Chapter 1 Part 1
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This chapter is edited by Bakhtawar Kakar. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 1: An Lan Is Sweet (1)
Bai Lian felt heavy on her way to the Snow Sea.
It was as if indulgence had drained her vitality, leaving her hollow.
However, when she left the Snow Sea, Bai Lian was radiant, her mood brimming with joy.
Even the gloomy waters of Heimu Strait seemed to her like a symbol of stability rather than desolation.
She was reminded of Meng Jiao’s famous poem:
“On the crest of success, with my horse trotting in the breeze,
I enjoy all the flowers in Chang’an in a single day.”
(Translator’s note: Meng Jiao was a renowned Chinese poet.)
When faced with Yan Yue’s inquiry, Bai Lian tactfully denied the rumors.
“It’s all baseless gossip. That evil cultivator despised me. Before his death, he deliberately shouted such things to provoke others into targeting me.”
How unfortunate!
He wasn’t truly malicious!
Yan Yue nodded in agreement.
“That’s a reasonable explanation. When outsiders ask, we’ll use this as our unified response. It may not convince everyone, but it’s enough to maintain appearances.”
“…”
Bai Lian opened her mouth, wanting to protest.
I’m really not a reincarnated Immortal Emperor!
Yan Yue smiled, patting Bai Lian on the shoulder and raising her eyebrows knowingly.
Bai Lian, I understand!
All right then. Let’s set aside this topic. Instead, let’s talk about the recent happenings in the Duxian Sect.
Yan Yue naturally steered the conversation away.
Aside from the brief disappearance of Bai Lian and Tong Yao, there hadn’t been much news in the Duxian Sect lately.
And right now, no news was the best kind of news.
Within a quarter of an hour, Yan Yue and Bai Lian flew across the Heimu Strait.
Meanwhile, the Lord of the Hades Hall, who was busy tending to his injured disciples, received a report from his intelligence officers.
“The Third Lady has returned to the East Divine Land,” they informed him.
The Lord of the Hades Hall leaned forward. “Tell me the details.”
The intelligence officer gave a meticulous account of everything they had witnessed.
The Lord of the Hades Hall remained silent for a long time.
So, this is what love between father and daughter looks like.
He felt envious, though he knew he didn’t deserve such affection.
Finally, he waved a hand. “You may go and rest.”
The intelligence officer, surprised by the Lord’s unexpected courtesy, left in a hurry.
The Lord of the Hades Hall turned his gaze toward the window, watching the deepening night as snow fell heavier and heavier.
It was now August, and the autumn wind howled fiercely.
On the stone steps, a lone, withered leaf drifted into Bai Lian’s hand.
The lush greenery of summer was fading away.
Even the leaves had begun to yellow.
She gazed at the leaf and sighed.
Change is inevitable.
Leaves, Photos, White Clothes, Saiyans…
As time passes, they will inevitably “yellow.”
This is the magic of time!
After reflecting for a moment, Bai Lian continued her journey toward the top of Qiongming Peak.
Halfway up the mountain, her Martial Sisters and the jade rabbit stood in two neat rows, welcoming her back.
“Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, welcome home!”
The first thing that caught Bai Lian’s eye was the water-blue hair of her Fourth Martial Sister.
Clearly, this restrained yet ceremonious welcome was her idea.
Bai Lian smiled warmly. “If there’s anything important, let’s discuss it during class this evening. For now, I’ll go see Shifu.”
The recent events in Wuheng Snow Valley had left Bai Lian deeply introspective.
The current state of Qiongming Peak feels somewhat like Wuheng Snow Valley, she thought.
Except for Shifu, everyone here is still too weak.
Though Bai Lian believed she was somewhat stronger than her peers, she knew that overall, she wasn’t vastly superior to the other disciples.
Still, Qiongming Peak was better off than Wuheng Snow Valley in one key respect:
Her younger Martial Sisters possessed extraordinary talent. Despite their youth, they radiated potential and demonstrated a resolve far beyond cultivators who had practiced for decades—or even centuries.
If they continue to study diligently, they’ll become the shining lights of the Duxian Sect in the future.
Bai Lian resolved inwardly, Let me be the fuel that helps them shine!
She was even willing to go to great lengths to assist her Martial Sisters. If it meant practicing with them nightly or demonstrating techniques in the simplest, most personal way, she wouldn’t hesitate.
When Bai Lian finished speaking, her Second and Third Martial Sisters’ eyes lit up simultaneously.
“What, a class?”
Perfect!
They loved Bai Lian’s lessons above all else, so they swallowed their initial thoughts and simply said:
“Elder Martial Sister, go see Shifu.”
“Haw haw haw haw!” chirped the jade rabbit.
As Bai Lian walked, she asked, “How has Shifu been these days?”
Yu Ying replied promptly, “Shifu seems much better than before, but she still needs a lot of rest. She sleeps long hours every day. Both the sect leader and Master Yan Yue have visited her multiple times and suggested she’ll need another two or three months to recover fully.”
Bai Lian reached out to rub Yu Ying’s head. “Thank you for taking care of Shifu during this time. You’ve worked hard.”
Yu Ying shook her head quickly. “I’m happy to do it!”
“Well…”
The Second and Third Martial Sisters puffed their cheeks in playful frustration.
They wanted to be patted too!
After temporarily saying goodbye to her younger Martial Sisters, Bai Lian hurried toward An Lan’s cave.
As she approached, her nerves tightened.
It was a mix of feelings—something complicated, even indescribable.
When she finally reached the entrance of the cave, she hesitated, unable to summon the courage to enter right away.