Chapter 37: The Road to Happiness Is Strewn with Setbacks

Not long after Bai Lian's return to the Duxian sect, she was approached by someone curious about her journey. She began by praising the Biluo sect disciples' performance and then recounted the attack she had experienced.

"Are you certain it was a woman?" the inquirer asked.

"No doubt about it!" Bai Lian replied confidently.

She couldn't be fooled by other details, but the unmistakable sensation of the "round balls" left no room for doubt!

"I will report this," the Deacon, who had come to inquire, said, his expression troubled.

His concern was understandable. After analyzing the situation, he realized something was amiss. The behavior of the Biluo sect disciples during the journey had been quite odd. They seemed either lost in thought or conspiring to do something malicious.

Bai Lian's assault on her way back to the Duxian sect only heightened his suspicion. If it were indeed the doing of the Biluo sect, it might trigger a war between their two sects!

"I must report this to the sect leader promptly, so he can prepare accordingly," the Deacon thought, feeling a sense of urgency.

He quickly made his way to Yunluo Peak, but at the main hall's entrance, he was halted.

"What's happening?"

"The Biluo sect leader is here."

The Deacon was stunned, feeling as if a bolt of lightning had struck him. How had they arrived so quickly? This could spell trouble!

For a while, he stood by the door, wrestling with his thoughts. Soon, he witnessed Jue Yunzi and Yu Xinghan exiting the main hall together, engaged in an amicable conversation.

"Ha ha ha ha!" Yu Xinghan's hearty laughter resonated as he slapped Jue Yunzi on the shoulder.

Jue Yunzi smiled wryly, his demeanor far from angered.

What was going on? The Deacon was thoroughly perplexed.

Yu Xinghan exclaimed, "Bai Lian is truly remarkable! I believe she and Xiangling could become great friends. How about nurturing their friendship in the future?"

"Sounds like a good idea," Jue Yunzi responded, and his smile grew.

Did Yu Xinghan visit the Duxian sect to offer an apology? It seemed he had a different motive altogether. He was trying to capitalize on a newfound connection.

Many underestimated Yu Xinghan's intelligence, but most of the time, he was quite shrewd. Whether Bai Lian's words to the Saint were true or not was irrelevant. The key was to foster a friendly relationship between them.

If Bai Lian was truthful, that would be even better. When Bai Lian eventually gained fame throughout the East Divine Land, the Biluo sect could leverage the bond between her and the Saint to elevate their own status.

As he envisioned the future, Yu Xinghan couldn't help but reminisce about his youthful days beneath the setting sun.

In his first year as sect leader, junior Martial Sisters addressed him affectionately as "Brother Xinghan."

By his tenth year, though his physique had changed, his handsome countenance continued to captivate the hearts of junior Martial Sisters.

Fifty years into his leadership, he sported a robust physique with a visage that— (〝▼皿▼), "My handsome face!"

"I've sacrificed so much for the sake of the Biluo sect!" Yu Xinghan lamented.

Caught in his thoughts, he hardly noticed when Jue Yunzi summoned the Deacon.

"Is there something you wish to report?" Jue Yunzi inquired.

The Deacon cast a glance at Yu Xinghan and responded, "Bai Lian encountered an assassin on her journey back."

"An assassin?" Jue Yunzi and Yu Xinghan both exclaimed in surprise.

Yu Xinghan promptly clarified, "We, the Biluo sect, are not responsible!"

Jue Yunzi waved his hand. "Don't worry, Taoist Yu. I am well aware that your sect is not involved."

He chose not to divulge further details to Yu Xinghan. There was likely an individual within the Biluo sect who felt envious of Bai Lian and sought to harm her.

Yu Xinghan frowned, perceiving Jue Yunzi's nuanced response. He sensed that something was amiss.

He hoped that this incident wouldn't damage the Biluo-Duxian sect relationship. The path to happiness was rife with obstacles.

To foster a strong bond between the Saint and Bai Lian, they needed to draw them closer.

After Yu Xinghan's departure, Jue Yunzi turned his attention to addressing the attempted assassination of Bai Lian.

