Kapitel 67: Chapter 27: Elder Martial Sister, I'm Also Injured
"Great, you're full of energy!"
It was already 9 o'clock in the morning. In the courtyard atop Qiongming Peak, Su Youwei and Xiao Jinse, who had spent the entire night without sleep, stood side by side. Their movements flowed like the graceful sway of lotus petals in the wind. As cultivators, even after a sleepless night, they appeared more lively than anyone else.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian nodded in satisfaction. After all, to become a protagonist, one must endure various trials and tribulations. She was particularly pleased with the transformation she had witnessed in the second Martial Sister.
Initially concerned that Xiao Jinse's resiliency might wane due to her influence, Bai Lian had been pleasantly surprised by the emergence of her tenacity, spurred by the presence of the third Martial Sister.
Indeed, the third Martial Sister was shedding her past shadows, revealing her positive qualities. Bai Lian marveled at how she had willingly accepted guidance from the second Martial Sister. This positive competition was proving beneficial.
"Now that we're all prepared, let's get going."
"Yes!"
Trials, experiences—the staple of any ordinary cultivator's journey within a sect. After all, cultivation did not equate to abstaining from sustenance. As they advanced in their cultivation, they also needed to refine their mental states. After all, a martial artist with an unsteady mind would struggle to progress far.
Bai Lian's aim was to provide the two younger Martial Sisters with hands-on experience, pitting them against the demonic beasts that wreaked havoc among mortals. To this end, she had intentionally taken on a low-level task from the Merit Pavilion.
Their destination wasn't far from the location where Bai Lian had previously encountered the ambush of the two tiger demons. Previously a peaceful area, it had become infested with a group of pig demons. These creatures reveled in fire dances during their leisure and plundered neighboring villages for food, leaving behind casualties.
Although the pig demons' leader hadn't yet reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, Bai Lian saw this as an opportunity to impart practical experience to the two Martial Sisters. This trial would not only test their combat abilities but also teach them to adapt to varied environments—a crucial skill.
As they approached the tunnel that the jade rabbit had excavated, Bai Lian assigned the task to the two younger Martial Sisters.
"The spotlight is on you for this task. How you accomplish it is up to you. I'll be assessing your performance in secret."
Xiao Jinse exuded confidence, while Su Youwei, drawing from her field combat experience, hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.
Seizing her chance, Xiao Jinse exclaimed, "It's none of my business!"
A sudden revelation seemed to illuminate Su Youwei's mind. Could this be a better outcome? If Xiao Jinse's performance faltered during the trial, it would inevitably emphasize Su Youwei's own intelligence and martial prowess. She envisioned herself defeating the enemy at a critical juncture, earning her Elder Martial Sister's praise.
With her newfound insight, Su Youwei readied herself to depart after receiving her instructions, when Bai Lian unexpectedly halted her.
"Just a moment, Youwei."
Su Youwei paused, inquiring, "Elder Martial Sister, is there something else?"
Bai Lian replied, "Considering you lack a weapon, take my Dirt Free Sword for now."
From within her robes, Bai Lian produced a mid-grade Dirt Free Sword and handed it to the third Martial Sister.
A delighted smile crossed Su Youwei's face at the unexpected gift. Though the Dirt Free Sword was slightly oversized for her, she didn't mind.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jinse, casting a downward glance at her own Blowing Snow Sword, couldn't help but feel dissatisfied. She mused that her weapon was inferior to the Dirt Free Sword—a sentiment she had no qualms vocalizing.
Blowing Snow Sword? A pitiable rapier!
Xiao Jinse resolved to excel during the trial, determined to prove herself.
As Xiao Jinse grappled with her emotions, Bai Lian, too, found herself presented with new options. She promised herself that once she advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage, she would craft a new weapon for Xiao Jinse.
[Task completed. Focus +2]
With the Martial Sisters dispatched on their trial, Bai Lian fell into contemplation.
Perhaps she had been too hasty in parting with two medium-grade magic tools. It couldn't continue this way—before the younger Martial Sisters could mature, she'd be left with nothing.
She briefly entertained the idea of requesting something valuable from her master. However, her innate honesty vetoed such a plan. Bai Lian was no beggar.
Her immediate focus, however, was on monitoring the progress of her Martial Sisters' trials. While she had vowed not to intervene, her concern remained sincere. If any harm befell them at the hands of the demons...
"I will annihilate you, reducing you to ashes!"
With determination ablaze, Bai Lian trailed behind.
The trial team formed by the two Martial Sisters began to adopt a professional camaraderie. First, they gathered information from nearby villages, gauging the strength and numbers of the pig demons. Buoyed by their findings, they proceeded confidently to the desolate mountains where the pig demons resided.
When devising their strategy to eradicate the pig demons, differing viewpoints emerged between the second and third Martial Sisters.
Xiao Jinse asserted, "Let's charge straight in and wipe them all out!"
Su Youwei countered, "We should provoke them at the entrance and ambush them upon their pursuit."
Each held her ground, but Su Youwei eventually conceded. Xiao Jinse would lead the charge, with Su Youwei poised to provide support.
Under Xiao Jinse's offensive, the pig demons emitted furious squeals before retreating at remarkable speed.
"They're fleeing. There's no reason I shouldn't give chase, right?"
Bai Lian nodded approvingly. "Impressive."
Xiao Jinse's technique might be flashy, but the power of her sword compensated for her ostentation.
Su Youwei's style, on the other hand, was fierce, characterized by limited room for retreat—an inclination likely influenced by her past life's experiences.
Taking notes in her jade slip, Bai Lian observed attentively.
Amidst the battle, a colossal azure-skinned pig demon emerged from a cave's depths.
"Grunt!"
With an enormous axe perched upon its shoulder, the pig demon leapt forward with formidable momentum.
Xiao Jinse was hurled back by the axe's impact, her timely use of her sword preventing grave injury.
This was a pig demon at the early Foundation Establishment Stage.
Undeterred, neither Xiao Jinse nor Su Youwei flinched. With Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian watching, retreating was not an option.
Unperturbed, Bai Lian calmly watched the unfolding scene. Her younger Martial Sisters refused to falter. Su Youwei swiftly maneuvered, evading the pig demon's strike, while Xiao Jinse aimed a precision cut at its right leg with her Blowing Snow Sword. Simultaneously, Su Youwei lunged to its side, carving three bloodied grooves into its left leg with the Dirt Free Sword.
A cacophonous roar reverberated as the cave quaked. Enraged, the pig demon plunged into a frenzied state. Eventually, Xiao Jinse dealt a fatal blow with her Blowing Snow Sword, bringing an end to the confrontation.
Xiao Jinse sighed with relief, triumphant. She had succeeded.
However, moments later, her body wavered, collapsing to the ground.
The impact of her clash with the axe had exacerbated her existing wound, causing blood to seep from her abdomen.
"Second Martial Sister!"
Bai Lian's composure wavered, concern overriding her intentions. Hastily, she approached Xiao Jinse, delivering a powerful blow that shattered the pig demon's remains. She then turned her attention to Xiao Jinse, tearing at her clothing to assess the damage.
"Eh?"
Su Youwei was taken aback. Observing Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian cradling the injured second Martial Sister, "touching" her abdomen, Su Youwei experienced an unexpected pang of jealousy.
While she delighted in receiving Elder Martial Sister Bai's approval, being cared for by her directly held an undeniable appeal.
Furthermore, it was a valuable opportunity to intimately understand Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian's touch—an essential element for her perfect mental image of her.
Deep in thought, Su Youwei lowered herself to the ground.
"Elder Martial Sister, my foot is also injured!"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein