Get Lost Female Protagonist! I Choose the Villainess! - Chapter 65:

Chapter 65: She Has Luck, But You Have Me:

“I didn’t expect her to progress so fast. Just a month ago, she was only at the 8th stage Spirit Tempering Realm!” Jiang Ruoxi remarked, frowning slightly. Xia Yuran truly was no simple opponent.

“I told you, don’t underestimate her. Her growth will exceed your expectations,” Ling Kong said calmly. “She has that kind of luck.” Xia Yuran would always be Jiang Ruoxi’s rival.

“Alright, I understand,” Jiang Ruoxi nodded. “Although her progress is surprising, I won’t lose to her.”

It was clear that Xia Yuran had come well-prepared this time, aiming for a comeback. But Jiang Ruoxi had determination and the Tingxue Sword that Ling Kong had gifted her. With these, she was confident she wouldn’t have any rivals within the same realm.

Ling Kong smiled slightly. “She may have luck, but you have me.”

“Luck can only take her so far,” he continued. “As long as you don’t slack off and keep pushing forward, you’ll be fine. With my guidance, you won’t be defeated by Xia Yuran. Her biggest opportunities—the ones that could elevate her—are tied to me and the Tianyou Technique. And right now, I’m giving those opportunities to you.”

As he spoke, in the distance near the square, Xia Yuran and her group seemed to notice Ling Kong and Jiang Ruoxi. Xia Yuran’s lips curled into a sneer.

Last night, she had successfully brokethrough into the 1st stage Spirit Martial Realm. She had also mastered the high-level combat skill “Wind Feather Sword Technique” that Luo Lin had given her. Now, she was confident she could defeat Jiang Ruoxi completely. If possible, she would love to beat Ling Kong as well. Today was her day to take revenge, and she was determined to make Ling Kong regret his choices.

“Hmph! Just wait, Ling Kong. I’ll make sure you regret everything!” Xia Yuran muttered, her face full of pride.

“Yuran, how’s your progress? Have you reached the late stage of the 9th stage Spirit Tempering Realm?” Bai Feng and the others asked eagerly. For the past month, they had given everything they had to support Xia Yuran, using all their resources and training techniques to aid her.

“Spirit Tempering Realm?” Xia Yuran smirked proudly. “I’m now at the 1st stage Spirit Martial Realm.”

Her words left Bai Feng and the others stunned, their faces lighting up with excitement.

“What? The Spirit Martial Realm?”

“You actually reached the Spirit Martial Realm?”

“Incredible! Just as we thought, working together has made Yuran the best again!”

“This time, we won’t lose to Jiang Ruoxi and Ling Kong, right?” After the initial shock, the group was ecstatic. Initially, they had planned for her to reach the late stage of the ninth level in the Spirit Tempering Realm to stand a chance against Jiang Ruoxi. But now, with her breakthrough to the Spirit Martial Realm, there was no need to fear Jiang Ruoxi or Ling Kong.

“At this point, let’s see how proud they still are!” Li Junting sneered.

“Sister Yuran, you have to avenge us! Ling Kong humiliated us all!” Xiao Taoyi added, “We must restore our dignity!”

“Hehe, little brother, you’re becoming more manly!” Xia Yuran teased as she pinched his cheek. “Sister likes you more and more!”

“Ah, sister, can you stop pinching me all the time?” Xiao Taoyi protested.

“Who told you to be so cute? It’s all thanks to your help.” Xia Yuran smiled.

She then turned to Bai Feng and the others. “Without all of you, I wouldn’t have progressed this much.”

“With you by my side, that’s enough.”

“As for Ling Kong, he’s nothing to me. I don’t need him at all.”

“This time, they won’t have anything to celebrate!”

With her newfound strength, Xia Yuran felt that Ling Kong was no longer special. With Bai Feng and the others supporting her, she was confident they could surpass Ling Kong.

In the past, during the hunting competition, she had been unprepared and underestimated Ling Kong. But this time, she was ready. She was determined not to lose to Ling Kong or Jiang Ruoxi again. And it was all thanks to the mysterious woman, Luo Lin, she met last night. If it weren’t for the pill Luo Lin gave her, she wouldn’t have broken through to the Spirit Martial Realm so quickly.

“For you, anything is worth it!” Bai Feng and the others nodded. “Yuran, all the humiliation you’ve suffered before, we’ll take revenge together!”

“That’s right! From now on, only we will be the ones to stand tall. No one will look down on us anymore!”

“We’ll reclaim everything today!” they shouted. “Yuran, it’s all up to you!”

In truth, while Xia Yuran had faced challenges before, it was really the group of men who had felt humiliated. Before the hunting competition, they had supported Xia Yuran in every possible way.

But the results had shown that Ling Kong’s efforts in supporting Jiang Ruoxi alone had been more effective than their combined efforts with Xia Yuran. That realization had stung even more than a direct insult.

