Chapter 16 Part 2
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Chapter 16: Then Say Goodbye to You in the Most Magnificent Gesture! (1)
—
“Thank you, Martial Sister Bai Lian.”
Bai Lian felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She didn’t deserve this gratitude.
In truth, she hadn’t really helped Qing Luan. Qing Luan had placed her unwavering trust in her, but Bai Lian had doubted her in return. It was no wonder she was often scolded as a “bitch.”
Qing Luan seemed to sense Bai Lian’s inner turmoil. She spoke softly, “Martial Sister Bai Lian, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have seen my heart clearly. Without you, I couldn’t have rediscovered my former self. It was you who reignited my fire of life in the darkness. It was you who made me understand what it feels like to be a woman.”
After saying this, Qing Luan shyly fluttered her left wing, as if the gentle breeze could cool the heat rising on her cheeks.
—
“…?”
Bai Lian was stunned.
Why does something feel off about that last line?
Her eyes darted around nervously. Thankfully, there was no one else around to overhear this strange exchange.
Even so, she felt compelled to clarify—she had done nothing improper to a bird! Most of the time, she prided herself on being an upright person.
Qing Luan continued, her voice calm and sincere. “When I was curled up in the darkness, I thought I would never see you again. It was your gaze that gave me courage, your hands that reignited my spirit, and the thought of you, Martial Sister Bai Lian, that helped me find my way out of that directionless world.”
—
Bai Lian glanced at her hands.
Slim, flexible, and pleasant to look at—but just ordinary hands!
At that moment, she felt like a mute protagonist in a GALGAME. She should have said something profound, but her mind went blank.
“Can your body change back?” she asked finally.
Qing Luan shook her head softly. “No, I can’t.”
Bai Lian felt a pang of sadness.
She looked at Qing Luan’s form, wings spread wide against the horizon.
In truth, Qing Luan was breathtaking even in her bird form. She was not only beautiful but also radiant in her reborn purity—a heart as luminous as moonlight.
Sensing Bai Lian’s concern, Qing Luan reassured her quickly, “This is only temporary. Once I inherit the legacy of the holy bird Qing Luan, transforming my body will be a simple matter.”
—
Bai Lian nodded in understanding. She knew the more unique a demonic beast was, the harder it was for them to transform into human form.
“When are you leaving?”
“Later,” Qing Luan replied hesitantly.
Bai Lian asked in a deep voice, “Aren’t you going to say goodbye to the others?”
Qing Luan faltered. If she said goodbye, she knew they would beg her to stay.
Bai Lian noticed her hesitation and smiled brightly. “Let me say goodbye for you—to your master and to Hong Luan as well.”
“Thank you, Martial Sister Bai Lian,” Qing Luan said, her voice filled with relief.
But then, she hesitated before asking shyly, “Martial Sister Bai Lian… won’t you ask me to stay?”
—
New task options appeared in front of Bai Lian:
Task 1: “What nonsense are you talking about? If you want to leave, just go. Don’t be so dramatic!” (Reward: Hard Skill +2)
Task 2: “Sigh. I’m a rational person.” (Reward: Soft Skill +2)
Bai Lian stared at the choices, her lips twitching.
“Damn it,” she muttered. “Even the rewards are absurdly on-point.”
Ultimately, she decided to maintain her composed image.
“Sigh. I’m a rational person,” she said with a shrug. “Even if I try to persuade you, you’ll still leave. After all, you’re Qing Luan—a rare holy beast. I imagine you’re worried that staying here would bring endless disasters to the Duxian Sect.”
Qing Luan’s heart swelled with warmth.
Martial Sister Bai Lian truly understands me.
Overcome with emotion, Qing Luan wanted to leave Bai Lian with something unforgettable.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian,” she said suddenly, “you can ride on me!”
—
“…What?”
Bai Lian blinked, certain she had misheard.
But Qing Luan crouched down, her back turned to Bai Lian, clearly inviting her.
“Martial Sister Bai Lian,” Qing Luan repeated.
Bai Lian hesitated before climbing onto her back cautiously. “Won’t I stain your feathers?”
“No,” Qing Luan replied firmly.
With a powerful leap, Qing Luan took off.
—
She soared higher and higher, carrying Bai Lian beyond the clouds.
Wrapped in Qing Luan’s spiritual energy, Bai Lian remained unharmed despite the incredible speed. Soon, they pierced the edge of the pure white world, emerging into an awe-inspiring vista.
Above the clouds, Bai Lian saw the bright sun and countless stars scattered across the heavens.
Amid this breathtaking view, Bai Lian murmured, “If I ever deceived you…”
“It would only be a white lie,” Qing Luan replied confidently.
Bai Lian was left speechless, her emotions a whirlwind of guilt and warmth.
“Qing Luan is a mirror,” Qing Luan continued. “When Martial Sister Bai Lian faces me, her heart is always clear.”
What a silly child, Bai Lian thought. That’s only because of my so-called ‘Innocent Heart.’
As the stars surrounded her, Bai Lian’s long-stagnant cultivation base surged forward, breaking through its limits. A river of starlight poured into her, propelling her into the Nascent Soul Stage.
—
Qing Luan sensed the breakthrough and paused mid-flight.
Bai Lian said quietly, “As you can see, I wasn’t at the Soul Changing Stage before. My cultivation base was about the same as yours.”
Qing Luan was stunned.
“But,” Bai Lian added, “don’t let cultivation fool you. I’ve defeated creatures far stronger than myself. Strength isn’t just about cultivation.”
Qing Luan turned to Bai Lian, her expression softening into a radiant smile.
This is our secret, she thought. I’ll treasure it until we meet again.
With a final, powerful beat of her wings, Qing Luan ascended into the heavens, disappearing beyond the horizon in a blaze of brilliance.
She had bid farewell in the grandest, most unforgettable way—a gesture that Bai Lian would remember forever.
