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Despite the humiliation inflicted by her little brother, Jingliu could bear it for now.
However, if Xueyi dared to humiliate her, there would be a price to pay.
In her early life, Jingliu's greatest passions were mastering swordsmanship and defeating formidable foes. Later, she relished tasting the exquisite wines Bai Heng brought from among the stars. But presently, she had more pressing matters at hand.
Once the foolish and shortsighted dragon masters were laid to rest by Jingliu, she would inflict deep anguish on Xueyi, teaching her a harsh new reality.
There might indeed be danger looming around the Dragon Lady. Should the audacious dragon masters attempt to assassinate Bailu, someone needed to step forward and resolve the crisis.
Subtle footsteps suddenly echoed behind her.
Jingliu turned sharply, gripping the Tanhua Sword tightly. An icy and ferocious sword aura permeated Scalegorge Waterscape, poised to utterly annihilate any enemy in its path.
Struck as if by a heavy blow, Sampo stumbled backward like a kite cut loose from its string, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth in utter disarray.
Jingliu coldly faced him. "Daring to play tricks before me?"
"Why have you been tailing me?" she demanded, voice laced with bitterness.
Sampo struggled to rise, coughing weakly, "Ahem, ahem, old Sampo here hasn't provoked anyone, I swear!"
"I wouldn't dare follow anyone but you... Miss Jingliu," he continued hesitantly. "Diviner Su entrusted me with a message for you."
"He asked that you keep watch over those around Miss Bailu."
A chill emanated from Jingliu's eyes. "Hmph, why not deliver it himself? Why bother sending you?" she scoffed.
Sampo pondered briefly, "Uh, old Sampo doesn't quite know. Perhaps he was too preoccupied with important matters to spare time for conversation?"
"Grass underfoot, prepare to meet your end!" Jingliu's figure blurred, soaring high into the sky. Thousands of frigid sword glares erupted forth, swiftly coalescing into a single devastating beam aimed directly at Sampo.
In that instant, her intent to kill became unmistakable, determined to strike down Sampo with her blade.
Sampo's pupils contracted sharply as he swiftly donned his fox mask without hesitation and fled in disarray.
Boom!
The frenzied sword glares shook Scalegorge Waterscape, causing massive waves to surge across the Ancient Moonwave Sea. The Vidyadhara people watched with hearts pounding, filled with trepidation.
As the storm subsided,
Sampo's figure had vanished completely.
Jingliu panted softly, suppressing her murderous intent with great effort. "Next time we meet, there will be no mercy!"
Only after fully escaping from Scalegorge Waterscape did Sampo wipe away the blood at the corner of his mouth and exhale deeply, feeling a sense of relief.
"Aiya, I let my guard down."
"Indeed, one must never underestimate an adversary like the former Swordmaster of Luofu."
"Hee-hee, what a rare opportunity to play around in Luofu. Now let old Sampo truly have some fun."
With his disguise shed, Sampo transformed into a petite young girl.
Her delicate eyebrows curved like crescent moons, her crimson eyes sparkled like stars, her thin lips were soft as rouge, and her dainty nose stood gracefully above a finely sculpted face, akin to porcelain carved by skilled hands. She wore long twin ponytails tied with red ribbons, and beneath her skirt, snow-white legs adorned with a red cord could be glimpsed.
On feet as tender as snow, she sported red cords and bells, paired with wooden sandals. As she skipped lightly, each step exuded an endearing charm. No one could discern the thoughts swirling within this maiden's mind.
In the Netherworld Manor:
With a loud thud, Hanya, unable to bear it any longer, burst forth from her coffin.
"Big Sister, A-Yan, how long do you plan to keep playing like this?"
"It's been half an hour already."
"Since I woke up, half an hour has passed!"
"Do you know how unbearable it was for me inside that coffin?"
"Can't you understand my feelings right now?" Rarely showing emotion, Hanya's pale cheeks flushed with indignation as she scolded them incessantly.
Su Jinyan pondered briefly before responding, "Hanya, do you feel neglected by your sister and me?"
"Don't worry, it's not a problem. Why don't we all join together then?"
"Contemplate your sins instead!" Enraged, Hanya lifted the coffin lid and hurled it at Su Jinyan.
Clutching Xueyi tightly, Su Jinyan hastily dodged.
"Little Sister, mmph..." Tears welled in Xueyi's beautiful eyes as she wrapped her snow-white arms around Su Jinyan's neck, attempting to calm Hanya down.
