Boom!!

A loud noise rang out as the Gang Qi Arrow hit the Ruthless Sword, sending it flying, along with Leng Qingqiu.

Leng Qingqiu's graceful figure traced a beautiful arc in the air before crashing heavily to the ground outside the arena.

This time, due to the great turmoil in Leng Qingqiu's Daoist Heart caused by the Cold Fiend's backlash, Leng Qingqiu's hair, eyelashes, skin, and lips all turned white, and a thin layer of ice covered her body. Leng Qingqiu shivered violently, her breaths quick and labored as her consciousness began to blur…

Wang Xiaoqiang leaped down from the arena, approaching Leng Qingqiu and embracing her gradually ice-sealed delicate body, releasing Fire Element Spiritual Energy from his own body. He then channeled it into her to dispel the Cold Fiend.

Half-conscious, half-awake, Leng Qingqiu suddenly felt her frozen body embraced by an exceptionally warm hold. Almost instinctively, she clung to Wang Xiaoqiang, pressing herself against him repeatedly…

This was the second time the two embraced in public.

This scene reignited the jealousy of the Yan sisters from afar. It also made Ann Miaoyi quite discontent. Even though Wang Xiaoqiang was not holding her, the sight of him winning the match and embracing a beauty left her feeling displeased.

Princess Hua Shao felt similarly discontent.

From a distance, Princess Hua Shao looked down at the two closely holding each other, feeling a wave of displeasure. She then pursed her red lips and said to Huang Ce, "Father, although Wang Xiaoqiang won the match, his victory was not righteous. During his duel with Leng Qingqiu, not only did he repeatedly tease her, but at the critical moment of the spell duel, he deliberately disturbed Leng Qingqiu's Daoist Heart…"

Before Princess Hua Shao could finish, Lotus Princess interrupted, "Since the rules of the match do not prohibit speaking, you cannot forbid someone from talking. Leng Qingqiu cultivates the Path of Ruthlessness, which focuses on the Daoist Heart. Wang Xiaoqiang's disruption of her Daoist Heart to win is not objectionable…"

Huang Ce also spoke up, "Mmm, Lotus Princess speaks truly. In a spell duel, it is not only a contest of cultivation base but also a struggle between Daoist Hearts. Wang Xiaoqiang's disruption of Leng Qingqiu's Daoist Heart shows that he is sharp-minded and intelligent. Not everyone could achieve this. This Wang Xiaoqiang, I appreciate him!"

"…" Princess Hua Shao, seeing both her parents siding with Wang Xiaoqiang, felt quite frustrated. She sulkily pursed her lips, daring not to say more. Her gaze shifted towards Wang Xiaoqiang and Ann Miaoyi, a hint of worry in her heart because Ann Miaoyi was up next to battle Wang Xiaoqiang. With Wang Xiaoqiang's unfathomable cultivation and astonishing spell techniques, coupled with his cunning nature, she feared her good sister would not be able to defeat him.

…

Below the arena.

Wang Xiaoqiang still held Leng Qingqiu tightly, enjoying the feel of her contoured, resilient body in his arms.

Thanks to Wang Xiaoqiang's assistance, the Aura of Cold Fiend inside Leng Qingqiu was fully dispelled, and her consciousness gradually returned. Lifting her beautiful eyes, she glanced at the man who held her so tightly, unsure whether to love or hate him.

During the critical moment of the duel, Wang Xiaoqiang's words had pierced the long-sealed matters of her heart. The strand of Remnant Soul in her Jade Pendant was none other than a wisp of her former lover's Living Soul. Wang Xiaoqiang's words revived her once desolate heart, stirred her emotions once more, plunged her Daoist Heart into chaos, and an emotional collapse, leading to her inevitable defeat.

Wang Xiaoqiang had defeated her, yet again saved her, and it was for the second time, which left her with complicated feelings.

"Let go!" Leng Qingqiu chided, her complexion returning to its original color, even flushing slightly with embarrassment.

Wang Xiaoqiang released her and said, "Clear Autumn, in the next match, fight with all your heart. Turn that Zhao Wenxuan into a pig-headed mess. Rest assured, if the Cold Fiend backlash hits you again, I will save you…"

Leng Qingqiu shook her head and replied, "My Daoist Heart has been disturbed. I no longer have the strength to fight. I forfeit."

