Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

"Junior Brother Jiang, you've conceded." Zeng Shushu sheathed his sword, his smile returning, though sweat beaded on his forehead, indicating that the victory was far from easy.

Jiang Xiaochuan, panting heavily, watched the sword tip disappear from his throat. Instead of feeling disappointed, he felt a strange sense of pride and relief.

He actually fought with Zeng Shushu, who was at the sixth level of the Jade Purity Realm, for so long.

It even forced the other party to use all their strength, and almost injured them!

So, I've become this amazing without even realizing it?

Lu Xueqi's "hellish training" over the past six months, along with those seemingly outrageous yet exceptionally practical combat strategies, has truly transformed him.

"Senior Brother Zeng's swordsmanship is superb and his cultivation is profound. I have lost, and I am completely convinced." He cupped his hands and readily admitted defeat.

Although he had some superficial injuries and his spiritual energy was exhausted, he was otherwise unharmed.

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

This competition was far more exciting than anyone expected.

On the high platform, Zeng Shuchang, the head of Feng Hui Peak, stroked his beard and smiled, saying to Tian Buyi beside him:

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​your disciple is truly remarkable."

His swordsmanship is quite inspired; given time, he will surely become a great talent.

"His cultivation level is just a little weak. If he could advance another step, the outcome of today's battle would be uncertain."

Tian Buyi blushed, feeling both proud and ashamed.

He's proud that his seventh brother truly brought him honor, but ashamed that...

The seventh brother's skills were mostly taught by that girl Lu Xueqi. His master, apart from teaching him the most basic Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao and some introductory Daoist techniques, didn't seem to teach him much substantial stuff...

He chuckled dryly twice and mumbled, "Senior Brother Zeng, you flatter me. I still need to hone my skills, I still need to hone my skills."

On the other side, at the "Qian" position, Lu Xueqi's opponent was Lin Jingyu. The outcome of the battle was a foregone conclusion.

Although Lin Jingyu wielded the Dragon Slayer Sword and possessed astonishing sharpness, he couldn't withstand more than two moves from Lu Xueqi's unfathomable cultivation and exquisite swordsmanship. He was knocked away from the Dragon Slayer Sword by a condensed, almost tangible, azure sword energy and was also shaken off the stage.

Lu Xueqi won with ease and grace, without even losing her breath.

In the "Kan" position, Song Daren faced off against Chang Jian of the Nagato Tsutenfeng team.

Chang Jian was skilled in swordsmanship and his swordsmanship was steady. Song Daren fought hard for dozens of rounds, but in the end he was no match and suffered a regrettable defeat.

On the "Leaving" platform, Tian Ling'er faced off against Peng Chang of Feng Hui Feng.

Tian Ling'er seemed to be holding back a lot of energy today. Her Amber Crimson Silk Dance was like a living fire dragon, fiery and agile, with a tidal wave of attacks. She quickly defeated her opponent and successfully advanced.

Thus, the four finalists are: Lu Xueqi from Xiaozhu Peak, Zeng Shushu from Fenghui Peak, Tian Ling'er from Dazhu Peak, and Chang Jian from Changmen Tongtian Peak. Tomorrow's matchups: Lu Xueqi vs. Zeng Shushu, Tian Ling'er vs. Chang Jian.

One person from Dazhu Peak has actually made it into the top four!

Tian Buyi grinned from ear to ear, walking with a swagger, telling everyone he met how great the disciples of Dazhu Peak were, especially praising Tian Ling'er, his eyes narrowing into slits.

Su Ru playfully tugged at his sleeve, telling him to tone it down, but she couldn't hide the smile on her own face.

It's been so long since Dazhu Peak has been this magnificent!

Biyao suddenly appeared out of nowhere and squeezed next to Jiang Xiaochuan, who had just stepped off the stage and was adjusting his breathing.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she looked extremely distressed. She offered him a handkerchief to wipe his sweat (though he dodged it), then took out even better medicine and insisted he accept it, saying repeatedly:

"Senior Brother Jiang, you played really well!"

That Zeng Shushu is just a bit more skilled; if you were at the same level, he definitely wouldn't be able to beat you!

Don't be discouraged. In my heart, you are the best!

Tian Ling'er won the competition and wanted to come and see Jiang Xiaochuan, but when she saw Biyao clinging to him again from afar, her face darkened, she bit her lip, and in the end she didn't come over. She just gave him a complicated look and turned away.

