The next day, White Dragon Secret Realm, Martial Arts Ice Arena.
The traces of yesterday’s battle had already been restored to their original state by the White Dragon Clan.
The smooth, mirror-like surface of the Mysterious Ice Platform was bright enough to reflect a person, and the surrounding ice crystal stands were as good as new, showing no signs of the tragic collapse and fragmentation from the day before.
The sidelines were even more crowded than yesterday.
Various members of the Dragon Race gathered there in different poses, chatting and laughing in low voices.
The most bustling areas were several temporary “betting pools,” where the sounds of shouting, discussion, and wagering were constant.
“Yesterday was a real eye-opener. To think a member of the Human Race could fight Qin Xuange to such a degree.”
“You can say that again. They practically leveled the arena. It took Clan Leader White Dew stepping in personally to get them out.”
“It’s a pity it ended in a draw. I really wanted to see if Saintess Qin Xuange would really… if Young Lord Jiang won.”
“A draw is the most frustrating outcome!” A crisp, angry voice cut in—it was the little loli from the Azure Dragon Clan.
She had changed into a fresh green short-skirted outfit today, with matching ribbons tied around the small Dragon Horns on her head.
At this moment, she was clenching her small pink fists, her large emerald eyes full of annoyance.
“Yesterday’s odds were only set for ‘Jiang Huai’s victory’ and ‘Qin Xuange’s victory.’ Why wasn’t there an option for a draw?”
In truth, she had bet heavily on Jiang Zhun winning, but she hadn’t expected a draw.
“Hey, look over there!” A Dragon suddenly pointed into the distance and exclaimed in a low voice.
“Is that the Young Lord Jiang from yesterday?”
“No way, right? It’s said Saintess Qin Xuange is still healing in a quiet room. The backlash from using a Forbidden Technique isn’t small; she probably won’t recover for at least half a month.”
“He looked pretty badly injured yesterday too. How could he possibly…”
“Hiss, it really is him! He looks like he’s perfectly fine?” The astonished gazes of the crowd shifted simultaneously toward two figures walking slowly toward them.
It was Jiang Huai and Chi Lian.
Jiang Huai’s steps were steady, his Qi was even, and his complexion was ruddy.
Aside from a trace of weariness between his brows, one couldn’t tell at all that he had undergone a devastating battle yesterday.
He had changed into a brand-new Xuan Robe.
The fabric was extraordinary, with a faint, dark shimmer flowing through it.
The hem and sleeves were embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns using extremely fine gold thread, along with a lifelike, vigorous Black Dragon Mark.
This was a small, clever detail from Qin Qingyue—that Black Dragon was modeled after her own form, exuding elegance within its nobility.
Walking beside him, Chi Lian wore a well-tailored black long dress.
The style was solemn yet soft, and the skirt was also embroidered with dancing Black Dragon patterns, which complemented her current identity as the Saintess of Nine Heavens Palace.
However, compared to Jiang Huai, her dress lacked the gold thread decorations, making it appear more elegant and subtle.
The clothes of the Saint Son and Saintess looked very much like a matching pair.
Chi Lian lowered her head slightly, following closely by Jiang Huai’s side.
A faint blush appeared on her fair, pretty face; she seemed somewhat unaccustomed to being the focus of everyone’s attention, her slender hands unconsciously gripping the hem of her black skirt.
She rarely appeared before such a large audience and couldn’t help but feel nervous.
In the past, she had mostly stayed behind her lady like a foil, never imagining that one day she would stand at the front.
By the side of the Martial Arena, Chihuang, who was sitting with Cang Ling, was clearly stunned when she saw the two approaching side by side.
She hadn’t expected Jiang Zhun to recover so quickly, nor had she expected them to come to the Martial Arena today.
Seeing Jiang Huai’s composed demeanor and Chi Lian’s delicate, dependent appearance, that indescribable feeling in her heart churned again.
