Chapter 38: Classic Reprint

The designated meeting spot with An Lan was the Forbidden Array cave on Qiongming Peak. An Lan, adorned in a pale yellow tunic skirt, was seated on a stone bed, her skirt flowing naturally around her like a blooming flower, ready to be plucked. Her right hand rested on a stone table she had brought, and she lazily sized up Bai Lian from head to toe.

Mmm. An Lan nodded in silence.

After days of absence, the "Death" characters on her diligent disciple's body seemed to have grown thicker, resembling black sesame paste, almost obscuring the individual letters. However, amidst these numerous characters, Bai Lian's posture had become even more upright. It was like she was "standing to death."

An Lan was touched by this transformation. She couldn't help but praise Bai Lian, "You appear even more spirited now!"

Bai Lian modestly smiled, "Thank you, Master."

In An Lan's presence, this was likely the extent of her expression.

No, not quite!

While An Lan desired a harmonious teacher-disciple relationship with Bai Lian, considering her true identity as the "Immortal Heavenly Lord," such a desire was unrealistic.

This "Immortal Heavenly Lord" might appear to have given up, but she was secretly plotting against the Supreme Being who had banished her here.

Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Five hundred years had passed…

An Lan eventually realized that a straightforward approach wouldn't defeat her adversaries. She needed to explore alternate avenues.

So she gave up thinking.

Not because she was weaker than that "bitch," but her current strength was insufficient.

Once, she had been a god reigning over a starry expanse. She understood the might of the Heavenly Lord.

[Surveying eternity, I had grown accustomed to life and death.]

If she recklessly soared into the Immortal World, she would be ensnared by that "bitch" long before she could amass enough strength. And then what? Anyone could guess.

Because of this, An Lan chose not to ascend to the Immortal World. She could do it, but she refrained from doing so.

Bai Lian, who had repeatedly relished fierce battle scenes in "The Battle of the Gods," knew this well.

If you lacked strength, you were helpless!

Observing An Lan's contemplation of the melons, Bai Lian began to experience a sense of foreboding.

Why did this scene feel so familiar?

"My exemplary disciple!"

An Lan chewed on the melon.

"…"

An Lan continued casually, "I have a task for you."

Bai Lian inquired meekly, "Master, what task?"

While devouring the melons, An Lan spoke, "During my absence, I encountered a promising girl. I intend to take her as my disciple. So, go and bring her back for me."

"…"

Bai Lian was flabbergasted.

Was this a classic replay?

Except for adding the word "you," An Lan hadn't altered a single syllable.

Bai Lian pondered whether she should approach An Lan and inquire whether she was recycling material.

Damn!

Could An Lan be any more unenthusiastic!

Summon some motivation!

What irked Bai Lian even more was the timing.

No, no.

According to the game, she should have recruited the third Martial Sister into the Duxian sect one year from now. By then, Xiao Jinse would likely have achieved Foundation Establishment Stage and practically "blossomed" under Bai Lian's care.

Currently, the second Martial Sister and the third Martial Sister were evenly matched in strength. Forcibly bringing them together… given their personalities…

Bai Lian foresaw an intense clash!

Her attention had already been monopolized by Xiao Jinse. Could she endure having another Martial Sister?

Bai Lian was infuriated.

The system task options appeared, albeit belatedly.

[Task 1: Place your hands on your chest, squint at An Lan, and declare, "Do you know who I am? I am Bai Lian. Are you trying to manipulate me? Dream on!" (Reward: Breakthrough to Nascent Soul Stage)]

[Task 2: "Master, why don't you go yourself?" (Reward: Magic Fragrance Stick)]

[Task 3: Agree with An Lan. (Reward: Soft Skill +2)]

System tasks might be tardy, but they were never absent.

Bai Lian's mind raced.

First and foremost, she categorically ruled out Task 1. She had no desire to meet an untimely demise.

She deliberated between Task 2 and Task 3.

In Bai Lian's estimation, the reward for Task 2 was unremarkable, but it was worth a try.

Success would be a monumental feat!

The third Martial Sister was profoundly suspicious, with her reborn memories from the future. Convincing her to return without eliciting repulsion wouldn't be easy.

Task 2 it is.

Bai Lian coquettishly uttered, "Master, why don't you go yourself?"

[Task completed, reward: Magic Fragrance Stick]

"What?" An Lan halted her melon munching.

Bai Lian hurriedly clarified, "I'm willing to go, but… alas…"

She gazed up at the cave's elongated stalactite with a sorrowful expression.

"Master, you possess unparalleled strength and fame. Ever since I became your disciple, many have envied me! I've been targeted for assassination twice recently. I fear it will be quite a challenge to bring back my third Martial Sister successfully. If I encounter danger on the journey, I might end up… Master, forgive me. My feebleness renders me incapable of meeting your expectations."

Bai Lian clenched her fists, wearing an expression of self-reproach.

An Lan took a bite of her melon and swallowed the rind.

She pursed her lips, remaining silent for a long while. Eventually, she raised her right hand.

"Come here."

Bai Lian approached.

Then An Lan bestowed a "buff" on her derriere.

"Ouch—"

What the heck!

An Lan's voice grew indignant. "You dare flirt with your master? I never expected you to become so audacious!"

Bai Lian felt wronged and even more infuriated.

"I wasn't, I didn't..."

Bai Lian swiftly apologized.

Standing by the stone bed, she donned a crestfallen look and faced An Lan. Observing An Lan, she saw her tutor extract an identity card from her sleeve.

"Take this."

A worthwhile item, indeed.

Bai Lian carefully stowed away the identity card.

An Lan pronounced, "Should anyone dare harm you, I'll make sure they share your fate!"

Oh dear, this...

Bai Lian feigned a rueful expression.

An Lan tapped her index finger on the stone table and, after a moment, spoke again, "After all, you're my favorite disciple. When you bring back your third Martial Sister, I'll gift you an exceptional magical tool. Your current sword's power is somewhat lacking."

Now that was intriguing!

Bai Lian, entranced by the prospect of a superb magical tool, scarcely paid heed to the throbbing pain in her buttocks.

"Master, I'm off!"

"Go on, then."

An Lan shooed Bai Lian away.

Initially, her acceptance of Bai Lian as her disciple had been an ill-considered whim, but her perspective had shifted slightly now.

Perhaps she was starting to anticipate Bai Lian's growth.