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Chapter 162: Xie Xiaojing's Heartfelt Confession
🕑 Added 2023-06-16 00:54:33 +0000 UTC
Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing guided Jiang Chen up to the third floor.
In stark contrast to the floors below, this space boasted hues of pink and white throughout, creating an atmosphere bursting with youthful energy and dynamism.
As Jiang Chen attentively observed, the two women each swallowed their respective pills, subsequently channeling their primary cultivation method to assimilate the benefits of the pills.
During this, Jiang Chen himself was far from idle, embarking on his own cultivation whilst keeping a vigilant eye on the women.
Remarkably, the concentration of spiritual Qi in Ji Ruxue's quarters surpassed that in his own mansion, even as the Holy Lord's disciple.
Time swept by unnoticed.
Before they knew it, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing had fully incorporated the medicinal effects of the pills. Their eyes flickered open, seeking out Jiang Chen for his evaluation.
"Approach."
"Allow me to assess your conditions thoroughly."
Jiang Chen suggested, gradually concluding his cultivation with a mild smile gracing his features.
"Absolutely!"
"Thank you, Brother Jiang Chen!"
Almost instantaneously, Xie Xiaojing, the self-proclaimed superfan, voiced her agreement. Turning to Ji Ruxue, she suggested, "You should go first, Ruxue."
"It's your turn."
Ji Ruxue insisted, her cheeks faintly pink.
To be candid, the idea of Jiang Chen residing in her petite building made her feel quite shy.
Had it been entirely up to her, she likely would have declined.
However, the presence of her dear friend Xie Xiaojing, who confidently took the lead, eased her embarrassment.
"Alright, I'll be the first then."
A delighted smile stretched across Xie Xiaojing's face as she approached Jiang Chen.
In the immediate aftermath, Jiang Chen outstretched his right hand, delicately placing it on Xie Xiaojing's wrist. His divine sense slowly permeated her being.
In no time at all, he had conducted a comprehensive examination of Xie Xiaojing's physical condition.
Despite being a first-time practitioner of the 'Thousand Green Pill Heart Records', his technique was remarkably steady.
At the same time, he engaged his Villain's Eye, unveiling her information panel.
[Name: Xie Xiaojing
...
Intimacy: 80 (Infatuated)]
'Interesting! She seems to have hit a plateau in her emotional attachment.'
'...'
As Jiang Chen processed this information, his mind began to formulate new strategies.
Snapping back to the present.
"There's nothing amiss,"
Jiang Chen reassured Xie Xiaojing, a comforting smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're in prime condition."
His eyes then instinctively moved towards Ji Ruxue.
Responding to Jiang Chen's non-verbal cue, Ji Ruxue gave a nod and moved to Xie Xiaojing's side.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen employed the identical method to examine Ji Ruxue, finding her to be in good health as well.
Nonetheless...
"Ruxue, your health is generally satisfactory."
"Though it falls somewhat short of optimal."
"It's likely due to the excessive absorption of Nether Demon Spiritual Qi that has resulted in a bit more serious erosion. Hence, continuous recuperation is necessary."
Jiang Chen expressed with an air of earnestness. "Having recently consumed a pill, it isn't advisable to take any others for a short duration. Rest is of essence now."
"Alright, I understand!"
Ji Ruxue had absolute trust in Jiang Chen's judgment.
Indeed, Jiang Chen was the pioneer on the Immortal Martial Continent in mastering the technique of extracting the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
"We should rest for the time being."
"I too need to engage in some cultivation."
With these words, Jiang Chen rose to his feet and vacated the women's room, heading towards his adjacent quarters.
...
Time moved at its own leisurely pace.
For a span of ten days, Jiang Chen's daily routine unfolded in the tranquility of Ji Ruxue's dwelling.
Every three days, he would assess the condition of the two women, alternating his time between cultivation and leisurely conversation.
Since Ji Mingxiu's disturbances had subsided, an unusual calm had descended upon them, igniting a spark of curiosity within Jiang Chen.
However, the routine was disrupted this particular night.
Jiang Chen's divine sense perceived Xie Xiaojing vacating the meditation room she cohabited with Ji Ruxue.
Seemingly drawn by her perplexed thoughts, she sauntered outside, finding solace on a stone bench, her gaze lost amidst the celestial grandeur of the nocturnal sky.
