Chapter 28 Part 2

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This chapter is edited by Farouq Omileye. Thank you for your contribution!

Chapter 28: In the Crowd Once and Again, I Look for Her in Vain (2)

Bai Lian smiled softly and said, “The important thing isn’t the misunderstanding, but Master Yan Yue’s intention.”

Is that so?

Well, then that’s good.

Yan Yue didn’t know how to respond.

When Bai Lian let go of her, there was still a lingering reluctance and regret.

What a good child.

Alas.

It feels good to be trusted.

Yan Yue quickly shifted the conversation, “Have you informed your master and Martial Sisters?”

Bai Lian replied, “I’ve notified them.”

The two younger Martial Sisters breathed a sigh of relief. They responded promptly, as if they had been waiting in anxious anticipation.

Master An Lan’s reply was cold:

“Remember to tell me when you go out next time.”

Yes, yes, yes.

But unfortunately, the timing was off.

It would take her three to five or six days to return to the Duxian sect, meaning she would miss this year’s Lantern Festival.

Bai Lian felt a deep regret. She had been looking forward to this year’s festival for months.

But as long as she keeps moving forward, the road remains ahead.

“Next time!” she thought, clenching her fist.

Yan Yue spoke, breaking her thoughts, “That’s good. Your Martial Sisters are waiting for you at Zhuyan Mountain. Let’s go.”

Bai Lian asked, “Do you want to take the flying boat of the Guangtong sect or the flying boat of the Yuantong sect?”

“Don’t bother with the details.”

A scroll suddenly appeared in Yan Yue’s hand. “Use this—it’s just right for the occasion.”

Bai Lian blinked, puzzled. “Just right?”

Yan Yue smiled, “The Lantern Festival. Before you left, didn’t you say you’d return in time to take your younger Martial Sisters to see the Lantern Festival?”

So that’s what she meant.

Bai Lian smiled brightly. She hadn’t expected Master Yan Yue to remember something like that!

Yan Yue unfurled the Ultra Long-distance Transmission Scroll and infused her spirit Qi into it.

A soft, feathery white light spread around them, enveloping them in a gentle embrace.

The pressure around Bai Lian was light, barely more than a tickling sensation.

As the light faded, the familiar sight of the Qiongming Peak and Zhuyan Mountain greeted her.

The small town at the foot of the mountain sparkled with lights.

She glanced at the time. There was still half an hour left before this year’s Lantern Festival began.

That’s enough time.

“Just in time,” she thought, a smile creeping onto her face.

With Yan Yue leading the way, they soon arrived at Zhuyan Mountain.

“Elder Martial Sister!”

Xiao Jinse and Su Youwei, who had been waiting anxiously in the woods, turned at the sound of footsteps.

It’s Martial Sister Bai Lian!

A wide smile spread across their faces.

This reunion felt like a lifetime apart, and it made their hearts race.

Both of them rushed toward Bai Lian.

“Elder Martial Sister, I thought you were in danger.”

“Elder Martial Sister, I’m so glad you’re alright.”

Bai Lian chuckled, “Haven’t I come back? Well, hurry up and make preparations. Let’s head to the Lantern Festival now.”

“Yes,” they both replied eagerly.

Bai Lian’s eyes then turned toward Yan Yue.

Yan Yue quickly waved her hand, “I won’t go. I’m not interested in the Lantern Festival.”

She was a Master. If she joined them, wouldn’t it spoil the fun?

She didn’t want to intrude on their joy.

However, she insisted on sending Bai Lian down the mountain.

When Bai Lian reached the foot of the mountain, she glanced back.

She thought she should say something.

“Master Yan Yue, the Blood Tree Patriarch really cares about you…”

Yan Yue responded, “I know. But we are used to getting along like this. If we suddenly changed our ways, no one would adapt.”

That was true.

Their bond was unspoken but understood.

Had they fought before, they might have destroyed Zhuyan Mountain by now.

Bai Lian sighed softly. If only An Lan and Yan Yue had the same understanding.

She wouldn’t have to think so much.

With a soft sigh, she turned and walked toward the town with her Martial Sisters and the jade rabbit.

Along the way, they passed a group of disciples chatting.

“Did you see that? Master An Lan’s expression was terrifying. She looked like she wanted to eat someone!”

“Don’t mention it. I was near Master An Lan at the time. I felt like I was going to freeze. Fortunately, she went straight to Qiongming Peak.”

Bai Lian turned around in surprise. She hadn’t realized that An Lan was back.

Had she returned because of her?

Her breath caught in her chest.

She remembered the past Lantern Festivals—they were family, after all.

Family should be together.

Xiao Jinse and Su Youwei exchanged a look, sensing something was off.

For a while, Bai Lian had only shown a calm, expressionless face. But now, they saw a flash of confusion and concern.

“Elder Martial Sister, go to her!”

“Elder Martial Sister, call Shifu to join you!”

“Wait for me.”

Bai Lian gritted her teeth and ran toward Qiongming Peak.

She moved swiftly, reaching the forbidden cave in the blink of an eye.

But to her surprise, An Lan was not there. The cave was empty.

“She must be…”

An idea suddenly struck her, and she dashed out of the cave.

Up the mountain she went.

She stopped outside the familiar yard.

A small, delicate figure was visible behind the paper-thin wooden window.

It was her room.

Bai Lian quickly walked toward the door, pushed it open, and the soft light illuminated her face.

At the small square table in the center of the room sat An Lan, her lonely form quiet as ever. The table was littered with empty bowls and cups.

So this is what it feels like?

An Lan stared at the empty bowls.

It was also New Year’s Eve. She sat alone at the table in the dim light.

She realized—it was more interesting to be mortal in this world than to be the Immortal Heavenly Lord. No one flattered her, but that no longer mattered.

Her strength wasn’t earned by others’ praise.

“Master!”

Suddenly, Bai Lian’s voice broke the silence, snapping An Lan from her thoughts.

She stared at Bai Lian, startled.

So close.

Bai Lian had come so close, and she hadn’t noticed.

Had her alertness failed?