Against Heaven's Will

"Thank you, everyone, for sticking by to watch this marvelous show. Lovely viewers both at the Arena as well as at homes, make sure to get your tickets now! The Finals won't be broadcasted, so make sure to get them before they run out of stock! See you tomorrow at the Arena!" 

With that final statement from the Commentator, the broadcast ended, leaving every girl in the Relax Area with different reactions. Some were lamenting they wouldn't be able to see the Finals, others were gossiping, discussing the handsome youth that stole the show.

Jiao, on the other hand, was still stuck, gazing at the transparent screen. For her, Xuefeng was still there, smiling at her with his lovely smile. Only when Little Bear hugged her from behind did Jiao awaken from her dreamland. 

"Don't worry Sister Jiao. Dreams come true," Little Bear assured. 

"Now I understand what you meant by, 'I was too weak.' His wives are too much…" Dandan muttered as she patted Jiao on her shoulder. "If you think seriously about him, then you will have to step up your game." 

As always, Dandan was straightforward, but that's what Jiao loved about her. 

"What are you going to do Sister Jiao? Will you chase after him?" Little Bear questioned cutely. 

"I don't know yet…" Jiao muttered, her mind still processing her situation. "I want to, but…" 

She paused, finishing in her mind, 'Did she even stand a chance?'

"Jiao," Dandan spoke seriously. "I can only say he is definitely worth chasing after. The only question is, are you resolute enough for that? If you really want something, you can achieve anything. But only you can answer this question." 

Jiao went deep in thought and the girls didn't rush her. She wanted to say yes but she quickly hesitated. 

Did she want to chase a dream with an ultimate prize that was almost impossible to achieve, knowing only pain awaits her once she fails? 

Or maybe she should follow her current path, enjoy the safe life, hope to fall in love once again, and live a happy ever after?

Jiao didn't even need to think as she could feel deeply which one she preferred the most. When she thought of hugging the person she still loved, her body resonated with happiness. 

"Yes. I will do it," Jiao decided firmly. "Even if I fail, I will at least try and regret nothing. If I don't, I will hate myself for the rest of my life." 

The girls grew excited at her decision. 

"You can do it!" 

"We will cheer for you!" 

"Don't forget to invite us to your wedding later!" 

"Jiao," Dandan spoke again, this time smiling as if she approved of her decision. "Life is hard and you just make it even harder, but I respect your decision. I would have done the same." 

"Thank you," Jiao nodded. 

"So what is your plan now?" Dandan asked an important question. 

What was her plan? Jiao extended her palm and an ice crystal hovered on top of her palm. 

"I need to leave this Land and focus on my Ice Arts. I must continue improving my cultivation and Quality of my Qi. I'm sure Xuefeng will create a Nine-elemental Core together with all his wives. I can't be any worse," Jiao thought out loud. "I will depart to Water Land." 

"Are you planning on visiting the Water Land Capital first by any chance? Preferably tomorrow?" Dandan questioned with a smirk. 

"Maybe…" Jiao muttered as if she got exposed. 

"Look, I'm not saying that it's bad to meet with him so early, but maybe you should stay away from him for now, so you can make a good impression once you finally reunite," Dandan suggested, causing Jiao too look down dejected. 

"I just wanted to see him once again… I won't approach him. I just want strength to continue pushing forward," Jiao revealed. 

"Well, I guess I have good news for you then. It just happens I have a mission in the Water Land Capital which I can finalize tomorrow," Dandan informed. "If you want, we can travel together." 

"Really?!" Jiao immediately brightened. 

Seeing Dandan's nod, Jiao dove into her arms. "Thank you!" 

"Hehe, you thought I will let you go by yourself? You are part of our Sect and always will be. I need to make sure you come back safely," Dandan replied with a shrug. "Moreover, this Xuefeng is quite a big-shot with Trade Union and soon the House of Dragons under him. It would be a great deal for our White Lotus Sect if we could establish a relationship with him." 

"Wait… You want to meet him? Won't that take a long time? You plan on traveling with me till then?" Jiao wondered confused.

She knew catching up to Xuefeng wouldn't be that easy and would take her years. It was still a question if she can do it. 

"I spent a lot of time in the Sect. Maybe it is time for some adventures. You will also be safer with me and I can stop you if you plan to do anything stupid," Dandan replied casually. "It will be fun traveling together and my life is all about having fun. Naturally, if I see you slacking, I will drag you back to the Sect. I'm not traveling with a slacker." 

"Thank you…" 

Jiao couldn't describe how touched she was. It was the first time she found a friend like Dandan who she was willing to trust fully. She squeezed her tightly once again when Dandan pulled her away, turning serious once again. 

"I look forward to seeing you succeed, but there is one problem. I know you can't."

Jiao's face sank. 

"Don't get me wrong. You have potential but that is not enough. Once Xuefeng arrives in the House of Dragons, his strength will reach new heights and there is no way you can catch up unless you use some extreme methods," Dandan explained. 

"Extreme methods?"

Dandan smiled. 

"Don't worry. With me by your side, you will catch up in no time. I know one good place."