NovelYeni Chapter 187: Winning Ji Ruxue’s Heart
Chapter 187: Winning Ji Ruxue’s Heart
Back in the VIP area, Xie Xiaojing’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged Ji Ruxue playfully. "Sister Ruxue, did you see that? Jiang Chen is leaving with the Holy Lord. Now that he’s the Holy Son, it’s only a matter of time before the Holy Lord arranges a betrothal for him."
"You..." A soft blush spread across Ji Ruxue’s cheeks, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Not long ago, her father’s efforts to pair her with Jiang Chen had been a source of frustration. The mere thought of it was irritating, and Xie Xiaojing’s teasing would have only made it worse.
But in just two short months, after sharing both danger and victory with Jiang Chen—and owing her life to him twice—her feelings had shifted in an unexpected way. In such a short time, a deep affection for him had quietly taken root in her heart.
Even though it felt like a dream, Ji Ruxue knew her feelings for Jiang Chen were real. The thought of being with him now seemed like a beautiful dream she wished to live in.
What Ji Ruxue didn’t realize, however, was that the deepening of her feelings was more connected to Jiang Chen’s System than to his actions alone.
Seeing Ji Ruxue lost in thought, Xie Xiaojing mistook her contemplation for worry about the possible betrothal.
"Sister Ruxue," she said, "I know this might not be what you wanted, but you can’t be too rigid. If you’re not careful, someone else might steal Jiang Chen away."
Xie Xiaojing’s words, meant as a gentle warning, broke the quiet between them.@@@@
Ji Ruxue, jolted back to the present, didn’t respond right away. Instead, she met Xie Xiaojing’s gaze, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips.
After a brief pause, a playful glint sparkled in Ji Ruxue’s eyes. "Oh, my dear Xiaojing, and who might this ’someone’ be?"
Caught off guard, Xie Xiaojing stammered, "I... I have no idea what you’re implying," a blush spreading across her cheeks as a hint of nervousness crept into her voice.
Seeing Xie Xiaojing’s reaction, Ji Ruxue couldn’t help but chuckle. Her laughter, light and melodic, filled the air around them.
"I was just teasing you," she reassured gently, her gaze softening as she took Xie Xiaojing’s hand. "Sister Xiaojing, there’s no need to hide your feelings for Jiang Chen. The way your eyes light up whenever you see him or talk about him... it’s quite telling."
Her voice became both soft and firm as she continued, "You’ve been different lately, perhaps because of the Holy Son competition or my father’s matchmaking efforts. But there’s no reason to hold back your emotions. Why should only one of us be his companion? We could both be. And you’ve noticed, haven’t you?
Since his return 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 believe he might feel the same way."
As Ji Ruxue finished speaking, she gave Xie Xiaojing’s hand a gentle squeeze. The sincerity in her words was unmistakable, reflecting the deep bond they shared and the mutual affection they both felt for Jiang Chen.
Hearing this, Xie Xiaojing felt as if a bolt of lightning had surged through her, igniting a whirlwind of mixed emotions. Her initial shock quickly shifted to surprised disbelief, her eyes widening in astonishment.
"Sister Ruxue... Are you serious?" she stammered, her voice tinged with a thrilling mix of excitement and wonder.
Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue were the two people Xie Xiaojing cherished most, second only to her own family.
The very thought of losing either of them felt like a dagger twisting in her heart—an unbearable idea.
Yet, with Ji Ruxue’s suggestion, a spark of hope ignited within her, easing the worries that had clouded her mind since she first acknowledged her feelings for Jiang Chen that night.
"Of course, I’m serious. As a woman and a cultivator, as long as he has affection for me and I see a chance for growth in my Cultivation Path with him, I don’t mind if he’s involved with other women," Ji Ruxue replied with honesty, watching the astonishment in Xie Xiaojing’s face and the sparkle in her eyes.
