Kapitel 83: Chapter 83: Another Awakened Ability

Xiao Lingxi sighed for the third time that day, her expression weary as she gazed at the challenge letter resting atop the counter of her shop. It was yet another futile attempt by Yuwen Lin, the former number-one beauty of Floating Cloud City, to reclaim her lost glory.

Once, Yuwen Lin's beauty had captivated the hearts of many, but her reputation had plummeted after her involvement in the attack orchestrated against Xiao Lingxi. In contrast, Xiao Lingxi had risen to prominence, her kindness and generosity earning her the adoration of the city's inhabitants. Her clocks, crafted with skill and care, had become cherished treasures, symbols of hope and resilience in a city plagued by turmoil.

With her newfound wealth, Xiao Lingxi had become a beacon of hope for those in need, her selfless acts of kindness cementing her status as the angel of Floating Cloud City. Meanwhile, Yuwen Lin's once-glamorous facade crumbled, her beauty and riches overshadowed by Xiao Lingxi's indomitable spirit and unwavering integrity.

Despite the challenges she faced, Xiao Lingxi's clock business remained unscathed. The news of her engagement to Xiao Che, also known as Yun Che, had dissuaded the influential families from pursuing marriage proposals, and those who dared to challenge her were swiftly silenced by the formidable aura emanating from her Peak True Profound Realm cultivation.

Moreover, Xiao Lingxi harbored a secret – her cultivation had undergone a remarkable transformation. With the aid of pills provided by Yun Che, her power had surged beyond expectations, elevating her to the mid second level Spirit Profound Realm. However, the potency of the pills, combined with her awakening body, had doubled the effects, necessitating monthly consumption to maintain her newfound strength.

As Xiao Lingxi contemplated the challenge letter before her, her thoughts drifted to the twists of fate that had led her to this moment. She had become the beloved "mother of all clocks" and the epitome of beauty in Floating Cloud City, all thanks to her beloved Yuuki.

However, the challenge presented by Yuwen Lin stirred a mix of emotions within her. Did Yuwen Lin truly believe she could usurp Xiao Lingxi's position? Did she not realize the futility of her efforts? The audacity of the mayor's daughter, attempting to force Xiao Lingxi to break her engagement with Yuuki and relinquish her title as the city's beauty, left Xiao Lingxi both exasperated and bemused.

Yet, despite her reservations, Xiao Lingxi couldn't bring herself to outright reject the challenge. Though she had no desire for the Number One Beauty title and her clock business was solely for her father's retirement, she refused to yield to Yuwen Lin's pressure. Breaking her engagement with Yuuki was out of the question, for she knew he would never accept her if she did so.

"Yuwen Lin has finally lost her mind," Xiao Lingxi sighed, her heart heavy with resignation. Yet, in the end, she accepted the challenge, not out of a desire to humiliate her rival, but rather as a gesture of courtesy. After all, there was no harm in playing along, if only to maintain a semblance of civility amidst the chaos.

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As Xiao Lingxi made her way through the bustling arena square, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. The crowd parted before her, their eyes filled with admiration and anticipation, but she couldn't help but feel like a pawn in a game she never wanted to play. Her father and guards escorted her but none of them worried as they knew her true capabilities.

The challenge from Yuwen Lin felt like a deliberate attempt to humiliate her, to dredge up painful memories and force her into a confrontation she had no desire to engage in. Couldn't matters simply be left as they were? Was it truly necessary to air their grievances in such a public forum?

Accompanied by her guards, Xiao Lingxi moved with a confidence that belied the turmoil within her heart. Gone was the meek girl of years past, cowering in the shadow of her adversaries. Though her cultivation still paled in comparison to Yuwen Lin's, she refused to let fear dictate her actions.

Memories of that fateful night flooded her mind, threatening to overwhelm her with their intensity. She remembered the joy in Xiao Che's eyes as he professed his love to Yuwen Lin, his hopes buoyed by the possibility of acceptance. But her heart shattered as she watched Yuwen Lin cruelly reject him, extinguishing his dreams with a mere flick of her wrist.

The jeers and laughter of the crowd echoed in Xiao Lingxi's ears as she recalled how she had rushed to Xiao Che's side, her forehead bleeding from a rock thrown by one of Yuwen Lin's supporters. In that moment, she had felt a surge of protectiveness towards Xiao Che, a determination to shield him from the cruelty of the world, even if it meant bearing the brunt of its scorn herself.

