This Time

Bai Ru calmed himself, "Mother and father are fine. They would definitely have come with me to Obsidian City if they knew they would get to reunite with you. The candle within your life lantern had burnt out, so we didn't think we would ever have a chance to be with you again in this lifetime. When we heard of the Black Lotus, we believed the one who harmed you had gotten their hands on your medical recipes and began selling them. After all, we knew all too well that our Lian'er never had any friends."

Bai Lian's mind focused on thoughts of her mother and father. Everything else Bai Ru had just explained seemed to have gone unnoticed, "Will I get to see them soon?"

"You will. Without a doubt, they will want to rush over to this forest after finding out you're here. Unfortunately, they won't be able to visit the Obsidian Forest often without attracting suspicion, unlike me whose reason for coming to the forest is supposedly to represent the Sacred Flame Sect and help the guardian spirit protect her holy forest."

Although Bai Ru's tone implied his curiosity towards her identity as the Guardian Spirit of the Obsidian Forest, Bai Lian proceeded on with her own inquiries, "How did the crown prince explain my death?"

Bai Ru's face darkened as he explained, "The crown prince claimed you were kidnapped, which the emperor supported even though the whole matter is obviously suspicious! The emperor was also upset about your death due to the benefits your medicines could bring to the kingdom. However, he still protected that stupid prince!"

"Mother, father, and you didn't do anything rash right?"

Hearing the worry in his sister's voice, Bai Ru's face softened, "We were about to. However, the elders of the Bai Clan stopped us. Although they never seemed to like you, they were truly furious that the crown prince would dare act against you. They told us that the Bai Clan will not accept this lying down."

Bai Lian was speechless. She developed a newfound respect for her clan, "So they really did consider me part of the clan. Even if my medical knowledge or the clan's honor was the real reason for their anger, I am truly thankful they stopped you guys."

"I was also surprised. Over these past three years, our family branch has already mended our ties with the clan," Bai Ru frowned, "However, I do not trust them enough to reveal your current situation."

"Have our clan taken any actions against the royal family yet?"

"Our clan does not possess the necessary power to fight against the crown. These past years, we have been slowly strengthening ourselves and forming relationships with other groups. Speaking of which, it seems you had similar thoughts."

"Mm. I was planning on—"

Bai Ru knitted his brows, "There's no need for you to do any of that. You can leave all that revenge stuff to us and just live this life of yours happily."

"Absolutely not! I'm not as weak as I was in my last life. Besides, I don't plan on revealing myself to my enemies. You don't need to worry too much about me. I will definitely prioritize my life over my revenge."

"Why are you so insistent on getting revenge? Lian'er, you were never like this before when someone has wronged you," Bai Ru frowned. Worry was clearly reflected within his eyes.

"The objective of the one who wanted to harm me is still unknown. I absolutely must find out who exactly wanted me gone and the reason for—"

"Then you can just leave it to us! Tell me the real reason you want to get personally involved."

Bai Ru stared at the many white lotuses in the lake as the silence extended itself. Each second had seemed like an eternity. He began regretting that he did not ask which lotus was her real body. It really seemed as though he were alone and the gentle voice he had been hearing was all his imagination. After all, the whole situation had seemed too good to be true.

Only after a couple of minutes had passed could a mumble be heard within his mind, "To be honest…" after a couple more seconds of silence, Bai Lian quickly spat out, "That narcissistic prince really angered me!"

Bai Ru took a couple of seconds to process what he had just heard, for the sentence was said too quickly and the words seemed to be jumbled together.

"You know… if it really hurts for you to speak truthful words, I don't mind if you exaggerate the truth to satisfy your strong desire to lie. There's really no need to force yourself to say the complete truth."

Seeing the look of pity on her brother's face, Bai Lian felt a bit annoyed, "I think you're misunderstanding something here, brother…"

Bai Ru chuckled, "Sure, I am."

All mirth left his expression as his face darkened, "I'm impressed with the crown prince. It really is difficult to make you so mad that you would want to retaliate despite the risks. In fact, I have never seen you angry."

"Well, you can look forward to seeing a new side to your sister in a few years. I'm not the same weakling who needs to smile politely to everyone. Also, I already said I'll be minimizing the risks in my plan."

Bai Ru sighed, "It seems I really can't stop you. Well, I guess this isn't so bad. I've always wished to see you act freely without feeling the need to repress your feelings. Let me hear them, those plans of yours."

A comforting warmth seemed to envelop her body. Bai Lian stared at the familiar, gentle smile on her brother's face, and a sense of security calmed her mind. Deliberately, Bai Lian spoke of her plans slowly, hoping to keep him in the forest for even a moment longer.

The sun had long vanished from the skies. Due to the clouds, the light of the moon hardly made a dent on the darkness that shrouded the forest. Nevertheless, Bai Ru sat by the lake, smiling warmly as he listened to the pleasant voice within his mind.

"Despite your lack of information, you've really thought this through. You know, you seem more lively than in your previous life, Lian'er. I have really failed you in your last life. I'm sorry. However, this time, I promise, I will make sure you're able to live happily."

A bell-like giggle shattered the solemn atmosphere, "There's no need for you to make such promises with me. Your intentions as my older brother have always been so obvious without you stating them."

Hearing the warm laughter without a shred of blame, the regrets that had gnawed at his heart for so long had begun to ease away. A lump seemed to have formed inside his throat as tears threatened to leave his eyes. To himself, he swore once more in his heart, 'I won't let you suffer again.'

Bai Lian noticed her brother's strong determination to not cry, 'Why are you trying so hard not to cry? You don't even know that I can see you clearly despite the darkness…'

In respect for his determination, Bai Lian did not point out Bai Ru's welled up eyes, "Sleeping here is uncomfortable. You should go."

"And leave you here alone? Being in the forest at night by yourself is probably scary."

Bai Lian sighed, "Did you forget that I've already lived as a white lotus for a while now? We're both grown men and women you know. Even if you're my brother, how can I rest peacefully if you're around."

Bai Ru snorted, "What grown woman? Do you even sleep as a plant?"

Bai Lian sighed to herself, 'I don't really want you to leave either, but…'

"It's uncomfortable here for you. I'll get mad if you don't go back to your inn."

'You getting angry isn't really that scary of a threat you know,' Bai Ru sighed, "Alright, I'll go. Tomorrow, I'll see you before heading back to mother and father to tell them about you. I'll also make sure the Bai Clan investigates Bu Shu Qing."

"Sleep well, brother."

"Be safe."