Chapter 53 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

"Sister Black Lotus, what should we do next?" Jiang Miao asked. They were currently surrounded by the guards of the Tai Xu Villa. Despite the encirclement, the guards were hesitant to approach Bai Lian after witnessing her previous extraordinary battle with the villa. Besides, with Young Master Xie Cai dead and the usually aloof ancestor still hanging from the sword, the now leaderless guards didn't dare to confront Bai Lian. "Next? We simply wait for the cleanup crew to arrive," Bai Lian replied. "Cleanup crew?" Jiang Miao blinked, not quite understanding who Bai Lian was referring to. But the next moment, she heard a voice she would never forget. "Senior Sister, I'm back." Mu Jianli moved through the crowd and quietly landed beside Bai Lian. Simultaneously, countless soldiers holding torches surged into the Tai Xu Villa, led by Tang Chuhan, who was accompanied by a monk in robes. As soon as Mu Jianli landed, she noticed Jiang Miao clinging to Bai Lian's sleeve, tightly pressed against her side. She squinted, a hint of annoyance gleaming in her almond-shaped eyes. "Senior Sister, why is the little girl still here?" "Ahem, Jianli, you're here," Bai Lian said, her expression suddenly uneasy upon seeing Mu Jianli's demeanor. Awkwardly, she introduced, "Let me introduce you. This is Jiang Miao, the Saintess of the Tianxuan Sect." Oh dear, it was akin to the awkwardness of introducing a new girlfriend to an ex. Heavens have mercy; she was still single! "Jiang Miao, this is my junior sister," she tried to introduce Mu Jianli to Jiang Miao. However, Jiang Miao, upon seeing Mu Jianli, widened her eyes as if she had seen a ghost. "You, you, you... how are you here?" Wait... logically, Mu Jianli shouldn't recognize her now, given she's a reborn being and hasn't yet become Mu Jianli's rival! "Hmph, I'm the Saintess of the Tianxuan Sect. Who are you!" She retorted, hands on her hips. In her past life, she endured much humiliation from Mu Jianli. Now reborn, she refused to bow down to anyone! Thirty years east, thirty years west; never underestimate a maiden's potential! Mu Jianli raised an eyebrow at her words, "Whose child is this? So impolite at such a young age." "I am not young! I'm an adult!!!" Jiang Miao bristled, puffing out her hardly noticeable chest. Mu Jianli glanced briefly, then sneered. "You, you, you..." Jiang Miao was fuming with rage at Mu Jianli's disdain. Despite being reborn, why couldn't she argue back against Mu Jianli? Damn it! Was having a bigger chest that impressive?! Watching the confrontation between Mu Jianli and Jiang Miao, Bai Lian was nearly frantic, signaling Mu Jianli with her eyes, hoping she wouldn't expose her true identity. If Jiang Miao caused a scene, not even two heads would save her from the headache. Nevertheless, seemingly oblivious, Mu Jianli crossed her arms and said, "The dignified Saintess of the Tianxuan Sect, yet clinging to my senior sister like a child, not showing any shame." Only then did Jiang Miao realize she had been holding onto Bai Lian's sleeve for too long. Rather embarrassed, she released her grip, though her words remained defiant, "You're the one who should be ashamed. Sister Black Lotus and I are life-and-death friends, so what if we're close!" Mu Jianli raised an eyebrow at her declaration, "Sister Black Lotus? So that's how it is..." "Alright, alright!" Bai Lian could hardly endure the exchange any longer. If they continued, she'd be stripped bare before she knew it. She gently patted Jiang Miao's head and said softly, "Why are you both so antagonistic upon first meeting?" "Jiang Miao, this is my junior sister, Mu Jianli. She's the same age as you, so get along well, okay?" "Oh..." Jiang Miao murmured, clutching her head, looking slightly dazed at Bai Lian's hand. Bai Lian didn't notice her peculiar behavior, too focused on separating Mu Jianli and Jiang Miao to prevent any identity revelation. She said, "Jiang Miao, Jianli and I have some matters to attend to. Wait here for a moment, won't you?" With that, she dragged Mu Jianli to a place where Jiang Miao couldn't overhear. "Jianli, what are you doing!" Bai Lian said anxiously. "I barely managed to keep the truth from the little Miao... Ah—" Before she could finish, Mu Jianli unexpectedly wrapped her in a hug around the waist. A whirlwind spun her world; by the time she regained her senses, she found herself pinned against a wall by Mu Jianli. Wha-what was happening? She was being wall-blocked by Mu Jianli?! Bai Lian's lips parted in surprise, her eyes wide. "Jian, Jianli, what are you thinking?" "Senior Sister, I never agreed to keep your secret," Mu Jianli said softly, propping one hand against the wall as she gazed down at Bai Lian. "Huh?" Bai Lian was stunned at her words. She blinked, realizing Mu Jianli had indeed never promised to keep her identity confidential. Right now, aside from Mu Jianli, no one knew she was Bai Lian. If Mu Jianli chose to speak out, she'd be doomed! "You..." She stammered, feeling a bit annoyed, "What do you mean by that?" "Jianli doesn't mean anything particular," Mu Jianli whispered, "But... Senior Sister putting herself in danger for Jiang Miao, Jianli feels a bit unhappy." That reaction from Jianli... was she jealous? Bai Lian was suddenly dumbfounded. Truth be told, she had never experienced someone being jealous over her before. Being a complete novice in relationships, she had always viewed scenarios of jealousy in games as simply steps toward romance or drama. But in reality, jealousy didn't need any follow-up; all it took was her disregarding her safety to assist Jiang Miao for Mu Jianli to feel jealous. Yet, with her Sword Heart Clarity, Mu Jianli didn't quite understand what jealousy felt like, hence her discomfort. Seeing Mu Jianli's low spirits, Bai Lian bit her lip lightly and gently took Mu Jianli's hand, speaking cautiously. "Jianli, I can't stand by and watch someone I once loved fall into danger." "If you were in Jiang Miao's place, I would make the same choice." "Because in both my past and present lives, I will always stand before you to shield you." "Even though now, I've become a girl." "Wasn't it my unwavering self that captivated you in the first place?" For the first time, Bai Lian attempted to reveal her true emotions to Mu Jianli. With the memories from the game, she was no longer just an outsider watching a play but an active participant in the story. Seeing the tentative expression on Bai Lian's face, Mu Jianli suddenly smiled. "Senior Sister, if you want me to keep your secret, it's not impossible." Mu Jianli's sudden change in demeanor filled Bai Lian with joy. "Really? Jianli, you're so kind!" "Hehe, I knew Jianli is a sensible good girl..." Before she could finish, Mu Jianli continued, "But... Jianli would like some compensation." "Huh?" Bai Lian's smile froze, a bad feeling creeping over her. "Com-compensation? What kind of compensation?" she asked cautiously. Mu Jianli smirked, whispering, "Of course... Senior Sister, give me a kiss." "What?!!"