Kapitel 47: Chapter 7: Bai Lian's Winning Method

Within the modest room, a solitary bed provided a simple focal point. The flickering candle's soft glow cast dancing shadows, while the jade rabbit remained on edge, its ears perked in a state of vigilance. Amidst this backdrop, an intense and thrilling Gomoku battle unfolded, lasting nearly half an hour.

Breathing heavily, Su Youwei sat by the wall, appearing flush as though inebriated, her body glistening with sweat. Her dampened skirt clung to her collarbone, and a faint sheen of perspiration adorned her brow. The prolonged ordeal had left her on the brink of exhaustion, a far cry from Bai Lian, who seemed invigorated.

Su Youwei's predicament was perplexing. How could such a straightforward game prove so overwhelming? Despite the game's uncomplicated rules, Bai Lian's relentless assault had driven Su Youwei to defeat in every round.

Could her intellect truly be so stifled?

Dizzy from the ceaseless torment, Su Youwei's resolve wavered. Doubts crept in—could she genuinely adhere to Bai Lian's "Plan" and utilize her to empower herself?

Absolutely not.

Gripping the quilt's corner tightly with her right hand, Su Youwei clenched her teeth, her small face contorted with determination. She couldn't afford to concede defeat so easily. This must be a ruse within Bai Lian's larger scheme—a deliberate effort to undermine her self-confidence.

"Once more..." Su Youwei's left hand extended, ready to reset the board.

However, a sudden interruption occurred. A hand emerged from the side, capturing her wrist.

"Ah—"

Startled, Su Youwei's body tensed. Her gaze lifted, traversing the expanse of the white arm to meet Bai Lian's smiling countenance. A slow realization washed over her—Bai Lian's allure was undeniable, with her delicate features resembling a lotus flower, and her brows reminiscent of willow leaves. A starry earring accentuated her appearance, the most dazzling star positioned beneath her right eye.

A faint sigh escaped Su Youwei, a testament to the star's captivating influence.

Bai Lian's voice broke the spell. "Let's conclude for now."

Releasing Su Youwei's hand, Bai Lian's eyes formed crescent-shaped arcs, exuding warmth and kindness.

Energized, Bai Lian felt alive, while Su Youwei, battered by the ordeal, displayed a different demeanor. The disparity was stark—while Bai Lian remained animated, Su Youwei resembled a creature retreating into darkness, nursing its wounds.

Nonetheless, her spirit refused to waver. Su Youwei steeled herself, resolute in her determination to challenge Bai Lian once more.

Relaxing beneath the quilt, Su Youwei muttered, "Once more. I'll win this time. If I succeed, I'll rest!"

The familiarity of the phrase drew Bai Lian's attention. She shook her head, suppressing an amused smile. "You're not in optimal condition at the moment."

Su Youwei retorted, her voice tinged with defiance, "Nonsense. Who says I can't do it?"

Gently deflecting Su Youwei's hand, Bai Lian's tone remained composed. "You're not in the best shape right now. Once we're back at Qiongming Peak, feel free to challenge me anytime. But for now, you need to preserve your energy, ensuring we can safely depart Gray Wind Town despite Red Moon Sect's encirclement."

Crestfallen, Su Youwei retreated, shrouding herself beneath the quilt like a wounded creature.

Her thoughts churned, echoing Bai Lian's earlier words—she must remember this humiliation. Bai Lian's apparent benevolence was a facade that obscured her treacherous nature.

"Haw."

A disdainful gaze met Su Youwei's eyes—the jade rabbit seemed to scoff at her ambitions. To challenge the Natural Saint Bai Lian? A preposterous notion, indeed.

Su Youwei buried herself under the quilt, concealing her embarrassment.

...

Bai Lian sat by the window, preoccupied with the study of Magic Circles. Her concentration was interrupted by a commotion emanating from the street below.

Placing her jade slip aside, she rose to investigate. Observing the jade rabbit's vigilant stance, she realized it had detected the disturbance.

The sight that greeted Bai Lian was unsettling. A crevice marred the once-jumbled debris on the street's left side. A bloodied leg protruded from behind the corner of a wall.

Summoning her divine sense, Bai Lian confirmed the identity of the fallen figure—a girl who had earlier quarreled with a stall owner. Weakened and battered, the girl had evidently sought refuge here after fleeing from pursuers.

Three options presented themselves:

[Task 1: Report the girl to Red Moon Sect (Reward: Book of the Abyss)]

[Task 2: Ignore her (Reward: High-grade magic tool - Demon Killing Pestle)]

[Task 3: Assist the girl (Reward: Aphrodisiac - A Pool of Spring Water)]

Bai Lian's principles precluded her from considering Task 1. She wouldn't stoop to reporting others.

For now, Task 2's rewards seemed appealing, yet Bai Lian foresaw the consequences. Red Moon Sect would undoubtedly scour the town for the injured girl, potentially exposing Bai Lian and Su Youwei in the process.

Task 3 emerged as the pragmatic choice, even though aiding the girl posed its own risks. A lower chance of exposure and a meaningful reward tilted the balance in favor of assisting her.

Leveraging her understanding of stealth and deception, Bai Lian administered a sleeping potion to the girl, ensuring her temporary respite.

Ensuring the girl was concealed and the blood scent eradicated, Bai Lian tended to the aftermath of her intervention.

Meanwhile, Su Youwei, emerging from her post-match seclusion, was met with a puzzling sight. A wounded stranger now adorned fresh clothing, while Bai Lian nonchalantly tidied the scene.

Unbeknownst to Su Youwei, a series of choices and risks had underscored this seemingly innocuous act.