19 Chapter 19

Sometimes, Qu Qingshan would question herself, "Do I truly despise Xu Ze?"

The definitive response is simple.

Hatred!

She despises Xu Ze. She once loved him so deeply, so why did he abandon her? She despises Xu Ze. How could he be so resolute when he left, devoid of any hint of hesitation?

'Was your love for me in the past all a facade? Were your promises to me nothing but lies!' However, after calming down, Qu Qingshan felt helpless in her heart. Especially in the ninth cycle of rebirth, every time she gazed upon Xu Ze's lifeless body, pain surged within Qu Qingshan.

Xu Ze perished, and her heart perished along with him. Now, she is reborn with memories from her past nine lives. Love and hate intertwine within Qu Qingshan's heart. The more she loves Xu Ze, the more she detests him.

Nevertheless, this hatred is akin to a layer of bitter chocolate enveloping love. A casual remark from Xu Ze can shatter it. Feeling Xu Ze's warmth so close to her, Qu Qingshan suddenly felt deflated. She lowered her head, resembling a child incapable of uttering a word. The best way to handle a yandere is with pure love.

However, evidently, Xu Ze has not grasped this notion. He remains oblivious to the sickly love residing within Qu Qingshan's heart. He only comprehends that he currently stands on the precipice of a collapsing plot and has gone all-in. Xu Ze can sense that Qu Qingshan holds a strong opinion of him. However, if he fails to maintain a good rapport with her, the plot of the tenth reincarnation will crumble. In the end, even if the protagonist group were to kill Xu Ze ten or eight times, the plot would likely face insurmountable challenges. The previous nine reincarnations would have been in vain.

Therefore, Xu Ze made the decision to take the initiative! Even if he must push the plot forward a bit, he desires to ensure that Qu Qingshan's favorability towards him is sufficient to carry out the remainder of the plot!

Yet, Xu Ze is aware that Qu Qingshan, in the early stages of the plot, proves particularly arduous to conquer. As the Holy Maiden, Qu Qingshan has remained detached from worldly desires ever since she delved into secret techniques, completely sealing off her emotions. Even in Xu Ze's past nine lives, he had to exert immense effort and employ all the dating techniques available in modern society, alongside despicable means, to barely win over Qu Qingshan. However, in this new life, Xu Ze finds himself at his wit's end. In his desperation, he wonders if this recent action of his will have any effect. These few vague words he uttered likely wouldn't deceive even a middle school girl, would they?

As he looked at Qu Qingshan beneath him, her eyes momentarily vacant before gradually regaining composure, Xu Ze's heart sank. "Oh no, it seems I've been too superficial!"

Releasing Qu Qingshan's hand, Xu Ze pursed his lips and turned around with apparent calmness, stating, "Qingshan, if you don't wish to see me, I shall depart!"

Having said that, Xu Ze began to walk away, fearing that Qu Qingshan would become angry and confront him.

Observing Xu Ze hastily departing the scene, Qu Qingshan sat upright, her countenance devoid of any expression, lightly tapping her crimson lips. Within her eyes, a tinge of grievance seemed to surface. "Bad guy... I thought you would continue as you did before..."

...

Naturally, Xu Ze remained unaware that Qu Qingshan had already prepared herself for sacrifice. If he knew, he would undoubtedly slap himself in the face. Nonetheless, for now, Xu Ze felt somewhat relieved. He had given his best effort. Whether it succeeded or not, it lay in the hands of fate. Xu Ze had also readied himself for a complete collapse of the plot. It mattered not; he could regard the nine reincarnations as wasted and start anew.

"Excellent! Magnificent!"

"This youngster is astounding, actually defeating his senior brother, who is one realm above him."

"Hey, fellow named Ye, you're incredible!"

While passing by the main hall, Xu Ze suddenly caught sight of a group of disciples gathered at the entrance. They cheered and raised their fists, excitement evident on their faces. Xu Ze felt momentarily perplexed but quickly recollected.

Ah, right! After the male protagonist, Ye Fan joined the holy sect, there would inevitably be scenes of him showcasing his abilities and getting beaten up. Some senior brothers who couldn't accept Ye Fan would attempt to taunt and bully him. However, since Ye Fan had completed the system's tasks and received a novice gift pack containing powerful tools, his strength had already reached the Nascent Soul stage. He easily defeated those troublemakers, gaining recognition among the disciples. Although the female protagonists were not faring well, at least the male protagonist displayed considerable prowess.

Xu Ze nodded, walked over with his hands behind his back, and intended to see what was transpiring. However, as he approached, Xu Ze witnessed Ye Fan, his face swollen like a pig's head, standing amidst the onlookers, foolishly clenching his fists. No matter how hard Ye Fan pretended to remain composed, his pig-like visage perfectly depicted his woeful state.

"Ugh... What's happening? Wasn't Ye Fan supposed to effortlessly handle those senior brothers in the plot? You're a cultivator in the Nascent Soul stage, equipped with all the advantages bestowed by the system. How did you end up like this?" Xu Ze stared wide-eyed, his disbelief evident.

"This Ye Fan doesn't possess the cultivation base of the Nascent Soul stage at all. At best, he is in the later stages of the Foundation Establishment realm!"