Kapitel 79: Chapter 79: Clock Blockers Takedown

Xiao Lingxi was frustrated by the constant stream of people besieging her, all eager to understand her remarkable clock designs. While these clocks weren't powerful cultivation items, they were essential in this ancient world as they allowed people to measure time, a concept introduced by Yun Che.

With boundless warmth and enthusiasm, Xiao Lingxi introduced her creations to the city's residents. Her voice was a symphony of joy as she unveiled the intricate mechanisms and the marvel of capturing time itself. Her infectious passion ignited a spark in the hearts of those who gathered to witness her presentations. Word of her incredible clocks spread like wildfire, and they seemed to practically leap off the shelves.

People weren't just captivated by the precision and beauty of her creations; they were enchanted by Xiao Lingxi herself. Her happy, bright, and warm personality had a magical way of drawing people in. She possessed a natural knack for both merchandising and salesmanship, endearing her to customers from all walks of life. Coupled with her beauty and craftsmanship, and her status as the young mistress of the Xiao Clan, she was truly the complete package as a woman.

Even though she sold her clocks for the humble price of one purple coin each, they were treasured by those who possessed them. To ensure that even the middle class could experience the wonder of her clocks, she offered them at lower prices and, on occasion, even gifted them to those in need. Xiao Lingxi's generosity and charm, combined with the innovative timepieces she crafted, had turned her clock shop into a place of wonder and delight for all of Floating Cloud City.

At first, some had considered her clocks outrageous for the cost of a single purple coin. However, it was the alluring properties of the special array, unbeknownst to the buyers, that made these timepieces fly off the shelves. Xiao Lingxi's clocks were not merely a novelty; they were vessels of hidden power, and their price was a mere fraction of their true worth. If it were just a regular clock, people might have accused her of being a con artist, but the enchanting array had everyone entranced and willing to pay the price. She had become the puppeteer, and the entire city danced to her happy and bright tune.

To make these clocks even more enticing, Yun Che infused them with a special array from his home world. This array tapped into heaven and earth energy, offering a small but consistent supply for cultivation. Each clock emitted an aura of enchantment, granting 10 experience points or a bit of energy for every second spent near it. This modest boon intrigued cultivators, especially in a low-level city like Floating Cloud City.

For Yun Che and Retsu, who had ample experience points and unique cultivation techniques, this array was of little significance. Yun Che's Great Way of the Buddha even granted him experience points while he slept and even granted to those who sleep next to him. So, he made a clever move to boost clock sales: he turned the array into small stickers and had Xiao Lingxi attach them to each clock's quartz crystal.

This move made the clocks even more appealing in the cultivation world, promising not just the beauty of time but the essence of growth and progress. Thanks to this, Xiao Lingxi's clock business had thrived, all thanks to the assistance of Yun Che, who provided her with blueprints and a wealth of batteries. Her motivation was fueled by her desire to secure her father's well-being and her dreams of a future with Yun Che and Retsu.

As news of the clocks' cultivation-boosting abilities spread, everyone wanted them. They thought that having lots of clocks together would give them more power, not realizing Yun Che's clever trick.

In reality, no matter how many clocks were nearby, they all gave the same amount of energy - 10 experience points per second to each person. This led to clans and individuals buying many clocks, thinking they were getting more benefits.

Here's the twist: the energy drawn from the cultivation-enhancing array only funneled into a single clock when multiples were placed together. This well-guarded secret was the key to Xiao Lingxi's thriving clock business. Charging just one Purple Profound Coin per clock, she had ingeniously turned her timepieces into a captivating sensation in the cultivation world. While outwardly it seemed like an exorbitant price, the true value lay hidden within the array.

The clock's cultivation-boosting array relied on a working battery. When the battery ran out, the array's power vanished. This meant that clans had to pay another Purple Profound Coin to recharge the battery, adding to the allure and cost of these special clocks. It was a clever way to keep the clock business thriving and cultivators coming back for more.

The complex blueprint had once seemed like an unsolvable puzzle, but Xiao Lingxi's determination had turned it into a valuable source of knowledge. Through countless hours of study, she had unlocked its hidden secrets, enabling her to create her own clocks, each a masterpiece of precision and engineering.

Now, the melodious ticking and chiming of her clocks filled the air in her charming shop, nestled in the corner of the Xiao Clan's zone within Floating Cloud City. The enchanting symphony of timekeepers resonated through the streets, beckoning both curious onlookers and intrigued customers.

Before long, the city echoed with whispers of the "Mother of all Clocks" as residents couldn't help but admire Xiao Lingxi's beauty, skill, and dedication. She tried to resist being called by such a title, as the true credit for these marvels belonged to someone else, but she couldn't reveal Yun Che's name. Unbeknownst to them, it was Yun Che who was the true genius behind these extraordinary timepieces. The accolade served as a testament to Xiao Lingxi's unwavering efforts and her remarkable ability to turn Yun Che's vision into reality. In a city steeped in tradition, she, as the current number one beauty of Floating Cloud City, had redefined the perception of time itself, thrusting it into the forefront of the ancient world's consciousness.

