, only he remained, lost and bewildered.
No carriages or horses were present here, nor any attendants to be found. The scholars who had inquired after him had all passed away the previous year in Tianyi City, and Marquis Wu’an, who had gazed upon him with a smile, had also departed along the canal.
"Why, oh why, oh why…"
Xu Pan pounded the muddy earth with force.
Mud splashed and dirtied his face.
His head was dampened by the rain, and tears streamed down his eyes.
He was aware of it.
Ever since he was willing to compete for the high position of Heluo Country, he had prepared for this.
But when that day actually came, he still couldn’t accept it.
It was so close to success, but Marquis Wu’an couldn’t accompany him to the end.
Centuries ago, he experienced the same sadness when he was just one step away from that position.
But that time was different from this time.
The person who killed Marquis Wu’an was Bai Lian. With the means that Bai Lian used, how could he possibly find a way to resurrect Marquis Wu’an?
What made Xu Pan even more dilemma was the relationship between the eldest princess and Bai Lian.
Such a contradiction.
It came so unexpectedly again.
This is all his fault.
He wants everything, but in the end, he gets nothing!
"Useless, useless, useless… without anyone’s help, I’m just a worthless person who can’t accomplish anything…"
Xu Pan repeatedly struck the ground with force.
At that moment, he no longer had the imposing appearance of an emperor.
Under the drenching rain, his wound was torn open, and he began to cough, eventually coughing up blood.
As the soil was stained red with blood, he let out a bitter smile.
"All that’s left of me is that ridiculous dream."
Plop.
Xu Pan fell down in the muddy ground.
There is no greater sorrow than heartbreak.
He doesn’t want to do anything now. He just wants to quietly wait for his life to pass away completely.
Isn’t it quite reasonable for garbage to die as garbage?
Hula-la–
The surrounding rain grew louder, and Xu Pan’s vision became even more blurred.
In this haze, he suddenly saw a familiar figure.
"Yongjia?"
Xu Pan hurriedly reached out his hand, but caught nothing.
He suddenly realized it was just a hallucination, how could Empress Yongjia appear here?
He gazed blankly at Empress Yongjia.
After a long, long time, Xu Pan suddenly pressed down on his eyelids.
Eyes?
Yes.
Suddenly, Xu Pan stood up and exclaimed excitedly as he looked at his hands covered in blood.
"At least I still have that dream, I possess the Tao Source Golden Pillar, I have the Gate of All Living Beings, I have not yet been to Da Mang Mountain, I cannot die, I cannot die now…"
He struggled and ran towards the distance.
The road was muddy, he stumbled, but quickly rose back up and continued running forward.
Falling down, getting up, falling down, getting up…
Finally, he completely disappeared into the dense curtain of rain.
…
The rain covered many things, such as the large-scale operation of the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
After leaving Xingluo Fortress, those two disciples of the Taixuan Taoist Sect immediately contacted their sect leader, and searched for the fleeing Xu Pan in all directions.
Bai Lian couldn’t be bothered with such matters.
Being surrounded by a large group of women was giving her a headache.
Of course, she was not afraid Yan Yue or Qing Luan would suddenly start fighting.
She was worrying about the eldest princess.
Xu Pan ran, but she couldn’t escape.
Although it seems that she has no relationship with Xu Pan on the surface and is even used by him, who can guarantee that the Taixuan Taoist Sect won’t come after her?
"Why don’t you come with me to the Qiongming Peak to take shelter?"
Even if the Taixuan Taoist Sect is audacious, they should at least give her some respect now and not directly attack the Qiongming Peak, right?
Even if they don’t give her respect, she won’t be afraid of those people with her master present.
My master was a Heavenly Lord, and you?
You garbage!
What if the master refuses to come forward and help the eldest princess?
Bai Lian has also made up her mind.
Master, I’ll just lie down here today. As long as you are willing to save the eldest princess, you can do whatever you want to me!
Putting herself in her master’s shoes, Bai Lian thinks this is a very good decision.
Although the master was very awkward, she would be not completely indifferent.
As soon as she spoke these words, the intertwined gazes around her suddenly heated up.
What?
These days, the Qiongming Peak has already had an annoying Qing Luan, how could they possibly accommodate another, the eldest princess?
Tong Yao secretly counted.
One, two…
Including the drowsy Ling Xuan and Hong Yi, there were a total of ten!
Ten people lined up together to form a bed, which was too big for Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
This is too evil.
She couldn’t accept it.
Tong Yao doesn’t object to having more people like Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
She just feels that the number must be strictly limited, and it would be better if she took the lead.
Yan Yue’s expression didn’t look very good.
She didn’t disapprove of Bai Lian’s care for the eldest princess.
She was now green with envy.
Her heart felt as sour as having just bitten into several fresh lemons!
Why?
Although they were separated only by a hill, why didn’t Bai Lian visit her on her mountain?
It is truly exasperating.
She also yearned to escape to the Qiongming Peak to avoid the storm, and to anchor in Bai Lian’s warm harbor!
Even though An Lan, who had been causing trouble recently, was no longer present, her relationship with Bai Lian had not changed in the slightest.