The memory of that fateful night twisted like a knife in Xiao Lingxi's heart, igniting a seething hatred for Yuwen Lin that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns. She remembered the agony of watching Xiao Che's shattered dreams, knowing that she could never be the one he chose as his life partner. The thought alone was enough to fracture her soul, leaving behind jagged shards of pain and resentment.

And yet, what followed in the aftermath of that night only served to further fuel her vendetta against Yuwen Lin. Xiao Che's return, despite the protests of the clan, had been a beacon of hope for Xiao Lingxi, a glimmer of light in the darkness of her despair. But when he finally revealed the truth of what he had witnessed – Yuwen Lin's depravity laid bare for all to see – it was as though the ground had dropped out from beneath her.

The image of Yuwen Lin, surrounded by multiple men, her face contorted in pleasure as they ravaged her, filled Xiao Lingxi with a sickening sense of revulsion. To hear of Xiao Che's suffering, being forced to witness such debauchery and degradation, while Yuwen Lin taunted him with her disdain, was a betrayal beyond comprehension. Xiao Lingxi could scarcely believe that such cruelty existed in the world, let alone within the heart of someone she had once considered a rival.

And yet, despite the horrors she had endured, Yuwen Lin continued to pursue Yuuki with a fervor that bordered on obsession, her actions a grotesque mockery of love and affection. It was as though she believed she could erase the sins of her past with empty declarations of devotion, oblivious to the irreparable damage she had inflicted upon former Xiao Che's spirit.

As Xiao Lingxi made her way to the gathering, her steps filled with determination, she knew that this would be the moment to settle the score once and for all. No longer the weak, meek girl who had once cowered beneath Yuwen Lin's shadow, she now stood tall and unyielding, ready to confront her adversary with the full force of her newfound strength.

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Yuwen Lin's presence on the arena stage radiated with arrogance and spite, her eyes ablaze with a burning determination to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers. As she stood there, waiting for Xiao Lingxi to arrive, she couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the prospect of finally settling the score with her former rival.

"Why is she doing this? Harassing Xiao Lingxi and all?" murmured one of the audience members, their confusion mirroring the sentiments of many in the crowd.

"She's challenging the flower of this city? Is she mad?" another exclaimed, disbelief coloring their words as they watched Yuwen Lin's defiant stance.

"Isn't the flower the fiancée of Xiao Che himself? Isn't she afraid of him?" came another voice, tinged with apprehension at the thought of crossing paths with the formidable Xiao Che.

Meanwhile, Mayor Yuwen Tuo watched from afar, his heart heavy with resignation as he witnessed his daughter succumb to madness. Her reckless challenge to Xiao Lingxi seemed like a desperate attempt to reclaim her lost glory, as if victory in this single fight could erase the mistakes of her past.

Xiao Lingxi's arrival on the arena stage was met with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. As she faced off against Yuwen Lin, she couldn't help but wonder what had driven her former rival to such extreme measures. She decided to play it fair and left her precious watch with her father and face Yuwen Lin without it as she was afraid that its power would activate randomly.

"Why are you doing this, Yuwen Lin? Haven't you shattered your reputation enough?" Xiao Lingxi's voice cut through the tension like a blade, her words laced with a hint of pity for the woman standing before her.

"Keep your mouth shut. I want to regain all of it today by defeating you!" Yuwen Lin retorted, her voice dripping with malice as she issued her demands. "As per my demands, you will break your engagement with Xiao Che and relinquish your clocks to me!"

"For the last time, he is not Xiao Che anymore! Get it through that thick skull of yours!" Xiao Lingxi's response was sharp and resolute, her patience wearing thin as she confronted her delusional adversary.

"Can she even make clocks? Look at her, a beauty with no brains," sneered a voice from the crowd, the words slicing through the air like a whip directed at Yuwen Lin. But instead of anger, all Xiao Lingxi felt was a deep sense of pity for her former rival.

Clock-making was an art that required not only skill but also a profound understanding of intricate mechanisms and the passage of time itself. It was a craft that Xiao Lingxi had dedicated herself to mastering, pouring countless hours into honing her expertise. Yet, here stood Yuwen Lin, oblivious to the complexities of the trade, arrogantly boasting of her ability to craft such intricate devices. The whole city renowned her as the mother of all clocks. The titled she gained from them. That alone shows her as the true creator of those time devices.

"How delusional is she?" Xiao Lingxi mused silently to herself, her pity for Yuwen Lin tinged with a hint of sadness. It was clear to her now that her former rival was lost in a world of her own making, blinded by her own misguided ambition.

"Let's settle this, Yuwen Lin," Xiao Lingxi declared firmly, drawing her sword as a tangible symbol of her determination. As expected, Yuwen Lin wasted no time in launching her assault, her strikes lacking finesse and direction, more akin to wild flailing than calculated maneuvers.

To Xiao Lingxi, it felt like facing a child's playful antics rather than a serious combatant. Compared to the precise and powerful strikes of Retsu, Yuwen Lin's attacks were like a gentle breeze against a sturdy oak tree—barely a nuisance.

With practiced ease, Xiao Lingxi evaded each erratic swing, her movements fluid and graceful as she danced around her opponent. It was a one-sided affair, with Yuwen Lin's frustration mounting with each failed attempt to land a blow.

Growing desperate, Yuwen Lin abandoned any semblance of strategy, resorting to wild, aimless slashes that left her exposed and vulnerable. The audience watched in disbelief as Xiao Lingxi, displaying a remarkable calmness amidst the chaos, refrained from even lifting her sword in defense, allowing her opponent's attacks to sail harmlessly past.

As Yuwen Lin's strikes grew weaker with each futile attempt, Xiao Lingxi couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her former rival. The once formidable Yuwen Lin now knelt before her, her resolve crumbling along with her strength.

"Let's stop, you won't gain anything from this," Xiao Lingxi urged, deflecting another feeble sword strike before gently pushing Yuwen Lin away. But the fire of resentment still burned fiercely in Yuwen Lin's eyes, fueled by bitterness and envy.

"Shut up!" Yuwen Lin's voice cracked with exhaustion as she struggled to rise. "All I wanted is for you to be gone. After Xia Qingyue left, I thought I could finally reclaim my rightful place as the number one beauty. But then you came along, a nobody, and stole it all from me."

The words cut deep, echoing with the pain of dashed dreams and shattered aspirations. Xiao Lingxi could see the torment etched in Yuwen Lin's features, a stark reminder of the price of obsession and misplaced ambition.

"Look at you," Xiao Lingxi began, her tone softened with empathy. "A shadow of your former self. But it's not too late, Yuwen Lin. You can still find redemption. You can still reclaim your true self."

With those words, Xiao Lingxi sheathed her sword and extended her hand, offering a lifeline to her fallen adversary. It was a gesture of forgiveness, a plea for reconciliation in the face of bitter rivalry. She hoped against hope that Yuwen Lin would seize the opportunity to embrace change, to let go of the past and forge a new path forward.

"If I can't defeat you, then I'll make sure you can't create any more of those infernal clocks!" Yuwen Lin's enraged shout sliced through the tense air as her sword arced towards Xiao Lingxi's helping hand. Gasps rippled through the audience, their faces a tableau of shock, while Xiao Lingxi's eyes widened in alarm at the sudden threat.

But then, in an instant, everything changed.

Xiao Lingxi's senses tingled with an inexplicable distortion in the air, followed by an eerie silence that engulfed the arena. A surreal stillness settled over the crowd, freezing them in place like statues, yet Xiao Lingxi remained unaffected, able to move freely amidst the suspended tableau.

Has time stopped? The thought reverberated through Xiao Lingxi's mind as she cautiously surveyed her surroundings, her heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and awe. It seemed as though the world had ground to a halt around her, leaving her alone in a pocket of suspended animation.

"What just happened?" Xiao Lingxi's voice rang out into the silent void as she stared at her hand, mere inches away from Yuwen Lin's lethal blade. She withdrew her hand instinctively, and as if in response, time resumed its steady march forward with a jolt.

"How?!" Yuwen Lin's bewildered cry pierced the air as her sword lunged towards Xiao Lingxi once more, aiming for a fatal blow. But before the blade could make contact, it froze in mid-air, suspended by an unseen force, leaving Xiao Lingxi staring in disbelief at the miraculous scene unfolding before her.

Realization dawned upon her with startling clarity. This was no mere illusion or trick of the mind—she possessed another extraordinary ability, one that allowed her to manipulate time itself. It was as if she had unlocked a hidden power, lying dormant within her until this pivotal moment.

With newfound understanding, Xiao Lingxi experimented cautiously, pushing against the frozen blade and watching as it rebounded harmlessly, unable to breach the temporal barrier surrounding her. She was in control, a master of her own temporal domain, capable of halting time's inexorable advance to safeguard herself from harm.

As she glanced around at the frozen figures surrounding her, Xiao Lingxi's mind raced with questions and possibilities. How had she acquired this remarkable ability? And what other secrets lay hidden within her newfound powers?

But for now, amidst the frozen tableau of the arena, Xiao Lingxi stood alone, a solitary figure in a suspended moment of time, grappling with the awe-inspiring revelation of her own extraordinary potential.

