Chapter 23: Sword Dance!

The jade rabbit shot a disapproving glare at Su Youwei. It seemed to convey, "Hey, let go! You're disrespecting the Tao Halo!"

Its ears twitched slowly, resembling leaves rustling in the wind. After a momentary pause, it refrained from intervening. The rabbit recognized Su Youwei as Bai Lian's Martial Sister and didn't attempt to separate them.

Although its initial impulse was to intervene, the rabbit's better judgment prevailed.

Xiao Jinse's reaction, however, was quite different. Her body trembled uncontrollably, not out of anger, but something else entirely.

It was as if she had lost control of her faculties, bombarded by an influx of conflicting thoughts and emotions:

How dare the third Martial Sister grab Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian's feet so directly? Xiao Jinse had dreamed of doing that countless times but never dared to act on it.

Release her! Hmm, I wonder how it would feel... Would it be as smooth as silk? Argh, I should kick the third Martial Sister out!

As a flurry of ideas overwhelmed her, Xiao Jinse found herself unable to formulate a coherent course of action. Her anxiety bordered on frenetic, leaving her almost breathless.

On the other side of the window, An Lan, observing the scene from outside, was also struggling with her own thoughts.

[Could the disciples be engaging in such activities secretly in the room?]

Suddenly, a loud "ka" resounded as a powerful surge of An Lan's spiritual Qi inadvertently cut through an ancient tree near the window. Recognizing the potential consequences, she quickly manipulated her energy to mend the tree, repairing it with precision.

"Damn it," An Lan muttered to herself as she tried to regain her composure. She decided it was best to retreat to her own cave for the time being, giving herself space to think.

Back in the room, Bai Lian's attention was diverted by a system task that popped up:

[Task 1: Place your toes in the third Martial Sister's mouth in front of the second Martial Sister (Reward: Top-grade magic tool - Six Gods Bone Scraper)]

[Task 2: Quietly retract your feet (Reward: Soft Skill +1)]

Task 1 seemed tempting, even suggestive, but Bai Lian recognized the potential consequences of such an action, especially with the stipulation that it should happen "in front of the second Martial Sister." She knew that taking this route would likely lead to conflict between her younger Martial Sisters.

Quickly and prudently, Bai Lian pulled her foot away, thwarting the completion of Task 1.

Su Youwei, as if released from a trance, stepped back from Bai Lian. A mix of emotions swirled within her as she tried to process the events that had just unfolded.

The room fell into a tense silence.

Bai Lian regained her composure swiftly, demonstrating the strength of her Innocence Heart. She maintained an air of calm, deflecting any suspicion or awkwardness that might have arisen.

Glancing around the room, Bai Lian realized that continuing with the lesson might be a challenge after the unexpected interruption. However, ending the class abruptly could undermine her goal of fostering harmony on Qiongming Peak.

In response, Bai Lian decided to shift the focus of the lesson. With a wave of her hand, the Dirt Free Sword materialized, catching her students off guard.

Su Youwei flinched, expecting Bai Lian's anger to manifest through the sword. Xiao Jinse's mind raced to formulate an explanation for the third Martial Sister's behavior.

However, Bai Lian surprised them both by suggesting a different approach. "I understand that you may not fully grasp the concepts yet. How about I demonstrate a sword dance, and you can glean insights from it?"

The Martial Sisters and the jade rabbit were momentarily perplexed by this unexpected turn of events.

Before they could fully process Bai Lian's proposition, she had already begun a graceful sword dance with the Dirt Free Sword in hand. While her sword technique lacked formal training, she had watched her fellow Martial Sisters practice sword dances and managed to capture some of the essence through imitation.

As she moved, the sword left behind a trail of cold mist and faint flashes of lightning, capturing the essence of "swift as thunder, gentle as a river."

Bai Lian's footsteps were synchronized with the motion of the Tao Halos behind her, creating a mesmerizing display. The intricate patterns of light seemed to weave a tapestry of harmony and power.

Xiao Jinse, despite her initial turmoil, became entranced by Bai Lian's performance. Her admiration for her Elder Martial Sister swelled, temporarily overshadowing her earlier anxieties.

Meanwhile, Su Youwei's heart was heavy with regret. She couldn't fully appreciate Bai Lian's sword dance, her mind consumed by self-reproach for her recent actions. The aura of Bai Lian's true Natural Saint status loomed before her, dispelling any doubts she may have had.

As Bai Lian concluded her dance and sheathed the sword, a sense of tranquility settled in the room.

With a serene smile, Bai Lian addressed her younger Martial Sisters, "I understand that these concepts might be challenging to grasp at the moment. Let's conclude today's special lesson. Take time to reflect on what you've learned tonight."

"Yes, Martial Sister!" Xiao Jinse responded eagerly, snapping out of her trance.

Su Youwei, though still lost in her thoughts, managed a prompt reply as well.

Even the jade rabbit let out a couple of satisfied chirps.

As her younger Martial Sisters left the room, Bai Lian's mind churned. She realized that she could temporarily set aside the issue with the third Martial Sister. Instead, she decided to focus on helping the second Martial Sister elevate her Spiritual Root's grade over the next few days.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Bai Lian glanced out the window, her expression pensive. A subtle unease tugged at her consciousness, as if she had detected a disturbance.

"Hmm?" Bai Lian furrowed her brows as her gaze settled on the ancient tree outside the window. Something about its orientation seemed off, as if it had shifted slightly to the left.

Just then, a message from An Lan appeared:

[Come to the forbidden array.]

Bai Lian's expression soured. It seemed that her actions had not gone unnoticed, and An Lan had likely learned of her altercation with Chen Lu.

With a resigned sigh, Bai Lian headed toward the forbidden array, mentally bracing herself for the impending conversation.

"Master," she greeted, bowing respectfully upon her arrival.

An Lan's response caught her off guard, "Have you attuned to the new Dirt Free Sword?"

Bai Lian replied, "Yes, master. I have successfully attuned to it."

An Lan nodded in approval, her tone casual. "Very well. Rest today, and bring Su Youwei to meet me tomorrow."

"Of course, master," Bai Lian acknowledged with a bow, her curiosity piqued by An Lan's seemingly relaxed demeanor.

As she departed An Lan's presence, Bai Lian couldn't help but ponder the encounter. Was that all? An Lan's unexpected leniency left her feeling slightly unsettled.

As Bai Lian left, An Lan let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Careless," she muttered to herself, aware of her near indiscretion. She continued to lie on the stone bed, her thoughts consumed by the events of the evening.

Little did she know that Bai Lian had noticed something amiss with the ancient tree and that her aura had taken on a stronger "Death" quality that night.