Chapter 48: The System and the Rival

"I am the system. After the side quest was completed, I manifested as a spirit formed by the system. From now on, I can accompany you more efficiently and help you complete tasks better and faster."

The moment the word "system" was mentioned, Bai He’s interest was piqued.

"Then when you accompany me to complete tasks, won’t others see you?"

Wouldn’t that create even more trouble?

"No. Other than you, Host, no one else can see me. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless there is another system existing in this world. But according to the sensing ability between systems, there should not be."

"Then are there any other side quests?"

This small black ball was merely a system.

As long as it was information that could be disclosed to Bai He, it would tell him.

"Host, the side quests are also called hidden quests. Naturally, they cannot be revealed to you. However, Host did not need to be overly fixated on side quests. As long as you complete the tasks issued by the system one by one, you will certainly live until the grand finale!"

Bai He rested his head on the table and looking somewhat dazed. "I haven’t even asked... What is your name?"

"My name is Mo Zhu."

"Mm, got it."

Bai He silently repeated the name Mo Zhu over and over in his mind, afraid he might forget it again.

"Host, although you have already completed the task given by the system and successfully advanced to the Golden Core stage, compared to the other elders of Lingguang Sect, you are still the weakest. In this world, strength is the only standard. If you lack power and encounter danger in the future, no one will be able to save you."

Bai He had to admit that ever since he reached the Golden Core stage, he had hardly cultivated at all.

But recently, where had he found the time to cultivate? He was an elder of Lingguang Sect, busy beyond measure.

"I understand."

"Host, please do not think I am being nagging. I am merely urging you to strive upward. Between you and the male protagonist, there exists a natural resonance. If you cultivate together with him, your strength will increase more quickly."

Bai He was actually very curious about this point, but he had never had the opportunity to ask about the reason behind it.

"Why? I don’t recall the original novel ever mentioning this."

"That is because in the original author’s initial setting, you were also meant to be his love interest. But later, due to emotional distress, you were also reduced to cannon fodder."

Bai He: ...

What kind of logic was that? So he had originally been set up as the love interest, but because someone offended the author and got emotionally hurt, he ended up being collateral damage.

He raised his hand and knocked lightly on the table. "Enough. My fate is so bitter."

Bai He did not go to rest.

Instead, he asked many questions and trying to get a deeper understanding of this world and how he should complete tasks in the future.

Suddenly, he seemed to sense something and lifted his head. "Someone’s here."

Someone had come to Baize Peak.

He opened the door and saw Xue Yanming had already arrived in his courtyard.

Bai He was slightly puzzled at first, but then realization dawned on him, this person had certainly come because of Ye Shiyuan.

Xue Yanming naturally noticed him as well and behaved courteously. "Greetings, Elder Bai."

"You’ve come to see Shiyuan?"

"Yes. This disciple has come to see Ye Shiyuan. I hope Elder Bai will forgive the abrupt disturbance."

Bai He lifted his chin slightly, not allowing his small frame to undermine the bearing he should have as an elder. "He should be at the cultivation grounds. If you head in that direction, you should be able to find him."

"Many thanks, Elder Bai."

After speaking, Xue Yanming followed the direction Bai He had indicated and left.

Bai He crossed his arms. "What does he want with Ye Shiyuan?"

"According to the original novel, at this time he should be the male protagonist’s destined rival. He originally came here precisely to challenge Ye Shiyuan to a duel."

So Ye Shiyuan’s performance today had made him feel that the current Ye Shiyuan was already formidable enough.

The desire in his heart to compete with Ye Shiyuan had only grown stronger.

Bai He kept shaking his head.

Then, quietly, he followed after him.

Ye Shiyuan was indeed practicing his sword.

Bai He understood him well.

The moment Ye Shiyuan sensed someone approaching, he stopped and turned around only to discover, somewhat unexpectedly, that an outsider had come to Baize Peak.

"Ye Shiyuan, do you remember me?"

"I do. Xue Yanming of the Xueshan Sect. You’ve come to see me?"

Xue Yanming stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Yes, I came to find you. I have fought you three times before and each time I lost to you. This time, I absolutely will not lose."

In truth, Ye Shiyuan was not interested.

"I will not lose to anyone. Facing you or facing someone else makes no difference to me."

Ye Shiyuan remembered Xue Yanming, but he had never regarded him as a lifelong rival.

All he knew was that he was now a disciple under Bai He.

Bai He seemed to truly value him, even though he had never demanded that he must win.

But he had to win.

Not as the Sect Master’s chief disciple, but because he wanted to repay Bai He’s kindness.

He did not want to see disappointment on his master’s face.

"Ye Shiyuan, are you really not worried at all? The last time we sparred, I could clearly feel that the gap between us had narrowed. Compared to before, I’ve improved greatly..."

"I know. I saw your match with Pan Yi. You have indeed become much stronger than before. If it had been a month ago, I might truly no longer have been your opponent. But now..."