Chapter 32 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

The originally non-threatening Taixu Mountain Villa unexpectedly posed unforeseen circumstances, causing Bai Lian and Mu Jianli considerable concern. Both stemming from Taihua Sword Sect, they cultivated the highest mystical arts, granting them combat prowess far above other cultivators of their realm. Suzhou City was still a firmly mortal town, with few cultivators, and none particularly formidable. Even the flourishing Huanxi Temple relied on the scarce Mesmerizing Incense to make a move against Mu Jianli; otherwise, they would have long destroyed the Tang family and seized full control of Suzhou City, without the need to plant any spies. This confidence was precisely why Bai Lian and Mu Jianli could stroll with leisure. However, the appearance of a Tengyun-level practitioner completely disrupted their plans. The Tengyun Realm, also known as the Golden Core stage, marks a cultivator's metamorphosis from Foundation Establishment to the Returning Origin essence. To attain Tengyun, forming a golden core is just one step; another is the opening of the Mind Hall, refining the nascent soul. Here, opening the Mind Hall can be seen as Heaven, and condensing the Golden Core as Earth. The internal creation of Heaven and Earth transforms oneself into Yin and Yang, allowing for the unity of body and soul, spirit and flesh, enabling the cultivation for cloud travel across vast lands—this is Tengyun. Upon reaching the Tengyun stage, a cultivator can project their divine sense, covering an area of a hundred miles, leaving no detail unnoticed. Thus, although Qin Xin and Tengyun appear a single major stage apart, the gap in their power is worlds apart. Even a newly ascended Tengyun cultivator is too much for two at the Qin Xin level to manage. Bai Lian felt a headache coming on. When she crossed this scenario in the past, her cultivation was merely at the fifth level of Qin Xin, similar to Mu Jianli's now. After reincarnating, driven by a sense of impending doom from being axed prematurely in the story, she diligently cultivated herself to the ninth level of Qin Xin, almost stepping into the threshold of the Tengyun Realm. The disparity is self-explanatory. By her current strength, traversing Suzhou City's story arc should be a breeze. So why is it filled with unexpected troubles now? In hindsight, she regretted not completing the Tang family's side quest, dismissing it initially as an irrelevant side quest in the beginner's guide, unaware of the many hidden elements the official narrative concealed. Currently, her knowledge of the Taixu Villa was limited to it being the source of most of the game's villainous minor henchmen. As for their actual combat strength, the eldest son Xie Cai, and the so-called ancestor, it was all nearly guesswork. Should Xie Cai's mentioned ancestor truly possess Tengyun-level strength, she and Mu Jianli might indeed face danger. Clearly, Mu Jianli realized this potential as well. "This...it may be improper for outsiders like my wife and me to attend your villa ancestor's birthday celebration?” she stated with furrowed brows. "Our Taixu Mountain Villa has always kept open doors, welcoming guests from all around. If Brother Li and Madam wish to participate in our ancestor's birthday, we would naturally welcome you,” Xie Cai hastily pressed on. Already considering Bai Lian as his own, he grew anxious seeing Mu Jianli's hesitation and added, “Besides, if Brother Li and Madam don't visit our villa, how am I to introduce you when Master Yuanfa arrives?” "Master Yuanfa, as the head of Huanxi Temple, is busy with numerous duties. Opportunities to meet him are scarce indeed." "But..." "Exactly!" Bai Lian interjected abruptly as Mu Jianli sought to refuse further, her small mouth pouting, her eyes glaring disapprovingly at Mu Jianli's hesitance. "We left home because I couldn’t conceive, and now we've finally discovered a potential solution you still hesitate?" "After enduring so much hardship to accompany you, and finally finding a way that might allow me to bear a child, what more reason is there for hesitation?" "And besides, Lord Xie is dapper, and the Taixu Villa is a grand establishment. The ancestor is even an immortal who lived for four hundred years. Why would he wish us, mere mortals, harm?" "In truth, my inability to conceive is because you’re incapable!!" Mu Jianli: ? Me, incapable? Alright then, Sister Bai Lian, just you wait. One day, I will make you personally see whether I’m capable or not. Gritting her teeth, Mu Jianli stewed in frustration over her supposed inadequacy. Yet, amidst her frustration, she understood Bai Lian's decision. Since that was the case, there wasn’t any room left for hesitation. Regardless, she would never question Bai Lian’s judgment. Previously, she’d often ponder on how being by her senior brother’s side was such a comforting experience. For aside from his lecherous and philandering ways, his conduct in every other aspect was impeccable, far surpassing any man in the cultivation world. He was handsome, carefree, extraordinarily talented, and exceptionally intelligent. No matter the situation, he seemed to anticipate the next steps accurately, choose the best action, and even in perilous circumstances, always found a way to protect those by his side. Being near him offered an unprecedented sense of security, compelling a desire to draw closer. Perhaps this sense of security was why so many gals adored him. Though her brother had become a woman, the secure feeling she provided remained unchanged, still resembling the strategic, captivating figure from her previous life. Moreover, even if Bai Lian wasn’t her senior brother, she certainly wasn’t a gullible fool. Choosing to advance further into Taixu Mountain Villa meant she had her reasons. Staying by her side would suffice. Xie Cai, unaware of Bai Lian and Mu Jianli’s inner thoughts, was brimming with happiness at this moment. Because he had witnessed a wife's dissatisfaction towards her husband. Spouses’ betrayal often stems from various forms of dissatisfaction. Such dissatisfaction might arise from unfulfilled desires, life’s trivia, or jealousy from comparisons with others. Yet regardless of type, they ultimately result in rifts between relationships. The presence of these rifts allowed him to exploit the situation, offering tender comfort. Ah, he already suspected that Brother Li, with his frail appearance, certainly was all bark and no bite. Perhaps this young lady’s inability to conceive truly stemmed from his inadequacy? Given this, could he truly be blamed for stealing what was good, solving her childlessness trouble by fathering her offspring? As this came to mind, Xie Cai’s grin grew even more pronounced. To Bai Lian and Mu Jianli, that grin was as lecherous as could be. Like some greasy, middle-aged creep coaxing little girls to see his goldfish—it was instinctively repulsive upon even a single glance. Seeing herself targeted with such a sleazy smile, Bai Lian felt goosebumps instantly race up her skin, causing her to instinctively move closer into Mu Jianli's embrace. In response, Mu Jianli’s grip around Bai Lian’s slender waist tightened, her almond eyes narrowed. Never one for indirect approaches, in that fleeting instant, she had already planned how Xie Cai might meet his end.