Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

"Ouch! That hurts!"

Jiang Xiaochuan finally couldn't help but shout out.

My arms were pulled so hard they hurt, and the bones were creaking.

He felt like he was being torn in two, one half flying into the sky with Junior Sister Lu, and the other half disappearing underground with Senior Sister Ling'er.

"If you keep pulling... I'm really going to split in two!" He said with a pained expression, his voice changing.

Tian Ling'er and Lu Xueqi were both taken aback, and their grip loosened slightly involuntarily, but neither of them let go first.

The two exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting again in mid-air with a sharp, crackling sound.

"Let go." Lu Xueqi's voice was even colder as she stared at Tian Ling'er.

"You loosen your grip first!" Tian Ling'er said stubbornly, her eyes a little red, but she glared back defiantly.

Taking advantage of the opening, Jiang Xiaochuan quickly pulled his arm back.

Lu Xueqi loosened her grip, but Tian Ling'er still held on tightly.

Jiang Xiaochuan turned to look at Tian Ling'er, and when he met her eyes, which were glistening with tears and filled with grievance and resentment, his heart softened for some reason, and he also felt a little... guilty?

"Senior sister..." he whispered, trying to move his arm.

Tian Ling'er bit her lip and finally released her grip. But her eyes remained fixed on him, as if asking: Who do you choose?

Jiang Xiaochuan didn't dare look at her, nor at Lu Xueqi. He looked down at the tips of his shoes, his mind racing.

Who to choose? Tianya is fast, but Junior Sister Lu's aura... he's a little intimidated.

He was familiar with Amber and Crimson Silk, but Ling'er's demeanor... made him a little flustered.

The little white cat on his shoulder meowed, its tail brushing against his cheek, tickling him a little, as if urging him on.

"Fine." Jiang Xiaochuan made up his mind.

Since we're flying anyway, it's always better to choose a familiar destination, right?

At least Senior Sister Ling'er is one of us, she wouldn't abandon him halfway through... right?

He raised his head, steeling himself, not daring to look at Lu Xueqi, and quickly glanced at Tian Ling'er, his voice barely audible, "Then...then...I'll trouble you, Senior Sister Ling'er."

He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.

He could clearly feel that the air beside him had suddenly cooled down by several degrees.

Lu Xueqi didn't speak, but the cold aura around her instantly became even more biting, like the cold wind in December, stinging one's face.

Tian Ling'er instantly beamed with joy, her eyes curving into crescents and two blushes rising on her cheeks, as if she had won a battle.

She glanced triumphantly at Lu Xueqi, then gleefully flicked her wrist, and the amber crimson silk unfurled with a "whoosh," its vibrant red color resembling a rosy glow, hovering a foot above the ground.

"Come up!" she waved to Jiang Xiaochuan, her voice cheerful.

Jiang Xiaochuan hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked over, lifted his foot, and stepped onto the red silk.

Zhu Ling was very steady; it felt soft underfoot, like walking on clouds. He stood still, somewhat hesitant to turn around.

Tian Ling'er jumped up as well, stood behind him, and naturally reached out to wrap her arms around his waist.

The girl's warm, soft body pressed against him, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.

Jiang Xiaochuan's body stiffened, and his ears began to burn.

"Hold me tight!" Tian Ling'er whispered in his ear, her breath tickling his earlobe.

Jiang Xiaochuan gave a vague "hmm," unsure of what to do with his hands.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a sky-blue sword light shooting into the sky at an astonishing speed. In an instant, it became a tiny dot on the horizon and disappeared into the clouds.

It was Lu Xueqi. She left without saying a word.

Jiang Xiaochuan suddenly felt a void in his heart, as if something had ripped out. A strange, heavy sense of guilt surged up, making it hard for him to breathe.

Was I wrong to choose Senior Sister Ling'er? He asked himself.

That's right, we're even more familiar with each other.

But why... do I feel sorry for Junior Sister Lu? It's inexplicable.

"What are you daydreaming about? Let's go!" Tian Ling'er, oblivious to his odd behavior, happily urged the Amber Crimson Silk.

Zhu Ling transformed into a streak of red light, steadily ascending into the air and flying down the mountain.

It's not as fast as Tianya, but it's very stable, and the wind blowing on your face doesn't feel strong.

Xiao Bai adjusted its position on Jiang Xiaochuan's shoulder, squinting its eyes, seemingly having no objection to riding on the red silk.

As Jiang Xiaochuan looked at the mountains and rivers rushing past below, the guilt and emptiness in his heart were gradually replaced by the novelty of riding the Amber Crimson Silk for the first time and the fear of flying too high.

He subconsciously leaned back, getting closer to the warm body behind him.

Tian Ling'er sensed it, and the corners of her mouth turned up even higher. The arms around his waist tightened a little more.

After flying for about half an hour, a village appeared below.

The houses are scattered, the fields are neatly arranged, and there is a dilapidated thatched temple at the east end of the village.

Caomiao Village.

Jiang Xiaochuan's heart skipped a beat. He instructed Tian Ling'er to lower the altitude and fly slowly around the village once.

