Chapter 130: Chapter 72: Self-Doubt

Shen Ruoxi was so angry she burst out laughing. She stared at Ning Zhen’er, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “Ning Zhen’er, are you out of your mind or just plain dumb? For the spotlight? We’re on the brink of war, do you think I have nothing better to do? Could you be a little less narrow-minded?”

Ning Zhen’er, however, was absolutely confident, “This is something not just anyone can improve! If you don’t have the knack for it, don’t waste your effort trying. This is already the best state it can be.”

“Ning Zhen’er, modesty is a virtue. The previous crossbows weren’t flexible enough and lacked pulling force. Using springs here would be better. Let me show you my improved version before you speak further.”

As Shen Ruoxi spoke, she took down the crossbow in her hand, which was somewhat smaller than the one Ning Zhen’er had made.

Zheng Duwei, watching from the side, inexplicably thought the crossbow in Shen Ruoxi’s hand seemed more exquisite.

“Let’s go outside,” Zheng Duwei suggested.

The few of them went outside together. Shen Ruoxi shot the arrow, and it instantly embedded itself in a tree, its speed, force, and range clearly surpassing the previous crossbows.

Seeing this, Ning Zhen’er bit her lip hard, her heart racing.

Could it be that Shen Ruoxi also traveled through time? How else would she know that using springs could strengthen the pull?

Ning Zhen’er had originally wanted to outdo Shen Ruoxi, so that Xiao Chengyi would look at her with new appreciation, realizing he hadn’t chosen the wrong person, and thus become utterly devoted to her.

But now, she realized Shen Ruoxi knew even more than she did. Was she really not just a pretty face?

Was it not that Xiao Chengyi had been letting her win all along, but that she truly defeated Xiao Chengyi and beat him badly?

These thoughts swirled in Ning Zhen’er’s mind, making her incredulous.

“How could it be? How could this happen?” she shouted inwardly.

Ning Zhen’er was genuinely flustered, her face turning deathly pale.

She had sworn that no matter how things turned out with Xiao Chengyi, she would make him realize she was far superior to Shen Ruoxi!

“Military Doctor Shen, you are incredible, but time is a bit tight, I’ll arrange for them to work overtime, and make as many as we can,” Zheng Duwei said, full of excitement and admiration.

“Alright, this time we must unite and reclaim the Xia Pass,” Shen Ruoxi said with determination in her eyes and a powerful tone, exuding a convincing aura.

Ning Zhen’er stood aside, her expression complex and her heart a mix of emotions.

It was as if she’d become a different person, no longer so arrogant, her former confidence vanished without a trace.

Remembering all the experiences she’d been through recently, she fell into deep thought.

Was she not the so-called chosen female lead? Was she not all-powerful, able to get whatever she desired with a flick of her finger, commanding the wind and rain?

Was she, in fact, just an ordinary person among the vast sea of people?

Facing Ning Zhen’er, Shen Ruoxi didn’t want to linger a moment longer.

Just because the couple was one more loathsome and troublesome than the other.

Shen Ruoxi nodded slightly at Zheng Duwei and said, “I’ll be going back now.”

To surprise and cut the ropes of the Guard River suspension bridge was no easy feat.

Shen Ruoxi understood this well; she must plan early to ensure everything was foolproof.

Zheng Duwei’s admiration for Shen Ruoxi was evident in his expression; he bowed respectfully and said, “Take care, Military Doctor Shen.”

Shen Ruoxi turned and left with her people.

Initially, she was worried Ning Zhen’er would stubbornly pester her with utterly foolish words.

However, Ning Zhen’er seemed to have suffered a severe blow, her face as pale as paper, hands tightly clenched, looking utterly lost.

Shen Ruoxi sneered in her heart; such blows should be given more often, so she’d understand that this world is full of capable people, with always a sky above a sky, and a person beyond a person.

Watching Shen Ruoxi’s figure fade into the distance, Ning Zhen’er also took her leave from Zheng Duwei.

Compared to Zheng Duwei’s utter respect towards Shen Ruoxi, his attitude toward her was much more perfunctory, merely saying, “Military Guard Ning, please.”

Thinking of Zheng Duwei’s vastly different attitudes towards the two of them, Ning Zhen’er felt heavy-hearted as she walked away, her steps increasingly weighted.

She walked slowly forward, beginning to solemnly contemplate her position.

Were the past hardships and repeated setbacks not trials and tribulations set by the heavens, but rather because she was just an ordinary person, lacking any so-called halo of a female lead?

Is that why both her career and relationships met with difficulties and obstacles?

And Shen Ruoxi, who resolutely divorced Xiao Chengyi, always managed to overshadow her in every way, outshining her significantly in every aspect.

In front of Shen Ruoxi, she felt like a laughable clown, as if everything she’d held onto and the path she’d chosen had been wrong from the start!

But quickly, Ning Zhen’er regained her composure; no way, wasn’t every time-traveling woman in books thriving? How could she not compare to an ancient woman? She’s definitely stronger than her.

This time, reclaiming the Xia Pass, she won’t only trample Shen Ruoxi underfoot but also make everyone look at her in a new light.

After going back, Shen Ruoxi wore a serious expression as she meticulously organized her armor; each piece gleamed with a cold light.

The Dragon Roar Sword in her hand was repeatedly polished, its blade reflecting her determined face.

Cold Frost was carefully tucked into her boot, ready to deliver a deadly blow to the enemy at any moment in battle.

This solemn atmosphere infected the entire house, as Qing Ning and Feng Ming prepared themselves in the outer room.

Qing Ning looked up at Feng Ming, her expression icy as she asked, “Are you going to the battlefield too?”

She never had a good impression of Feng Ming.

Feng Ming didn’t even lift his head as he focused on wiping his treasure sword, answering casually, “Of course.”

Qing Ning coldly snorted, “Why meddle when you’re not returning to the capital?”

Feng Ming’s face immediately darkened, furrowing his brows, “Qing Ning, are you implying I’m not from Dayi Country?”

Unfazed, Qing Ning smirked sarcastically, “You’re different from me.”

Feng Ming stared wide-eyed, angrily asking, “What’s different between us?”

Qing Ning continued smiling faintly, but her words were as sharp as arrows, “I’m willing to accompany my girl, risking life and limb.

But you are doing it for your master. Is that the same? Make sure to protect yourself on the battlefield tomorrow!”

Hearing this, Feng Ming’s body stiffened, his grip on the sword involuntarily tightening.

Qing Ning, however, seemed to be in a good mood, no longer paying attention to Feng Ming, she spoke to herself, “The girl can’t be without me, I’m off to prepare.”

With that, she turned and walked into the inner room.

Feng Ming stood there motionless, his hand still clenching tightly.

Qing Ning’s words echoed in his mind. He had to admit, Miss Shen and Qing Ning always seemed to share laughter and harmony, while with him, they were distant and formal. Was it truly like Qing Ning said? But in his heart…

Realizing his thoughts were straying, Feng Ming shook his head abruptly, reminding himself: she is the Emperor’s Hidden Guard, and loyalty to the master is his duty. How could he let Qing Ning’s words sway his mind? He nearly let Qing Ning lead him astray.

She took a deep breath, refocusing on the treasure sword in her hand, making the final preparations for the upcoming battle.

…

In war, speed is crucial. After making thorough arrangements, the army finally setforth to attack Xia Pass.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep