Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

The bamboo leaves turn yellow and then green again, and the mountain flowers bloom again and again.

With the help of Lu Xueqi's secret dual cultivation technique, Jiang Xiaochuan's cultivation level improved at an alarming speed.

He could feel that the true essence within his body was becoming more and more abundant and refined each day.

A few days ago, he tried to circulate the Taiji Xuanqing Dao, and the barrier of the eighth level of the Jade Purity Realm has loosened. It seems that a breakthrough is just around the corner.

This speed is so fast, it would probably shock everyone.

He knew in his heart that it was mostly Xueqi's doing.

That technique... sigh, I don't want to think about it. Just thinking about it makes my face flush, but my heart melts.

The sun was shining brightly that afternoon, making people feel lazy and languid.

Jiang Xiaochuan sat on a blue stone by the bamboo forest, wiping the Xuechuan Sword.

The sword is azure blue, with hidden silver-white lightning patterns flowing within.

"Ogawa."

Lu Xueqi's voice came from behind, softly, like the wind blowing through the tips of bamboo leaves.

Jiang Xiaochuan turned around and saw that she had come out at some point and was standing a few steps behind him. She was wearing a plain white dress, and a few strands of her hair were being lifted by the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled patterns of light on her body.

She didn't look at him; her gaze was fixed on the distant mountains, her profile cool and gentle.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Xiaochuan sheathed his sword and stood up.

Lu Xueqi was quiet for a while before turning back to look at him, her eyes clear and bright, reflecting his image.

"Nothing, I just wanted to call you."

Jiang Xiaochuan was stunned for a moment, then looked at her.

Her expression was indifferent, but her eyes were focused, as if she really just suddenly wanted to call his name.

He was at a loss for words.

He remained silent.

Seeing his silence, Lu Xueqi's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and she asked again, "What's wrong? Are you a little speechless?"

Jiang Xiaochuan remained silent for a moment, looking at her exquisitely beautiful face, which now held an almost "innocent" expression, and suddenly laughed, blurting out, "Xueqi, you're so cute."

He was stunned for a moment when he said those words.

Cute? That word doesn't seem quite right to describe the aloof and ethereal Senior Sister Lu.

But just now, when she asked, "What's wrong? Feeling a little speechless?" her expression and tone were... indescribably adorable.

Lu Xueqi seemed stunned as well. Her long eyelashes trembled, and a faint blush quickly swept across her face, but she soon regained her composure.

She didn't say anything, but took a step forward, getting closer to him, and then reached out her hand, her fingertips slightly cool, and gently pinched Jiang Xiaochuan's cheek.

Her movements were light, with a hint of curiosity and a touch of clumsiness, as if it were the first time she had done something like this.

Jiang Xiaochuan was stunned by her pinch, and then the tenderness in his heart grew stronger. He reached out and gently pinched Lu Xueqi's face as if possessed.

Her skin was delicate, smooth, and slightly cool, like the finest white jade.

The touch on his fingertips was so wonderful that he was reluctant to let go.

Lu Xueqi didn't dodge, letting him pinch her, but a slight, almost invisible ripple appeared in her clear, cold eyes, like a small pebble thrown into a calm lake.

She didn't pull her hand back either, and their fingertips gently touched each other's cheeks.

The bamboo grove rustled softly, and the warm sunlight shone down.

Time seemed to slow down.

"cough."

A soft cough came from not far away.

Tian Ling'er appeared at the entrance of the bamboo house at some point, holding a roll of crimson silk in her hand, looking at them with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Oh dear, did I come out at the wrong time?"

Jiang Xiaochuan and Lu Xueqi simultaneously withdrew their hands and each took a half step back.

Jiang Xiaochuan's face felt a little hot, while Lu Xueqi turned her head nonchalantly to look at the distant mountains, though the blush on her ears didn't fade away for a while.

"Ling'er, you're out." Jiang Xiaochuan tried to change the subject, his gaze falling on the amber silk ribbon in her hand. "Going to practice your martial arts?"

"Hmm!" Tian Ling'er skipped over, the crimson ribbon in her hand fluttering gently as if it were alive.

"Ogawa, wanna spar with me? I've come up with a new move and I want to try it out!"

Her eyes sparkled, gleaming with eager anticipation.

