Chapter 47: Narrow Paths for Fated Enemies (1)

Fueled by fury, Xinmeng Leng couldn’t care less about technique—she simply started swinging. Her blows lacked form, but they were swift and vicious. Even Niansheng Ji struggled to keep up as the barrage continued, and in desperation, he targeted her exposed weakness. Suddenly, another hand intervened, firmly grasping his outstretched arm.

“Qiao Xi?” He quickly recognized the newcomer just as Qiao Xi’s palm struck. He caught her attack, countering with a blow to her abdomen, which she blocked with equal skill. For a moment, they stood motionless, then disengaged.

Rarely did Niansheng Ji find an opponent his equal, and the excitement sparked within him. Flicking his collar, he flashed a confident smile and immediately leapt to attack Qiao Xi again. She met his right hand with her own, each blocking the other’s arm.

They were locked together, Qiao Xi’s gaze cold and unyielding. At school, Qiao Xi seemed quiet and fragile, but now she stood before him expressionless, her eyes ice-cold.

This, Niansheng Ji realized, was the real Qiao Xi. It was his first time truly encountering the legendary Qiao Xi; even at the taekwondo club that day, he hadn’t seen such chill in her eyes.

“Wow, Niansheng Ji and Qiao Xi are finally fighting—it’s so cool!”

“Record it, record it! This will go viral online!”

The crowd had grown since Xinmeng Leng and Niansheng Ji began their scuffle. Now, at the school gate, students gathered, marveling at their sharp, decisive moves.

“Since you’ve stepped in, let’s make this a proper match,” Niansheng Ji declared, eager for a fair contest with Qiao Xi.

“Your opponent is me!” Xinmeng Leng growled, launching a punch. Qiao Xi blocked it and seized her firmly.

“Not here,” Qiao Xi said quietly, as the crowd swelled. She didn’t want the situation to escalate further.

But Xinmeng Leng, blinded by anger, ignored her. “Qiao Xi, stay out of this! That bastard dared take advantage of me—if I don’t teach him a lesson, I’m not Xinmeng Leng!”

Niansheng Ji, startled by her words, quickly raised his hand in protest. “I swear! It was a complete accident—I didn’t mean it, honestly!”

“Damn you—”

“Let’s leave,” Qiao Xi said, pulling Xinmeng Leng away, and Chou Chou Shan followed.

Watching them depart, Niansheng Ji frowned, feeling wronged. “I really didn’t do it on purpose…”

Dragged off unwillingly, Xinmeng Leng’s mood soured and her expression grew dark. “Why didn’t you let me teach that bastard a lesson?”

“Xin, let me ask,” Chou Chou Shan raised her hand, “how exactly did Niansheng Ji take advantage of you?”

“Damn!” Xinmeng Leng swore angrily.

Chou Chou Shan quickly ducked behind Qiao Xi for safety. “Xin, don’t punish the innocent!”

“I’m going to settle things with that bastard,” Xinmeng Leng said, moving as she spoke. Qiao Xi caught her arm, her voice deepening:

“Control yourself.”

“What’s wrong with my temper?” Xinmeng Leng arched her brow.

“If you want payback, handle it privately. Don’t let the whole school know!” Qiao Xi spoke softly, but her tone was weighty.

Xinmeng Leng frowned, shook off Qiao Xi’s hand, and forced herself to calm down. “Fine, I’ll deal with him next time.”

“What are you doing here?” Qiao Xi asked.

“What do you think? I came to find you.”

“What for?”

“…Nothing,” Xinmeng Leng’s voice weakened noticeably.

She was usually so bold and self-assured, rarely speaking like this. Qiao Xi looked at her. “Go on, tell me.”