Chapter 12: Senior Sister Bai

– At the square.

Bai Lian said, "Junior Brother Jiang."

The onlookers stood on tiptoes and raised their ears, fearing to miss Bai Lian's words.

Jiang Ning was nervous.

Will she agree to my request?

At the thought that Martial Sister Bai Lian might refuse his unreasonable request, his hand trembled involuntarily.

Impulsive!

Jiang Ning now felt regret.

So many people are watching him. He can't back down now.

He just hopes Martial Sister Bai Lian takes the fight lightly; otherwise, if he loses badly, he won't be able to face anyone for a long time.

Bai Lian continued, "I'm going to accompany my junior martial sister to the Cultivation Method Pavilion to choose a suitable cultivation method. I may not be able to leave for a while. Besides–"

Jiang Ning nodded inwardly. He thought that was a euphemistic refusal.

Before Bai Lian finished speaking, Xiao Jinse, who had been with her, chimed in.

She gently pulled Bai Lian's sleeve, her eyes full of remorse. "Elder Martial Sister, I think this Elder Martial Brother sincerely wishes to challenge you. How can I let you deny him this opportunity because of me? Elder Martial Sister, you…"

Xiao Jinse's voice grew softer and softer, as she noticed Bai Lian turning around and looking her up and down with ambiguous eyes.

Xiao Jinse, who was still somewhat timid and self-deprecating, immediately stopped talking.

"Are you rebelling?" Bai Lian shouted in her mind.

After all, she's her closest elder martial sister. Why did she help Jiang Ning, an outsider?

What a dilemma!

Oh well.

Blame this useless system.

If she had a Protagonist Developing System instead of this garbage Task System, Bai Lian would teach this rebellious second martial sister a lesson.

You dare not listen to your elder martial sister's words? Quite audacious. Be prepared for the consequences!

╭(╯^╰)╮

Bai Lian decided to forgive Xiao Jinse for now. She wasn't planning to reject Jiang Ning's challenge anyway.

"Younger Martial Brother Jiang, I sense a certain instability in your disposition. Let's have our match when you're in your best state."

[Task completed. Refining Energy Pill delivered.]

Ah?

Jiang Ning was taken aback.

So that's what Martial Sister Bai Lian meant!

After all, it was Martial Sister Bai Lian, who saw through his cowardice at a glance. This gave him a chance to save face.

Jiang Ning smiled wryly.

He realized there were many people watching. He can't just walk away now.

He just hopes Martial Sister Bai Lian's intentions were indeed as kind as they seemed.

Martial Sister Bai Lian's gesture warmed his heart. He knew that if he didn't dare to fight this time, he wouldn't have the courage to challenge her next time either.

Though it was said that Martial Sister Bai Lian had reached the Nascent Soul Stage, he estimated that to be an exaggeration. However, he believed she had likely reached the Golden Core Stage!

Golden Core Stage vs. Foundation Establishment Stage?

Jiang Ning knew this fight was a near-impossible feat. Yet, he wasn't seeking victory against Martial Sister Bai Lian. He just wanted to overcome his own past self!

"Thank you for your consideration, Martial Sister Bai Lian."

Jiang Ning held his sword and bowed.

As he straightened himself, his scabbard shifted!

Bai Lian rolled her eyes.

Jiang Ning was truly as obstinate as the system indicated. Fortunately, she was well-prepared for this.

Bai Lian placed a hand on her sword and turned slightly to address everyone at Yunluo Peak.

"In that case, let's proceed as follows. You and I are martial siblings, after all. We should show restraint when necessary."

Jiang Ning nodded, though he didn't entirely understand Bai Lian's intention.

Bai Lian continued, "In this match, I won't employ any spiritual energy or spells; I will rely solely on this Dirt-Free Sword in my hand!"

"This…"

"Let's conclude it swiftly!"

"…."

Bai Lian turned around, and a rare smile graced her lips. "What are your thoughts on this proposal, Junior Brother Jiang?"

Jiang Ning was stirred.

He looked at Bai Lian's smile, warm as a spring breeze.

In order to save him from embarrassment and give him a chance to save face, Martial Sister Bai Lian devised new rules for the contest, relinquishing almost all her advantages!

What else could he say?

He couldn't possibly refuse Martial Sister Bai Lian's kindness!

"As Martial Sister Bai Lian suggested, I'll abstain from using spiritual energy or spells, relying solely on this jade sword." Jiang Ning's voice trembled slightly.

The perceptive individuals among the onlookers began to "grasp" Bai Lian's plan.

"Top-notch idol!"

"Let's nominate Martial Sister Bai Lian as the next sect leader of Duxian Sect!"

"Kind-hearted Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian!"

Tong Yao regarded Bai Lian with admiration. "She's the perfect Martial Sister Bai Lian that I've always admired!"

Cough.

Bai Lian maintained a serious expression.

Great. That's what she aimed for.

Everyone thought she was handicapping herself, relinquishing her strengths. In truth, this contest was designed to highlight her strengths.

Even from the start, her speed wasn't slow. After ingesting the Red Flame Grass, her Light Skill had reached 126 points. With an additional 35 points of Light Skill from the Cloud Boots, she was likely the fastest woman at the Foundation Establishment Stage!

If she couldn't defeat Jiang Ning in this scenario, she'd be better off dead.

Truly a genius idea!

"Younger Martial Brother Jiang, come forth!"

Bai Lian took Xiao Jinse's hand and soared on her sword to the base of Yunluo Mountain.

She turned to her junior martial sister, who stood by the stream, and stated, "Junior Sister, stay here. Don't wander. I'll be right back."

"Yes."

Xiao Jinse hung her head in shame.

She felt foolish for interrupting and nearly derailing Martial Sister Bai Lian's original plan.

At present, above the stream, a person stood on each side of the cliff.

On the left stood Jiang Ning, the future Jade Sword Hero, leaning on his sword with his eyes closed, feeling the breeze as he rapidly adjusted his mindset.

On the right stood Bai Lian. The faux Natural Saint gently grazed the blade of her Dirt-Free Sword. From a distance, she appeared as one with the extended sword.

None could know that Bai Lian was contemplating running away but ultimately discarded that disgraceful idea.

Numerous disciples of Duxian Sect were scattered below the cliff. The outcome would be decided in moments. They gazed at Bai Lian and Jiang Ning, terrified of missing any nuances of the battle.

"Come to think of it, Martial Sister Bai Lian hasn't showcased her skills publicly for over a year."

"Yes."

"It's a shame I can't capture the grandeur of Martial Sister Bai Lian!"

Suddenly, the stream beneath them surged, spouting a water column over ten feet high.

Jiang Ning promptly opened his eyes. By the match's rules, this signaled the competition's commencement.

Droplets of water landed on his face. Swiftly drawing his sword from its scabbard, he slashed with a movement, sending cold light and turbulent energy to shatter the water column.

"Hmm?"

Jiang Ning was momentarily stunned.

When he reached for his sword, he could see Martial Sister Bai Lian on the opposite cliff. However, by the time he unsheathed his weapon, she had already vanished.

How was she so fast?

Jiang Ning was quite confident in his speed. He had practiced this simple move for a decade.

But today…

Above!

Jiang Ning clenched his teeth and glanced upward. To his surprise, all he saw was the sun obscured by fog.

Something's amiss.

Jiang Ning's realization finally struck, but he knew it was too late.

A glint of a sword emerged, followed by Martial Sister Bai Lian descending from the sky like a plummeting dragon.

Jiang Ning only had time to cross his sword before him.

He couldn't make out anything clearly. When he caught up, the chilly tip of Bai Lian's sword had already withdrawn from his neck.

He chuckled bitterly.

He recalled a certain poem: "Strike like lightning, swift as rippling waves on the sea."

Bang, clang.

Jiang Ning's sword clattered to the ground.

"I concede."

Cheers resounded from below. Everyone celebrated Bai Lian's victory. Yet, Jiang Ning didn't taste bitterness. He was proudest of his swordsmanship, but even in this, he was surpassed by Martial Sister Bai Lian. What was there to lament?

Jiang Ning raised his head and found a white hand extending a sword to him.

Bai Lian's voice sounded light, "Here, your sword!"

Jiang Ning swiftly accepted it.

Then Bai Lian remarked, "How could a swordsman willingly relinquish his sword?"

Jiang Ning swallowed hard.

"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian has taught me a valuable lesson!"

As Bai Lian turned to leave, he quickly inquired, "Martial Sister Bai Lian, why is your sword so swift and unpredictable?"

"?"

I cheated!

Bai Lian certainly couldn't reveal the truth. For a moment, she couldn't concoct a suitable excuse. Just as she was pondering, a line from League of Legends—Yasuo's line—flashed in her mind, and she casually appropriated it.

"Follow the wind!"

Follow the wind?

Follow the wind.

Follow the wind!

With each repetition of this phrase, Jiang Ning's eyes brightened.

All things in heaven and earth have their spirits.

He saw the traces and rhythms left by the blowing wind, etched upon the path trodden by Bai Lian.

Jiang Ning couldn't help but sigh, "I get it now. Martial Sister Bai Lian has reached the realm of 'Sword art I, I art sword'!"

Hiss—

Onlookers gasped collectively.

Then they exhaled. After all, it was Martial Sister Bai Lian. It made sense.

Jiang Ning appeared transformed. His demeanor had completely changed. He stood tall and announced, "Thank you, Martial Sister Bai Lian. I have a feeling I'll break through to the Golden Core Stage within three months!"

He then bowed deeply in gratitude.

The future "Yasuo" was about to soar with the wind!

"???", Bai Lian's mind was filled with question marks.

Her foot slipped, and if she hadn't regained her balance in time, she might have tumbled into the stream and gotten wet.

Golden Core Stage?

Hold on. I'm still far from reaching the Golden Core Stage. How did Jiang Ning suddenly find a breakthrough method?

Beast, what did you discover?

Bai Lian wanted nothing more than to slam a table.

But she couldn't. She had to endure it. While listening to those compliments, she took Xiao Jinse and headed to the Cultivation Method Pavilion.

The most terrifying part was hearing many people express their intention to summon the courage to challenge her.

"I've been stuck on the tenth level of the Qi Refining Stage for ages."

"I'm eager to reach the Golden Core Stage too."

Tong Yao mused enviously, "Should I challenge Martial Sister Bai Lian as well?"

No!

She couldn't stay here any longer!

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