Chapter 28: Paying in Secret!

"About your injury..."

Bai Lian scrutinized the third Martial Sister's delicate feet with care. Aside from a minor bruise, everything seemed fine. Bai Lian felt unsure about her healing abilities given the third Martial Sister's hesitant response.

Can "Healers" even treat human injuries? Or...

"Maybe the injury is internal, and I have to make an incision to see it."

Bai Lian glanced at the Dirt Free Sword on the ground, then at the third Martial Sister's slightly twitching toes.

Cutting her legs?

Su Youwei was alarmed by the prospect. She swallowed hard and suggested, "Let me try some medicine. It might help."

"That sounds reasonable."

Bai Lian nodded, her medical capabilities possibly too rudimentary for such matters. She could cut the third Martial Sister's legs, but she had no means to reattach them.

Applying medicine to the bruise and giving the third Martial Sister a callus pill, Bai Lian rose and shifted her focus to the pig demons tied up at the cave's entrance using a water spirit force rope.

The task she'd taken on had two aspects: capturing the demonic beasts and investigating the source of the pig demons.

Due to the emergence of the blue-skinned demon, Xiao Jinse and Su Youwei had overlooked the latter requirement.

"In the end, I have to clean up their mess."

Bai Lian wasn't irate as she said this. Given the Martial Sisters' Qi Refining Stage 10 cultivation levels, it was commendable that they could jointly vanquish the Foundation Establishment Stage pig demon.

"Answer my questions!"

With her Dirt Free Sword, Bai Lian drew a roast suckling pig on the belly of a pig demon, who promptly surrendered.

Aware that they operated within the Duxian sect's sphere of influence, the pig demons didn't deny their location. Faced with the threat of roasting, they revealed that their leader, the "Double-headed Dragon," resided by the Li River.

"Double-headed Dragon?" Bai Lian raised an eyebrow.

The pig demon explained, "It's not a real dragon, just a grotesque, black, two-headed snake."

Bai Lian gave the pig demon a skeptical look.

Are you joking, little pig?

The pig demon retorted, "I swear, if I'm lying, roast me!"

For the moment, Bai Lian chose to believe it. She dispatched the pig demon before pondering.

In truth, it wasn't uncommon for demon beasts to adopt nicknames—domineering or memorable monikers were essential for gaining recognition. After all, even her Martial Sisters sported nicknames.

Black beast became Black Whirlwind, Big ass became Grinding Wheel, and Long legs turned into Optimus Prime.

If she were a double-headed snake, it seemed reasonable to name herself "Li River's Double Lance Little White Dragon."

Li River lay 2000 li away from the Duxian sect. If the pig demon's words held true, then the double-headed dragon's lair should be there.

Recalling that the two tiger demons that had ambushed her earlier were dispatched by the double-headed dragon, Bai Lian muttered, "Killing it won't be easy."

Considering the disparity in strength, Bai Lian assessed that the double-headed dragon was likely at the Nascent Soul Stage. Even joining forces with the jade rabbit might not guarantee victory, and a connection to the Duxian sect seemed probable.

However, Bai Lian possessed other strategies.

"Let's return to the Duxian sect for now."

Back on Qiongming Peak, Bai Lian handed over the task at the Merit Pavilion before seeking out Elder Gaoyi.

[Martial Sister Bai Lian reporting that a demon named "Li River's Double Lance Little White Dragon" is causing havoc on Earth!]

"The pig demon mentioned that the double-headed dragon's cultivation base is at the Soul Changing Stage. It's amassed a group of malevolent demons, making the Li River its base, where it oppresses nearby demon beasts that refuse to submit. If their reign of terror isn't curtailed, incidents like the pig demons' attacks will become more common. Alas, how many mortals will fall victim to these demons?"

Bai Lian sighed with compassion, moving Gaoyi.

"While justice isn't our sect's slogan, we cannot allow such wicked demons to run amok near the Duxian sect. I shall inform the Sect Leader."

"Thank you, Elder Gaoyi."

Bai Lian expressed her gratitude and took her leave.

This time, even if the double-headed dragon couldn't be slain, it must be subdued.

In the following days, Bai Lian guided her younger Martial Sisters through several uncomplicated tasks.

With repeated training, Xiao Jinse's rigidity gave way to agility. Bai Lian reminded her that combat wasn't solely about physical prowess—it involved employing one's senses, mind, voice, and even gut.

A true warrior could overpower adversaries with more than just limbs.

"You're now a capable cultivator," Bai Lian commended Xiao Jinse with a smile.

Su Youwei required less guidance. Her combat experience exceeded Bai Lian's. If it weren't for her previous life's circumstances, she would've likely never been abducted to the Duxian sect.

And as for the third Martial Sister, Bai Lian continued to be impressed. She had expected that breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage might amplify her inner demon. Yet, upon examination, she found that Su Youwei's inner demon was weaker than before.

"My third Martial Sister, the Rebellious Shura, has ingeniously found a way to subdue her inner demon."

Bai Lian looked at Su Youwei with gratitude. In the game, Su Youwei used the attributes of the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl to restrain her inner demon. But now, the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl within her remained dormant.

What trials had the third Martial Sister endured in the game?

Bai Lian believed she must've paid a heavy price in secret to quell her inner demon. But she hadn't uttered a word, bearing it all alone. It was truly heartrending.

Bai Lian embraced Su Youwei and patted her back gently.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

"Elder Martial Sister..."

Su Youwei struggled to raise her head, meeting Bai Lian's resolute gaze. She refrained from speaking; the intensity in Martial Sister Bai Lian's eyes sufficed.

Sometimes, silence carried more weight than words. Understanding Bai Lian's unwavering support, Su Youwei listened to her steady heartbeat—one thump after another, the sound soothing her fragile soul.

Touched, Su Youwei murmured, "Elder Martial Sister, you seem to see through me. You always stand by my side in times of need."

Bai Lian hugged Su Youwei, patting her back comfortingly. "I'm fine, don't be afraid. I'm here."

The warmth enveloped her, and Su Youwei mustered courage. She reached out and held Martial Sister Bai Lian's hand, tracing the Chinese character "正" on Bai Lian's wrist.

It was as if she was practicing for the future.