Unfortunately, amidst their tumultuous movements, Xueyi could barely articulate herself, only fueling Hanya's resentment further. The once pure and flawless elder sister had now been tainted with Su Jinyan's touch.
Who could truly comprehend such anguish?
Su Jinyan desperately wanted to stop, but it was akin to an arrow released from its bow—there was no turning back. Even if he tried, Xueyi wouldn't allow it.
Thus, Su Jinyan continued embracing Xueyi while darting around the room, evading Hanya's relentless pursuit.
Suddenly, Jingliu, holding Bailu's delicate hand, slashed through the door with her sword, shattering the moment's intensity.
The atmosphere instantly became incredibly awkward, as if time itself had frozen, trapping everyone motionless.
"Ugh! How shameless!" Embarrassed, Bailu covered her eyes yet peeked between her fingers at the scene unfolding before her.
Jingliu's icy gaze lost its luster momentarily.
Although she had suspected the situation inside, there is a stark difference between guessing and witnessing firsthand.
"It seems you've completely disregarded every warning I gave you." An extreme burst of killing intent emanated from Jingliu's cold body.
Bailu hastily took hold of Jingliu's slender hands, embracing her tightly. "Big Sister Jingliu, calm down, please!"
"Oh no, Big Sister Jingliu is about to fall into Mara-Struck state! You two, quickly run away."
Strangely enough, once Bailu embraced her, Jingliu's chaotic and icy aura swiftly settled, and her murderous intent gradually dissipated.
Relieved, Bailu sighed deeply, "Phew, you nearly scared me to death."
Jingliu's gaze softened as she gently took Bailu's hand and led her out of the room.
"Dragon Lady, do not panic. Even if I were to fall into Mara-Strike, I would never harm you."
Bailu bit her tender finger, her small mind filled with immense confusion. She couldn't understand why Jingliu, whom she had never met before, would treat her so kindly.
Over the past few days, the Struggle for Dragonlord within the Vidyadhara clan intensified.
The former High Elder Dan Feng's votes far surpassed those of the medicine-carrying dragon girl Bailu, showing a clear dominance.
However, Bailu remained unconcerned; whoever wanted the title could have it. Without the burden of being High Elder, perhaps life would be simpler, allowing her to play freely without constraints!
The Dragon Master Elders and the High Elder's attendants always instructed Bailu on what was expected of her as the Vidyadhara High Elder. Yet, no one ever told her that, as a child, she deserved the joy of carefree play.
Shortly after,
Jingliu and Bailu knocked again and re-entered the room.
Su Jinyan sat comfortably on the sofa, awaiting them.
"Bailu, come here and give your uncle a hug."
Bailu's expression turned subtle, "Pfft, how quickly you're climbing up the family tree! It hasn't been that long."
"Jingliu told me that you were behind the recent rumor spreading among the Vidyadhara clan?"
Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Indeed, you seem quite resistant to it. Originally, you could have lived carefree as a medicine-carrying dragon girl within the Alchemy Commission."
"But due to my actions, you've been thrust into the spotlight."
Bailu chided him gently, "Don't treat me like a naive child who knows nothing."
"I understand," she continued softly, "you're doing this for my own good, aren't you...?"
Su Jinyan leaned closer, studying Bailu's face intently.
"You, showing a maturity beyond your years." A hint of concern flickered in Jingliu's gaze as he looked at Bailu.
Unfazed, Bailu shrugged and said, "It's not surprising; adversity forces one to grow up quickly."
Su Jinyan let out a wry laugh. "Unfortunately, I was born by cesarean section."
Bailu blinked, puzzled.
Xueyi interjected, "A-Yan, that joke..."
"No, perhaps we should skip the crude humor altogether."
Hanya sighed, "It aligns perfectly with my expectations of him."
Jingliu's icy eyes conveyed a stern warning. "Little brother, let's focus on serious matters."
Su Jinyan raised a finger. "Very well, first question: How is the Vidyadhara clan's vote count for the High Elder progressing?"
Xueyi lightly tapped his jade divination tablet, projecting the data from the Vidyadhara clan's election.
"To be honest, the situation looks grim."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please observe this intelligence gathered by our Ten-Lords Commission spies within the Vidyadhara clan."
"Dragon Lord Dan Feng holds an overwhelming advantage, securing 81% of the votes," Su Jinyan stated calmly.
Hanya interjected, "A-Yan..."
Su Jinyan responded languidly, "Call me 'Brother-in-Law'."
Unyielding, Hanya persisted, "A-Yan, I think you might be making a misstep here."
