Chapter 50 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

Bai Lian was genuinely angry this time. The dire fate that befell the Star Sword was right before her eyes—falling into the hands of a cult would only end in slavery, a fate worse than death. And Jiang Miao had recklessly barged into Taixu Manor without any prior preparation, utterly disregarding her own safety. Seeing this unfold, how could Bai Lian not be angry? This world was no longer the game where one could revive, reload, or consult strategy guides. She could no longer consider every aspect, nor could she protect the heroines from all dangers. At this moment, she was just another character in the story, rather than the "player" who controlled the game characters and commanded everything. In the instant she recognized Jiang Miao, an inexplicable fear surged through her. This time, she happened to encounter the reckless Jiang Miao who had barged into Taixu Manor and could step forward to help her face danger. But what about next time? Would she still be there by Jiang Miao's side by mere chance? Bai Lian knew that in this chaotic world of cultivation, every cultivator had to face various dangers. She couldn't lock Jiang Miao away like a father would, but she couldn't stop worrying, couldn't stop being scared, or stop being angry. She wasn’t sure if her emotions were provoked more by Jiang Miao’s reckless behavior or her own inability to protect everyone around her as she once did. Yet these emotions led her to forget that she and Jiang Miao shouldn’t even know each other. She instinctively reached out, just like in the game when Jiang Miao caused trouble, and pinched the girl's cheek. “You foolish girl, what on earth is going on in that little head of yours?” “Rushing in without even knowing the enemy’s strength, then frantically thinking of escape when you realize you’re outmatched, and you didn’t even notice me approaching!” “Do you think a life-saving artifact makes you invincible? There are so many ways to counter such treasures in this world. Are you planning on waiting for me to save you next time?” “You idiot, are you going to wind up being sold and still help them count money?” “I swear, you just want to drive me mad!” Bai Lian berated her fiercely, wishing she could squish Jiang Miao's cute bun-like face into a pancake. Caught off guard by the reprimand, Jiang Miao forgot even the idea of resisting and had to dumbly weather Bai Lian's storm. And because this had happened too many times before, she instinctively crouched down, covering her head, whining, “Boo... I know I was wrong, stop scolding me…” Seeing Jiang Miao’s pitiful crouched posture, Bai Lian was both exasperated and amused. In the game, Jiang Miao was famous for causing trouble, with many storylines driven by her mishaps. Bai Lian often had to reprimand her. And every time Jiang Miao got lectured, she would huddle like this, making Bai Lian's anger dissipate despite herself. Bai Lian sighed, “It’s not that I want to scold you. Since you chose to travel the world alone, you can’t behave as recklessly as in the sect. You need to at least ensure your own safety, or you’ll suffer for it.” “I got it…” Jiang Miao mumbled while hugging her head and pouting. These words had been said to her many times by her sect elders. Though opinions on the demon cult had shifted slightly since the incident two hundred years ago, there remained some prejudice. As she traveled, she could suffer greatly if she wasn’t cautious. She understood this, but her inherently rebellious nature often made her unwilling to listen. However, when this angelic sister lectured her, even though the content was identical to what the sect elders said, her voice was soft and gentle, with more warmth than blame, making any rebellious thoughts evaporate and leaving her no choice but to obediently admit fault. Suddenly, she snapped to her senses— Wait a minute, why am I obediently admitting fault? I’m the saintess of the demon cult; how could I be squatting defensively after being scolded by a stranger? Even if it’s this fairy sister, she still can’t lecture the great demon cult saintess! Immediately standing up, she glared with her big, watery eyes and said, “Hold on! Who exactly are you? Why do you get to lecture me like this?” “Uh—” Bai Lian, busy chattering motherly life lessons, was momentarily taken aback by Jiang Miao’s retort. “I…” She then suddenly realized—right, I’m Bai Lian now, and officially don’t know Jiang Miao. What right do I have to act like her mother? Noticing Bai Lian’s hesitation, suspicion crept into Jiang Miao’s eyes. She might be a tad silly, but that didn’t mean she was dumb. Since this sister had appeared, she felt unaccountably familiar—not just with her secrets, but also with her manner of scolding, evoking déjà vu. Yet in either her past or present life, she had no memory of this fairy sister. Could she be Bai Lian's brother’s lover? Sure, Bai Lian's brother had many lovers in her past life, all stunning beauties—including herself. But in all that company of celestial beauties, this sister before her was so strikingly beautiful she should be unforgettable. So, if she isn’t Bai Lian's brother's lover, who could she be? “I, uh, I’m…” Bai Lian stuttered, facing Jiang Miao's evident suspicion, hastily conjuring a plausible identity. “Ahem, I’m Heilian, a disciple of the Qiongmifeng Peak from Taihua Sword Sect.” Jiang Miao was taken aback. What kind of ridiculous name is Heilian? Isn’t Taihua a righteous sword clan? How could one of its disciples have a name sounding like a minor demon underling from a novel, destined to be easily defeated by the protagonist? No, even in their demon cult, they didn’t use such names anymore; it’s so outdated! Unaware of Jiang Miao’s bewilderment, Bai Lian continued fluently with her falsehood: “I have no particular reason to reprimand you, merely feeling it’s too reckless for a little girl at the seventh level of the Heart of the Guqin to rashly enter such an evil den.” Jiang Miao was about to argue that she had numerous ways to escape, when her eyes suddenly lit up with an idea. This fairy sister claimed to be from Qiongmifeng of Taihua Sword Sect, which means she might know Bai Lian's brother. If so, why not pretend to admit fault and seize this chance to ask about Bai Lian's brother? After all, she hadn’t forgotten the unbelievably annoying woman named Mu Jianli who was around Bai Lian's brother. She hadn’t dealt with her any less in her previous life. Now that she was reborn with the memories of her past life, she could surely win Bai Lian's brother from that woman! Yes, that’s the plan! Heh heh… Who says I’m not clever? I’m clearly so smart! Satisfied with her plan, she put on a pitiful expression. “Fairy… uh, Sister Heilian, I know I was wrong. I definitely won’t do it again next time!” “Please forgive me, QAQ.”