Chapter 51: I Will Always Be Behind You—As Long as You Need Me, I Am Here!

“What do you think of him?”
“He has a good temperament.”
Zhao Jinying pondered for a moment before giving her assessment of Ling Tian.
He was not like other men, who would have ulterior motives because of her innate seductive physique.
He could even resist it without cultivation to suppress its effects, which was rare indeed.
As for other aspects, she hadn’t paid much attention.
If she had to mention anything else, it would be that his appearance was quite pleasing.
“Is that so? He’s more than just good-natured!”
Jiang Xiqi shook her head, thinking to herself that if Zhao Jinying knew his story, she might not say the same.
“Why is the Goddess Xiqi so interested in this young man? Could it be…”
A hint of danger flashed through Zhao Jinying’s heart. Could it be that she had fallen for that youth?
If that were the case, her actions would be akin to inviting a wolf into her house—hoisting a stone only to smash her own foot.
That Chu Xuan clearly had a close relationship with the youth; if she came to participate in the forum, the boy might follow along.
And judging by Jiang Xiqi’s demeanor, she seemed very interested in him.
If so... wouldn’t Zhao Jinying be in danger?
She had created a competitor for herself!
At this realization, a sudden flash of insight struck her.
Perhaps the goddess's true aim was not to have Chu Xuan participate in the forum, but rather the boy himself!
Oh no, Zhao Jinying felt a pang of regret. Had she known this earlier, she would never have acted this way.
But alas, it was too late for second thoughts.
If she went back now to seek out Chu Xuan, she would be oppositional to the goddess—not to mention any future progress, even their current relationship would be at risk.
“Yes, I am interested in him.”
Jiang Xiqi nodded and openly admitted it. Then, under Zhao Jinying’s gaze, she stood and softly but resolutely declared:
“Everyone has their fate, but I intend to defy the heavens!”
Zhao Jinying’s lips parted slightly, her eyes shining, the affection in her gaze growing ever more evident...
...
“Let’s settle here.”
When they were about ten miles from the Celestial Pavilion, Ling Tian spoke calmly.
A distance of ten miles was but a few breaths for those with their cultivation.
No one objected.
Hu Yunying paid for several rooms, naturally covering all expenses along the way—food, drink, and lodging.
After all, their journey was ultimately for the sake of saving her grandfather.
She felt it was only right, otherwise she would be uneasy.
Night fell. Chu Xuan tossed and turned in her room, unable to sleep.
Upon entering the inn, she heard the itinerant cultivators discussing the forum to be held that night.
Thinking back to the events of the day, she felt stifled.
Suddenly, she sat up, a decisive glint in her eyes.
This was something she had to face; it was a heart demon, not something she could simply evade.
She laughed at herself, mocking her own foolishness—always waiting until her cultivation surpassed the other’s by a major realm, so she could defeat her with absolute confidence.
But others were improving as well; she now understood that she was merely using this excuse to avoid confronting her.
Ling Tian’s words were right. She was born with a sword heart, emphasizing sharp offense, while the other possessed a seductive physique, nearly immune to harm from her attacks.
When their realms differed little, her chances of winning were very high.
With this realization, her hesitation vanished.
She quietly opened the door, preparing to head alone to the forum grounds.
“Have you come to terms with it?”
As she opened the door, a familiar voice drifted in from outside.
Chu Xuan immediately recognized Ling Tian without even looking up.
“Yes, this time, let me go alone.”
Chu Xuan nodded in reply, having been discovered, and stated her request.
Even if she won, it would be a messy victory.
If she lost, Ling Tian would not be there to witness her defeat.
In her heart, she wanted to show her best side to Ling Tian.

