Chapter 21
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Chapter 21: Because She Is My Sister
"Is all of this planned by you?"
Xu Pan’s words were light.
Light as thin wings.
However, behind these gentle words lies a heavy consideration!
Since leaving Xingluo Fortress a month ago, Xu Pan has spent all his time on planning, except for recovering from his injuries and merging the Tao Source Golden Pillar into the Gate of All Living Beings.
He knew that his path had become narrow.
In order to evade Bai Lian’s attack, he forcefully used the Blood Devouring technique and burned half of his body.
At that time, his essence was not yet damaged, and he could fully recover with just six months of rest.
However, he attempted to take Marquis Wu’an with him as he was about to escape, but the brief pause left him completely caught between Bai Lian and Qing Luan’s front-and-back attack.
Even though Marquis Wu’an risked his life to push him out of Xingluo Fortress, he was still heavily injured.
He was already being targeted by both Bai Lian and the Taixuan Taoist Sect and had no chance to go outside to seek healing.
Even his hiding place became unsafe and could be found at any time.
It was at this moment that Xu Pan realized that he had no other way to go.
He couldn’t retaliate against both Bai Lian or the Taixuan Taoist Sect at the same time. His body couldn’t withstand it, and neither Bai Lian nor the Taixuan Taoist Sect would give him that opportunity.
After getting rid of one, he would inevitably be killed by the other.
This is a life-or-death game with only two options!
For others, it may be a difficult choice.
But Xu Pan is different.
In the pouring rain, he made the final decision in a matter of a few breaths.
He realized that he had ended up in such a predicament and incurred the wrath of Bai Lian solely due to his obsession.
And his obsession was…
"The Taixuan Taoist Sect!"
Xu Pan clenched his right fist.
Flames of obsession transformed into reality burning in his palm.
Meanwhile, his eyes reflected Bai Lian’s serene countenance.
It is this woman…
Since she appeared, everything planned by him and Marquis Wu’an has become unfavorable.
After the battle at Canglong Garden, Marquis Wu’an told him that the scariest thing about Bai Lian is not her strength, but her constantly calculating heart!
[She not only schemes against others, but also herself.]
[I don’t believe that someone in her position truly has a Saintly heart.]
[She must be plotting something big, but… no matter how hard I think, I can’t figure out what she values here.]
When Xu Pan first heard these words, he didn’t pay too much attention to them.
Even before coming to Da Mang Mountain, he hadn’t considered Bai Lian in his thoughts.
But not long ago, a thread of fate brought his gaze together with that of the eldest princess.
Then, he was horrified to discover that he had overlooked a very important matter!
With the power of the Gate of All Living Beings, he finally "saw" Bai Lian.
It was a blazing white flame.
At the center of the flame lay quietly the way of the Great Tao, which was as dark as ink and shaped like a large tree.
Xu Pan knew that Bai Lian was a reincarnated Immortal Emperor and also that even though reincarnated, the essence of the Great Tao still lingered within the body of an Immortal Emperor.
But…
The strand of the way of the Great Tao inside Bai Lian was too intact!
It was as if Bai Lian was not a reincarnated Immortal Emperor, but rather an undamaged Immortal Emperor!
It would require no effort for such an Bai Lian to kill him.
If she got serious, even if ten Marquis Wu’an ran to shield him, he wouldn’t be possible to be rescued.
Yet, he did survive that ordeal, and not only that, he just now personally slew the Spiritual Path Master.
Xu Pan remembered the words that Marquis Wu’an had said to him.
If all of this is Bai Lian’s plan, she only wants to use him to avenge Gong Xuexin without exposing herself…
In this moment, his hands and feet were icy cold, as if he had fallen into an ice cave!
Has he become a mere tool?
Xu Pan was not just daydreaming.
The reason why he was able to obtain the Tao Source Golden Pillar was entirely due to his chance encounter with the Lord of Reincarnation.
Prior to meeting him, the Lord of Reincarnation had been struck twice by Bai Lian.
It was difficult for him not to suspect that Bai Lian had arranged the meeting between him and the Lord of Reincarnation.
Xu Pan felt his mind burning and was unable to think calmly.
When did Bai Lian start scheming against him?
Since she met the Lord of Reincarnation?
No.
Going back to this point is not enough.
Think about the battle in Canglong Garden, if it weren’t for Bai Lian’s sudden appearance, he would have already completed the Gate of All Living Beings at that time.
However, the problem is that the power of the Gate of All Living Beings, which is made of dragon blood, is not enough to break the Phaseless Fire Phoenix Bell.
It’s difficult to say whether he could have killed the Spiritual Path Master if he had fought at that time.
Xu Pan learned many of the news after embedding the Tao Source Golden Pillar into the Gate of All Living Beings.
For example, the Phaseless Fire Phoenix Bell is actually a superior immortal treasure.
Perhaps Bai Lian was aware of this, which was why she deliberately intervened to stop him.
This speculation may sound absurd, but you have to understand that the strategist behind it is Bai Lian, the operator of the Duxian Sect!
Xu Pan’s body was trembling slightly.
He suddenly felt very pathetic.
He was like a puppet being chased around by Bai Lian until he finally saw the truth at the critical moment.
However, what’s the use of it?
He would rather be a muddle-headed fool who knows nothing.
Xu Pan stared at Bai Lian fixedly, waiting for her answer.
However, Bai Lian seemed unwilling to fulfill his wish, just calmly looking at him.
So calm that he couldn’t read anything from her expression.
At this moment, countless onlookers also looked over here.
When Xu Pan joined Lenovo, they also started to associate.
"Restore" the past, and "create" the future!
"Was all of this planned by Bai Lian?"
The eldest princess’ hands, covered by long bright yellow sleeves, were intertwined and had nowhere to go due to her excitement.
In other words, she is just a doll in Bai Lian’s hands.
Pick it up and use it when needed, throw it aside when not needed?
Bai Lian was too busy to care about others’ thoughts now.
After several tremors in her fair earlobes, she realized the meaning behind Xu Pan’s words.
What have I planned?
Are you saying that this situation was planned by me?
What nonsense are you talking about!
Do you believe that I will stab your ass with a big iron rod?!
Is there no justice left in this world?
Bai Lian couldn’t understand; she stood by and watched the show, but ended up being used as a pawn by both sides.
Yes, indeed. Bai Lian is a brick, to be moved wherever necessary.
Damn it, just waiting to be crushed by the brick!
Bai Lian was extremely angry, and the angrier she became, the calmer her face appeared.
She had lost her Innocent Heart, but now her whole body had transformed into the shape of the Innocent Heart.
This is too much. You must know that even Martial Sister Tong Yao was not as "bad" as this!
Bai Lian was about to fiercely humiliate Xu Pan with her words and mock him with some domineering remarks like her master, but the system task suddenly emerged.
[Task 1: Utter words of approval- "You are much more intelligent than I had imagined." (Reward: Hard Skill +14)]
[Task 2: Smile and remain silent. (Reward: Focus +13)]
[Task 3: Deny vehemently- "Not true." (Reward: Light Skill +13)]
Upon closer inspection, the risks of the three tasks were not much different.
Task 1 is at a higher level.
However, this doesn’t require much consideration. Even without the task prompt, Bai Lian couldn’t possibly admit to doing anything wrong.
She hasn’t done it yet.
How can one simply smear white into other colors?
She decided to choose Task 3 resolutely.
Bai Lian furrowed her brows and enunciated each word in front of everyone, "No, I didn’t plan it."
"Wasn’t it she who planned all of this?"
"Wasn’t it she who planned all of this?"
Xu Pan, who stood in front of her, widened his eyes, but soon relaxed as the reactions of most people around him were similar to his own.
As expected.
Xu Pan was looking forward to Bai Lian admitting honestly, but it was obviously not realistic.
I did it, but why should I admit it? Are you teaching a true Immortal Emperor how to work?
It’s alright, I understand everything in my heart.
As Bai Lian glanced around to observe other people’s reactions, she only saw members of the Taixuan Taoist Sect nervously bowing their heads, without daring to meet her gaze, as if she were a terrifying great white shark.
And the onlookers, some of them instinctively took a step back, while others looked at her with wonder and amazement.
"Indeed, it’s White Emperor Bai Lian! She is too great!"
"Hmm?"
Wait.
I already told you that I haven’t done anything. What are you thinking?
(`Д´*)9
Bai Lian’s fist tightened!
She turned around and faced Xu Pan resolutely.
It’s all your fault, you wretched creature!
Bai Lian suddenly had a spark of inspiration in her mind as she continued to stare.
This is all Xu Pan’s conspiracy!
Not long ago, Xu Pan intentionally revealed the conflict between the Duxian Sect and the Taixuan Taoist Sect in front of everyone, hoping to intensify the conflict between her and the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
Obviously, he succeeded.
The matter was almost settled, but Xu Pan suddenly intervened.
How could Xu Pan, being a man with evil in his heart, easily forgive her?
Bai Lian guessed that Xu Pan was thinking like this –
[Even if I can’t beat you, I will disgust you to death.]
Then he jumped out and slandered her with such a mentality.
Obviously, Xu Pan’s plan was a great success.
Thanks to the previous promotion by Martial Sister Tong Yao, the people around immediately believed Xu Pan’s nonsense.
Bai Lian was so angry that her head was about to explode.
She got annoyed but eventually laughed, "Xu Pan, no wonder Spiritual Path Master is not your match."
This is a compliment, but Xu Pan couldn’t feel happy about it.
Deny first, then admit?
He couldn’t figure out what Bai Lian was thinking.
However, these matters are all insignificant.
He took a deep breath and burned everything in order to kill the Spiritual Path Master.
The brightest light was backed by his remaining life.
He doesn’t have much time left, and all he can do now is launch a final attack on Bai Lian!
"The Gate of All Living Beings!"
Xu Pan raised his right arm high.
Several large golden spells appeared on his bare arm instantly.
At the same time, Bai Lian also raised her own fist.
She had extinguished her fear.
Even if Xu Pan can defeat Spiritual Path Master in an instant, so what?
She must fight, even if she cannot win, she can always call for her master’s help.
However, her gaze didn’t fall on Xu Pan, because in that instant of looking up, she suddenly felt a familiar aura.
That is…
By the way, this aura is exactly the same as the one she encountered when she went to save Si Yunshang last time.
Bai Lian’s heart immediately hung up.
Just as she was about to fight Xu Pan, a golden light flashed from afar.
The person in charge of the Taixuan Taoist Sect caught the flowing light with his hand and upon taking a glance at it, his complexion immediately changed.
"This is bad, our sect has been attacked and the grand protection magic array has already been breached!"
As soon as the words fell, all eyes were focused on Xu Pan and Bai Lian.
"It’s the Demon of the Outer Realm!"
The man clenched his teeth.
Then all eyes turned to Xu Pan again.
Xu Pan frowned. He had been acting alone these days and had no idea what was going on.
"Return to the sect quickly!"
After shouting a few times, the people of the Taixuan Taoist Sect hastily flew towards the mountain top of the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
Xu Pan is a great enemy, and Bai Lian looks very threatening as well, but the top priority is still to protect the ten-thousand-year heritage of the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
The people of the Taixuan Taoist Sect went first, and then many onlookers followed.
After hesitating for a while, Qingxuan Sword Master also flew towards the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
He had deep grievances with the Spiritual Path Master, but he never believed that the Spiritual Path Master could represent the Taixuan Taoist Sect.
Now that the Taixuan Taoist Sect is in trouble, he must go and take a look.
In no time, the shattered Da Mang Mountain was reduced to only a few people, such as Bai Lian.
This is the burial ground of the founding emperor of the Heluo Country, as well as the Spiritual Path Master. Just a few moments ago, it was overcrowded, but now its glory has suddenly faded.
The wind blew over the mountain.
It brushed Bai Lian’s cheek and passed over Xu Pan’s palm.
The breath of the Demon Lord seemed to have disappeared. Since so…
Let’s continue!
Bai Lian said, "Consider it as avenging the fourth Martial sister. I originally thought it should be done by her own hands."
She didn’t plan to step back just because the eldest princess was behind her.
Xu Pan laughed, "It’s still unknown who will win in the end!"
The golden light in his palm became stronger and stronger, like a cage, enclosing both him and Bai Lian.
The obsession behind him had already burned almost completely, and now only his own remained.
However, that was enough.
Besides obsession, he also had the Tao Source Golden Pillar.
With this, he had a one percent chance of taking Bai Lian down with him.
This probability is already quite high.
As a vessel for the way of the Great Tao, he forges a killing blade for immortals and gods!
Xu Pan’s body ignited.
Let’s fight!
Fist Strike!
Bang—
In an instant, he and Bai Lian has fought countless times, even the golden light cage was shattered, but the cage was reborn again.
The two of them missed each other as they were about to skip the test and dive into the main topic. But just then, a fatigue-laden cry came from outside the golden light.
"Brother and Bai Lian."
Sister?
Xu Pan’s body tensed up, his gaze passed over Bai Lian’s shoulder and fell on the eldest princess, whose face looked haggard.
Bai Lian also stopped and turned around to look at the eldest princess.
She was able to perceive the emotional fluctuations of the eldest princess.
Is it because of Xu Pan’s words that made her think she was being played, or is it because of the current situation that has put her in a dilemma?
"…"
For a moment, no one spoke, and the situation seemed to be at a deadlock.
Countless dark hues flashed through the eyes of the eldest princess, what kind of gaze was that?
Xu Pan didn’t know.
He just suddenly felt that things were going off course.
After a long time, the eldest princess shook her head and sighed.
"Fight, I won’t stop you, go ahead and fight."
She turned around, not wanting to witness this scene with her own eyes.
And so, step by step, she walked towards the depths of the wilderness, also entering Xu Pan’s memories and completely overlapping with another figure.
What kind of gaze was that?
All that had happened in the past emerged before him, and the golden light in Xu Pan’s palm gradually dissipated.
He lowered his head, "This is what I owe you, and also what I owe you all."
He knew that he was facing a brand new choice again.
As before, he only had two options this time as well.
As before, he had the answer early on this time too.
"Bai Lian!"
Suddenly, Xu Pan called out Bai Lian’s name.
Bai Lian withdrew her gaze from the eldest princess.
Xu Pan’s countenance remained calm as he spoke, "In the end, I only have one question to ask you."
"?"
Xu Pan asked, "Was my sister, Empress Yongjia also part of your plan?"
He gazed at Bai Lian, attempting to discern something from her expression.
Bai Lian exclaimed, "What nonsense are you speaking? I am not cunning like you to plot and scheme! I have never taken advantage of the eldest…"
As she spoke, she suddenly stopped.
Hm?
Earlier, Xu Pan was not referring to the eldest princess, but to Empress Yongjia. If she remembers correctly, Yongjia was Xu Pan’s long-dead sister, the elder sister of the eldest princess.
Xu Pan continued, "Would you be willing to swear on your blood that you have never taken advantage of Yongjia’s feelings?"
Bai Lian asked, "Yongjia… is she the eldest princess?"
Xu Pan nodded, "Yongjia is her title."
Bai Lian asked, "Didn’t Empress Yongjia die hundreds of years ago?"
"Did she tell you about this?" Xu Pan suddenly nodded, "Yes, she likes to share everything with you. Yongjia is the eldest princess, and the eldest princess is Yongjia. It took me a long time to finally find a way to resurrect her."
Therefore, the term "the sealed child" is indeed deceiving.
She didn’t perceive the abnormality beforehand due to a misunderstanding.
Bai Lian thought to herself.
Thus, everything became reasonable.
Xu Pan still stared at Bai Lian, "Yongjia is my only sister, and she is not just my sister."
Bai Lian sneered, "Then how did you treat her?"
Xu Pan lowered his head, "I owe her a lot."
"Ridiculous!" Bai Lian exclaimed, "Isn’t it just a blood oath?"
She had a clear conscience.
As she spoke, Bai Lian swore the blood oath.
"Enough."
Whether it was for the fourth Martial Sister or the eldest princess, she was determined to kill Xu Pan!
She raised her fist, but Xu Pan was much faster than her.
"In that case, I can rest assured."
Before Bai Lian’s fist could hit him, he activated his cultivation method, shattering his already frail soul.
"!"
Bai Lian quickly pulled back her fist and stopped it an inch away from Xu Pan.
"You…"
She watched in horror as Xu Pan fell in front of her.
The tall and imposing, steadfast as a rock, emperor of Heluo Country, who recently slayed the Spiritual Path Master, fell down like a rag.
His voice sounded as if it was squeezed out through a crack.
"I choose to end my life, so that Yongjia will not feel troubled."
"Why?"
Bai Lian was completely at a loss.
This situation was something she had never imagined.
Plop.
Xu Pan fell to the ground.
His body flickered and began to shatter bit by bit.
The long-held pressure finally began to release!
He looked at Bai Lian, as well as looked at the eldest princess in his dream, and even looked at Marquis Wu’an in boundless purgatory.
In the end, he failed to avenge Marquis Wu’an, and he didn’t even attempt it.
If we can meet again in the underworld, let’s make amends then.
"I still remember the day I asked Yongjia a question."
"What question?"
"I asked her, ‘Hey, why did you help me?’"
"How did she respond?"
"She said, ‘Because there is a light in your eyes, a light that is willing to sacrifice everything for Heluo Country.’"
"Therefore…"
"It’s not me, but she who has the light in her eyes. So now, I will return everything to her, including this Gate of All Living Beings, including Heluo Country, and including her own life that belongs only to her."
Xu Pan strained to open his eyes.
He saw Bai Lian again.
He stretched his arm out with all his might.
However, this time his strength was slightly weak, and his hand drooped down when he stretched halfway.
But he still spoke the final words.
"Because… she is my sister… I beg you, take good care of her…"
Bang.
Bai Lian’s hand hung in the air, she saw Xu Pan’s body completely dispersed, turned into countless dots of light, scattered along with the surrounding gold light.
And at this moment, lying in her palm was a key.
"Is this the Gate of All Living Beings?"
Bai Lian’s feelings were somewhat complicated, she didn’t know what to say, so for now she would give the key to the eldest princess.
She turned around, searching for the figure of the eldest princess.
In the distance, that lonely figure continued walking on.
Bai Lian lifted her right foot.
She had just taken a step when a hand suddenly protruded from the pitch-black muddy ground and grabbed the eldest princess.
Bai Lian recognized that it was the hand of the Spiritual Path Master!
He’s not dead?
No.
Now is not the time to think about this. I must not let the eldest princess fall into his hands.
"If you take one step forward again, I will destroy the entire Taixuan Taoist Sect!"
An angry shout pierced the sky.
In that moment, Bai Lian transformed into burning white flames.
