The Divine Progenitor of Douluo

The next day, Qian Renxue found herself watching Xiao Tian train with Ling'er from a distance. Her golden eyes narrowed as she observed their growing closeness. A strange, unfamiliar feeling churned in her chest.

"Jealousy?" she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Ridiculous."

Despite her denial, she couldn't shake the thought. That night, as the campfire crackled softly, Renxue approached Xiao Tian while he was alone.

"Do you always charm women without trying?" she asked, her tone teasing but her expression serious.

Xiao Tian chuckled. "I didn't think I was."

Renxue sat beside him, her golden aura radiating a soft warmth. "You're different from the men I've known—ambitious, cunning, self-serving. You…actually care about others."

Xiao Tian glanced at her, surprised by her candidness. "Is that such a bad thing?"

Renxue hesitated, then shook her head. "No, it's refreshing. But it's also dangerous. Caring too much can be a weakness."

"It's only a weakness if you let it be," Xiao Tian replied. "I see it as a strength. It gives me something to fight for."

Renxue was silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the fire. Then, without warning, she leaned in, her face mere inches from his.

"Prove it," she challenged, her golden eyes locking onto his.

Xiao Tian blinked, caught off guard. "Prove what?"

"That your feelings aren't a weakness," she said, her voice softer now. "That you can care and still stand strong."

Her boldness made his heart race, but he held her gaze. "I'll prove it, Renxue. Not just to you, but to myself."

For the first time, she smiled—a genuine, unguarded smile that made her look almost vulnerable.