Chương 54: Chapter 14: Number of People on Qiongming Peak

In a city thousands of miles away from Gray Wind Town, the sun rose in the east. It appeared as if someone were using an orange-red brush to paint a layer upon the horizon. Bai Lian was guiding her Martial Sister toward the city's largest passenger train. In the Sand Region, "Passenger transport" and "Express delivery" were prominent industries.

Su Youwei followed Bai Lian closely, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, should we buy some water? The journey to the Duxian Sect will take several days."

Though her words sounded casual, Bai Lian felt a warm sense of comfort. Just as expected of Martial Sister Bai Lian! She had managed to win over the trust of her initially skeptical third Martial Sister.

Bai Lian smiled and reassured her, "No need to worry, I've already prepared plenty of water."

There was an abundance of spiritual spring water within the pendant on her chest. Even if they drank it all, could a water-type cultivator like her truly die of thirst?

Su Youwei nodded, adjusting to the idea of relying on others instead of going solo. As her gaze shifted to the slumbering fifth elder and her aunt, she realized that Bai Lian had chosen the flying magic tool partly for their benefit. After all, Bai Lian wouldn't have spent the money otherwise.

It felt oddly comforting to be cared for. Su Youwei was beginning to understand why the female disciples in the Duxian Sect held Bai Lian in such high regard.

During the journey, Bai Lian negotiated with a deacon from the Guangtong Sect about the cost of reaching the edge of the Sand Region.

"Get on board."

Guided by Bai Lian's voice, Su Youwei entered an oval-shaped magic tool.

The Guangtong Sect held a significant share of the transportation business in the Sand Region, a testament to its considerable power. Bai Lian's choice of their flying magic tool was not only a means of expediting the trip but also a safeguard against potential revenge from the Red Moon Sect.

Safety was of utmost importance.

"Take off!"

With a disciple's command, the flying magic tool began its ascent. Su Youwei pressed against the interior wall as the sudden motion took hold. The tool's confined space, shared with four people and a rabbit, made her realize she was mere inches away from Bai Lian. The temperature emanating from Bai Lian's body was palpable, providing an unexpected sense of ease.

"We'll reach the edge of the Sand Region in half a day. If there's nothing pressing, you can rest."

Bai Lian's voice resonated in Su Youwei's ears.

A quiet hum escaped Su Youwei as her response. Sleep was not on her agenda. If she dozed off, she would miss the world gradually coming alive around her.

Hours later, the rustling of fabric caught Su Youwei's attention. She carefully opened her eyes and saw Bai Lian draping a dress over her.

"..."

Was this the warmth that sunshine bestowed upon the body? Su Youwei held her breath, feeling an inexplicable numbness surge through her body. Unconsciously, her legs twitched.

It feels really nice!

A while later, Bai Lian's voice roused Su Youwei from her thoughts. "We've arrived at our destination."

The expanse of yellow sand gave way to lush green mountains and tranquil blue waters. Bai Lian was tempted to continue the journey with the flying magic tool, but she refrained. Her goal had been reached, and there was no more imminent danger.

She checked the contents of Du Fengyu's storage ring. Bai Lian couldn't help but admit that Du Fengyu possessed some eccentric items. Among the cultivation materials and medicinal pills, she found a collection of risqué books and even an attractive cotton tree shell.

Ah, it made sense now.

No wonder the stall owner had been so confident in his sales pitch. Even his boss used these items. How could they be of poor quality?

After discarding these oddities, Bai Lian retrieved a Sandstone Worm Inner Pill from the materials—a pill that could enhance Xiao Jinse's Spiritual Root quality. Bai Lian gleefully mused, "Best of luck!"

Bai Lian shifted her attention to Su Youwei, handing her a new storage ring. She was concerned that Su Youwei might reject Du Fengyu's ring. Bai Lian had already prepared for such an eventuality.

Su Youwei extended her hand, palm up and fingers slightly apart—a clear gesture.

"You."

Bai Lian reached out, ruffling Su Youwei's hair. She appreciated the younger Martial Sister's proximity. If only the system didn't pop up with its strange tasks.

Bai Lian carefully slid the ring onto Su Youwei's middle finger.

After the exchange, Su Youwei withdrew her hand, her demeanor resembling that of a startled rabbit. Bai Lian had hoped this action would convey her goodwill.

"Younger Martial Sister."

"Ah, yes?"

Nervousness colored Su Youwei's response.

Bai Lian explained, "That was my repayment for Du Fengyu earlier. And this is my welcoming gift to you."

Welcoming gift?

Su Youwei was taken aback. She hadn't anticipated such a gesture.

Inside the ring was a Nine Turns Earth Energy Pill—a boon capable of elevating her cultivation to the Tenth Floor of the Qi Refining Period. Additionally, there was a medium-grade magic tool.

"The Long-life Lock is a defensive magic tool. Once you wear it, you'll remain safe even if attacked by a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator."

Bai Lian elucidated, positioning herself behind Su Youwei. She wrapped her arms around Su Youwei's neck, assisting her in donning the square Long-life Lock.

During this intimate interaction, Su Youwei's cheeks flushed like fire. Bai Lian's touch sent a jolt through her, and her thoughts became a jumble. Though she couldn't articulate her emotions, she felt surprisingly content.

When Bai Lian inquired about her well-being, Su Youwei quickly responded, "I... I'm not accustomed to flying on swords. It's making me a bit dizzy."

Flying on swords? That concept was absent from the game. Could her early arrival have triggered some sort of butterfly effect?

Bai Lian reassured, "Once you reach the Foundation Establishment Stage, I'll make arrangements for you to acquire a flying magic tool."

Su Youwei hurriedly shook her head, "No need, really."

Attempting to change the subject, she asked, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, how many people are on Qiongming Peak?"

"Including our master, there are four of us."

Su Youwei performed a quick calculation. Aside from Martial Sister Bai Lian, there was her Elder Martial Sister and the second Martial Sister who had engaged Bai Lian in conversation the previous night.

Curiosity piqued, Su Youwei continued, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, I saw you retrieve an Inner Pill from Du Fengyu's storage ring..."

"Oh, that." Bai Lian clarified, "It's not particularly valuable. It's meant for your second Martial Sister. Her Spiritual Root is quite unique, and this Inner Pill will help improve its quality."

Could Spiritual Root quality truly be enhanced?

Su Youwei blinked.

As she had resolved to join the Duxian Sect, she naturally wished to learn about her future Martial Sisters. She inquired further, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, what kind of person is our second Martial Sister?"

Bai Lian's gaze seemed to drift off, her tone lighter. Inadvertently, a faint smile adorned her face as she spoke of Xiao Jinse.

Turning back to Su Youwei, Bai Lian recommended, "Since you're close in age and your cultivation bases are similar, I hope you two will get along and treat each other like family."

Oddly, Su Youwei's mood seemed subdued, not elated as Bai Lian had anticipated.

Su Youwei softly responded, "Oh."

She lowered her head, remaining silent.

Bai Lian furrowed her brow, perplexed by the unexpected response. Had she misunderstood the mood behind that "Oh"? Maybe her haste to foster friendship between her second and third Martial Sisters was unwarranted. She should allow their relationship to develop naturally.

Developing bonds takes time.

With a smile, Bai Lian reassured, "We still have a long journey ahead. Younger Martial Sister, take the time to rest. Leave the rest to me."

"Yes."

Su Youwei hugged Bai Lian's waist, the warmth of the sun casting a sense of contentment over her. Perhaps, she mused, three people were indeed enough for Qiongming Peak.