Although the school had not assigned homework, Lu Ran had not been idle; he had a clear goal—Yan Zhi.

For the purpose of enhancing his strength, Lu Ran dared not delay a moment.

He took Jiang Ruyi with him and called upon his capable assistant Si Xianxian, under Chen Jingjing's protection, to create a bloodbath within Yan Zhi Village.

For this, Si Xianxian had some complaints, not understanding what kind of madness had gotten into Lu Ran!

With the college entrance exam approaching, instead of practicing formations with his teammates or resting at home, you returned to killing Yan Zhi?

What did that mean?

Did you enjoy this, liked killing new brides?

Although she grumbled in secret, when Lu Ran called her, Si Xianxian naturally scampered after him.

Perhaps because of Lu Ran's widespread fame, this time, the military guarding the Yan Zhi Demon Cave exceptionally allowed him 15 days of practice.

Lu Ran's wish was finally fulfilled!

He cultivated the Yan Zhi Evil Sculpture up to River Realm·Third Rank and equipped the much-desired Evil Technique·Paper Mache!

Of course, Lu Ran dared not use it in front of others, waiting until he returned to his own den to study it carefully.

Little civet, you're in for a treat~

Staying by Lu Ran's side allowed one to taste a variety of evil techniques...

After the arduous training ended, the two Lu Jiang companions accompanied Si Xianxian in crazy fun for two days before returning to Rain Alley City.

Poor Sister Xian'er also felt rather humble.

Pulled into hard labor, the half-month of toiling offered no more than a "weekend" for compensation...

Indeed!

Those who stayed by Lu Ran's side were indeed blessed with good fortune~

When the two Lu Jiang returned to their homeland, it was the sixth day of the fifth lunar month.

"Finally back."

Lu Ran stood at the departure gate of Rain Alley Station, looking at the overcast sky, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Let's go," urged Jiang Ruyi softly, tugging at Lu Ran's sleeve.

The sixth day of the fifth lunar month was already very hot.

Others dressed in summer clothes, but only the two of them wore training uniforms and were wrapped tightly with hats and masks.

Such attire was quite conspicuous, causing the surrounding travelers to take clandestine glances.

The two escaped the train station as if fleeing, running an entire street before the surroundings quieted down.

"Only nine days left," Jiang Ruyi remarked as she looked at the familiar streetscape and slowed down.

"Yeah, the college entrance exam is coming up," Lu Ran whispered in reply.

Jiang Ruyi fell silent; she was not counting down to the college entrance exam.

They walked for quite some time, and then she suddenly asked, "Have you decided when to go to Cai Nan?"

Lu Ran thought for a moment and said, "After the city is unsealed, on the nineteenth of the lunar month.

Although Lord Immortal Goat indulges me, I've delayed for a month already, leaving a divine being waiting isn't quite right."

"Mm..." Jiang Ruyi walked with her head bowed.

So that's thirteen days then.

"Ruyi."

"Hm?"

"Are you going to miss me?" Lu Ran tilted his head slightly, looking at the girl with a cheeky grin.

"Who's going to miss you?" Jiang Ruyi turned her head to look at the distant street scene, with a demeanor that suggested otherwise.

Lu Ran took it as confirmation and nodded: "Indeed, after spending half a month slaughtering together in Yan Zhi Village.

Being together day and night, you must be sick of seeing me by now."

"Not at all, don't talk nonsense," Jiang Ruyi quickly retorted, yet she caught Lu Ran's teasing gaze.

Even with the mask covering his face, she could imagine his taunting expression.

With a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, she quickened her pace.

As they say, concern leads to chaos.

The usually poised and calm Jiang beauty, the steady and cool commander Jiang, was always a different person in front of Lu Ran.

Hmm... quite amusing~

"Slow down, slow down," Lu Ran hastened to catch up, muttering under his breath, "Don't you know how long your legs are..."

Jiang Ruyi's cheeks reddened further, and four White Jade Stones quietly appeared around her waist.

"No, wait!" said Lu Ran at once, reaching out carefully to avoid the Jade Tokens and grabbed her wrist.

Jiang Ruyi struggled lightly a couple of times but couldn't break free; thus, the White Jade Tokens gradually dissipated.

"I was wrong, I was wrong," Lu Ran said hurriedly.

"Hmph," Jiang Ruyi huffed, still looking away.

The tender and gentle Jiang Ruyi rarely got angry.

He wondered what was different about today.

Maybe, with the date of their separation drawing closer, and the thought of being apart for a long time, was making her upset?

Playing with her slender, fair fingers, Lu Ran accompanied her home while softly cajoling her.

As they approached Shui Yi Fang Complex, Lu Ran looked up at Jiang Ruyi's family home and said:

"During these few days of rest, should I pay a visit to uncle and aunt?"

Originally, the two had agreed that Lu Ran would visit after the college entrance exams.

But now that wouldn't work; by the time Lu Ran returned, who knew when that would be.

"Mm, I'll talk to my mom and dad," replied Jiang Ruyi softly.

"Not mad anymore?" Lu Ran looked at the girl beside him.

During the whole trip, it had been he who spoke while she remained silent.

"When was I ever mad?" Jiang Ruyi playfully blinked her eyes.

Lu Ran was startled!

He last heard this phrase when they were freshmen in high school three years ago.

At that time, the two had casually encountered each other after class...

No!

The last time he heard that phrase was in March on Ghost Moon Mountain, in the eyes of the Ghost Moon Fox.

