Kapitel 49: Chapter 9: Spring Comes, and Everything Is Coming Back to Life

Xia Qingqing cried for a prolonged duration before her sobs gradually subsided.

Curled up in the corner, her eyes remained misty, resembling a disheartened kitten scolded by its owner.

She couldn't believe how fiercely Bai Lian had chastised her—reprimanding her not once, but twice.

In all her years, even her own father had never raised his voice against her.

While the recollection of Bai Lian's aid lingered, it couldn't mitigate the overwhelming frustration Xia Qingqing felt.

No matter how many times she attempted to muster the courage to face Bai Lian with the conviction of a disciple from the Tianji Sect, the moment their eyes met, her resolve faltered.

She simply couldn't do it.

The mere thought of opposing Bai Lian in her current state rendered her incapable of action.

The image of Bai Lian's might swiftly incapacitating her loomed in her mind.

Her fantasies spiraled into vivid mental scenarios where Bai Lian's blows incapacitated her, rendering her helpless.

Bai Lian would then toy with her like a plaything, a powerless victim at her mercy.

As these thoughts swirled, Xia Qingqing's legs gave way, her trembling form collapsing back onto the ground with a thud.

Bai Lian's gaze remained unwavering, her expression impassive as she spoke, "Now, tell me what transpired today."

Bai Lian retrieved the top-grade magic sword that Xia Qingqing had dropped, extending it toward the quivering girl.

Xia Qingqing's position in the Tianji Sect and the events leading up to her ordeal were of great interest to Bai Lian.

Given Xia Qingqing's perceived significance, Bai Lian anticipated the involvement of a substantial force in her rescue.

Xia Qingqing mustered her courage, her voice quivering as she recounted the events of the day—a minor altercation escalating into a much larger predicament.

The stall owner, scorned by Xia Qingqing earlier, had rallied reinforcements, only for Xia Qingqing's elder martial sister to effortlessly repel them.

However, despite her elder martial sister's superiority, the situation took a dire turn when the forces of the Red Moon Sect arrived.

Poisoned and overwhelmed, her elder martial sister was captured, leaving Xia Qingqing and her junior martial brothers no choice but to flee.

Bai Lian's initial reaction was exasperation at Xia Qingqing's earlier choices.

Her rebuke seemed validated by the girl's own admission of her recklessness.

[Task completed. Light Skill+2]

Yet, even in her frustration, Bai Lian's heart softened as she beheld the trembling Xia Qingqing.

A sense of empathy surfaced, an awareness that Xia Qingqing's misguided actions stemmed from her genuine concern for her companions.

It wasn't stupidity that fueled Xia Qingqing, but rather her earnest dedication.

Bai Lian interrupted Xia Qingqing's account with an exasperated remark, prompting a visible reaction from Xia Qingqing.

This time, Bai Lian observed the emergence of a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

Bai Lian's scolding, despite its sharpness, had seemingly eroded some of Xia Qingqing's resentment.

"I'm aware of my mistakes," Xia Qingqing managed to whisper, her voice quivering as she fought back tears.

Bai Lian's response was not what Xia Qingqing expected.

While stern, it lacked the harsh edge she had anticipated.

Instead, Bai Lian's reproach was tempered with a pragmatism that resonated within Xia Qingqing.

Fighting back tears, Xia Qingqing muttered a reluctant, "Thank you."

As the words escaped her lips, Bai Lian's attention was drawn to the system's task options:

[Task 1: "Seems like you're not completely stupid!" (Reward: Broken Jade Steel)]

[Task 2: "Thank you? No need for gratitude. If you refrain from causing trouble, then you deserve my gratitude in return!" (Reward: Talisman+1)]

Caught off guard, Xia Qingqing felt the resurgence of resentment, torn between feeling grateful and agitated.

Another exhalation of frustration ensued as Bai Lian deliberated over her options, her ultimate choice intended to fulfill the task's requirements.

She delivered her reproach in line with Task 2, earning a begrudging acknowledgment from the beleaguered Xia Qingqing.

[Task completed. Talisman +1]

Xia Qingqing's initial annoyance dissolved somewhat, replaced by a sense of abashed appreciation.

She realized that Bai Lian's sternness was born not of malice, but concern.

This understanding challenged her previous resentment, making room for a grudging respect.

Following the emotional exchange, Bai Lian turned the conversation back to their predicament.

The focus shifted to Xia Qingqing's ability to contact the Tianji Sect—a matter of paramount importance.

Xia Qingqing confirmed the presence of a communication talisman, reassuring Bai Lian of her ability to enlist help.

As they awaited a response from the Tianji Sect, a commotion outside the inn caught Bai Lian's attention.

A group of cultivators accompanied by spirit dogs approached, clearly intent on investigating the area.

Sensing the urgency, Bai Lian activated Ecstasy, incapacitating the search party and granting them an opportunity to escape.

Understanding the pressing need to relocate, Su Youwei and Xia Qingqing concurred.

However, before they could depart, Bai Lian seized an opportunity to experiment.

Utilizing a small magic circle, she introduced a spirit dog and an unconscious cultivator before administering some [A Pool of Spring Water] to the former.

As the spell concluded, Bai Lian knew it was time to move on.

Walking away from the scene, Bai Lian sensed the approach of spring—a harbinger of renewal, much like the unexpected connections forged amidst the chaos.