Chapter 10 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

"Junior Sister, please restrain yourself!" Bai Lian felt a warm, moist sensation at the tip of her ear. Her face instantly flushed, and she slipped out from Mu Jianli's embrace like a slippery eel, pushing her away in the process. Mu Jianli did not resist, allowing her body to drift backward with the force of Bai Lian's shove. She cast a peculiar look at Bai Lian—just moments ago, her Sword Heart's clarity had activated, an indication that she had once again lost herself, almost drowning in the allure of tender affection. Compared to those fleshly bodhisattvas in the demonic cave, her familiar yet enigmatic senior sister seemed more like an enchanting temptress beguiling the heart. In that instant, she somewhat understood why her senior brother in a past life became so indulgent in affection. However, unlike her senior brother, she was devoted solely to him. Leaning against the edge of the hot spring, Bai Lian panted slightly, casting an accusatory glare at Mu Jianli. "Junior Sister Jianli, our relationship isn't that intimate, is it? If you still hold a grudge over my past actions against you, you could have just said it directly, and I would apologize. There's no need to tease me like this!" Of course, her expression of indignation was merely an act. Her goal was to show only a mild familiarity with Mu Jianli, pretending not to be too close. However, the shyness was genuine because Mu Jianli's actions were too audacious—she had actually blown into Bai Lian's ear! Bai Lian had once enjoyed blowing into the ears of female leads herself, delighting in their shy reactions, never expecting that one day the tables would turn. Bai Lian's indignant words snapped Mu Jianli out of her reverie. She looked at the embarrassed, furious Bai Lian who was wrapping her arms around herself, inexplicably feeling a sense of déjà vu. As if in the past, she too had faced her senior brother with nothing but helplessness and annoyance while harboring affection for him. What kind of feelings did Senior Sister Bai Lian hold for her, she wondered? Bai Lian could have displayed more intense emotions or even retaliated against her—after all, it was she who had acted frivolously. But instead, Bai Lian merely demonstrated a rueful annoyance, her words carrying a hint of grievance. Mu Jianli realized that Bai Lian was consistently gentle with her, even though she had behaved rather excessively over the past couple of days. Was it simply Bai Lian's nature, or something else? Bai Lian, could you possibly be Senior Brother? Her gaze at Bai Lian deepened, as if trying to discern something from this normally aloof, yet genuinely gentle senior sister. But there was nothing to glean—only a fierce glare was returned to her. How adorable, she thought—even when angry. "Senior Sister, you've misunderstood." She lowered her gaze, smiling slightly. "I just found Senior Sister's expression so adorable just now, that I couldn't resist teasing." Honestly, whether or not the senior sister before her truly was the senior brother from her memories—everything but Bai Lian seemed the same. Subconsciously, she felt transported back to those times in the bath shared with Senior Brother. To think that the senior brother who had once overpowered her now became a delicate maiden blushing under her playful gestures—it inexplicably brought her a sort of pleasure. She wasn't sure what this feeling was—a desire to conquer, perhaps, or a yearning for control? She didn't know, but she found herself savoring it. Even her Sword Heart's clarity could not suppress the growing notions in her mind. Since you indulge me so, going a little further with my mischief shouldn't be an issue, right, Senior Sister? "Hmph, so you knowingly offended me?" Bai Lian scoffed. "You really just want to provoke me, don't you? Don't forget, you're merely the second seat among current disciples, while I am the senior sister. This is insubordination!" "Yes, Jianli has overstepped, please punish me, Senior Sister," Mu Jianli replied candidly. "Uh..." Bai Lian had not expected Mu Jianli's response. She had intended to provoke Mu Jianli’s pride, envisioning a confrontation, some bickering, culminating in their mutual estrangement. Yet, here was Mu Jianli acting as if Bai Lian’s chastisement was entirely justified. Where was her pride? Her sword spirit? Her protagonist’s drive? Why was she behaving like a contrite partner willing to shoulder all blame? It was like trying to cook a dead pig in boiling water and being met with unexpected docility. Bai Lian gritted her teeth, vexed by Mu Jianli's unruffled demeanor. Punishment… Punishment… That’s it! Suddenly, Bai Lian's eyes brightened. "Hmph, considering you were out exterminating demons, you must have been affected by demonic influence, which led to these improper thoughts." As she spoke, she rose from the water. With a surge of spiritual energy, the water droplets on her body evaporated, surrounding her in a shroud of mist that concealed her sensitive areas. With a flick of her fingers, the gauzy fabric folded at a distance came to her call. Everything transpired in a flash; by the time Mu Jianli blinked, Bai Lian was already seated by the hot spring in her delicate attire, lazily leaning against a rock as she looked at her. She extended her foot, the silk slipping down to reveal her slender, jade-like leg. "Since you admit your wrongdoing, then accept your punishment. Come, Junior Sister Jianli, wash my feet." Hmph, so verbal provocation doesn't affect you. Let’s see how you handle the humiliation of washing my feet—surely, your sword spirit will take issue with such servitude. Initially feeling a pang of regret at having missed the spectacle, Mu Jianli was taken aback—could this really be happening? Oh, wait. Had it been anyone else she might have already drawn her sword in response. But the key here was—Bai Lian was not a foot fetishist, nor had her tastes evolved thus. She hadn’t realized one simple truth—when someone has special feelings for you, tasks meant as punishment could actually be seen as a reward. Though not a foot fetishist herself, Mu Jianli wouldn't mind holding Bai Lian's dainty feet and savoring them gently. "Jianli accepts the punishment!" Her voice betrayed a hint of eagerness. Bai Lian: ??? W-wait, where did this go wrong? Her face suddenly shifted with regret as she watched Mu Jianli's mischievous hand approaching. "Wait, Jianli, I didn't mean for you to... aaaah—"