News of Floating Cloud City's remarkable clocks began to spread to other cities, turning it into a renowned hub for horological wonders. People journeyed from distant cities, driven by an insatiable desire to obtain Xiao Lingxi's exceptional timepieces.

As weeks turned into a month, Xiao Lingxi's clock shop solidified its position as a beloved fixture of Floating Cloud City. Her reputation as a clockmaker extraordinaire continued to burgeon, attracting customers from far and wide. It was a testament to the indomitable power of determination and collaboration—Yun Che's ingenious designs coupled with Xiao Lingxi's unwavering commitment had birthed something truly extraordinary.

In recognition of their contribution to the city, plans for a massive clock tower were underway, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their wealth, could appreciate the significance of time. Together, Xiao Lingxi and Yun Che had not only created beautiful clocks but had also embedded the importance of time in the hearts of the people of Floating Cloud City. Seeing this, Xiao Lingxi thought about the possibility of Yun Che installing a stronger array in the future.

Xiao Lingxi's clock designs were nothing short of extraordinary, and the word "unique" scarcely did them justice. They were a marvel of ingenuity, a testament to her remarkable talents. What truly set her creations apart was not just their beauty, but the intricate workings beneath the surface. No one, no matter how skilled, could replicate them, and this exclusivity made her the sole purveyor of these wondrous timepieces.

Many had attempted to reverse engineer her clocks, thinking that with enough effort, they could unlock the secrets of gears, quartz, and the enigmatic power source that brought her clocks to life. But the complexity of these devices left them bewildered, scratching their heads in frustration. The concept of gears, quartz, the hidden array stickers and the subtle influence of the batteries remained beyond their grasp.

Some even ventured into trying to copy her batteries, eager to unlock the secret of their power. However, their efforts invariably ended in disaster, with explosions that left them singed and humbled. The creation of batteries, it seemed, was an art that required modern technologies and the system known only to a select few. Yun Che had also taken precautions, embedding traps within the batteries to deter reverse engineering, ensuring that those who dared to try paid a price for their audacity.

But Yun Che's ingenuity didn't end there. He had a surprise in store. The batteries he had created could only be charged by a select few: himself, Retsu, Xiao Lie, and Xiao Lingxi. This revelation sent ripples of excitement through those who had already experienced the wonders of her clocks. They clamored to buy more of these exclusive batteries, hoping to power their own timepieces. However, they were met with disappointment, as these precious energy sources were not for sale. They were a critical component needed to bring Xiao Lingxi's clocks to life, ensuring that her creations remained in a league of their own.

In this intricate dance of invention and exclusivity, Xiao Lingxi had not only become the clockmaker extraordinaire of Floating Cloud City but also the guardian of a secret world of timekeeping, thanks to Yun Che's ingenious traps and safeguards. Her clocks weren't just a marvel; they were a testament to the unyielding bond between her, Yun Che, and Retsu, a secret that continued to captivate the city and its people.

With her fame as the number one beauty of the Floating Cloud City, she is known as Xiao Lingxi, The Beautiful Mother of all Clocks.

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Inside the prestigious chambers of the Xiao Clan, a growing unease permeated the air. The clan's elders, who often saw themselves as the ultimate authority in all matters familial, were now grappling with an uncomfortable dilemma. Xiao Lingxi's clocks had not only skyrocketed to staggering success but had also become a financial behemoth. Their fame and demand eclipsed the entire clan's wealth, and yet, the clan had no stake in her flourishing business since they hadn't supported it in any way.

Xiao Lingxi put her heart and soul into crafting her clock designs. Yun Che, her mentor, showed her how to use her energy to bring these intricate creations to life. Once her designs were perfect, she could simply use her energy to make the clocks, turning her vision into reality effortlessly.

Once the designs were perfected, all Xiao Lingxi had to do was wave her hands, and a symphony of energy would come to life, meticulously crafting the intricate clocks. It was as if the very essence of time itself danced at her fingertips, bringing her creations to life in a mesmerizing display of precision and artistry.

Yun Che had gone a step further, generously providing her with the financial means to acquire all the materials essential for crafting her exquisite timepieces. In the blink of an eye, just a month later, Xiao Lingxi had found herself submerged in a sea of wealth. However, despite her newfound prosperity, she remained the same modest Xiao Lingxi that everyone had come to know and adore. It was crucial to her that these riches weren't for herself but for her father's well-being.

"Clan leader," one of the elders ventured, his voice dripping with thinly veiled greed, "shouldn't little Lingxi contribute more to the clan? After all, her wealth has surpassed even our wildest expectations."

"That's a valid point," another elder chimed in, his eyes gleaming with avarice. "Perhaps she should consider handing over the clock designs and those power sources for the greater good. The clan could manage their distribution."

