Kapitel 70: Chapter 30: The Actors Are in Place
As the bleak autumn wind rustled through the low woods, people gradually assembled in the forest's open expanse. Thanks to Tong Yao's relentless "Persecution" campaigns, anything related to Bai Lian now drew significant attention. Onlookers had become regular, always present at these events.
Standing on the edge of the challenge arena, Tong Yao reminisced about the insightful lessons she'd received from Martial Sister Bai Lian. That night had expanded her horizons, revealing new possibilities for her.
That night, she had learned how to manipulate situations. Now, she understood the art of playing such games.
Over time, Elder Martial Brother Gong Juren's reputation had surged, and the more potent Martial Sister Bai Lian naturally earned the title of "Uncrowned King."
"We don't discuss immortals."
"We'll follow Martial Sister Bai Lian forever."
"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian is the strongest!"
Tong Yao's growth had been rapid. She used to pilfer her master's wine, and when caught, she would face a beating. Now, she had discovered that a bit of flattery could mitigate the consequences of her actions. At most, she'd endure a scolding.
At fourteen, she could proudly declare herself an adult.
"Martial Sister Bai Lian is truly clever!"
A single word, gesture, or even a mere glance from Bai Lian had the power to evoke enlightenment.
Tong Yao had ceased to regard Martial Sister Bai Lian as a rival. The realization dawned that she could never catch up. So, serving under Martial Sister Bai Lian's wings seemed wiser. If Bai Lian ever managed to reshape the world, Tong Yao might even secure a position akin to the Eastern God Emperor.
"There they are!"
A sudden exclamation caught everyone's attention. Tong Yao, snapping out of her reverie, scanned the area.
"Where, where?"
However, she was too short to discern amidst the vast expanse of the forest.
The commotion emerged from the forest's entrance, where a dozen individuals had formed two loose lines.
The first man, hands crossed over his chest, approached the challenge arena with a desolate expression.
"Ugh!"
Tong Yao couldn't help but feel a sense of misfortune upon seeing that face. The mere sight was enough to make her feel unlucky.
She had anticipated the arrival of Martial Sister Bai Lian, only to realize that it was the very group that had bullied Bai Lian's Martial Sisters.
...
Jiang Haochuan, leading the group, wore a countenance of deep dejection.
He would have preferred lurking in the background, but his strength made him the natural front-runner. What an injustice!
He recollected the events of ten days prior. Learning that his friend had been assaulted, he had intended to lend assistance. After all, even cultivators experienced conflicts like any other humans.
Little did he know that as he approached, he encountered an incensed Martial Sister Bai Lian.
That's when he discovered the truth—his "friend" had been extorting Bai Lian's younger Martial Sister.
Unbelievable.
He had been oblivious to his friend's nefarious activities.
His choice of friends was far too careless!
Despite everything, he was luckier than most. Thankfully, Martial Sister Bai Lian was a forgiving soul. Had it been Martial Sister Chen Lu, he might have been assigned to labor in the mines for three years.
Jiang Haochuan had pondered his options before arriving. He knew he had to participate. Forgoing the challenge would equate to a slight against Martial Sister Bai Lian. Even if she remained silent, the reproach from others could render him a social outcast.
But he couldn't truly compete.
He didn't know what others were thinking, but he had to deliberately lose after a strenuous battle.
Only by countering the pretense of the matches could he find a way out.
The dilemma now lay in confusing reality with pretense.
A daunting task.
Jiang Haochuan had agonized over it all night, yet failed to formulate a viable plan. At one point, he had even considered injuring himself to appear weakened and easily defeated. However, the ploy seemed too contrived.
Life was a struggle.
"Concede swiftly!"
"They dare to challenge Martial Sister Bai Lian? Too audacious!"
Jiang Haochuan stood awkwardly beside the challenge arena. Despite the onlookers' advice, if he surrendered outright, he would face even harsher ridicule later.
What a duplicitous bunch!
