Chapter 13: Honest Elder!

"Damn."

"A bunch of idiots."

After reprimanding those who attempted to challenge her dozens of times, Bai Lian realized she was nearly at her destination.

Mountains and rivers, pavilions dotting the landscape.

She glanced at Xiao Jinse by her side, intending to say something, but was greeted with the sight of her younger martial sister's eyes gleaming. "Elder martial sister, you're truly benevolent. I couldn't be as generous if I were in your place!"

"..."

Truthfully, I'd love to give them all a punch in the face!

But…

Bai Lian opened her mouth to speak but decided against it. More words often led to more mistakes. For the time being, she resolved to maintain her composed and elegant demeanor.

Just before reaching the entrance of the Cultivation Method Pavilion, Bai Lian noticed a tall, muscular man in a loose Taoist robe with a distinctive square face.

This was the elder of the Cultivation Method Pavilion, Gaoyi, nicknamed Floating Cloud Zi.

Speaking of nicknames, the standard format for the Duxian sect elders' nicknames was "XX Zi."

For instance, "Jue Yun Zi" and "Floating Cloud Zi."

Bai Lian mused about her own nickname—

Bai Lian Zi, Eccentric Zi, Scoundrel Zi…

With the addition of "Zi," even those derogatory terms seemed oddly endearing.

However, upon deeper reflection, "XX Zi" wasn't quite as captivating as "Heavenly Shura" or "Crazy Dragon War God."

Bai Lian paused on the wooden bridge leading to the entrance of the Cultivation Method Pavilion as Gaoyi already called out to her.

"Elder Gaoyi."

Bai Lian offered a slight bow, and Xiao Jinse followed suit beside her.

Gaoyi smiled, nodded, pointed at Xiao Jinse, and inquired, "Is she the new disciple of Younger Martial Sister An Lan?"

Xiao Jinse blushed and remained silent. Bai Lian spoke on her behalf, "Indeed. Elder Gaoyi, I intend to bring my junior martial sister to the Cultivation Method Pavilion to select a suitable cultivation technique."

Gaoyi's attention didn't linger on Xiao Jinse for long.

When compared to the Natural Saint Bai Lian, no one else demanded such attention!

"What can I do for you, Elder Gaoyi?"

Gaoyi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "This is something I can't discuss openly."

So, it's something secretive?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinse stepped back discreetly.

Gaoyi pinched his fingers, forming a Taoist spell circle to prevent eavesdropping from outsiders.

Suddenly, he let out a sigh and said, "Bai Lian, are you aware that you'll soon face a great calamity?"

"?"

Is he some kind of fortune-teller?

Despite her inner grumbling, Bai Lian felt a touch of guilt.

If she didn't handle the upcoming challenges well, a great disaster would indeed befall her.

Could it be that Elder Gaoyi could see through her incompetence?

New task options materialized in front of Bai Lian.

[Task 1: Confess your true strength immediately. (Reward: Immovable Body)]

[Task 2: "Did you come here to impart wisdom?" (Reward: Best Magic Tool - Heavenly Flying Flag)]

[Task 3: Humbly seek guidance, "Could you elaborate, Elder Gaoyi?" (Reward: Soft Skill +2)]

Seeing these options, Bai Lian smiled inwardly and automatically grew fonder of Gaoyi by 1 point.

Of course, she wouldn't opt for Task 1 at this moment. Task 2 was equally risky; Bai Lian wasn't ready for that.

She cupped her hands and inquired, "Could you elaborate, Elder Gaoyi?"

"Ha ha," Gaoyi chuckled. "Very composed, excellent! Bai Lian, rest assured, I'm only teasing you. Let me ask, have you experienced any changes in your divine body recently?"

"..."

New task options popped up once again for Bai Lian.

[Task 1: "I'm not sure!" (Reward: Heavenly King's Spear Technique)]

[Task 2: "I haven't sensed any changes." (Reward: Mid-grade Magic Tool - Dragon Lock)]

[Task 3: Sigh, "This does concern me." (Reward: Calligraphy +3)]

Observing Gaoyi's amused expression, Bai Lian's heart raced. It was the first time she had encountered such a flurry of task options. Gaoyi was clearly testing her!

With a hint of distress, Bai Lian admitted, "A change occurred a few days ago…"

She took a step closer to Gaoyi and showcased her Tao Halo Special Effects.

Gaoyi nodded approvingly. "Marvelous, absolutely marvelous!"

He raised his clenched right hand and then opened it, revealing a blue star-like earring. "The sect leader wanted me to present this to you."

Why would the sect leader give me an earring?

Bai Lian eyed it suspiciously.

Gaoyi clarified, "It will help you conceal the Tao Halo that you unconsciously emit."

Bai Lian managed a smile.

Ah, a free piece of equipment. Only a fool would decline.

"Have you ever wondered why Jiang Ning suddenly comprehended the Tao?"

Bai Lian shook her head.

"That's because he saw your footprints!" Gaoyi asserted, "More precisely, he perceived the Tao halo you left behind as you walked. That's when he had his epiphany."

"...."

Gaoyi continued, "While Jiang Ning and the others remained oblivious, it doesn't imply that no one else will notice. Once word spreads, powerful individuals from across the realm will undoubtedly come to study your footprints. And by then, you'll find yourself in a predicament…"

Bai Lian's expression turned bitter.

Can she ever catch a break?

But she was powerless against this infernal system.

As she envisaged that scenario, Bai Lian shivered.

It's truly unnerving.

Gaoyi added, "You're an astute young woman. I won't always be around to remind you. I'll attend to other matters, and all you need to bear in mind is the importance of concealing your true strength."

I understand!

Bai Lian nodded in agreement, expressing, "Thank you for your guidance and the sect leader's support."

Gaoyi's smile widened.

He was genuinely content with Bai Lian's overall response. Younger Martial Sister An Lan might be unreliable, but she certainly found herself an exceptional disciple!

Upon parting ways, Gaoyi discreetly checked Bai Lian's cultivation level.

Late Foundation Establishment Stage?

Ah, I see.

Gaoyi sighed, his emotions stirred. He comprehended. Bai Lian had been adeptly concealing her true power for quite a while, and the method she employed to do so was so advanced that even he couldn't penetrate it.

"Yes, carry on." Gaoyi encouraged, "I believe you have the potential to surpass your master."

Bai Lian hastened to express her disbelief.

"There's no need to be excessively modest in front of me, ha ha."

Warm appreciation shone in Gaoyi's eyes. If only he had a daughter as exceptional as Bai Lian!

With a sweep of his sleeve, he took flight and disappeared into the distance.

Bai Lian was left momentarily dumbfounded.

She's not pretending to be modest. She's genuinely sincere.

Surpass the Immortal Heavenly Lord?

That's just wishful thinking!

"Elder martial sister."

As Gaoyi departed, Xiao Jinse approached Bai Lian. She peered at Bai Lian, curiosity evident in her gaze, as if she sought an explanation for the recent interaction.

Bai Lian disclosed, "It was nothing major. Elder Gaoyi merely advised me to mask my true strength to prevent arousing envy from others."

Xiao Jinse remarked, "Elder Gaoyi is truly a dedicated elder!"

Couldn't agree more.

Even though the process had been somewhat perilous, he furnished me with equipment and skill points. Labeling him a dedicated elder is only fair!

...

Within the Cultivation Method Pavilion.

Bai Lian first aided Xiao Jinse in selecting a fire-based cultivation method, consistent with the game's setting. Afterward, she escorted her to the qualification assessment area.

"Place your hands on it."

"Alright."

Xiao Jinse complied without hesitation.

After a few moments, faint inscriptions began appearing on the pillar.

Bai Lian couldn't help but wish her second martial sister a swift recovery from her despondent state.

Her sentiments were complicated.

While she admired the younger martial sisters' fortitude, she also yearned to maintain a certain distance from them. Yet, her heart ached when she considered their life experiences.

As anticipated, the phrase "Inferior Fire-type Spiritual Root" eventually materialized on the pillar.

Bai Lian gently patted Xiao Jinse's head. "Junior martial sister, as far as I'm aware, spiritual roots can be improved. There's no need for you to feel disheartened. Master and I will do our best to enhance your spiritual root."

Xiao Jinse looked up.

To Bai Lian's surprise, Xiao Jinse's face wasn't clouded by sadness; rather, a hint of joy adorned her features.

"Elder martial sister, compared to before, I'm already content!"

Elder martial sister Bai Lian.

My world was once enveloped in darkness, devoid of light. Yet you brought light into my life. Even if the illumination is faint, I'll strive to embrace it wholeheartedly.

That night, Bai Lian lay on her back within the cold pool.

She felt weary.

Every month, she permitted herself a few days of introspection.

Suddenly, a rustling sound reached her ears from outside the medicinal garden, causing Bai Lian to sit upright.

It's that rabbit again!