Xiao Lie, the clan leader and Xiao Lingxi's father, listened to their proposals, his expression unreadable. "Isn't the design of these clocks exclusively hers?" he countered calmly. "There are no rules mandating that she must relinquish her designs, and it's worth noting that she has already fulfilled her obligation of contributing 5% of her wealth to the clan."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances, aware that Xiao Lingxi's monthly 5% contribution alone had swelled the clan's coffers beyond their imagination. Yet, the allure of her newfound wealth was too tempting to resist.

Xiao Lie, observing their thinly veiled greed, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Were it not for his position as clan leader or his grandson's authority, he knew they would have already seized his daughter's assets. He conceded that Xiao Lingxi had indeed achieved something remarkable, amassing wealth to ensure his comfort in his twilight years before she embarked on her own journey. His daughter's filial devotion touched him deeply, but it also made her a target.

"She should contribute more," another elder insisted, not willing to relent.

Xiao Lie had had enough of their greed and decided to employ his secret weapon. "Second elder," he began with a steely gaze, "may I remind you that these clock designs belong to my grandson, Yun Che? Would you like to discuss this matter with him directly?"

A collective shudder rippled through the elders at the mere mention of Yun Che's name, leaving them temporarily silenced.

Xiao Lie continued, his tone unwavering. "Furthermore, Xiao Lingxi hasn't utilized a single clan resource for her clock-making endeavors. All the funds she used came from her own earnings, generously provided by my grandson as her fiancé. She has fulfilled her commitment of contributing 5% to the clan as stipulated. Anything beyond that rightfully belongs to her."

The elders attempted to raise objections, but the mention of Yun Che was enough to quell their voices.

Xiao Lie concluded, "Let me remind you all that someday, she will spread her wings and leave the clan to pursue her cultivation. She has received offers from various sects and clans, but she has declined them out of loyalty to me. She continues to provide the clan with her earnings, equivalent to the entire wealth of our clan combined, once a month. Is that not sufficient?"

Silence blanketed the room, the elders finding themselves in a quandary. None were willing to back down from their insatiable desire for more, but they knew they had crossed a line that might jeopardize Xiao Lingxi's business and well-being.

As Xiao Lie departed the hall, he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that some among the elders might resort to undermining Xiao Lingxi's clock business. He knew he needed to take extra precautions to ensure his daughter's safety and her business's continued success, even if it meant enlisting a few trustworthy individuals within the clan to stand guard. In a world where human hearts were easily swayed by greed, Xiao Lie understood the importance of having people he could genuinely trust by Xiao Lingxi's side.

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Yuwen Lin's eyes narrowed with determination as she observed Xiao Lingxi's flourishing clock business from a distance. She couldn't help but feel a sting of jealousy; her own reputation had taken a nosedive since her defeat against Retsu and her subsequent drunken escapade that had tarnished her image as the belle of Floating Cloud City. With Xiao Lingxi now reigning as the "Beautiful Mother of All Clocks," her own status had plummeted, relegated to merely a beautiful face without the wealth and prestige.

Her father's position as the city's mayor was the sole anchor that kept her from being entirely adrift in the sea of obscurity. But Yuwen Lin had a daring idea, a plan to resurrect her status as the city's beauty and, perhaps, even secure a place as Xiao Che's betrothed within the Xiao Clan. Rumor had it that Xiao Lingxi's cultivation had reached the Sixth Level of the Elementary Profound Realm. If Yuwen Lin could challenge her to a high-stakes bet, wagering her clock business and her engagement to Xiao Che, she might just have a chance to reclaim her lost glory. The stage was set for a showdown that could change their fates forever.

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As demand for her clocks soared and lines formed outside her shop, Xiao Lingxi had to enlist the help of a few girls from the Xiao Clan. These recruits were chosen for their cultivation prowess, with most of them at the Peak of the Elementary Profound Realm, ensuring that no one dared to mess with her shop.

Despite her flourishing business and prestigious title as a genius and beauty combined, Xiao Lingxi faced relentless proposals for marriage from prestigious clans in the city. Every day, offers poured in, only to be unceremoniously rejected, as her heart already belonged to Yuuki. Even some younger suitors attempted to flirt with her, but she felt profoundly uncomfortable around them. Her ease and comfort were reserved solely for her father and Yuuki, making her wary of other men.

"Muuu, this is getting annoying. Maybe this clock business was such a bad idea," Xiao Lingxi mused as she sat behind the counter, selling her final clock. Her shop boasted an array of clocks, each bearing her ingenious design. Yun Che had provided the mechanism design, and she had contributed the rest with her creative designs and energy manipulation techniques learned from him. She could craft at least a thousand clocks a day, and every single one sold out instantly.

She pulled out a small watch gifted to her by Yun Che, opening it to reveal a cherished family picture: herself, Yun Che, Retsu, and her father. "Yuuki, where are you right now? Are you eating well? Do you think of me sometimes?"

