C1 Transcending

“Bang...”

The girl’s body suddenly plunged down, something slimy and thread-like wrapped around her ankle, tightening bit by bit. She kicked out, trying to speak, but immediately choked on water.

Huh?

Ruan Qingge opened her eyes, a stream of bubbles rushed past her vision, and she realized she wasn’t dreaming!

What’s going on? Other people travel through time and end up in bed, but she ends up in water?

Moonlight shimmered on the lake's surface. Ruan Qingge swiftly broke through the water, her oversized dress making swimming particularly cumbersome. She had to exert twice the effort to climb onto the shore.

The lotus-patterned, gold-inlaid white jade bracelet on her wrist left a mark on her skin. Ruan Qingge’s head spun as a flood of unfamiliar memories rushed into her mind, flashing by like a fast-forwarded movie.

North Peace Marquis Mansion... Princess... Palace banquet... Falling into the water...

Ruan Qingge slapped her forehead, realizing she had somehow become a foolish princess with the same name, and this unfortunate soul had been clumsily assassinated by her own sister.

If it weren’t for her previous swim training, she might not have made it today.

“How dare you poison and plot against me, your courage is truly impressive.”

Suddenly, a deep voice resonated from nearby. It was rich and clear, yet beneath its surface lay a simmering anger, like a beautiful, sharp blade—stunning but with a deadly edge, ready to strike in an instant.

Goosebumps prickled on Ruan Qingge’s arms. Whoever was speaking was not to be trifled with. She was in the palace now, and she had to be careful not to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

“I wouldn’t dare, please, Your Highness, spare me, I beg you…”

The maid’s pleading cries were abruptly cut off. Startled, Ruan Qingge parted the bushes to see a young man in a black robe, his back to her, gripping the maid’s neck with his left hand. With a swift motion, he lifted her off the ground and snapped her neck.

“No one defies me, and no one outsmarts me. You deserved this.”

He spat the words coldly, releasing his grip in disgust. The maid’s lifeless body slumped to the ground, her eyes wide open, frozen in a final expression of terror and pain.

Seeing her body collapse, Ruan Qingge instinctively wanted to flee. As she moved, her skirt brushed against the leaves, making a soft rustling sound.

"Damn, this long dress is such a hassle!"

As a 21st-century special forces medic, she was used to climbing mountains, crossing seas, trekking through forests, and navigating deserts—never had she worn such a cumbersome dress.

The slightest noise was enough to alert him. Ruan Qingge felt a sharp gaze shoot her way. Before she could react, he strode over like he'd spotted prey.

"Who are you?"

His scrutinizing gaze fell on her, a flicker of surprise crossing his dark eyes. His stare lingered on her face, and he paused, his breathing gradually growing heavier.

Seeing the man's face, Ruan Qingge couldn't help but click her tongue. In her past life, she'd seen platoons of men, yet none were as striking as the one before her. Not just his naturally handsome features, but the commanding aura and noble presence he exuded were unmatched by any officer she'd ever encountered.

But before she could fully appreciate it, Ruan Qingge realized something was off.

"Rip..."

This man had just... torn her dress?