Fairy, I am truly a virtuous gentleman!

Chu Lingci, Zhao Yuan, Ye Wuji, Xiao Lingjiang.

Ning Yuan silently recited the names of the four people in his heart.

These four were the most outstanding talents when the Seven Immortals Sect attacked Dali. Not only were they exceptionally talented, but they also had incredible opportunities. Each of them was a rare and exceptional person with extraordinary luck, and their deeds were widely praised.

Most importantly, a hundred years later, Ning Yuan was killed by these four people in a joint effort. Fortunately, at the critical moment, he was brought back to the present by a mysterious jade tablet.

Ning Yuan gently tapped the jade table with his long, slender fingers, each with distinct joints.

He was thinking.

He thought that Xiao Lingjiang held a grudge because he ignored her at the banquet, which is why she had been targeting him ever since.

But after learning yesterday that there was an unfulfilled engagement between the two, Ning Yuan finally understood where their cause and effect came from.

Ah, it's all my fault. I didn't study hard when I was young, and I lived a life of debauchery. My best years passed by in a daze, and I didn't even care about the marriage my own father had chosen for me.

However, now is just right; it's not too late.

The matter of Chu Lingci has been settled, but the matters of Zhao Yuan and Ye Wuji are still far off. For now, let's deal with this woman first.

Ning Yuan's eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a dark starry sky, and coupled with his calm and composed demeanor, Xiao Lingjiang suddenly felt immense pressure without him saying a word.

Originally, Xiao Lingjiang thought that although she had fallen from the Divine Palace Realm to the Qi Refining Realm, her foundation was still there, and her Daoist swordsmanship was exceptional.

Competing with Ning Yuan, a second-generation immortal who has the backing of a Dao Venerable father, possesses a treasure mountain but is unaware of it, and has not even stepped into the Foundation Establishment stage yet, should naturally be no problem.

However, a faint sense of crisis, like willow catkins teasing her skin, made her very uncomfortable.

Xiao Lingjiang clenched her fists, silently asking in her heart, "Master, have you figured it out?"

A moment later, the familiar, cool voice echoed.

"No, that makes sense. The offspring of such a powerful being is naturally obscured by heavenly secrets, making it difficult to predict the truth... Ling Jiang, let's just give up. The other party might even have spiritual treasures or Dao artifacts protecting them. Even if you fight with all your might, you won't be able to harm them. It would be better to focus on cultivation and save it for later."

Xiao Lingjiang pursed her lips tightly. "Even if I can't hurt him, I want to make him lose face in front of everyone. It would be best if I could provoke him so that when he finds out what happened later, he'll cause trouble for the Xiao family."

The cold voice asked again, "But what will happen after that? At that time, the Xiao family will probably not leave you even the slightest bit of leeway, and your situation will be even more difficult."

"Hmph, at worst I'll participate in the immortal sect selection and join a sect to cultivate. My father is still a third-generation disciple of the clan, and his cultivation is still there, so he won't be in any serious trouble. As for me, I will take back what is rightfully mine sooner or later!"

Seeing Xiao Lingjiang's resolute attitude, the cold voice stopped trying to persuade her and simply reminded her, "Then be careful. My intuition tells me that this Ning Yuan is not simple."

Even without the cold voice pointing it out, Xiao Lingjiang herself felt that Ning Yuan's every move was very different from the rumored dissolute image.

On the contrary, when faced with the flattery of noble ladies and young women from wealthy families, he remained extremely restrained and unperturbed by favors or disgrace.

Of course, his mere presence at this banquet already speaks volumes.

Perhaps I'm just not in the mood today?

Xiao Lingjiang wasn't very clear about that kind of thing, so she hesitated a little.

At this moment, Ning Yuan finally spoke.

"A battle of wits? That sounds interesting. Alright, I can agree to your request."