Amidst her success, Xiao Lingxi's serenity was disrupted as she received troubling news from one of her workers. "Young mistress, there are thugs harassing the people who want to come to our shop."

Without a moment's hesitation, Xiao Lingxi rose to her feet, her eyes narrowing as a horde of Nascent Profound Realm thugs descended upon her once-peaceful establishment. Their menacing presence sent ripples of unease through the tranquil streets of Floating Cloud City. What perplexed her even more was their audacious disregard for the Xiao Clan's authority, as they continued to harass and intimidate those attempting to visit her shop. It was as though the usually vigilant high-level elders of the clan had inexplicably turned a blind eye to the unfolding situation.

Adding to the intrigue, these attacks coincided with the day her father had departed from the city for clan matters in a nearby town. The timing was far from coincidental, raising suspicions about the true motives behind the orchestrated turmoil.

Outside her shop, the tension was palpable as Xiao Lingxi confronted these menacing intruders. She remained remarkably composed, her determination shining through, despite the threat they posed.

The thug leader, a hulking and menacing figure, sneered at her, his gaze lingering on the embodiment of beauty before him. In a lecherous tone, he remarked, "Pretty lady, you've got a nice business here. But nothing in this city happens without paying your dues. Hand over the protection money, and we'll make sure nothing happens to your precious clocks. Or perhaps you'd like to use your body as payment, hm?"

The thugs couldn't help but be struck by Xiao Lingxi's mesmerizing beauty. Their initial menacing intentions wavered as they gazed upon her, their thoughts momentarily veering into the realm of perverted fantasies.

One of the thugs, with a lecherous grin, muttered to his comrade, "She's not just beautiful; she's the number one beauty of Floating Cloud City. Imagine the ransom we could demand from the Xiao Clan if we kidnapped her."

His companion, equally entranced, whispered back, "You're right. With that face and the Xiao Clan's wealth, we'd be set for life."

Xiao Lingxi, her voice unwavering, responded with steely resolve, "Fiends. Protection money? I think you've misunderstood something here."

This situation was unlike any she had encountered before. Usually, people would refrain from harassing her directly because of her ties to the Xiao Clan and her connection with Yun Che. However, now it seemed that they were ignoring these facts and targeting her directly. But something had changed within her after the reawakening of her new body, something that had given her newfound strength and confidence.

She had spent time with Yuuki and Retsu, who had trained her to boost her confidence and stand up for herself. Over the past month, she had transformed from a meek and easily bullied girl into someone who could face challenges with firmness and confidence. She had resolved to be the one to protect her loved ones.

While there were moments when her old, meek self resurfaced, her daily interactions with hundreds of people had gradually instilled confidence and firmness in her. She reserved her meek personality for Yuuki, Retsu, her father, and Xia Hongyi, as they were the only ones who had seen her true self.

Six Nascent Profound Realm disciples stood in front of her, the guards her father had assigned to protect her. "Please leave. If you escalate this, you will be considered offending the Xiao Clan," she implored the thugs.

"Brat, we can offend anyone we want. Xiao Clan isn't much," the burly leader sneered as he ordered his men to attack her guards. The odds were stacked against her guards, with just six of them facing dozens of thugs.

Her gaze shifted to where her father's guards were locked in a fierce battle with the thugs, struggling to overcome their formidable leader. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Xiao Lingxi recalled the intensive training she had undergone over the past month.

Yun Che and Yuuki had personally coached her in hand-to-hand combat every day for a week, imparting the skills and confidence she needed to defend herself in dire circumstances. They had shown her the way of precision strikes, balance, and evasion, molding her into a capable fighter. Her body seemed to have memorized their teachings, executing moves with precision as if guided by an unseen force.

Additionally, Retsu had provided basic sword combat training, further honing her abilities. With her newfound knowledge and the determination not to back down like a meek girl, Xiao Lingxi stepped forward with a resolute edge. "I won't be weak anymore. If I want to stand by their side, I have to be stronger."

The thugs exchanged skeptical glances, underestimating the young clockmaker. Little did they know the depth of her determination and the strength she had gained through relentless daily training for the past month.

Their sinister thoughts, fueled by greed and lust, were abruptly interrupted as Xiao Lingxi sprang into action against the thugs. She showcased her newfound combat skills, surprising them with her speed and precision. One thug attempted to grab her, only for her to swiftly elbow his stomach before pushing his chin using her palm. Her movements were so fluid and unexpected that she seamlessly switched targets, delivering a direct palm strike to another thug's face.

One of the thugs attempted to use his weapon, but Xiao Lingxi was faster. With a swift palm strike, she knocked the weapon out of his hand. She followed it up with a powerful kick to his stomach, sending him sprawling in pain. Despite wearing a dress, she displayed remarkable versatility in her combat moves.

