hhnovel Chapter 56: Ning Xian’s Emotional Rollercoaster
Chapter 56: Ning Xian’s Emotional Rollercoaster
"It’s getting pretty late," Jiang Xingtai observed, adding, "We’ve only given Brother Zhou some basic first aid, but he needs more serious care. We should head back soon."
"Sounds good!" Jiang Chen agreed, then pointed towards Lin Feng’s body and questioned, "So, what’s the plan for him?"
"I was thinking about grinding his bones to dust and tossing them into the wind," Zhou Ruiyu said indifferently. "But right now, I can’t tap into my Origin Power."
"Also, since it was Nephew Jiang Chen who took down Lin Feng, it’s only fair that you decide what to do next," he proposed.
In reality, Zhou Ruiyu could still take care of the body at this moment. However, the person had been defeated by Jiang Chen, who was exceptionally powerful.
He wasn’t fully aware of the extent of Jiang Chen’s abilities, but he understood that they definitely exceeded the Middle-stage of the Mysterious Platform realm in terms of power.
With such strength, he could easily rule not just Autumn Glory City, but several surrounding cities as well.
In this world, power was everything. The one with superior strength always came out on top. Even though Zhou Ruiyu called Jiang Chen his nephew, he had already started to view him with a blend of fear and respect.
"Very well," Jiang Chen nodded slightly, declaring confidently, "I shall help you turn his bones to dust and scatter them to the wind, to ease your anger." He then waved his hand, unleashing a fiercely cold qi that instantly turned Lin Feng’s corpse into a solid ice block.
Right after that, Jiang Chen focused his mind, and a tremendous force hit the ice block containing Lin Feng’s corpse, breaking it into a heap of icy powder.
In that instant, a breeze came by, and the powdered remains of Lin Feng’s corpse were swept away, disappearing in a moment.
"He’s completely gone now. Let’s move," Jiang Chen announced with a slight smile on his face as he turned and flew towards Autumn Glory City.
Jiang Xingtai followed closely, with Zhou Ruiyu accompanying him.
Though he had shown some of his skills, Jiang Chen worked to hide most of them. Using the Moondust Ring, he reduced his cultivation aura to look like it belonged to the Spiritual Awakening realm. Then, Jiang Chen subtly suggested to Jiang Xingtai that he quietly advise Zhou Ruiyu to keep his true abilities a secret.
Zhou Ruiyu understood that, eventually, Jiang Chen was bound to become the top expert in Autumn Glory City, so he fully agreed.
In just a moment, the trio arrived back in Autumn Glory City.
Zhou Ruiyu was met by members of his clan, who took him under their care.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen and Jiang Xingtai made their way towards the Jiang Clan’s estate. Approaching the entrance, they saw two guards dressed in well-crafted uniforms, standing erect and poised, with swords at their waists. The clan’s emblem—a river in flowing gold—was prominently displayed on their chests.
The guards were twins, with weather-beaten faces showing determination, and their sharp eyes revealed their extensive experience.
Recognizing the Patriarch and the Eldest Young Master, the guards quickly bowed and gave a salute. "Welcome back, Patriarch, Eldest Young Master," said the guard on the right, his face showing deep respect and loyalty.
"Mhm, your dedication is always valued," Jiang Xingtai responded with an appreciative nod.
"It is our honor to serve the Jiang Clan," the other guard, his eyes sparkling with pride, chimed in.
As they entered through the grand entrance, a female servant dressed in a simple but elegant blue robe approached them, her face lit up with a welcoming smile.
"The visitors who arrived earlier, where are they?" Jiang Chen asked.
"Greetings, Eldest Young Master. The guests you’re asking about are in the Ninth Young Miss’s living quarters," the servant answered, her voice filled with respect.
Jiang Chen acknowledged her with a nod. Then, with determined steps, he and Jiang Xingtai made their way to Jiang Yuqian’s residence.