...
"Ah, ah, it's Martial Sister Bai Lian!"
"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian's hands are so beautiful. I'm envious!"
Upon Bai Lian's arrival at the challenge arena, enthusiastic cheers erupted.
Xiao Jinse had grown accustomed to such scenes, her face revealing no sign of surprise.
For Su Youwei, however, a newcomer, it was different.
"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian's hands belong to me. Don't even think about it!"
She mumbled, only to lift her gaze and spot a figure with a purple ponytail.
Danger!
Tong Yao piped up, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, I've taken care of everything. Your younger Martial Sister is all set to step onto the stage and teach them a lesson!"
Bai Lian had no words left.
Why did it always have to be Tong Yao?
"Thank you."
She managed to utter those two words through gritted teeth.
Encouraged, Tong Yao grew excited. "Martial Sister Bai Lian, would you like to berate them and establish some ground rules?"
As she spoke, new options materialized before Bai Lian's eyes.
[Task 1: As Qiongming Peak's Martial Sister, admonish the disciples from Yunluo Peak (Reward: Calming Pill)]
[Task 2: Laugh it off (Reward: Light Skill+2)]
...
...
The Calming Pill was a valuable medicinal item that enhanced a cultivator's divine sense, rivalling inferior magic tools in value.
Were there hidden figures among these challengers?
Bai Lian's gaze swept over the ten individuals, detecting nothing unusual on their faces.
With a gracious smile, she responded, "It's unnecessary. Since they've come to challenge, there's no need for me to lose my temper."
[Task completed. Light Skill+2]
"Very well."
Tong Yao felt a hint of disappointment.
Chen Lu's Master, concealed in the clouds above, shared the sentiment. Bai Lian's response left her unsatisfied. She didn't want to intervene and create trouble. As a Duxian sect master, her grievances weren't with Bai Lian. However, it wasn't to say she favored Bai Lian.
Chen Lu's Master believed Bai Lian to be an unfitting successor for the sect leader position. An Lan was unreliable and Yan Yue's actions exemplified that even she was influenced by An Lan's unreliability.
While Bai Lian seemed poised on the surface, she could be tainted by An Lan's unreliability in her heart.
If An Lan could potentially bring down the Duxian sect within three years, then Bai Lian, influenced by An Lan, might achieve the same outcome within ten years.
Could the Duxian sect truly be undermined by their actions?
Prejudice had taken a deep root.
Three years? If An Lan were to become the sect leader, she might dismantle the entire sect within a year!
Chen Lu's Master intended to counsel Jue Yunzi to reconsider. Persuasion required solid evidence to support her viewpoint; she couldn't fabricate falsehoods.
...
"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian."
Before the challenge arena, Jiang Haochuan approached Bai Lian with a leader's demeanor.
Bai Lian nodded. "Have you decided on the order of battle?"
Jiang Haochuan shook his head.
"In that case, discuss it amongst yourselves and begin the competition once you've decided."
"Understood."
Bai Lian turned to her two younger Martial Sisters. "Who shall go first?"
"Me!"
Su Youwei promptly raised her hand.
She had a plan. She couldn't let the second Elder Martial Sister lead. After all, her heavy-handed tactics had already traumatized these challengers. If they grew too fearful, they might concede immediately upon their turn. That would leave no room for Su Youwei to stage a fake match.
Thus, she must go first.
Observing Su Youwei's raised hand, Xiao Jinse didn't object.
After all, the third Martial Sister had suffered the most abuse. Let her vent her frustrations first.
In due course, Jiang Haochuan's team finalized their battle order as well.
Under Tong Yao's temporary refereeing, a cultivator from their group and Su Youwei successively ascended the stage.
Jiang Haochuan nervously clenched his teeth.
He had wanted to be first, but the others had opposed the idea.
Perhaps they sought to capitalize on his strength to reclaim a victory.
I'm sorry, everyone. I must perform a charade!
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein