The sun had barely risen, but the entire Qingyun Sect was already restless.
Disciples and elders gathered around the central plaza, where a massive projection screen shimmered in mid-air—broadcasting a message that made everyone gasp.
[Live Broadcast Announcement: Shen Qingxue, former fiancée of Lin Chen, will issue a public apology today. Event sponsored by the Cross-World Auction House.]
The moment the message hit the forums, cultivators from all over the realm tuned in. Tens of thousands flooded the Auction House's live broadcast channel.
Auction House Live Room – Viewers: 71,384
[Cultivator_888]: Wait, she's really going to apologize?!
[SwordFanatic99]: From Ice Queen to Begging Girl? I never thought I'd see the day!
[TrashNoMore_LinChenFan]: I hope our boss rejects her HARD!
In front of the Qingyun Sect's ruined mountain gate, Shen Qingxue stood in a flawless white robe, eyes downcast, hands trembling slightly.
Her once-proud demeanor had been reduced to guilt and shame.
Facing the projection, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"Lin Chen... I was wrong."
Her voice echoed.
"I shouldn't have broken off our engagement. I was blind, shallow... and cruel."
"I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Please... give me one more chance."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Then—
[Ding! System Notice: Apology received. Triggering optional response...] [Would you like to: A. Accept the apology and restore her status as fiancée. B. Publicly reject her and crush her pride. Reward for B: +5 billion System Coins]
Lin Chen's expression was unreadable as he stood atop a distant cliff, the wind tugging at his robes. (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
"System," he said quietly. "Broadcast my reply."
[Confirmed. Live audio activated.]
His voice echoed across the skies, heard by all cultivators watching the stream.
"Shen Qingxue."
"You discarded me when I was at my lowest."
"Now you come crawling back when I stand at the peak."
He paused, then spoke the final words with cold finality:
"I don't take back what I've thrown away." (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Gasps echoed across the continent. Some cheered. Others simply watched in stunned silence.
Shen Qingxue fell to her knees.
The Sect Master tried to help her up, but she waved him away. Her pride, once towering, now shattered completely.
[Ding! Mission Complete: Public Rejection] [Reward: +5 billion System Coins] [Bonus Unlocked: New Function - Public Favor System]
[Current Public Favor Rating: +82,406] [You are now ranked #2 on the Cultivation World's Most Admired List] (｡>∀<｡)
Lin Chen didn't smile. He simply turned away, the system screen fading as he muttered:
"This is just the beginning."
Far away in the Spirit Realm, the Iceblade Empress stared silently at the projection.
"That woman was too soft."
She stood, sword in hand.
"If he only wants strength..."
Her lips curved behind the mask. "Then I shall make him see me."
—End of Chapter 4—