Then, she avoided the attack and time resumed.

As expected, Yuwen Lin's disbelief was palpable, her expression a mix of shock and frustration as Xiao Lingxi's unexpected evasion left her reeling. As Xiao Lingxi scanned the crowd, she could sense the collective astonishment reverberating through the arena. Yet, amidst the murmurs of surprise, she remained composed, knowing that only she understood the true nature of what had just transpired—the mysterious ability to stop time itself.

Intrigued by this newfound power, Xiao Lingxi couldn't help but contemplate its potential. Could she learn to wield it at will? However, a sudden wave of fatigue washed over her, causing her to pause and consider whether the use of Time Stop had drained her energy.

"Xiao Lingxi!" Yuwen Lin's voice broke through her thoughts, signaling another attack. Resolute in her decision to end the confrontation, Xiao Lingxi swiftly sidestepped before delivering a single, decisive strike that sent Yuwen Lin collapsing to the arena floor, her sword clattering beside her. The crowd fell into a stunned silence, the absence of cheers a testament to the fact that this had never truly been a fair fight.

For Xiao Lingxi, the decision not to retaliate stemmed from a desire to avoid being branded as a bully, even though refusing the fight would have risked her being labeled a coward. It was a delicate balance between asserting herself and showing restraint, a testament to her integrity and grace under pressure.

Mayor Yuwen Tuo, sensing the gravity of the situation, stepped forward to offer his apologies on behalf of his daughter. "I apologize for my daughter's actions, Miss Lingxi. We will issue a formal apology to the Xiao Clan and compensate you for this trouble," he declared, his tone tinged with contrition as attendants moved to escort Yuwen Lin from the stage.

However, Xiao Lingxi waved off his offer with a gracious yet firm response. "No, it won't be necessary. I am not inclined to pursue this matter. She was my former rival for Xiao Che's affection. I pity her for what she has turned into. It won't affect anything between us, Mayor Tuo," she stated, her words carrying a sense of finality as she bowed respectfully before taking her leave.

"Wait," A voice halted Xiao Lingxi on her way as a voice of authority filled the air as an elder with a profound aura made his way.

As the elder stepped onto the stage, a hushed murmur swept through the crowd, curiosity mingling with apprehension. His imposing presence as an Earth Profound Realm cultivator, marked by his distinctive black robe and fiery orange hair, commanded attention, prompting whispers of speculation about his origins.

Yuwen Tuo, the city's elder, greeted him with deference, instantly recognizing the significance of his arrival. "This… I am Yuwen Tuo, this city's elder," he spoke respectfully, his demeanor indicating the elder's importance.

In response, the elder introduced himself with a sense of authority. "I am Fen Bufeng, the fourth elder of the Burning Heaven Clan," he announced, his words resonating with weight and gravitas.

"The elder from the Burning Heaven Clan," the crowd murmured in acknowledgment, the name sparking recognition and intrigue among the spectators.

"Burning Heaven Clan?" someone queried, eliciting a prompt response from another. "One of the four great sects of the Blue Wind Empire."

Caught in the midst of this exchange, Xiao Lingxi's attention was drawn to the elder's direct address. "Xiao Lingxi, isn't it?" he inquired, prompting a nod of confirmation from her.

"We have been scouting you for a while now," the elder continued, his tone carrying a mix of appraisal and invitation. "Your cultivation timepieces are surely an excellent addition to us. Your fighting style is indeed unique, and you have a powerful cultivation for your age. We are formally inviting you to be a top disciple of the Burning Heaven Clan, as you are suitable to be one with your current cultivation."

However, Xiao Lingxi shook her head firmly in refusal. "I have to refuse," she asserted, her voice steady despite the pressure of the elder's offer. "I am indeed from the Xiao Clan, tied to the Xiao Sect itself. Moreover, I have no intention of joining sects, as I intend on continuing my business as a clockmaker."

The elder persisted, his tone bordering on insistence. "Think about it, Miss Lingxi," he urged, his words carrying a hint of persuasion, as if determined not to leave the city without securing her agreement.

"I meant no disrespect," Xiao Lingxi responded firmly, her resolve unwavering. "I am but a clockmaker. I must decline, as I have already decided on a sect I wish to join."

"Which sect are planning on joining?" The elder's piercing gaze bore into her, Xiao Lingxi felt a surge of nervousness coursing through her veins. Every word she spoke felt like a delicate tightrope walk, each step fraught with the potential for disaster.

