Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

Tian Ling'er changed into a brand-new fiery red outfit, which made her pale face appear even more stubborn.

The injury to her left shoulder was clearly having a significant impact; her right arm hung limply, while her left hand tightly gripped the Amber Crimson Silk.

Her gaze first swept across Lu Xueqi's face, then fell on Jiang Xiaochuan in the audience.

Her eyes were incredibly complex, filled with grievance, anger, resentment, and a deep-seated despair and resolve that even she herself was unwilling to admit.

She saw the lingering anger on Jiang Xiaochuan's face, and she also saw his action of turning around and "reprimanding" those who were gossiping.

The faint hope in my heart felt like it had been doused with cold water, leaving it both cold and bitter.

Is he angry because people are talking about him and Lu Xueqi?

Or... is he angry about what others are saying about him and himself?

The elder referee stepped forward, routinely announced the rules, and then gave the order: "The final match begins!"

Almost as soon as the voice fell, Tian Ling'er moved!

It was as if she poured all her emotions and all her strength into that first strike!

With a sudden jerk of his left hand, the amber silk ribbon burst forth with a blinding red light, like a fire dragon awakening.

With a howling wind and scorching heat, it was no longer agile and swirling, but rather like a huge, burning crimson spear.

Straight and decisive, it pierced Lu Xueqi's chest!

Undeterred and relentless, with absolutely no defense!

This was clearly done with all his might, even disregarding the risk of the wound on his left shoulder reopening!

She wants to win!

At the very least, we must force Lu Xueqi to reveal her true strength!

She needs to know that she is not someone who can be manipulated at will!

A gasp of surprise erupted from the audience.

Everyone could see that Tian Ling'er was fighting desperately!

Lu Xueqi stared at the crimson "spear" that was hurtling towards her, her eyes remaining completely unmoved.

She didn't even draw her sword.

Just as the crimson spear tip was about to touch her moon-white Taoist robe, she merely turned slightly to the side, her movement as light as a willow swaying in the wind, allowing the scorching spear tip to glide past her clothes at just the right moment.

At the same time, she raised her right hand, her fingertips gathering a point of extremely refined, azure cold light.

Swift as lightning, striking first despite being behind, it gently touched the middle of the swiftly thrusting amber crimson silk, at a point where spiritual energy flowed.

"bite."

A very faint, crisp sound, almost drowned out by the wind.

The amber-red silk, which had been so imposing and like a fire dragon emerging from its cave, seemed to have all its power drained away in an instant. Its red light dimmed abruptly, and it drooped softly down.

Tian Ling'er felt a strange, icy, yet incredibly pure force coming through the red silk, instantly shattering the spiritual power she had poured into it.

A sudden numbness shot through her arm, and Zhu Ling nearly slipped from her grasp!

Even more terrifying was that the icy power did not stop. It swiftly invaded her body along the meridians in her arm, freezing spiritual energy and stagnating blood wherever it passed!

She let out a muffled groan, her face instantly turning deathly pale.

The wound on my left shoulder was excruciatingly painful due to the reverse flow of spiritual energy and the invasion of icy cold, and blood instantly stained the gauze.

She staggered backward, trying to steady herself, but found that her legs had also lost their strength, her knees buckled, and she was about to kneel down.

However, just before her knees touched the ground, Lu Xueqi's figure appeared in front of her like a ghost.

Lu Xueqi extended her left hand, not to attack, but to gently support Tian Ling'er's right arm.

A gentle yet resilient spiritual force penetrated her body, instantly stabilizing her swaying form and simultaneously expelling and dissolving the icy power that had invaded her.

Tian Ling'er looked up and stared in astonishment at Lu Xueqi, who was standing right in front of her.

Lu Xueqi's face remained expressionless, but her pale and disheveled face was clearly reflected in her cold eyes.

There was no smugness, no mockery, only a bottomless calm and a kind of... pity-like indifference.

"You lost." Lu Xueqi released her hand from her arm and announced calmly.

Tian Ling'er stood there blankly.

Looking at his limp left hand and the limp amber silk, he felt the burning pain in his left shoulder and the emptiness of his spiritual energy.

And that feeling of being easily defeated, unable to even put up a fight... The immense humiliation, resentment, and despair overwhelmed her like a tidal wave.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, but she bit her lip tightly to keep herself from crying out loud.

Lost.

We really lost.

Such a complete and utter defeat, so... laughable.

She couldn't even force Lu Xueqi to draw her sword.

The audience was deathly silent.

Everyone was stunned by the lightning-fast, yet one-sided, result.

Although it was expected that Lu Xueqi would win, the ease with which she won, the effortless grace she displayed, still exceeded many people's expectations.

Tian Ling'er's all-out, even brutal, attack was as childish and laughable as a child waving a stick in front of Lu Xueqi.

