Chapter 19: Our Martial Sister Bai Lian Is So Awesome!

The meditation tree is, in essence, just a tree.

When compared to the monstrous Blood Tree, it appears to be a rather ordinary tree. However, it holds significant importance for Zhuyan Peak.

A thousand years prior, a disciple of Zhuyan Peak cultivated beneath the meditation tree. Astonishingly, this cultivation led to his comprehension of the true essence of life and death. From an obscure disciple, he rapidly ascended to become the leader of the Duxian sect's younger generation. Consequently, Zhuyan Peak was elevated to the status of the fifth main peak.

Had it not been for a catastrophic disaster that befell the Duxian sect that year, leading to the disciple's demise, he might have ascended to the Immortal World!

Ever since, the meditation tree became known as the "Enlightenment Tree" or the "Tree of Life and Death."

During that time, disciples of Zhuyan Peak were strictly forbidden from approaching the meditation tree without permission. However, this prohibition failed to extinguish their longing.

Certain disciples even intentionally erred, hoping to be confined beneath the meditation tree.

Yet gradually, they ceased to do so.

Not due to the Peak Leader's influence, nor a directive from the sect leader.

It's simply because people have limitations!

Gradually, these disciples recognized a fundamental truth through their encounters with the tree: "Human progression isn't universally applicable!"

That legendary disciple had sat beneath the meditation tree for thirty days, unraveling the mysteries of life and death.

Following thirty days beneath the tree, other disciples merely concluded that their own beds at home were far more comfortable to sleep in.

As time elapsed, fewer and fewer individuals sought solace beneath the tree. Nowadays, few even recall the tree's moniker as the "Enlightenment Tree."

Wen Ren Ya Le stumbled upon this tale within the library.

She understood that with her aptitude, she would never be able to catch up to Bai Lian unless Bai Lian suddenly acquired the work ethic of a sloth.

After all, Martial Sister Bai Lian is a Natural Saint!

She needed to discover an alternative approach to surpass Bai Lian.

Since conventional cultivation wouldn't lead to victory, she was left with no choice but to seek a flash of inspiration!

The meditation tree, or the Enlightenment Tree, became her latest venture.

Wen Ren Ya Le aimed to grasp its enlightenment.

Regrettably, after spending several days beneath the meditation tree, she had yet to experience any epiphanies. She was even unable to meditate properly. Her mind remained consumed by the events at the Medicine Pavilion that day and the clash between Bai Lian and Jiang Ning.

"Sigh."

Wen Ren Ya Le sighed.

She daydreamed of engaging in a battle with Bai Lian.

She pondered whether she could seize the opportunity, akin to Jiang Ning, to break through to the Golden Core Stage.

"Why was he so fortunate?!"

Wen Ren Ya Le fixed her gaze on the sturdy tree before her.

Life, death, life, death...

Wen Ren Ya Le felt tears welling up.

At this moment, her blurred vision suddenly discerned a captivating whiteness.

Wen Ren Ya Le took a deep breath and refrained from exhaling.

Could it be...

Has she realized something?!

This astounding possibility momentarily left Wen Ren Ya Le dumbfounded...

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No, I mustn't let this once-in-a-lifetime chance slip away.

She hurriedly composed herself and observed intently. She witnessed a vibrant ice butterfly materializing before the meditation tree.

Its wings fluttered, emitting a chilling aura.

Then, a second ice butterfly emerged, followed by a third and fourth...

Is this "Life"?

Wen Ren Ya Le remained fixated.

One ice butterfly perched on the tree's trunk, and promptly, the withered bark was cloaked in frost.

Subsequently, the ice butterfly dissipated before Wen Ren Ya Le's eyes.

Is this "Death"?

Wen Ren Ya Le nodded slightly.

It's portrayed so vividly.

Yet the predicament was that she hadn't grasped any insight whatsoever.

How could this be!!!

Wen Ren Ya Le grew despondent.

The treasure was right before her eyes. Could she truly squander it like this?

However...

Wen Ren Ya Le dropped to her knees.

_ (´□`」∠)_

No!

This quandary proved insurmountable for her!

In her moment of desperation, Wen Ren Ya Le finally comprehended why the book asserted "Human progression isn't universally applicable."

She surmised that numerous individuals encountered the same conundrum.

If everyone could unravel the essence of life and death, legends would lose their allure.

Wen Ren Ya Le flipped over and reclined on the ground.

Enough is enough.

Why should she waste her time here?

For a while, her vision danced with images of ice butterflies.

Exquisite as they may be, what purpose did they serve?

Wen Ren Ya Le managed a wry smile.

Peering past the multitude of ice butterflies, through the expanse of the ice fog, and gazing up at the sky, her gaze settled upon—

"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?"

Wen Ren Ya Le stood flabbergasted.

Amidst the ice butterflies, Martial Sister Bai Lian observed her curiously.

Patter.

The instant Wen Ren Ya Le called out, the ice butterflies in the sky transformed into a mist of ice, resembling a resplendent starry night sky. Most conspicuous among them was the star nestled in the corner of Bai Lian's eye.

How exquisite...

Wen Ren Ya Le remained stupefied.

It took her a while to comprehend that it wasn't an illusion.