She employed various disarming techniques, some of which Yun Che had taught her. Her kicks were precise, targeting her opponents' weak points, and she used elbows and quick maneuvers to disarm them efficiently. Her training included combinations of punches, guard-breaking kicks, and flurry attacks. She grabbed one thug's face and slammed it down after delivering a series of punches.

Onlookers couldn't believe their eyes as the once-meek Xiao Lingxi held her own against the thugs. Her movements were swift and precise, and she even used some dirty tactics like tossing sand into their eyes before delivering punishing blows. She controlled her strength to incapacitate them without causing fatal harm, displaying remarkable restraint.

Shocked and disoriented, the thugs' perverse intentions dissolved in the face of Xiao Lingxi's fierce and graceful martial prowess. Her profound energy surged as she swiftly incapacitated each and every one of the intruders. It was a dazzling display of skill and power, a testament to her dedication and rigorous training.

The once-threatening thugs were left defeated and bewildered, their arrogance shattered by the unexpected strength of the clockmaker. Xiao Lingxi's courage and martial prowess not only safeguarded her shop but also earned her the respect and admiration of those who had witnessed her fearless resolve.

The leader of the thugs, a burly and formidable figure, stepped forward to confront Xiao Lingxi. Rumor had it that his strength was at the Peak of the Nascent Profound Realm, and he wielded a menacing sword that gleamed with deadly intent. As he swung his blade toward her, his intentions were clear: he aimed to overpower her through sheer force.

Xiao Lingxi, however, was undaunted. With a graceful yet determined movement, she unsheathed her own sword, its blade catching the sunlight in a shimmering display of elegance. Her training in sword combat, received from Retsu, had honed her skills to a razor's edge, and she met the thug leader's attack with unwavering confidence.

Their swords clashed in a resounding clash of steel, and the force of the impact sent shockwaves through the courtyard. Xiao Lingxi's expression remained focused, her eyes locked onto her opponent's as she parried his strikes with precision and grace. Her movements were fluid and calculated, her strikes precise and well-timed. She danced around him like a whirlwind, her sword a lethal extension of her will.

Their swords clashed, and sparks flew. In a moment of respite, the thug leader gasped out, "You... you're not what I expected. They said you were just a pretty face."

Xiao Lingxi kept quiet as she tried to decipher who had sent these thugs to harass her. Were they from influential families, clans, or sects?

Their fierce exchange of blows continued, and the thug leader, his initial overconfidence shattered, muttered under his breath, "I heard the rumors about her strength, but I didn't believe them. You don't have any aura... how are you so strong?"

With each exchange of blows, it became evident that Xiao Lingxi's skills were not to be trifled with. The thug leader's attacks grew increasingly desperate as he struggled to gain the upper hand, but she maintained her composure, her defense impenetrable.

The thug leader, his shock evident in his widened eyes, couldn't believe what he was experiencing. He had heard the rumors that Xiao Lingxi's strength was rumored to be at the sixth level of the Elementary Profound Realm, but those were just rumors. What he hadn't known was that she possessed a hidden strength beyond what met the eye, a strength that transcended mere cultivation levels.

Xiao Lingxi's movements remained fluid and precise, her counters and parries executed with finesse. As the battle neared its end, she sheathed her sword before disarming her opponent, holding his own blade at his throat. With a tone of finality, she said, "You underestimated me, but I want to ask one question: who sent you?"

The burly leader, who had been full of himself just moments ago, now prostrated himself before her. "We don't know. Our leader was the one who asked us to harass you. Please spare us!"

"Where is your leader?" Xiao Lingxi asked with a resolute tone.

Fearing for his life, he instantly gave away the location of their hideout. "He is back at our hideout, in the northeast corner of the city. Please, that's all we know."

Xiao Lingxi's guards arrived on the scene, having successfully dealt with the remaining thugs. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to them, her voice carrying a newfound weight of seriousness and determination. As she reentered her store, her workers, who had only known her as the cheerful and bright mistress, were taken aback by the transformation in her demeanor.

Concerned and eager to help, they offered their support, but the resolute look in Xiao Lingxi's eyes told them that this was something she needed to handle herself. She reassured them that everything was under control and urged them to stay inside where it was safe. While she appreciated their concern, she knew that dealing with Nascent Profound Realm cultivators was a task she needed to face alone to protect her girls.

"That was quite terrifying," she admitted to herself. "But if Yuuki can stay calm in situations like this, so can I."

Before she left, she pressed both of her cheeks two times, a technique Retsu had taught her to calm her nerves. With weeks of practice in rooftop navigation, she memorized the whole city and knew where the hideout is located. She couldn't let these incidents continue, as sparing the thugs might only invite more trouble. She needed to get to the bottom of this, and her determination burned brighter than ever.

With a final nod to her workers, Xiao Lingxi left the shop, her sense of purpose guiding her through the bustling streets of Floating Cloud City. Her guards, under her father's orders, accompanied her, ensuring her safety as she pursued the mystery behind the attacks that had disrupted her peaceful life.

