Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Chapter 53

The arena still abuzzed with excitement, the sounds of cheering and whispered discussions filling the air.

Battles after Battles still going on. Feng Jiao Xue had three more fights after her duel with Feng Ming but it was... unticlimactic after the first two yet her viewers never failed to lean on the edge of their seat, curious how far this little surprise could go farther. Waiting with bathed breath for her victory or defeat.

Even in the preperation room, Feng Jiao Xue was still feeling her Qi waiting to be unleashed again like a caged beast that finally had a taste of freedom.

Feng Jiao Xue still feeling the rush of her victories was about to turn it in and retreat for the day as her five matches already qualifies her for the next round when a familiar presence halted her in her tracks.

Clap... Clap... Clap. A slow, deliberate clap rang out.

Feng Jiao Xue’s heart skipped a beat feeling tha familiar Qi signature behind her, the screams and roars from behind the door leading to the arena seeming to quieten at the unmistakable sound. She didn’t need to look back to know who it was, she felt it in the air, the subtle power he carried, the quiet confidence in his every step as each footstep rang on her ears coming closer.

Liang Feng, the Crown Prince.

Feng Jiao Xue closed her eyes as he makes his way toward her.. His dark robes shimmered in the light, and his eyes locked onto hers with an easy, almost warm smile.

"You did well," Liang Feng said, his voice calm and deep, but there was something there, an understanding. "I didn’t expect anything less from you Jiao Xue or should I say FengJiaoXue."

’F@ck’ Feng Jiao Xue knew that there was a chance he would come but she thought he would still be recuperating. Truthfully, uncharacteristcally for her, she had hoped that he would not come and pushed how she would face him out of her mind and focused on training.

Feng Jiao Xue’s lips curved into a soft smile, her chest tightening slightly at his words. She had not expected the Crown Prince to approach her directly, and yet, the familiarity in his tone comforted her more than she expected.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her voice steady but respectful.

Liang Feng’s smile deepened, his gaze sharpening as he moved closer. "I’ve been watching," he said, his voice quieter now, meant only for her. "You’ve grown strong, Jiao Xue. You’re no longer the girl I met back when we were young." Despite the happiness and pride in his voice there was a hint of dissapointment, betrayal and sadness.

Feng Jiao Xue’s heart fluttered at the mention of the past. He had been nothing but kind and respectful to her when she had been with him during that mission even when she had been pretending to be someone else. She had always appreciated his calm demeanor and the respect he showed, despite her low status back then. And... she had always kept in mind the care and love he gave the previous her when she trully was a trash.

"For all it’s worth, I was only ever been able to cultivate a month and so before the mission" She tried. Emotion is not her strong suit.

"It’s fine. I guess. Congratulations on your victory. You’ve... changed" He stated as if finding the right word to say, wincing at th delivery.

"You’ve changed as well, Your Highness," she replied with a softly, trying to sound almost teasing with a smile. "It’s been a while since I saw you in the palace."

His gaze softened, and he chuckled lightly. "I’ve always been the same, just... different circumstances. But you" he continued, his voice filled with genuine warmth recognizing her awkwardness, his gaze warming up when she fiddled with her fingers, a mannerism so familiar to him. "you’ve come a long way. You’re not the same person who have always needed me anymore, are you?"

Feng Jiao Xue tensed slightly, but her expression remained neutral. She wasn’t surprised he recognized her Qi. The Crown Prince had always been perceptive, and his sharp eyes had likely noticed the subtle shift in her presence, her cultivation far greater than it had been when they last met.

"Your Highness..." she began, but he raised his hand, cutting her off. "I still..."

"There’s no need to pretend, Jiao Xue," he said with a slight, almost brotherly grin. "I already knew. I recognized your Qi signature when you entered the arena. You where amazing." he breathed out, putting his hand on her shoulder. "And I’m glad. I will always be here but.. I’m glad you no longer need me. And I mean that in the most absolute possitive way ever."

She met his eyes, and for a moment, there was a strange silence between them, the weight of unsaid words hanging in the air.

"You’ve been hiding your true strength, haven’t you?" Liang Feng asked, his tone thoughtful, but not accusatory. There was no judgment in his voice, only curiosity. "But I respect it. It’s wise to keep your cards close to your chest. Andeven if I say I’m glad you no longer need me and I mean every word of it, if you ever do, I’ll still be here for you."

"I’ll be your shield when have your back if you want to fight your battles, I’ll give you my support. And when your tired, I’ll be your sword and be the weapon you need to take down your foes." He grinned sincerely. and Feng Jiao Xue stood there, stunned.

"I’ll stand in front of you and be your shield, or stand by your side to be your partner, and when you no longer wish to fight your battles, I’ll stand before you and be your fighter. Always remember, I’m your fighter as much as I’m your protector" Lou Xi grinned at her, his eyes shinning brightly as he put his hand on his worn shoulder.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she looks at Liang Feng, his figure overlapping with Lou Xi. "Big Brother" she called out as she had done then.

"I’ve got you little sister""I’m right here little sister"

Feng Jiao Xue sagged as she was pulled in a warm hug before she pulled herself together.

Feng Jiao Xue wiped her eyes and coughed in embarassment but still she replied, relaxed slightly, comforted by his understanding. "I wasn’t hiding," she replied, her tone soft but sincere. "I just... didn’t want to draw attention to myself."

Liang Feng nodded, his eyes warm. "I understand," he said quietly. "But you’ve done well today. Your victory was undeniable. And no matter what reason you have, I will listen and try to understand."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She had always viewed him as a future ally, a potential partner in the political games of the Empire. His influence was undeniable, and his intellect far surpassed that of most. If he recognized her, then perhaps she could secure a place by his side in the future. And yet, while she contemplated his utility... he thought of their bond...

"I trust you, Jiao Xue," Liang Feng continued, his voice low and earnest. "I know you’re not like the others. You have a purpose, and I intend to help you achieve it, whatever that may be."

Feng Jiao Xue felt a swell of gratitude at his words. Despite his position as Crown Prince, he had always treated her with respect, unlike many others who saw her only as a pawn or a ’good-for-nothing.’ But Liang Feng had always been different, he had never looked down on her, and he had never judged her.

"Thank you, Your Highness- big brother" she said, her voice full of sincerity. "I’m grateful for your support."

A warm smile spread across Liang Feng’s face as he clapped her gently on the shoulder. "No need to thank me, little sister. I consider you family and I always will. What kind of big brother would I be if I don’t?"

His words, though casual, carried a weight of promise. Feng Jiao Xue knew that she had gained something far more valuable than just recognition today. She had gained the trust of the Crown Prince, and perhaps, in the future, an ally who could help her achieve everything she had set her sights on in this empire/

"Let’s talk more later," Liang Feng said with a knowing smile. "There’s much we need to discuss, but for now, take a moment to enjoy your victory."

With that, the Crown Prince turned and walked away, leaving Feng Jiao Xue standing amidst the still-thrumming arena, her thoughts a swirl of possibilities. She had earned more than just the crowd’s admiration today, she had earned a powerful ally in Liang Feng and as he left, doubt rooted in her heart.

Is she projecting or... is the crown prince him.