Every so often, a yearning look was thrown towards Jiang Chen's quarters.
'It appears the time has arrived for the final step.'
Jiang Chen contemplated, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he observed the unfolding scene.
He had been in anticipation of a moment such as this.
In the quiet backdrop of his strategic planning, Jiang Chen had already relayed messages to his wives residing in the Starry Abyss Sect.
He updated them on the recent occurrences, weaving Ji Ruxue, Xie Xiaojing, and even familiar figures like Nangong Wan and Shangguang Ning into his narrative.
He was noticeably taken aback when the responses from his wives were not just of acceptance, but filled with anticipation to meet and interact with their newfound sisters from distant territories.
However, this development incited a stirring within Jiang Chen, compelling him to face a truth he had been sidestepping since his time in the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain.
The notion of him taking multiple wives had been met with surprising ease and acceptance, not just from his surrounding world, but also from the women integral to his life.
Reflecting on it, Jiang Chen understood that he could have navigated this intricate network of relationships even in the absence of the Eternal Vows Binding Ring.
Sure, there were bound to be minor roadblocks along the way, but he possessed the confidence to successfully maneuver through them.
Firstly, there was Ning Xian, who had tragically lost her family at a young age.
Jiang Chen had emerged as her moral support, her family, filling the void in her heart.
The mere thought of losing him was enough to prompt her to adapt to any changes, including sharing her husband.
The same principle applied to Mu Tao and Miao Xiaoru.
For these women, Jiang Chen was a figure perched atop a pedestal, seemingly out of reach.
Their lives transformed when he ascended to the Heavenly Origin realm.
His acceptance of their presence and relationships had more than sufficed to placate them.
Moreover, it had revealed new vistas in their Cultivation Path.
However, the present scenario portrayed a starkly contrasting image.
Xie Xiaojing, and particularly Ji Ruxue, were unlike the other women in his life.
They came from esteemed backgrounds, tracing their lineage to the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Everflowing Truth Central Domain.
Their statuses alone set them apart.
In addition, they were the cherished gems of their respective families.
The notion of their beloved daughters being demoted to the roles of secondary wives or concubines was a revolting concept their families would never tolerate.
Even with his potential to reach the Third Step of the Cultivation Path, as a Villain, Jiang Chen wasn't elevated enough on the societal pedestal to persuade their families to acquiesce to the unconventional arrangement he proposed.
His current standing didn't offer a smooth solution that would miraculously render them compliant.
The stakes were elevated, and the associated risks even higher.
He understood that by prematurely disclosing his intentions, he risked losing these women.
This was a gamble he couldn't afford, whether considered from the selfish angle of his yearning to keep the women he adored near, or from the strategic requirement to reduce the protagonist's Heavenly Fate Value.
His sole viable option now was to persevere with his plan, striving to achieve his objectives first and managing the fallout later.
His approach needed to be measured and unequivocal.
Thus, armed with newfound resolve, Jiang Chen rose from his bed.
After ensuring Ji Ruxue was still immersed in her cultivation, he silently made his way toward Xie Xiaojing, who was engrossed in her contemplations beneath the starlit sky.
Suddenly.
"Junior Sister Xiaojing,"
Jiang Chen's voice cleaved through the night's tranquility, stating, "I've noticed your glances, the ones that persist even when you believe you're unobserved."
"I, I don't understand what you mean."
A blush spread across Xie Xiaojing's cheeks as she stammered, her eyes widening slightly.
Jiang Chen edged closer, never breaking eye contact.
"You're a terrible prevaricator, Xiaojing."
He gently jested, his tone low and soothing.
Xie Xiaojing, ensnared by the unfolding moment, failed to register the warmth and familiarity in Jiang Chen's address.
As his words hung in the air, she felt her cheeks heat up, yet she held her ground.
Her eyes met his, defiance sparkling within them despite her evident embarrassment.
A silence settled between them, heavy with unuttered words and suppressed emotions.
Jiang Chen waited, his gaze unwavering, a silent call for her to proceed.
"Alright,"
Xie Xiaojing finally conceded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been thinking about you, about us...”
A flicker of amusement played across Jiang Chen's eyebrows. "Oh? And what deductions has our charming Xiaojing arrived at?"
Xie Xiaojing bit her lip, her fingers nervously tracing invisible patterns over her lap.
