Chapter 18
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This chapter is edited by Bakhtawar Kakar. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 18: In Front of Martial Sister Bai Lian, Everyone Is Eager to Learn
Beneath the calm surface of the night, unseen currents swirled.
Just moments ago, Bai Lian had been brimming with affection, her heart set on hugging her third Martial Sister to offer her warmth and reassurance.
But then, the system’s options appeared.
[Task 1: Hold third Martial Sister tightly (Reward: Heartbroken Grass)]
[Task 2: Gently touch third Martial Sister’s head (Reward: Soft Skill +2)]
Bai Lian’s gaze sharpened.
Someone’s watching!
Her instincts and countless trials told her who it was.
The second Martial Sister. Of course, it’s you!
In an instant, Bai Lian’s clarity returned. No rash moves now.
Choose Task 2!
She shifted subtly, opting for a light, affectionate touch on Su Youwei’s head. Her hand lingered just long enough to convey comfort but not suspicion.
After a moment, Bai Lian pulled her hand away, clearing her throat softly.
“It’s getting late. Let’s rest. We’ll need to be ready for the Huaxin Sect tomorrow.”
“Mm,” Su Youwei replied, nodding obediently.
Her heart, however, was filled with a subtle disappointment.
Ever since joining the trial, Martial Sister Bai Lian’s nightly lessons had been suspended. She felt a void, an ache for those lessons where every word carried profound insight.
Su Youwei glanced at her hands. She had memories from her previous life, treasures she knew she could claim if she reached the Golden Core stage. Yet those treasures seemed insignificant compared to Bai Lian’s teachings.
I’m a studious person.
She consoled herself with the thought that the trial would end soon, leaving time for more lessons.
I can’t afford to waste time. The Martial Sister Bai Lian I’ve recreated in my sea of divine sense is far from perfect. Only by learning more can I fill in those gaps!
Her internal demon loomed still, though it felt weaker under Bai Lian’s guidance. Victory over it wasn’t the end goal—she would have to feign struggle, lest her progress invite suspicion.
After all, compared to the second Martial Sister, this was her advantage.
Su Youwei retired to her room, her thoughts spinning with anticipation for the lessons yet to come.
Not long after, Xiao Jinse emerged from her hiding spot nearby. She hesitated before stepping into view.
Martial Sister Bai Lian must have noticed me.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian,” Xiao Jinse said, her voice tinged with melancholy. “Am I truly capable of proving myself at the Sword Washing Pavilion?”
Her posture slumped dramatically, as though weighed down by unbearable pressure.
Look at me. Even my back is bent under this burden. If this continues, I’ll develop an internal demon too!
Bai Lian gave her a reassuring smile, reaching out to touch her head.
“Martial Sister, I believe in you!”
Xiao Jinse blinked, her thoughts scrambling.
Wait, that’s not the line I wanted to hear.
She had expected something more grand, more intimate: “Don’t be afraid. I will always support you.”
But Bai Lian seemed completely unbothered, her confidence in Xiao Jinse unwavering.
“Let me tell you a story,” Bai Lian said, her tone light yet full of meaning. She recounted the tale of ‘Ten Victories and Ten Losses.’
“You see? How can the Sword Washing Pavilion possibly stand against you?”
Xiao Jinse’s expression twisted, a mix of confusion and resignation.
That’s… logical. Too logical.
Inwardly, she began plotting.
If I deliberately lose to the Sword Washing Pavilion, it’ll leave a deep scar on my heart. I’ll develop an internal demon that only Martial Sister Bai Lian’s hugs can soothe.
The idea planted itself firmly in her mind.
Yes, that makes perfect sense!
Satisfied with her budding scheme, Xiao Jinse nodded, her determination renewed.
But…
The third Martial Sister would definitely laugh at Xiao Jinse if she learned of her earlier plan.
That’s completely unacceptable.
Feeling the tension mounting, Bai Lian gently pinched Xiao Jinse’s cheek and said, “Don’t overthink things. You’re my Martial Sister. I’ll help you. If the Sword Washing Pavilion doesn’t know how to behave, I’ll make sure they learn!”