If she hadn’t refused back then, or if she simply hadn’t brought Chi Lian along, would she be the one standing by his side now?
Chihuang shook her head, forcing herself to stay calm, self-hypnotizing:
*Not necessarily, not necessarily…*
“Young Lord Jiang! Young Lord Jiang, over here!” On the side, Cang Ling’s eyes lit up.
She waved excitedly at Jiang Zhun, not forgetting to shake Chihuang’s arm.
“Chihuang, hurry up and call them over to sit with us! I want to ask what happened at the very end yesterday!”
Chihuang’s mouth opened slightly as if she wanted to say something, but when her gaze touched the intimate posture of Chi Lian, the words at the tip of her tongue were forced back.
Her tone was somewhat dejected:
“Forget it, forget it. Don’t call them.”
She suddenly felt that with Chi Lian present, she was somewhat out of place, feeling an inexplicable guilt and discomfort.
“By the way,” Cang Ling pointed at Chi Lian and asked, “That girl from the Red Dragon Clan next to Jiang Huai looks very familiar. Isn’t she the maidservant who used to follow you?”
“Mm, it’s her,” Chihuang replied gloomily, feeling even worse. It was truly a case of bringing up the one thing she didn’t want to talk about.
She couldn’t help but recall the past when Chi Lian was still her maidservant.
That figure was always quietly behind or beside her, like a considerate shadow.
Whether it was delivering messages, tidying the residence, preparing cultivation resources, or more private matters like dressing and styling her hair, Chi Lian did everything meticulously and impeccably.
She was gentle, obedient, and almost never expressed her own opinions; her presence was thin.
Chihuang had always felt that if Chi Lian could find a good man and leave the Red Dragon Clan, she would be truly happy for her. It was just…
Chihuang’s gaze fell on Jiang Huai again before she quickly looked away, remaining silent.
On the other side, Chi Lian felt the gazes coming from all directions. Her face felt like it was burning, and her heart rate accelerated.
“Husband Lord,” she quietly tugged at Jiang Huai’s sleeve, her beautiful eyes glancing toward Chihuang’s direction with difficulty.
“Maybe… maybe we should just forget it? After all, my lady was kind to me in the past. Doing this always feels a bit…”
She couldn’t go on. That sense of awe and guilt when facing her former master made her want to retreat.
Jiang Huai stopped walking, turned his head to look at her, and raised an eyebrow.
“Do you really feel bad about it, or are you just embarrassed and unable to face the lady you used to serve?”
“I…” Chi Lian was at a loss for words, not knowing how to answer.
Jiang Huai suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered almost fiercely:
“Last night, I don’t know who it was that was so bold.”
“Didn’t I follow your lead in everything? Hmm?”
His warm breath brushed against the curve of her ear, causing Chi Lian’s earlobes to turn deep red instantly.
“Now look at you, refusing to acknowledge it? You dare to say such cold, heartless words?”
As Jiang Huai spoke, he used his fingertip to pinch an edge through the smooth fabric of her dress.
It was the edge of a long sealing tag.
“Husband Lord!” Chi Lian’s whole body trembled.
She hurriedly reached out to press down on Jiang Huai’s hand.
Her beautiful eyes were instantly filled with a layer of mist, carrying embarrassment and entreaty, and her voice carried a slight tremor.
This was the very tag Jiang Huai had personally sealed on her last night, with the inscription:
*A personal gift from the Saint Son to his good Saintess.*
Inside was the “hidden energy” Jiang Huai had left for Chi Lian.
“If you don’t plan on going up on stage, then what use is there for me to keep this? I might as well tear it off now to save you the awkwardness.” Jiang Huai’s fingertips exerted a slight pressure, making a move to lift the edge.
“Don’t! I’ll go up, I’ll go up, alright?” Chi Lian nearly cried out.
She pressed his hand down firmly, her eyes full of grievance as she nodded rapidly while biting her lower lip.
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