Chapter 2 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

Turning into a plush ball upon being pursued... Isn't this exactly the kind of treatment normally reserved for characters in those games? Why was it happening to her now?! Bai Lian, once full of righteous resolve, now huddled in the corner of her room, her knees drawn to her chest, her world turned ashen. She felt utterly foolish, truly. She had believed that as long as she avoided the old paths, minding her own business, she could evade the fate of being axed and achieve the accomplishment of dying a natural death. Yet, she had never imagined that the way of the heavens would pull such a grand trick—those girls she had once pursued were now reborn with memories intact, and she was the one being pursued! She was painfully aware of what it meant to turn into a plush ball in an adult-themed game. More importantly, "Die Without Dual Cultivation" wasn't just any game; it was an explicit one set in a xianxia world. There were countless ways for her to meet a bad end; being axed might actually be the best outcome. To avoid becoming a plush ball, she had to conceal her former identity, and under no circumstances could she let those who she previously pursued discover her! As Bai Lian made up her mind, Gu Qingqing, who had initially intended to leave, paused outside the door. She lowered her head, looking at the cobblestone path beneath her feet. This was the road she knew better than any other in this life and the last, leading not only to her disciple's room but also to her husband, or perhaps— Her master. A sudden clench of her fists betrayed Gu Qingqing’s flaring memories, angrily flashing through her mind. She exhaled slowly, finally suppressing the murderous intent within her. In her previous life, she had walked this path daily, then suffered disgraceful postures and endless indecencies at the hands of her disciple in this very small house, and was even forced to share a husband later on. Relief only came when she saw other sisters fall to the sharp blades. Having been given a second chance at life, she was filled with a burning desire to set this house ablaze and drag that hypocritical disciple out to be viciously beaten…or killed! But rationality advised against it. Because that supposedly hypocritical senior disciple from her previous life was mysteriously now a pitiable young girl, entirely lacking the tall and striking build and sunny, handsome looks. And—she even had a pair of enviable assets! Gritting her teeth, Gu Qingqing stared at her slightly heaving chest, an inexplicable frustration welling within her. "Hmph, I, Gu Qingqing, disdain to murder the innocent. Lian'er, if you truly aren't that traitor in this life, then so be it. But if I find you are..." Mumbling to herself, a flicker of murderous intent crossed her gaze. Born into a prestigious righteous sect, despite enduring Bai Lian's torment in her past, she couldn’t bring herself to harm the innocent. Perhaps Bai Lian was genuinely an innocent girl, or perhaps she was merely feigning ignorance. But none of this mattered; as a cultivator, she had all the time in the world. "I'll kill you without hesitation." "No, I’ll make you suffer a fate worse than death, returning all the humiliations from my past life onto you." "Then, it will be your turn to walk this cobblestone path, posturing shamefully and murmuring lascivious gibberish..." ... "Senior Sister!" "Good morning, Senior Sister!" Having risen early, Bai Lian found herself amidst the morning routine of disciples at the Taihua Sword Sect, as they made their way to the Sword Polishing Platform. Their eyes lit up upon seeing Bai Lian gracefully walking along the pebble path, and they halted their steps to greet her. To the myriad of disciples of Taihua Sword Sect, Bai Lian was always shrouded in mystery—exceptionally gifted and breathtakingly beautiful, her demeanor as pure and lofty as an ice lotus, but as gentle and clear as a mountain spring. It was said that every disciple fortunate enough to engage with her emerged feeling as if they’d returned to a mother’s embrace. Even beyond Taihua Sword Sect, tales of Senior Sister Bai Lian's virtues spread far and wide. It was rumored that the Empress of the Baize Empire was willing to offer half her kingdom in marriage, just to make Bai Lian her empress. To think that the Empress, not only a ruler but a rare solar potential among immortals, would be enamored with Bai Lian speaks volumes of her allure. Unfortunately, despite her gentleness, Senior Sister Bai Lian was rather aloof, seldom seen, even by disciples of the Yongji Peak, much less outsiders. Thus, when she unexpectedly appeared on the path frequented by disciples on their way to morning lessons, her presence instantly drew all eyes. In response to her fellow disciples' greetings, Bai Lian nodded gently, her demeanor calm and composed, exuding the aura of a contemporary top disciple, mesmerizing onlookers. "Ah... it felt like Senior Sister Bai Lian smiled at me... my spirit platform seems to be morphing into her visage..." "Who would've thought that after more than two years since joining, I would finally see the living Senior Sister Bai Lian. Heaven is truly smiling upon me!" "No... No way! Am I dreaming? Junior Brother, stab me quickly or we’ll be late for morning lessons!" "... Senior Brother, perhaps you should consult with Uncle Master at Ganlin Peak about your spirit." "You’re right, it must be that I’ve not seen Senior Sister Bai Lian for too long and have strayed from my path in cultivation. I shall head to Ganlin Peak at once!" "I saw Senior Sister Bai Lian too. I’m going with you!" This generation of disciples, having been inducted less than three years ago, had not yet reached a level where they could communicate with spiritual whispers. As a result, their murmurs drifted into Bai Lian's ears, carried by the gentle breeze, leaving her expression slightly awkward. It felt as though her short stint as a cultivator hadn't yet passed, and she was already becoming a legend at Taihua Sword Sect. Reflecting on the grand image she held in the minds of her fellow disciples, a hint of bittersweet emotion lingered within her. When she first realized she had transmigrated into the game world, she chose to prudently avoid repeating the mistake of being violently "axed"—staying out of the spotlight, avoiding unnecessary social interactions, and training diligently with the solitary aim of early ascension and liberation. Yet, over three years, she naturally ascended to the position of top disciple of Taihua Sword Sect, widely acknowledged as the Senior Sister in everyone's hearts. Even she had become accustomed to identifying herself as the Senior Sister of Taihua Sword Sect, having shed much of the reckless attitude she’d had in the game. Thinking back on these three years, it felt like walking on thin ice. Now, however, learning through divine guidance that the game's heroines had reincarnated with memories intact, she felt an unexpected sense of relief. At least, the years spent in disguise hadn't been in vain, as not even the closest of them, Gu Qingqing, could associate her current self with the reckless Bai Lian from the game. What her master had called her to the main hall for this time remained a mystery. No matter how much information the game offered, it could never encapsulate the details of the real world. From what she recalled, around this time in the game, her in-game self should still be striving to become the next Senior Brother of Taihua Sword Sect, with the exception of having successfully initiated Gu Qingqing and obtained her master's first kiss, among other trivial milestones. For now, all she could do was take it one step at a time... Gazing at the elegant main hall of Yongji Peak ahead, Bai Lian rubbed her delicate face, smoothing away the bitterness and replacing it with a gentle smile. She pushed open the doors to the main hall and glided inside. "Master, why have you summoned me so early..." Her gentle voice cut off abruptly, her lips parting slightly as she stared, dazed, toward the main seat. Gu Qingqing sat in a large wooden chair, resting her chin on her hand, watching Bai Lian with a gentle smile. Standing behind her was a striking young woman. The girl wore a monochrome robe embroidered with Taihua's auspicious clouds, her long black hair tied into a neat ponytail. Her physique was tall and upright, yet her aura exuded restraint, reminiscent of a sheathed divine sword. More captivating than her figure were her eyes, deep-set and introspective, yet brimming with a piercing sword-like gleam, seemingly capable of penetrating one's very soul. As she gazed at the frozen Bai Lian, the girl's almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a subtle smile as she softly spoke: “Bai Lian… Senior Sister, long time no see.”