Chapter 44 Part 2
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This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 44: Master, I Like You! (2)
Bai Lian waited for An Lan’s response.
But what came instead were worried shouts from outside.
“Bai Lian!”
Kuang Kuang.
The small chamber suddenly filled with people.
Bai Lian’s “parents” were at the front.
They had rushed in after hearing “There’s a ghost!”, only to find Little Bai Lian being held by a stranger.
“Who are you?”
“Release my daughter!”
An Lan turned unhurriedly, maintaining her composure.
Since she wasn’t angry, this was an ideal moment to clarify things.
“Bai Lian has the potential to become an Immortal. I wish to take her as my disciple.”
She performed a simple magical demonstration before them, leaving them awestruck.
“A cultivator, it’s truly a cultivator!”
“There’s salvation, Bai Lian is blessed.”
An Lan maintained her serene smile.
Everything else would be simple now.
Bai Lian’s “mother” grasped her hand and said, “Come, daughter, let’s pay respects to the immortal master.”
Hold on.
Shouldn’t An Lan be the one approaching her desperately?
[I want it!]
How had things suddenly reversed so that she was worshiping An Lan?
And where had everyone appeared from?
Bai Lian felt confused.
Something had felt odd moments ago.
What exactly had created this “past world”?
It seemed she had wished for it, and then received it.
This wasn’t her actual past, nor was it one she had ever imagined.
After a moment’s hesitation, Bai Lian finally called out, “Master!”
Good girl!
(´･ω･)ﾉ(._.`)
An Lan happily patted Bai Lian’s head.
She felt immense pride.
This was her proudest moment in recent years.
Yes!
She had finally reclaimed her dignity as Bai Lian’s master.
As expected, Little Bai Lian was the most adorable.
Though it seemed Little Bai Lian wasn’t completely satisfied yet.
No matter.
She would soon show Little Bai Lian the joy of cultivating together.
“Now I shall show you the ways of the Immortal.”
An Lan announced.
Bai Lian’s family, including her “parents,” agreed without hesitation.
In this realm of cultivation, becoming a cultivator was everyone’s aspiration.
With a genuine “Immortal” present, the lightning-struck cultivator was forgotten.
Very well, just observe.
Bai Lian didn’t resist An Lan.
Because An Lan had brought her to the forefront.
They pressed close together, providing Bai Lian with a novel experience.
Not only because she had never been this close to An Lan before, but also because she now barely reached An Lan’s chest height.
She tilted her head back to rest against An Lan’s stomach.
If only An Lan weren’t so “petite,” she could have leaned against her chest instead.
An Lan soared away with her little Bai Lian, ascending into the clouds toward the luminous moon.
The high-altitude winds were fierce.
But An Lan’s spirit Qi sheltered Bai Lian from them.
The sky was also frigid.
But An Lan’s body warmth kept Bai Lian comfortable.
“Does the height frighten you?”
An Lan suddenly inquired.
Bai Lian shook her head.
“I’m not afraid, Shifu!”
An Lan’s face showed visible relief.
She had worried about frightening Little Bai Lian. She only wanted to share joyful experiences with her.
“I’ll show you something wonderful!”
She excitedly guided Bai Lian through East Divine Land’s vast territory, just as Bai Lian had once led her through the Lantern Festival.
They visited the East Sea coast to watch the tides.
They climbed snowy peaks to craft snowmen.
They explored Hundred Flower Valley to weave flower crowns.
Finally, they halted beside a tranquil pond.
“Here…”
She stroked the head of little Bai Lian, who wore a blue flower wreath.
Bai Lian looked up.
She watched An Lan’s smile fade, replaced by a hint of melancholy.
“When I first gained consciousness, I was already here,” An Lan said unexpectedly.
Eh?
Bai Lian’s eyes brightened with excitement.
Master, are you about to reveal your past to me here?
Then I must listen intently!
In “The Battle of the Gods,” several game dialogues mentioned An Lan, and her role card contained some information.
But those were mere glimpses through a keyhole.
What substantial knowledge could be gained from such narrow glimpses?
Only by entering the room could one truly understand An Lan.
The pond’s surface reflected moonlight serenely.
“Back then I was like you, no, I was far worse off. I fell into mud and was completely soiled, fortunately finding this clear pool nearby.”
As An Lan spoke, her anger grew.
She lifted her chin slightly, complaining,
“It’s all because of that wretch who ambushed me. I’ve never encountered someone so despicable. I can’t believe I was… Ah, never mind, no use dwelling on such unpleasant matters.”
She gave a wry smile.
What good would telling Bai Lian these things do?
Bai Lian couldn’t help her, and she’d only burden her with troubles.
Let’s focus on happiness instead!
An Lan stepped forward, lifted Little Bai Lian, and placed her on a large blue stone by the pond.
Is this leading somewhere inappropriate?
Bai Lian felt slightly confused.
Though she desired intimacy with her master, she was too young now.
“Shifu!”
Bai Lian whispered.
An Lan remained focused, crouching to gently grasp Little Bai Lian’s leg.
Bai Lian’s body instantly tensed.
Especially the captured foot, which stretched forward anxiously like a cramp, toes wiggling nervously.
