Chapter 6: Despicable!

"I don't know!"

Bai Lian's honest response left Xiao Jinse feeling perplexed.

After years of being mistreated, Xiao Jinse had become incredibly sensitive.

While Bai Lian had just saved her, she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story.

But it's not her fault for overthinking.

In fact, the world has a shortage of many things, except for waste!

Even if her Obsolete Spiritual Root was repaired, her talent wasn't exceptional. Bai Lian didn't need to go to such lengths just to take her back.

Xiao Jinse harbored many doubts, but she didn't dare to voice them.

Bai Lian's attitude was clear.

No elaboration!

She was a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator!

Even if she wanted to end her life in front of Bai Lian, it would be futile, let alone escaping.

Xiao Jinse felt anxious.

The only relief was that Bai Lian was a woman. Unlike the two evil cultivators, she wasn't interested in her body.

(ε= (´ ο｀*)))

Alas, Xiao Jinse couldn't shake off her worries.

In truth, the most painful thing wasn't the threat of defilement in the cultivation world, but the torment of the soul.

Why was she always targeted?

Bai Lian's voice brought her back to reality, "Younger martial sister, do you have any more questions?"

Xiao Jinse shook her head.

"Then let's go," Bai Lian smiled.

Guided by Bai Lian's Flying Sword Skill, the sword landed gently on the ground.

Bai Lian had noticed that Xiao Jinse wasn't accustomed to flying on a sword. Even with Bai Lian leading, Xiao Jinse's body swayed from side to side.

Bai Lian once asked her to use her hand as a "guardrail," but it didn't help much.

No choice.

"I'll carry you on my back."

"Ah?"

Before Xiao Jinse could react, her arms found themselves wrapped around Bai Lian's neck.

Her little thumb brushed against Bai Lian's cool clavicle, and her body quivered involuntarily.

Bai Lian explained, "The journey to the Duxian Sect takes two days by flying. Since you haven't cultivated yet, flying such a long distance might be uncomfortable for you."

Her mind conjured images from a certain novel, and she was concerned that Xiao Jinse might misunderstand her intentions. Hence, she offered an explanation.

However, the second martial sister was very young, yet her body was mature.

Merely carrying her sent a wave of pressure crashing over Bai Lian.

"Alright."

Seeing the sword rise into the air, Xiao Jinse's voice was as soft as a mosquito.

Bai Lian smiled.

Bai Lian made a series of hand seals. Soon, an invisible water film enveloped both her and Xiao Jinse.

Xiao Jinse felt a refreshing coolness and heard Bai Lian explain, "The faster we fly, the stronger the wind resistance. Beyond a certain speed, there might even be a sonic boom. If I were alone, I wouldn't bother, but with you, it's better to add a protective shield..."

Xiao Jinse remained silent.

After a while, Bai Lian cautiously asked, "Younger martial sister, are you angry?"

Xiao Jinse, "…"

Bai Lian continued, "I don't look down on you, younger martial sister, but..."

After a long pause, a faint voice rang out from behind Bai Lian, "I'm not angry."

That's a relief.

Bai Lian began to tell her younger martial sister about the Duxian Sect.

"The Duxian Sect has five main peaks: Qiongming Peak, Zhuyan Peak, Yunluo Peak, Qingyu Peak, and Qingming Peak. Our master, An Lan, leads Qiongming Peak. Currently, it's just the three of us there, along with a rabbit."

"In the entire East Divine Land, the Duxian Sect might not be the most prominent, but it's far from a small sect that can be easily bullied."

"And..."

Bai Lian's voice trailed off.

Xiao Jinse, lying on her back, had fallen asleep. Her chin rested gently on Bai Lian's slender shoulder, and her warm breath seemed to seep into Bai Lian's light blue clothes, caressing her softly.

Who can handle this?!

If there weren't a sword hanging above her head, Bai Lian might have been inspired by certain events from a certain novel!

Quickly, she employed the Heart Clearing Spell to regain her composure.

Her fluttering long eyelashes gradually steadied. By nightfall, the ★ in the corner of her eyes seemed to emit a faint, trance-like light.

...

Xiao Jinse slowly opened her misty eyes.

She felt as relaxed as if she were made of clay.

The extreme comfort was abruptly replaced by alarm.

How could she fall asleep in an unknown situation?

Xiao Jinse's anxiety surged.

Struggling to sit up, she found herself lying on a woven rattan bed, with a paper curtain dividing the room. A large wooden bucket stood in the center, emitting steam.

Squeak

The door creaked open, and Bai Lian entered.

"Younger martial sister, please undress."

"Ah?"

Startled, Xiao Jinse retreated to the corner of the bed, hurriedly covering her chest with her hands.

"Fairy... Bai Lian, what are you doing?"

As Bai Lian was about to explain, three new task options appeared before her.