"More importantly, the more time I spend with Jiang Chen, the more I’m convinced that standing by his side is the best choice for both me and our Purple Heaven Holy Land."
Her voice carried a deep conviction, revealing not just her trust in Jiang Chen but also her confidence in her own judgment.
But hearing this, Xie Xiaojing seemed even more surprised. She stared at her best friend, who suddenly seemed different, struggling to find the right words.
"Are you really that surprised?" Ji Ruxue’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in Xie Xiaojing’s reaction. "Did you think my title as Holy Maiden was just for show?"
Still stunned, Xie Xiaojing could only offer a silent nod.
"I could list countless virtues in Ruxue, yet when it comes to faults, I find myself at a loss."
Jiang Chen’s voice was filled with sincerity, his tone underscoring the depth of his admiration for Ji Ruxue.
His praises were not mere flattery; they were genuine.
After all, Ji Ruxue embodied the very essence of a Heroine, with a multitude of admirable qualities.
A prime example was her actions at Red Maple Heavenly Valley. Even after Jiang Chen had secured her safe departure, she, along with Xie Xiaojing, chose to return, risking their lives to come to his aid...
Jiang Chen’s words echoed clearly in Ji Ruxue’s ears.
Praise was always pleasing, especially when it came from someone she cared for deeply.
Her heart fluttered with joy, Jiang Chen’s genuine admiration filling her with immense happiness.
At that moment, Ji Mingxiu spoke, "I see," giving a satisfied nod. His gaze shifted from Jiang Chen to his daughter. "Xue’er, what are your feelings toward Jiang Chen?"
"Jiang Chen... he’s... excellent," Ji Ruxue admitted, stealing a shy glance at Jiang Chen before quickly looking away, her eyes lowered and her voice barely more than a whisper.
Her response stood in stark contrast to her earlier resistance.
"Excellent," Ji Mingxiu echoed, his expression brightening with relief. A satisfied smile appeared on his face, as if confirming his decision in his heart.
However, before Ji Mingxiu could voice his next thought, Jiang Chen quickly interjected, "Master, if I may speak!"
His eyes were filled with gratitude as he looked at Ji Mingxiu. "I believe I understand what you’re about to propose, Master, and I’m truly honored by your trust in offering your precious daughter to me."
Turning his warm gaze to Ji Ruxue, who stared at him in disbelief, he continued, "But, Master, Ruxue dislikes the idea of arranged marriages and desires a relationship that grows naturally. I wouldn’t want to tarnish her happiness or leave a sour impression. So, I respectfully ask that you allow us the time to let our bond develop at its own pace."
As soon as Jiang Chen finished speaking, Ji Ruxue’s face lit up with joy.
Her eyes sparkled as they reflected Jiang Chen’s captivating image, a genuine smile blossoming on her lips, her happiness clear for all to see.
"Well, if that is what you both desire, then I will step back and let you shape your own destinies," Ji Mingxiu replied, seeing the delight on his daughter’s face. He silently commended Jiang Chen for his considerate approach, giving him an approving nod in his heart.
Though the intense happiness and deep affection in Ji Ruxue’s eyes seemed unusual, considering their relatively brief two-month acquaintance, Ji Mingxiu chose not to overthink it. Matters of the heart were, after all, profoundly complex.
Regardless, this was exactly the outcome he had been hoping for.
At that moment, system notifications echoed in Jiang Chen’s mind, sparking a wave of excitement 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 won Ji Ruxue’s heart!
From this moment on, the considerable influence of the Purple Heaven Holy Land would be at Jiang Chen’s disposal.
No matter the circumstances, Ji Mingxiu and the other high-ranking members would now back him first, with a substantial portion of the Holy Land’s resources directed his way.
Moreover, he could now afford to showcase his cultivation talents more openly.
After all, there was no longer a need to be so cautious around Ji Mingxiu and the others. Displaying even stronger cultivation and martial abilities would only further solidify their support for him.