Chapter 12 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

Ningshuang Peak is the highest summit of the Taihua Sword Sect, perpetually covered in snow, its brilliance magnified under the sun’s gleam. The Sect Master's Grand Hall is perched at this lofty height, its exquisite marble palace stands proudly, harmoniously encased by the white snow, asserting an awe-inspiring presence. Because Sect Master Ling Ningshuang engages in long-term seclusion and prefers not to take on disciples, Ningshuang Peak often appears somewhat deserted. Occasionally, a few disciples on errands or guards stationed at the large hall appear, but other than that, there’s scarcely anyone around. In stark contrast, Mu Jianli, as the Sect Master’s sole direct disciple, naturally draws attention wherever she goes. When she arrived, gracefully stepping on the snow, the previously drowsy gatekeeping disciples felt that the ever-unchanging snowy landscape before them suddenly seemed more pleasing. “Junior Sister Jianli!” “When did Junior Sister Jianli return?” “Is Junior Sister Jianli here to see the Sect Master?” Mu Jianli showed little expression in response to her senior brothers’ eager questions, merely nodding before passing them by and heading into the grand hall. “It’s been half a year, and Junior Sister Jianli still looks as striking as ever…” “Indeed, she truly lives up to being the Sect Master’s direct disciple, even her demeanor mirrors hers, as pure as a Tianshan snow lotus.” “Ah, they say the pavilion near the water enjoys the moonlight first... We've been guarding this door for so long, and not to mention winning Junior Sister Jianli’s favor, we’ve barely caught a direct glance from her.” “Even as a heart of the sword is enlightened... those who understand will understand; calling her a stone maiden wouldn't be an exaggeration.” “True, I wonder who could ever earn a smile from her.” “Don’t you know? Not only did Junior Sister smile at someone today, but she also waited a considerable time at their doorstep this morning and left arm in arm with the person.” “What? Who dared to pluck our snow lotus from Ningshuang Peak unnoticed?” “It was Senior Sister Bai Lian from Yaoji Peak.” “What? The little ras—uh, who did you say?” “Senior Sister Bai Lian, the Great Master.” “What now? Do you want to teach someone a lesson, junior brother?” “Ahem... Senior Sister Bai Lian is clearly deserving of respect…” The initially indignant disciple coughed awkwardly, conceding shyly. After all, one of them was the cherished little junior sister of Ningshuang Peak, the other, his daydreamed goddess Bai Lian since his entry—whom did he have to teach a lesson? It was hard to tell whom he should envy more. Moreover, if little junior sister and senior sister were indeed fond of each other, wouldn’t that mean he had no chance? With this thought, the aspiring young disciple fell into a daze, feeling as if the sky was falling. “Hey, what’s up, junior brother, why are you spacing out?” “Senior brother… when I joined, I wondered—would I marry Junior Sister Jianli or Senior Sister Bai Lian after becoming immortal… If only I could marry both. But now, it seems I have a chance at neither…” “…Junior brother, perhaps you should visit Uncle Yang at Ganlin Peak to have your spirit examined.” ... “Jianli pays respects to Master.” Within the Sect Master’s grand hall, Mu Jianli stood in the center, addressing the shadowy figure behind the drapes with a clear voice. “Sit.” “Yes.” Mu Jianli responded and quietly took a seat on a jade chair beside her, then remained silent. Many people speculated on how she and her master interacted in private. Was it the typical mentorship where the master offered earnest guidance? Or was it a strict training regime like nurturing a future successor? To everyone’s surprise, their private interactions resembled two socially awkward individuals trying to ignore each other’s existence. Even during face-to-face conversations, they often sat in silence for an entire day. After taking her as a direct disciple, Ling Ningshuang seldom guided her cultivation, apart from imparting the Taihua Sword Canon. That’s why she often expressed her gratitude to Bai Lian, because before her own rebirth, although Bai Lian was stringent, her guidance in cultivation was genuine and unreserved. The side effects of an enlightened sword heart are no joke; they can utterly strip a person of emotions, turning one into a sword with a mind. Her current cultivation level may only be at the early stage of the heart of the zither, meaning the side effects aren't yet powerful enough to make her lose emotions. But Ling Ningshuang is different. As a grand cultivator at the Formless Stage, her enlightened sword heart is already perfected, coupled with her practice of the emotionless sword path and the chilling Frost Condensation Sword Intent. Even Mu Jianli had to admit that Ling Ningshuang could hardly be considered human anymore. Mu Jianli’s emotions towards Ling Ningshuang are quite complex. Firstly, she is her master, the one responsible for her rebirth. Secondly, she regards her as a “sister”. To this day, she can’t figure out how her senior brother managed to conquer this icy, aloof woman before her, even reviving her womanly emotions at one point, much like a miracle. Thirdly... her escape from her senior brother’s control and rebirth at the beginning of everything were entirely thanks to Ling Ningshuang. Had it not been for Ling Ningshuang breaking free from her senior brother’s control and plunging a dagger into his dantian, she would have remained a mere plaything in his vast harem. No matter how one looks at it, Ling Ningshuang has been a huge benefactor to her. Yet, she never could discern Ling Ningshuang’s thoughts or intentions. Did her master undergo rebirth or not? Everyone was reborn, except the most powerful, her master; this seems unreasonable. But if her master had been reborn, with her current strength, killing Bai Lian at the Zither Heart Stage would be as simple as squashing an ant. She could even perform a soul search on Bai Lian to determine if she was truly her senior brother. But her master did nothing, not even showing signs of contact with her senior sister. Unfathomable, indecipherable. The silence in the grand hall lingered for a while, before Ling Ningshuang slowly broke the stillness. “When you returned, why did you go to Yaoji Peak to see Bai Lian first, instead of coming back to Ningshuang Peak?” Mu Jianli was momentarily taken aback—did her master’s tone show a hint of rare emotion? It seemed a bit resentful, but it was unclear if that was directed towards her or Senior Sister Bai Lian... Without time to dwell, she promptly explained, “Disciple went out to investigate the cult matter and faced numerous setbacks, experiencing much along the way. I realized the world is far harsher than I initially thought.” “If not for Senior Sister Bai Lian's usual strictness with me, I probably wouldn’t have emerged unscathed this time. Therefore, upon returning, I specifically went to thank her.” “My visit back to the sect is also to request assistance.” “Oh? Merely a cult harassing mortals, and even you can’t handle it?” Ling Ningshuang seemed somewhat surprised. “Yes, after probing, I discovered their intentions were not just about sacrificial rites to improve themselves, but they specifically targeted cultivators from our Taihua Sword Sect, especially female cultivators.” “They act stealthily and scatter at any sign of threat. They also wield special tools capable of dealing with cloud-riding cultivators.” “Had it not been for my enlightened sword heart keeping my mind steady, I might not have avoided becoming their living tool.” Mu Jianli spoke calmly, but there was a lingering dread. Ling Ningshuang pondered for a moment before gradually straightening up. “This is no trivial matter and must be addressed earnestly.” “I will have emissaries lead the disciples to set up plans, but this cult is inherently deceitful and must not be startled.” “You have investigated for more than half a year and know them best, thus you must continue to scout for intelligence to assist in our elimination efforts.” “However, your safety should be the priority, and you may choose an elder to accompany you.” “Master, I am capable of handling this alone and do not require an elder. However, I wish for someone else’s assistance, with your permission.” “Who.” “Senior Sister Bai Lian.” Mu Jianli stated without a hint of hesitation. Ling Ningshuang slightly hesitated, then seemed to have thought of something, and a gentle smile formed. “Granted.”