In her previous life, her cultivation level wasn't top-tier. Now that she's been given a second chance and has Jiang Xiaochuan by her side, she's cultivated even more diligently. She's now reached the sixth level of the Jade Purity Realm, making her one of the best among her peers. However, compared to Jiang Xiaochuan's eighth level of the Jade Purity Realm, she's still quite far behind.

"Okay." Jiang Xiaochuan also wanted to test the power of the Snow River Sword, so he agreed.

The two stood in a clearing in the bamboo forest.

With a flick of her wrist, Tian Ling'er sent the amber crimson silk ribbon, like a snake emerging from its hole, winding towards Jiang Xiaochuan with a faint glow. The ribbon was incredibly fast and the angle was tricky.

Jiang Xiaochuan dared not be negligent. Although his cultivation was higher than Tian Ling'er's, Tian Ling'er was experienced and her use of the Amber Crimson Silk was superb.

With a thought, the Snow River Sword was drawn with a clang. Its azure blade, crackling with faint lightning, drew a graceful arc in the air and precisely struck the tip of the crimson ribbon.

With a soft "ding," the vermilion ribbon was deflected. Tian Ling'er twisted her wrist, and the ribbon seemed to come alive, wrapping around the sword and Jiang Xiaochuan's arm.

Jiang Xiaochuan changed his footwork, his figure like smoke, and retreated. At the same time, lightning flashed on the Xuechuan Sword, and several tiny currents of electricity rushed towards Tian Ling'er along the Zhu Ling.

Tian Ling'er let out a sharp cry, and the amber light on the crimson silk shone brightly, keeping the lightning resistance at bay, but her figure also paused slightly.

In that short time, Jiang Xiaochuan had already regrouped and was back in action. The Snow River Sword no longer clashed head-on with Zhu Ling. The sword moved lightly and nimbly, with specks of cold starlight carrying tiny sparks of lightning, aiming directly at Tian Ling'er's vital points.

Although he was less experienced than Tian Ling'er, his superior cultivation and the fact that the Snow River Sword was of a higher quality than the Amber Crimson Silk gradually gave him the upper hand.

Despite her skillful maneuvering with her red silk ribbons, Tian Ling'er was forced to retreat repeatedly by the icy sword energy and paralyzing lightning.

She bit her lip, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes, but mostly excitement.

Finally, under Jiang Xiaochuan's attack, she was stopped by a sudden burst of ice ring. The tip of the Xuechuan Sword had lightly touched three inches in front of her Jianjing acupoint, and the cold air penetrated her clothes.

Tian Ling'er froze, glanced at the sword tip in front of her shoulder, then looked up at Jiang Xiaochuan, pouted, and put away the crimson silk: "I'm not fighting anymore! You won again!"

Jiang Xiaochuan also sheathed his sword and laughed, "Ling'er, your Zhu Ling is getting more and more powerful. Just now, that swirl almost caught me off guard."

"What's so great about you? I still can't beat you."

Tian Ling'er walked over, took out a handkerchief to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead, but her eyes were bright as she stared at the Xuechuan Sword at Jiang Xiaochuan's waist.

"Your sword is truly beautiful, far superior to my Amber Crimson Silk. I must cultivate diligently to catch up with you as soon as possible; I can't stay down here forever!"

When she said "down there," her tone was natural, but after she finished speaking, she seemed to think of something, and her face suddenly turned red. She secretly glanced at Lu Xueqi, who had been quietly watching the battle from the side, and then quickly lowered her head to fiddle with her crimson silk.

Jiang Xiaochuan laughed and said, "Okay, I'll wait until you catch up with me."

Tian Ling'er hummed in agreement, then looked up, her face still flushed, and whispered, "Then... I'm going to cultivate!"

Jiang Xiaochuan scratched his head, somewhat puzzled.

Lu Xueqi walked over and glanced at him indifferently: "She didn't lose unjustly. Your swordsmanship has already achieved some success, but you still need to refine your application."

"It's because Xueqi taught me so well," Jiang Xiaochuan said sincerely.

Without Lu Xueqi's complete instruction and that special dual cultivation method, he would never have made such progress.

Lu Xueqi didn't respond to that, but simply said, "Biyao just sent you a telepathic message, asking you to go to the waterfall at the back of the mountain to find her, saying she has something to discuss."

"Yao'er is looking for me?" Jiang Xiaochuan nodded to Lu Xueqi without suspicion. "Then I'll go see her."

The waterfall behind the mountain roars with the sound of water, and the mist hangs heavy in the air.