"As you can see, the current situation leaves the Dragon Lady at a significant disadvantage."
"It could be due to her prolonged association with the Alchemy Commission; many Vidyadhara people have little respect for the present medicine-carrying Dragon Lady."
"Now that they hear of Dan Feng's return and desire to reclaim the High Elder position, it provides room for manipulation by the Dragon Master Elders."
Bailu sounded somewhat gleeful, "Great! Then this young lady will graciously step aside and let Dan Feng become the Dragon Lord instead. After all, this young lady won't hold onto the title anymore."
Su Jinyan gently tapped Bailu's small head, "There you go again, joking around."
"But isn't what this young lady said true?" Bailu protested, feeling slighted.
"So many Vidyadhara people support Dan Feng regaining the High Elder position now," she continued. "Even if I initially wanted the title, there's no way for me to claim it now. Forget about my lack of interest!"
Su Jinyan's expression turned serious, "If you were to lose the Struggle for Dragonlord honorably, it would bring no shame upon you."
"And if you succumb to despair and choose to abdicate," Su Jinyan continued, "wouldn't those Vidyadhara supporters feel betrayed?"
Bailu hung her head dejectedly. "What do you suggest then?"
Su Jinyan's response was succinct: "Create momentum."
Since Bailu's reputation among the Vidyadhara did not match Dan Feng's prominence, they needed to artificially generate support.
Bailu tilted her small head curiously. "Create momentum?"
With a swift transformation, Su Jinyan took on Bailu's appearance and declared solemnly, "From this moment forth, I am the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady, Bailu."
Bailu's lips parted slightly. "If you're Bailu, then who am I?"
In a serious tone, Su Jinyan replied, "To avoid exposing ourselves, you should stay obediently at the Netherworld Manor these next few days."
"If you get bored, I can arrange for Huohuo, little March, and others to come keep you company."
Feeling uneasy, Bailu hesitated before asking, "May I boldly inquire... What do you plan to do using my identity?"
Su Jinyan gently patted Bailu's head. "Legend has it that the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady can revive the dead and mend shattered bones."
A sense of foreboding washed over Bailu. "But that's false, just baseless fabrications by others."
Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "No matter; with me here, even falsehoods can become truth."
"Xueyi, select several Vidyadhara individuals who are utterly loyal to Bailu."
"With just an afternoon, I can elevate Bailu's reputation to unprecedented heights."
Jingliu couldn't help but caution him, "Xiao Didi, there are a few old fools within the Dragon Master Parliament who intend harm towards the Dragon Lady."
Su Jinyan replied calmly, "No need to worry. It's not their actions we fear, but rather their inaction."
Within the Scalegorge Waterscape:
"The Vidyadhara hold me, Bailu, in highest esteem! It's either me or them—never both!"
"Dan Feng... Dan Heng?"
"Hmph, if you dare enter Scalegorge, I'll ensure your journey is one-way."
Su Jinyan flawlessly mimicked Bailu's tender voice, capturing her tone and expression with remarkable accuracy. The only inconsistency was the playful mockery gleaming in his eyes.
How could he elevate Bailu's reputation among the Vidyadhara? Su Jinyan had devised two plans to achieve this goal.
The first involved seeking Aha's assistance, temporarily using the Abundance Dew bestowed upon him by Yaoshi.
The second relied on Mirage illusions, deceiving all the Vidyadhara within Scalegorge Waterscape.
"Hey, old man Aha!" Su Jinyan called out. "Aha, old timer, hurry up!"
Despite shouting until his voice grew hoarse, there was no response from Aha.
Su Jinyan clicked his tongue. "Old man Aha, you're not as accommodating as my beloved Yaoshi, always ready to lend a hand."
From the void came bursts of deranged laughter.
[ You have acquired temporary skill - Nirvana. ]
[ Rebirth: Can revive departed lives. ]
[ You have acquired temporary skill - Disaster Aversion. ]
[ Disaster Aversion: Removes diseases and pain from the target. ]
[ Your Mirage has been temporarily enhanced to its pinnacle state of Elation - Refining Illusion into Reality. ]
Su Jinyan clasped her hands respectfully and exclaimed, "My admiration for Aha flows like an unending torrent of mighty rivers!"
Before long, with the deliberate influence of certain individuals, news of the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady Bailu's exploration at Scalegorge Waterscape spread throughout the Vidyadhara tribe.
This information swiftly reached the Dragon Master Parliament as well.
