Transmigrating into the world of Jade Dynasty, I was targeted by the female lead in a reverse romanc

Zeng Shushu immediately composed himself and bowed respectfully to Tian Buyi and Su Ru.

"Zeng Shushu, a disciple of Feng Hui Peak, greets Uncle Tian and Uncle Su."

He turned to Tian Ling'er, a standard gentlemanly smile on his face, "This must be Junior Sister Ling'er, right? I've often heard my father mention that Uncle Tian has a precious daughter who is exceptionally talented. Seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved."

Tian Buyi responded with an "Mmm," his chubby face expressionless, but his gaze lingered on Zeng Shushu's face for a moment.

Su Ru smiled gently: "So it's Junior Nephew Zeng. How is your father?"

"My father is well, thank you for your concern, Uncle." Zeng Shushu responded appropriately.

When Tian Ling'er heard that he was the son of the head of Feng Hui Peak, her expression softened slightly, but the slight displeasure in her heart remained.

He was especially disgusted by the way he addressed Jiang Xiaochuan as "Brother Jiang" earlier.

She snorted, turned her head away, and ignored him.

Tian Buyi was in a very good mood at the moment.

Four members from Dazhu Peak have advanced to the third round, securing four spots in the top sixteen – an unprecedented achievement!

Especially Zhang Xiaofan, who had actually stumbled his way in, which was truly beyond his expectations. He looked at Zhang Xiaofan with a complicated expression, and finally said, "Xiaofan, you... are not bad. I misjudged you before."

Zhang Xiaofan was flattered and quickly bowed, saying, "Master, I am only able to make any progress thanks to Senior Brother Jiang's daily guidance and supervision, as well as the care of Master, Mistress, and all the other senior brothers. I dare not take credit for it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaochuan quickly covered his mouth: "Xiao Fan! Can't you speak properly! It's clearly because you're hardworking and talented! What does it have to do with me! If you say that again, I'll beat you up!"

Zhang Xiaofan was unable to speak because Jiang Xiaochuan covered his mouth. He could only blink his eyes, his dark face flushed red, and look at Jiang Xiaochuan with an intense trust and closeness in his eyes.

Tian Buyi watched this scene without saying anything, but a barely perceptible smile flickered deep in his eyes. This kid does have some of his younger self's traits... being protective of his own.

Tian Ling'er walked up to Jiang Xiaochuan, looked up at him, and asked very seriously, "Xiaochuan, my next match is against Lu Xueqi."

The surroundings quieted down for a moment.

Jiang Xiaochuan looked into her bright, piercing eyes, which held tension, anticipation, and a hint of barely perceptible... stubbornness.

He was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly grinned, patted her shoulder, and said in a joking tone, with a touch of tragic heroism:

"Senior Sister Ling'er, may you rest in peace."

Tian Ling'er's expression froze instantly, then her eyebrows shot up, and she swung her small fist at him: "Jiang Xiaochuan! Are you looking for death! Would it kill you to say something nice?!"

Jiang Xiaochuan laughed and ran away, covering his head. Tian Ling'er wouldn't let him go and chased after him, hitting him.

The two ran and chased, circling in the gradually dispersing crowd, attracting the attention of the surrounding disciples.

Tian Buyi watched his daughter chase after Jiang Xiaochuan and run away, shook his head, but a smile remained on his face.

Su Ru smiled too, but there was a hint of worry in her smile.

How could her mother not know what Ling'er was thinking? It's just that Lu Xueqi... sigh.

……

During the day, Jiang Xiaochuan took some time to visit Lu Xueqi.

It happened outside the courtyard of the female disciples of Xiaozhu Peak, when there weren't many people around.

"Senior Sister Lu." He called out to Lu Xueqi, who was about to leave.

Lu Xueqi stopped and turned to look at him.

Her light blue dress and cool, aloof face made her resemble a quietly blooming snow lotus in the afternoon sunlight.

"Senior Brother Jiang."

"Um... are you free tonight?"

