Chapter 641

Chapter 641: The Green Spider Technique

After a peaceful night’s sleep, Lolan Hill woke up as the first light of dawn appeared the next day.

In that vivid dream, she seemed to live in a forest, a red maple forest. Occasionally, she would sit under the shade to cool off, looking at the moon in the sky.

Unfortunately, this world was not the same as her previous one. There was no moon, and nights were particularly dark.

Uncle Baichou said that there used to be a moon, but it shattered a few years ago during a celestial change.

Sigh, it’s really sad. Why did the moon break? It was so beautiful.

The young lady shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it. She sat in front of a bronze mirror to tidy her hair and clothes, clearly seeing her appearance.

It seems just like before? Lolan Hill thought to herself, but something felt off.

Hmm, it’s the hair color and eyes.

Her hair and eyes had turned black, as they were in her previous life. Was this following her soul’s memory? This thought suddenly popped into her mind.

After tidying her attire, she supported herself on the stairs and descended.

As her steps approached the ground floor, sounds of cooking, conversation, and barking dogs and clucking chickens gradually became clearer.

Creak—

Opening the door, the scent of fresh grass mixed with the aroma of steaming rice wafted into her nose.

“You’re awake,” said a bright-eyed girl around eleven or twelve years old, looking at Lolan Hill.

“Sister Bai told me yesterday that you were staying upstairs. I’m Xiangdan,” the girl introduced herself. She seemed quite friendly and was the younger sister of the groom from the previous day.

“Would you like to wash your face? Come with me,” she said quickly, leading the way.

Lolan Hill followed behind. After turning down a small path, they arrived under a large pine tree. There were several big green stones, and on one of them stood a large vat.

The little girl directly scooped out a ladle of clear water from a gourd and then fetched a clean cotton cloth from a nearby house, placing it in the ladle.

“Use this; it’s cleaner. Father said to use new things for guests,” she said, stepping back to look at Lolan Hill.

“Thank you,” Lolan Hill picked up the cloth, wrung it out, and began washing. First her face, then her wrists and arms. After finishing, she rinsed the cloth again, wrung it out, and poured the water away.

Seeing her proficient manner, the little girl’s eyes filled with curiosity.

“You’re different from those young ladies. You seem more like you grew up in the mountains.”

She further explained, “I always see them washing their faces and leaving a lot of powder and rouge in the water.”

“But some of that powder and rouge are indeed very pretty. I envy them too.”

After washing her face, she led Lolan Hill forward, occasionally stopping to chat with her peers.

“Where are you going, Zetu?” a boy in green hemp clothing was called out.

“Mind your own business,” he replied, preparing to dodge Xiangdan. But seeing Lolan Hill ahead, he froze momentarily before being caught by the girl.

“Let go, or I’ll tell Sister Baizao that you’re bullying me again.” He knew how to deal with this domineering girl over time.

“Hmph, just wait a couple days. Once Sister Baizao’s wedding is over, I’ll give you a good lesson,” Xiangdan dropped the boy’s arm and threatened.

She still knew shame. If this got out in front of the many guests, it would be her embarrassment.

“Huff, I’m not afraid. In a few days, my brother will return from Bamboo Mountain Academy. Then he’ll help me,” the boy made a face and ran off quickly.

“What’s so great about that? Sister Baizao studied in the Crimson Immortal Sect for two years,” the girl retorted irritably.

Watching the two children bicker, Lolan Hill couldn’t help but smile.

When they were young, they were often like this—sometimes timid, but also very proud. If they had a powerful older sibling, they would boast about it to their friends every day, gaining admiration.

On their way back to the courtyard, Lolan Hill curiously asked about the ‘Bamboo Mountain Academy’ and ‘Crimson Immortal Sect’ they had mentioned.

“There are many powerful people inside,” the girl’s eyes sparkled.

“The Bamboo Mountain Academy is full of scholars who study poetry, books, and history, aiming to pass imperial exams. They also practice the Green Bamboo Sword Technique, Cave Flute Ocean Gathering Song, and the Bamboo Wood Transformation Spell, all very impressive.”

“The Crimson Immortal Sect is a major sect in the Black Water Continent, with branches even in our Minze Prefecture. They specialize in techniques involving poisonous insects. I don’t know exactly how to describe it, but it’s very powerful, even surpassing the Bamboo Mountain Academy.”

Lolan Hill nodded slightly, thinking she would ask Bai Zao about it later.

When the two returned to the courtyard, breakfast had already started. After eating with the few remaining guests, Lolan Hill first met with Uncle Yubai Chou.

“Miss Lan, take a walk around here first. I’ll go to the village and see if I can buy some things we need later.”

“That would be a bother, Uncle Yu.”

Seeing Uncle Yubai heading towards the center of the village, Lolan Hill returned to her place and asked Bai Zao about the outside world.

“Haha, Xiangdan must have been exaggerating,” Bai Zao smiled after understanding Lolan Hill’s intention and began explaining the outside world.

“The Bamboo Mountain Academy is where scholars gather in this region, though it’s far from the famous academies in the central region. However, it’s quite respectable here. They have a small hidden paradise with several emerald bamboo trees used for making swords.”

“These emerald bamboo swords are light and swift, with poison-repelling effects, very useful in Minze Prefecture where venomous snakes and insects abound, much envied by many.”

“As for the Crimson Immortal Sect, its origins are significant. Founded by an immortal who climbed the nine-tier ladder a thousand years ago. Legend has it that this immortal wore red skirts and wielded a blood peach wood sword, slaying poisonous insects across thousands of mountains and taming giant pythons in the swamps, later founding the sect beside a clear blue pond.”

“This sect mostly consists of women, but men are also included. They practice the Profound Dragon and Demon Heart paths, controlling snakes and insects, and are adept in poison techniques, their moves cruel and heartless.”

“They are based in the Black Water Continent, but actually have branches throughout the Cuiray Seven Prefectures. I studied there for a while in the branch in Minze Prefecture and was considered an outer disciple.”

“Unfortunately, due to the recent great change in heaven and earth, my cultivation regressed to its original state. Later, I struggled to make progress, so I decided to come back and get married,” Bai Zao said with a smile.

“Previously, I reached the third stage, but now I’m only at the second stage. Some skills I haven’t used for years have been forgotten.”

After saying this, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair wrist. With a slight flow of energy, the veins on her hand and wrist glowed with a green hue.

This green formed a striking pattern, resembling a spider, covering her hand. As she pointed at the air, a subtle beam flashed, and a small hole emitting green smoke appeared on a distant wooden stump, with faint signs of corrosion around the edges.

“Now, the only technique I know is the Green Spider Technique.”

(End of Chapter)