"The Frozen Cloud Asgard," she answered, carefully concealing the truth of her true intentions. In reality, she harbored no desire to join any sect, instead longing to follow Yun Che as a wandering cultivator. But in this moment, she knew she had to tread cautiously, her every word under scrutiny.

Upon hearing the name, the elder, Fen Bufeng, nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he murmured, his tone betraying a hint of disappointment. "It is a shame we couldn't obtain such a prodigy in marvelous knowledge. Should you change your mind, this is our invitation."

With a nod, the elder departed, leaving Xiao Lingxi to ponder the implications of her decision. As the news of her supposed allegiance to the Frozen Cloud Asgard spread through the crowd, murmurs of surprise rippled through the onlookers. Only Xiao Lingxi knew the truth behind her choice – a strategic move to throw the Burning Heaven Clan off her trail, albeit a risky one.

As she made her way out of the arena, Xiao Lingxi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. She knew that by feigning allegiance to the Frozen Cloud Asgard, she had painted a target on her back, inviting scrutiny and suspicion from all sides. From this moment onward, she would have to tread even more cautiously, ever vigilant of the dangers that lurked in the shadows. In other words, she had to increase her cultivation further.

Returning home, Xiao Lingxi was consumed by a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Though she had emerged victorious in her encounter with Yuwen Lin, the sudden manifestation of another hidden power within her adversary left her feeling unsettled and questioning her own identity.

Who was she, truly? What lay beneath the surface of her seemingly ordinary existence? Did Yuuki know the answers to these questions? Their last conversation echoed in her mind, his cryptic words stirring a sense of unease within her. He claimed to know her, yet the nature of their connection remained shrouded in mystery. And when she had revealed her birth ability to him, his reaction had been equally baffling – shock followed by a nonchalant acceptance, as though it were merely a trivial detail.

Turning towards the mirror in her shop, Xiao Lingxi gazed at her reflection, her features a portrait of ethereal beauty. But beneath the surface, doubts gnawed at her, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed facade she presented to the world. She remembered vividly the days of her youth, when she was thin, dark, and short – the target of ridicule and scorn. The echoes of taunts and jeers still lingered in her mind, a painful reminder of the struggles she faced.

Xiao Che was her saving grace during those difficult times. He was the one who saw beyond her outward appearance, who played with her and treated her with kindness when others only saw flaws. His words of encouragement were like a lifeline, keeping her afloat amidst the storm of negativity.

Now, as she stood before the mirror, transformed into a vision of beauty, Xiao Lingxi couldn't shake the feeling of insecurity that plagued her. Despite the praise and admiration she received from others, she knew deep down that their words were merely superficial flattery, devoid of true meaning.

Only the former Xiao Che, Retsu and now Yuuki, saw her for who she truly was – a protector, a friend, and a soul filled with unwavering loyalty. Their words, calling her beautiful, were the ones that truly mattered.

As she gazes upon her reflection, she asked herself. Was this truly her? Or merely a facade, a mask she wore to conceal her true self? The transformation she had undergone seemed too miraculous, too sudden to be believed. And yet, the evidence was undeniable – her newfound confidence, her heightened abilities, her very essence transformed overnight.

As she studied her reflection, Xiao Lingxi couldn't help but marvel at the profound changes that had taken place within her. Once a meek and timid girl, she now stood before the mirror as a confident and radiant beauty, her potential seemingly boundless.

But amidst the wonder and uncertainty, one question remained unanswered – who was she, really, and what role did she play in the grand tapestry of fate?

Raising her hands, Xiao Lingxi observed them with a mixture of awe and trepidation, marveling at the changes that had taken place within her. "Who am I, or what am I?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet of her shop. Opening the watch that Yuuki had given her, she gazed at the family picture nestled within, seeking solace in the familiar faces captured within its frame.

"Yuuki… I hope you have answers for this," she murmured softly, her eyes fixed on the image of her beloved fiancée. Though she longed for clarity, she knew that the truth would reveal itself in its own time. Until then, she could only trust in her own intuition and the guidance of those she held dear.

Yet, even as she grappled with questions of identity and purpose, a new dilemma presented itself in the form of an invitation from the Burning Heaven Clan. Her renown as a clockmaker had attracted attention far beyond the borders of Floating Cloud City, drawing guests and admirers to her doorstep. Though she had no intention of joining such a clan, the prospect of refusing their invitation filled her with uncertainty. She was worried about their retaliation should she decline. The best she can do is to delay her answer.

Fingering the letters written on the invitation, Xiao Lingxi's gaze drifted once more to the family picture before her. "Yuuki, what should I do?" she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with uncertainty and longing.