"Rest well when you get home; I'll send you a message once there's news," Jiang Ruyi said with a smile as she turned to leave.

When Lu Ran emerged from his memories, the girl had long disappeared from sight.

He shook his head with a smile.

Just as Lu Ran turned to leave, he was surprised to hear a call:

"Lu Ran?"

"Huh?" Lu Ran, with his excellent hearing, turned to look upward to the ninth floor.

Jiang Ruyi stood at the balcony window and said, "My mom and dad are home right now."

"Ah? I... Uh?" Lu Ran stammered, clearly unprepared, "Isn't it a bit rushed?"

Jiang Ruyi watched Lu Ran flounder and couldn't help but laugh to herself.

She said nothing, just observing him.

After a long hesitation, Lu Ran finally clenched his teeth and stomped his foot: "All right!"

Rushed?

Indeed it was rushed, but the workings of this world were always "rushed."

Rushed schooling, respecting gods, graduating, finding a job, marrying and having children.

Life rushed, as did death.

In the chaos of a world filled with evil demons, really, no one knew if they could see that familiar person tomorrow.

"Wait for me," Lu Ran shouted loudly.

He glanced around and found the familiar fruit shop, then quickly headed over.

Minutes later, Lu Ran returned to the complex holding fruit and carrying two boxes of milk.

Jiang Ruyi was already waiting downstairs; seeing him approach, she couldn't help but say, "You sure have a trick up your sleeve."

"Heh heh~" Lu Ran turned his head to look behind him.

The Dawn Blade and Silent Night Blade overlapped each other, floating in mid-air, with two boxes of milk neatly stacked on top.

The pair entered the building one after the other and took the elevator.

"Don't be nervous, my mom and dad have nice personalities."

Speaking softly, Jiang Ruyi took off Lu Ran's hat and mask and wiped the sweat from his forehead: "They like you too."

"That's reassuring," Lu Ran said, glancing at the girl beside him, "You seem a bit different today."

"Different?" Jiang Ruyi raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Mm," Lu Ran nodded, "You seem a bit..."

"Ding~"

The elevator came to a halt and slowly opened, interrupting Lu Ran's words.

The door of room 901 was wide open, and a middle-aged woman stood at the doorway, probably in her late thirties.

She bore a resemblance to Jiang Ruyi and had an elegant air about her, with her long hair in a bun and a soft, motherly smile on her face.

"Aunt Zhuang, sorry to disturb you," Lu Ran said at once.

Lu Ran was aware of the general situation of Jiang's family; Jiang Ruyi's mother was named Zhuang Jingyi, a judge.

The first meeting wasn't as stern as he had imagined.

Jiang Ruyi's father, named Jiang Zheng, also held a public office, working in the town government.

It was worth mentioning that both parents were ordinary people.

In this world, there's a phenomenon where, in certain specific sectors, non-believers predominated.

That said, after various hardships, fleeing Rain Alley had become a trend.

Now, those who still lived in this small town were mostly public servants.

"What's this, child? You didn't need to bring anything." Zhuang Jingyi looked at Lu Ran with a smile, her voice very gentle, "Come inside."

"Eh." Lu Ran stepped forward quickly, allowing Jiang's mother to take the fruit from his hands.

Greeting the approaching man with a smile, Lu Ran nodded: "How do you do, Uncle Jiang."

"Good, good." Jiang Zheng reached out with a thick hand and laughed, "You bring honor to our humble home."

Jiang's father wore glasses, was tall and slightly stout.

"Not at all, I'm the one who is honored," Lu Ran replied quickly while shaking hands, speaking modestly.

This time, it was Jiang Ruyi's turn to take Lu Ran's shoes.

"Over there, the shrine is on the south balcony," Jiang Ruyi reminded him.

Lu Ran's heart sank.

The deity Jiang Ruyi worshiped was Lord Jade Talisman!

It was the same deity his father Lu Xing had worshiped, and the deity Lu Ran had revered since childhood.

"All right." On the surface, Lu Ran looked unfazed, put on the slippers, and walked towards the south balcony.

With his excellent vision, he could see from a distance the familiar Divine Sculpture in the small shrine.

Lu Ran thus halted, his heart tumultuous with emotions.

Countless childhood memories came flooding to his mind.

The young Lu Ran revered it deeply, prostrating day and night, worshiping together with his father.

Later, the small Divine Sculpture was taken away as his father departed, and the household was left without divine protection.

In his youth, Lu Ran longed to welcome back Lord Jade Talisman home, to continue the daily offerings and follow in his father's footsteps.

But fate would not have it.

On the first day of June last year, all his illusions shattered.

"Lu Ran?" Jiang Ruyi came to Lu Ran's side and called softly.

"Oh." Lu Ran snapped back to reality, apologizing with a smile and stepping towards the south balcony.

As he slid the glass door open, Lu Ran inhaled the rich fragrance of incense.

The small incense burner contained many ashed incense sticks, and several plates of fruit were offered next to it, all showing the believer's piety.

After years, Lu Ran stood before Lord Jade Talisman once again.

The incense was right there beside him.

This time, he didn't reach for it.

The prayer mat lay at his feet.

This time, he didn't kneel.

Lu Ran looked quietly at the Divine Sculpture inside the small shrine for a long while, then spoke softly, "Sorry for the intrusion."

The shrine was silent, with no response from the sculpture.

Smiling to himself, Lu Ran turned and left the balcony.

...

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