Chapter 50: Zhao Jinying, Born with an Alluring Aura—Her Unique Preferences?

“So that’s why you looked so familiar—turns out you’re the one I defeated!”

At these words, a trace of panic flickered in Chu Xuan’s eyes. She quietly clenched her delicate hands, preparing herself for anything.

A woman dressed in red, her fair skin exposed, stepped gracefully from the sedan chair. Every gesture brimmed with charm and allure.

“Chu Xuan, it’s been a long time,” Zhao Jinying said, her gaze sweeping over the group before settling on Chu Xuan, a playful glint in her eyes. She hadn’t noticed Luo Changsheng, who had concealed his cultivation.

“Yes, it’s been a few years,” Chu Xuan replied, her expression growing colder.

“I wonder how much progress you’ve made in your cultivation after our last duel? I’d love to test you again.” Zhao Jinying, acting as though they were old friends, stepped onto the dragon eagle, approached Chu Xuan, and without waiting for a reply, let her gaze fall on Ling Tian. “Is this the one you’ve chosen to cross the tribulation of love with? Handsome enough, but I wonder how he fares in other… aspects.”

As she spoke, Zhao Jinying winked at Ling Tian, sending him a flirtatious glance.

And truth be told, Ling Tian could feel his blood stir, his heart involuntarily moved.

“Heavenly Enchantress Physique!” Ling Tian murmured inwardly, suddenly understanding what felt off about this woman—it all made sense now.

“This is too much!” Chu Xuan’s brows knit together. Whether her cultivation had improved was one thing, but whom she chose as her partner for tribulation was her own business. What did it matter to Zhao Jinying? For her to use seductive arts on Ling Tian was a blatant provocation!

“Oh?” Zhao Jinying let out a soft sound of surprise as she noticed Ling Tian’s clear and unaffected gaze. She was genuinely perplexed—he seemed immune to her charm?

Her eyes moved to Chu Xuan, who was now frowning.

“Too much? And what will you do? Plead for mercy like last time?” Zhao Jinying watched Chu Xuan with keen interest, a sneer tugging at her lips as she deliberately tore open old wounds.

Indeed, during that sect competition, Chu Xuan had lost to Zhao Jinying—and lost terribly. Since then, a shadow had shrouded her heart. The memory of that day’s ridicule haunted her, fueling her isolation and relentless sword practice. Even after all these years, standing in front of Zhao Jinying, she still couldn’t lift her head. She felt inferior, plagued by an inner demon.

To utter even a word to Zhao Jinying now was already the extent of Chu Xuan’s courage. Only those who had experienced such humiliation could understand the depth of the scar Zhao Jinying had left on her soul.

For years, Chu Xuan had made a point to avoid Zhao Jinying, always scouting her route before traveling. She dreaded facing this person.

Yet fate had conspired to bring them together here.

Exposed, Chu Xuan was momentarily at a loss for words.

“If you continue to press her, I know a thing or two myself,” Ling Tian stepped forward, positioning himself between Chu Xuan and Zhao Jinying. He could see Chu Xuan’s predicament—this woman was overbearing, and he wouldn’t stand for it. Now he understood why Chu Xuan’s sword intent lacked its former edge.

“Heh, interesting. The Oracle Pavilion’s Saintess is summoning all the nearby prodigies for a discussion. If you want to redeem your honor, you’re welcome to come.” Zhao Jinying covered her mouth with a coquettish laugh, her eyes brimming with seduction, but didn’t make a move.

With that, she swayed back to her sedan chair and left.

“Bah! Such a sickly-sweet voice—just like a fox spirit. Disgusting!” Hu Yunying spat in Zhao Jinying’s direction, unable to stand such affectation. If Ling Tian hadn’t stopped her, she’d have already started a fight.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ling’er took out a treat and handed it to Chu Xuan. “Good food always lifts the spirits,” she said.

“With people like her, there’s no need for words. Just beat her,” Ling Tian turned and spoke to Chu Xuan. He hadn’t let Hu Yunying act because this was Chu Xuan’s inner demon—one she had to conquer herself. If others helped, she’d only become dependent, never truly free from it. That would bode ill for her future.

As for how he’d realized this—when Zhao Jinying appeared, a prompt had flashed through his mind: “Detected unstable state of childhood companion, inner demon forming. (Adversity reveals true character over time).”

Ling Tian couldn’t help but smile wryly—so there were even hidden prompts like this? That was how he’d come up with his strategy.

Still, Chu Xuan didn’t dare fight back.

“She’s in the same Emperor-Sealing realm as you. With your physique, you have nothing to fear,” Ling Tian said, shaking his head as Chu Xuan remained silent.

“I…” Chu Xuan’s face was tense. She opened her mouth to speak but fell silent.

“All right. After traveling for so long, everyone must be tired. Let’s rest here for the day,” Ling Tian said, waving his hand. He knew this was no small matter and was willing to give Chu Xuan time to think.

After all, in the future, Chu Xuan would be one of his own. If anyone wanted to bully her, they’d have to answer to him. He didn’t want her cultivation path derailed by this.

No one objected to Ling Tian’s suggestion. They began looking for a place to stay, though that’s a story for another time.

...

“Goddess Xiqi, are you satisfied with how I handled things?” Zhao Jinying looked at Jiang Xiqi, the Oracle Pavilion’s Saintess, clothed in ethereal green. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke in a syrupy tone.

Everyone assumed Zhao Jinying was blessed with the Heavenly Enchantress Physique, but no one knew her true preference—she liked women! Yes, she had no affection for men. Women, made of water, brought her joy; men, made of earth, only reeked of staleness.

When Jiang Xiqi sought her out, Zhao Jinying was flattered. After all, her own status was far from ordinary. So, when Jiang Xiqi requested that she provoke Chu Xuan, Zhao Jinying hadn’t hesitated. She’d long coveted Jiang Xiqi, and now, having a chance to be alone with her, she seized the opportunity.

This was what true beauty looked like—so different from the gaudy women in her own sect.

“Very well,” Jiang Xiqi replied coolly, glancing at Zhao Jinying. In truth, she hadn’t expected her chosen helper to have such a peculiar inclination. She ought to have divined her personality beforehand.

“Goddess Xiqi, how do you keep your skin so smooth?” Zhao Jinying reclined beside Jiang Xiqi, tracing a finger over her hand with undisguised admiration, her eyes glinting with a hint of greed.

“Please, have some self-respect,” Jiang Xiqi said, a wave of discomfort washing over her. Yet, since Zhao Jinying had just rendered her a service, she hesitated to act harshly.

Zhao Jinying giggled, “Even when you’re angry, you look beautiful, Goddess Xiqi.” She withdrew her hand, her face still radiating charm.

Jiang Xiqi took a deep breath, struggling to reign in her urge to strike Zhao Jinying. She lightly brushed the back of her hand where she’d been touched and asked, “What’s your impression of him?”