Chapter 16 Part 1
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
This chapter is edited by Farouq Omileye. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 16: Bai Lian, You Said You Are Not a Natural Saint (1)
The sky was as clear as a tranquil lake.
The floating clouds had been scattered in the aftermath of the fierce battle.
Bai Lian decided it was time to leave Hening City after arranging for someone to escort the despairing Zhao Shuo back to the Sword Washing Pavilion.
But before her departure, there were other matters to attend to.
The first was dealing with the people of Chuncao Pavilion.
“The Green Grain Cauldron…”
Bai Lian shook her head. “First, take me to see those who were captured.”
“Yes,” replied the sect leader of Chuncao Pavilion, bowing low, his voice trembling with fear.
He dared not disobey Bai Lian. It felt as though a stick were stirring his very soul—fear, worry, and fatigue churned within him. His heart occasionally pricked with anxiety, and though he longed to speak, he swallowed his words, afraid of the consequences.
Who would have thought that not only had their attempts to flatter the Sword Washing Pavilion failed, but they had also offended the Duxian sect?
The sky was collapsing.
The sect leader could hardly contain his despair. He wanted nothing more than to hand the Green Grain Cauldron over to Bai Lian in a desperate attempt to atone for his sins.
Rumor had it that Bai Lian had a preference for women. If she desired, he would even offer his beautiful daughter.
But no—he could tell from her righteous demeanor and unwavering actions that Bai Lian was an upright person.
Her every word and deed reflected her moral integrity. She was truly a Natural Saint, deserving of admiration!
Whether it was the Green Grain Cauldron or his daughter, attempting to force them into Bai Lian’s hands would only earn her scorn and public shame.
“Bastard, who do you think I am? You’re insulting my character!” she would say.
It was a dead end.
What could he possibly do?
The sect leader’s headache grew unbearable.
Although Bai Lian might not quarrel with him, others in the Duxian sect were unlikely to be as forgiving.
Even if the sect remained silent, what would happen once news of this incident spread? Bai Lian’s countless admirers would surely condemn Chuncao Pavilion.
Desperate, the sect leader turned his gaze toward Taoist Lingye, silently pleading for help.
Brother, you’ve faced Bai Lian twice and come out unscathed. Surely, you must know what to do!
Taoist Lingye sighed heavily.
“Let’s go together,” he said, resignation thick in his voice.
These are hard times for cultivators.
As he followed a few steps behind the sect leader, memories of Bai Lian’s previous visit surfaced in his mind. Her righteous resolve had left a lasting impression.
This is the romance of martial artists, he thought, filled with reluctant admiration. Fairy Bai Lian is indeed worthy of the title!
But their procession was interrupted by a sudden cry of alarm.
“Ah! Ah! Ahhh!”
The scream pierced the air, rising sharply in pitch.
“It’s moving! It’s moving!”
Everyone turned to see what had happened.
The source of the commotion quickly became clear.
The city wall, which had been obliterated by Bai Lian’s sword strike during the battle with Bing Yi, was suddenly coming back together.
An invisible force lifted the shattered rubble into the air. Stones from collapsed mountains in the distance floated into place, assembling piece by piece as though guided by an unseen hand.
Dust billowed upward, but it was confined to the area around the wall. When the dust finally settled, the wall stood restored, stronger and more elegant than before.
The method was simple, a combination of precision and power.
Even an ordinary cultivator could achieve this with time and effort, some thought.
But that wasn’t the point.
“Let’s move,” Bai Lian said, withdrawing her hand. She urged the group forward without sparing the wall another glance.
Everyone watched her in stunned silence.
It wasn’t about whether such an act was easy. It was about whether someone chose to do it.
And Bai Lian had chosen.
“Today, I understand what the words ‘Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’ truly mean,” someone murmured, their voice filled with reverence. “That’s respect. She embodies the Great Tao itself. Bai Lian is worthy of being called Elder Martial Sister!”
“She’s not just the Elder Martial Sister of Qiongming Peak,” another chimed in. “She’s the Elder Martial Sister of the Duxian sect. No—she’s the Elder Martial Sister of the East Divine Land!”
“…”
Gu Quan’s eyes glimmered with admiration.
To him, Bai Lian was a beacon of light, illuminating even the darkest corners of despair.
When he surveyed the city, he noticed something remarkable: though the battle had left destruction in its wake, not a single civilian had been harmed.
Was it luck? No.
It’s never just a coincidence with Bai Lian.
“If there’s someone who can bring happiness to everyone around her,” Gu Quan mused, “does it matter how she does it?”
Looking up at the calm sky, he couldn’t help but dream.
If only Bai Lian ruled Heluo…
“The deeds of a hero should never be buried,” he said to himself.
And he knew he had work to do.
…
Shan Huan and the other captives had been hidden in a secure yard.
Though they were initially terrified, they soon realized they were unharmed and even provided with food and water.
“They’ve been treated well,” the sect leader of Chuncao Pavilion said, forcing a smile. He gestured toward Shan Huan. “Zhao Shuo was particularly interested in her because of her father.”
“Why?” Bai Lian asked.
“He’s a renowned alchemist.”
Bai Lian nodded in understanding.
A new task appeared before her.
[Task 1: Visit Shan Huan’s father (Reward: Tea Ceremony +1)]
[Task 2: Ignore it (Reward: Painting +1)]
She chose the first option.
“Take me to him,” she said.
…
In a dark room, Bai Lian found a frail old man lying on a bed.
When the door creaked open, his cloudy eyes flickered weakly.
“I haven’t refined pills in years,” he croaked. “If that’s why you’re here, you’re wasting your time.”
“The people of the Sword Washing Pavilion have left,” Bai Lian replied gently.
“Then… can my daughter and I leave too?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t you want anything from me?”
“No.”
“… You don’t know my true identity?”
“I heard you were a powerful alchemist once.”
The man’s lips twisted into a bitter smile.
“Once,” he whispered. “But I could teach you everything I know. Make you a great alchemist.”
Bai Lian shook her head. “I’m not interested. I prefer spending time with my younger Martial Sisters.”
“…”
Her sincerity left the old man speechless.
As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.
“I don’t want my daughter to follow this path. Alchemy is a dead end.”
Without looking back, Bai Lian said, “Did you teach her alchemy?”
“She learned in secret.”
“Then you should respect her choice. If you don’t support her, who will?”
With that, she walked out, leaving the room in silence.
The old man stared at his trembling hands, lit by the faint sunlight streaming through the window.
“…What’s your name?” he called out desperately.
