The Protagonist's Sister Is Actually The Strongest

“It seems your Familiars have absorbed the power of Martial Beasts and made it their own, becoming distinct entities altogether. It is quite clear that even your familiars are now forging their own paths, young lady,” Fang Shuan said. “Their growth is also yours, so ensure you nurture them well. Their support is always indispensable.” 

“I know, and I’m really glad they’re still around and stronger than ever now!” I nodded. “Alright, guys, please shrink a bit before we go back. I don’t want to scare everyone outside...” 

I pleaded with them to reduce their size even slightly. Violet complied, and Snow struggled but managed. The only one who didn’t was Shiro, groaning and insisting it was impossible. 

“Oh well, you’re still reasonably small,” I shrugged. “Let’s go!” 

I opened a portal to the outside world, emerging without issue. About an hour had passed inside the Purgatory Realm, and the same time had elapsed outside. It seemed my brother and Henrietta had woken up but hadn’t come looking for me, suggesting they weren’t worried about my sudden absence. 

As I returned to my tent, I found Baihe still sleeping. She looked exhausted, sweating in the heat. Though it was early morning, the sun already blazed high in the sky, its rays as intense as ever. 

I sat beside her and gently began waking her by poking her nose. 

“Baihe, it’s time to wake up already... It’s too hot outside.” 

“Uugh...” 

She slowly opened her eyes, still sweating profusely. 

“Aah, this is horrible... Anna...” 

“Use your magic to cool down?” 

“...Right, I completely forgot!” 

She raised her hands, and her Aura emerged. Her Freezing Aura, potent enough to freeze her surroundings, enveloped her. 

However, she adjusted its intensity, tempering it to counter the oppressive heat of the wastelands effectively. 

“Phew... much better...” she sighed in relief. “I kind of want to sleep again now.” 

“Don’t. We need to eat breakfast and get moving. We’ll reach Hilda’s hometown in a couple of hours if we hurry,” I said. 

“Fine...” Baihe yawned. “Did you wake up earlier?” 

“Of course I did! I’m an early bird!” I nodded. 

“Huh... I wish I could take a bath, though,” Baihe sighed. “Maybe if I use Water Magic? But there’s no proper place... the tent would get soaked, and it’s better not to...” 

“Well, I do have a place,” I said. “Come with me.” 

“Huh?” 

I opened another Gate to the Purgatory Realm. She looked puzzled as she peered at it. 

“Wait, isn’t this where you keep the Demons you sealed? What could there be for me inside?” she asked. 

“Just come!” I said, pulling her along. 

“Uwaah?!” 

She was startled but soon calmed down as she noticed we were surrounded by a lush forest. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rose, and a golden palace gleamed. 

“What the... what is this place?” Baihe wondered. “Is this really your Purgatory Realm thingy?” 

“Yeah,” I nodded. “A Constellation gifted me a piece of land... so I added it to my Purgatory Realm. Pretty neat, right?” 

“They did?! And who’s that generous?” she asked. 

“A Constellation named... Heavenly Empress,” I smiled. 

I wasn’t exactly lying. She had the power and authority to be a Constellation but never accepted the title. 

“Wow... Well, that’s nice, I guess? So why are we here?” Baihe asked. 

“The temple! It’s like a five-star resort,” I said, grinning as I took her hand and soared into the sky with her. 

We descended onto the top-floor terrace of the Golden Palace, where Baihe stood in awe of the view. She loved Chinese-inspired architecture, so the sight captivated her. 

“T-This is amazing... It’s like I’m in an ancient Chinese palace...” she said. “This is incredible... I’m so jealous.” 

“There’s a bath, kitchen, rooms, and everything,” I said. 

“Really?!” she gasped. 

“Let me show you around,” I nodded. 

I gave her a tour of the entire place: the shower and bath, which produced water effortlessly, the kitchen stocked with ingredients to last years, the garden where I grew Spiritual and Martial Plants, the Training Areas, the Cultivation Rooms, and more. 

“It’s such a nice place...” she said. “So can I take a bath here?” 

“Sure, I brought you here for that!” I nodded. “Let’s go!” 

We headed to the expansive bath, where I began undressing. The water was already warm, with plenty of oils and soaps ready. 

“A-Anna?!” 

Baihe was shocked as she saw me undress casually, covering her face and eyes, though she peeked through her fingers. Her face turned as red as a tomato. 

“Hm? What’s wrong? This bath is huge, made for lots of people to share. Don’t be shy, we’re both girls!” I winked at her. “Let’s go!” 

I ran naked toward the bath, leaping into the vast pool as water splashed everywhere. 

SPLAAASH! 

“Woooohh! It’s so nice! Come here already before it gets cold!” 

“A-Ahh... Okay...! C-Coming!” 

She was nervous, slowly removing her clothes and approaching the pool, testing the water with one foot. It was warm. 

She eased in, covering her torso with a white towel while washing herself carefully. 

“Aw, don’t be like that, come on!” 

“I-I’m fine...” 

“Nah, you won’t wash properly like that. Come here!” 

“Uwah?!” 

Water splashed everywhere as Baihe took a deep plunge into the pool. She gasped in surprise, glaring at me angrily, and then... 

FLUOSH! 

She froze all the water instantly. 

“Eh?! Baihe, don’t be like that!” 

“D-Dummy!” 

“I’m sorry... I just wanted us to take a bath together and play like silly kids...” 

“...” 

She sighed, making the ice vanish, though the water remained chilly. 

“Fine...” 

She blushed slightly, crossing her arms, but she didn’t seem to mind the idea. 

With that, I warmed the bath, and we bathed properly. 

The bath was as vast as a pool, so we swam around and played. 

In the end, I helped her wash her long black hair, and she helped me wash mine. 

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