Kapitel 55: Chapter 15: I Like Children Best!

Bai Lian noticed the gradual calming of the breathing behind her—like a gentle stream. After several hours of flight, the fatigue had finally taken its toll on her third Martial Sister, causing her stiff body to give in to sleep. Bai Lian released a fraction of her spiritual power, ensnaring the third Martial Sister like a protective rope to prevent any accidental mishaps due to the strong winds.

The moon bathed the landscape in its luminous glow. As the sky transitioned from shades of blue to deep black, the "Internet addict girl," Xiao Jinse, logged in once more.

Awkward conversations ensued between Xiao Jinse and Bai Lian:

Second Martial Sister: [Elder Martial Sister, have you eaten?]

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian: [No. It's quite late. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?]

Second Martial Sister: [I can't sleep. I'll run some cultivation exercises before resting.]

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian: [That's not advisable. Balancing cultivation with rest is crucial. Don't focus solely on speed and risk damaging your meridians.]

Xiao Jinse found comfort in the translucent text hovering before her. However, that wasn't her main purpose for engaging Martial Sister Bai Lian. She was well aware that Bai Lian had encountered the third Martial Sister. As their numbers were about to increase on Qiongming Peak, Xiao Jinse needed a plan.

But for now, a solution eluded her.

Nonetheless, Xiao Jinse adhered to the saying: Know thyself and know thy enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles! She must first understand the third Martial Sister's disposition to determine her approach.

Xiao Jinse hesitated before finally asking, [Elder Martial Sister, have you met the third Martial Sister?]

And there it was again. The ever-present question.

Though the system hadn't triggered any tasks, Bai Lian approached her response with caution: [Yes, I'm currently escorting her back to the Duxian Sect.]

"..."

The return of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian should have been a joyous occasion, yet the prospect of her returning with an unfamiliar woman left a sour taste in Xiao Jinse's mouth. When she had been brought back to Castle Peak City by Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, they had spent two days alone together. Now, it seemed the third Martial Sister would have to spend at least four days in Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian's company!

Second Martial Sister: [What kind of person is the third Martial Sister? I'm concerned we won't get along.] Bai Lian was taken aback by this response. She had feared that the second Martial Sister might reject the third Martial Sister, much like siblings resenting a new addition to the family. However, the second Martial Sister's attitude seemed surprisingly positive.

Her words indicated an eagerness to establish rapport with the third Martial Sister.

"Excellent!" Bai Lian exclaimed softly, clapping her hands in satisfaction. Harmonious relations among the Martial Sisters would serve as a formidable shield, even if her true identity as a Natural Saint were to be revealed in the future. Who would dare provoke her with such powerful allies?

Disagreeing? Ha, my Martial Sisters include a Holy Spirit Goddess and a Rebellious Shura...

Bai Lian promptly began typing her response in the jade slip. She decided to share the third Martial Sister's tragic background. The second Martial Sister in the game was known for her compassion, after all.

Just then, the system issued a new task:

[Task 1: Write a moving composition about the third Martial Sister's experiences (Reward: Secret skill - Binding Skill)]

[Task 2: Briefly mention her experiences without delving into important matters (Reward: Qi Pill)]

"Ah?"

Gradually, Bai Lian had grown bolder in undertaking tasks that posed less danger. After all, she could flee if the consequences proved unbearable. However, she needed to exercise greater caution internally, for the number of Martial Sisters following her was steadily increasing. If she made the wrong choices and her Martial Sisters became more powerful than her, she could face dire consequences.

Bai Lian erased the words she had entered. The truth was, she wasn't confident in her ability to compose a touching essay.

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian: [She's like a child.]

A child? That certainly wouldn't pose any threat!

Xiao Jinse couldn't help but smile gleefully.

Second Martial Sister: [I adore children!]

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian: [But our third Martial Sister is somewhat introverted. She struggles to express her emotions.]

Second Martial Sister: [With you there, the third Martial Sister will surely feel the warmth of Qiongming Peak. I'll do my best to help her integrate into our family.]

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian: [Thank you.]

Second Martial Sister: [Elder Martial Sister, you've been working hard.]

Bai Lian gazed at the vast expanse of stars, the bright moon like a cold frost hanging in the sky, its curve resembling a graceful hook. She couldn't help but conclude that this considerate second Martial Sister was even more endearing than her game counterpart.

Well, if she doesn't want to harm me, she'll forever remain my cherished Martial Sister!

Bai Lian's joy was so profound that she playfully tossed a rare spiritual herb at the jade rabbit.

...

The early morning light roused Su Youwei from a deep slumber. They had journeyed far to the East.

Gently peeking out from behind Bai Lian, Su Youwei witnessed the red sun emerge from the earth's horizon, casting a brilliant layer of crimson brocade across the land.

Her body hovered on the flying sword, lifting her up, transporting her into the distance—towards the fabled "Golden Crow" that once illuminated ancient tales. In the radiant sun, she felt as though she could soar into the orange disc at any moment. Under such intense light, no inner demons could survive; they would be reduced to ashes, right?

A flame ignited within Su Youwei's heart.

She had heard whispers of a brand-new "World" on the other side of the mountains and seas. Could she have traversed the mountains and seas within her own heart?

In this euphoric moment, Su Youwei sensed a shift in her Qi cyclone. Bai Lian noticed the third Martial Sister's movements behind her, as though something pent-up was about to burst forth.

Indeed, it was her surging spirit Qi.

Inhale, exhale—like a rhythmic dance. The surging spiritual Qi of heaven and earth flowed through Su Youwei's body, purifying it.

After a few breaths, Su Youwei unintentionally hit Bai Lian's backside.

"Junior sister, are you alright?" Bai Lian inquired with concern, her expression slightly perplexed.

Su Youwei blushed shyly as she explained, "Elder Martial Sister, I suddenly had an epiphany and broke through to the Tenth Floor of the Qi Refining Period. I couldn't immediately control my newfound power, so I... um..."

Hold it!

Bai Lian's face contorted with a mixture of astonishment and sorrow. She couldn't help but feel a sense of injustice. These women with protagonist templates were a breed apart. Bai Lian had consumed countless medicinal pills to attain her current cultivation level, while the third Martial Sister had merely experienced a revelation and leaped two levels in an instant.

Bai Lian was practically reeling from the impact, as if she had suffered a 10,000-point blow.

What made matters worse was that she now had to console the third Martial Sister. "It's alright!"

A short while later, after traversing the plains, the Duxian Sect finally came into view in Bai Lian's sight.