Chapter 9: Differential Treatment
Author PoV////link available in commentssorry for the absence I was in the middle of an exam well I'm back 2 chapter per week here and 7 chapter available on ko-fi. link in comment/// End Author PoV
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Si Yunshang's mind went blank for a moment. She had heard the name countless times in the past few years. Her lips gently pursed, and then she suddenly pronounced the word "Bai" from her throat. Si Yunshang was confident that she knew Bai Lian better than anyone else in the world. Perhaps even better than Bai Lian knew herself.
Upon seeing the girl who rushed in, Si Yunshang immediately reached an irrefutable conclusion—it was indeed Bai Lian, the Natural Saint of the Duxian sect. The star symbol in the corner of her eye emitted a soft blue light, resembling the morning star hanging upside down over the blue sea. Her temperament was like a pure white flower, just as rumored. One look at her made Si Yunshang want to embrace her, sleep beside her, and share their body warmth.
Si Yunshang, who had regained her composure, murmured, "Why did Fairy Bai Lian suddenly appear here?"
Bai Lian replied calmly, "I've heard what Chen Lu said about you."
"Chen Lu?" Si Yunshang recalled this name. That "Vicious" woman had called herself Chen Lu. At the time, she had thought the vicious woman was seeking revenge against an enemy, but it turned out her name was indeed Chen Lu. Si Yunshang felt a bit ashamed for her earlier misjudgment.
Si Yunshang couldn't help but feel embarrassed but quickly realized that there was no need to continue any rivalry. Could they even be compared? Not at all! In any way, Chen Lu was no match for Bai Lian.
Si Yunshang regained her composure and asked, "Fairy Bai Lian, what do you want from me?"
Her voice was gentle, and her demeanor was kind, like a geisha conversing with a guest.
Bai Lian's body froze. She remembered that just half a day ago, Si Yunshang had reacted angrily and used radical words. This was a stark contrast to her current attitude.
Bai Lian said quietly, "Miss Si, are you the successor of the Lingxu sect?"
She had asked this question not long ago, and this time, Si Yunshang answered without hesitation.
Si Yunshang straightened her aching waist and replied, "Yes and no."
"What do you mean?" Bai Lian inquired.
Si Yunshang bit her lip and, after a moment of contemplation, asked, "Fairy Bai Lian, can I trust you?"
New task options appeared in front of Bai Lian's eyes:
Task 1: "You are just a Demon Woman, you have no right to bargain with me!" (Reward: Extinction Spirit Array)
Task 2: "You can trust me with everything, including yourself!" (Reward: a top-grade magic tool - A Hundred Ghosts Scroll)
Task 3: "Believe or not, it all depends on you. The truth I show is not necessarily what you want to see." (Reward: Wooden Puppet Symbol)
Bai Lian understood that Si Yunshang's path was filled with risks, and she had to tread carefully. However, now that she was involved, her focus shifted to "how to proceed safely."
Hence, Task 1 could be ignored. The "A Hundred Ghosts Scroll" was a valuable magic tool, but it also served as a spirit Qi charging item. Bai Lian contemplated her choices.
When Bai Lian thought of the younger Martial Sister, her decision was clear. She wasn't a "Demon Woman."
Bai Lian replied, "Believe or not..."
[Task completed. Wooden Puppet Symbol is delivered.]
Si Yunshang was deeply moved by Bai Lian's words, feeling that Bai Lian was different from herself. In her current situation, she had no choice but to rely on Bai Lian. She confessed, "Although I was chatting with Zhou Kai when Chen Lu found me, I had actually been an enemy of the Huaxin sect."
Bai Lian was surprised. She knew that the Lingxu sect was more powerful than the Duxian sect, and even the Yaochi Holy Mountain would face challenges from them.
Si Yunshang clarified, "That's not true, otherwise, the Huaxin sect wouldn't have survived. This enmity is my personal trial."
Bai Lian questioned, "Is there any conflict between the Lingxu sect and the Huaxin sect?"
Si Yunshang shook her head and explained, "That's not the case. Otherwise, the Huaxin sect wouldn't have survived. This is my personal trial."
"Considering your strength..." Bai Lian began.
Si Yunshang interrupted, "Because it's challenging, it's called a trial. Fairy Bai Lian, you've come to Yuheng Mountain to investigate the recent disappearances. I can tell you that it's the work of the Huaxin sect."
She was straightforward, but Bai Lian was uncertain about the accuracy of her information. The truth and falsehood were intertwined, and Bai Lian was well aware that she was dealing with a "Demon Woman" who excelled at deception.
Bai Lian asked, "Do you want us to help you eliminate the Huaxin sect?"
Si Yunshang proposed cooperation, and Bai Lian agreed. She wouldn't fall for the bait and replied, "In that case, why don't we test the waters?"
Si Yunshang asked, "How do we do that?"
Bai Lian suggested, "I'll share the location of the White Tiger Hall of the Huaxin sect."
Si Yunshang hesitated but eventually agreed to explore the White Tiger Hall at night.
...
It was 1 o'clock, somewhere outside the Aurora Boat. Si Yunshang looked at the jade rabbit next to her, which had thwarted her previous escape attempt. She didn't dare to make any moves in front of the rabbit after that incident.
Time passed, and Bai Lian hadn't returned yet. Si Yunshang wondered if something had gone wrong. Just as she thought about this, she heard a creak.
"Bai..." Si Yunshang's expression changed, "Is it you?"
But what appeared in front of her was not Bai Lian but the Ten Stars Evil Woman, "Chen Lu."
Si Yunshang's heart sank. She knew this woman was trouble.
"Chen Lu" spoke irritably, "Martial Sister Bai Lian can't come at the moment. She asked me to accompany you instead."
Si Yunshang forced a smile and said, "It's getting late; let's go."