Song Daren, He Dazhi, and other fellow disciples also gathered around, praising Jiang Xiaochuan for his excellent performance, saying that although he lost, he was still honorable and had brought great honor to Dazhu Peak.

Jiang Xiaochuan smiled and agreed, the slight disappointment he felt from losing the competition long since dissipated in the excitement and affirmation.

He even had the leisure to make a joke: "Senior Brother Zeng's sword was indeed powerful; it still makes my hand numb. But next time we meet, I won't let him win so easily."

Everyone laughed. The atmosphere was relaxed.

But when his gaze occasionally swept over Lu Xueqi, who was standing quietly in the distance, or the direction Tian Ling'er had left in, a shadow would quietly fall over the slight ease in Jiang Xiaochuan's heart.

Tian Ling'er... He sighed.

After last night, he had no idea how to face her anymore.

Hiding?

That doesn't seem like a solution either.

The competition ended, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

Jiang Xiaochuan was preparing to find a place to recuperate when Zeng Shushu suddenly appeared from nowhere, hooked her arm around his neck, and whispered mysteriously:

"Junior Brother Jiang! Come, come, let's talk in private!"

Jiang Xiaochuan was half-pulled and half-dragged to a secluded corner behind the arena, where miscellaneous items were piled up.

Zeng Shushu looked around to make sure no one was there before pulling out a small, square object, about the size of a palm, carefully wrapped in blue cloth from his pocket. He then gave Jiang Xiaochuan a sly, knowing smile and handed it to him.

"Junior Brother Jiang, we became friends after our fight!"

I've decided to be your friend!

"It's just a small token, nothing more than a small gift!"

Zeng Shushu winked, "This is a real gem! I went to great lengths to get my hands on this rare, out-of-print item! It's illustrated with detailed explanations and pictures, guaranteed to... hehe, you'll benefit immensely! Men, you know what I mean!"

Jiang Xiaochuan looked down at the blue cloth bundle in his hand, which felt slightly thick to the touch.

He was stunned at first, then realized that this was the book Zeng Shushu gave to Zhang Xiaofan in the original story... the Little Imperial Book? With a blue cover?

A surge of intense curiosity welled up within him.

What do ancient imperial books from the world of cultivation look like?

How is the drawing skill?

How "explosive" is the content?

As a modern person who had been "baptized" by various kinds of information before time travel, he actually had a bit of... well, an academic desire to explore this thing.

He squeezed the cloth bag; it was thick and seemed to be of good quality. The slight thought that "this might not be a good idea" was quickly overwhelmed by his curiosity to "just take a look and broaden my horizons."

He looked up and gave Zeng Shushu a knowing, slightly embarrassed yet expectant smile. He pinched a corner of the blue cloth with his fingers, wanting to lift it up and take a look.

Just as the blue cloth was about to be lifted, revealing the book covers inside!

"call out--!"

A sharp, incomparably cold, and bone-chilling azure sword aura appeared out of thin air. With lightning speed and absolute precision, it grazed the edge of Jiang Xiaochuan's fingers and slashed fiercely at the blue cloth wrapping in his hand!

"Sizzle—!"

A soft sound.

The blue cloth wrapping, along with the thick books inside, was enveloped by this extremely refined sword energy.

Like tofu cut by the sharpest blade, it instantly turns into countless uniform fragments smaller than a fingernail!

They fluttered down, like blue snowflakes.

Even the paper inside was instantly frozen and shattered by the icy power contained in the sword energy, turning into dust.

Mixed with the blue fabric scraps, they fell down in a rustling sound, completely erasing any writing or drawing, leaving not a trace.

Jiang Xiaochuan's hands were suddenly empty, with only a few remaining strands of cloth, still carrying a chill.

He stood frozen in place, his fingers still gripping the corner of the cloth, his eyes wide open, staring at the blue "snowflakes" falling from the sky, his mind completely blank.

Zeng Shushu's smile froze instantly, and his neck stiffened as he slowly, inch by inch, turned towards the direction from which the sword energy was coming.

Lu Xueqi was already standing quietly several feet away.

The moon-white Taoist robe was spotless, and although the Tianya Sword was not drawn, a wisp of icy blue sword energy still lingered on the scabbard.

