Chapter 10
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This chapter is edited by Farouq Omileye. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 10: The Fifth Martial Sister
The Thunder Swamp, also known as Tuan Swamp or Lei Xia Swamp, carries a certain mystique. It is said to be the residence of the thunder god himself. The civilians of Yulei State, living near this swamp, hold it in awe and reverence.
“God cannot be humiliated!”
“If you offend the god, you will be punished by heaven!”
Local folklore describes the “Thunder God” as an eight-armed heavenly king with a sharp mouth and large ears, dwelling deep within the swamp. Every June, during the height of summer, he supposedly stirs the skies, summoning clouds, rain, and thunder.
Yet, Bai Lian knew better. This was no true god. It was merely a snake dragon occupying the swamp—Green Thunder Sun Chaser.
This grandiose title came from the dragon’s mimicry of a Taoist priest from the nearby Tongtian Temple. The card in Battle of the Gods aptly summarized the “simple” nature of this creature. If a mere Foundation Establishment Stage priest dared to call himself “Sky Spirit Supreme King,” then why couldn’t a Soul Changing Stage snake dragon adopt an equally pretentious name?
Bai Lian found it amusing.
After all, a name harms no one.
Despite its narcissism, the Green Thunder Sun Chaser had dwelled in the swamp for centuries without causing harm to the civilians. Its very presence deterred other monsters from invading Yulei State. In that sense, it was a far more noble creature than many cultivators obsessed with their own quests for immortality.
“It’s not wrong to call it a god,” Bai Lian murmured.
—
A thousand miles from Yulei State, Bai Lian stepped off the Cloud Chasing Boat and gazed into the distance. Purple clouds swirled above the lake, creating an ominous beauty. But the scene was marred by devastation—blue lightning had scorched much of the surrounding environment.
Bai Lian sighed. This place bore little resemblance to its descriptions in the game.
She recalled the two possible fates of the snake dragon:
1. Slain by players for materials to refine weapons and pills.
2. Killed by a sword cultivator from Thousand Sword City and refined into the Green Thunder Sun Chasing Sword.
The snake dragon had done nothing to provoke Thousand Sword City. It was simply targeted for being what it was—a snake dragon. Had it been an ordinary snake, it might have been ignored. Had it been a true dragon, no one would have dared to touch it. But as a snake dragon, it became a convenient target.
One strike. Stars fell like rain. And with its death, the thunder vanished from the swamp.
The Thunder Swamp was left unprotected, its “god” gone forever.
Such was the cruelty of cultivation. The path one walks is often paved with the sacrifices of others.
“Should I go warn it?” Bai Lian wondered aloud.
Deciding to intervene after finding her fifth Martial Sister, she set off toward Guangchang Preview.
—
Walking along the official road, Bai Lian used her Divine Sense to search and inquired with travelers about a young girl with bun-shaped hair traveling alone. She even stopped a few herself, but none were named Ling Xuan.
By evening, Bai Lian arrived at Gucheng County.
The city was alive with activity. The riverside bridge hosted a bustling night market, with stalls selling fried vegetables, local snacks, and freshly brewed tea.
“Young master, care for some new tea?” a vendor called out.
“Next time,” Bai Lian replied with a nod.
She noticed the cheerful songs emanating from riverside boats and buildings. This prosperity, she thought, was indirectly safeguarded by the snake dragon’s presence. If it were gone, this lively scene might soon fade into memory.
—
As Bai Lian wandered, she noticed a crowd gathered by a banner reading “Tongtian Temple.” A Taoist priest stood before them, reciting verses and telling stories that captivated his audience.
“He’s learned the Thunder God’s cultivation method,” one civilian remarked.
“Truly omnipotent in subduing demons and eliminating evil!” another added.
Bai Lian smirked. A Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator claiming the snake dragon’s methods? How ridiculous.
Just then, a distressed woman approached the priest, pleading for his help in ridding her home of ghosts. The priest initially claimed disinterest in material wealth, yet his tune changed when the woman offered to donate her family’s rural land.
As the priest departed with the woman, Bai Lian shook her head. “Money is indeed outside the body—until someone waves it in front of your nose.”
—
As the crowd dispersed, Bai Lian resumed her search for the fifth Martial Sister. Then, by the light of a lantern near a candy stall, she saw her—a lively, bun-haired girl.
The girl wore thin, colorful clothing, a tiger skirt around her waist, and a red rope loop on her wrist. Her face lit up as she handed the vendor a silver coin and eagerly exclaimed, “Two, I want two!”
She laughed joyfully as she received her candy, her arms already laden with food.
Bai Lian’s heart skipped a beat. This cheerful child reminded her so much of the fifth Martial Sister.
But before the girl could take a bite of her candy, a shabby man rushed forward and snatched it from her hands.
The girl stared in disbelief, her empty hands trembling.
“…?”
“!”
“Damn it!”
Bai Lian couldn’t stand by and let such a lovely child be bullied. She swiftly stopped the thief, dragging him to the city’s courtroom and ensuring he was locked away.
Returning to the little girl, Bai Lian handed her the candy with a gentle smile. “Here you are.”
The girl bowed deeply. “Thank you, sister.”
“What’s your name?” Bai Lian asked.
“Grandpa told me not to tell strangers my name,” the girl replied, her tone cautious yet polite.
Bai Lian sighed. “Do I look like someone who’d kidnap little girls?”
The girl bowed again before running off. Bai Lian hesitated for a moment, then resolved to follow her.
—
As she tailed the girl through the city, Bai Lian learned little from questioning passersby. They only knew the child had been around for days, seemingly aimless but always eating.
[Little Fat Sheep].
The nickname amused Bai Lian. She felt certain this was Ling Xuan.
Her instincts were proven right when she saw the girl staring longingly at a wine cart. Bai Lian’s heart sank.
No! I can’t let her become a drunkard like Martial Sister Tong Yao!
With determination, Bai Lian rushed forward, ready to intervene.