Biyao, dressed in a light green dress, stood on a protruding rock by the pool, her back to him, seemingly playing with something in her hand. The dark, unassuming "fire poker" was casually stuck in a crevice in the rock beside her.

"Yao'er, you were looking for me?" Jiang Xiaochuan approached.

Biyao turned around, a bright smile on her face, but a hint of cunning in her eyes: "Yes, I want to spar with you."

Jiang Xiaochuan felt a chill run down his spine.

Sparring with Biyao? Are you kidding me?

This girl looks pretty, but she's ruthless. Her cultivation is unfathomable, and that Soul-Devouring Staff is incredibly malevolent. With his limited skills, going up against her would just be asking for trouble.

"No, Yao'er, I admit defeat. I can't beat you."

Jiang Xiaochuan immediately raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, his tone both ingratiating and unconsciously dependent.

He knew Biyao would fall for that.

Sure enough, Biyao's smile became even brighter, and her eyes curved into crescent moons.

"You're already giving up? We haven't even started the fight."

"No need to fight, we're bound to lose."

Jiang Xiaochuan walked over and naturally reached out to grab Biyao's sleeve, gently shaking it.

"Yao'er, you're the best! How could I possibly be your match? Spare me, okay?"

His voice softened, carrying a hint of coquetry.

Biyao couldn't stand him like this.

In both his past and present lives, he rarely showed her such a defenseless and completely dependent attitude.

Biyao grabbed Jiang Xiaochuan's hand in return, scratched his palm with her fingertips, and snorted, "Useless! All you do is cheat!"

That's what she said, but the smile in her eyes was hard to hide.

She liked seeing him like this, liked that he was unguarded with her, liked that he begged for mercy in a soft voice.

This made her feel that she was special, that he needed and depended on her.

Because of his appearance, let alone letting him go, even if he wanted the stars in the sky, Biyao would find a way to pluck them down for him.

No, what are stars? Even if he wanted her life, she would gladly accept it.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you." Biyao pulled him and sat down side by side on the rock, watching the waterfall cascading down.

"I have important business with you. I need to return to the Ghost King Sect tomorrow. Aunt You sent word that there are some things I need to handle personally."

"Is it serious?" Jiang Xiaochuan asked.

"It's nothing serious. A few old guys are just being restless. We just need to give them a little talking-to."

Biyao spoke casually, but a cold glint flashed in her eyes, too quick to catch.

She turned to look at Jiang Xiaochuan, her face brightening again.

"I'll be back in three to five days, or seven or eight days at the latest. You... take good care of yourself, eat on time, sleep on time, and don't overdo your training, understand?"

"I heard you, and you too, don't overwork yourself." Jiang Xiaochuan nodded.

Biyao looked at him, then suddenly leaned in and quickly pecked him on the lips, smiling mischievously: "That's interest! I'll settle the score with you when I get back!"

After saying that, he jumped off the rock, pulled out the Soul-Devouring Staff, waved to him, and disappeared into the mist behind the waterfall in a flash of green.

Jiang Xiaochuan touched his lips, shook his head, and chuckled. This girl comes and goes like the wind.

A few days later, the weather was gloomy, with low-hanging leaden clouds and the faint rumble of thunder.

Jiang Xiaochuan stood on the highest viewing platform of Qiyun Peak, holding the Xuechuan Sword, and silently recited the incantation of "Divine Sword Thunder Control True Technique".

He had practiced this extraordinary technique of the Qingyun Sect, which was famous throughout the world, for a long time. Under Lu Xueqi's careful guidance, he had mastered seven or eight parts of it, but he had never truly summoned the thunder of heaven and earth.

Today's overcast skies present a perfect opportunity to try something new.

He took a deep breath, focused his mind, stepped on the Seven Stars formation, and made a sword hand seal. The true essence of the eighth level of Jade Purity within his body surged and poured into the Snow River Sword.

"The Nine Heavens Mysterious Temple transforms into divine thunder. Its majestic heavenly power is drawn forth by the sword!"

A clear shout rang out from the Cloud-Viewing Platform.

The Snow River Sword suddenly pointed towards the gloomy sky, and the azure light and silver lightning patterns on the sword body shone brightly at the same time!

Boom—!

As if in response to his call, a blinding bolt of lightning suddenly tore through the sky from the depths of the leaden clouds, followed by a deafening roar of thunder!

