One’s Thoughts Must Be Clear

Although the person touching her was her master, Bai Lan still felt deeply ashamed.

Bai Lan herself couldn’t quite grasp why, at first sight of Bai Yiren, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

This feeling of closeness brought with it an instinctive sense of security, as if her heart assured her that the person before her would never bring her harm.

What could possibly explain this? Normally, as someone who was once an adult male, she wouldn’t readily trust others.

Yet, facing Bai Yiren, an inexplicable sense of trust blossomed within her.

In truth, this sensation stemmed from a portion of Bai Yiren’s bloodline flowing within her.

After all, Bai Yiren had once infused her own primordial essence blood into Bai Lan’s body to replenish her lost vital essence.

If the divine bone taken by the Xue Clan were likened to the marrow within Bai Lan’s body, then the lost primordial blood was, in essence, the hematopoietic system within that marrow.

In her previous life, a person who received a bone marrow transplant would retain traces of the donor’s genes in their blood.

At the time Bai Yiren infused her primordial essence blood into Bai Lan, Bai Lan was only a few years old. Perhaps this was why Bai Lan grew to resemble Bai Yiren more and more.

Of course, other reasons might also be at play. It was, in itself, peculiar that Bai Yiren would pay such a hefty price to save Bai Lan.

After all, Bai Lan was neither a relative nor an acquaintance; why would she deplete her own primordial essence blood to save her?

Perhaps only Bai Yiren herself knew the answer. She seemed unwilling to elaborate on the matter, not even to her two direct disciples.

Approximately ten minutes later, inside Bai Yiren’s room.

“Master, are you done? I told you, my body is no different from a woman’s. How long do you need to check before you’re satisfied?” Bai Lan questioned, her face flushed crimson.

Bai Yiren had truly been thorough, examining her from head to toe, insistent on confirming that there were no issues with her body.

After a meticulous inspection, she confirmed that Bai Lan’s body was indeed that of a woman, without any defects, possessing all the capabilities a woman should.

“It appears there are truly no issues. I feel much more at ease now,” Bai Yiren stated. “Put your clothes back on. Oh, right, you mentioned earlier that you transformed into a woman because of an imbalance of Yin and Yang, with your constitution leaning heavily towards the feminine, is that correct?”

“Yes, after awakening the Chaos Body, I gained some memories related to it, and that’s what they indicated,” Bai Lan replied, quickly grabbing her clothes to dress.

“As for other matters, I’ll need to learn them gradually.”

Just moments ago, Yun Yao had also bestowed upon her a considerable amount of experience points as a reward.

“I see. By the way, where did you get this chest guard and the earrings? They seem to be high-level treasures,” Bai Yiren remarked, her gaze fixed on Bai Lan’s earrings and chest guard, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

She could sense that Bai Lan was clearly hiding something from her.

“Ah? This, Master, I have my reasons. There are some things I cannot speak of, but rest assured, this matter is purely my personal business and will not affect anyone else.”

Bai Lan paused, contemplating the snow-jade chest guard in her hand. “As for this chest guard, if Master likes it, I… I’ll give it to you.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Yiren immediately shot Bai Lan a disapproving look.

“Do you believe your master is the type to use things others have already used? I was merely curious. Since you have your reasons for not speaking, then so be it.”

“Everyone has their own secrets. Speaking of which, your master also has secrets kept from you, which are inconvenient to reveal at the moment,” Bai Yiren said, shaking her head.

Bai Lan froze, pondering what secrets Bai Yiren might be keeping from her.

However, she didn’t press for answers; instead, she simply nodded. This was the proper demeanor for a master.

If a disciple were forced to reveal everything, such a master would be far too overbearing.

“Alright, Master, so I’ll continue to stay in the outer sect then?” Bai Lan asked with an awkward smile.

“I’ve already told you, the sect has a rule: even the most talented disciples must spend three years in the outer sect,” Bai Yiren responded, her composure slowly returning.

“After the three years are complete, you can participate in the inner sect assessment. You can come directly to the Immortal’s Abode then.”

Even the most astonishing revelations, like Bai Lan awakening the Chaos Body, were only momentary wonders.

No matter how exceptional a constitution, it only truly mattered if the individual grew to fully utilize it. An unfulfilled genius was merely an ant.

“Understood, so I’ll head back now?” Bai Lan asked tentatively.

“Yes, I’ll have your Senior Sister escort you back shortly. Also, I must advise you of something: I can sense that you are quite resistant to your current body.”

“Since things have already come to this, you must adapt and try to accept your current identity in your heart. If your mind and body develop internal conflict, it will greatly impact your cultivation.”

“Especially when you attempt to break through to the Golden Core realm, your thoughts must flow unimpeded in the path of cultivation,” Bai Yiren warned.

Upon hearing this, Bai Lan’s expression immediately fell.

“Master, even you are telling me to accept this body now?” Bai Lan said, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

“What do you mean, ‘even me’? Has someone else also said this?” Bai Yiren inquired further.

“Eh? This… cough, cough… Alright, Master, let’s leave it at that. I’ve noted your words, and I’ll do my best to ensure my thoughts flow unimpeded.”

Bai Lan didn’t know how else to explain, so she could only change the topic.

Indeed, the first person to urge her to gradually accept her new identity was actually Yun Yao, who had been subtly hinting at it all along.

“Indeed, cultivators most dread overthinking. Regardless of what resides in your heart, if you lack the strength to change it, you can only forget it or conceal it.”

“Life may hold many unforgettable things, but as long as one wishes to live on, they must overcome such obstacles,” Bai Yiren concluded, signifying the end of their conversation.

Moments later, under Luo Yuyan’s guidance, they secretly departed from the inner sect once more.

Originally, Ximen Xue was meant to escort Bai Lan back, but Luo Yuyan insisted on doing it herself, leaving Ximen Xue with no choice but to comply.

However, Luo Yuyan was quite different from Ximen Xue.

No sooner had they left the inner sect area than Luo Yuyan, instead of taking Bai Lan directly back to her residence, led her to a secluded spot on Eternal Blossom Island.

“Eh? Senior Sister, aren’t you taking me back? Why have you suddenly brought me here? What are we doing?” Bai Lan asked, looking around to find no one else present.

“What are we doing? Master sent us both away earlier. Senior Sister Ximen doesn’t like to ask too many questions, but I’m quite the gossip, you know.”

Luo Yuyan asked with a mischievous smile, “Tell me, what secret shenanigans were Master and you up to?”

“Eh? This? Why do you ask?” Bai Lan’s face flushed again, recalling the body examination from not long ago.

“Still blushing? Did you do something naughty?” Luo Yuyan’s curiosity only intensified.

“Oh, it’s just… Master checked my body to ensure everything was normal,” Bai Lan admitted, knowing Luo Yuyan’s persistent nature meant evasions wouldn’t work.

Upon hearing this, Luo Yuyan’s gaze swept over Bai Lan’s chest and hips, then glanced at her own body.

Currently, Bai Lan was at least half a head taller than Luo Yuyan, and judging by her apparent age, Bai Lan certainly looked older.

But there was nothing to be done; people were different, and some things simply couldn’t be envied.