Chapter 51 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

"Y-You..." Jiang Miao's abrupt change in attitude was so swift that Bai Lian didn't even have time to react. However, having played the roles of both father and mother to Jiang Miao in the game, how could Bai Lian not understand her temperament? Watching Jiang Miao's eyes darting about excitedly, Bai Lian knew that this girl was contemplating some nonsensical things. Nevertheless, she couldn't be bothered to argue with Jiang Miao. This girl was famously an energetic fool, regularly coming up with all sorts of wild ideas. "Never mind, let’s consider this a lesson," Bai Lian remarked, adding, "This is the house I temporarily stay at in the Tai Xu Mountain Villa. For now, the Patriarch can't find us here." "But currently, the entire villa is covered by the Soul Revival Formation by Yuan Sha. Since he's the master of the formation, it’s only a matter of time before he finds us." The spell she'd used to flee with Jiang Miao was derived from the Tai Hua Sword Canon's Sword Shadow Technique, allowing her to teleport briefly to places imbued with sword shadows. It functioned similarly to a teleportation mechanism within a game. However, in reality, the skill's range was significantly reduced. With Jiang Miao in tow, she barely managed to escape the battlefield to the house where she and Mu Jianli temporarily lodged, unable to take Jiang He out of Tai Xu Mountain Villa directly. "What? What should we do then? Sister Hei Lian, maybe you should leave first. I have a way to escape!" Jiang Miao said somewhat guiltily. She felt that her recklessness had led to their current predicament, and now Bai Lian had to face the danger alongside her. While she possessed a magical artifact for self-protection, it could only shield her alone. If the old turtle found them and she left, wouldn't she be abandoning Bai Lian to face danger alone? Though she was a Demon Sect Saintess, such actions were unthinkable for her. "Don't worry, I'm not planning on leaving," Bai Lian lightly ruffled Jiang Miao's hair, smiling as she spoke. From the moment she saw Jiang Miao, Bai Lian hadn't intended to leave. Having sent Mu Jianli to inform Tang Chuhuan wasn't to gather reinforcements but to prompt him to bring forces and clean up the aftermath. Bai Lian glanced out the window. She was no longer just a mid-level practitioner of the art in the game, rashly focused on wooing every maiden she encountered. Now, she was the eldest sister of the Tai Hua Sword Sect, experienced and formidable in her own right. Without the large formation, the Patriarch of Tai Xu Mountain Villa wouldn't stand a chance against her. Jiang Miao hugged her head, looking at Bai Lian with a nostalgic gaze. It felt so familiar... Once upon a time, Bai Lian's brother also liked to pat her head like this. As the Saintess of the Tian Xuan Sect, she wouldn't normally allow just anyone to do such a thing, but this ethereal sister before her gave off a familiarity she couldn't pinpoint. Sister Hei Lian... what's your connection to Bai Lian’s brother? "Sister Hei Lian, I'm a bit curious," she hesitated before asking, "How did you know where the breaking point of my technique was?" "This is the Tai Hua Sword Sect's unique 'Sword Gazing Technique.' Initially, it's a little trick for us disciples to observe swords, but since swordsmanship dictates that anything can become a sword, to some extent, it can also be used to assess people," Bai Lian explained. "However, to use the Sword Gazing Technique, my cultivation must surpass yours and I must be close enough," she added with a playful glare at Jiang Miao. "I didn’t actually expect to succeed, but you were too preoccupied to notice me sneaking up behind you." "Hehe..." Jiang Miao scratched her head, embarrassed. "I-I was just too anxious..." Bai Lian didn't chastise her further, instead, she turned back with a soft smile. The Tai Hua Sword Sect indeed had the 'Sword Gazing Technique,' but it wasn't applicable to people. Bai Lian knew Jiang Miao's technique flaw from previous life's strategies she'd studied. She wasn't concerned about the excuse being discovered; after all, Jiang He was both an endearingly naive girl and the Demon Sect Saintess with no contacts within the Tai Hua Sword Sect to verify such things. Suddenly, Bai Lian's brow furrowed. She stepped forward to shield Jiang Miao behind her. "They’re here," she said sternly, gazing out the window. Although their conversation seemed lengthy, only a few minutes had passed. She hadn't anticipated the Patriarch of Tai Xu Mountain Villa finding them so quickly. Oblivious as Jiang Miao might be, she understood whom Bai Lian was referring to and swiftly focused, spiritual energy swirling around her in preparation. The next moment, a colossal Buddha palm descended from the sky. The brick-constructed house collapsed in an instant, with dust and debris engulfing Bai Lian and Jiang Miao. However, as the dust settled, there was no sign of either of them amid the rubble. Hovering in midair, the Patriarch of Tai Xu Mountain Villa surveyed the scene, pink prayer beads rotating behind him. "So that's why the girl suddenly vanished; I see there were other rats hiding in my villa." "Sword Rotation Formation... turns out it's a disciple from the Tai Hua Sword Sect. You so-called righteous sects with your sanctimonious airs—why is it you’re associating with the Demon Sect now?" "Isn't it a well-observed custom for the righteous and demon factions to unite against a wicked heretic like you?" Bai Lian hovered mid-air, encircled by small swords. She gently tapped her foot, causing white lotuses to bloom beneath her, elevating her into the air. In her current state, nearing the pinnacle of cultivation, Bai Lian could temporarily remain aloft. Jiang Miao, unable to fly just yet, remained safely hidden, observing Bai Lian facing off against the Patriarch. Looking at the white lotuses blooming under Bai Lian’s feet, Jiang Miao's thoughts drifted inexplicably. Why is the ethereal sister named Hei Lian, yet her spiritual power manifests as white lotuses? White lotus... Bai Lian... Bai Lian... No, no, what am I thinking? Bai Lian’s brother was definitely a genuine man; how could this ethereal sister possibly be him? Have I been so influenced by my elders that my comprehension is clouded? Naturally, Bai Lian couldn’t fathom Jiang Miao’s erratic thoughts. She remained vigilant, monitoring the Patriarch's movements. Despite having covert assistance from a legendary sword, facing the first battle since her rebirth, Bai Lian maintained her wariness. "Another little beauty, it seems the universe has blessed this old monk with good fortune lately..." The Patriarch leered at Bai Lian, eyes brimming with desire, his tongue flicking across his lips. Jiang Miao hadn't stirred such feelings because of her youthful appearance, reminiscent of an undeveloped young girl. He preferred more mature forms. Seeing Bai Lian's refined face and voluptuous figure, he was overwhelmed with lust, momentarily lost in desire. Bai Lian, noting his unsavory gaze, felt a wave of disgust. She retorted with a cold smile, "This fortune isn’t yours to enjoy." "Daring to ravage innocents within our region of the Tai Hua Sword Sect, today marks your end." "Hahaha... and you think you, a naive girl, can do that?" The Patriarch burst into laughter. "Once this killing formation reaches completion, it’ll signal my rebirth and ascension. By that time, not even the elder of your sect could touch me!" "Since you intruded into my Tai Xu Mountain Villa, you'll remain here." "Rest assured, once I ascend as a Buddha, you... will be my consort!"