Throughout, Jiang Chen's gaze held a tender gentleness, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.
Under his gaze, she felt as though she was gradually being lulled into a trance, her defenses beginning to crumble.
Mustering her courage, Xie Xiaojing finally gave voice to her deepest sentiments, "I care for you, Jiang Chen. More than I should, more than I ever thought possible."
Jiang Chen's eyes mirrored the honesty of her declaration, his initial amusement supplanted by a tender expression.
"Xiaojing,"
Jiang Chen responded, his voice laden with emotion, "My heart resonates with yours, answering its call."
However, their mutual understanding was briefly marred by a shadow of uncertainty.
"What about Ji Ruxue? The swirling rumors..."
Xie Xiaojing's voice quivered slightly as she aired her concern.
Jiang Chen noticed her burgeoning joy start to wane.
Swiftly, he took her hands, pulling her back from her mounting apprehensions.
His voice was steady, yet tinged with a profound solemnity, "What rumors?"
"Rumors... that the Holy Lord intends to betroth Ji Ruxue to you."
The words tumbled from Xie Xiaojing's lips in a hushed, hurried whisper.
Jiang Chen studied her countenance, noticing the apprehension clouding her eyes.
He understood that the profound sisterly bond she shared with Ji Ruxue was causing her to second-guess her feelings.
He was resolved to quell her concerns.
"Xiaojing,"
Jiang Chen gazed deeply into her eyes, asserting, "You must understand this: no one but me gets to chart my course or decide whom I choose to share my life with."
A brief silence fell between them as he allowed his words to take root.
"And I chose you, Xiaojing,"
He continued, the sincerity in his eyes unflinching, "Just as I choose who else I want in my life. Ji Ruxue, or anyone else, will be part of my journey only if I desire it, and if they reciprocate that desire. No rumor or betrothal arrangement can alter that."
He watched her facial expression transition from surprise to understanding, finally settling on relief.
His steadfast confidence and commanding aura seemed to assuage her lingering insecurities, and her smile slowly returned, although still tinged with hesitation.
Giving her hands a comforting squeeze, he reassured her once again, "No one else can determine our fate, Xiaojing. It's our lives, our choices."
Embracing his comforting words, Xie Xiaojing felt her anxieties dissipate, replaced by an effervescent happiness that reflected in her twinkling amber eyes.
As Xie Xiaojing acknowledged her feelings with a bright smile, the System prompts chimed in.
[Ding! You have successfully captured the heart of the Quasi-Heroine Xie Xiaojing!]
[Ding! You have earned 5000 points of Villain Value!]
A triumphant smirk tugged at the corner of Jiang Chen's lips as he extended his hand into the ethereal depths of the Eternal Vows Binding Ring's inner dimension.
A nuptial ring appeared, simple yet strikingly beautiful.
Elegantly inscribed on it was her name - Xie Xiaojing.
Simultaneously.
'Withhold any details concerning Fang Yuan and the Sons of the Heavenly Fate.'
'Also, sever communication with the other girls momentarily.'
As Jiang Chen presented the ring to her, he relayed his directives to the Eternal Vows Binding Ring mentally.
He didn't want Xie Xiaojing to act differently based on the information she might receive.
Then.
"Xiaojing."
Jiang Chen initiated, his voice warm like the embrace of summer, "With this ring, I aim to intertwine our fates even further."
Her wide-eyed gaze fixated on him, he tenderly slid the ring onto her finger, the intimate act solidifying their connection.
However, just as he leaned in to envelop her in his arms, his divine sense picked up on Ji Ruxue exiting the meditation chamber, presumably in search of Xiaojing.
"Ji Ruxue is coming."
"Let's keep this a secret for now, I'll guide you on our next course of action later."
Jiang Chen murmured against Xie Xiaojing's forehead before planting a soft kiss there.
In a swift motion, he disappeared, leaving behind a stunned yet pleasantly surprised Xie Xiaojing.
Her fingers brushed against the ring on her finger, then traced the spot where Jiang Chen's lips had just been, a giddy smile broadening across her face.
She was entranced, the dreamlike haze only shattered by Ji Ruxue's distant voice calling out her name.
In the meantime, Jiang Chen was already back in his quarters, his eyes gleaming with a sense of accomplishment.
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