Wait, How Did My Digital Girlfriend Become a Sword Immortal?

Back when Chen Huaian had given Lingxi Valley its "middle parting," Yun Baiyu had stepped forward to block a sword strike for them. Even then, Chen Huaian had noticed Yun Baiyu was suffering from internal injuries.

Though Yun Baiyu's condition wasn't as dire as "a candle flickering in the wind," it was clear this valley master could collapse at any moment.

Chen Huaian glanced around cautiously. He'd chosen to log out at the Sword Pavilion "ruins" precisely because the most dangerous place was often the safest - the classic "hiding in plain sight" strategy. But he couldn't rule out the possibility that the three holy lands might have the ruins under surveillance too.

"Just logging in briefly shouldn't be a problem."

Feeling emboldened by his current wealth, Chen Huaian didn't hesitate. He strapped on his VR headset and instantly transitioned from standby mode to active gameplay.

His avatar materialized beside the Sword Pavilion's stone monument.

Kneeling before the monument, Yun Baiyu showed no emotional fluctuation despite knowing her days were numbered. She considered her life worthless anyway - her only concern was Yun Suxin's safety. Having stood in the rain all night, she looked utterly haggard.

Suddenly, the clear ring of a sword echoed in her ears.

"Senior, I knew you'd return!" Yun Baiyu wept with joy and was about to mention Yun Suxin when Chen Huaian raised a hand to stop her.

"This isn't the place to talk." Chen Huaian turned toward the bamboo grove behind him. "You Lingxi Valley disciples hiding there - come out. Did you really think this venerable one wouldn't notice you?"

Rustling sounds came from the bamboo as several female Lingxi Valley disciples emerged, their pretty faces flushed. They kept their heads bowed and stood obediently behind Yun Baiyu, not daring to meet Chen Huaian's gaze.

"Valley Master Yun, if you have matters to discuss, let's continue in my pocket dimension." With a sweeping motion, Chen Huaian summoned a massive cyan hand that enveloped Yun Baiyu and her disciples.

Space warped violently.

Everyone before the stone monument vanished instantly.

...

"The Sword Pavilion ancestor was indeed here."

Shortly after Chen Huaian's departure, a green-robed figure emerged from behind the clouds above the valley. She wore a veiled hat, with a jade token from the Jade Pool Holy Land hanging at her waist.

"Finding the Sword Pavilion ancestor is a tremendous merit! I must report back immediately!"

...

Upon entering the pocket dimension,

Chen Huaian's vision lit up with numerous system notifications:

[During your time in the Central Continent secret realm, you eliminated 1,372 righteous cultivators. Obtained 1,372 Righteous Cultivator Shards. The Demonic Path Faction Store has been unlocked for you!]

——Li Qingran's Cultivation Log——

<1> 22:00: While bathing, felt inadequate about bust size. Considered following Senior Sister Yue's breast enhancement method, but remembered she's still trapped in Jade Pool Holy Land... Continued cultivating until midnight.

<2> 1:00: Thought about Master 47 times before sleep. Wondered if Master's Hundred Herb Detox Pill had cured his demonic poison. Felt slightly better imagining Master visiting more often after recovery.

<3> 4:00: Craved snacks. Ate fruit plate while Master was away. Reflection: While abstinence has its benefits, it deprives one of life's great pleasures.

<4> 9:00: Why hasn't Master come today? Practiced swordplay. Missed Master.

<5> 12:00: Extremely curious about Master's pocket dimension. Explored with Mo Shumei - turned out to be a godforsaken wasteland. Slightly disappointed. Missed Master.

<6> 13:00: Returned to cottage to cultivate. Consolidated Sword Style One (Perfected) and Sword Style Two (Perfected). Continued comprehending Sword Style Three - White Deer on the Azure Cliff. Achieved minor mastery in Sword Style Three. Unsatisfied with its power. Missed Master.

<7> 16:30: Visited three head disciples at their peaks. Hatred for the holy lands deepened. Felt anxious about own weakness.

More logs pending update...

——————————

"Hmmm... Wait, she's already achieved minor mastery in Sword Style Three?" Chen Huaian stroked his chin, feeling he'd uncovered one of Li Qingran's little secrets.

Li Qingran had already perfected both Sword Style One and Two from the Green Lotus Sword Manual, standing just one step from the pinnacle. Yet during their lessons, she pretended Sword Style One was only at major mastery, Sword Two barely grasped, and Sword Three completely baffling. The reality was, while ostensibly teaching her, he was the one benefiting immensely.

So this little minx had been playing dumb all along?!

Thankfully, he always had the game system translate during their sessions. Otherwise, any shallow comment from him would have exposed his inadequacy immediately.

Chen Huaian shuddered.

He was developing a genuine fear of reality.

The current situation was that while he was thoroughly satisfied with the girl, having presented himself as a handsome, wealthy 185cm gentleman, the truth was entirely different. He knew Li Qingran wouldn't abandon him for being ordinary or weak, but one outcome was inevitable - the one meant to be on top might end up permanently on the bottom.

This was unacceptable!

A man must strengthen himself!

Even without the main quest's pressure, Chen Huaian felt an urgent need to cultivate. He couldn't wallow in Li Qingran's pink-hued fantasy, nor could he plan to live off her.

He must cultivate!

If it didn't kill him, he'd cultivate until it did!

"Senior, this place is..." Yun Baiyu and her disciples looked around at their unfamiliar-yet-familiar surroundings.

"This is the Sword Pavilion," Chen Huaian dismissed the Demonic Path Faction Store notifications. He'd check its offerings later - Yun Baiyu's matter took priority.

"Though it's the Sword Pavilion within my pocket dimension," he added.

"So this is Senior's pocket dimension, no wonder..." Yun Baiyu nearly commented on the sparse spiritual energy but caught herself.

Chen Huaian gave her a sidelong glance, silently admiring the Lingxi Valley master's beauty. Unlike the grandmotherly aura of the Green Cloud ancestor, Yun Baiyu exuded mature charm with a maiden's face. Her current disheveled silver hair and weary expression only amplified her allure.

Were it not for Li Qingran, he might have tried refining her himself, sampling that particular "flavor."

Feeling a sudden burning gaze from behind, Chen Huaian quickly averted his eyes and said solemnly, "Valley Master Yun, what brings you to my Sword Pavilion?"

Tears welled in Yun Baiyu's eyes as she dropped to her knees, kowtowing deeply. "Senior, I beg you to save my daughter. I'm willing to pay any price - even offering all of Lingxi Valley, including myself."

"Ahem! What nonsense!" The gaze behind him intensified, making Chen Huaian's forehead break out in sweat.

"Rise first," he said hurriedly. "This venerable one possesses a treasure called the Yang Soul Mirror. Provide me with a personal item belonging to your daughter as a medium, and the mirror can show her current state. Then I'll divine her exact location."

Though he spoke these words, he'd already drawn his conclusion.

With Yun Suxin's notable talent, she'd undoubtedly been taken by either Jade Pool or Burning Purity.

Best case scenario: her talents were crippled and she was imprisoned.

Worst case: she might already be dead.

...