In this past world, she lacked cultivation powers. She couldn’t resist even if she wanted to.
“Stay still.”
An Lan commanded softly.
She carefully removed Bai Lian’s boots.
Then came the white socks.
After removing the left sock, she moved to the right.
Soon, Little Bai Lian’s footwear was neatly arranged on the blue stone.
An Lan gazed intently at the foot in her hands.
The skin was snow-white.
Perhaps from the breeze or embarrassment, that pale skin held a subtle pink tinge.
“…”
Bai Lian was speechless.
Does master have a foot fetish?
Yes.
But not exactly.
At least An Lan showed no interest in anyone else’s feet.
She simply found Bai Lian’s feet beautiful.
Holding them, she felt she could admire them endlessly.
An Lan’s eyes narrowed, corners crinkling with joy.
She guided Little Bai Lian’s feet slowly into the mirror-like pond.
It’s cold!
Bai Lian instinctively tried withdrawing her foot, but An Lan’s grip was firm.
“Don’t worry, it will feel pleasant soon.”
An Lan spoke truth.
Her hands emanated warmth that gradually spread through Bai Lian’s body.
Feeling An Lan’s secure embrace, Bai Lian’s restless heart settled.
She gazed at An Lan, transfixed.
Under moonlight.
An Lan seemed to be handling precious glass treasures, washing her feet with utmost care.
Water droplets cascaded from Bai Lian’s toes like strings of pearls.
Pitter-patter.
On the still water, beautiful ripples danced.
This dreamlike scene etched itself in Bai Lian’s heart.
The star-filled sky, bright moon, clear pond, rippling water, An Lan, and herself.
For a moment, she wished this instant could last forever.
She longed to share a peaceful life with An Lan.
But dreams remain dreams.
Little Bai Lian said softly, “Shifu, isn’t this improper? I should be serving you.”
An Lan looked up, showing a radiant smile.
“It’s fine, you must be exhausted from following me so long?”
Bai Lian shook her head, “I’m not tired.”
“Don’t pretend. You are always…” An Lan paused, her smile fading. She gazed at the pond, “I suppose you don’t truly understand. Anyway, I was mistaken. Don’t dwell on it, just enjoy this moment. If you wish to serve me, then grow up quickly!”
Shifu.
Actually, “Little Bai Lian” doesn’t really exist.
Bai Lian lowered her head slightly.
She felt like a deceiver who had betrayed innocent An Lan.
Her regret deepened further.
But she must continue this deception.
An Lan asked, “Would you like to see fireworks?”
Bai Lian nodded.
Suddenly, fireworks shot skyward, streaking through the clear night.
Pah!
Blue, red, and yellow lights scattered across the heavens.
Bai Lian stared in wonder.
This scene was deeply familiar.
It perfectly matched the fireworks display she’d watched with An Lan last New Year’s Eve!
It was an exact recreation!
Oh, master, you remember everything!
Bai Lian’s heart warmed.
An Lan sat beside her, chatting continuously.
“Tomorrow I’ll take you to taste delicacies, to Yao Xia Bay, to Chunyun Pavilion, to Li Hua County… if you don’t mind my mediocre cooking, I can prepare home-cooked meals too.”
Bai Lian immediately raised her hand, “I want to dine with Shifu!”
“Hmm.”
An Lan reached out to embrace Little Bai Lian, drawing her close.
“Together.”
Yeah!
Bai Lian tilted her head slightly.
An Lan’s cheek was so near.
Their fragrances mingled like a potent elixir. In that moment, she shifted slightly and quickly pressed her lips to An Lan’s cheek.
Soft and moist.
An Lan froze.
The contact startled Bai Lian herself.
Pa-la.
The sound came from fireworks.
Chatter.
The noise was stones rolling into the pond.
Heat surged through An Lan’s body.
Calm.
Stay calm.
She’s just a child!
Bai Lian quickly buried her face in An Lan’s embrace, whispering, “Shifu, I like you.”
Though quiet, her words pierced An Lan’s heart like a nail.
“…”
An Lan remained silent.
One breath, two breaths, three breaths…
Suddenly, An Lan hugged Little Bai Lian tighter.
“Hmm, Bai Lian, actually… I like you too!”
She wished she could avoid responding.
But this was Bai Lian’s past, and everything here, except for the Past Stele and herself, remained unknown to others.
If she couldn’t acknowledge her feelings now, how could she firmly pursue the Great Tao?
She spoke.
Slowly but surely.
The confession drained her strength instantly.
Oh, that distant dream had finally become reality in this moment!
Bai Lian sat motionless.
Her mind buzzed.
She hadn’t expected An Lan to respond; she’d spoken only because her childish form allowed such boldness.
After all, children could speak freely.
However…
“Shifu~”
Bai Lian looked up at An Lan again.
A warm droplet fell from above!
“…”
Bai Lian quickly raised her hand to dry An Lan’s eyes.
But the tears wouldn’t stop.
“Shifu, why are you crying?”
An Lan shook her head.
She didn’t know either.
The emotion was involuntary; despite her attempts to contain it, tears flowed like a broken dam.
She felt profound remorse, a regret seeming to span three lifetimes and beyond.
“Sorry, sorry…”
