Chapter 55 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

"Wait, wait, Miao, it's not like that!" Before Mu Jianli could respond to Jiang Miao's questioning, Bai Lian anxiously interrupted. How could she let Mu Jianli counter Jiang Miao? If those two hotheads started arguing and Mu Jianli revealed her identity, what would she do then? After all, her current identity was that of the Black Lotus of the Taihua Sword Sect. Even if Mu Jianli didn't directly tell Jiang Miao that she was Bai Lian from a past life, Jiang Miao might still discern something unusual from their actions. Moreover, if Jiang Miao discovered that she was not really the Black Lotus but indeed Bai Lian, based on her personality, she probably wouldn't have a moment of peace going forward. "Ahem... Miao, actually, in our Taihua Sword Sect, we have this kind of culture," she attempted to explain. Jiang Miao blinked in astonishment, "You at Taihua Sword Sect also have a culture of... polishing mirrors?" "?" Jiang Miao's thought process was so erratic that it left Bai Lian momentarily speechless, her cherry lips slightly parted, forgetting to continue her explanation. "That's... not entirely accurate..." Her gaze flitted, feeling somewhat guilty. Senior Master, forgive me. As the senior sister of the Taihua Sword Sect, I'm out here ruining the sect's reputation. This was merely a necessary expedient, so don't hold it against me... Well, even though those were her thoughts, she believed that Ling Ningshuang, occupied with endless affairs, likely wouldn't notice such minor indiscretions from her little disciple. "Actually, our Sword Sect cultivators don't place much emphasis on those formalities, and Jianli and I are like very close siblings... or sisterly relations, so we naturally seem more intimate." "You see, girls holding hands while shopping, sharing a bed, those are all very normal behaviors." "So, Jianli and I hugging each other is also perfectly normal, as a way to express closeness," Bai Lian spoke more and more fluently, almost convincing herself in the process. Just look at how close modern girls are with each other—holding hands, hugging aren't anything out of the ordinary. They even go to the bathroom in pairs, and some more open-minded girls don't think twice about cheek or even lip-kissing. It's just that she was reincarnated into a more conservative xianxia world; otherwise, with her stunning looks, she might have already taken advantage of the closeness to enjoy all kinds of intimate gestures with nearby girls. Oh, that's not entirely correct. Given her current situation, it's more like she, as the old oil game protagonist's target, would be the one thoroughly enjoyed... "So that’s how it is?" Jiang Miao scratched her head, suddenly feeling like as the Saintess of the Demonic Sect, she might be too conservative compared to the more open-minded Taihua Sword Sect. It was somewhat embarrassing for the Demonic Sect. If her master or elders found out, they'd probably send her to capture a righteous sect fairy. After all, bullying the strong and oppressing the weak was a tradition of the Demonic Sect, only that two hundred years ago, they'd felt the benefits of saving the world and the joy of no longer being universally hunted. Many demonic sects started to "clean up" their reputations. Even so, many predecessors in the Demonic Sect believed traditions shouldn't change—a demonic person in love must "capture" for it to be genuine! But she didn't like righteous sect fairies; she only liked Brother Bai Lian. If only Brother Bai Lian could turn into a righteous sect fairy, she could then boldly "capture" him home. No, no, what was she thinking? Taihua Sword Sect's popularity of girl love had nothing to do with her. It wasn't as if Brother Bai Lian turning into a woman would mean she'd have the same interests! But... She suddenly thought of something, blurting out, "In that case, since I get along well with Sister Black Lotus, can we also hug to express closeness?" "Eh?" Bai Lian was stunned speechless. Hold on, this whole culture thing was just a whim, you shouldn’t take it so seriously! She felt like crying and laughing at the same time. What was this, digging a pit for herself? Behind her, Mu Jianli suddenly stifled laughter, and Bai Lian could feel the tremors from trying to hold it in, passing from Mu Jianli’s soft front to her own back. Feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, she shot Mu Jianli a fierce glare. Unfortunately, her features were too delicate, and even when she tried her best to look fierce, she still appeared irresistibly cute to Mu Jianli to the point of bewilderment. Ignoring Mu Jianli, Bai Lian awkwardly smiled at Jiang Miao and said, "Uh... that's what I said, but we've only known each other for a short time, so it's a bit too soon for something like that." "So, what Sister Black Lotus means is, if we continue to know each other longer, it's okay to hug?" Jiang Miao tilted her head innocently. Mu Jianli was on the verge of losing it, and Bai Lian could feel the constant tremors of laughter from behind, wave after wave, striking her tender heart. She couldn't help but clench her teeth— Stupid girl, what are you laughing at? Laughing like a madwoman! Damn it! She'd always heard that innocents could outwit the sly, but she'd never seen fools beat anyone before! Faced with Jiang Miao's eager expression, all she could do was reply helplessly, "Well, you do have a point..." At that moment, an unexpected voice interrupted their conversation. "Fairy Bai, Fairy Mu, so this is where you were." Bai Lian looked toward the voice and saw Tang Chuhuan smiling at them from not too far away. Noticing Jiang Miao, Tang Chuhuan expressed mild surprise, "Who might this be?" "Oh, Young Master Tang, let me introduce her. This is Jiang Miao, a fellow cultivator who came to help after seeing the havoc wreaked by Taixu Villa," Bai Lian hurriedly explained. She didn't mention Jiang Miao was from the Tianxuan Sect; after all, although the Demonic Sect's reputation had improved, people still tended to equate it with evil. "So that's the case. I am Tang Chuhuan of the Gusu Tang family. Pleased to meet Fairy Jiang." As she spoke, she saluted Jiang Miao. "I am deeply grateful to Fairy Jiang for disregarding the danger to assist my Tang family against the evil cult." Jiang Miao waved dismissively, "I just couldn't stand their lawlessness. It's nothing serious." She was still eager to find Brother Bai Lian, so she wasn't interested in interacting too much with other men. But... why did Tang Chuhuan call Sister Black Lotus "Fairy Bai"? She snuck a glance at Bai Lian, who seemed oblivious, her curiosity growing as she decided to quietly observe further. Tang Chuhuan wasn't offended by her casual attitude; instead, she smiled warmly, her eyes lowered slightly. Jiang Miao, the Holy Maiden of the Tianxuan Sect, with a cultivation of late Musical Heart stage, known for being carefree and straightforward, a nemesis to Mu Xinghe of the Heavenly Pivot Divine Faction, met Bai Lian during the Luo Tian Congress, then journeyed together for months until they formed a deep bond, eventually becoming Dao companions. Curious indeed. Her timing of appearance, isn't it a bit early? And in a location thousands of miles away from the Tianxuan Sect like Gusu City, no less. Because in her past life, from what she knew, Jiang Miao should only officially become prominent a year later during the Luo Tian Congress. Tang Chuhuan's almond eyes narrowed, considering a possibility. Could it be... that Jiang Miao, like herself, also remembers a past life?