Immediately afterwards, one, two, three... countless tiny bolts of lightning streaked through the clouds, eventually converging into a terrifyingly powerful force of thunder, which, drawn by the Snow River Sword, crashed down!

A thick pillar of lightning, wrapped in icy blue sword energy, struck the open ground dozens of feet in front of the Cloud-Viewing Platform!

In an instant, the earth shook, rocks flew everywhere, and blinding white light and violent air currents swept out, blowing Jiang Xiaochuan's clothes and hair wildly backward!

He succeeded! He really used the Divine Sword Thunder Control Technique!

The power of the thunder dissipated, leaving behind a charred crater with tiny arcs of electricity flickering around its edges.

Jiang Xiaochuan leaned on his sword, slightly out of breath, but his face was full of excitement.

Although this attack drained most of his true energy and his arm was numb from the recoil, the feeling of using a mortal body to draw upon the power of heaven and earth was truly exhilarating.

"good."

A cool, clear voice came from behind him.

Jiang Xiaochuan turned around and saw that Lu Xueqi had also come up to the Cloud Viewing Platform at some point and was quietly looking at him, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes.

"Xueqi!" Jiang Xiaochuan sheathed his sword, strode up to her, his eyes shining. "I did it! Did you see that?"

"Mm." Lu Xueqi nodded.

His gaze fell on his face, slightly flushed with excitement, then moved to his arm, which was trembling from exertion. He paused, then said:

"The flow of true energy is slightly sluggish, and the timing of summoning lightning could be advanced by one breath. The control of the lightning's landing point is still not precise enough. However, it is already quite remarkable that it was executed completely on the first try."

He chuckled and scratched his head: "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching."

Lu Xueqi looked at his silly grin, a barely perceptible curve appearing at the corners of her lips, and suddenly said, "Aren't you going to thank me properly?"

Jiang Xiaochuan was taken aback. Thank you? How should I thank you?

He was debating whether to say something nice or do something practical, like...

Lu Xueqi took a small step forward, getting closer to him, and then raised her finger and gently touched her lips.

Her face was expressionless, and her eyes were cool and aloof, but her actions and meaning were crystal clear.

Jiang Xiaochuan's face flushed red instantly. He looked around and saw that there were only the two of them on the Guanyun Terrace. The bamboo building in the distance was hidden behind the bamboo forest, and they couldn't see this side clearly.

His heart was beating a little fast. Looking at Lu Xueqi's pale lips so close to his, his Adam's apple bobbed.

The hesitation was only momentary.

He took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and stood on tiptoe. Quickly and gently, he touched her lips.

They parted as quickly as they touched the water. Like a dragonfly skimming the surface.

Lu Xueqi's lips were soft and slightly cool, carrying her unique cool fragrance.

Jiang Xiaochuan took a half step back, his face burning hot, and dared not look at her.

Lu Xueqi, however, seemed dissatisfied with this brief touch. She didn't move, but looked at him with a deeper gaze.

Then, she leaned forward, getting closer to him, her warm breath brushing against his burning earlobe, and whispered in a low, barely perceptible voice that only the two of them could hear:

"Come to my room tonight."

After speaking, she straightened up, her expression returning to normal, as if she hadn't said those words at all. She turned around and walked calmly down to the bottom of the Cloud-Viewing Platform.

But that figure seemed less aloof than usual, and carried a hint of something else...

Jiang Xiaochuan stood frozen in place, his ears ringing, his face burning hot enough to fry an egg.

Tonight...go to her room?

He stood on the cloud-viewing platform, letting the cool breeze blow on him for a while before the heat on his face subsided slightly. But his heart was pounding like a rabbit's, filled with an indescribable, secret joy and anticipation.

It is night, the moon is bright and the stars are sparse.

Jiang Xiaochuan dawdled until the moon was high in the sky before sneaking up to the third floor like a thief and stopping outside Lu Xueqi's door. He raised his hand, then lowered it, then lowered it again, then raised it again.

My heart is pounding.

The door opened silently from the inside. Lu Xueqi stood inside, now dressed in a plain white nightgown with a matching thin shirt over it. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, gleaming softly in the moonlight. Her face was expressionless as she looked at him before stepping aside.

Jiang Xiaochuan went inside.

Only a small candle was lit in the room, casting a dim and soft light. The air was filled with Lu Xueqi's cool and pleasant fragrance, which was stronger than usual.

The door closed gently behind him.

Lu Xueqi walked to the bedside and sat down, patting the spot next to her to signal him to come over.

