Chapter 57 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

No wonder Mu Jianli was hesitant to draw a direct conclusion. In the world of cultivation, there is a concept known as "possession," often referring to Yuanyuan practitioners or higher who, upon facing accidental death, refuse to accept reincarnation. Thus, they seize living bodies to regain life. However, rebirth is distinct from possession; possession merely circumvents the cycles of the underworld through special means. Rebirth breaks the cycle of reincarnation of the underworld and even defies the rules of time, considering the timing... happens before everything unfolds. Such a phenomenon is utterly mind-boggling—true immortals cannot reverse time, let alone cultivators stuck in the mortal realm without prospects of ascension. Mu Jianli had often suspected that her rebirth might be linked to Bai Lian. After all, in both past and present lives, Bai Lian's presence was inseparable from hers. Especially after her rebirth, everything around her seemed to return to its original state. Except one thing had changed—those closely associated with Bai Lian. Whether it was her highly skilled master or Uncle Gu, or even Jiang Miao, her peer and Bai Lian's partner in her past life, their behaviors shifted noticeably after rebirth. Conversely, those with ordinary relationships with Bai Lian, like the disciples from Yaoji Peak, showed no change whatsoever. Could being a partner in the past life be the key to rebirth? Yet, that wouldn't explain Tang Chuhuan's anomaly. She was well aware that in her past life, Bai Lian never uncovered Tang Chuhuan's true gender, nor knew of the woman disguised as a man secretly harboring feelings for her. Forming a partner bond was impossible, given Tang Chuhuan was merely a mortal with a fleeting lifespan, destined for separation from a cultivator like Bai Lian. Yet without rebirth, why would her behavior now differ so greatly? Noticing Mu Jianli's gaze upon her, Tang Chuhuan, conversing with Bai Lian, turned her head and smiled slightly. The smile was notably distant, akin to how ordinary mortals look upon cultivators, revealing not a hint of reincarnation. Still, Mu Jianli vaguely sensed other emotions hidden within that distant smile. Tang Chuhuan wore a gentle smile, her heart nonetheless alert. Clearly, Mu Jianli posed a greater threat to her than the naive Bai Lian who remained oblivious. Her minor lapse revealing jealousy had instantly altered the other's demeanor. Surely, even in their previous lives, Mu Jianli had detected her disguised identity, intervening whenever she approached Bai Lian. And now, despite Bai Lian having become a woman in this life, Mu Jianli still stuck close. Hmph, a protective little puppy. Though dismissive in her thoughts, she couldn't help but feel a bit downcast. Mu Jianli was indeed like a little puppy, but at least she could accompany Bai Lian. And what of herself? Nurturing hopes yet too self-conscious about her inferior status to express them, she ended up self-deceptively befriending Bai Lian as a brother. Ultimately, Bai Lian never discerned her true gender, let alone her affections. Later, Bai Lian left Gusu City, the Tang family was annihilated, and she survived only thanks to an artifact gifted by Bai Lian, never seeing her again before death, reduced to hearing rumors of her exploits. How ridiculous... "Tang Gongzi, this matter is grave. Please, lead us to that tunnel," Bai Lian's soft voice interrupted her reverie. Tang Chuhuan, smiling slightly, replied, "Naturally. Bai Xianzi risking yourself for us mere mortals is greatly appreciated." "It's a trifling matter, not worth mentioning," Bai Lian waved it off. "However, there's something I need you to be cautious of, Bai Xianzi." "What is it?" Tang Chuhuan said, "You've likely seen, when I led troops into Taixu Villa, Yuanfa Monk was at my side. He has numerous informants in Gusu City and was early aware of the villa's developments. Now, under the guise of eradicating a cult, he's seeking an escape. I fear, when we enter the tunnel, he might try something in secret. Please, Bai Xianzi, tread carefully." Bai Lian paused briefly, surprised by Tang Chuhuan's warning. Of course, she had noticed Yuanfa Monk, and was even ready for a battle, but hadn't anticipated Tang Chuhuan's timely alert. Her thoughts wavered. "I understand, thank you for the warning, Tang Gongzi," she nodded, returning to Mu Jianli's side. Mu Jianli also calmed herself, realizing there was no evidence to claim Tang Chuhuan as a reborn person. Rather than dwelling on that, she considered focusing on the present situations. She whispered to Bai Lian, "Elder sister, I find Tang Chuhuan peculiar. Since arriving in Gusu City, events have strayed from the past life's path. Moreover, I feel as if we’re being led." Bai Lian silently acknowledged Mu Jianli's observations. In the game narrative, when she reached Gusu City, her strength was only at the intermediate level of Qin Heart, yet she felt at ease. Now, with her strength at the ninth level of Qin Heart, she unexpectedly felt overwhelmed. Not only that, but every choice she and Mu Jianli made seemed guided by an invisible force. Reflecting now, the influence began when they killed the Taixu Villa guest at the Tang household. However, all signs indicated that Tang Mingli was no more than an average man driven to obsession by his pursuit of cultivation—hardly the mastermind capable of such manipulation. Though formerly a brother to Tang Chuhuan, even Bai Lian couldn’t avoid suspicion. Yet Tang Chuhuan’s actions defied her expectations. First, guiding them to investigate Taixu Villa under the traitor's pretext; now, with its downfall imminent, she shifts focus to Yuanfa Monk of Huanxi Temple. If Tang Chuhuan was aligned with a cult, such actions imply purging rivalry. Yet if opposing a cult is his aim, why obscure his intentions? What exactly does Tang Chuhuan aim to achieve? She gazed at Tang Chuhuan's slender figure, failing to grasp the "supporting character's" agenda. Clearly, regardless of Tang Chuhuan's motives, he had succeeded, since she would definitely enter the Hehuan Palace. For within the Hehuan Palace lay more than just the "Jile Classic." "Let's go, we’ll check out the palace," she shook her head and said. Mu Jianli halted upon hearing this, her voice somewhat hoarse, "Senior sister, are you really going to enter the Hehuan Palace?" Bai Lian turned, noting her suddenly ragged breath without knowing why.