Chapter 70 - Girls in a Matriarchal World Are Just Too Scary

The two choices were straightforward: either help or stand by and watch. On the surface, there was no issue, but what was up with the task's reward? “What does the title refer to? And doesn’t ‘Righteous Person’ sound odd to you? ‘Embodiment of Justice’ would have been better. Which fool came up with that?” Su Yan questioned the system internally. The system replied: [Titles are a form of enhancement. You've played online games, right? Titles can be worn, and they enhance the wearer. As long as you don’t take it off, it acts as a permanent passive skill.] [As for the origin of the title, you’re not yet qualified to know. But I warn you, be careful with your words, lest you be cursed by others.] “Huh?” Su Yan was startled. He had spoken casually, but was the title not system-generated but devised by someone else? Cursing over this? That seemed rather petty. “Let's pretend I never said anything.” Su Yan decided to be cautious. According to the system, titles were a valuable way to enhance strength without side effects. Helping Tang Wan'er not only aligned with his own intentions but also came with a bonus from the system. It seemed time to make a choice. But before that... “What about the second task reward? Is it some kind of rare spiritual plant?” Anything produced by the system had to be top-notch! Even if the reward seemed lackluster, it was undoubtedly a prized item. He couldn’t believe it was just an ordinary plant. [What does the host want to know?] “Can you show me the attributes of this plant?” Since learning alchemy, Su Yan had focused on studying various spiritual plants, and he felt curious about any plant he hadn't seen before. [Grass, a type of plant.] “……” Su Yan waited for a further explanation from the system, but none came. “Go on.” [Go on with what?] “The item description of the spiritual plant.” The system fell silent, and Su Yan realized what was going on. His face darkened. “You’ve changed, system, becoming sneaky. The worst reward used to be attribute points, and now you’re giving me a piece of roadside grass!” The system remained silent. Though frustrated, Su Yan had no other choice than to focus back on reality. He glanced at the two women and said, “Why don’t I help you?” “No way!” Tang Wan'er and Ling Ling spoke in unison, exchanging a knowing glance. Tang Wan'er refused his help because she didn’t want Su Yan to risk himself. With his stunning looks, it was already daring enough that he wasn’t dodging the Harmony Sect. What if he were captured and indoctrinated? Ling Ling's reasoning was simpler; she purely didn’t want her junior to take any risk. “Why are you two reacting so strongly? Don’t underestimate me. I’m actually quite formidable.” Su Yan showed off his late-stage foundational cultivation, surprising both women. Tang Wan’er blushed, realizing that her strength matched that of this seemingly frail man. Had she become too complacent lately? Ling Ling was shocked by Su Yan’s rapid progress in just a few months. This was nothing like the Su Yan she remembered. “No means no!” Ling Ling shook her head, “Even if you’ve become stronger, you can’t. The Harmony Sect is too dangerous for you.” “You’re my senior sister, not my mother. Why should you decide what I do?” “Have you never heard the saying that an elder sister is like a mother?” “You’re not my real sister, and you’re only my third senior sister. There are two more above you, so you’re not even the eldest. Are you plotting a coup?” “You…!” Seeing the two bickering, Tang Wan'er was baffled. Clearly, this was her matter, so why were they arguing? The argument between Su Yan and Ling Ling ended with the latter's defeat. It wasn’t that she couldn’t win verbally; rather, a well-bred lady does not quarrel with a man. Furthermore, she eventually realized her mistake. “What nonsense am I spouting? Like a mother? I want to marry him, not mother him!” Ling Ling reprimanded herself internally for her careless words. Whenever it involved Su Yan, her intelligence seemed to nosedive. Su Yan, having emerged victorious, said with a smile, “It's settled. I will help you.” Meanwhile, the system chimed in his ear. [Task completed. The reward has been granted.] Su Yan opened the system interface and viewed the title attributes. [Righteous Person: Wherever there is evil, there I shall be, the nemesis of all that’s wicked—I am the Righteous Person! Title Effect: When engaging with evil enemies, attack power increases by ten to thirty percent, depending on the degree of evil.] Seeing the skill description, Su Yan’s eyes brightened. In many games, this wouldn’t count as a top-tier attribute, but reality wasn't a game. A ten to thirty percent increase in attack was astoundingly powerful! “How is evil determined? Is it based on my opinion of them, or perhaps widespread recognition? Or is it merely past misdeeds?” This point was crucial, and Su Yan decided to experiment later. Ling Ling added, “If you’re set on helping, then I’ll come too.” Though she was reluctant to dive into these murky waters, Su Yan was resolute, leaving her with no choice. Su Yan smiled, knowing his senior sister cared for him despite her sudden change in attitude. Ling Ling said, “Helping is fine, but how should we proceed? Charging in would be unwise, you realize that, right?” Her words were directed at Su Yan. The Harmony Sect was powerful, and Ling Ling didn’t wish to provoke their wrath. Even with the backing of their own sect, encountering their foes with a grudge would be dangerous. After all, one might defend against a thief for a thousand days but not forever. Until the Harmony Sect could be entirely eradicated, it was best not to push them too far. Tang Wan’er had no objections, having learned from this incident that not every action one wants to take can be taken without considering the consequences. She was already grateful for their decision to help, so she couldn’t ask for more. “If we could get in and out unnoticed, that would be ideal. Stealth rescue, perhaps?” Su Yan suggested. Ling Ling nodded, and the three began to plan. Initially, all three intended to infiltrate together, but Ling Ling objected, cautioning that three would draw too much attention. The fewer, the better. With her stronger abilities, she proposed going alone. This notion provoked strong reactions from Su Yan and Tang Wan'er. Tang Wan'er’s reasoning was simple: the grudge was hers, so how could she not exert effort yet stay behind instead? Su Yan had his own reason he couldn't avoid: if he didn’t go in person, the system would reclaim the task reward. How could he give up something already attained? “Fine, since you insist, let's go together!” Faced with Su Yan's gentle insistence, Ling Ling reluctantly agreed.