Jiang Xiaochuan walked over and sat down next to her, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.

Her scent filled my nostrils, and my mind was in a jumble of thoughts.

Lu Xueqi didn't speak, but simply reached out and gently brushed her fingertips through the slightly damp bangs on his forehead.

Then, she cupped his face in her hands and made him look at her.

In the dim candlelight, her eyes appeared exceptionally deep, like two bottomless, icy pools, yet with a faint flickering firelight.

"Not enough during the day," she whispered, and then kissed him.

Omitted 10,000 words that cannot be described...

Another day, the weather was fine.

Jiang Xiaochuan and Linglong sat in the pavilion on the back hill and played chess.

Linglong's chess skills are superb, and her strategic thinking is profound. Jiang Xiaochuan often has to ponder for a long time before he can make a single move.

However, he wasn't in a hurry, letting the rain fall slowly, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Besides the chessboard, there was also a set of elegant celadon tea set on the stone table, with Linglong's own brewed Yunwu Ling tea, its fragrance wafting through the air.

"Brother Chuan, it's your turn." Linglong placed a white piece, blocking Jiang Xiaochuan's path to a large dragon, then picked up the small pot and refilled his teacup with elegant and graceful movements.

Jiang Xiaochuan stared at the chessboard, his brows furrowed, holding a black piece in his hand, not making a move for a long time.

His chess skills were only average; when playing against Linglong, he was lucky to win one out of ten games.

But he enjoyed playing chess with Linglong, not just for winning or losing, but also for the peace and tranquility it brought.

Linglong never gave in to him, but she was never aggressive either. She always spoke gently and occasionally gave him subtle pointers.

"Linglong, your chess skills are so good that even your master might not be able to beat you."

Jiang Xiaochuan smiled wryly and finally placed the black piece in an insignificant spot.

Linglong smiled lightly, "Brother Chuan is joking. Master Tian's chess skills are profound; how could I possibly be his match?"

She didn't point out Jiang Xiaochuan's bad move, but simply picked up a white piece and gently placed it on another part of the board, instantly forming a new encirclement.

Seeing the increasingly dire situation on the chessboard, Jiang Xiaochuan simply put down the pieces, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and sighed:

"I'm not playing anymore, I'm going to lose anyway. Linglong, who taught you this chess skill? It's amazing!"

Linglong also put down her chess pieces and tidied up the chessboard for him. Upon hearing this, her eyes glazed over for a moment, as if she were recalling something from a very long time ago. Her voice was soft: "It was a long time ago... someone taught me. He always let me win when he played chess."

She didn't say who it was, but Jiang Xiaochuan knew that she was probably referring to an old friend of the legendary witch.

He wisely refrained from pressing the matter, instead saying, "Nianchuan seems to have grown taller recently. A few days ago, he was pestering me to teach him how to fly on a sword."

Mentioning Long Nianchuan, Linglong's eyes immediately softened, like spring water melting: "That child is restless and can't sit still. Getting him to meditate is harder than climbing to heaven, but he really enjoys playing with you... with you all."

She paused, looked at Jiang Xiaochuan, her eyes filled with gratitude and tenderness, "Brother Chuan, thank you for treating him so well. He... really likes you as his father."

Jiang Xiaochuan felt a little embarrassed by what she said: "Nianchuan is very good, sensible, and... very capable."

He recalled how Long Nianchuan had crushed a sword-testing stone with his bare hands a few days ago, and the ease with which he did it still made him feel uneasy.

"He's just a child at heart, sometimes he doesn't know his limits, and you have to be more tolerant of him."

Linglong said gently, putting the chess pieces back into the chess box one by one, "He's happy with you all here. That's enough."

Jiang Xiaochuan watched Linglong's profile as she lowered her eyes and gently arranged the chess pieces, and a sense of peace settled in his heart.

Being with her always makes me relax unconsciously, as if all my troubles can be melted away by her gentle tone.

"Linglong," he suddenly said.

"Hmm?" Linglong looked up at him.

"It's nothing," Jiang Xiaochuan smiled, "I just feel that it's really good to have you guys around."

Linglong smiled too, a gentle smile as warm as water, reflecting the sunlight outside the pavilion.

"Yes, I think so too, it's really nice," she said softly, putting the last chess piece into the box with a crisp "click".

Outside the pavilion, the wind rustled through the bamboo leaves.

The aroma of tea wafts through the air, a peaceful and serene moment.