Qian Renxue was an exceptionally intelligent girl.
Through their time together, she had come to understand Xiao Tianyang's character well. Once he made up his mind about someone and deemed them trustworthy, he would place his faith in them unconditionally.
Take herself, for example. Before their final parting, the number of times they had interacted barely reached ten. Yet, when they last separated, he had given her two priceless cultivation treasures.
At first glance, the hairpin seemed unremarkable. But as time passed, Qian Renxue began to sense its extraordinary effects. Now that her spirit power had reached level 78, half of the credit belonged to that hairpin.
The other half? That went to the immortal-grade herb—the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.
Not only had its age surpassed the recorded limits, but Xiao Tianyang's blood had also maximized its medicinal potency. Thanks to this, Qian Renxue's Seraphim Martial Soul had grown six pairs of wings—an unprecedented evolution.
In her family's history, the most powerful Seraphim Spirit had only ever manifested four pairs of wings. That ancestor had laid the foundation for the Spirit Hall's dominance over the Douluo Continent. Generations of successors had built upon that legacy, expanding its influence.
In his time, that ancestor's status far surpassed even Bibi Dong's current standing. Calling him invincible would be no exaggeration.
This realization filled Qian Renxue with both gratitude and joy. Through these gifts, she could almost feel the warmth Xiao Tianyang had intended to convey.
That was why, when he faced trouble today, she had rushed to his aid without hesitation. Normally, someone as composed as her would never act so recklessly.
But Xiao Tianyang was the same—stubborn, decisive, and occasionally impulsive.
If given the choice again, would she still reveal herself to help him?
The answer was obvious.
So instead of trying to persuade him further, she said quietly, "I know I can't change your mind. But there's something I must make clear to you. The truth is, I—"
Before she could finish, Xiao Tianyang pressed a finger to her lips, stopping her. "Some things are better left for the future. After all… I prefer a little mystery."
Qian Renxue pulled his hand away, frowning slightly. "You already knew?"
Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "Let's just say… I know enough, but not everything."
Her eyes shimmered with emotion. She had intended to reveal her identity, believing it would bring them closer. In her mind, this was also a form of repayment—after all, she had already gathered information about him through her maid.
She wanted balance in their relationship. Even if she wasn't sure it was the right approach, she understood one thing clearly: deception had no place between them.
Yet Xiao Tianyang had cut her off with those words, leaving her feeling as though she owed him even more.
Noticing the flicker in her gaze, Xiao Tianyang changed the subject. "By the way, did you take the herb I gave you last time? How was the effect?"
Knowing he was deflecting, Qian Renxue still answered, "It worked very well—"
Before she could thank him, Xiao Tianyang interrupted again, "No need for gratitude. Between us, who's keeping score?"
"You could at least let a girl finish speaking," Qian Renxue chided, a hint of reproach in her tone.
Xiao Tianyang grinned. "Noted. I'll be more respectful when talking to other girls next time."
The moment those words left his mouth, Qian Renxue's gaze turned frosty.
"Now that you mention it, you certainly don't lack girls around you," she said coolly. "Saber, your childhood sweetheart… the daughter of the Star Luo Empire's Zhu family… even the jewel of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect seems to hold a certain interest in you."
"Honestly, Xiao Tianyang, I never took you for such a lucky man."
Xiao Tianyang wrinkled his nose and sniffed the air. "Do you smell something?"
Confused, Qian Renxue frowned. "No."
Given the secrecy of their meeting and the sensitivity of her identity, she didn't suspect he was teasing her.
"Really?" Xiao Tianyang smirked. "Then why do I catch a whiff of something sour? Almost like… jealousy?"
Only then did Qian Renxue realize she'd been played. A flush crept up her cheeks, but before she could retort, Xiao Tianyang's smug expression only deepened her irritation.
Still, his teasing reminded her of the precariousness of their situation. It was time to leave—but not before settling the score.
"You really think you can get away with that?"
In a flash, her knee shot upward.
But Xiao Tianyang was ready. His hands intercepted the strike—only for his palms to meet the softness of her thigh instead.
"Xiao Xue, your skin really is—AH!"
His admiration turned into a yelp as Qian Renxue's high heel came down hard on his foot. The pain was so sharp he nearly leapt into the air.
Panicked, she clamped a hand over his mouth. "Quiet! Do you want the whole world to hear?"
Yet this only worsened the situation. Xiao Tianyang was taller, and her attempt to silence him left her half-collapsed against his chest.
And this shameless man?
Within seconds, his arms were around her waist.
"Let go," Qian Renxue hissed.
"Mmph!" Xiao Tianyang shook his head, eyes crinkled in mischief.
"Speak properly!"
"Mmmph mmph!" Xiao Tianyang gestured pointedly at her hand still covering his mouth.
The moment she released him, he pulled her fully into his embrace.
Caught off guard and unwilling to make noise, Qian Renxue had no choice but to endure it.
But just as he began to revel in his victory—
"THUD."
Her knee finally found its mark.
…
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