Confession to Lu Xueqi in Public? The Aloof Maiden Blushes!

On the square before Jade Purity Hall.

A crowd of Qingyun Disciples had gathered.

They surrounded an arena, their gazes fixed intently on the stage, a flicker of excitement shining in their eyes.

"The next match!"

"Wang Quan Yan versus Lu Xueqi!"

As the elder from Tongtian Peak on the arena announced the match list, the surrounding Qingyun Disciples immediately burst into clamor.

"They're matched?"

"No way! They're meeting in the semifinals?"

"The real show begins!"

"Do you think they'll actually go all out?"

"So what if they do? Isn't that just flirting in battle?"

The disciples around buzzed with discussion.

Their gazes turned expectantly to the distance, where Wang Quan Yan and Lu Xueqi stood separately among the crowd. Their eyes met across the space, and in that moment...

An intangible tension gradually grew heavy.

Looking out.

The aloof maiden stood in a flowing white dress, her hair streaming in the wind. Through the crowd, she gazed at Wang Quan Yan in the distance, a fierce fighting spirit blazing in her eyes.

"Humm—"

The Heavenly Azure Divine Sword trembled faintly.

The stubbornness in the maiden's eyes would not allow her to admit defeat.

"Boom—"

In the distance, Wang Quan Yan stood with his sword at his back.

His green Daoist robe billowed with an air of ease, his figure tall and straight, black hair cascading over his shoulders. His sharp eyes gleamed with a pale golden sword intent as he met Lu Xueqi's gaze without any sign of yielding.

After all.

He knew exactly what kind of person Lu Xueqi was.

Her nature dictated that she would never concede, nor would she tolerate anyone going easy on her—because that would only make her feel looked down upon.

So.

The best approach.

Was to give it his all.

To conquer her with absolute strength.

Lu Xueqi wasn't the type to blindly admire the strong.

But if you were far weaker than her, honestly, it would be hard to even get close to her. Her temperament was too aloof, and being too weak would only create distance between you...

"Whoosh!"

Wang Quan Yan exchanged a glance with Lu Xueqi across the crowd.

His figure flickered and vanished from the spot. The moment he reappeared, he was already standing on the arena.

"Clang—"

The elder on the arena struck the bronze bell.

Lu Xueqi hesitated no longer. She stepped forward, walking straight out of the crowd. A faint, mist-like cloud formed beneath her feet, lifting her slender form and carrying her all the way to the top of the arena...

Their unique entrances immediately drew the attention of the surrounding Qingyun Disciples.

Even the Peak Masters on the High Platform?

They too turned their gazes over.

Because they knew well.

This match was likely to be the most spectacular bout of this Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament...

"Whoosh!"

Under the gaze of the crowd.

Wang Quan Yan and Lu Xueqi appeared on the arena.

Their eyes met. The aloof maiden's face was cold and peerless. She gripped the Heavenly Azure Divine Sword tightly, a fierce fighting spirit blazing in her eyes—

At this moment, she wasn't thinking about anything messy.

Her mind was entirely on the match.

In her view?

No matter how Wang Quan Yan saw her, at least for now, they were rivals. Besides... there was still that little promise between them.

Who will claim the top spot in the Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament?

The loser must agree to a small request from the winner!

Wang Quan Yan lifted his gaze slightly.

He didn't make a move right away, but instead smiled as he looked at Lu Xueqi and said, "Senior Sister, do you still remember our agreement?"

Upon hearing this.

Lu Xueqi's expression grew even more aloof.

By bringing up this question, Wang Quan Yan was clearly pointing out that they were now rivals!

"I remember."

Lu Xueqi uttered those two words coldly.

As soon as she spoke.

The surrounding Qingyun Disciples all widened their eyes.

It was as if they had caught wind of some juicy gossip, and every single one of them pricked up their ears.

What!?

Lu Xueqi and Wang Quan Yan actually had an agreement?

Tsk--

There must be something special between the two of them!

"I was right, wasn't I?"

"Junior Sister Lu and Junior Brother Wang definitely have an unusual relationship!"

"Tch!"

"This year's Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament has basically become their personal stage. It's pretty boring... well, the gossip is still interesting, at least."

The surrounding Qingyun Disciples buzzed with chatter.

On the Arena.

Lu Xueqi heard these discussions.

She couldn't help but furrow her brows slightly.

Just then.

Wang Quan Yan spoke up.

However.

He wasn't addressing Lu Xueqi.

Instead, he turned to the many Qingyun Disciples below the Arena and said, "I've heard quite a few rumors lately about me and Senior Sister Lu. Regarding this—"

"I originally didn't want to respond."

"Because those rumors are all baseless. Senior Sister Lu and I are innocent, with nothing shady between us. There is no such relationship as everyone claims."

"Please, fellow senior and junior brothers and sisters, don't spread falsehoods."

Wang Quan Yan clasped his hands slightly toward the surrounding Qingyun Disciples and added, "I don't mind for myself—I don't care about reputation—but Senior Sister Lu is different. She's an innocent person who does value her name..."

As soon as he said this.

The entire crowd erupted into uproar.

Countless Qingyun Disciples turned their gazes toward Wang Quan Yan.

Surprise flickered in their eyes.

They hadn't expected Wang Quan Yan to step forward and clarify things.

At the same time.

Lu Xueqi was also taken aback.

She stared at Wang Quan Yan in shock, clearly not expecting him to come out and defend her, but soon...

Her shock faded.

"Of course."

Wang Quan Yan's tone shifted.

He glanced with a smile at the aloof maiden not far from him and said, "Actually, some of the rumors aren't false—for example, the one about me liking Senior Sister Lu."

"A graceful lady is a gentleman's fair pursuit."

"I, Wang Quan Yan, will say it plainly here today: I have admired Senior Sister Lu for a long time and sincerely wish to court her. If one day I truly end up with Senior Sister Lu, then feel free to spread whatever you like about us..."

"But until then?"

"Please, everyone, stop spreading baseless tales."

"Senior Sister Lu is thin-skinned and can't stand hearing those rumors."

Wang Quan Yan clasped his hands and saluted the crowd around him.

The moment those words left his mouth, the entire venue was stunned!

Countless Qingyun Disciples stood dumbfounded, staring at Wang Quan Yan on the Arena, never expecting that he would confess his feelings during the Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament?!

And a public confession at that!

This...

"Ahhh!"

"Junior Brother Wang Quan Yan is a legend!!"

"A public confession? Legendary! Absolutely legendary!"

Countless Qingyun Disciples erupted in cheers.

In this day and age? Everyone was quite reserved by nature—a public confession was definitely an act of immense courage!

Many turned their gazes toward Lu Xueqi.

They were all curious about how Lu Xueqi herself would respond to this.

For a moment, Under the weight of everyone's stares.

Lu Xueqi stood frozen in place, staring blankly at Wang Quan Yan before her. A clear, cold face gradually flushed with a rosy hue.

The moment she heard his public confession.

Lu Xueqi's mind went completely blank. Her heart pounded wildly, and she had no idea what to do.

At first, she had thought her relationship with Wang Quan Yan was pure and aboveboard, as clear as wind and bright as moonlight. But now, with his confession, she felt utterly stripped of that innocence...

It's over, it's over.

What do I do... wu~

The aloof maiden kept her face rigid, nervously gripping the Heavenly Azure Divine Sword. Her pretty face was flushed crimson, her maiden heart thumping wildly—so adorable that one just wanted to pinch her cheek.

Too cute!

PS: Please keep reading!!!