After a brief silence, a burst of exclamations and discussions erupted!

"My God! One move! And another!"

"Just what is Senior Sister Lu's cultivation level?! It's terrifying!"

"I was terrified watching what Junior Sister Tian did, but Senior Sister Lu just... touched her with her finger?"

"That's the difference... a world of difference..."

"Junior Sister Tian is crying so pitifully... Sigh, she's so pitiful..."

The elder referee, recovering from his shock, announced loudly: "The champion of this year's Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is—Lu Xueqi of Xiaozhu Peak!"

Thunderous applause and cheers surged like a tide. Regardless of the gossip and speculations circulating privately, Lu Xueqi's absolute strength earned everyone's heartfelt awe and admiration.

Jiang Xiaochuan stood below the stage, looking at the two people standing facing each other on the stage.

Seeing Tian Ling'er's pitiful state, with tears streaming down her face and swaying precariously.

It felt like something had tugged at my heart; I felt a bit stuffy and uneasy.

He subconsciously looked at Lu Xueqi.

Lu Xueqi was also looking at him.

Across the noisy crowd and the distance of the arena, their eyes met in the air.

Lu Xueqi's eyes were calm and unwavering, as if the crushing victory just now had merely brushed away a fallen leaf.

Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment, then she nodded slightly to him.

The meaning was clear: See, I kept my word. I didn't really hurt her.

Jiang Xiaochuan understood what she meant, and for some reason, the frustration in his heart dissipated a little.

But then an even more complex emotion welled up inside.

He looked away, not daring to look at her or at Tian Ling'er crying on the stage.

……

Inside the Yuqing Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Dao Xuan Zhenren sat upright on the throne, flanked by the heads and elders of each lineage.

In the center of the hall stood the four finalists of this Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament: Lu Xueqi, Tian Ling'er, Zeng Shushu, and Chang Jian.

Tian Buyi, Su Ru, Shui Yue, Zeng Shuchang, and others were also on the list.

Dao Xuan Zhenren's gaze swept gently over the four young talents in the hall, lingering especially on Lu Xueqi and Tian Ling'er for a moment, his eyes revealing approval.

He spoke slowly, first praising the four individuals' performance one by one, encouraging them to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, continue their diligent cultivation, and shoulder the heavy responsibility for the future of the Qingyun Sect. Then, he presented the awards.

"The champion of this Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is Lu Xueqi of Xiaozhu Peak."

Dao Xuan Zhenren's gaze fell on Lu Xueqi, and he smiled, "As previously agreed, the reward is our sect's rare treasure, the 'Six Harmonies Mirror'."

An elder stepped forward, holding an ancient jade box, and opened the lid.

It was a small bronze mirror with dragon and tiger patterns engraved around the edge. The mirror body was surrounded by the eight trigrams, but the mirror surface in the middle was not an ordinary bronze mirror. It had a yellowish luster, and the reflection was not visible. It seemed to contain a mysterious power.

It is the Six Harmony Mirror, a supreme defensive treasure.

Just as Dao Xuan Zhenren was about to continue reciting the incantation, Lu Xueqi suddenly stepped forward, bowed, and said in a clear and cold voice, "Sect Master, I have a request."

Everyone in the hall was taken aback and looked at her. Dao Xuan was also somewhat surprised, and said with a gentle smile, "Xueqi, what is it? Please speak freely."

Lu Xueqi straightened up, her gaze calmly meeting Dao Xuan's, then sweeping over Shui Yue's complex expression, before finally settling on Tian Buyi's puzzled face. She spoke clearly, word by word:

"This disciple wishes to marry Jiang Xiaochuan, a disciple of Uncle Tian of Dazhu Peak. I humbly request the permission of the Sect Leader, Uncle Tian, ​​Uncle Su, and Master."

"boom--!"

These words shocked the entire hall!

Even Dao Xuan Zhenren showed a look of astonishment.

Tian Buyi's mouth dropped open, his chubby face displaying a variety of expressions, as if he had been struck by lightning.

Su Ru covered her mouth and gasped softly.

Shuiyue frowned, a hint of helplessness and knowing "as expected" flashing in her eyes.

Zeng Shuchang and the others exchanged bewildered glances, never expecting Lu Xueqi to make such a shocking request in this setting!

Marry...marry Jiang Xiaochuan?

A female disciple proposes marriage to a male disciple?!

And right here in the solemn Jade Purity Hall, in front of the sect leader and all the chief disciples?!

Tian Ling'er suddenly raised her head, her face, still wet with tears, instantly drained of color, and stared intently at Lu Xueqi.

His body trembled violently from extreme anger and humiliation, and he almost rushed forward, but Su Ru held him back tightly.

