Chapter 1: Gray Wind Town

The East Divine Land was a vast and expansive realm. Just the southern sand region occupied nearly a tenth of this vast land. Legends recounted that this place was once filled with the songs of birds and the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers. Lush green trees had cast cooling shadows.

But roughly three thousand years ago, an unknown immortal fell upon this land. He was gravely wounded and sought to recuperate. However, his condition deteriorated, and a potent poison drove him to madness.

The immortal descended into madness, unleashing his fury upon the land. He toppled the highest mountain and drained its clearest river. In the throes of his madness, he even turned his wrath upon himself.

Ordinary individuals causing self-inflicted harm would not result in significant damage. But immortals were different. His self-inflicted injuries led to rivers of blood that could annihilate cities. He severed his own "Immortal base" with a sword, unleashing a storm that raged for months.

The earth trembled, mountains crumbled, and rivers ran amok. Thus, the Sand Region was born.

It was this legend that bestowed upon the Sand Region the moniker of the "Immortal Graveyard." The East Divine Land had been stained with the blood of an immortal.

Year after year, countless treasure seekers flocked to the East Divine Land, enticed by this legend. Even if they didn't find immortal relics, uncovering the ruins of ancient sects buried beneath the sand was considered a great achievement. Over time, the Sand Region became synonymous with chaos. Many powerful sects deliberately chose this area as a training ground for their disciples.

Bai Lian, who was well-versed in the game's plot, knew that this legend held some truth. This wasn't solely due to the third Martial Sister, who had reincarnated, finding the almost-collapsed immortal treasure [Ten Thousand Poison Pearl].

Moreover, in a positive ending concerning the third Martial Sister, she would ultimately annihilate the Qiongming Peak, with Bai Lian becoming her slave!

In the "Flames of War" episode, Bai Lian had unearthed many secrets concerning the third Martial Sister. For instance, the third Martial Sister was a reincarnator. Before her reincarnation, she had never been part of the Duxian Sect and had endured a deeply unhappy existence. The previous timeline's Bai Lian had been cunning and malicious, one of the reasons she had resisted joining the Duxian Sect.

Furthermore, after repairing the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl, the third Martial Sister acquired a rare demonic god bloodline. The "Heaven-Defying Asura" moniker, rather than "Heaven-Defying Demonic God," was likely due to her extensive kill count.

Deep in thought, Bai Lian mused to herself. There shouldn't be any other explanations.

To successfully bring the formidable third Martial Sister back to the Duxian Sect and peacefully coexist with the second Martial Sister...

"Sigh!"

Glancing at the weathered ancient city before her, Bai Lian let out a sigh. Life wasn't easy.

Retrieving the map her master An Lan had provided, Bai Lian set out to locate the third Martial Sister's precise whereabouts before devising a plan.

Given the plot's slight deviation from the original game, Bai Lian couldn't ascertain whether An Lan had already dismantled the third Martial Sister's [Golden finger], the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl.

"If it's truly broken, the third Martial Sister's danger will be significantly reduced!"

The thought thrilled Bai Lian.

For the second Martial Sister, she hoped to foster her bravery, transforming her into the resilient Holy Spirit Goddess from the game. She would occasionally play the role of a righteous ally.

However, the third Martial Sister was different. Bai Lian aspired for her to attain revenge and then cultivate a tranquil existence, indulging in leisurely pursuits like gardening. Wouldn't that be beautiful?

"What do you think?"

Bai Lian suddenly addressed the rabbit lounging at her feet.

"Squeek!"

The jade rabbit flopped onto its back, legs in the air, its long blue and white ears fanning like wings.

[Hot]

Bai Lian understood its intent.

With a snap of her fingers, over a dozen ice butterflies materialized, fluttering around the jade rabbit. Just like that, a mobile air-conditioned zone was created.

The rabbit's previously rigid ears now drooped, softened by the cooler atmosphere.

"Let's go."

The location where An Lan had discovered the third Martial Sister awaited—Gray Wind Town.

...

Gray Wind Town was a modest settlement within the Sand Region. Despite its small size, its vibrancy rivaled even the elegant and ancient cities along the Eastern Divine Continent's coast.

As Bai Lian passed through the dilapidated town gate, the shouts of vendors lining the wide street reached her ears.

"Water, water! Buy some sweet water!"

"Come take a look! Fluffy tree bark with built-in warming effects—perfect for combating loneliness during travels! Don't let others take advantage of you!"

"Squeek!"

The jade rabbit gazed curiously at the white fluffy tree bark, resembling a cylinder.

Bai Lian quickly pulled it back. "It's not for eating, it has a specific purpose."

"Squeek?"

The naive rabbit seemed puzzled. Was it some sort of water kettle?

Bai Lian didn't bother explaining. Even if the female rabbit comprehended its purpose, it likely wouldn't matter.

As Bai Lian headed toward the third Martial Sister's residence, a quarrel erupted at a nearby stall.

A lavishly dressed woman with a cold expression confronted a vendor selling fluffy tree bark.

"You, shameless! How dare you peddle such goods in broad daylight!"

The vendor retorted, "Miss, I'm not stealing or committing any crime in Gray Wind Town. Why can't I sell these?"

The woman's face reddened as she scolded, "You're vulgar!"

"I'd love to be upper-class too, but I lack the opportunity," muttered the vendor.

With a resounding clang, the woman unsheathed her sword. Her Martial Sister rushed over, anxious to defuse the situation.

Witnessing the escalating conflict, three options appeared before Bai Lian:

[Task 1: Aid the woman (Reward: Medium-grade magic weapon)]

[Task 2: Purchase all the tree bark with money (Reward: Qi Gathering Technique)]

[Task 3: Not my concern! (Reward: Painting +1)]

To avoid catching the attention of the malevolent individuals in the game who solely targeted women, Bai Lian had taken pains to alter her appearance with magic and conceal her face with a veil.

"Not my concern!"

This wasn't the time to invite trouble.

From the task rewards, one could infer that the stall owner likely had influential backers. The villains in this game followed typical xianxia novel tropes. Bai Lian wisely opted to avoid unnecessary complications.

[Task completed. Reward: Painting +1]

"Excellent!"

Beyond the heat, Bai Lian found herself quite fond of Gray Wind Town.

Her fondness had a simple cause: the abundance of white-haired individuals!

Nearly half of the people she encountered had white hair. And since the third Martial Sister also had white hair, her heavy heart lightened a little.

Half an hour later, Bai Lian reached the gates of a sprawling mansion.

[Su Family of Gray Wind Town]

As she was aware, the Su Family was a small cultivation clan, with the strongest member merely at the Foundation Establishment stage. The third Martial Sister was the adopted daughter of the fifth elder of the Su Family.

Her full name was Su Youwei.