The dragon masters couldn't help but feel puzzled—why would Dragon Lady Bailu venture to Scalegorge at this time? Shouldn't she be obediently staying within the Alchemy Commission?
In truth, to curb Bailu's growing prestige among the Vidyadhara, the dragon masters had always kept a tight rein on her movements.
What they feared most was that Bailu might follow Dan Feng's path, breaking free from their control and evading oversight by the Dragon Master Parliament. The medicine-carrying dragon girl's duty lay solely in healing and saving lives; naturally, the dragon masters themselves exercised the power of the High Elder on her behalf.
Standing proudly before the statue of High Elder Dan Feng, Su Jinyan held a willow branch dipped in sweet dew, her delicate white fingers grasping it firmly. Whenever curious Vidyadhara passersby approached, she sprinkled them with droplets from the willow branch.
Those blessed with the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady's sweet dew invariably felt invigorated and refreshed. As word spread, an increasing number of Vidyadhara gathered around Su Jinyan.
The dragon masters were deeply alarmed. Who could claim that the Dragon Lady was naive and inexperienced? They had been deceived by her innocent facade all along.
If Bailu had been alone, they might have ordered her recapture and confinement within the Alchemy Commission. However, with so many Vidyadhara witnesses present, the dragon masters dared not disrespect or apprehend the Dragon Lady.
What exactly did this Dragon Lady intend to do?
Su Jinyan gazed sternly at the gathered Vidyadhara crowd. "I, Bailu, am the destined Vidyadhara High Elder appointed by heaven."
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my heavenly Father."
"But whoever denies me before others, I too will deny before my heavenly Father."
The Vidyadhara people erupted into murmurs, their discussions abuzz below. It was as if they were meeting their young High Elder for the first time.
According to Vidyadhara belief, their lineage originated from the ancestor of all dragons in the Heavenly Abyss—the immortal Aeon itself. The High Elder, having neither father nor mother, would only recognize the Dragon Ancestor as such. In essence, Bailu's words conveyed that if they denied her as their High Elder, then even the Dragon Ancestor would disown them as members of the Vidyadhara clan.
No other High Elder would dare utter such audacious claims.
The dragon masters exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. After reaching a consensus, Dragon Master Suguang instructed a devoted follower of Dan Feng to approach Bailu.
With a cold sneer, the Vidyadhara individual stepped forward. "Dragon Lady, your arrogance knows no bounds."
"Our previous Vidyadhara High Elder, Dan Feng, was one of the High-Cloud Quintet, renowned for his illustrious military achievements aboard the Xianzhou Luofu."
"When the Abundance Lands Allied Forces besieged Yu Que, it was our Dragon Lord Dan Feng who repeatedly braved perilous battles, breaking through their formations and shattering their living star constellations."
"May I inquire what feats you have accomplished to make such shameless claims? Why should we acknowledge you?"
Upon hearing this, the Vidyadhara devotees of Bailu glared furiously at him, cursing incessantly.
Su Jinyan's expression radiated sorrowful compassion as he slowly spoke:
"I am the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Lord; resurrection lies within me—life itself resides within me.
"To all who live and believe in me, I shall grant them immortality.
"And those who believe in me, though they may die, shall surely be resurrected."
Dragon Master Suguang shook his head slightly, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
"It seems Dan Feng's return has rattled the Dragon Lady, causing her to speak recklessly now," he observed quietly. "Throughout the universe, only the Yaoshi from the Land of Abundance could truly fulfill such words."
Another dragon master nodded with a faint smile and prompted the same Vidyadhara emissary to continue questioning Su Jinyan.
"If you claim these things, then why not revive the Vidyadhara people who perished during the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion?" asked the emissary.
"They did not believe in me," Su Jinyan replied evenly. "Why would I bring them back to life?
"I am the light of the Vidyadhara people. Those who follow me will never walk in darkness but shall attain the light of eternal life."
The Vidyadhara speaker sneered again, "If you boast such grandeur, then why not perform one of your divine miracles for our enlightenment?"
Su Jinyan raised her voice, "Among you all, is there anyone who believes in me?"
"Let those who have faith step forward. With a wave of my hand, I will heal their afflictions and spare them further suffering."
A look of skepticism spread across many faces among the Vidyadhara people, even those devoted to Bailu, considering her claims mere empty boasting.
At that moment, a limping Vidyadhara elder approached with his walking stick and spoke solemnly:
"My Lady Bailu, I believe in you."
"Not long ago, I contracted a stubborn illness. Although I recovered, it left me with lasting complications."