The villagers were all busy with their own things, with wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys and the sounds of chickens and dogs filling the air—a scene of peace and tranquility.

It's impossible to tell that on that rainy night six months ago, such a terrifying disaster, powerful enough to destroy the entire village, had occurred here.

His gaze swept across the village, and soon, by the well at the east end of the village, he spotted two familiar figures.

One was slightly taller, with thick eyebrows and large, bright eyes, carrying a bucket of water. The other was shorter, with ordinary looks but clear eyes, and was helping him.

Lin Jingyu. Zhang Xiaofan.

Jiang Xiaochuan's heart skipped a beat. He instinctively turned his head to look to his side—there was no one there.

Lu Xueqi wasn't there. He then realized that Lu Xueqi had left long ago.

But just as he turned his head, some fragmented images inexplicably flashed through his mind—like those written in a book.

The Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament... The Abyss of the Dead... What ten years, what life and death intertwined... It's all a mess.

He quickly shook his head to get rid of these inexplicable thoughts.

A book is a book, and the present is the present.

Zhang Xiaofan is just an ordinary farm boy now, and Lu Xueqi... Lu Xueqi has absolutely nothing to do with him.

However… Jiang Xiaochuan’s gaze returned to Lin Jingyu. This kid has truly exceptional talent.

In the original story, Cangsong snatched it away, and now Cangsong is in prison... It's a pity to leave such a good seedling in the village to farm.

If we could bring... no, I mean bring Dazhu Peak here, Master would be overjoyed.

As he was pondering this, another sword light descended from the horizon, also heading towards Grass Temple Village.

The sword light looked somewhat familiar. As it flew closer, Jiang Xiaochuan recognized it as Song Daren, the senior disciple of Dazhu Peak.

Song Daren stood on his inconspicuous flying sword, and carried an oil paper package in his hand. It smelled of meat buns, so he looked like he had just bought something from Heyang City.

"Senior Brother!" Jiang Xiaochuan's eyes lit up, and he quickly had Tian Ling'er control Zhu Ling to move closer.

Song Daren also saw them. He stopped his sword in mid-air, looking at Jiang Xiaochuan and Tian Ling'er on the red ribbon with surprise. Then he looked at Xiaobai on Jiang Xiaochuan's shoulder with a strange expression, and chuckled twice: "Seventh Brother? Junior Sister Ling'er? You two... eloped?"

"Senior Brother!" Tian Ling'er blushed and spat.

Jiang Xiaochuan quickly waved his hands: "No, no! Senior Brother, don't talk nonsense! I'm almost at the fourth level of Jade Purity, and Master has allowed me to go down the mountain to find materials to refine magic weapons."

"Oh? You're going to the fourth floor? That's great! Congratulations!" Song Daren was genuinely happy for his junior brother, then looked at Tian Ling'er with a puzzled expression, "Then, Junior Sister Ling'er, what's going on...?"

"I...I'll go down the mountain with Xiao Chuan! I'll protect him!" Tian Ling'er said confidently.

Song Daren looked at her, then at Jiang Xiaochuan, and gave him a knowing look that said, "I understand, I understand." He didn't press further and just smiled and said, "Alright, then be careful. I bought some food and am heading back to the mountain." As he spoke, he waved the oil paper package in his hand.

"Senior Brother, wait!" Jiang Xiaochuan called out to him, then controlled Zhu Ling to slowly descend to the edge of the well.

Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan had already noticed the "immortals" flying in from the sky. Now that they saw them land, they stood aside with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

Lin Jingyu was bolder, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the red ribbon and the flying sword. Zhang Xiaofan, on the other hand, was somewhat reserved, hiding half a step behind Lin Jingyu.

Jiang Xiaochuan jumped off the red silk ribbon and walked up to the two boys, trying his best to make his smile look friendly and believable: "You must be Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan?"

The two youths exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised that the immortal knew their names. Lin Jingyu nodded: "Yes, how did you know us, Immortal Master?"

"I've heard people mention that there are two bright and talented children in Caomiao Village." Jiang Xiaochuan casually made up a reason, then his gaze fell on Lin Jingyu, and he liked her more and more as he looked at her.

That physique, those eyes—he was born to be a perfect candidate for martial arts and immortal cultivation!

"Do you...want to cultivate immortality?" Jiang Xiaochuan asked directly, his tone enticing. "Do you want to be like us, soaring through the skies on swords, slaying demons and monsters?"

Lin Jingyu's eyes instantly lit up with an astonishing light, and he nodded emphatically without hesitation: "Yes!"

Zhang Xiaofan also showed a longing expression, but there was still some hesitation in his eyes. He looked back in the direction of his home.

"Xiao Fan, what about you?" Jiang Xiaochuan asked Zhang Xiaofan.

This is the original protagonist! Although the plot has changed in this life, who knows if he still has that fate?

Take him with you, anyway, Dazhu Peak won't need another mouth to eat.

"I...I'd like to too," Zhang Xiaofan said softly, then added, "but I'll have to ask my parents."

