Chapter 4
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Chapter 4: People in the Demon Sect!
Who is this?
The same thought flashed through the minds of Xiao Jinse and the Saint when they saw Xia Qingqing.
Naturally, Su Youwei and Xia Qingqing had similar reactions when they spotted the Saint.
This strange woman doesn’t look trustworthy!
Xia Qingqing instinctively leaned toward Su Youwei for support.
After all, the two had shared many experiences in the past, and their relationship should be harmonious.
But Su Youwei thought otherwise.
To her, anyone harboring intentions toward Martial Sister Bai Lian was her enemy. No exceptions.
With a look of disdain, Su Youwei took a step back, creating noticeable distance between herself and Xia Qingqing.
Xia Qingqing: “…”
Aren’t we supposed to be allies?
Breaking the tense silence, Su Youwei spoke coldly. “Martial Sister Bai Lian won’t be participating in this trial.”
“Ah?”
The Saint and Xia Qingqing were both visibly stunned.
“How can that be?”
“Isn’t she supposed to lead the disciples of the Duxian Sect? Why wouldn’t she be here?”
Listening to their confusion, Xiao Jinse quickly caught on to Su Youwei’s real intention.
She’s trying to drive these two away to stop them from bothering Martial Sister Bai Lian!
Good move, Third Martial Sister!
Although she and Su Youwei had never been particularly close, Xiao Jinse saw the wisdom in uniting against a common enemy.
Standing firmly beside her Third Martial Sister, Xiao Jinse added, “The Third Martial Sister is correct. It was a decision made by the sect Elder. Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian truly will not be taking part in this trial.”
Technically, she wasn’t lying.
Even if the Saint did manage to find Bai Lian later, it wouldn’t be Xiao Jinse’s fault. After all, she only said Bai Lian wouldn’t participate in the trial, not that Bai Lian wasn’t here at all.
The Saint opened her mouth, preparing to ask something, but Xiao Jinse swiftly cut her off.
“Saint, I understand your curiosity. But the truth is, we don’t know where Martial Sister Bai Lian is right now.”
Disappointment flashed across both the Saint’s and Xia Qingqing’s faces.
They had come to this trial with high hopes.
The Saint, in particular, had rehearsed her words to Bai Lian countless times in her mind.
And now?
Bai Lian wasn’t even here. All of her careful preparation felt pointless.
Forcing a polite smile, the Saint offered a parting comment. “Well, I wish you both the best of luck in the trial. Excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.”
With that, she left.
Xia Qingqing, equally dispirited, followed suit, her steps slow and heavy.
As the two women disappeared from view, Xiao Jinse and Su Youwei exchanged a glance.
“Bah!”
“Bah!”
Their brief cooperation dissolved as quickly as it had formed.
Bai Lian, still aboard the Aurora Boat, watched the scene below unfold.
She had initially planned to step down and greet everyone—after all, Martial Sister Bai Lian was known as an amiable person.
But the tasks presented by the system made her abandon that idea:
[Task 1]: Enthusiastically approach Shen Xiangling and Xia Qingqing. (Reward: Flying Royal Talisman)
[Task 2]: Say to Shen Xiangling and Xia Qingqing, “Don’t come to me again!” (Reward: Insight Mantra)
[Task 3]: Pretend you didn’t see anything. (Reward: Soft Skill +2)
A single Martial Sister is already difficult enough to handle. Now there are two? How did this happen?!
After a brief moment of deliberation, Bai Lian decisively chose Task 3.
[Task completed! Reward: Soft Skill +2]
At that moment, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, Elder Gaoyi asked me to tell you to come to the Council Hall,” said Qing Luan, stepping out of the cabin.
“Thanks for letting me know.” Bai Lian nodded.
Qing Luan wore a green-and-white Taoist robe. Her jade bracelets, likely magical tools with special effects, jingled faintly as she moved. Her hair, a brilliant green, was neatly gathered and adorned with a blue bird-feather hairpin, completing a look that resembled the mythical Qing Luan Divine Bird.
However, Bai Lian knew the truth—Qing Luan was no descendant of the divine bird. She simply admired the creature and styled herself accordingly.
The Council Hall
Guided by Qing Luan, Bai Lian entered the Council Hall.
Despite being listed as a deacon, Bai Lian rarely had to fulfill any real responsibilities. Her attendance today felt arbitrary.
From the main seat, the representative of the Ten Thousand Immortals League outlined the purpose of the joint trial and the rules for distributing rewards.
“Mount Yuheng,” the representative began, “is known for its beautiful scenery and fertile lands, home to many mortals. However, in the past three months, there have been over a dozen reports of collective disappearances in and around the region…”
The trial was divided into two stages:
The first stage focused on investigating the cause of the collective disappearances in the region around Mount Yuheng. Given that it was likely to involve individuals from the demon sects, each sect and faction entrusted their strongest Elders to lead the investigative teams. The aim was to uncover the truth and ensure the safety of everyone in the area.
The second stage was a more traditional trial: the “Explore the Secret Realm” challenge. Disciples who excelled in the first stage would have the opportunity to enter a secret realm managed by the Ten Thousand Immortals League. Within this realm, they could enhance their strength by finding rare treasures, mastering ancient techniques, and facing challenges that would test their limits.
While others were abuzz with excitement, Bai Lian felt uninterested.
A secret realm trial? She sighed inwardly. Even rubbing the jade rabbit’s head would be more entertaining.
Still, the trial’s rewards were enticing enough to motivate everyone else. Achieving good results would boost both personal strength and the sect’s reputation, drawing talented disciples during the next Immortality Promotion Meeting.
…
West Side of Mount Yuheng
In a remote and inconspicuous house, a young master sat alone under a withered tree, playing chess against himself.
Winter had arrived, and the cold wind carried the last yellow leaf to his chessboard.
Suddenly, a young boy in gray rushed into the yard.
“*Childe!”
[*In the Middle Ages, a childe or child (from Old English: Cild “Young Lord”) was a nobleman’s son who had not yet attained knighthood or had not yet won his spurs.]
The young master frowned, brushing the leaf from the board. “Can’t you see I’m playing chess? Don’t be so reckless!”
The boy, looking anxious, replied, “Childe, the situation is urgent!”
“Urgent?”
“The Ten Thousand Immortals League’s plan to enter Mount Yuheng might be detrimental to us. The Hall Master sent me to inform you—you need to return immediately!”
The young master smiled faintly. “Urgent? Really, you people worry too much. Even if they come, do you think they can actually find me? And even if they do, do you think I can’t defeat them?”
“But Childe, they’ve brought some of their strongest disciples!”
“Strongest?” The young master scoffed. Standing with his hands behind his back, he looked at the withered tree before him. “They’re nothing but weaklings with inflated egos! Take that Bai Lian, for example. If she dares to stand before me, I’ll make her realize her insignificance. I doubt she’d even have the courage to come here!”
The young boy hesitated. “But Childe, they’ve come in large numbers, and you only have two fists—”
His words were cut short by a sudden voice outside the door.
“Is anyone there?”
“Who’s asking?” the boy called out, his voice trembling slightly.
“My name is Bai Lian,” came the calm reply.
“…”
The young master froze.
In a panic, he slapped the boy on the shoulder. “Quick, close the door! If she asks, you don’t know me!”
Before the boy could protest, the young master had already disappeared, leaving only a cloud of dust behind.
The boy stood stunned in silence, staring after him.
“…”