Meanwhile, back at the thugs' hideout in the city's corner, the thug leader waited impatiently, unaware that his men had already fallen into the hands of the Xiao Clan. He believed he was orchestrating a simple harassment, but the situation had taken a dire turn.

As Xiao Lingxi ventured deeper into the dimly lit corridors of the hideout, a tense atmosphere surrounded her. Her heart raced with anticipation, but her determination remained steadfast. She followed the information extracted from the captured thugs, inching closer to the heart of the enemy's lair.

In the heart of the hideout, Xiao Lingxi and her guards confronted the true boss of the thugs, a menacing figure with a presence that hinted at the Mid True Profound Realm. Despite their nervousness, they stepped back at her command, their confidence in her newfound strength growing. They realized she was no longer the meek girl they had known.

The thug boss taunted her with a wicked grin, sensing her bravery but underestimating her resolve. "You're brave, girl, but you've walked into your own grave."

Xiao Lingxi, her hand firmly gripping the hilt of her sword, remained composed in the face of the thug boss's threats. "I came here for answers."

Without hesitation, the thug boss lunged at her with incredible speed, his massive form bearing down on her. His intentions were sinister, driven by the belief that he could have his way with the beauty who had dared to intrude. However, Xiao Lingxi's rigorous training and newfound confidence kicked in. She moved gracefully, sidestepping his attack with a dancer's agility, narrowly avoiding a potentially devastating blow.

In response, she executed a swift and calculated strike, her sword cutting through the air like a bolt of lightning, aimed at the thug boss's exposed flank.

The clash between them marked the beginning of a fierce battle, where Xiao Lingxi would need all her newfound strength and resolve to uncover the truth and put an end to the threat that had disrupted her life.

The thug boss parried Xiao Lingxi's strike with brute force, their swords clashing in a dazzling display of sparks that echoed through the hideout. Despite her determination, it was evident that her opponent possessed incredible physical strength, capable of deflecting her attacks effortlessly.

"You… your strength should be at the sixth level of the Elementary Profound Realm. How are you this strong?!" the thug boss shouted in disbelief, his frustration mounting.

Xiao Lingxi remained silent, her true strength concealed by her unique awakened body. Her cultivation had reached the Peak of the True Profound Realm after consuming Yun Che's pills, but it was a secret known to no one. Her aura masked her true potential, and to the world, she appeared as a talented genius rather than a martial powerhouse.

With each clash of their blades, it became clear that the thug boss relied on sheer power and brute force, while Xiao Lingxi employed agility, precision, and her newly acquired swordsmanship skills. She expertly dodged his heavy strikes, leaving him increasingly frustrated and off-balance.

As the battle raged on, Xiao Lingxi's intuition allowed her to anticipate the thug boss's movements. She danced around him, her strikes calculated and precise. In a swift and well-timed counter, she grazed his cheek, drawing blood and eliciting a roar of pain.

Fueled by rage and desperation, the thug boss's attacks grew erratic, but Xiao Lingxi remained composed. With a powerful strike, she aimed for his weakened side, sending him stumbling backward.

In a final, desperate lunge, the thug boss tried to overpower Xiao Lingxi, but she was ready. With lightning-fast reflexes, she disarmed him, sending his weapon clattering to the ground. Their confrontation reached its climax with Xiao Lingxi holding her sword at the thug boss's throat, mirroring their previous encounter with his subordinates. Her eyes bore into his, unwavering. "Now, tell me who sent you and why."

The thug leader crumbled to his knees, pleading desperately, "Please, spare me!" His voice quivered with genuine fear.

Xiao Lingxi looked down at him, her demeanor calm, a stark contrast to his own disheveled state. "Why target my shop? Have I somehow wronged you?" Her voice remained gentle, the very essence of her kind nature evident even in confrontation.

"No, it wasn't personal. A woman paid us to target your establishment," the thug leader quickly confessed, the weight of his situation pressing down on him.

Her eyes narrowing slightly, Xiao Lingxi pressed, "Who was this woman?"

He hesitated for a moment, then started, "The beauty of the city, the mayor's daughter..." but before he could complete his sentence, Xiao Lingxi interjected, finishing it for him, "...Yuwen Lin."

Shock painted Xiao Lingxi's face; she had not anticipated Yuwen Lin to resort to such measures against her. Seizing the momentary distraction, the thug leader lunged towards her. But Xiao Lingxi's reflexes were sharper; she delivered a swift palm strike to his abdomen. The force behind her attack was enough to rupture his dantian, rendering his cultivation useless. Simultaneously, the protective mechanism from the watch Yun Che gifted her activated, propelling the thug leader against a nearby wall. Xiao Lingxi had no desire to be a killer, but she wouldn't hesitate to incapacitate anyone threatening her. The year's ordeals after her former Little Che's passing alongside her awakening body had refined her from a gentle pacifist to a determined protector.

