Chapter 138:

Unlike previous simulations, this time when Xu Xi broke through to a higher realm, there were no celebratory greetings. Neither his sister nor the witch came to meet him.

In this martial arts simulation, everyone had their own responsibilities. While Xu Xi was in retreat, Wu Yingxue managed the army in his absence, and A Niu, along with the other young leaders, carried out their respective duties.

Xu Xi’s retreat had been quiet, and his emergence was equally calm.

The only things that greeted him were the warm rays of sunshine and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

And that was enough.

“I wish this tranquility could last forever,” Xu Xi murmured as he stepped out of the official residence.

Sunlight filtered through the eaves, casting golden beams onto his shoulders. The warmth of the sun felt so alive that even the cold stone bricks and silent roof tiles seemed to glow with vitality.

The next day, Xu Xi remained in Pingshui County, waiting for the autumn harvest to conclude. Wu Yingxue, upon hearing the news of his return, rushed over from a neighboring county.

“Sir, have you grown stronger again?!”

Her voice was lively, brimming with joy and excitement—a stark contrast to the witch’s usual calm demeanor.

“Just a small breakthrough,” Xu Xi replied with a faint smile.

They met at the fields on the outskirts of Pingshui County. Standing side by side, they overlooked the vast golden expanse of rice fields. The swaying ears of rice, moved by the breeze, resembled rolling waves, rising and falling endlessly.

Against this backdrop of pure gold, Wu Yingxue’s red-and-white robe stood out starkly.

Her New Year’s Eve light green dress had long since been discarded—it wasn’t the young princess’s preferred style. She had returned to her former image as “Ms. Wu Xiao,” the demon-slaying warrior revered by all.

“Sir, how strong are you now?”

“I’ve improved, but I still have a long way to go before I can match the 3rd stage innate realm or the human immortals beyond that.”

“Well, you’re still far ahead of me,” she said with a playful grin.

“Yingxue, while I was away, were there any issues in the other counties?”

“Don’t worry, sir! Everything is under control as long as I’m here!”

“That’s good to hear.”

As they stood along the field ridge, Wu Yingxue proudly reported on her management efforts. When she finished, Xu Xi plucked a blade of grass and handed it to her.

“Want to try it, Yingxue?”

“What’s this?”

“The children in Qingniu Town call it ‘candy,’” Xu Xi explained, placing one in his mouth and chewing gently.

The girl hesitated briefly, then imitated his actions, placing the grass blade in her mouth and chewing.

The wind blew, causing the grass’s roots to sway. As she bit into it, a faint sweetness spread in her mouth, surprising her.

“It’s sweet!”

Her eyes widened with amazement. Even someone as bold and straightforward as Wu Yingxue couldn’t resist the brief joy brought by the sweetness.

“Sir, this is delicious!”

She continued chewing, savoring the taste, until all the grass Xu Xi had was gone.

“Enjoy it, but don’t overdo it,” Xu Xi advised gently, and Wu Yingxue nodded obediently.

For the rest of the day, the two watched the golden rice fields, discussing the survival army’s development and their long-term goals.

Their conversation ranged from hopeful aspirations to harsh realities. They spoke of relentless struggles, bloodthirsty demons, cruel oppressors, and weapons that could destroy everything.

As the chatter went on, Wu Yingxue’s mood began to waver.

“Sir, do you think the survival army can really make it to the end?” she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

The young princess, once part of Daqian’s elite, understood better than anyone else the vast disparity between their current strength and Daqian’s true power. She knew it wouldn’t take much for Daqian to annihilate everything they’d built.

She looked to Xu Xi for reassurance.

But his response wasn’t what she expected.

“Yingxue, do you believe there’s such a thing as absolute success or failure in this world?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.

“Probably not,” she replied hesitantly, shaking her head.

“Exactly,” Xu Xi affirmed. “Nothing remains unchanged forever.”

“Daqian may not always be the victor, and we may not always be the defeated,” he continued.

“Our current position is undoubtedly disadvantageous. Even a single one of the thirteen states could overwhelm us. But…”

“Yingxue, some things in this world aren’t about winning or losing. Sometimes, even when you know you’ll fail, you still have to try. Only then can you see the light of dawn.”

His voice was calm yet firm, carrying an unshakable resolve.

Though he made no promises of victory or a brighter future, his words contained a quiet strength.

Wu Yingxue smiled faintly, recalling the lessons Xu Xi had imparted to her.

“You’re right, sir,” she said, her spirits lifting.

“Failure is the mother of success!” she declared, her fighting spirit reigniting. “Even if we fail, we’ll just start over from the beginning!”

Xu Xi, however, sighed inwardly. “Can’t she get that phrase right?”

“Sir, I’m not afraid of anything anymore! Even if I die tomorrow, I won’t flinch!”

“Yingxue, turn around.”

“Huh? Oh…”

Before she could react, Xu Xi flicked her forehead lightly with his middle finger.

“Ouch!” Wu Yingxue yelped, covering her forehead and rubbing it with her palms.

“Don’t say such unlucky things,” Xu Xi scolded gently.

“I understand…” she muttered, though he could tell she’d likely make the same mistake again in the future.

Her fiery personality made her both a fierce protector and a reckless risk-taker, often acting on impulse without much thought.

“Yingxue, I remember your technique is incomplete, right?”

“Yes. Why, sir?”

“Since you’re here, I want to help you develop a new technique to replace the royal one you lost.”

“Really? Can that be done?”

“It’s worth trying. I also have some questions about the royal family I’d like you to answer.”

…

[Wu Yingxue’s martial arts technique is incomplete due to her loss of royal status, which prevents her from accessing the full skill.]

[This limitation hinders her growth in strength.]

[You’ve decided to use the unique characteristics of your Qi, Blood, Heaven, and Earth to create a new martial arts technique for her.]

[This is a bold and ambitious endeavor.]

[With your martial arts insights, you believe it’s worth a try.]

[You decide to start with her Azure Dragon Qi, observing and refining it to form a new technique.]

[The girl follows your instructions, releasing her Blue Arc Technique at close range.]

[You watch the lifelike dragon-shaped Qi and fall into deep thought.]