...

Bai Lian was intrigued.

Initially, she had aimed to use her newly acquired spell [Butterfly Dance] to capture Wen Ren Ya Le's attention.

Her ploy succeeded.

As the ice butterfly attracted Wen Ren Ya Le's focus, the girl and the butterfly melded seamlessly with their surroundings.

Wen Ren Ya Le began to sway unconstrainedly, delicately holding the ice butterfly, becoming one with the breeze. She leaned against the tree, knelt with one knee, and performed a kowtow, all while lying on her back and gazing skyward with a smile. These actions continued in an almost drunken manner.

As Wen Ren Ya Le enacted her "eccentricity," Bai Lian distinctly noted Yan Yue clenching her fist.

Bullying my disciple in my presence?

No.

I'm not doing it. I have no idea what's happening.

Honestly!

Bai Lian was rendered speechless. She had finally managed to reduce Yan Yue's hostility toward her.

Yet now, she harbored suspicions that Wen Ren Ya Le was intentionally framing her.

Ugh!

You wicked creature!

Bai Lian's ire mounted. Why were there so many malevolent women within the Duxian sect?

During this time, Wen Ren Ya Le abruptly cried out "Martial Sister Bai Lian." The ice butterflies abruptly vanished. Bai Lian then found new task options before her.

[Task 1: Declare your intent and clarify that the ice butterflies were employed to garner Wen Ren Ya Le's attention. (Reward: Top-grade magic tool - Three Souls Sacrifice Flag)]

[Task 2: Disclose your intention. (Reward: Bottle of Qi Gathering Pills)]

[Task 3: Subdue Wen Ren Ya Le until she awakens. (Reward: Hard Skill +5)]

"Well?"

Bai Lian was tempted to scratch her head. What were these tasks about?

Is she detested by Wen Ren Ya Le? Why?!

Bai Lian seethed. She raised her right hand and shouted, "Sword!"

"Ah? Alright." Xiao Jinse promptly extended her sword.

Whoosh—

Bai Lian's divine sense seized the sword as it soared into her grasp. It landed securely in her hand.

"What's this for?"

Those present near the meditation tree exchanged baffled glances. Bai Lian unsheathed her Dirt-Free Sword with her other hand and presented it to Wen Ren Ya Le.

"Take it!"

Wen Ren Ya Le hesitated for a moment before accepting the sword.

Bai Lian retreated a few steps, placing a distance between herself and Wen Ren Ya Le, and calmly announced, "The sword you're holding is the Dirt-Free Sword, a medium-grade magic tool."

She pointed to the sword in her hand, "The one in my hand is an ordinary nameless sword made of common iron."

Wen Ren Ya Le nodded in acknowledgment.

Bai Lian lifted the sword in her right hand, gestured towards Wen Ren Ya Le in the distance, and declared with a commanding tone, "Let's spar. I'll use only the strength of the Foundation Establishment Stage!"

Wen Ren Ya Le was bewildered. She quickly inquired, "Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, what's the meaning..."

In the chill breeze, Bai Lian's voice resounded, resonating with authority, "No talking, just act!"

Act!

The word resonated deeply within Wen Ren Ya Le.

How could she progress if she constantly hesitated?

Hu—

She understood.

Wen Ren Ya Le tightly gripped the Dirt-Free Sword, feeling Bai Lian's faint presence lingering upon it.

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian intended to duel her using the might of the Foundation Establishment Stage. This meant she had a chance of winning. Hence, she must engage!

"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, please!"

If Wen Ren Ya Le hadn't voiced these words, Bai Lian surmised that Yan Yue might have intervened.

Hum.

Impish girl, brace yourself!

Bai Lian charged directly at Wen Ren Ya Le, her speed astonishingly swift, instantly shattering Wen Ren Ya Le's optimism.

"Why?"

Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian nimbly evaded every sword Qi Wen Ren Ya Le hurled her way. One of the sword Qi trajectories appeared destined to strike Bai Lian, yet at the last moment, she exhaled gently, causing her chest to flatten like a board.

This is the application of Soft Skill.

As Wen Ren Ya Le regained her bearings, she realized she had exchanged multiple moves with Bai Lian.

Clang—

A fierce reverberation transmitted through her wrist, and the Dirt-Free Sword was wrested from her grasp.

"It's over."

Bai Lian positioned the Dirt-Free Sword by Wen Ren Ya Le's neck.

I've lost.

Strangely, Wen Ren Ya Le didn't exhibit any signs of anger or sorrow. To her, this outcome was to be expected.

Had Jiang Ning been defeated by this sword?

Comparatively, Martial Sister Bai Lian had to manifest Foundation Establishment Stage prowess to contend with her.

As Bai Lian retrieved the sword, Wen Ren Ya Le emerged from beneath the meditation tree and offered a deep bow.

In the distance, the elder Martial Sister observing the scene heaved a sigh of relief.

Our Martial Sister Bai Lian is truly incredible!

She managed to coax the reticent Junior Martial Sister Wen Ren Ya Le out from beneath the tree with such ease. This ought to prevent my Master from further stirring the pot, right?

Congratulations.

[Task Completed, Hard Skill +5]

Bai Lian, too, felt a sense of relief.