The Villain Snatched the Protagonist’s Master at the Start - Chapter 12:
Chapter 12: Chen Ningbing
In an instant, countless gazes locked onto that figure, eyes filled with burning desire.
The young woman’s expression was cold and indifferent as she looked at the crowd without emotion, saying plainly, “Defeat me and earn my approval—only then can you become my husband.”
She was the center of this martial arts tournament for marriage—Chen Ningbing.
As soon as she spoke, the entire crowd erupted.
“No wonder she’s known as the number one beauty in Qingcheng Town. If I could kiss her just once, I’d die without regrets!”
“Miss Chen isn’t just Qingcheng’s top beauty. She’s ranked among the top ten in the entire Qin Territory. She’s the goddess in the hearts of countless prodigies. Let’s be real, we stand no chance.”
“Hehe, not necessarily. I heard this tournament wasn’t arranged by the City Lord but organized by Miss Chen herself.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I heard the City Lord wanted to marry her off to some playboy from a big family, and Miss Chen didn’t agree. So, she held this martial arts tournament to defy him. That’s why the whole thing was so rushed, and the announcement barely got out. Not many prodigies had time to make it here.”
“Hiss… so you’re saying we actually have a shot?”
“Are you looking to die? This tournament is a rebellion against her father, the City Lord. I’m telling you, if you really become her husband, you’ll mysteriously disappear the very next day!”
Many were eager at first, but after more discussion, most understood the full story. The excitement in the air quickly cooled.
Sure, dying beneath a beauty’s skirt might be poetic, but in the end, most people valued their lives—especially when there was a high chance they wouldn’t even get the beauty.
Still, there were always those who feared nothing.
A young man leapt onto the stage, his gaze fiery and his eyes filled with lust, “Miss Chen, if I defeat you, does that mean we can go straight to the bridal chamber?”
He licked his lips and chuckled.
A flash of disgust crossed Chen Ningbing’s eyes, but she still nodded, “Defeat me, and everything is up to you.”
With that, she pointed her sword at him, her aura erupting. A fierce sharpness emanated from her, making the young man’s expression change.
“Golden Body Realm!”
The lustful look in the young man’s eyes faded slightly.
Chen Ningbing didn’t waste any words. Her sword slashed forward, full force, without any mercy.
She had only organized this tournament to defy her father, but that didn’t mean she’d accept just anyone. Her future husband still had to be someone capable of defeating her and earning her respect.
This young man clearly wasn’t it.
With one strike, the man staggered backward, his face pale and fear in his eyes.
Chen Ningbing didn’t move, yet followed up with three consecutive slashes—each more powerful than the last.
The young man shouted at once, “I concede!”
Boom!
Her fierce strike landed right at his feet, shaking the whole platform.
The man trembled, cold sweat covering his face.
He glanced at Chen Ningbing in terror and leapt off the stage. In just a few breaths, he had been thoroughly defeated.
The crowd stood frozen.
They had only ever heard of Chen Ningbing’s stunning beauty. No one expected her strength to be just as formidable.
“The Golden Body Realm…”
“Isn’t Miss Chen only eighteen?”
“Eighteen years old and already in the Golden Body Realm? Damn, her martial talent is incredible!”
“Sigh, I’ve got no chance. I’m twenty-eight and still stuck in the Vein Condensation Realm.”
“You don’t even qualify by age. Miss Chen is only accepting men between eighteen and twenty. You’re just an old uncle!”
The crowd sighed in admiration.
Chen Ningbing stood tall, sword in hand, valiant and elegant—only making her more attractive.
Everyone stared, their gazes gradually dazed.
On the upper floor of the restaurant, Qin Jiang smiled faintly and sighed, “She really is beautiful.”
Ye Ling’er’s eyes also flashed with amazement, but upon hearing Qin Jiang’s praise, a wave of frustration and shame stirred in her heart.
That bastard was holding her in his arms and still praising another woman.
Even if she didn’t like Qin Jiang, even if she loathed him, she couldn’t help feeling a little upset.
Maybe this was just a woman’s nature.
Next, several more people stepped onto the stage, but all were defeated by Chen Ningbing.
After all, it had only been a few hours since the announcement of the tournament. Most of the ones who made it here were locals from Qingcheng Town—not many true prodigies.
Chen Ningbing felt slightly disappointed but also a bit relieved. She had organized this to defy her father. Of course, if she truly met someone outstanding, she would consider marrying him.
But if not…
This tournament was just her way of showing her stance. If her father dared to arrange her marriage again, she really might just marry a random stranger out of spite.
“Is there anyone else who wants to challenge me?” Chen Ningbing asked.
Though many were tempted, her strength—and the risks that came with success—scared most away. For a while, many could only sigh in regret, unwilling to step forward.
Ye Ling’er looked at Qin Jiang and said, “Aren’t you going to step in?”
With Qin Jiang’s strength and background, if he made a move, there would be no suspense.
Qin Jiang shook his head and smiled, “No rush. The real surprise is almost here.”
About fifteen minutes later, Qin Jiang raised his eyebrows. He spotted a familiar figure and gently tightened his grip around Ye Ling’er’s arm. He said softly, “The surprise has arrived.”
“What?” Ye Ling’er asked, confused.
Qin Jiang didn’t explain. He simply looked toward the stage.
Chen Ningbing sat cross-legged on the platform. The tournament was to last the whole day, and some prodigies who received word would be arriving.
Finally…
A figure leapt onto the platform, calling out, “Miss Chen, please grant me your guidance!”
In the restaurant, Qin Jiang’s lips curled into a smirk. He glanced at Ye Ling’er’s pale face.
“So? Surprised?”
Ye Ling’er’s face turned slightly white. Her slender hand clenched tightly, her body trembling faintly. She looked at the figure on the stage, a trace of confusion in her heart.
“See him? That’s your Brother Xiao Fan. After I took you away, he didn’t try to rescue you. Instead, he went straight to chase another woman. Hehe. Hurts, doesn’t it?”
On the stage—it was none other than Xiao Fan.
Without the Fire Clan girl holding him back, Xiao Fan’s talent had recovered. In just over twenty days, his strength had skyrocketed. He left the Xiao Family and came to Qingcheng Town.
Originally, in the plotline, he wouldn’t have arrived for at least another six months. Only then would the martial arts tournament for marriage take place. But because Qin Jiang had altered the plotline, the butterfly effect accelerated everything.
The tournament began earlier. And Xiao Fan arrived earlier as well.
He wasn’t here for Chen Ningbing herself, but for a rare flame hidden within the Chen Family. Of course, if things went as in the original novel, Chen Ningbing would end up as one of his future wives.
But with Qin Jiang here, everything would be different.
Looking at Ye Ling’er—her lips tightly pressed, her expression filled with disappointment—Qin Jiang smiled and said softly, “Ling’er, do you want to go meet Xiao Fan?”
Ye Ling’er snapped out of her daze. Her beautiful eyes filled with confusion as she looked at Xiao Fan on the stage. A trace of disappointment appeared on her lovely face.
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Ryusviel
How did Xiao Fan know there’s a rare flame hidden within the Chen Family? Resonance with his body?