Tacit Understanding

Xue Linglong was practically another Bai Lan, executing identical movements. She partnered with Bai Lan almost perfectly, yet it was clear she was mimicking her, replicating her sword art routines.

Bai Lan, glancing at Xue Linglong beside her, was equally startled. She had certainly never taught Xue Linglong the Snow Divine Sword Art, yet she was using it. This suggested she must have learned it on the fly.

Yun Yao had once told Bai Lan that those possessing the Linglong Body not only had an exceptionally intelligent mind but also eyes that could perceive the intricacies of the world.

These eyes possessed numerous functions, one of which was an extraordinary ability: replication. Simply by observing another’s technique once, they could perfectly imitate it.

Naturally, this only applied to moves and not other aspects. After all, everyone’s attributes differed, and their strength would undoubtedly fall short. However, the techniques themselves would be an exact replica.

Under the combined assault of Bai Lan and Xue Linglong, the three Sea Abyss Worms gradually accumulated numerous sword marks. Bai Lan’s attacks, in particular, were precise.

Each time Bai Lan wounded a Sea Abyss Worm, she would inject a surge of frigid energy into its body. This icy qi would freeze their blood, causing their combat prowess to steadily decline. This was one of Bai Lan’s inherent abilities, though most ice-attribute cultivators possessed a similar skill.

Li Yunxi mused, observing Bai Lan and Xue Linglong perfectly coordinating to suppress the three Sea Abyss Worms. I’m truly useless. Why is there such a vast disparity between us, even though we entered the Luoshen Sect on the same day? Is it genuinely a matter of talent, or have I simply not worked hard enough? She found herself questioning her entire existence once more.

First-tier Sea Abyss Worms possessed no unique abilities. Their only strengths lay in their immense power and slightly elevated defenses, traits common to all demonic beasts.

After a momentary shiver, Xue Linglong suddenly spoke to Bai Lan. “Sister, these worms’ weakness lies within their mouths. We only need to attack their mouths to kill them swiftly.”

As Xue Linglong fought, she continuously searched for the demonic beasts’ weak points. Everyone had weaknesses, especially demonic beasts; once their vulnerabilities were exposed, they proved fatal.

Bai Lan had consistently feigned ignorance of Xue Linglong’s unique constitution. However, Xue Linglong could discern that Bai Lan clearly recognized her distinctiveness, yet seemed reluctant to question her about it.

“I understand,” Bai Lan uttered, then soared into the air, her Cold Soul Sword radiating chilling light.

“Shattered Snow to Ice.”

Bai Lan abruptly unleashed an independent sword move from the Snow Divine Sword Art. A beam of sword light emanated from her saber, piercing directly into one Sea Abyss Worm’s mouth.

The strike ran straight through the creature, killing it instantly as copious amounts of blue blood gushed forth.

This particular move Xue Linglong could not imitate. Sword arts and independent sword moves were distinct; a sword move required specific techniques and methods of execution.

One could replicate Bai Lan’s sword art routines, but never her individual techniques.

With one Sea Abyss Worm slain in a single strike, the pressure on both of them significantly lessened. At that very moment, Xue Linglong’s body transformed into a streak of light, piercing through the mouth of another Sea Abyss Worm.

This was the “Graceful Swan, Startled Dragon” move from the Luoshen Sword Art. Any technique, to achieve its maximum effect, needed to be executed under the appropriate circumstances.

“This little girl is truly a genius, sigh!” Bai Lan exclaimed, watching Xue Linglong dispatch another creature.

However, just then, Li Yunxi let out a startled cry.

“Ah! Stay away!”

Bai Lan’s brow twitched, and she immediately looked towards Li Yunxi. It was only then that she realized the last Sea Abyss Worm had abandoned its assault on her and Xue Linglong, instead targeting Li Yunxi.

“Hmph!” Bai Lan scoffed, her body also transforming into a streak of light—another instance of “Graceful Swan, Startled Dragon,” though she used it for swift travel.

She swiftly appeared beside the third Sea Abyss Worm and delivered a powerful kick to its body, sending it flying away from Li Yunxi.

Li Yunxi stared blankly at Bai Lan, who had rescued her in her moment of peril. For some inexplicable reason, she suddenly felt a unique sensation regarding her.

It was the profound impression a hero leaves on a woman when saving her from distress. In that single glance, Bai Lan’s image became etched into her heart. Perhaps it was her overly masculine demeanor that had such an effect.

After Bai Lan kicked the Sea Abyss Worm away, the creature surprisingly turned and fled, evidently having no intention of continuing its battle with Bai Lan and Xue Linglong.

However, just then, Xue Linglong appeared before it, unleashing another “Graceful Swan, Startled Dragon” to pierce through the worm.

Thus, the Sea Abyss Worms that had pursued Bai Lan and her companions were annihilated.

“Phew, that’s done. No other Sea Abyss Worms should be pursuing us now, right?” Xue Linglong scanned her surroundings, and only after confirming no other creatures were present did she walk towards Bai Lan.

“There shouldn’t be any more,” Bai Lan replied. “Sister Yunxi, you really need to properly learn combat. We’re together today, but one day, Linglong and I won’t be by your side.”

“What will you do then? You’d be doomed, wouldn’t you?” Bai Lan couldn’t help but lecture Li Yunxi.

Li Yunxi was speechless, unsure how to respond.

“Eh? Sister, Sister Yunxi is just an ordinary cultivator,” Xue Linglong immediately interjected. “Your expectations are too high; you need to give her time.”

“No, Linglong, time waits for no one,” Bai Lan insisted, maintaining her stance. “Look at those three Sea Abyss Worms just now. Only the two of us could handle them, while Sister Yunxi merely watched from the sidelines.”

“If this continues, she’ll find it very difficult to survive in this cultivation world.”

Although Li Yunxi felt a pang of injustice, she couldn’t deny the truth in Bai Lan’s words. Had Bai Lan not saved her earlier, she would have certainly perished.

Xue Linglong had spoken only to consider Li Yunxi’s feelings. Thus, when Bai Lan continued, she could only remain silent, for she knew Bai Lan was correct.

“Sister Bai Lan, could you teach me how to fight?” Li Yunxi suddenly gathered her courage and asked Bai Lan.

Bai Lan paused, surprised by the question. She didn’t hide anything; after all, they were friends, and if she could help Li Yunxi, she would certainly share her knowledge.

“For now, I’ll only say one thing: overcome fear and calm yourself,” Bai Lan stated. “During a cultivator’s battle, fear is the greatest taboo. These Sea Abyss Worms aren’t significantly stronger than you, but because they appear hideous and frightening, you lack the courage to even face them.”

“That’s a major problem. As for how to fight, first conquer your fear. Once you’ve done that, I’ll tell you more.”

Li Yunxi pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. It was true; fear was indeed a cultivator’s greatest adversary.

Having discussed this, the three of them found themselves at a loss. What should they do next?

“Sister,” Xue Linglong suggested, “let’s go help our other sisters. Many of them, just like Sister Yunxi, don’t know how to fight.”

Bai Lan, however, wasn’t particularly inclined to meddle. Saving them offered no discernible benefits, and with so many outer sect disciples, a few fewer would reduce many disputes.

Yet, perhaps influenced by Xue Linglong’s kind heart, Bai Lan ultimately agreed.

“Alright,” Bai Lan said, a hint of stubbornness in her tone. “I originally didn’t want to get involved, but didn’t I just say we need to help Sister Yunxi overcome her fear? We might as well help others along the way.”