[Task 1: Force your younger martial sister to bathe. (Reward: Top-grade Ice Stone)]

[Task 2: Pretend to offer a back rub to your younger martial sister, but with ulterior motives. (Reward: Aphrodisiac potion, "Different World")]

[Task 3: Tell the truth. (Reward: Focus +1)]

Huh?

How could she do such despicable things?

Bai Lian immediately rejected the system's attempt to tempt her and declared righteously, "Upon checking into the inn, I noticed scars on your hands. This medicinal bath can help remove scars and alleviate fatigue. It's a shame I'm not skilled in alchemy; otherwise, it wouldn't have been such a hassle."

She sighed with a tinge of regret.

Xiao Jinse blinked, discerning only "integrity" from Bai Lian's response.

In Xiao Jinse's heart, Bai Lian, though a slim girl, suddenly became incredibly tall in stature.

Xiao Jinse couldn't help but criticize herself.

Perhaps she was being overly sensitive and misunderstood the good intentions of Bai Lian and the Duxian Sect.

Sigh

Xiao Jinse mustered her courage and spoke, "Fairy Bai Lian, I know you mean well, but I'd rather keep these scars for now."

Bai Lian was taken aback.

This detail wasn't mentioned in the game. She had always assumed that the scars on the second martial sister's body were left by the game's Bai Lian during those abnormal "games."

She listened as Xiao Jinse continued, "I want these scars to serve as a reminder to myself."

Bai Lian paused, her understanding deepening.

This was a perspective she had never considered. She had thoughtlessly assumed that the scars were a result of the Bai Lian from the game.

"Well, I'll go fetch some fresh water for you. Rest well after your bath. We'll be setting off tomorrow morning."

Xiao Jinse's gaze was filled with gratitude. She realized she had misjudged Bai Lian's intentions.

—Some time later.

Xiao Jinse undressed and stepped into the warm water, enveloped in its soothing embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her sobbing voice caused Bai Lian's Focus to increase by 1, even from outside the door.

"Do I need to become a Buddhist monk?"

Bai Lian pondered this seriously.

Suddenly, from inside the room, Xiao Jinse's voice broke the silence, "Fairy Bai Lian, aren't we heading to the Duxian Sect? Why are we here?"

"We'll be resting here for a day before resuming our journey tomorrow. Although my Spiritual Qi is sufficient to fly us directly to the Duxian Sect, it wouldn't be wise to undertake such a long flight while fatigued." Bai Lian started to lecture Xiao Jinse about the perils of traveling while exhausted. "Younger martial sister, remember that even cultivators have their limits. Pushing yourself too hard during dangerous times can have dire consequences!"

Xiao Jinse nodded weakly.

She didn't understand much about cultivation, but she recognized Bai Lian's kindness. Despite being an esteemed immortal, Bai Lian treated her with the same kindness as if she were her own daughter.

The moonlight cast a breathtaking glow on the water's surface, reflecting beautifully on Xiao Jinse's smooth skin.

She made a mental note to remember Bai Lian's advice.

"Though fallen now, you will one day shine brilliantly across the world!"

...

The next afternoon, Bai Lian returned to the Duxian Sect.

On the staircase leading to the mountain gate, she encountered Wen Ren Ya Le.

The young woman's expression was somber, and her eyelids were slightly puffy.

With Xiao Jinse trembling beside her, Bai Lian smiled and greeted, "Greetings, Martial Sister Wen Ren Ya Le."

Wen Ren Ya Le's response lacked warmth, "Congratulations, Martial Sister Bai Lian, on reaching the Nascent Soul Stage!"

"Ah?"

Bai Lian was taken aback.

Since when did I reach the Nascent Soul Stage?

A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd around them. Bai Lian soon learned that this news had been spread by the people of Castle Peak City.

Seriously?

Can't people just refrain from spreading rumors?

Wen Ren Ya Le clenched her teeth and continued, "Though I remain one step away from the Golden Core Stage, I will one day catch up to you, Martial Sister Bai Lian!"

What's with this?

I've only reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, why are you aiming your sights at me? Go pester the Dragon King Descendant!

Bai Lian attempted to clarify, only to find three new task options appearing before her.

[Task 1: Sneer at Wen Ren Ya Le and say, "You?" (Reward: Top-grade magic tool, "Shuttle of Stars")]

[Task 2: Ignore Wen Ren Ya Le (Reward: Spirit herb, "Red Flame Grass")]

[Task 3: Attempt to reason with Wen Ren Ya Le (Reward: "Spirit Refining Circle" diagram)]

Huh?

What's going on with Task 3? Why isn't there my beloved attribute points as a reward?

What a despicable system!

[Attempting to reason with angry women is futile.]

Reading the system's explanation, Bai Lian couldn't help but roll her eyes. She finally understood.

How did I end up entangled with Wen Ren Ya Le? It's all because of those gossipy folks spreading rumors every day about me being a Natural Saint!

With an annoyed huff, Bai Lian chose Task 2 and breezed past Wen Ren Ya Le.