The efficacy of [A Pool of Spring Water] surpassed Bai Lian's expectations. In less than half a mile's walk, the small magic circle she had set up had transformed into a frenzied battleground—a cacophony of "Gunfire" and "Blood."
Driven by the potion's influence, the spirit dog had mounted the unconscious cultivator, its paws pinning him down.
What ensued was a shrill cry, followed by the dog's relentless and fierce assault. Its rapid, high-frequency strikes were too much for an ordinary person to withstand, leaving Bai Lian aghast at the spectacle before her.
The brutality of war unfolded before her eyes, a stark reminder of the unforgiving reality. Bai Lian shook her head in somber disbelief.
Her attention shifted to Su Youwei, who regarded her with a skeptical expression, prompting a question.
"What did you do before leaving the inn?" Su Youwei inquired, puzzled by Bai Lian's actions.
Bai Lian offered an explanation, detailing her experimental endeavor. The objective was to create a fallback option, should Xia Qingqing's elder martial brother fail to arrive in time. This contingency plan relied on the same method she had employed earlier.
Su Youwei's comprehension was tentative, though she acknowledged the necessity of Bai Lian's foresight.
While she still harbored apprehensions towards Bai Lian, Su Youwei recognized the pragmatic advantages of aligning with her given their dire situation.
She contemplated Bai Lian's capabilities, acknowledging that her strength was unmatched. Su Youwei conceded that relying on Bai Lian was their best course of action to ensure her aunt and fifth elder's safety.
The unspoken realization settled between them, Su Youwei acknowledging the inevitable reliance on Bai Lian, despite her reservations.
As they continued their journey, Bai Lian sensed a shift in the atmosphere as they approached an aging structure with three entrances and exits. A desperate cry reached her ears, capturing her attention.
"Release me!"
Amid the plea, a sinister voice taunted, promising no salvation regardless of her cries.
"You beast!"
A retaliatory voice retorted, defiance flickering amidst fear.
Bai Lian couldn't help but recognize the familiar script of villainy, prompting her to consider her options.
The situation resonated with Xia Qingqing's ideals of justice, presenting Bai Lian with new task choices:
[Task 1: Ignore and proceed (Reward: Shengyou Pill)]
[Task 2: Continue scolding Xia Qingqing! (Reward: Tea Ceremony +1)]
The Shengyou Pill, a relatively common healing elixir, held limited value for Bai Lian. Her assessment indicated minimal risk in allowing Xia Qingqing to intervene. Nevertheless, she resolved to maintain vigilance, lest the situation escalate.
Opting for Task 2, Bai Lian unleashed her sternness upon Xia Qingqing once more. The young disciple's momentum wavered, her determination giving way to acquiescence.
[Task completed. Tea Ceremony +1]
Resuming her watch, Bai Lian surveilled the scene within the house using her divine sense.
The situation within became apparent—an antagonistic disciple of the Red Moon Sect cornered a woman, delighting in her terror.
Bai Lian recognized the pattern—a familiar line of villainy that often culminated in a common fate.
In the plotlines, the third Martial Sister fell prey to her internal demons, spiraling into darkness. Her descent into villainy served as a cautionary tale against the allure of vengeance.
Su Youwei's demeanor shifted dramatically, her aura radiating menace as her internal turmoil surged to the surface.
The weight of her past transgressions and suffering consumed her thoughts, fanning the flames of vengeance within.
As her grip tightened on her sword, a sudden grasp halted her. Bai Lian stood nearby, her gaze softened by an uncharacteristic warmth.
Su Youwei's determination was met with Bai Lian's resolute intervention.
"Why?" Su Youwei demanded, her voice laced with resistance.
"I'm your Martial Sister," Bai Lian asserted, her grip on Su Youwei's sword unyielding. "I will deal with this."
The Dirt Free Sword materialized in Bai Lian's hand, her readiness unmistakable.
A mixture of shock, skepticism, and vulnerability passed through Su Youwei's eyes.
Bai Lian's motives were far from what Su Youwei presumed, dispelling any illusions of ulterior motives.
"I merely seek to guide you," Bai Lian continued. "I want you to understand that your current responsibility is to protect your fifth elder and your aunt, not to pursue vengeance."
As the exchange unfolded, the task interface presented new options:
[Task 1: "Preserve the word of righteousness" (Reward: Jade Healing Flower)]
[Task 2: "Release your inner demons" (Reward: Chess Mastery +1)]
Bai Lian's resolve solidified. She needed to reinforce Su Youwei's sense of justice while curbing her inclination for revenge.
Opting for Task 1, Bai Lian scrawled the character "正" (righteousness) on Su Youwei's wrist with her spiritual power, imparting her message.
She cautioned Su Youwei against succumbing to her internal demons, encouraging her to preserve her sense of righteousness amidst adversity.
This gesture marked a pivotal moment—an acknowledgment of their bond, a shared path toward redemption.
Su Youwei's retort faltered as Bai Lian imparted her wisdom and reassurance.
With her message delivered, Bai Lian turned to leave, a renewed sense of purpose radiating from her every step.
Her footsteps echoed with unwavering righteousness, carrying forth the beacon of hope and resilience.
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