Jiang Xiaochuan scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "The usual place, Hongqiao. There's something I wanted to tell you. It's too crowded during the day, so it's not convenient."

He felt that it was inappropriate to ask a girl out so late at night.

But there are some things that are just too difficult to say in front of so many people.

Lu Xueqi looked at him, her cool eyes calm and still, without answering immediately. After a few seconds, she nodded gently: "Okay."

……

Night falls.

Tian Ling'er was so nervous about her upcoming match against Lu Xueqi the next day that she couldn't sleep, her heart pounding with anxiety.

She simply got up, wanting to go out for some fresh air.

I pushed open the door; the night breeze was cool, and the moonlight was beautiful.

She wandered aimlessly, and before she knew it, she had reached a place where she could see the Rainbow Bridge. Then, she saw that familiar figure walking towards the Rainbow Bridge.

Xiao Chuan? What's he doing at Hongqiao so late at night?

A thought suddenly flashed into her mind, causing her heart to clench abruptly.

She bit her lip, and subconsciously slowed her pace, quietly following behind.

A voice inside me was saying: Don't go, go back. But my feet wouldn't obey me, as if they were being led by something, trailing behind cautiously and at a distance.

……

"Just your senior sister? You have nothing else for her?"

"Other? What other?" Jiang Xiaochuan was a little confused by her question, and his mind couldn't quite process it for a moment.

In the shadows, Tian Ling'er tightly covered her mouth, her nails digging into her palms, her heart pounding wildly, almost bursting out of her chest.

She stared intently at the two people on the bridge, her ears perked up, afraid of missing a single word.

Looking at Jiang Xiaochuan's bewildered face, Lu Xueqi felt a pang of bitterness and disappointment growing wildly in her heart.

She pursed her lips, her voice lower but exceptionally clear, asking each word distinctly, "You like her?"

"ah?!"

Jiang Xiaochuan finally understood and was startled. He shook his head vigorously, "No, no! Absolutely not! To me, Ling'er is like... an older sister, or a younger sister! I've watched her grow up since she was little, how could I possibly have those kinds of feelings! Senior Sister Lu, please don't talk nonsense!"

Tian Ling'er, hidden in the shadows, suddenly trembled, as if she had been struck hard in the chest by an invisible fist.

Sister... younger sister... I don't have those kinds of thoughts...

So, in his heart, that's all he saw her for.

Her vision blurred for a moment, and she had to hold onto the cold bamboo pole to keep herself from collapsing.

The inexplicable pain in her heart, like a wild beast awakening, began to rampage wildly, making her feel as if her internal organs had shifted, causing pain everywhere, so much so that she could hardly breathe.

On the bridge, upon hearing Jiang Xiaochuan's answer, Lu Xueqi's icy gaze seemed to melt slightly, but it didn't completely dissipate. She paused for a moment, then asked, "Then... in the entire Qingyun Sect, is there someone you like...?"

This question was more direct. Jiang Xiaochuan was stumped. He thought about it seriously, and several faces flashed through his mind.

Finally, he shook his head and said frankly, "At the moment... it seems not. Right now, I'm just thinking about cultivating and improving my strength. I haven't thought about anything else."

He added to himself: "Staying alive is the priority, the plot is the priority, there's no time to think about these things."

The faint light in Lu Xueqi's eyes completely dimmed.

She lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes concealing all the emotions in them.

There isn't anyone I like. Does that include her?

She felt a tightness in her chest, a bitterness in her heart, and a sense of inexplicable grievance. Clearly… she had already…

"So what do you like?" She looked up at Jiang Xiaochuan, suddenly changing the subject, her voice devoid of any emotion.

"Huh? What do you like?"

Jiang Xiaochuan was a little confused by her jumping thoughts, scratching his head, "I like... becoming stronger? I like being free. Hmm... I also like..."

A joke he'd seen online in his past life suddenly popped into his head, and he blurted it out: "With no woman in his heart, drawing his sword naturally makes him a god?"