Chapter 8 Part 1
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This chapter is edited by omileye nofisat. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 8: I Guard All of You!
The bustling scene was no less vibrant than a concert attended by tens of thousands. However, unlike the singers who graced the stage, Taoist Lingye, known as “The Man Who Controls the Dragon,” stood out as a positive role model. At least on the surface, he was a “civilian hero.”
When he was a child, he was so poor that he couldn’t afford medicinal herbs, and he had to watch his parents succumb to a plague.
In his youth, he worked as a migrant laborer for the Canal Guild, leading a life of hunger and hardship.
Even in middle age, poverty clung to him. If not for a chance encounter where he saved a dying alchemist on a cold winter’s day, he might have been buried in obscurity.
Learning alchemy from that alchemist became the turning point of his life. Taoist Lingye, who had started from nothing, climbed step by step to fame in Heluo.
His life story was filled with struggles, and every new alchemist could find echoes of their own difficulties in him.
“When they encounter challenges, as long as they think of Taoist Lingye’s experience, they find renewed strength. No obstacle seems insurmountable,” Yu Ying said, standing in the back lane of Chuncao Pavilion.
She was patiently introducing Taoist Lingye to Bai Lian.
At that moment, even Su Youwei, who didn’t usually care for grand tales, was moved by his story.
“If this were made into a cartoon, it would be incredibly popular,” she thought. “Many years later, people would still remember the inspiration sparked by Taoist Lingye!”
Bai Lian couldn’t help but sigh. He truly is a colleague!
But upon further reflection, she realized their paths were entirely different.
Compared to Taoist Lingye, her journey was so smooth that people had labeled her a “Born Saint” long before she had mastered the abilities granted by the system.
To the masses, she was a bright moon—admired but unattainable.
Taoist Lingye, on the other hand, was a “pacesetter” and “pioneer of the times.”
He seemed distant, yet achievable, like an overhead light—visible to all, as long as one was willing to strive for it.
But unfortunately, all of this is a façade, Bai Lian thought as she shook her head and chose not to engage further with Yu Ying on the topic.
Instead, she smiled and said, “It’s really a coincidence. This is the third time we’ve met.”
Su Youwei nodded, her eyes brimming with suspicion. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this mysterious woman, Yu Ying, was scheming something.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s charm is too great! Su Youwei thought. Even with a disguised face, she attracts women like moths to a flame.
Yu Ying, however, remained calm. “It’s a coincidence. I was merely looking for a place to stand, and I happened to meet you here.”
“I don’t suspect you of following me,” Bai Lian replied with a small shake of her head.
With her Divine Sense, Bai Lian knew it was nearly impossible for anyone—except those at the Soul Changing Stage or equipped with special magical tools—to follow her undetected.
“I’m heading back,” Bai Lian said.
“I’ll accompany you,” Yu Ying offered, completely ignoring the sharp glare from Su Youwei.
The three of them strolled through the dense crowd under the warm glow of lanterns. The noise gradually faded as they approached the marketplace in Hening City.
Bai Lian sensed that Yu Ying had something to say, and after a while, the latter finally spoke up.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
Bai Lian shook her head. “No.”
“What about close relatives?”
“No.”
“Then elders…”
Before Bai Lian could answer, Su Youwei erupted. “Shut up!”
Her fierce glare locked onto Yu Ying.
For Su Youwei, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s past was a painful and sacred topic—one that no outsider had the right to pry into.
It had been Bai Lian who protected her before; now it was her turn to guard Bai Lian’s past.
Both Bai Lian and Yu Ying were stunned by Su Youwei’s sudden outburst.
“Miss Yu, don’t mind her,” Bai Lian said, gently taking Su Youwei’s hand.
Her hand was small, but in her emotional state, it burned like a flame.
“But I mind,” Su Youwei whispered, lowering her head.
Bai Lian’s eyes curved into soft crescents as she smiled. “It’s okay. Miss Yu didn’t mean any harm.”
Yu Ying, flustered, quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. I was just eager to find the sword’s owner…”
Her anxious demeanor made her appear younger—more human—compared to her usual calm and mysterious persona.
Bai Lian nodded and turned toward a roadside stall where colorful pinwheels spun in the night breeze.
“Two, no… double that!” she told the white-haired vendor with a smile.
Returning with four pinwheels, she handed two to Su Youwei and two to Yu Ying.
“There you go,” she said.
The remaining two were for her second Martial Sister and the jade rabbit.
Looking at the flowing water under the arch bridge, Bai Lian added gently, “It’s better to make a friend than an enemy.”
Su Youwei remained silent for a moment before reluctantly muttering, “If you don’t like the pinwheel, you can sell it to me.”
Yu Ying smiled faintly. “No need. I like it.”
