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Chapter 178: The Successful Pursuit of Ji Ruxue
🕑 Added 2023-06-21 00:49:10 +0000 UTC
"Ruxue, did you notice?"
Xie Xiaojing nudged Ji Ruxue playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischievous intent. "Jiang Chen is departing with the Holy Lord. As he is now the Holy Son, it's inevitable that the Holy Lord will arrange a betrothal for him."
"You..."
A soft blush of pink danced across Ji Ruxue's cheeks. She found herself at a loss for words.
Not long ago, she found her father's attempts to set her up with Jiang Chen exasperating.
The mere idea of it was irritating, and Xie Xiaojing's comments on the topic would have only amplified her annoyance.
However, in just two short months, having shared in both peril and triumph with Jiang Chen, and even owed her life to him twice, her emotions had taken an unexpected turn, growing a profound affection for him in such a brief time.
Even though it felt like a dream, Ji Ruxue knew her feelings for Jiang Chen were real. The notion of being together with him now seemed like a beautiful dream she longed to live in.
What Ji Ruxue was not aware of, however, was that the intensification of her feelings was more linked to Jiang Chen's System than to his actions alone.
Observing Ji Ruxue lost in her thoughts, Xie Xiaojing mistook her contemplation as apprehension about the forthcoming betrothal.
"Ruxue."
"I understand this may not align with your aspirations, but you mustn't be inflexible. If you're not careful, someone else might snatch Jiang Chen away."
Xie Xiaojing's words, intended as a gentle warning, punctured the silence.
Ji Ruxue, jolted back to the present, did not respond immediately. Instead, she met Xie Xiaojing's gaze, a slight smile lingering at the corners of her lips.
Then, after a brief pause,
"Oh, Xiaojing."
"Just who might this 'someone' be?"
A teasing twinkle shone in Ji Ruxue's eyes.
"I... I have no idea what you're implying,"
Caught off guard, Xie Xiaojing stammered, a flush of pink coloring her cheeks, a hint of nervousness evident in her voice.
Observing her reaction, Ji Ruxue couldn't help but chuckle. Her laughter, melodic and light, echoed in their surroundings.
"I was just teasing you,"
She offered reassurance, her gaze growing tender as she reached out to hold Xie Xiaojing's hand.
"Xiaojing, there's no need to conceal your feelings for Jiang Chen."
"The sparkle in your eyes when you see him or speak of him is telling."
Continuing in a voice that was soft yet firm, Ji Ruxue added, "You've been different recently, maybe due to the Holy Son competition, or possibly because of my father's matchmaking attempts. But there's no need to suppress your emotions. Why should only one of us be his companion? We both could be. And you've noticed it, haven't you? Ever since his arrival from the Everflowing Truth Northern Domain, Jiang Chen hasn't been as close to any other female disciple as he has been with us. I suspect he might share our sentiments."
As Ji Ruxue concluded her thoughts, she gave Xiaojing's hand a gentle squeeze. The honesty in her words was clear, reflecting the depth of their bond and the mutual affection they harbored for Jiang Chen.
Upon hearing these words, Xie Xiaojing felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck her, sparking a surge of mixed emotions within her.
Her initial reaction of shock swiftly transformed into one of surprised disbelief, her eyes widening noticeably.
"Ruxue... Are you serious?"
She managed to stutter out, her voice resonating with a thrilling blend of elation and awe.
Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue were the two individuals she cherished the most, second only to her own family.
The mere thought of losing either of them felt like a dagger twisting in her heart— an unthinkable possibility.
Yet, with Ji Ruxue's suggestion, a glimmer of hope was ignited in Xie Xiaojing, dissipating her apprehensions that had arisen after acknowledging her relationship with Jiang Chen that night.
"Indeed, I'm serious. As a woman and a cultivator, as long as he harbors affection for me and I see potential for progress in my Cultivation Path with him, it doesn't bother me if he is involved with other women. More crucially, the more time I spend with Jiang Chen, the firmer my belief that standing by him is ultimately the best decision for both me and our Purple Heaven Holy Land."
Ji Ruxue's reply was candid as she watched Xie Xiaojing's astonished face and glistening eyes.
Her voice conveyed a profound conviction, reflecting trust not only in Jiang Chen but also in her own judgment.
Yet, upon hearing this, Xie Xiaojing looked even more taken aback.
She stared at her best friend, who seemed suddenly transformed, at a loss for words.
"Are you really that surprised?"