Yet, with Jiang Chen present, the situation changed. He quickly browsed his System Mall and redeemed the necessary pill. Suddenly, he perked up, "How about these pills? Do they meet the criteria?" He feigned a hopeful expression as a bottle with three identical pills appeared in his hand.
Upon hearing Jiang Chen’s words, Ning Xian, still crying in his embrace, glanced at the bottle. Her tearful eyes sparkled with hope, as it wasn’t the first time Jiang Chen had worked wonders.
Alchemist Xie, initially doubtful, took the bottle and inspected the pills inside. "How is this possible!" she exclaimed in disbelief, her face showing shock at first, but quickly shifting to joy as she realized, "Eldest Young Master, this is the right pill! We can save Alchemist Qiu now!"
"That’s great to hear!" Jiang Chen responded with visible relief, quickly urging, "She doesn’t have much time; start the treatment, Alchemist Xie." His prompt action also cleverly avoided any further probing questions from the two women.
Hearing this, both women regained their composure.
Alchemist Xie immediately began the treatment.
Ning Xian, meanwhile, lifted her head and looked intently at Jiang Chen’s striking face. After a brief moment, she opened her rosy lips, trying to express her gratitude, "Jiang Chen, I cannot thank you enough. I..."
But before she could finish, Jiang Chen interjected gently, "What are you talking about? There’s no need for gratitude. Helping your master was the least I could do."
"You see, your happiness is everything to me. I would do anything to protect you and those dear to you, always," he continued tenderly, delicately wiping away her tears. Gazing deeply into her eyes, his own filled with warmth, he ventured softly, "Am I the only one feeling this way?"
As Jiang Chen’s words reached her, Ning Xian was momentarily startled, surprised by his unexpected confession. Her heart began to beat faster, a feeling of warmth enveloping her. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and she shyly cast her gaze downwards, gathering her thoughts.
Then, she lifted her eyes to meet his again. After a short silence, she spoke with a newfound confidence, "Your happiness means everything to me too." A radiant smile slowly formed on her face, lighting up her eyes and revealing the depth of her feelings.
As she expressed these sentiments, a series of system notifications resounded in the depths of Jiang Chen’s consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully won the heart of the heroine Ning Xian!]
[Ding! You have gained 3,000 points of Villain Value!]
[Ding! Congratulations on successfully capturing the heart of a heroine for the first time!]
[Ding! You have obtained a new Heaven-Defying Fate Changer, the Eternal Vows Binding Ring!]
[Ding! A new entry Intimacy (Only for women) has been added to the Villain Eye’s information panel!]
[Intimacy: It measures the depth of emotional and physical connection between the host and any woman. 0-10: Indifferent; 11-30: Curious; 31-50: Friendly; 51-70: Attracted; 71-80: Infatuated; 81-99: In Love; 100: Boundless Love!]
"I’m so ’happy’ to hear that," Jiang Chen expressed softly, his smile warm and his voice steady and reassuring. He then reached out and gently held her hand.
At the same time, with just a thought, Jiang Chen activated his Villain Eye, noting that Ning Xian’s Intimacy level had reached 95 points.
’This ’Intimacy’ metric is incredibly handy,’ he reflected inwardly, ’It will make it easier for me to navigate relationships without being too cautious.’
Suddenly, a low, muffled "Groan!" interrupted their moment, drawing the attention of both Ning Xian and Jiang Chen.
Looking towards the source of the sound, they noticed the bedridden Qiu Liaoxi, whose complexion had noticeably improved, slowly opening her eyes. She seemed a bit confused at first but then asked weakly, "What happened?"
"Master, you’re awake!" Ning Xian exclaimed, her face mirroring her relief and joy.
Qiu Liaoxi tried to sit up but winced in pain. Alchemist Xie quickly helped her by arranging some pillows, while Ning Xian held her hand.
Realizing that his presence was no longer needed, Jiang Chen discreetly exited the room.