The Empress Chose My Bride, and Now I’m Stuck with a Yandere at -9999 Affection - Chapter 65:

Chapter 65: She Ultimately Came Too Late

Behind Jiang Xuan, Qing Qi watched his back with a hint of confusion, secretly thinking, [Could it be that Young Master Jiang really has the strength to defeat a Peak 9th stage Earth Martial Realm beast while only at the Martial Apprentice Realm? If he truly has such terrifying combat strength, once this is exposed, it will surely bring countless troubles. Those standing at the pinnacle won’t allow him much time to grow. Sigh, the way he got angry for me just now… he looked so good, I wish I could admire it a little longer.]

…

On the other side, Jiang Xuan, holding a wooden sword, confidently stood in front of the Wind Demon Evil Tiger. He then assumed a drawing stance and spoke calmly, “While I was unarmed earlier, you chased me for so long. It’s time we settle this debt.”

Inside the system space, the scanning system asked, [Host, are you sure you want to face this beast head-on? Isn’t it a bit too much?]

“Too much? You’re still too young, system. You know nothing about my true strength. These past days, I practiced the Drawing Blade Technique a million times. Watch carefully, the next strike will show the fruits of my training!”

While communicating with the system, Jiang Xuan easily dodged the Wind Demon Evil Tiger’s attack. Behind him, Qing Qi was watching closely, curious about what move Jiang Xuan would use to defeat an Earth Martial Realm beast. Her gaze fell on the wooden sword in Jiang Xuan’s hand.

In truth, Jiang Xuan wasn’t very proficient with the ‘Nurturing the Blade’ part of the Drawing Blade Technique, but he didn’t intend to use it. He planned to rely on a technique he created himself. He channeled ninety percent of his purest spiritual energy into the wooden sword, focusing it at the tip, and quietly built up more energy.

Once ready, Jiang Xuan said to the system, “System, your Drawing Blade Technique is useless. Let me show you my improved version.”

After dodging another attack, he gathered all the accumulated energy into a single point at the tip of the blade and drew his sword. With a terrifying burst of spiritual energy, the moment he unsheathed the sword, the entire wooden blade shattered into fragments.

Jiang Xuan stared dumbfounded at the broken pieces in his hand, feeling like the sky was falling. In that brief moment of shock, the Wind Demon Evil Tiger lunged at him. It was too late for him to react. At the critical moment, Jiang Xuan saw a small stone shoot through the beast’s skull, instantly killing it along with the Parasitic Spider hiding inside.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuan exclaimed inwardly, [Good, good, good. Xiao Qi finally came to save me. I thought I was going to be seriously injured this time, but she finally dropped the act. Since she’s revealed herself, how should I face her now? I really need to figure out how to deal with this big shot.]

Meanwhile, Qing Qi silently thought with a dark face, [I really overestimated him. What was that buildup and instant destruction of his sword? Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Everything is still under my control. That beast ruining my plan deserved to die.]

…

After dealing with the beast, the system spoke up, [Host, was that your improved Drawing Blade Technique?]

Jiang Xuan, “…”

Had the system not spoken, he might have forgotten about showing off earlier. Embarrassed, he replied, “This move still has some flaws. I’ll refine it later.”

[Host, actually, your move wasn’t bad, and the power was impressive. If you had a good sword, you might have already won.]

“Oh? Since you’re praising me for once, how about giving me a good sword?”

[Scanning system: …]

Hearing his request, the system went silent again, making Jiang Xuan even more convinced that it was hiding good stuff. He decided to interrogate the system later. For now, he needed to think about how to deal with Qing Qi after she revealed herself.

When Jiang Xuan approached Qing Qi, before he could speak, she smiled brightly and said, “Big Brother, you were amazing. I didn’t expect you to kill that beast in one strike. I saw everything. You must have used the wooden sword to hide your strength, right? But the wooden sword couldn’t handle your power, so it broke after one use.”

Jiang Xuan, “???”

Hearing her words, Jiang Xuan thought, [How did the beast’s death become my achievement? What is she trying to say? Is she trying not to reveal herself and giving me all the credit? It’s impossible to guess what a big shot is thinking. Forget it. Since I can’t figure it out, I’ll just follow her lead.]

On the surface, Jiang Xuan responded humbly, “I don’t really know what I did. I just got so angry when it hurt you that I exploded with power. By the way, how are you feeling, Xiao Qi? Let me check your injuries.”

“Don’t worry, Big Brother. I have a special constitution. I’ve almost fully recovered from the injuries. However… I feel some lingering weakness. Can you carry me back to the cabin?”

Naturally, Jiang Xuan agreed immediately. Carrying Qing Qi on his back, he said softly, “Xiao Qi, sorry I couldn’t cook dinner because I was busy dealing with that beast. You must be hungry. Once we get back, I’ll make you something delicious.”

“It’s okay. I care more about your safety than dinner. I’m just glad you’re alright.”

Hearing her words, even knowing she was acting, Jiang Xuan was still touched. He even hoped she would never drop the act and keep playing this role forever. Compared to those arrogant and possessive women he had encountered before, Jiang Xuan truly preferred the gentle and considerate role Qing Qi played.

Knowing this was just a fragile dream, Jiang Xuan kept his mind clear while complaining to the system, “System, you made me try to copy Xiao Qi’s Spiritual Root even though it would fail! You’re so useless!”

[Scanning system: ???]

The blamed system once again hid in the corner, drawing circles.

Under the bright moonlight, Jiang Xuan carrying Qing Qi became a beautiful sight. When they reached the small wooden house, Qing Qi leaned close to Jiang Xuan’s ear and whispered cautiously, “Big Brother, I haven’t finished what I wanted to say earlier…”

“No need. I understand what Xiao Qi wants to say. Don’t worry, I’ll stay here and keep you company.”

Qing Qi, “???”

When he heard her want to speak, Jiang Xuan’s body tensed, and he quickly interrupted. He was afraid she would reveal everything and shatter the peaceful days he cherished. He couldn’t accept that. Jiang Xuan only wanted to continue these carefree days while quietly getting stronger.

Earlier, Qing Qi casually using a small stone to kill a Peak 9th stage Earth Martial Realm beast had amazed Jiang Xuan and further strengthened his resolve to become stronger.

However, this time, Qing Qi’s tone turned colder. “Big Brother, you better listen to my request…”

“Ah… Xiao Qi, what do you want to say? I’m listening…”

“Earlier, I was interrupted by the beast. What I wanted to say is, I don’t want to be your sworn sister. I want to be your partner. Will you accept me?”

Jiang Xuan, “!!!!!!”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuan instantly felt chills down his spine and screamed inwardly, [It’s over. Xiao Qi’s not pretending anymore. Her tone is firm, allowing no refusal! No matter how I answer, my peaceful days are over.]

Forcing himself to stay calm, Jiang Xuan thought for a moment and said with a casual tone, “Xiao Qi, you once told me your story. Let me tell you a part of my hidden past too.”

Hearing this, Qing Qi furrowed her brows slightly but then gently nodded, resting her head on Jiang Xuan’s shoulder. “Alright, I’d love to hear your story.”

“Xiao Qi, before I met you, I almost became the emperor of a small empire. But that wasn’t my choice; it was because of my looks. Since I was little, I stood out among the boys and was isolated. They mocked me, called me a monster. Because of this, I grew timid and insecure. My mother told me never to leave home, believing my appearance would bring disaster.”

“I never left the courtyard until I became an adult. Later, my mother arranged a marriage with the eldest daughter of a general’s household. I thought I had found someone who truly cared for me, but she imprisoned me, using me for emotional fulfillment. That suffocating affection left me scarred.”

“I thought I’d spend my life locked away, but one day, I escaped by accident. Just when I thought I could live freely, a female emperor from an empire kidnapped me on the street, forcing me to become her emperor. Despite my struggles and resistance, she used me cruelly. I refused and was knocked unconscious.”

“When I woke up, I met you, Xiao Qi. You saved me, gave me a new life. Your gentle and considerate nature constantly draws me in. I’ve never met anyone as good as you. But I’m afraid it’s just a dream. I’m scared that once you know my past, you’ll despise me.”

“Hearing your confession made me really happy. But Xiao Qi, I wanted you as my sworn sister because deep down, I know I’m not worthy of you. Sorry… that’s my past and my answer. Let’s keep things as they are. It’s better for both of us.”

After hearing Jiang Xuan’s story, Qing Qi’s eyes reddened, and she stood frozen. From his story, she understood his true feelings. She had come too late, missing the right time to meet him.

Seeing her stunned, Jiang Xuan secretly rejoiced, [Looks like this made-up past successfully fooled Xiao Qi. Great, I’ll cook her a delicious meal later to comfort her, then let her rest early. I still need to cultivate.]

Just when Jiang Xuan thought everything was over, a devilish whisper sounded in his ear.

“It’s alright. I won’t despise you, Big Brother…”

Jiang Xuan, “!!!!!!!”