Ji Ruxue's eyes sparkled with amusement, observing Xie Xiaojing's reaction. "Did you assume my title as Holy Maiden was merely ornamental?"
Still in a state of shock, Xie Xiaojing could only manage a mute nod.
"Ah, so you thought I was all title, no substance?"
Ji Ruxue feigned indignation, her voice laden with mirth.
Regaining her composure, Xie Xiaojing playfully feigned innocence, retorting, "What? When did I ever imply that, Ruxue!"
Following this, the mood significantly lightened as their playful banter filled the air.
But just at that moment,
"Ruxue, come here for a moment."
The voice of Ji Mingxiu echoed in Ji Ruxue's ear, "I need to discuss something with you."
'Ah!'
Surprise flickered across Ji Ruxue's face, a flush spreading over her features. 'Could it be that father truly intends to betroth me to Jiang Chen!'
Noticing Ji Ruxue's rosy cheeks, realization struck Xie Xiaojing. "The Holy Lord is calling for you? You should hurry!"
With a gentle push, she playfully urged Ji Ruxue.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ji Ruxue rose and dashed off, soaring towards the Main Hall of the Holy Land. Inside, her heart was thumping wildly as if a fawn had been set loose.
Simultaneously, her movements caught the attention of the other disciples in the Holy Land.
"Look quickly! The Holy Maiden is also headed towards the Main Hall of the Holy Land!"
"The Holy Lord has summoned both Holy Son Jiang Chen and Holy Maiden Ruxue. He's probably going to arrange a betrothal between Holy Maiden Ruxue and Holy Son Jiang Chen!"
"It's not just probable, it's certain! Holy Son Jiang Chen and Holy Maiden Ruxue are a match made in heaven. Furthermore, wedding Ruxue to Jiang Chen could strengthen his sense of belonging, especially considering his recent arrival to the Holy Land."
"..."
The cultivators engaged in a flurry of discussion. Even the disciples who were about to start their matches paused, nodding in agreement.
Hundreds of thousands of cultivators conversed simultaneously.
The collective chatter was like a roaring tsunami, overwhelming in its volume.
Ji Ruxue naturally caught snippets of these conversations, her heart fluttering, a surge of shyness enveloping her.
Meanwhile, in the grand Main Hall of the Holy Land, Jiang Chen found himself standing before Ji Mingxiu.
Fresh from his period of healing after the duel with Fang Yuan, he was now anxiously waiting for Ji Ruxue's arrival.
Suddenly, a shared instinct prompted both he and Ji Mingxiu to turn towards the entrance of the vast hall.
Ji Ruxue had just made her appearance.
After respectfully offering her greetings to both men, she took her position beside Jiang Chen, turning to face her father.
A restrained chuckle bubbled up within Jiang Chen as he noticed the faint blush tinting her cheeks.
Just prior, he had received an enthusiastic message from Xie Xiaojing, which had provided a comprehensive account of her recent conversation with Ji Ruxue.
Observing Ji Ruxue in her current disconcerted state, particularly contrasting with her confident words from earlier, he found the circumstance rather entertaining.
At this very moment.
"Jiang Chen, tell me."
"What do you think of Ji Ruxue?"
Ji Mingxiu didn't prolong the suspense; he immediately voiced his query with a solemn tone.
'Just as I thought, he intends to promise Ji Ruxue's hand in marriage to me!'
The notion swiftly crossed Jiang Chen's mind, prompting a faint smile to trace his lips. He opened his mouth to respond, every syllable resonating through the silent hall.
In the Holy Land's Main Hall, Jiang Chen found himself standing before Ji Mingxiu.
Fully recovered after his showdown with Fang Yuan, he now awaited the arrival of Ji Ruxue.
Abruptly, both he and Ji Mingxiu shifted their attention towards the entrance of the Main Hall.
Ji Ruxue had made her entrance.
After formally acknowledging the presence of both men, she positioned herself at Jiang Chen's side, her gaze meeting her father's.
A concealed chuckle stirred within Jiang Chen, triggered by her subtly flushed cheeks.
Only moments ago, an animated message from Xie Xiaojing had informed him about her recent discussion with Ji Ruxue.
Observing Ji Ruxue's present discomposed demeanor, a stark contrast to her earlier confident assertions, he found the scene highly entertaining.
At that very moment.
"Jiang Chen, share your sentiments."
"What do you think about Ji Ruxue?"
Without prolonging the anticipation, Ji Mingxiu voiced his query solemnly.