Her cold face was expressionless, only her eyes, like an ancient, icy pool, swept coldly over Zeng Shushu before finally landing on Jiang Xiaochuan's face.

That gaze, calm, sent a chill down Zeng Shushu's spine, making her feel as if she had fallen into an ice cave. Cold sweat poured down her back in an instant!

He felt as if he was being targeted by some ancient ferocious beast, and that he would be torn to pieces at any moment!

"Senior Sister Lu... I... I just..." Zeng Shushu's tongue was tied, and she tried to explain, but she couldn't utter a single word.

Lu Xueqi ignored him, only looking at Jiang Xiaochuan, and slowly spoke, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "You want to see?"

Jiang Xiaochuan jolted awake, his face instantly burning with embarrassment.

Guilt, embarrassment, lingering fear, and a hint of shame at being "caught" overwhelmed him instantly!

He hurriedly threw away the small piece of cloth he was holding, stammering, "N-no! I...I was just...curious...I haven't looked yet! I really haven't looked!"

"If you want to see it,"

"You can look at me."

Lu Xueqi took two steps forward, her tone calm yet carrying a strange gentleness.

Jiang Xiaochuan: "...???"

His mind went blank for a second, completely shutting down!

His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape, as he stared at Lu Xueqi, completely unable to comprehend the meaning of her words.

Look, look at her? Look at what? How can you look at her?

Looking at his stunned, completely dumbfounded state, Lu Xueqi's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible smile.

There was also a hidden, indulgent, almost pampering quality that only she knew.

She knew everything about him, including his manly, secret curiosity.

In her past life, she had already memorized the contents of that "blue book" perfectly, and even "applied it in practice," leaving someone utterly defeated.

In this life, that "knowledge" remains deeply imprinted in her soul, requiring no external aids whatsoever.

If he wants to see it, she can show it to him in the most direct and authentic way.

She didn't explain further, but simply stepped forward, reached out, and instead of grabbing him, gently pulled his still somewhat stiff and trembling body into her arms.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed him against her chest, and gently rested her chin on the top of his head.

This embrace, unlike Xiaobai's warm and seductive one, carried no passion; it was merely a cool, solid sense of possession and comfort.

The cool fragrance emanating from her body, wisps and strands, drifted into his nostrils.

"Those things are dirty."

She whispered in his ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear, with a hint of disdain and a touch of arrogance.

"You're not allowed to look. You're not allowed to think about it either. I'll teach you later."

Jiang Xiaochuan was being held by her, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his nose filled with her cool breath. His mind was still in a state of limbo, completely unable to process the information he had just received.

Lu Xueqi's words, Lu Xueqi's hug, Lu Xueqi saying she would "teach" him... This is too much information!

He needs time to restart!

Zeng Shushu stood to the side, watching the two embrace (although Jiang Xiaochuan looked more like a life-size cardboard cutout).

Looking at the pile of blue debris on the ground, and feeling the cold warning in Lu Xueqi's eyes as she glanced at Jiang Xiaochuan while holding him, he was terrified!

He dared not linger for another second, and turned to slip away as fast as he could!

However, as soon as he turned around, before he could even take a step, he felt an indescribable, bone-chilling, and immense force coming from his buttocks!

"Bang--!!"

"Oh--!!"

Zeng Shushu let out a short scream, and his whole body flew off the ground like a stone projectile launched by a catapult.

It traced a "graceful" parabola, flew over the wooden crates piled with miscellaneous items, over the low bushes, and flew directly out of this secluded corner.

With a "thud," he fell onto the main road more than ten feet away, rolling several times in a disheveled manner. His Taoist robe was covered in dust, and he groaned and groaned for a long time before he could get up.

Lu Xueqi didn't even turn around, but simply tightened her grip on Jiang Xiaochuan's arm slightly.

It was as if that kick just now was merely a casual brush away of an annoying fly.

Jiang Xiaochuan trembled when he heard Zeng Shushu's scream and the sound of her falling to the ground. He tried to look up, but Lu Xueqi pressed down on the back of his head, preventing him from moving.

"It's alright," she said softly, her voice still calm.

Jiang Xiaochuan: "..."

What else could he say?

What could he possibly say?

His mind was now filled with nothing but gibberish and deep sympathy for Comrade Zeng Shushu (and a lingering fear).