Chapter 39 Part 1

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

Chapter 39: Welcome Back, Bai Lian! (1)

The night in the Snow Sea was clear, with no hidden signs or ominous forebodings.

The Lord of the Hades Hall had initially intended to create a somber, solemn atmosphere for their parting. However, the scene he had planned turned into an unceremonious farewell party instead.

It wasn’t difficult to understand why Tong Yao had no familial attachment to the Lord of the Hades Hall. After all, he had shown a desire to use his daughter merely as a tool for his own schemes.

Bai Lian couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

Watching the Lord of the Hades Hall’s vexed expression, she felt a small wave of satisfaction rise within her. If he weren’t Tong Yao’s father, Bai Lian might have taught him a harsh lesson right then and there at the entrance of Wuheng Snow Valley. She’d have left him so thoroughly beaten that he wouldn’t recover for decades.

“Lord, there’s no need for you to see us off,” Bai Lian said, smiling faintly as she stood atop the turtle’s back.

I didn’t mean to see you off!

The Lord of the Hades Hall rolled his eyes upward in silent frustration. But when he noticed the turtle staring at him, he immediately plastered a polite smile across his face.

For the first time in his life, he found himself being as modest, gentle, and courteous as he could possibly be.

“My dear daughter,” he said earnestly, “you can always return home whenever you wish. Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll do everything in my power to provide it for you.”

He continued rambling on for a long while.

Tong Yao listened in silence. She wasn’t sure how to respond to him.

This was her father, after all, and her emotions were a complicated tangle of contradictions.

When it was finally time to part, she lifted her right hand in a soft wave.

“Well then, goodbye,” she said simply, before reaching out to grab Bai Lian’s sleeve, half-hiding her body behind her.

The turtle flapped its four stubby “legs” in the air, resembling a bird flapping its wings.

A gust of wind rose as the turtle prepared for takeoff.

“Shall we go?” Bai Lian’s voice echoed loud and clear into the night sky.

And just like that, Tong Yao soared into the sky, a purple silhouette against the dark expanse.

That night, she ascended like a snowflake drifting upwards.

The Lord of the Hades Hall stretched out his hand as if to hold something, but it was futile. His fingers grasped only the cold, empty air.

He stood on the icy field, his gaze fixed on the retreating form of the turtle. He watched as Tong Yao rose higher and higher, far beyond the reach of his ambitions.

And yet, he smiled.

As he regained his senses, the first snowflakes of the evening began to fall.

The wind howled.

Behind him, a shadow materialized.

It was You Gui.

The Lord of the Hades Hall crushed a snowflake in his hand and sighed. “I guess I can’t be a good father after all.”

“My Lord—”

The Lord of the Hades Hall interrupted him with a shake of his head. “But that’s alright. It wouldn’t have been right for her to stay in the Hades Hall anyway. Let’s wait until everything settles down.”

Dealing with the traitor would not be an easy task.

“First, go back and assess the battle losses,” he ordered, turning to leave.

You Gui watched his retreating figure, then glanced at the moon hanging high in the sky.

Clouds drifted across its pale glow, veiling the crescent in shadows.

The world grew darker.

—

High above, Tong Yao was still gripping Bai Lian’s sleeve.

Her head was bowed, her expression subdued.

“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian,” she asked suddenly, “did I come across as too cold just now?”

Bai Lian shook her head gently. “Don’t worry. It’s alright. The Lord of the Hades Hall understands. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have sent you so many things.”

Tong Yao thought about the valuable materials her father had provided, and her spirits lifted slightly.

“Mmm.”

She resolved to keep a portion for herself and hand over the rest to Shifu to distribute among the younger martial brothers and sisters of Qingyu Peak. As a leader, it was her duty to ensure that everyone benefited.

She wanted to learn from Bai Lian. After all, things were only truly good when everyone thrived together.

“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian,” she said softly.

“Yes?”

Tong Yao leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Bai Lian’s arm.

“I was terrified when I was captured,” she admitted.

“How could that be?” Bai Lian replied, comforting her.

“I was scared I’d never see you or Shifu again. I wanted to escape so badly. When I finally did break out of the prison, I was caught just a few steps away,” Tong Yao explained.

Her grip on Bai Lian’s sleeve tightened.

“I’m still scared.”

Bai Lian nodded, understanding her completely.

She had experienced the same fear when captured by the Lord of the Hades Hall, worrying she might never see the sisters of Qiongming Peak again.

Tong Yao continued, “I used to hate Shifu. He controlled my every move, scolded me constantly, and locked me up once a month. I used to wonder if he would feel unwell if he didn’t.”

Once a month? Was Shifu on some sort of cycle? Bai Lian rolled her eyes at the absurdity.

Of course, she knew Tong Yao didn’t truly hate Master Qin.

Tong Yao went on, “When I was captured, I reflected deeply. It wasn’t Shifu’s fault. I shouldn’t have stolen his wine, sabotaged his chair, replaced his sweet bean curd with salty bean curd, or dirtied his late wife’s relics…”

“…”

You really did those things? Bai Lian was speechless.

She realized Master Qin had the patience of a saint. If it had been her, she’d have hung Tong Yao up and given her the beating of a lifetime.

But since Tong Yao was now aware of her mistakes, it was best to move forward.

Tong Yao trembled slightly. “The more I thought about it, the more frightened I became. It felt like the sky was falling at the thought of never seeing Shifu again. I don’t actually hate him. I just wish this was all a bad dream. I want to wake up and find Shifu scolding me with a feather duster again, but…”

Bai Lian gently held Tong Yao by the waist and patted her head.

“It’s over now,” she said softly.

Tong Yao buried her face in Bai Lian’s chest, finding comfort in her warmth.

Bai Lian, her elder martial sister, was so gentle.

“Thank you, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian. And thank you too, Master Turtle. You’re so strong!”

The turtle grinned in response.

Tong Yao smiled faintly and said, “I can’t help but think of Elder Xu from Yunluo Peak. When Elder Martial Sister Qing Luan left, Elder Xu was so worried that she lost ten pounds! I wonder if Shifu would feel the same sadness if I disappeared. Elder Martial Sister Qing Luan is Elder Xu’s pride, but I only bring trouble for Shifu…”

Bai Lian interjected firmly, locking eyes with Tong Yao.

“You are as much a source of pride for Master Qin as anyone else.”

Tong Yao froze.

In her eyes, Bai Lian was like the perfect mother figure.

“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian…”

With those words, she rested her head against Bai Lian’s chest once more.