'Indeed, he's planning to promise Ji Ruxue to me in marriage!'
The thought streaked across Jiang Chen's mind, his lips curling into a faint smile. He then began to articulate his response, his words resounding in the hushed hall.
"Miss Ruxue is undoubtedly the most extraordinary woman within the Holy Land!"
"Regarding aptitude, she ascended to the Heavenly Origin realm at the mere age of eighteen, a testament to her astounding prowess."
"As for appearances, she radiates elegance, evocative of a swan in graceful flight or a dragon skillfully navigating the waters. Her glance holds the strength to dismantle cities, her gaze, the potential to destabilize kingdoms."
"In character, she exemplifies compassion, intelligence, perceptiveness, and loyalty."
"I could enumerate innumerable virtues in Ruxue, yet when it comes to deficiencies, I find myself grasping at straws."
Jiang Chen's voice carried a sincere and earnest tone, accentuating the genuineness of his reverence for Ji Ruxue.
Indeed, Jiang Chen's commendations weren't hollow flattery.
Ji Ruxue, after all, embodied a Heroine archetype, demonstrating a plethora of laudable attributes.
Consider, for instance, the episode at Red Maple Sky Valley.
Even though Jiang Chen had ensured her safe departure, she, alongside Xie Xiaojing, had opted to return, jeopardizing their lives to aid him...
Now, Jiang Chen's words reverberated distinctly in Ji Ruxue's ears.
Praise was always pleasing, especially when it originated from someone for whom you harbored affection.
Ji Ruxue's heart danced with delight, the genuineness in Jiang Chen's expressions bestowing upon her immense happiness.
At that moment.
"I see."
Ji Mingxiu replied, a satisfied nod accompanying his words. His eyes slid from Jiang Chen to his daughter. "Ruxue, what are your feelings towards Jiang Chen?"
"Jiang Chen...he's...excellent."
Ji Ruxue admitted, stealing a shy peek at Jiang Chen before swiftly diverting her gaze, her eyes cast down and her voice barely above a whisper.
Her response presented a stark contrast to her initial resistance.
"Excellent."
Ji Mingxiu reiterated, his countenance illuminated by relief. A gratified smile surfaced on his face, solidifying his resolution internally.
However, before he could articulate his thoughts.
"Master, if I may interject!"
Jiang Chen cut in, his eyes overflowing with appreciation towards Ji Mingxiu. "I believe I grasp what Master is about to propose, and I'm deeply honored by your faith in entrusting your precious daughter to me."
Then, directing his fond gaze towards Ji Ruxue, who stared back at him in disbelief, he continued. "However, Master, Ruxue despises the idea of arranged marriages and longs for a relationship that blossoms organically. I wouldn't want to blemish her newfound joy or leave a distasteful impression. Hence, I respectfully request you to accord us the time to nurture our relationship at a natural pace."
No sooner had Jiang Chen concluded his plea, Ji Ruxue's visage brightened remarkably.
Her eyes twinkled as they mirrored Jiang Chen's captivating image, a genuine smile blooming on her lips, her happiness palpable.
"Well, if that's what both of you wish for, I shall step aside from this matter, allowing you to shape your own destinies."
Witnessing the elation on his daughter's face, Ji Mingxiu silently praised Jiang Chen for his thoughtful manner, giving him an internal nod of approval.
Though the intense happiness and deep affection visible in Ji Ruxue's eyes seemed atypical given her relatively short two-month acquaintance with Jiang Chen, he decided against overanalyzing it. The intricacies of the heart were, after all, complex.
Nevertheless, this outcome was precisely what he had been hoping for.
Simultaneously, system notifications resonated in Jiang Chen's mind, igniting a surge of joy within him!
[Ding! You have successfully captivated the heart of the Heroine Ji Ruxue. The protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has declined by 800 points!]
[Ding! You have earned 8,000 points of Villain Value!]
At last, he had wooed Ji Ruxue!
From this point forward, the considerable influence of the Purple Heaven Holy Land would be at Jiang Chen's disposal.
Regardless of the situation, Ji Mingxiu and the others would rally behind him first, with a significant amount of resources being skewed in his favor.
Furthermore, he could enhance the exhibition of his cultivation talent.
After all, there was no need for him to maintain such a guarded stance towards Ji Mingxiu and the others any longer.
Demonstrating stronger cultivation and martial talents would only serve to solidify Ji Mingxiu's and others' support further.
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