Zeng Shushu shrank back, secretly glanced outside the hall, and silently mourned for Jiang Xiaochuan for three seconds.

Brother, good luck to you.

"Xueqi! What nonsense are you spouting!" Shuiyue was the first to react, scolding in a low voice, her face very unpleasant.

Although she had known what this disciple was thinking, she never expected her to be so reckless as to bring it up at this time and place!

This is outrageous!

Lu Xueqi seemed not to hear, only looking at Dao Xuan and Tian Buyi with a firm gaze, showing no sign of backing down:

"My disciple and Junior Brother Jiang are deeply in love and have pledged our hearts to each other."

I admire Junior Brother Jiang for his pure character, diligence, and hard work. I wish to marry him, study the Great Dao together, and never betray him.

Please grant my request, Sect Leader and Uncle Tian.

She spoke frankly, and her reasons were plausible, but everyone knew that things were not that simple.

Mutual affection?

Two hearts pledged to each other?

What is Tian Ling'er then?

And then there are all those things that have been making headlines these past few days...

Dao Xuan Zhenren stroked his long beard, lost in thought and remained silent.

This is a really tricky matter.

Lu Xueqi is an unparalleled genius of the Qingyun Sect, a future pillar of the sect, and her wishes cannot be ignored.

But marriage is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly.

Moreover, it involves Tian Buyi's disciple, and Tian Ling'er clearly also has feelings for Jiang Xiaochuan...

Tian Buyi also recovered from his initial shock, his face turning pale and then red.

He looked at Lu Xueqi, whose eyes were stubborn and determined, then at his daughter, who was trembling with anger and tears streaming down her face, and then at Su Ru and Shui Yue, who were frowning beside him. He felt like he had one head bigger than two.

What kind of mess is this?!

What's so great about that seventh brother?!

How did I end up offending these two ladies?!

"This matter..." Dao Xuan Zhenren slowly began to speak, about to begin.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps and panicked shouts suddenly came from outside the hall:

"It's terrible! Sect Leader! Fellow Martial Uncles! It's terrible! Junior Brother Jiang of Dazhu Peak... Junior Brother Jiang... he's gone!!"

"What?!" Tian Buyi stood up abruptly, his conflicted expression instantly replaced by shock and anger.

Lu Xueqi's pupils suddenly contracted, and for the first time, a crack appeared on her usually calm face. A chilling aura instantly emanated from her, making the temperature in the entire hall seem to drop significantly.

She whirled around, looking at the panting disciples who had rushed in from outside the hall, her voice as cold as ice:

"Explain clearly. What happened? Where did it go missing? When?"

The disciple guarding the mountain was so frightened by her gaze that his legs went weak. He stammered, "Just... just now! Near the 'Cloud-Viewing Pavilion' on the back mountain! A female disciple from Luoxia Peak ran over and said she saw Junior Brother Jiang being... being knocked unconscious and carried away by a masked man in black! That man in black was incredibly fast, heading towards the mountain gate! We... we chased after him, but he was already gone!"

A female disciple from Luoxia Peak? A man in black? Knocked unconscious and carried away?

In Lu Xueqi's mind, the image of "Xiaoyu" with tears welling up in her eyes, along with the hidden, barely perceptible eagerness and determination in her eyes, flashed through her mind.

is her!

A surge of overwhelming rage and chilling killing intent erupted like a volcano, instantly overwhelming Lu Xueqi's reason!

She no longer cared about the marriage proposal, the Six Harmonies Mirror, or the sect leader!

The Tianya Sword emitted a clear and deafening hum, automatically drawing half a foot from its sheath. The azure sword light illuminated her icy, murderous face!

"court death!"

She uttered only those two words, and in a flash, she transformed into a streak of azure light, bursting through the gates of the Jade Purity Hall and shooting off toward the direction outside the mountain gate!

It moved so fast that it left only a blur in the air and a biting wind.

Everyone in the hall, including Dao Xuan Zhenren, was stunned by this sudden turn of events and the terrifying killing intent that Lu Xueqi unleashed.

Tian Buyi was stunned for a moment, then reacted and roared, "Which bastard dares to touch my disciple?!"

The Crimson Flame Immortal Sword flashed red, and the person rushed out.

Su Ru, Shui Yue, Zeng Shuchang, and the others also changed color, realizing the seriousness of the matter, and immediately got up to chase after them.

What was supposed to be a proper awards ceremony and "marriage proposal" event suddenly turned into a kidnapping and pursuit.

Only Tian Ling'er remained, standing blankly in the hall, staring at the suddenly empty entrance and the Six Harmonies Mirror left in the jade box. Her face was still wet with tears, but her eyes were filled with confusion and a deeper sense of panic.

Ogawa... has disappeared?

Kidnapped?

who is it?