Chapter 12: Does the Rebirthed Third Younger Martial Sister Dream of the Elder Martial Sister?

Distinctions often arise between individuals—one might grasp doctrine quicker than another, or excel in their own unique field.

Elder Martial Brother Zhao was now firmly convinced of Bai Lian's character. He marveled at how Martial Sister Xia, within half a day, had learned compassion. With three to five months of training in the Duxian Sect, she might truly transform into a heroine.

Yet, practical constraints existed. His Master adored her daughter deeply and wouldn't permit such an extended absence.

"Regrettable," Brother Zhao sighed.

If only Bai Lian were Young Master Bai Lian, the situation might be different. If she were a man, his Master might welcome a bond between her and her daughter.

But now wasn't the time for such contemplations. He needed to swiftly rescue the captured Martial Sisters.

"Follow me, all of you!"

Elder Martial Brother Zhao's blue Taoist robe billowed as he levitated. A Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, he outmatched even the supreme elder of the Red Moon Sect, let alone its lower-level disciples.

The path ahead was clear; the solution to their predicament was straightforward.

With his lance in hand, Elder Martial Brother Zhao charged forward like a berserker. Anyone who dared to challenge his resolve was swiftly pierced, their demise too swift for any warnings to their comrades.

Thus, they infiltrated the Red Moon Sect, their presence unnoticed.

Elder Martial Brother Zhao wasn't inclined to maintain secrecy any longer. He stood before the sect's gate, his voice resonating with authority.

"Red Moon Sect, come forth!"

"Who dares shout?"

Members of the Red Moon Sect soon emerged, their villainous demeanor unwavering despite their inferior strength compared to Elder Martial Brother Zhao.

"How audacious!"

"Do you dare challenge the Red Moon Sect? No one can save you from its retribution!"

"In need of an appealing companion, are you? You there, come over and enjoy!" (Note: In the original text, the term "rabbit" is used to allude to a gay person.)

The mention of a "rabbit" piqued the jade rabbit's attention, but Bai Lian quickly withdrew the creature before it could react.

Even Elder Martial Brother Zhao found this intolerable.

"Provoking the Tianji Sect? Prepare to meet your demise!"

His rage ignited, and his lance pierced a Red Moon Sect disciple before their taunts could escalate.

This decisive action quelled their adversaries, who scattered in disarray.

Dismayed, Elder Martial Brother Zhao couldn't help but remark, "Such audacity to challenge the Tianji Sect? They will meet their end!"

Time passed, and soon the sect leader and elders of the Red Moon Sect convened.

Their actions were at the behest of a higher authority, one yet to make an appearance. Yet, the Tianji Sect's retribution had preceded this higher power's orders.

Their quandary was clear: they couldn't counterattack without confirmation from their superior.

Half an hour later, the disciple dispatched to summon the Supreme Elder returned, his expression one of distress.

The sect leader inquired with anticipation, "Did the Supreme Elder agree to intervene?"

Kneeling and wailing, the disciple shared the grim news, "The Supreme Elder has been slain by the enemy!"

The sect leader's eyes widened in disbelief.

The column of crimson light pierced the sky, signifying the activation of the Red Moon Sect's forbidden array.

In a flash, the landscape transformed. The palace vanished, replaced by a raised stone platform.

Blood-stained and disheveled, a woman was bound to the stone, her body marred by wounds. Blood colored the stone beneath her feet.

"Senior Sister!"

The sight tugged at Xia Qingqing's heartstrings, and she wiped away a tear.

Regret swelled within her—a consequence of her reckless behavior. If only she had acted more prudently, her Martial Sister wouldn't have suffered.

She yearned to rush forward, but Bai Lian's presence tempered her emotions. Elder Martial Sister's sudden appearance bore a hint of intrigue; caution was warranted.

Suspicion clouded Bai Lian's gaze. Why was Xia Qingqing hesitating? Where was her trademark impulsiveness?

The mission... What about the mission?

The group's advance halted, and Elder Martial Brother Zhao's voice grew somber.

"Although this array isn't high-tier, it can't be broken quickly. Forcibly disrupting it risks harming Martial Sister Wu, who's already severely injured."

Xia Qingqing cast a pleading gaze at Bai Lian, invoking her assistance.

"Bai Lian!"

Bai Lian's expression shifted.

Why was Xia Qingqing looking at her? What was she supposed to do? She wasn't a magical genie!

"In truth, I'm not well-versed in this forbidden array..." Bai Lian began to decline, but Elder Martial Brother Zhao's resolute gaze silenced her objections.

"Fairy Bai Lian, I believe in you. Just go ahead. Either way, it can't get any worse!"

Elder Martial Brother Zhao recalled hearing that Natural Saints are extremely sensitive to spiritual power. Even if they haven't learned the method of breaking arrays, they can dismantle simple forbidden arrays by harnessing their "special abilities."

Bai Lian hesitated, considering her options.

It can't get any worse? Why do I feel your words are rather hurtful?

Well, let's give it a try.

Bai Lian vaguely recalled her Magic Circle skill points—somehow they'd increased to 4 points. At the very least, they wouldn't be entirely useless, right?

"Follow me."

Bai Lian stepped into the forbidden array. Surprisingly, she could clearly discern the flow path of the array's spiritual power. Guided by this revelation, she maneuvered through the forbidden array with ease, allowing Elder Martial Brother Zhao to rescue Martial Sister Wu.

"Elder Martial Sister Wu!"

Xia Qingqing's cry was tinged with sorrow.

Brother Zhao's mood wasn't much better, but Bai Lian's impressive feat had left a profound impression.

Even her expression remained unchanged as she traversed the forbidden array.

If this isn't a Natural Saint, then what is?

Her willingness to work hard in the face of adversity only further endeared her to Brother Zhao.

"If she can put forth such effort, why can't I?"

Brother Zhao mused to himself.

...

Su Youwei observed the scene in silence.

The palace atop the sand dunes crumbled under the onslaught of Elder Martial Brother Zhao's lance, creating a vortex that consumed everything in its wake.

After her rebirth, she never imagined she would find herself within the Red Moon Sect so swiftly. Nor did she anticipate the ease with which the once-nightmarish sect would crumble before her.

Is this the world where the powerful wield absolute dominion over lives?

Su Youwei stared at her hands, a growing sense of confusion enveloping her.

She'd never contemplated such questions before—

Upon achieving her vengeance, what would she do next?

What purpose did her bloodstained hands truly serve?

Raising her gaze, she locked onto a familiar figure.

Du Fengyu, the son of the Red Moon Sect's leader, was desperately fleeing the collapsing palace.

The villain responsible for orchestrating her past tragedies was now on the run.

Even the freshly inscribed "正" on Su Youwei's wrist couldn't contain the simmering rage within her.

A surge of murderous intent welled up, and Du Fengyu sensed the impending danger.

"It's you?"

He recognized Su Youwei immediately, his panic yielding to anger.

The adopted daughter of the Su family—a supposed waste—dared to harbor homicidal intent in his presence!

Had the forbidden array not been disrupted, he would've made her pay for her audacity!

Su Youwei's body trembled uncontrollably.

She knew she was no match for Du Fengyu, yet how could she let her enemy escape before her eyes?

Bai Lian noticed Su Youwei's turmoil and saw new task options.

[Task 1: Take the lead for your younger Martial Sister and capture Du Fengyu (Reward: Medium-grade magic tool - Long-life Lock)]

[Task 2: Allow Du Fengyu to escape (Reward: Spiritual Herb - Virtual Spiritual Root)]

Now wasn't the time for weighing risks.

If she allowed Du Fengyu to flee, what right did she have to claim the title of a responsible Elder Martial Sister?

Task 1 it is.

"Junior Sister."

Bai Lian clasped Su Youwei's trembling fist.

Her palm barely enveloped Su Youwei's, yet the warmth of her touch conveyed reassurance.

Gradually, Su Youwei's tremors subsided, her gaze steadying.

"You owe me. After you return, reflect on your actions. How could you be so easily overtaken by your inner demons?"

Bai Lian took Su Youwei's left hand and inscribed another "正" on her wrist.

Su Youwei stared at Bai Lian, her focus locked onto her Elder Martial Sister flying toward Du Fengyu.

Bai Lian's speed was astounding.

Before Su Youwei could fully regain her awareness, Bai Lian had already reached Du Fengyu's side.

"Here."

With Bai Lian's simple word, the Dirt Free Sword was presented.

Did she mean for Su Youwei to end Du Fengyu's life herself?

Su Youwei extended her hand slowly, the sight of the freshly inscribed "正" momentarily arresting her.

Retracting her hand abruptly, she hesitated.

Would slaying Du Fengyu truly absolve her of her inner demons?

Images of endless bloodshed flickered in her mind.

Perhaps not.

A wry smile tugged at Su Youwei's lips. The Way of Shura had firmly entrenched itself within her soul.

But then, her hand was held once again.

Su Youwei regarded Bai Lian in silence, seeking answers.

Though Bai Lian's calm gaze offered no insight into her emotions, it exuded an aura of tranquility.

It was akin to beholding a serene sea or gazing upon the vast expanse of a starry night—a sensation of profound serenity.

For the first time since her nightmare began, Su Youwei felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

Accepting the Dirt Free Sword from Bai Lian, she resolutely plunged it into Du Fengyu, his pleas for mercy echoing in the air.

Even if this proved illusory, even if it was all a dream, Su Youwei was content to continue within this illusion.

At least she could find solace before the truth inevitably awoke her.

...

Bai Lian cradled the exhausted Su Youwei, a rare smile gracing her lips.

What a night it had been.

The third Martial Sister resembled a slumbering kitten, her form curled in restful repose.

She stirred and called, "Elder Martial Sister."

Bai Lian's smile broadened.

Her third Martial Sister had finally addressed her as "Elder Martial Sister."

Su Youwei's voice reached her ears, laden with resolve, "One day, I'll return these two '正' characters to you. Only you are deserving of them."

Bai Lian's only response was a bemused "(꒪⌓꒪)".