Kapitel 48: Chapter 8: Why Are You So Fierce

Su Youwei, perched on the bed, observed in silence as Bai Lian orchestrated the movements of the injured stranger's body. Bai Lian's actions were curious and unconventional—laying the woman on the ground, occasionally repositioning her, and even allowing her to rest face down on the table. A quarter of an hour later, Bai Lian seemed content with her arrangement.

Su Youwei, her initial apprehension subsiding, replaced it with a growing sense of confusion. She couldn't fathom Bai Lian's intentions anymore. The enigma that was Bai Lian deepened further.

As Bai Lian concluded her ministrations, Su Youwei's guardedness waned, only to be supplanted by intensified skepticism. Bai Lian's actions had been within reason; her treatment of the woman exhibited no deviation from standard medical practices. There was no hint of impropriety, and it left Su Youwei puzzled.

Su Youwei's thoughts churned, spinning a web of uncertainty. Bai Lian's motivations remained inscrutable—neither interested in the woman nor pursuing any ulterior motives. The unanticipated nature of Bai Lian's actions only heightened Su Youwei's doubts. Could Bai Lian be genuinely uninterested in the woman's predicament? Or was this an elaborate act to deceive?

If Bai Lian was disinterested, it was acceptable; personal preferences varied. However, if Bai Lian was feigning indifference, her execution was flawless. With a formidable facade and remarkable self-control, Bai Lian was proving to be a master manipulator.

Su Youwei's internal resolve was unwavering—she would not succumb to Bai Lian's calculated display of benevolence. She couldn't allow herself to be beguiled by Bai Lian's artful deception.

...

Bai Lian's gaze shifted to the woman who remained on the ground, her form unmoving. During the woman's treatment, the system presented Bai Lian with new task options—one of which suggested taking advantage of the situation. The reward, a high-grade material for crafting tools, was notably enticing.

Bai Lian hesitated, sensing something amiss. The woman might possess a unique ability, perhaps the capability to feign sleep or employ magical artifacts to monitor her surroundings. Additionally, her background hinted at an affiliation with a potent sect that might rival the Duxian sect.

Bai Lian, irrespective of her personal inclinations, knew better than to engage. Even if her interest were piqued, the current situation necessitated restraint. Her focus remained on minimizing risks and ensuring her and Su Youwei's safety.

The incident reaffirmed Bai Lian's understanding that women were often intricate and unpredictable beings. A mental note was made—approaching them required careful consideration.

With an exasperated sigh, Bai Lian dismissed the matter from her mind. Not all women were troublesome; some were endearing. Her gaze drifted toward Su Youwei, a testament to this sentiment.

Biding her time until the woman regained consciousness, Bai Lian retrieved the offered reward—a bottle labeled [A Pool of Spring Water]. The liquid, transparent and viscous, resembled balm, with instructions suggesting both oral and external applications.

An inkling of skepticism crept into Bai Lian's mind. Would this peculiar substance genuinely assist Su Youwei? Regardless, Bai Lian chose to retain it—it might prove useful in the future.

Stowing the bottle within her storage pendant, Bai Lian resumed her watch over the unconscious woman, her senses attuned to any sign of awakening.

...

"You're awake."

Xia Qingqing, her eyes fluttering open, was met with a kind greeting. Blinking to adjust to the dim surroundings, she encountered the visage of a poised, enchanting woman. By her side, a curious rabbit perched on the edge of a table, its innocent gaze fixed upon her.

Assured by the woman's presence, Xia Qingqing's voice was hoarse as she whispered, "Thank you."

In truth, Xia Qingqing had regained consciousness earlier than anticipated. Her Meditation Jade Pendant had mitigated the drug's effects, granting her the ability to bear witness to the woman's actions.

As Bai Lian moved to disrobe her, caution prevailed. Xia Qingqing exercised restraint, recognizing the potential danger in her hasty reactions. The day's altercation served as a sobering reminder of the perils of impulsivity.

Relieved to discover Bai Lian's actions were far from malicious, Xia Qingqing harbored a newfound gratitude. Benevolence, it seemed, had not abandoned Gray Wind Town entirely.

Gradually pushing herself upright, Xia Qingqing retrieved her jade pendant, presenting it as a gesture of appreciation. "This is my token of gratitude."

"Your generosity is appreciated," Bai Lian responded, accepting the gift. The pendant's value was apparent, likely indicative of Xia Qingqing's prestigious sect.

Bai Lian's curiosity was piqued. "May I inquire about your sect?"

Caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, Xia Qingqing hesitated, her silence speaking volumes. Her impulsive nature had led her astray, costing her more than she anticipated.

Xia Qingqing's gaze turned inward, chastising herself for disregarding her senior's advice—to exercise prudence and seek help when faced with adversity. The consequences of her actions weighed heavily on her, conjuring images of her missing martial brothers and captured elder martial sister. Loneliness and regret clawed at her heart.

Tears welled in Xia Qingqing's eyes, flowing freely down her cheeks. In her moment of vulnerability, the words she longed to utter escaped her lips.

"Why are you so fierce?"

The question lingered, both a plea and an accusation.

For Bai Lian, the query served as a wake-up call, eliciting a pause. The task options presented a choice:

[Task 1: Allow Xia Qingqing to leave (Reward: Secret Book of Wind and Thunder)]

[Task 2: Persuade her (Reward: Spiritual Herb - Streamer Vine)]

[Task 3: Scold her! (Reward: +2 to Hard Skill)]

Astonishment and a sense of responsibility overwhelmed Bai Lian as she pondered her next move. Task 2 seemed perilous, but Task 3—scolding Xia Qingqing—appeared a less precarious alternative. After a moment's consideration, Bai Lian chose Task 3.

With an assertive tone, Bai Lian chided, "Foolish! A disciple of the Tianji Sect, and you dare to challenge fate alone? Ridiculous! They'll only view you as a reckless pawn, unfit to bear the Tianji Sect's legacy. Your actions are laughable, and your rashness will be your downfall."

Xia Qingqing's eyes reddened further, her resolve weakening as Bai Lian's words struck a chord. She found herself kneeling on the ground, sword discarded, her once-ardent determination quelled.

Bai Lian blinked, slightly taken aback. The method's efficacy was surprising—sometimes, a firm reprimand held