Her voice carried such calm confidence that Xiao Jinse couldn’t help but feel reassured.
It’s not a big deal, Bai Lian thought to herself. If necessary, I’ll grab Master An Lan’s thigh and beg for her help.
Although her master rarely showed warmth toward her, Bai Lian knew An Lan wasn’t entirely heartless.
“Elder Martial Sister…” Xiao Jinse’s heart felt a surge of warmth, and she lowered her gaze.
Martial Sister Bai Lian truly cares for me.
The thought of deliberately losing to the Sword Washing Pavilion now filled Xiao Jinse with shame.
Bai Lian’s words echoed in her mind: “Don’t bully the poor girl.”
If she were to fail intentionally, what would others think of Martial Sister Bai Lian’s honor?
Sword Washing Pavilion, wash your neck and wait!
With that fiery resolve, Xiao Jinse returned to her room.
Meanwhile, Bai Lian retired to her quarters, her mind far from rest.
She didn’t need sleep, and cultivating openly was out of the question to avoid raising suspicion. Instead, she focused her thoughts on Si Yunshang, whose situation was precarious.
Her case is dire.
Life deficiency and a damaged soul were conditions that virtually guaranteed death. And Si Yunshang suffered from both.
She probably has a dozen ‘Death’ markers hovering over her head.
With her medical skill capped at a mere 5 points, Bai Lian was far from capable of saving her. But she wasn’t entirely out of options.
In the Duxian Sect, there might be…
“Dong Dong!”
A sudden knock on her door shattered Bai Lian’s train of thought.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian,” came a voice from outside.
Bai Lian’s divine sense swept out. It was Qing Luan of Yunluo Peak.
At this hour?
Qing Luan was a minor character in the game, overshadowed by her sister Hong Luan—a troublemaker who had given Bai Lian plenty of grief in the midgame. Though related by blood, Hong Luan was old enough to be Qing Luan’s grandmother.
Bai Lian rose from her bed, wary of Qing Luan’s intentions.
Could she have figured out my secret?
“What’s the matter?” Bai Lian asked.
Qing Luan hesitated before responding. “Martial Sister Bai Lian, I have a question for you. Are you free now?”
She’s probing.
Bai Lian’s suspicions deepened. Exposing the identity of a Demon Soul carried a low-risk reward in the game—likely indicating Qing Luan wasn’t here to attack but to test.
“I’m free,” Bai Lian replied, lifting the seal on the door.
Qing Luan stepped inside, curiosity written all over her face.
Bai Lian’s room surprised her. It was sparse—just a bed, a chair, a table, and a mirror.
She sat in the lone chair, while Bai Lian nonchalantly tidied away her medical books.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian, do you like reading?” Qing Luan asked, breaking the silence.
Fishing for information, are you?
Bai Lian cut the topic short. “I just read to pass the time.”
“Don’t you cultivate during your free time?” Qing Luan pressed.
Ah, now we’re getting to the point.
Bai Lian responded calmly, “I believe in balancing work and rest. Cultivation isn’t just about speed. Reckless advancement often leads to disaster. It’s important to learn restraint.”
She fixed Qing Luan with a meaningful gaze.
Qing Luan’s breath hitched.
Martial Sister Bai Lian saw right through me!
Her greatest flaw was her competitive nature. Bai Lian’s words, so direct yet profound, felt like a gentle rebuke.
Can I truly overcome this weakness?
But Bai Lian’s reputation as a teacher reassured her. If anyone could guide her, it was Bai Lian.
“Please teach me, Martial Sister Bai Lian!” Qing Luan said, suddenly standing to bow deeply.
Bai Lian froze, utterly stunned.
What is happening?
Her hesitation made Qing Luan nervous.
Was I too abrupt? Coming empty-handed in the middle of the night was a mistake.
Before she could apologize, a loud voice rang out from outside.
“Bai Lian, I know you’re in there! Stop hiding!”
“?”
Bai Lian frowned. “Wait here.”
She jumped out of bed, heading for the commotion.
Qing Luan, burning with curiosity, hurried after her.