"I do not wish to walk with this limp; please heal my leg, gracious lady."
Someone from the crowd whispered, "I recognize him, he's my neighbor, and what he says is true.
"But previously, he worshipped Dragon Lord Dan Feng."
Su Jinyan sprinkled nectar-like droplets and calmly said, "Return now."
"Although you did not believe in me before, today, your sins are forgiven."
With cautious hope, the limping Vidyadhara elder discarded his walking stick. As he took hesitant steps, suddenly, he found himself walking briskly without any trace of his limp.
Amidst gasps from the gathered Vidyadhara people, the healed man hastily knelt before Bailu, kissing her toes in gratitude.
The dragon masters were utterly astounded, their hearts filled with bone-chilling dread.
"What kind of joke is this?!"
"Impossible!"
"Perhaps the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady inherently possessed healing abilities?"
"No, I had her fitted with The Shacklebound at her dragon tail long ago to suppress her High Elder's power."
"Her saliva can heal wounds, but it couldn't possibly cure such chronic ailments with just a wave of her hand."
At that moment, a blind Vidyadhara man approached.
Weeping, he said, "My lord Bailu, I too suffer from a persistent affliction. Since my rebirth, I have been born without sight, unable to see anything. I've sought treatment far and wide, hoping to restore my vision, yet no one has ever managed to heal me. Even when I once pleaded for your aid at the Alchemy Commission, you claimed there was nothing you could do for my condition."
Su Jinyan calmly asked, "Do you believe in me?"
The Vidyadhara man devoutly knelt down. "I have been your faithful follower for many years."
Su Jinyan reached out and gently touched his eyelids.
Instantly, the man opened his eyes, marveling at the sights within Scalegorge Waterscape before bursting into tears of overwhelming joy.
Witnessing two consecutive instances of Bailu bestowing blessings through faith, numerous Vidyadhara people felt deeply moved.
Those Vidyadhara who had initially leaned towards supporting Dan Feng's reinstatement as High Elder now changed their votes without hesitation, casting them for Bailu instead.
Within the Vidyadhara clan, Bailu's tally of endorsements surged at an astonishing pace, swiftly overtaking Dan Feng's count.
Dragonmaster Suguang broke out in cold sweat. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Regardless of whether it was true or not, after this day, they could no longer afford to let the Dragon Lady remain among them.
If her vision were genuine, it indicated limitless potential for the Dragon Lady, destined to lead the Vidyadhara to a brand-new future. However, Suguang himself, the architect of the Shimu Binding Chains affixed to Bailu's dragon tail, bore the greatest guilt—even though the decision had been approved by a two-thirds majority in the Dragon Master Parliament.
The crux of the issue lay in the fact that Suguang had proposed the measure to hinder Bailu's rapid growth.
After today, the Dragon Lady's prestige within the Vidyadhara would reach unprecedented heights. As a result, Dragonmaster Suguang, along with the two maids complicit in deceiving the ruler, would undoubtedly be ordered to undergo forced annihilation and reincarnation—a punishment for treason.
Suguang knew full well that, to protect themselves, the other dragon masters would surely betray him.
Yet if it were false, the implications were even more terrifying. Such meticulous planning at such a young age, lying dormant for years just for this moment. With such depth of cunning and formidable means, once the Dragon Lady's power fully matured, there would be no place left for the dragon masters.
Twilight approached.
For Su Jinyan, masquerading as Bailu, this day felt unbearably long. For the Vidyadhara people gathered around her, time seemed to pass far too swiftly.
Every word spoken by Dragon Sovereign Bailu, the medicine-carrying dragon, resonated with them like celestial music, enlightening and uplifting.
At that moment, Huan Xi, the High Elder's personal attendant, respectfully approached.
"Esteemed Lady Bailu, the dragon elders invite you for dinner."
The Vidyadhara people, shaken out of their reverie, realized it was already late evening. They rose collectively to courteously escort the medicine-carrying Dragon Sovereign Bailu back to her residence.
Led by Huan Xi, Su Jinyan swiftly arrived at the mansion within Scaledeep Waterscape, once home to the former Dragonlord Maple.
A finely crafted rectangular dining table, draped in white linen, awaited them. Twelve dragon masters had assembled there, their expressions varying widely. Upon seeing Su Jinyan enter, they bowed respectfully, praising the miracles performed by the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady.
Surveying the mixed emotions on the dragon masters' faces, Su Jinyan sighed deeply.
"Dear fellow dragon masters, perhaps this is our last gathering."