"Of course, of course," Jiang Xiaochuan laughed like a child trafficker. "You can go home and ask your parents. Our Qingyun Sect is the foremost righteous sect in the world. Entering our sect will not only teach you skills, but also strengthen your body and bring honor to your ancestors. If you have good aptitude, it's not impossible for you to become a great figure like Dao Xuan Zhenren in the future."

His words stirred Lin Jingyu's blood, and Zhang Xiaofan was clearly tempted as well.

The two boys glanced again at the distinguished Song Daren beside them, and at Tian Ling'er, who looked like a fairy on the red silk (although Tian Ling'er was staring at the direction Lu Xueqi had left, her cheeks slightly puffed out), and their last doubts were dispelled.

"Let's go back and ask our parents!" Lin Jingyu grabbed Zhang Xiaofan and started to run.

"Wait a minute." Song Daren walked over, his eyes filled with approval as he looked at Jiang Xiaochuan.

That seventh kid, even on his way down the mountain, he didn't forget to recruit talent for Dazhu Peak. Not bad. He said to the two boys with a friendly smile, "I am Song Daren, the eldest disciple of the head of Dazhu Peak of Qingyun Sect. If your families agree, you can come back to the mountain with me. After entering the sect, you must abide by the sect rules, cultivate diligently, and not slack off."

"Yes, Immortal Master!" Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan responded in unison, their faces full of excitement, and they turned and ran home quickly.

Jiang Xiaochuan watched their retreating figures, feeling a surge of pride. He'd managed to recruit two promising talents for his master, one of whom might even become a future protagonist; this trip down the mountain had been worthwhile.

Just as he was feeling smug, he suddenly felt a cool, aloof gaze fall upon him.

He turned his head and saw that Lu Xueqi had returned at some point and was standing under an old tree not far away, quietly watching him.

Tianya was already sheathed. She crossed her arms and looked calm and composed, but Jiang Xiaochuan just felt... a little panicked.

Lu Xueqi seems to know everything.

They know why he looked at Zhang Xiaofan just now, they know why he wanted to lure Lin Jingyu into Dazhu Peak, and they might even know the messy thoughts he had about the "original novel".

Jiang Xiaochuan quickly looked away, pretending to admire the scenery. But his heart was pounding: Why is she back again? Didn't she leave in anger?

"It's time to go," Lu Xueqi said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion.

"Huh? Oh, right, let's go, let's go." Jiang Xiaochuan responded and turned to go back to Zhu Ling.

Tian Ling'er realized what was happening and immediately reached out to Jiang Xiaochuan, "Xiaochuan, come quick!"

But Lu Xueqi was faster. In a flash, she was beside Jiang Xiaochuan and grabbed his wrist. Her hand was cold, but her strength was irresistible.

"Come with me," she said, pulling Jiang Xiaochuan towards her.

"Lu Xueqi! Let him go!" Tian Ling'er panicked and jumped off the red silk, grabbing Jiang Xiaochuan's other hand as well.

Jiang Xiaochuan: "..." Here we go again?

Seeing that a new round of arguing was about to begin, Song Daren quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Ahem, Junior Sister Lu, Junior Sister Ling'er, let's talk this out, let's talk this out. We're still outside the village, and we'll make a fool of ourselves in front of mortals."

Lu Xueqi glanced at Song Daren, then at Jiang Xiaochuan, who was being held on either side by her and Tian Ling'er, looking utterly dejected. Her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Suddenly, she released his grip.

"I'll be waiting for you up ahead," she said to Jiang Xiaochuan, then turned around, mounted her sword, and transformed into a streak of blue light, flying into the distance. This time she didn't fly fast, as if she really was waiting for him.

Jiang Xiaochuan breathed a sigh of relief, but the icy sensation on his wrist still seemed to linger.

He glanced at Tian Ling'er, who angrily let go of his grip, glared at him, and jumped back onto the red silk.

"Senior Brother, then Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan... I'll leave them to you." Jiang Xiaochuan said to Song Daren.

"Don't worry, leave it to me." Song Daren patted his chest, then lowered his voice and winked, "Seventh Brother, not bad, having a woman on each side... Ouch!"

Before he could finish speaking, Tian Ling'er struck him on the back with a burst of energy, making him wince in pain.

"Let's go!" Tian Ling'er controlled the red ribbon to fly to Jiang Xiaochuan's side.

Helpless, Jiang Xiaochuan had no choice but to jump onto the crimson ribbon again. The ribbon rose and chased after the direction Lu Xueqi had left in.

Little White shifted its position on his shoulder, burying its head under its paws, seemingly used to the scene, even a little...bored?

Grass Temple Village gradually shrank beneath their feet, returning to its peaceful and ordinary state. Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan, who had been by the well, had already led their families out and were looking up at them, waving vigorously.

Jiang Xiaochuan waved to them as well. He thought to himself, "In this life, you don't have to bear the burden of a blood feud, you don't have to go through so many hardships. Just stay on Dazhu Peak, cultivate well, and live peacefully."

pretty good.

He withdrew his gaze, looked at the unhurried blue sword light in front of him, and then felt the warmth pressed against his back and the furry hair on his shoulders.

Headache.