The guards watched in silent awe. They had just witnessed the young mistress effortlessly handle a mid-stage True Profound Realm warrior. This was not the Xiao Lingxi they knew a month ago. Her newfound beauty was complemented by an indomitable confidence. Although her warm, approachable nature had endeared her to many within the clan, today they glimpsed her fierce protective side. It was a sobering reminder that even the sunniest dispositions have their limits.

Letting out a sigh, Xiao Lingxi murmured, "I think it's time I paid someone a visit." The revelation about Yuwen Lin had stung, but she was resolute in seeking answers and settling matters.

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Amid the ornate surroundings of the courtyard, Yuwen Lin sat pensively, a stray lock of hair falling across her face, obscuring the storm of emotions brewing within. She had hoped her machinations would remain hidden, but fate, it seemed, had other plans. The rustle of fabric heralded Xiao Lingxi's arrival, her purposeful strides punctuating the stillness of the evening.

"Yuwen Lin," Xiao Lingxi's voice cut through the silence, cold and unwavering.

Yuwen Lin, usually so poised, found herself taken aback. Before she could form a retort, her father, Yuwen Tuo, entered, his gaze filled with concern and confusion. "Young Mistress Lingxi," he greeted, the politeness of his words belying the tension in the air, "to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

Xiao Lingxi, her gaze unwavering, inclined her head slightly in a respectful nod toward the mayor before addressing Yuwen Lin's question. "I believe she already knows the answer to that."

A sense of realization gradually washed over Yuwen Tuo, his features contorting into a blend of disbelief and anger. He turned to his daughter, his voice heavy with reproach. "Lin'er, what have you done?" He then redirected his attention toward Xiao Lingxi, his tone imploring, "If my daughter has somehow offended you, please find it in your heart to forgive her."

Yuwen Lin's voice quivered, and she attempted to deflect blame. "You have no proof of anything. I haven't even left this courtyard."

The gravity of Xiao Lingxi's silence weighed down on the moment, and when she finally broke it, her words cut through the air like a blade of cold steel. "This man," she motioned toward the thug who had been brought before them, "along with his accomplices, has openly named you as the one who hired them to harass me. By tomorrow, the entire Floating Cloud City will be aware of your actions. It's disheartening to see you stoop so low."

Yuwen Lin felt the walls closing in, her desperation mounting. Her reputation, already hanging by a thread, was about to unravel completely.

Xiao Lingxi's polite request for privacy was acknowledged with a solemn nod from Yuwen Tuo. He departed, leaving the two women alone in the courtyard, the air heavy with tension. As the tranquility of the evening surrounded them, Xiao Lingxi leaned in closer, her voice maintaining a quiet but unyielding tone.

"Now, tell me, Yuwen Lin," she began, her eyes unwavering, "Why did you do it? Just this once, be honest."

Yuwen Lin's face contorted with a mixture of bitterness and anger as her eyes narrowed to slits. She felt as though she had finally cornered Xiao Lingxi, her expression growing ever more sinister and vengeful. "How much more…"

Xiao Lingxi, ever cautious, kept her guard up, her gaze locked on the woman before her. "What are you talking about?"

Yuwen Lin's resentment and envy spilled forth in a torrent of accusations. "How much more are you going to take from me? You've stolen everything from me! The city's attention, my place as the number one beauty, even Xiao Che himself! How much more will you snatch away until you're satisfied?"

Xiao Lingxi couldn't help but find the woman's words delusional. "You're the one who ruined your own reputation, and Xiao Che's heart belongs to someone else now."

The bitterness in Yuwen Lin's voice deepened as she continued, "If it weren't for you and that braided woman, Xiao Che would have been mine by now."

Xiao Lingxi couldn't believe her ears. "You care about your reputation more than your feelings for him?"

Yuwen Lin's sinister laugh echoed through the courtyard. "Love? Who cares about love? Imagine being married to an emperor like him. I could live a life of glory. Men are easy to sway. A handsome man like him and a beautiful woman like me… it's a match made in heaven. Now that his wife, Xia Qingyue, is out of the way, I can mend his broken heart. Give them our bodies, and they're putty in our hands."

The sheer audacity of Yuwen Lin's words left Xiao Lingxi stunned. Before she could react, the woman's sinister tirade continued. "If only you and that braided woman didn't exist, Xiao Che would belong to me!"

Xiao Lingxi couldn't contain her anger any longer. In a swift and furious motion, she delivered a thunderous slap across Yuwen Lin's face. The woman's cheek turned red from the impact, and tears welled up in her eyes from both the pain and the shock.

The pain radiating from her cheek was excruciating, making Yuwen Lin acutely aware of the throbbing sensation. She couldn't comprehend how a single slap had inflicted such intense agony. Her initial instinct was to retaliate, to lash out in anger, but the moment she attempted to gather her thoughts, Xiao Lingxi's unveiled aura silenced her instantly.