Sour.
Yan Yue wondered if she should also go to Bai Lian to sell her pitiful story.
The last time had worked pretty well.
Unfortunately, she unexpectedly returned to normal with Bai Lian’s soothing in just a few moments.
Indeed, she is truly foolish.
If she continues to perform for a while longer, there may be a "breakthrough" and "progress" between her and Bai Lian.
After all, she is different from those young children.
She is almost 500 years old already!
The innocent and old spinster of five hundred years also yearns for spring after giving up her struggle.
The eldest princess finds it difficult not to feel nervous.
Everyone present, except for Bai Lian and Qing Luan who protected her before, showed no goodwill towards her.
However, being born into royalty and having gone through various struggles, she is not someone who can easily be intimidated by a mere glance!
What are you looking at?
Each and every one of you is shorter than me, have smaller breasts, flatter buttocks, and your cultivation base is not necessarily higher than mine. What gives you the audacity to claim that you are more qualified to be Bai Lian’s soulmate?
If it weren’t for something that I truly cannot let go of, I would definitely go to the Qiongming Peak to exchange and improve our skills with you all!
The eldest princess walked confidently towards Bai Lian.
"Bai Lian, I am grateful for your offer, but I cannot go. I cannot abandon Heluo Country and run away alone."
"But…"
Bai Lian was about to explain, but suddenly noticed that the eldest princess had not stopped walking.
She kept moving forward until she bumped into Bai Lian, then finally halted, her arms wrapping tightly around Bai Lian’s shoulders.
This moment.
The sense of oppression suddenly came over, Bai Lian was squeezed flat, and the waves surged around her.
This moment.
The oldest princess seemed to feel that this could not fully express her feelings.
She continued to oppress forward until she stopped this aggressive behavior when even she felt a bit of pain.
"That’s my home."
She whispered into Bai Lian’s ear.
Bai Lian was slightly startled.
She sensed the frenzied flames coming from all directions.
The flames seemed ready to burn the eldest princess alive and then evaporate her completely.
"!!!"
Stare.
Stare hard.
Damn it, isn’t that an NTR behavior in front of us?
Xiao Jinse’s hand was already on her waist, ready to unsheathe her two-handed sword that could crush the eldest princess’ head with a slight movement.
Among all the people present, she was definitely the most miserable!
It’s been such a long time, but she has never shared such an intimate embrace with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Does this seem reasonable?
Practicing swordsmanship, over and over over and over again…
What’s the use of practicing my sword?
Xiao Jinse’s body tensed, with a hint of gloom flashing in her eyes.
At this moment, a new task emerged before Bai Lian’s eyes.
[Task 1: Embrace the eldest princess until she departs on her own (Reward: Hard Skill+3)]
[Task 2: Push open the eldest princess (Reward: Light Skill+3)]
Upon careful consideration, the difference in risk between these two options is not substantial.
Regardless of which one is chosen, it is highly probable that she will only be silently criticized and have a certain chance of being ostracized the next time they meet.
After some reflection, Bai Lian bravely opted for Task 1.
She wanted to show everyone through her actions what her dream really meant!
What is this called?
This is called preparing in advance!
In this way, everything will naturally fall into place when the truth is revealed, and there will be no sudden twists in the plot due to a clumsy reveal.
Therefore, Bai Lian didn’t push away the eldest princess. She didn’t utter a word and just held onto the eldest princess for over forty breaths, in front of the Martial Sisters, the jade rabbit, and Yan Yue.
When the eldest princess eventually let go, her clothes were disturbed and the pair of "snow rabbits", which had been released from her restraints, bounced twice.
This scene caused the nearby jade rabbit burst into anger.
Squeak, squeak, squeak…
The jade rabbit floating in mid-air tilted its head and was infuriated by the behavior of the eldest princess!
"Don’t worry," the eldest princess said, "The Taixuan Taoist Sect knows our relationship, even if they are hostile to Heluo Country, they will not openly oppose me."
"Then…" Bai Lian paused, "Feel free to contact me if you need anything."
"I understand."
The eldest princess nodded with a smile.
She turned around and politely greeted the others.
"My friends, I shall leave now, until we meet again."
Xiao Jinse’s mouth twitched, and she nodded expressionlessly, "Until we meet again."
The eldest princess flew away.
Her victorious joy couldn’t last long, as her heart became heavy again once she left everyone’s sight.
With Marquis Wu’an’s death, the conflict between Bai Lian and Xu Pan could no longer be resolved.
She no longer knew how to handle herself.
…
"Let’s go back to the Duxian Sect."
Bai Lian turned around and said to everyone.
The spirits of the fourth and fifth Martial Sisters were exhausted, and it was an opportune moment for them to rest and recover.
After she said this, no one else had any objections.
Xingluo Fortress had become a completely lifeless place, there wasn’t anything good to stay for.
Moreover, if one wants to be close with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, wouldn’t they have to be in a more secluded place such as the Qiongming Peak?
When Bai Lian came here, she was riding Qing Luan, but when she went back, she used Yan Yue’s Heavenly Surveillance Talisman.
On the top of the Qiongming Peak, Bai Lian sent the fourth and fifth Martial Sisters back to their rooms in turn.
When parting, she even touched the head of the fifth Martial Sister and said, "Have a good sleep. When you wake up, you will be able to see your grandfather."
"Hmm."
Ling Xuan nuzzled against Bai Lian’s chest to show affection.
After Bai Lian carefully covered her with a blanket, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
In the courtyard, Bai Lian said to Tong Yao, the jade rabbit, and others, "You all should also take a rest, I will first help reconstruct the physical body of the fifth Martial Sister’s grandfather."
"Yes, Elder Martial Sister."
Su Youwei, Tong Yao, and Qing Luan took their leave very understandingly, and the jade rabbit, after some hesitation, went to look after Ling Xuan.
Only Xiao Jinse and Yan Yue didn’t rush to leave.
Xiao Jinse had something in her mind that she wanted to say.
At this moment, her characteristic of always being one step behind was once again revealed.
Yan Yue took a few steps forward and embraced Bai Lian tightly.
Duang～
The collision directly stunned Bai Lian.
How rude to hit someone with your chest!
What further bewildered Bai Lian was that Yan Yue suddenly started playing the role of a caring elder sister.
"You are such a child!"
"?"
"When you encounter difficulties, why don’t you talk to me? I have a good relationship with your master, why don’t you trust me more?"
Yan Yue gently stroked the back of Bai Lian’s head.
Bai Lian, "??"
What are you talking about?!
When you say the relationship is good, do you mean it’s good enough to be hung from the ceiling by my master?
At this moment, Yan Yue’s face suddenly turned to be as thick as the city wall.
"Do you think my strength is too weak to help you? It’s true that my strength is very weak, but even if I cannot lend a hand, I can still provide other assistance."
"…"
For a moment, Bai Lian felt as though her knowledge of Tea Ceremony had been transferred entirely to Yan Yue.
Xiao Jinse, who was watching on the side, twirled her locks of hair.
This time, she didn’t feel jealous.
After all, Master Yan Yue is a senior to Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Isn’t it natural for a senior to care about her outstanding successors?
If she becomes jealous because of this, then her heart is too dark.
Obviously, she is not a dark-hearted person.
She waited until Yan Yue released Bai Lian and politely greeted Yan Yue before Yan Yue left.
Perhaps only Bai Lian was nervous.
She wiped the sweat from her forehead and secretly observed the second Martial Sister for a long time.
Would such a second Martial Sister be sulking?
Indeed, the second Martial Sister has a broad mind!
She walked over quickly and said, "Martial Sister, if you’re fine, you should go back to your room and rest."
With that, she walked towards her own room.
When she reached the doorway and was about to push the door open, her left wrist was suddenly grabbed.
Bai Lian turned around and saw that it was indeed the second Martial Sister.
The second Martial Sister biting her lower lip, was unable to hide her worries.
The evening breeze caressed her blueish-purple long hair, and the flame patterns engraved on her arms seemed to be ignited by the wind.
"Martial Sister…"
Bai Lian was momentarily stunned, feeling a sense of congestion in her heart.
"Let’s go inside."
Xiao Jinse summoned her courage and pushed Bai Lian into the room, then conveniently closed the door behind them.
She guided Bai Lian all the way to the vanity, pushing her along the way.
The vanity was fairly tall, and with her body leaning backwards, Bai Lian could only balance on tiptoe.
"Elder Martial Sister."
Xiao Jinse gazed at Bai Lian in a daze.
Her voice was subdued, so much so that no emotional fluctuation could be heard.
Bai Lian took a deep breath, supporting herself with both hands on the desk to prevent herself from falling onto it.
She spoke to the second Martial Sister with an extremely peaceful tone, "Martial Sister, if you have anything on your mind, feel free to speak to me. I won’t blame you."
Xiao Jinse nodded.
She released her lower lip, "Elder Martial Sister, I feel envious. Envious of the other Martial Sisters."
"Why do you envy them?"
Xiao Jinse said, "They always go out together with you, and only I have nothing. Only my relationship with Elder Martial Sister remains the same, neither distant nor closer. Even though I was the first to arrive at the Qiongming Peak… the fourth Martial Sister, the third Martial Sister, and the fifth Martial Sister’s relationships with you have improved. Even though I came first…"
Astonished, Bai Lian looked at the second Martial Sister, who seemed a little off.
She quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, Martial Sister. I always thought you were on the same level as me, mature and equal… something like that. I don’t know how to say it…"
Xiao Jinse shook her head.
"I know."
Precisely because she was mature, she wanted to take a step further.
"Elder Martial Sister."
Xiao Jinse stepped forward, pressing her thigh against Bai Lian’s and kissed her directly.
Bai Lian said in a hurry, "There is someone next door."
Xiao Jinse didn’t flinch, "There is a shielded magic array in your room."
"…"
Xiao Jinse added, "Actually, even without the magic array, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m not afraid to do more intimate things in front of them."
"!"
Bai Lian wanted to say something else, but the warm and soft object had already blocked her lips.