So, if Xia Yuran could win today, it would be as if she avenged them all, proving they could stand strong together.

Determined, Xia Yuran cast a cold glance at Ling Kong and Jiang Ruoxi, a confident sneer on her face. She was ready for the competition.

High up in the tree, Jiang Ruoxi pulled back her gaze and smiled. “They seem really confident, don’t they?”

“Confidence means nothing in the face of true strength.” Ling Kong replied with a faint smile.

Xia Yuran had received help from his aunt, allowing her to barely breakthrough into the Spirit Martial Realm. But Jiang Ruoxi had already reached that level earlier and had the powerful Tianyou Technique at her disposal. With these, Xia Yuran stood no chance against her.

“You believe in me?” Jiang Ruoxi smiled warmly.

“Of course. You’re the best.” Ling Kong said softly. Xia Yuran had luck, but Jiang Ruoxi had him.

A true female lead wouldn’t just rely on luck; she’d prove herself through strength and effort. In the end, their fates depended on their abilities. Xia Yuran might have luck on her side, but Jiang Ruoxi had him as her support.

BOOM!

At this moment, a loud bell rang throughout the entire Sword Cloud Sect. From all directions, figures flew toward the high platform in the main square. The sect master, elders—everyone was there.

In addition to the core leaders, many other sect members gathered around the edges of the square. Sword Cloud Sect was full of hidden talents, and it wasn’t only the high-ranking members who possessed strength. Even the person tending the boiler in the backyard could be a master.

Today, these masters had come to see if they could find suitable disciples.

On the high platform in the center, standing at the forefront was Sect Master Yunjian. Behind him stood many elders, including Luo Lin.

“It’s her! That’s the woman I met last night.” Jiang Ruoxi said from her perch atop a tree on the edge of the square.

“Yeah, she looks like the meddling type,” Ling Kong replied with a slight nod.

It was indeed her—Luo Lin, the “leftover” lady, as old as the Ninth Elder of Sword Cloud Sect. A busybody, always eager to meddle in others’ love lives and marriages. It was truly annoying!

“Heh, it looks like everyone’s ready!” Yunjian’s voice, amplified by spiritual power, echoed across the entire Sword Cloud Sect. Instantly, the crowd quieted, and all eyes turned to the high platform in the center.

“Today’s competition promises to be exciting!” Yunjian continued, “I believe each of you will show your best!”

The disciples below were filled with energy and enthusiasm, their eyes bright with determination. This was the day they had all trained for, the moment they could showcase their efforts over the past year. Many had put in extra effort just for this event because today wasn’t merely about individual rankings; it was also about future growth. Whether one could gain the favor of Sword Cloud Sect’s senior officials depended on their performance.

“Today, we also welcome a special guest to our Sword Cloud Sect!” Yunjian announced. “Please welcome the first female general of the Empire and the younger sister of our country’s Empress—General Luo Lin!”

Luo Lin stepped forward with a warm smile. “Greetings, everyone!”

“General Luo is here not only as our guest but also to recruit new soldiers for the Empire! For those interested, don’t miss this rare opportunity!” Yunjian added.

“That’s right! Do you want to fight alongside me on the battlefield in the future?” Luo Lin said with a smile. “I’m looking to recruit 100 soldiers. The spots are limited, so don’t miss your chance!”

As their voices faded, the crowd erupted in excitement.

“No way! General Luo? The Empire’s first female general and the Empress’s sister?”

“What an impressive background!”

“No wonder she looks so amazing—her aura, her beauty, it’s just as captivating as the Ninth Elder’s!”

“Honestly, she’s a bit cuter! More approachable than the Ninth Elder.”

“She’s cute when she smiles, but she’s also heroic! I love women like this!”

“Love her all you want, but does it change anything? I like her too!”

“And she’s actually recruiting soldiers? An advance selection?”

“This is huge! I’ve always wanted to join the Empire’s army, to defend our homeland!”

“What a chance to ride into battle with the Empire’s top general! I’m signing up!”

“I’m signing up too!”

“Count me in—I’m ready to join the imperial army!”

The crowd buzzed with excitement. The thought of defending the Empire on the battlefield, led by such a heroic figure, stirred the blood of many disciples. They were eager to sign up, unable to wait for the chance to fight.

“Looks like everyone is quite enthusiastic?” Luo Lin said with a grin. “Those interested, once you finish the competition, we’ll conduct the selection! The winners will officially become part of my force when they leave Sword Cloud Sect.”

“Wow, you mean we could become General Luo’s subordinates directly?”

“Hey, don’t sign up. This is a tough one—let me handle it!”

“I’m not afraid of the challenge! The deeper the water, the better!”

“Hold on, something’s off with you!”

“No matter what, I’d gladly follow General Luo into battle!”

“If anyone dares to take my spot, I’ll show them no mercy!”

“Yeah, like you could beat anyone!”

Even before the competition started, the atmosphere was already charged, as if a battle had already begun. In the midst of this excitement, Xia Yuran looked up at Luo Lin on the high platform. She hadn’t expected her to have such a prominent identity—first female general and the Empress’s sister. It was incredible! She felt so fortunate to have met such a powerful and influential person.

“First female general of the Empire?” Jiang Ruoxi murmured from her spot in the treetops. She hadn’t anticipated that Luo Lin was someone so high-ranking within the Empire. But then, why was she so concerned about her and Ling Kong’s relationship?

Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly as she glanced at Ling Kong. A thought suddenly crossed her mind. Ling Kong? Ling? The royal family also bore the surname Ling!

Jiang Ruoxi’s expression changed immediately.

Could Ling Kong be connected to the royal family?

No, it couldn’t be!

If he was, didn’t that make them enemies?

After all, it was the royal family that had led the destruction of the entire Sword Demon Sect.

Her face grew pale at the thought. If this were true, her relationship with Ling Kong was bound for heartbreak.

“What’s wrong?” Ling Kong noticed the change in Jiang Ruoxi’s expression. He could guess what she was thinking.

“It’s nothing!” Jiang Ruoxi quickly looked away, trying to calm her emotions. She then asked tentatively, “This Luo Lin… do you know her?”

Ling Kong smiled faintly. “And if I don’t?”

“No, it’s nothing,” Jiang Ruoxi replied, biting her lip. If he did know her, then perhaps Ling Kong was indeed connected to the royal family.

If that were true, and he discovered she was the young master of the Demon Sect, what would he think of her? What would he do?

Seeing her concern, Ling Kong quickly reassured her. “I don’t know her personally, but I’ve heard of her. She’s the first female general of the Empire and a powerful figure who has broken through the respected realm.”

“You don’t know her?” Jiang Ruoxi felt a wave of relief. If they weren’t acquainted, then Ling Kong probably wasn’t part of the royal family. That was a comfort. Whatever other status Ling Kong had, it was better than being part of the royal family. If he were, they might eventually become enemies, forced to battle against each other.

“I’ve heard of her too, but I never expected to see her in person.” Jiang Ruoxi said, smiling slightly. “I’m still curious why she’s so interested in our matters.”

“It might be because our strength stood out to her.” Ling Kong suggested casually.

Jiang Ruoxi nodded.

That explanation made sense.

After all, Luo Lin was here for the competition.

“Ah, as expected of Sword Cloud Sect’s disciples, it’s heartening to see your enthusiasm and loyalty to the Empire!” Yunjian’s voice boomed from the high platform. His words were directed at Luo Lin. Sword Cloud Sect’s loyalty was highly valued by the Empire.

“Alright, enough talk! The competition begins now!” Yunjian declared, raising his hand. Across the square, fighting platforms rose, and a massive stone tablet emerged, displaying the rankings of Sword Cloud Sect’s current disciples—updated once a year.

All eyes turned to the stone tablet, which displayed last year’s rankings:

1. 1. Ling Kong

1. 1. Jiang Ruoxi

1. 1. Xia Yuran

1. 1. Bai Feng

Everyone stared at the stone tablet, eager to prove themselves. Today’s competition would determine if the rankings would change.

“Show your strength. Today is the day to prove yourselves!” Yunjian announced, leaving the rest to the disciples. The fighting platforms activated, and the disciples were free to challenge one another. The results would be recorded automatically. For those challenged multiple times, stamina potions were available to help recover.

As the stone tablet fully rose, the first batch of disciples stepped onto the platforms, ready to issue challenges.

“Yuran, it’s time to prove yourself!” Bai Feng and the others called out to Xia Yuran. Today was the day for redemption, not just for her, but for them all. It was all riding on Xia Yuran.

She glanced back at them and nodded firmly. Today, she wouldn’t lose to Jiang Ruoxi. She would reclaim her honor and the honor of her allies. She also didn’t want to disappoint Luo Lin, who believed in her.

With a determined look, Xia Yuran leapt onto one of the fighting platforms. Her entrance drew the attention of many onlookers.

“She’s already ranked high. Who will she challenge?”

“It has to be either Ling Kong or Jiang Ruoxi! Either way, it’ll be exciting!”

“I heard Ling Kong was supposed to be with her, but then he switched sides to Jiang Ruoxi. Xia Yuran was furious!”

“Yeah, I heard she was so upset she cried in the Blind Sword Pavilion.”

“Really? I missed that—tell me more!”

“Well, long story short, he made her cry.”

“I bet she’s here for revenge. She won’t back down easily.”

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, curious about the outcome of the rivalry between the three. As all eyes focused on Xia Yuran, she drew her sword and pointed it toward the giant tree at the edge of the square.

“Jiang Ruoxi!” Xia Yuran’s voice echoed across the platform. As expected, her first challenge was directed at Jiang Ruoxi.