Chapter 8 Part 2
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This chapter is edited by Farouq Omileye. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 8: The Water Is Cold, and the Wind Is Blowing! (2)
At the thought of this, the entire Duxian sect was enveloped in a heavy, somber atmosphere.
Even though the Qiongming Peak had only a few inhabitants, they couldn’t escape its influence.
While Bai Lian was quietly painting in her room, the three Martial Sisters arrived together, bringing the jade rabbit along.
“What’s the matter?”
Bai Lian opened the door, looking at their faces.
Even the jade rabbit seemed anxious.
Bai Lian’s brows immediately furrowed.
Who dares to trouble my Martial Sisters? I’ll use you to test my sword!
Xiao Jinse took the lead. “Elder Martial Sister, the master…”
Bai Lian’s expression froze. “What’s wrong with the master?”
Did the master bully you?
Her heart sank with worry. Both her Martial Sisters and her master were people she deeply cared about.
Besides, her current strength wasn’t enough to confront the master if it came to that.
Xiao Jinse sniffled.
“The master, she…”
But even after a long pause, she couldn’t get the words out.
Su Youwei shook her head gently and stepped forward.
“Let me explain.” She hesitated briefly before continuing, “Elder Martial Sister, we heard that the master is going to join the effort to encircle the demon.”
Bai Lian nodded. “Yes.”
Su Youwei fell silent.
The master…
It turns out, some things don’t change.
Bai Lian looked confused. “What’s troubling you?”
At this point, Yu Ying, standing timidly at the back, spoke in a small voice.
“Elder Martial Sister, I heard the demon is extremely powerful.”
“Haw haw,” the jade rabbit added, agreeing.
“That’s true,” Bai Lian responded. “After all, it’s your Shifu. Of course, she’s powerful.”
But Yu Ying persisted, her worry showing.
“I also heard that even the combined forces of two sects are no match for the demon.”
“Yes,” Yu Ying nodded. “Won’t it be very dangerous for our master to go?”
Although she had only been in the Duxian sect for one day and met An Lan once, her respect for An Lan was genuine.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian had saved her, and Master An Lan had given her shelter.
The thought of Master An Lan facing danger worried her deeply.
Xiao Jinse and Su Youwei were visibly tense.
If Shifu were to die at the hands of the demon…
No.
They couldn’t let that happen.
It was Shifu who had given them the chance to escape their bitter pasts.
It was Shifu who had led them to meet Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Without Shifu, the life they had now would cease to exist.
And if Shifu died, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian would be heartbroken.
Even the jade rabbit looked dejected.
Though it often cursed An Lan as a “bad woman,” imagining a world without her left an empty feeling in its chest.
“Can’t we stop Shifu from going?” the second Martial Sister suddenly said.
The evening wind brushed against Bai Lian’s face.
Seeing their tense and worried expressions, Bai Lian felt a wave of warmth and amusement.
This was a farce, yet it revealed the unity of the Qiongming Peak.
The younger Martial Sisters might have small disagreements, but when faced with critical moments, they stood together.
Because they were the protagonists!
If she didn’t know the truth, she’d likely be just as anxious as they were.
At that moment, Bai Lian noticed new task options appear before her:
[Task 1: Tell them the truth. (Reward: Medical Skill +2)]
[Task 2: Hide the truth, comfort your Younger Martial Sisters, and take them to see your master off. (Reward: Light Skill +2)]
The risks of both options were comparable.
She could explain the truth to ease their fears.
She trusted her younger Martial Sisters to keep the secret.
But…
Task 2 feels more fitting.
That awkward Shifu of theirs was likely too angry to sleep at the moment.
Still, if she realized how much her disciples cared for her, she’d secretly be overjoyed.
Bai Lian gently placed her hand on the third Martial Sister’s head.
“Don’t worry. Our master will return safely.”
Her gaze was steady and reassuring.
Something about those clear eyes calmed Su Youwei, who had been trembling slightly.
She felt as though Bai Lian’s eyes held a magical ability to soothe.
“Hmm.” Su Youwei nodded firmly, her voice resolute.
“Our master is so powerful—she’ll be fine!” Bai Lian said with a confident smile. “Tomorrow, we’ll see her off and give her a surprise.”
“Hmm (haw),” the younger Martial Sisters and the jade rabbit nodded, though their spirits remained low.
Bai Lian watched them leave.
The moonlight shimmered like water, bathing everything in a soft glow.
Her heart was calm.
This may have been a farce, but what about next time?
What if the master’s foes found her again and struck at a more dangerous moment?
She had to continue working hard—to create a world where their master wouldn’t fall to her enemies.
That night, the Duxian sect wasn’t peaceful.
Few could sleep.
Those unaware of the truth silently prayed.
They knew their peaceful lives were only possible because someone stood guard to protect them.
It was heritage and tradition that sustained the Duxian sect’s existence.
It was heritage and tradition that maintained the bonds among its people.
Heritage and tradition.
Since ancient times, it has always been this way.
The Elders stand tall now, but one day, it will be the younger generation’s turn.
—
The next morning.
At seven, on the Qiongming Peak, An Lan emerged from her cave, her expression indifferent.
The moment she stepped out, she saw her four disciples and the jade rabbit standing in a neat row.
“What are you trying to do?”
“Master, you must return safely!”
“…”
An Lan opened her mouth, then stopped.
I see.
Suddenly, the sky seemed a little bluer.
Her anger from the night before had vanished.