The aura that surrounded Xiao Lingxi was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It resonated with the power of the Peak True Profound Realm, and it was poised on the brink of a significant breakthrough. This was no ordinary cultivation level that Yuwen Lin had expected. Before her stood not the meek and submissive girl she had perceived, but a master whose strength far surpassed her own.

Yuwen Lin's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Her plan had backfired spectacularly, revealing Xiao Lingxi's true strength, which she had sorely underestimated. It was a humbling realization, and she now found herself at the mercy of a martial artist of extraordinary power.

With a voice filled with sadness and anger, Xiao Lingxi chastised her, "You don't know anything about Xiao Che."

As Xiao Lingxi recounted the painful memories of that fateful night, the truth poured out. She painted a vivid picture of Xiao Che's love and the heart-wrenching betrayal he had suffered. Yuwen Lin listened in silence, her tears mixing with her humiliation. Her words carried the weight of her suppressed anger and pain, her voice trembling with emotion. Each word was a searing revelation that cut deep into Yuwen Lin's conscience.

"He loved you back then, Yuwen Lin," Xiao Lingxi continued, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and resentment. "He loved you so much that I couldn't help but feel jealous. I longed to be the one he chose. But what did you do? You humiliated him in front of me. You slapped him, doused him with wine, and laughed at him alongside those so-called beauties who surrounded you. And then, you had the audacity to come forward as his potential wife? That night, the man who loved you was shattered."

Xiao Lingxi's voice grew even more intense, her eyes reflecting the anguish of that painful memory. She couldn't hold back the flood of emotions any longer. "Do you want to know what happened next? How many men you embraced, how many defiled your body that night? He still searched for you, tried to prove himself, only to find you embraced with other men. Some of them were even married. It took him weeks to leave his room, months to gather the courage to confide in me. You don't know how angry I was at that time."

Yuwen Lin remained silent, her eyes filled with remorse and regret. As Xiao Lingxi's words sank in, the weight of her own actions bore down on her. She had never truly comprehended the depth of Xiao Che's suffering that night.

Memories of her past cruelty overwhelmed Yuwen Lin. She vividly recalled her youthful arrogance, how she had dismissed Xiao Che's love as insignificant, and how she had callously reveled in her own beauty while breaking his heart. She had believed that her actions could be easily forgotten or forgiven with time.

However, facing the stark truth of Xiao Che's suffering, she realized the enormity of her cruelty. She had taken his love for granted, treated it thoughtlessly, and then had the audacity to approach him as if her actions could be erased. The weight of her past deeds pressed upon her, and her heart filled with profound regret.

Guilt clawed at her heart as she realized how thoughtlessly she had treated someone who had genuinely cared for her. She had been nothing more than a loose woman who reveled in her own vanity and indulged in acts of infidelity.

The weight of her actions pressed upon her, and for the first time, Yuwen Lin truly understood the magnitude of the pain she had inflicted upon Xiao Che.

Xiao Lingxi continued, "He carried that pain with him until his death. He was flirty and cheesy, but he could never forget what you did to him. Now, he's gone, and you're here, seeking him again as if all could be forgiven. You're too late."

The harsh truth weighed heavily on Yuwen Lin, her tears flowing freely. Xiao Lingxi's final words cut deep, "You don't love him; you love the current idea of him. You love his current status, his strength, his image. You don't love the real him."

With a heavy heart, Xiao Lingxi turned away, leaving Yuwen Lin to wrestle with her conflicted emotions. She knew she had gravely wronged Xiao Che, and she longed to make amends, but Xiao Lingxi's stern words silenced her attempts at reconciliation.

"You can harass me as much as you want," Xiao Lingxi's voice held a firm resolve, "but let me make this crystal clear. I will not allow you to break his heart again. Xiao Che belongs to me and Retsu. I refused to let him be with you after what you did to him."

Xiao Lingxi paused, her eyes concealed by her bangs. Her tone was tinged with sadness as she continued, "Leave me and my business be. Forget about Xiao Che. The man you once pursued is no longer here. The current him or Yun Che as he called himself is not the person you remember. I am determined to protect that person."

Yuwen Lin continued to listen, her confusion growing. She couldn't understand what Xiao Lingxi meant when she mentioned that Xiao Che had "passed on." After all, as far as she knew, he was alive and well, right?

With that, Xiao Lingxi walked away, her steps carrying the weight of determination and the echoes of her past love. As she disappeared from view, Yuwen Lin was left alone to grapple with the consequences of her past actions and the challenging path to redemption that lay ahead.

Under the evening sky, as the first star of the night began to twinkle, Xiao Lingxi cast her gaze upwards. She made a silent wish, not to some distant deity but to the memory of the former Little Che she had loved so dearly. In that moment, she hoped he would understand that her confrontation had been her way of finding closure for their shared past.

With that sense of closure achieved, Xiao Lingxi could now wholeheartedly embrace the present, where her heart truly belonged—with Yuuki. She knew it was time to move forward, leaving behind the shadows of the past that had haunted her for so long.