Romance Between Sister and Brother

When Bai Xuehua realized that this woman was Xiao Yun’er’s spiritual sister, she expressed her gratitude, “Miss Ling, a few days ago, Yun’er took me to your place to recover from my injuries. I used up many of your precious medicines and managed to survive a desperate situation because of them. I am truly grateful.”

Miss Ling smiled gently, “Miss Bai, it’s nothing; you needn’t dwell on it. Not only are you Yun’er’s friend, but even if you were a stranger, I would do my utmost to save you. Ever since I began practicing medicine, I swore an oath: ‘Anyone who comes to me for treatment, I will do everything in my power to help, regardless of whether they are good or evil, or whatever they may have done.’ If my medicines have aided you, it is simply fate between us. If you wish to thank someone, let it be our kind-hearted Yun’er.”

Xiao Yun’er chimed in, “Snow Sister, Ling Sister has a kind heart. She saves people and never expects gratitude in return—just as you, Snow Sister, kill without fear of revenge.” Though Yun’er’s words may not have been entirely accurate, Bai Xuehua understood that in Yun’er’s heart, her Ling Sister would always be a celestial being, while she herself was seen as someone halfway between immortal and demon. Yun’er had seen her kill two of Xiao Tianfeng’s henchmen; the bloodshed was forever etched in Yun’er’s memory, leaving Bai Xuehua with a trace of helpless regret.

Seeing them sizing each other up, Xiao Yun’er couldn’t help but say, “Sisters, it is fate that we’ve met here. Would you consider, for my sake, calling each other sisters?”

Bai Xuehua replied, “Yun’er, your Ling Sister’s medicines saved me, and I am deeply grateful. Besides, she is beautiful, wise, and possesses extraordinary skills—a figure like a goddess. To have such a sister would be more than I could wish for.”

Miss Ling hurriedly said, “Miss Bai, please don’t flatter me. In truth, your talents are unmatched in the world. To be called sisters with someone as outstanding as you is an honor for me.”

Yun’er laughed, “Stop complimenting each other. Let’s talk about your ages, so we know who should be elder and who younger.” Bai Xuehua said, “I am twenty this year.” Ling Sister responded, “Then I shall call you Snow Sister, as I am a year younger than you.”

Bai Xuehua asked, “Ling Sister, are you listed in the ‘Register of Famous Flowers’?”

Miss Ling replied, “I am not worthy; Lady Hundred Flowers did not include me. Are you, Snow Sister, one of the famous flowers in the register?”

Bai Xuehua sighed, “In today’s martial world, almost every outstanding woman takes pride in being listed in the ‘Register of Famous Flowers’. Unfortunately, I have no such fate. But I am surprised that with your skills, you are not among them?”

Miss Ling smiled, “I too am surprised, for your skills should have earned you a place. It seems neither of us is destined for the register.”

Hearing them discuss the ‘Register of Famous Flowers,’ Xiao Yun’er asked curiously, “Sisters, what is Lady Hundred Flowers’ ‘Register of Famous Flowers’?”

Miss Ling gave a gentle smile, “Yun’er, you are young; what use is it to know about the affairs of the martial world? The register records some remarkable women, but since you do not belong to the martial world, why trouble yourself with such matters?” Yet Yun’er’s curiosity was strong, and he insisted they explain the register.

Unable to dissuade Yun’er, Miss Ling explained simply, “Five years ago, a mysterious figure known as Know-It-All authored a book called the ‘Record of Experts’, ranking thirty top martial artists according to their skills. These thirty represented the pinnacle of the martial arts world at that time. However, for reasons unknown, no women were included.

This caused dissatisfaction among the skilled women of the martial world. Led by Lady Hundred Flowers, two years later, a women’s martial tournament was held at Hundred Flowers Manor in Jiangnan. After the tournament, Lady Hundred Flowers awarded twelve kinds of famous flowers—such as peony, peony, plum blossom, chrysanthemum—according to each woman’s talents and interests, and recorded their names in the ‘Register of Famous Flowers’.”

Yun’er asked, “Who is listed first in the register?” Miss Ling smiled, “I don’t know for certain, as I did not participate. I only know the Peony Queen is a mysterious figure, but I know little about her. Perhaps you should ask your Snow Sister.”

Yun’er was about to ask Bai Xuehua, who sighed, “Yun’er, you are young and not of the martial world. There is no need for you to learn its secrets. If you ever meet any of these women in the future, it will be fate.” When she refused to tell him more, Yun’er turned to Ling Sister, “Ling Sister, who is ranked first in the ‘Record of Experts’?”

Miss Ling replied, “The martial alliance leader Zhao Wuying, a hero of the world. The invisible sword he wields is renowned as the greatest sword under heaven.”

As they spoke of Zhao Wuying, Bai Xuehua’s thoughts drifted to the harrowing, tragic battle on Shouyang Mountain. At that time, Xiao Zhenfen’s face was full of benevolence, Zhao Wuying’s mouth spoke only of chivalry, and Long Wei was consumed by hatred. The three joined forces, disregarding the code of the martial world, to ambush her—nearly causing her death in the Qinling Mountains.

That encounter made her see the true face of so-called heroes, but she also met Yun’er and Ling Sister, who showed her another kind of genuine kindness. Remembering all this, her heart was filled with emotions that would not settle.

Meanwhile, Yun’er was engrossed, asking, “Ling Sister, so Zhao Wuying is currently the most skilled martial artist in the world?”

Miss Ling smiled, “That’s true for now, but only because a few martial elders retired more than a decade ago. If they had not, it would be hard to say.”

She looked at Yun’er’s eager face and smiled, “As for those elders, I do not know their stories, so don’t ask me.” Yun’er wanted to ask more, but seeing her reluctance, he swallowed his questions.

Bai Xuehua smiled quietly, “Yun’er, don’t ask further. You should hurry home to see your mother!”

The words woke Yun’er as if from a dream. “That’s right—I must hurry home! Mother must be worried sick.”

He saw that the women still treated him as a child, withholding many things from him. He decided to hurry home.

After walking for a while, he was nearly home when he saw three men approaching. The leader was Xiao Zhiyong, henchman of Xiao Tianfeng. He had been sent by Xiao Tianfeng to deliver a message, but had not returned for some time, which allowed Bai Xuehua to escape with Yun’er’s help.

Xiao Zhiyong recognized Yun’er but did not know the two women behind him. He immediately cursed, “You little bastard, where have you been hiding? You made me search for days!”

He angrily ordered his two men to seize Yun’er. When Xiao Zhiyong had arrived earlier, Bai Xuehua had already left. They found only Xiao Tianfeng lying in the snow...