Regressor and Plans for the future?*

------One Week Ago-------

In Yin Family's Jade Phoenix Palace,

"Urgh..." I groaned softly as I opened my eyes, greeted by the gentle touch of sunlight on my cheeks.

"Didn't I... die?"

I gingerly sat up, realizing that my body felt remarkably light.

There was no heaviness, no stiffness, no pain from the corrupted chaos qi that had once ravaged me. My body seemed free of the torment I had experienced, the sensation of my body and soul being torn apart by the malevolent energy had vanished.

And my skin... it was unblemished, like pure white jade.

"...?"

My skin, which was supposed to have been corroded due to the corrupted chaos qi, looked perfectly normal. I remembered Jianyu's worried and caring expression as he rushed to my side, trying to save me.

'Did Jianyu save me? Why... after everything I did... why did you save me?' I realized something was off. Not just my physical state, but my size too.

"Huh? What—?!" I gasped in shock as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

"Why do I look like a child...? Have I regresssed to my childhood?"

It felt surreal, like a dream, but no matter how much time passed, I didn't wake up.

"Hahaha..."

I couldn't believe it. A sensation akin to a punch in the gut overwhelmed me, and I found myself sitting on the floor, hugging my knees. The situation was too bizarre, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. The realization of my past actions and their consequences hit me like a ton of bricks.

"That scoundrel... after using me as a pawn, a sacrificial lamb, he dared to call it a 'necessary sacrifice'! And yet, the person I scorned, the one I viewed as a weak and arrogant fool... he tried to save me, wept for me when no one else was there..."

"Ha ha ha..." My laughter carried a sense of bitterness, a twisted mix of emotions. A single tear traced its path down my cheek.

"Lady Xifeng, it's time to wake up," at that moment, Su Lan, my maid since childhood, entered the room and found me on the floor.

"My lady! What happened? Are you okay?" She rushed to my side, concern etched across her features.

"I'm fine sniff*, I just had a nightmare sniff*..." I managed to say between tears.

"There, there, my lady. Don't underestimate Su Lan. I might not look like it, but I'm strong enough to chase away all your nightmares!"

"Hahaha," I chuckled at her determined words. And so, my second chance at life began.

Later that day, as I sat on my bed, I contemplated the events that had unfolded and the path ahead, now that I had been given a new start.

'First and foremost, I need to become stronger and sabotage that 'scoundrel'. The best way to do that is to strip away the opportunities he gained in my previous life.'

'And in about a week, the announcement of my engagement with Jianyu will take place. Jianyu... he was one of the few who stood by me, besides my grandmother and Su Lan. Despite my cruel treatment toward him, he never held it against me. It doesn't matter if it was out of pity; I promise, no matter what, I won't let you suffer.'

With determination in my eyes, I made a silent vow, thinking of Jianyu and the path I would forge with this second chance.

--After the Meeting Between Xin Jianyu and Yin Xifeng--

I buried my face into my pillow and let out a muffled scream. "Aaahhh! What did I do? I couldn't even manage a proper smile. He must think I'm a wierdo!" I berated myself internally.

"Okay, okay, let's calm down. I can still fix this. If I remember correctly, Jianyu invited me to an auction a few weeks from now. I can use that opportunity to suggest our next outing. In my previous life, I failed to notice his efforts to make me happy. But not this time, Jianyu. I won't let your efforts go to waste. I need to strengthen our relationship before we enter the sect... before you meet 'her'."

--Meanwhile, on the Xin Family's Amethyst Peak--

'Alright, I need to shape public opinion within the sect and make myself appear as a kind and heroic youth. That way, if the engagement falters, the blame will fall on Yin Xifeng.'

Now, how do I go about it? Let's think. I need to set my priorities straight.

First, I have to identify and locate the heavenblessed individual.

Second, I need to maintain close proximity to Yin Xifeng and portray myself as a caring and affectionate fiance.

Third, I have to keep tabs on Xifeng to know when she makes contact with the heavenblessed. But I can't just have someone spy on the Yin family's young lady.

So, the best approach would be to frequently meet my 'beloved' fiancee. This way, I can play the role of a devoted fiance, find out about her interactions with the heavenblessed, and uncover their identity. Killing three birds with one stone, just as one would expect from someone of my esteemed stature.

But there's one small issue. Yin Xifeng is currently 9 years old, while I am only 8. The sect admits disciples at the age of 12, meaning we'll be separated for a year. This year is likely when the heavenblessed will strike.

Hmmm... I could try to convince my grandfather to let me enter the sect early, but he won't bend the rules for a child's whim. So, I'll need to prove to him and my mother that I've genuinely fallen for my charming fiancee. Looks like I'll need to plan a date or something soon.'

"Lei Qiang," I called out.

Silently, a woman in high-quality servant's attire appeared before me. Lei Qiang, a kind of dharma protector-servant hybrid, who typically attends to my needs while also ensuring my safety. She should be at the threshold of entering the Immortal realm. With her black hair and eyes that resembled peach blossoms, she exuded an air of elegance.

"Yes, young master?"

"I'm thinking of inviting Miss Xifeng on an outing. Do you know of any place with good food or any upcoming special events?" I asked, attempting my best innocent smile while internally cringing.

"Ara, with Miss Xifeng? Well... there will be an auction at the Phoenix Feather Auction Hall in two weeks. And as for a place for good food, the Dragon's Whiskers Pavillion, owned by the Xin family, is renowned for its cuisine," Lei Qiang responded with a gentle smile.

'Damn, she's quite dazzling when she smiles.'

'If not for the wisdom I've attained through my experiences spanning three lifetimes, I might have found myself blushing.'

Jianyu thought with a slight blush on his face.

"I'll need to discuss this with my mother later, I suppose..."

'But putting that aside, tomorrow is finally the day, isn't it? Tomorrow, I'll embark on my journey into qi cultivation.'