Having said this, she stood up, took a couple of steps away, then paused and turned back to look deeply at Wang Xiaoqiang. "Until we meet again!"

"Until we meet again!" Wang Xiaoqiang felt her departure and a sense of melancholy inside.

Leng Qingqiu smiled tenderly, then turned and left. She did not head towards the presiding stage but directly departed from Dragon City Plaza.

Wang Xiaoqiang stood there dazed, Leng Qingqiu's tender smiling face still etched in his mind. Watching her receding figure, Wang Xiaoqiang felt a profound sense of loss, wondering if he would ever encounter her again.

…

Leng Qingqiu's forfeiture allowed Zhao Wenxuan to advance directly to third place in this Armor Snatching Tournament.

Zhao Wenxuan was neither lucky nor happy; instead, he was quite annoyed and depressed.

Leng Qingqiu's withdrawal was like a cold slap to his face, as if to say, "You, a man without backbone, are not worthy to compete with me."

Next, it was Wang Xiaoqiang and Ann Miaoyi vying for first place.

This match was the last event of the Armor Snatching Tournament.

It was the center of attention.

The moment was a break in the competition.

A group of palace maids, stepping like lotuses, ascended to the platform, singing and dancing to rally excitement for the final match.

The graceful dance moves, the gentle and melodious singing...

Absolutely enchanting!

At this moment, nearly a hundred thousand pairs of eyes were all focused on the platform. Especially the men's gazes, all attracted by the colors and sounds on the stage.

The singing and dancing ended.

The palace maids retreated from the platform.

Ann Miaoyi gestured with her right hand, her body suddenly soaring, light as a butterfly, she flew up to the platform on her own. Her graceful figure and lovely appearance drew thunderous applause from below.

Wang Xiaoqiang stared at Ann Miaoyi's enticing figure, gave a meaningful smile, then with a spring in his step, he leaped onto the platform.

The two stood facing each other.

Seeing how easily Wang Xiaoqiang had defeated Leng Qingqiu, Ann Miaoyi felt intimidated by him psychologically; however, on the surface, she put on an even more haughty demeanor. Looking down at Wang Xiaoqiang with a patronizing gaze, she whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Wang Xiaoqiang, for a commoner like you, making it this far is quite extraordinary. Even if you lose this last match, you'd still be the second-place winner of the tournament, entitled to the Spirit Silver Armor and a noble title. Glory has been achieved to the utmost. Frankly speaking, first and second place aren't too different for you..."

Wang Xiaoqiang countered, "Lady Ann, your words shame me. Second place awards Spirit Silver Armor, while first place grants Spirit Golden Armor—that's the difference. Moreover, the fame of the first-place winner is many times greater than that of the second place..."

Ann Miaoyi paused at his words,

Seeing that Wang Xiaoqiang wasn't as time-sensitive as Zhao Wenxuan, the imperial commandery princess felt a bit irked and shot a glance at Wang Xiaoqiang. She then said, "Wang Xiaoqiang, you know I'm Lady Ann. Have you not considered that someday, as an officer of the Empire, you'll be a colleague of my father? And let me tell you without any pretense, our Ann family are imperial relatives. You will be my father's subordinate..." Did you understand my meaning this time?

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand!" Wang Xiaoqiang stared at Ann Miaoyi playfully, shaking his head.

Ann Miaoyi's expression hardened once more, and with a cold sneer, she looked down on Wang Xiaoqiang with undisguised contempt and loathing. "Wise is the man who knows the times. Your decision today will affect your fate from now on. Let me tell you frankly, even if you win the match, so what? If you offend my father, your future career will be over..."

Wang Xiaoqiang, seeing Ann Miaoyi not only hinting at him to lose but also using her family's power to intimidate him, couldn't help but be furious. He laughed out of anger and then retorted, "Lady Ann, if you want the first place so badly, then fine, I'll let you have it..."

"Uh…" Ann Miaoyi was slightly surprised but also somewhat delighted; her delicate little mouth opened wide, revealing her small, tender tongue.

"However, I have one condition..."

"Whatever condition you have, just say it. If I can do it, there will be no second words." Ann Miaoyi showed an excited smile and waved her hand grandly.

"Actually, the condition is very simple: marry me!" Wang Xiaoqiang stared at Ann Miaoyi and laughed somewhat lecherously. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)

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