The Deacon, seeking insight, approached a familiar figure on duty at the main hall's gate. "How did the relationship between our sect leader and the Biluo sect leader improve so suddenly?"

The gatekeeper responded with a meaningful look, "It's all thanks to Bai Lian."

"Really?"

"Let me explain…"

The Deacon nodded, listening intently.

Indeed, Bai Lian's intelligence was remarkable.

But as he heard Bai Lian's words to the Saint, his expression turned incredulous.

Σ (｀ д′* ノ)ノ

"Wow!"

...

Word of these events began to spread throughout the sect.

On that day, many disciples who had spent considerable sums to acquire the list of beautiful new female disciples were left dumbfounded.

"Younger Martial Sister, would you be interested in going out with me—"

"Apologies, Elder Martial Brother, I already have someone I fancy."

"?"

After a prolonged silence, these disciples began to ask similar questions.

"Younger Martial Sister, who do you have feelings for?"

"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!"

"Ha?"

Wait, something's not right!

Martial Sister Bai Lian? Wasn't she also a woman?

The new female disciples blushed and spoke shyly, "Martial Sister Bai Lian openly stated that she prefers women."

Their eyes gleamed with a radiance that left male disciples despondent.

Female disciples were scarce within the Duxian sect. Now, even Martial Sister Bai Lian had entered the fray to compete for a girlfriend. Wasn't this a bit unfair?

"This is so frustrating!"

Trees within the Duxian sect bore the brunt of their frustration that day.

Numerous male disciples underwent a revelation, recognizing the harsh reality. Miracles didn't exist!

Women? Bah, who needs women! I'll devote myself solely to cultivation!

Afterward, they sought out the disciple who had sold them the list of beautiful new female disciples.

"Dammit! Give me my money back!"

...

The next morning, Xiao Jinse awoke.

Following her visit to the Cultivation Method Pavilion to claim her reward from the newcomers' competition, she encountered Tong Yao, who wore a frown, at the base of Qiongming Peak.

"Tong... Senior Sister Tong?"

Xiao Jinse called out hesitantly.

Tong Yao, her expression a mixture of anger and concern, looked up. "Oh, it's you. I'm so frustrated!"

"Ah?"

Xiao Jinse's expression shifted slightly.

Tong Yao explained, "I'm not upset with you. It's those idiots I'm mad at. So what if Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian prefers women? Instead of wasting time discussing this, they should be focusing on improving their own strength!"

Xiao Jinse was puzzled.

She ventured cautiously, "Martial Sister Bai Lian prefers women? What do you mean?"

Tong Yao seemed surprised. "Don't you know?"

Xiao Jinse shook her head.

"Alright, let me explain..."

As Xiao Jinse listened, her heart raced.

A sudden realization dawned upon her.

Why had Martial Sister Bai Lian been so kind to her? The question that had puzzled her for so long seemed to have found an answer.

Could it be that Martial Sister Bai Lian truly liked her?

No, no, no. Xiao Jinse hastily shook her head.

Surely there were far better women out there, and she and Martial Sister Bai Lian had met for the first time in Castle Peak City.

Love at first sight? Impossible!

Her appearance wasn't particularly appealing.

But...

If this was indeed the truth, then she...

"Hello?"

Tong Yao's voice broke through Xiao Jinse's daydreaming.

"I'm fine!" Xiao Jinse replied hurriedly.

"That's good. I'll be going then," Tong Yao said, leaving in anger and muttering threats, "A bunch of idiots! If they provoke me again, I'll teach them a lesson!"

Xiao Jinse ascended Qiongming Peak with a whirlwind of thoughts.

When she encountered Bai Lian, her gaze instinctively averted, unable to meet Bai Lian's eyes directly.

"Elder Martial Sister."

Bai Lian greeted her with a smile. "Younger Martial Sister, you can rest assured. Master has just returned from a trip and seems to have something urgent to discuss with me. I'll go see her."

"Understood."

Xiao Jinse hurriedly entered her room.

Though her junior Martial Sister's behavior was peculiar, Bai Lian didn't think much of it. Her focus now was to resolve An Lan's situation.