24 5-stars, will try again*

A while earlier, Xiao Xiang found herself amidst the bustling crowd that had gathered to witness the selection trials of the esteemed Profound Heavens sect. Having always been known for her intelligence and early wisdom, she was well aware of the sect's stringent rules and rigid adherence to regulations. Over the years, she had managed to gather bits and pieces of information about the sect's inner workings and principles.

As the presiding elder's voice resonated through the air, announcing the presence of a special exception for this year's trials, Xiao Xiang couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise. Her thoughts raced as she tried to fathom the identity of this exception. Could it be a figure of high lineage, perhaps connected to the sect leader or one of the grand elders? Her mind wove scenarios, imagining the possibilities behind this surprising deviation from the norm.

However, when the elder spoke the name of the exceptional candidate, her shock surpassed any expectations she might have held.

"Now then, I welcome the young star of the Xin Clan, the unparalleled genius, Xin Jianyu!!"

The name echoed in her mind, like the striking of a chord that resonated with memories and emotions. Her heart pounded in her chest as a flicker of disbelief danced in her thoughts. Could it really be him? The notion seemed too fantastical, too outlandish to be true. Yet, as a figure emerged and made his way toward the group of twelve successful sparring test participants, the truth was laid bare before her.

Though her unique sight allowed her to perceive people's emotions and souls rather than their appearances, she still opened her eyes wide, eager to catch a glimpse of the soul she had encountered before. What she witnessed was a captivating sight, an ethereal violet gem-like presence partially shrouded in a dark mist.

Hints of various colors flitted within the mist, reminiscent of fish darting beneath the surface of murky waters. It bore a striking resemblance to the one she had seen three years ago, yet something was different this time. The dark mist seemed to have grown as if concealing secrets within its depths, secrets that seemed enchanting to her.

A rush of realization surged through her.

'It's him!'

Xiao Xiang's heart soared with elation as a radiant smile graced her features. She felt a deep happiness that eclipsed any questions or doubts. At that moment, she didn't pause to ponder why the heir of the Xin Family had extended his help, why he had offered to escort her, or even if he remembered their past encounter. The fact that he stood before her was enough to fill her with joy. To her, he was an exception, someone who stood out from the crowd in a way that defied explanation.

The peculiar nature of Xin Jianyu's soul had always 'intrigued' her. She couldn't put her finger on why his soul felt so different from others, yet its allure was undeniable. Moreover, his actions—the way he had protected her and guided her home—had seemed to be taken from the pages of a fairytale.

Yet, amidst her musings and admiration, the trials moved forward. Xiao Dong, her own brother, had already challenged Xin Jianyu. An uneasy mixture of emotions churned within her as she watched the scene unfold. She felt concern for Jianyu, yet it quickly became apparent that her worry was misplaced. Xin Jianyu defeated Xiao Dong with a level of ease that left Xiao Xiang feeling both amazed and conflicted.

Observing her brother's defeat at Jianyu's hands stirred a surge of complex emotions within her. And then, as if fate was playing its hand, Jianyu's gaze briefly met hers before moving on.

'Could it be...' Her mind raced to a hopeful conclusion, a notion born from the emotions swirling within her.

'Did he challenge my brother because of me? Could it be that he... l-loves me?' Xiao Xiang's thoughts danced on the dreams of romantic fantasy, a notion as tantalizing as it was improbable. Yet, in her heart, she dared to wonder if their brief encounter had sparked the embers of love!

'W-well everyone does praise my appearance, but... this is too sudden!'

Her imaginative thoughts were one of the things farthest from the truth.

Little did she know that another onlooker shared a similar misconception. In the form of Yin Xifeng, a fellow disciple with her own delusions, a misinterpretation was forming.

'Did Jianyu see that bastard smile at me? Is that why he humiliated him? Fufu, as expected Jianyu truly cares about me!' Yin Xifeng's thoughts bloomed with self-satisfaction, believing that Xin Jianyu's actions were rooted in his feelings for her.

But in reality, her conclusions were truly off the mark.

...

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...

"...V-victor, Xin Jianyu!" Amidst the crowd's cheers, Jianyu, no longer fully focused on the battle, became aware of his surroundings. As he scanned the faces of the disciples, he registered the various expressions that ranged from admiration to shock. And among them, Xiao Xiang's gaze met his with a complexity that didn't go unnoticed. Her furrowed brows and the ambivalence in her eyes spoke volumes.

'My public image!'

A pang of realization hit him. He understood the gravity of his actions and their impact on how others perceived him.

'...Well, it's still fixable, and honestly, it was worth it, 5-stars would try again.'

A smile formed on his lips as he glanced toward his fallen opponent, Xiao Dong. His words were lighthearted as he addressed the situation, "Hahaha, that was a great spar. I almost panicked when fellow disciple launched his second attack."

The crowd, having shaken off their daze, erupted into cheers once more. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and an admiration that wasn't confined to martial prowess alone. Some blushing faces among the girls in the crowd spoke of a different kind of appreciation that lingered in the air.

Elder Wu, the referee of the trials, also regained his composure. Clearing his throat, he attempted to resume his role, though an undeniable sense of awe lingered.

"Ahem, truly a marvelous display of skills from our first challenger. Now, is there anyone else who wishes to challenge disciple Jianyu next?"

Yet, the proceeding felt somewhat awkward. Elder Wu's astonishment wasn't unfounded. Both Xiao Dong's remarkable proficiency in his techniques and Xin Jianyu's overpowering defeat of him left an indelible impression.

The aura that emanated from Xin Jianyu's cold expression left even the elder, a cultivator of significantly higher cultivation, with an inexplicable shiver.

But as he watched Xin Jianyu's smile at the end and his genuine respect for his opponents, Elder Wu's perspective shifted. He recognized the complex interplay between the two sides of Jianyu—the fierce warrior and the kind-hearted boy. It was a duality that had always existed in the world of cultivators, individuals who could transform entirely in the heat of battle.

As Elder Wu's thoughts meandered, a voice cut through his musings, cold and prideful. The sound commanded attention, and the gaze of the crowd shifted. "I would like to exchange sword moves with fellow disciple Xin."

The voice belonged to a youth, a figure with deep black hair and eyes of the same hue, a stark contrast to the white robes he wore. A sword hung at his side, exuding an air of determination. The boy's presence captured the attention of all those around him, turning the focus of the event once more to the arena.

It was the same boy who had captured Jianyu's attention earlier, the one who bore the moniker "sword guy" in Jianyu's thoughts. Without hesitation, the boy leaped onto the elevated platform in a single fluid motion, his gaze directed firmly at Xin Jianyu.

"Shi Jian, please advise," the boy greeted Jianyu with an expression that betrayed no emotion.

Jianyu returned the greeting, a slight smile gracing his lips as he said, "Likewise."

The two figures took their positions, standing about ten meters apart, their eyes locked in a silent challenge. Hands gripped their swords, their forms poised for action, their determination clear.

"Begin!!" Elder Wu's declaration cut through the charged atmosphere, and in an instant, the two combatants blurred into motion. Their figures converged, their swords clashed, and the arena resonated with the symphony of steel meeting steel as they deflected, attacked, and defended.

The battle had begun.