Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1719 - 938: Beyond the Boundary
Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
"Self-destructive?"
Initially startled, Xin Youling gazed down from the second floor onto the bustling square. Like a young eagle observing its classmates, she replied with deep sincerity:
"Perhaps I was feeling a bit low these past few days, but recently, I've had a significant realization. Are the pursuits I've dedicated myself to all this time truly the correct path?"
"Recently, I encountered an incredibly endearing stray cat. It offered me a completely new perspective on life."
Jiang Ning inwardly remarked, 'She talked so much, and it turns out it's all about a cat.'
Xin Youling fixed her gaze directly upon Jiang Ning. "So, I wish to bring you to see this cat."
Understood: She became despondent after being rejected by Yu Wen, faced career setbacks, felt disheartened, and began contemplating the meaning of existence.
Jiang Ning offered words of praise: "You possess a universe within your heart."
In that precise moment, Xin Youling's heart was deeply moved. 'He truly understands me so well?'
She sighed, her voice filled with emotion. "Indeed, compared to the vastness of the entire universe, what significance does the position of class monitor hold? It's merely an ant, a speck of dust. If I harbor no desires, what is there left to fear?"
"Therefore, are you willing to accompany me to see the cat?" She extended an invitation, akin to one seeking enlightenment.
Jiang Ning paused for half a second, considering. Geng Lu was occupied with her close friend He Qingtang today, and Tongtong was surely taking her afternoon nap.
"Alright."
Xin Youling expressed her gratitude: "Thank you."
And so, five minutes before the school day concluded that afternoon, Jiang Ning and Xin Youling departed from the classroom together.
Dong Qingfeng watched them leave, lost in thought. He didn't anticipate any romantic developments between Jiang Ning and Xin Youling. While Xin Youling was undeniably attractive, she was also perceived as a rather rigid individual, fixated on achieving status and power.
As they reached the ground floor, Jiang Ning proceeded to the bicycle shed and retrieved an electric scooter.
Xin Youling commented beside him, "My electric scooter has been borrowed by Dong Qingfeng."
"No problem, you can ride mine."
Jiang Ning mounted the electric scooter, executed a stylish drift, and came to a precise halt right before Xin Youling.
By Xin Youling's estimation, the distance from her foot to the seat was a mere centimeter, as if she could effortlessly board by simply tiptoeing.
Xin Youling couldn't help but reflect. When she held the position of class monitor, numerous individuals would approach her with trivial matters. Some sought to exploit her, while others aimed to curry favor, all for the sake of gaining minuscule advantages.
Now, the power dynamic had drastically shifted. She was no longer at her zenith, yet Jiang Ning continued to treat her with such consideration.
A hint of vulnerability flickered in Xin Youling's sharp eyes. "Jiang Ning, I... I'm no longer the class monitor. You don't need to look after me like this anymore."
Jiang Ning remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.
He dismounted the scooter, his tone flat. "I'm letting you ride it to give me a lift."
Xin Youling appeared momentarily stunned, then suddenly exclaimed, "Thank you!"
She thought to herself, 'Thank you for granting me the respect I craved most during my period of loneliness.'
Jiang Ning made an effort to maintain his composure. "No need for thanks."
Transforming into a formidable female knight, Xin Youling expertly maneuvered the electric scooter with Jiang Ning securely seated behind her, a feat that required minimal effort and mental strain.
As Xin Youling guided the electric scooter, the campus cherry blossoms were in their full, glorious bloom. Along the expansive main road, it was just the two of them – this was the essence of freedom.
She glanced back, the orderly teaching building receding behind them, students still diligently studying within their classrooms.
This was not merely freedom; it was the very transcendence of power!
Xin Youling remarked, "Only when I'm on leave from my duties can I witness such a scene."
Jiang Ning replied, "This is my daily reality."
"Why is that?"
"Because I enjoy leaving school early."
Xin Youling remained silent for about two seconds before inquiring, "Is it because of Xue Yuantong?"
She was the constant presence on the path to academic dominance in Class 8, someone she could never overlook. Now, as the tide of power had receded, she finally understood who the true behemoth was.
Jiang Ning confirmed, "Yes, it’s her."
Such is the reality of high school, where outstanding academic achievements serve as the ultimate key to overcoming all obstacles.
Xin Youling had once considered achieving the top rank in her grade through sheer effort, but climbing the ladder of academic success proved to be a slow and arduous process.
She had tried for a period, even struggling to outperform Dan Kaiquan, managing to barely secure a spot in a reputable 211 university.
Xin Youling fell silent, inwardly reassuring herself that even within the ancient domain of the Boundary Envoy, didn't rule-defying Princes exist?
She articulated her thoughts, stating, "In a manner of speaking, excellent grades also represent a form of power."
Jiang Ning countered, "It is not genuine power."
After a few moments of contemplation, Xin Youling amended her statement: "To be precise, it is merely a form of privilege."
Consequently, Xin Youling guided the electric scooter out of the school gates. Instead of heading directly to the small park to find the stray cat, she first took Jiang Ning to a restaurant she frequented.
"This establishment primarily offers delicious hot braised dishes, and their fried rice is exceptionally tasty."
Xin Youling brought her electric scooter to a halt. Her demeanor was serious, and despite having visited several times previously, her rapport with the owner remained distinctly average. She placed an order for two portions of Yangzhou fried rice, accompanied by several braised delicacies, including pork backbone, duck intestines, cauliflower, and thinly sliced lotus root. The eatery was still bustling with activity. Xin Youling found herself waiting for a considerable duration, yet the food had yet to materialize. A slight crease formed between her brows: "Ten minutes have already elapsed. Why hasn't the fried rice, the centerpiece of our meal, reached our table?" Jiang Ning, taking a sip of cola, interjected, "Shall we request the waiter to expedite this particular dish?" Xin Youling expressed surprise, finding it uncanny how Jiang Ning so consistently pinpointed her exact thoughts. ... Concurrently. Dong Qingfeng parked his electric scooter before a establishment bearing the sign 'Boundless Fighting'. Driven by a yearning for self-betterment, he entered the mixed martial arts gym. A comely receptionist guided him towards the waiting lounge. "How long until I can effectively subdue an average individual?" The burly coach offered a practiced, amiable smile: "This is a familiar query from many of our patrons. For minor skirmishes in daily life, our curriculum suggests a period of one to three months. Post-training, you'll handle them like a mere sandbag." "Naturally, the definition of 'average' can vary. If your adversary tips the scales at over 200 pounds and maintains a regular fitness regimen, you might require one to two years of dedicated training, possibly even longer." Dong Qingfeng acknowledged this with a nod, appearing quite content with the comprehensive response. His mind drifted to the encounter with the knife-wielding assailant at the restaurant that fateful day. He pressed further with his inquiry: "And what if the opponent is armed?"