Chapter 13 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

Compared to Mu Jian Li, who headed straight for Frost Peak, Bai Lian was much more deliberate in her actions. After leaving the hot springs, she did something unusual and went to guide some of the junior disciples in their training. Those disciples, who had hardly seen her since joining the sect, were so elated that they almost felt they were transcending earthly realms right on the spot. Next, she visited the Lingquan Hot Spring toll booth at Yaoji Peak in her capacity as the direct disciple of the peak master. Her presence drew such a crowd that Yaoji Peak became bustling with visitors, all eager to catch a glimpse of Senior Sister Bai Lian and to spend money, resulting in today's income for the Lingquan Hot Spring far exceeding that of any typical day. Lastly, she made a trip to the spirit stone market, where she carefully selected a few spirit herbs suitable for alchemy. These actions did not go unnoticed by the disciples who passed by. They spread the word, further cementing the rumors that Senior Sister Bai Lian was the light of the Taihua Sword Sect. It's not that Bai Lian truly cared for Yaoji Peak; she was simply avoiding confrontation. Knowing that both Gu Qing Qing and Mu Jian Li were reincarnated individuals, she had brazenly bathed with Mu Jian Li in front of Gu Qing Qing, behaving in an ambiguous manner. It felt as if she'd been caught in a compromising situation by Gu Qing Qing, leaving her feeling awkward and hesitant to return. What if she went back only to be reprimanded by her master? But no matter how much Mu Jian Li dawdled outside, she would ultimately have to return to her own residence. Her hope rested on her master's goodwill. Despite her concerns, did the reincarnated heroines still harbor those feelings for her... Wearing a worried expression, Bai Lian slowly made her way back home. May Heaven bless her and may her master be engrossed in cultivation! Alas, Western deities have no jurisdiction over the cultivation realms, and there's no telling if a god could even stand against Gu Qing Qing. As for why she didn't wish upon the Dao Ancestor or Buddha, it was because both actually existed in this world, and they were legendary celestial beings governing the Great Dao. Making random wishes could incur karmic consequences. As it turned out, wishing upon Heaven was futile. The moment Bai Lian pushed open the door, her face froze. Seated at her desk, wearing a roomy bathrobe as if fresh from a bath, was Gu Qing Qing. In her hands was the calligraphy practice Bai Lian had been working on the previous night, hoping to soothe her restless mind. "Mas... Master..." Standing in the doorway, Bai Lian felt like she was no longer in the comforting sanctuary of her boudoir, but rather in a demonic lair with an evil overlord present. If not for her formidable willpower suppressing her fear, she'd likely have fled with the door plank under her arm by now. "How come, so late at night, Master isn't resting but has found the time to inspect my calligraphy?" she asked, forcing a smile. "A common cultivator who reaches the Melody Heart realm can bask in the essence of the sun and moon, meditating instead of sleeping. I attained the Radiant Sun a hundred years ago. What need have I for rest?" Gu Qing Qing's voice was soft and tranquil, a pleasure to the ears, though her words sent a chill down Bai Lian's spine. "Practicing calligraphy for peace of mind—I remember that was the method you relied on for calming yourself when you first joined. Now that you've nearly mastered the Art of Serene Mind, you should remain unfazed and focused." "So why does the return of that little girl Jian Li prompt you to need calligraphy just to calm yourself?" Bai Lian's lips parted slightly, showing a resigned expression. "Master, surely you know that although Jian Li ranks second and her cultivation isn't as high as mine, she studies the Taihua Sword Canon. In a real fight, I might not be her equal." "If she returns to challenge for the top spot, I fear my response would be inadequate." "I’m not so attached to my position, but just thinking about possibly dishonoring you, Master, I can't help feeling uneasy..." "So you're saying your unease stems from concern for me?" Gu Qing Qing's lips curved into a slight smile as she looked at Bai Lian's guilt-ridden face. "Of course! After all, I'm your only direct disciple, Master. I mustn't bring you shame!" Bai Lian lifted her chin slightly, speaking as if she truly believed her words. “Is that so? Then, come here, Lian'er.” The warmth in Gu Qing Qing’s eyes deepened. "Eh, Master..." "Kneel!" Just when Bai Lian was delighted to think she had passed the test, Gu Qing Qing's sudden reprimand turned her smile into a pout. They say gold lies beneath a man's knees, but now she wasn't a man, and it was crucial to protect her life! She kneeling obediently, looked up with a pitiful expression towards Gu Qing Qing. “Master, if Bai Lian has erred in any way, you can certainly punish me. Why resort to jest?” “Punish?” Gu Qing Qing laughed. “Shall I make you play with my feet as a penalty?” Bai Lian:? Master, how could I not have known you had voyeuristic tendencies after all this time? If others caught someone red-handed in an affair, they'd typically kick down the door, making the illicit couple feel disgraced. But you seem to enjoy watching live! You practice the Pure Lotus Sword Intent, not the Green Hat Sword Style! While Bai Lian internally ranted, outwardly she maintained her appearance of respectful fear. “Bai Lian dares not...” She tried to lower her head, but Gu Qing Qing stopped her. Gu Qing Qing used her fingers to tilt up Bai Lian’s chin, making her raise her head. As she did so, her long hair cascaded down, exposing her pale, enticing skin—an alluring sight. Gu Qing Qing gently caressed Bai Lian's soft lips, appearing reluctant to let go. One had to admit, Bai Lian's plaintive and yielding appearance was utterly captivating, making one's throat tighten. The simmering anger receded amid her beauty. Such a temptress... “I’ve become too lenient with you, letting you bring an outsider to our private territory.” “I’ll forgive you this time, but next time...” Indeed, Gu Qing Qing was jealous. Both in her previous life and now, the Lingquan Hot Spring belonged to Bai Lian and her exclusively, not to be shared with others. Yet with Mu Jian Li’s recent return, Bai Lian had brought her there, engaging in indecent behavior, supposedly for discipline, though it seemed more like sharing intimate moments! Whether Bai Lian was truly the person in her memories, it no longer mattered. Subconsciously, the two figures overlapped. She didn’t mind how Mu Jian Li or any other woman approached Bai Lian. But she, too, had desires—Bai Lian was her disciple, and she... didn’t want just a disciple. With a sigh, she lamented that even after attaining Radiant Sun, she couldn’t transcend worldly concerns. She’d enjoyed a visual feast, vented her frustrations, and now satiated and at peace, it was time to discuss serious matters. “Stand up. My visit isn’t to reprimand you but for more pressing issues.” What? She wasn’t here to rebuke? And there was serious business? Bai Lian was dumbfounded. Then what was with all the teasing, intimidation, and borderline harassment earlier? Was it simply for your amusement?!