With a smile on his lips, he rose from the jade couch and walked down the jade steps one by one until he was seven steps away from the girl. His demeanor was approachable and made people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Xiao Lingjiang stared in disbelief, her eyes, which had initially been filled with unwavering determination and resentment, gradually softening into clear and gentle ones.

Why is this person always so unpredictable?

Xiao Lingjiang could only take a deep breath, calm herself, and remind herself, "Don't forget your original intention!"

"However, I have one request."

Suddenly, Ning Yuan changed the subject, his eyes smiling as he sized up Xiao Lingjiang's figure.

"Since this is a contest of magic to liven things up, we should naturally add some prizes. So, if you win, I'll grant you any request, but only within my capabilities. If you lose, well, I won't make things difficult for you... You're a woman, aren't you?"

Xiao Lingjiang smiled wryly.

So you've finally shown your true colors, haven't you? I knew you weren't a good person.

She said coldly, "So what if it is?"

"No matter what, a beauty deserves a gorgeous dress. If I win, I will have a flowing, cloud-patterned fairy dress. You will come back to my manor with me later, and I will change into the dress for you so that I can admire it."

"you!"

Xiao Lingjiang was immediately disappointed. Sure enough, he was a terrible person. No matter how well he pretended, he would immediately reveal his true colors when the time came.

The people at the banquet cheered and shouted with joy.

That's right, that's right, Ning Yuan finally did something familiar to everyone, and everything is back!

Only two people, Qiao Shuang and Xiao Heng, had strange expressions on their faces.

Faced with Ning Yuan's request, Xiao Lingjiang calmed down and thought about it. The other party obviously did not know his name, so his chances of winning were quite high.

Although Ning Yuan's promise was not formally documented, it was unlikely to be broken under the watchful eyes of everyone. Perhaps he could obtain cultivation resources through him, or even help his master regain his lost memories.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Lingjiang agreed.

Soon, the two arrived at the square outside the Zixuan Cloud Palace.

The others also put aside their own matters and followed.

The two stood facing each other, each in their own position.

Ning Yuan stood with his hands behind his back and asked, "What do you want to compete in?"

"Whatever you like, it's fine with me."

Xiao Lingjiang looked confident.

Ning Yuan stroked his chin and smiled.

"What a coincidence! I had a great discussion with a master from the Taiyi Sword Sect the other day, and I learned a lot. How about we have a swordsmanship contest?"

Xiao Lingjiang almost burst out laughing.

It was quite a coincidence that she was also skilled in swordsmanship.

The way of the sword, like the way of immortality, also has levels, with a total of five realms.

The first realm is the realm of "the sword moves with the heart, graceful as a startled swan". Anyone who enters this realm, even a mortal, can easily kill a Qi Refining cultivator with a sharp sword. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator may be seriously injured if they are not careful.

However, most of those who can enter the first realm of sword cultivation are already Divine Palace Refiners.

Those who can comprehend the way of the sword during the Foundation Establishment stage are already worthy of the title of sword genius, and are extremely rare.

Furthermore, the five realms of swordsmanship that follow become increasingly difficult to surpass, with even Golden Core cultivators having only one in ten able to comprehend the second realm.

Xiao Lingjiang considered himself incompetent. Although he failed to break through to the Golden Core stage and lost all his cultivation, his swordsmanship was superior, allowing him to step into the second realm.

Judging from age, the only one who can reliably surpass her is a Sword Heart Clarity Body from the Taiyi Sword Sect who has recently gained fame.

After the specific details were discussed, Xiao Lingjiang's expression turned serious, and her beautiful eyes gleamed.

She took off her cloak and threw it aside, revealing a fitted black robe underneath, and then drew a purple jade soft sword from her waist.

The strong wind blew her long hair, which was tied up, and her black hair flowed freely. Her delicate nose was high and straight, and her posture was dignified, making her look heroic and dashing. The hem of her tight robe clung tightly to her thighs under the wind pressure, outlining a beautiful and alluring curve.

Above the Cloud Palace, the young girl stood facing Ning Yuan, sword in hand.