With those words, Chu Xuan walked past Ling Tian.
“Chu Xuan...”
Ling Tian, his back to her, called out softly.
Chu Xuan paused, the wind tousling her dark hair.
“Don’t forget, I will always be behind you.”
Ling Tian’s lips curled into a reassuring smile, speaking the words that gave Chu Xuan great comfort.
Her heart suddenly stilled, a smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. Without lingering, she left the inn.
“Tsk, you rascal, so young and already so cunning...”
After Chu Xuan departed, Luo Changsheng appeared, shaking his head.
Had he possessed such eloquence in his youth, perhaps he would not be penniless now.
“Observe, learn, and think—winning a lady’s favor is no problem.”
Ling Tian clasped his hands behind his back, adopting the manner of a sage. Seeing Luo Changsheng about to explode, he resumed a solemn expression:
“Let’s follow her...”
...
The Celestial Pavilion’s forum was bright as day, crowded with prodigies and abuzz with voices.
Ling Xiao stood among them.
Those ranked on the Prodigy List each had their seat.
“The Goddess of Celestial Pavilion arrives!”
At the announcement, all eyes turned. Jiang Xiqi, dressed in green, appeared ethereal, as if untouched by earthly impurity.
“Such a woman is worthy of me!”
Ling Xiao nodded repeatedly, thinking to himself.
“Thank you all for coming. However, today the mood is subdued. The order will change: first sparring, then discussion.”
Jiang Xiqi’s expression was as calm as ever, her voice pure, as if able to shield the hearts of those present.
“I agree. Today, Ling Xiao is here—what fortune.”
“Yes, but where is Tian Ling, the top prodigy? I heard his swordsmanship has reached its peak; I’d like to test it.”
Voices echoed in agreement after Jiang Xiqi spoke.
The first and second ranked on the Prodigy List naturally drew the most attention.
Indeed, Tian Ling’s reputation overshadowed Ling Xiao’s.
It is true: no one cares about second place. The first always commands the spotlight.
The crowd searched, but Tian Ling was nowhere to be found.
They had seen his face on the Image Stone; if he appeared, he would be recognized instantly.
“Ling Xiao, may I spar with you?”
Jiang Tian stood from his seat and asked loudly.
He was ranked forty-fifth. Seeing Tian Ling steal the limelight, he naturally wanted to support Ling Xiao.
Who was Ling Xiao? He had the Ling family behind him!
“You honor me. Of course.”
Ling Xiao did not refuse, and the two stepped onto the stage.
The crowd quieted, watching closely as two prodigies faced off.
Within ten moves, Jiang Tian conceded, bowing:
“The Thunder Dragon physique is truly extraordinary!”
They were not true enemies; a show of strength sufficed—no need to fight seriously.
Jiang Tian knew that if things got serious, he would not stand a chance.
“Your Vinewood physique is not bad either.”
Ling Xiao nodded warmly. Their exchange was perfectly coordinated, each praising the other.
It suppressed Tian Ling’s momentum.
Next, several others ranked on the Prodigy List stepped onto the stage, challenging those near their own position.
No one was foolish enough to challenge Ling Xiao—that would be humiliating.
Ling Xiao’s strength was well-known; no one would dare target him.
But Tian Ling, unknown and suddenly at the top, drew much ire from the top ten prodigies.
They all wanted to test his depth, but he had not appeared.
After several matches, with no one else stepping up, it was nearly time to begin the discussion.
Just then, a woman in red, alluring to the extreme, lightly stepped onto the stage.
Though her actions were proper, her innate seductive physique caused the male prodigies below to become restless.
Their gazes towards Zhao Jinying grew lascivious.

Yet, none dared to harass her—she was ranked twelfth!
Zhao Jinying frowned slightly. Damn it, she was again subjected to those disgusting looks.
Were it not for Jiang Xiqi, she would never expose herself this way.
She longed to gouge out the eyes of these men!
It was one of the reasons she disliked men.
“Chu Xuan, I didn’t expect you to actually come. Let’s fight!”
Zhao Jinying wasted no time, locking her gaze on the blue-clad woman in the crowd.
As the words fell, all eyes followed as Chu Xuan landed steadily on the stage.
Her cold, elegant demeanor caused a stir—two stunning beauties appeared, raising the atmosphere to its peak.
“This blue-clad woman is gorgeous! Why haven’t I heard of her?”
“Who is she? I want all her information in three minutes!”
The stage was abuzz with chatter.
“Fight!”
Chu Xuan took a deep breath, sword in hand, struggling to avoid recalling the events of that day.
Zhao Jinying produced a red silk ribbon, and as their weapons clashed, a metallic sound rang out.
The two women fought fiercely, leaving the crowd in awe.
Brutal—none of the male cultivators fought so ruthlessly.
“Sword Heart Manifestation, Form One—Stars Fall Like Swords!”
After separating, both bore wounds of varying severity. Chu Xuan inhaled deeply, unleashing her sword heart’s power.
“Ribbon Dance Across the Nine Heavens!”
Seeing this, Zhao Jinying revealed her killing intent.
This strike could not be blocked—she would not even try if it could not.
Boom—
The clash produced a violent noise.
Clap, clap, clap. “Enough, I admit you’re formidable. I concede.”
Zhao Jinying, disheveled, dusted off her hands and admitted defeat to Chu Xuan.
She had only challenged Chu Xuan at Jiang Xiqi’s behest; now, she would not risk her life.
With that, she jumped down.
Chu Xuan was stunned. Had she won?
For a moment, her eyes grew moist, the shackles in her heart beginning to break—her inner demon was dispelled.
She was happy, excited.
She was about to leave and share the good news with Ling Tian.
Unexpectedly, the thirteenth-ranked prodigy, Qi Ming, leapt onto the stage:
“Stay, I wish to challenge you!”
A wave of shock swept through the crowd.
Chu Xuan was clearly exhausted, and Qi Ming was taking advantage of her weakness!
The prodigy rankings did not consider character.
But, it was an established rule: the victor must fight once more, and cannot refuse.
Usually, no one would be so shameless.
But not everyone was so principled.
“Fight!”
Chu Xuan frowned, forced to accept despite her fatigue.
Qi Ming, relying on speed, caught Chu Xuan off guard, shredding her clothes until more and more skin was exposed.
A scoundrel, indeed.
“Ha ha ha, apologies, fellow cultivator…”
Qi Ming’s eyes were lecherous as he unleashed the Dragon Claw, aiming for Chu Xuan’s chest—
A fierce attack that would surely cause serious injury, and it was clearly targeted.
Chu Xuan could not react in time. At the critical moment, she pressed her lips together, recalling Ling Tian’s words, and instinctively cried out:
“Friend Tian Ling, help me!”
In an instant, she felt her waist gently supported, as a strong, resonant voice rang out:
“I am here!”