Chapter 142: The Homecoming

Chapter 142: The Homecoming



Over the next few days, Lu Ran and his group continued to train their skills.

They also visited Bamboo Tranquility to pay a visit to Lily and bring her some bamboo shoots.

Oh, and they enjoyed various kinds of specially supplied pastries at her house.

It was so satisfying!

What baffled Hao Tian was that, at Lu Ran's persuasion, Lily actually started eating properly.

And Lu Ran's method of persuasion was quite consistent; he would say the same thing every time: "I'll eat it all if you don't!"

What's the difference between this and coaxing a three-year-old?

But surprisingly, Lily fell for it every time!

Each time Lu Ran threatened her, she would obediently eat, which was truly astonishing.

The skeptical Hao Tian also tried threatening his sister, saying he would compete with her for food.

However, he only received a cold glance from Lily.

That unfocused, hollow gaze made his scalp tingle!

Still unconvinced, Hao Tian deliberately ventured out of the Bamboo Sea Abyss to buy various cooked foods in the city.

Once again, the facts proved that Lu Ran was indeed very mysterious!

Even though Lily ate very little, she was eating, and her attitude was evident.

This time, Hao Tian had no choice but to believe.

He could only console himself that his sister and Lu Ran were of the same kind, both very mysterious, which was why she was more willing to listen to Lu Ran's persuasion.

Yes, that must be it.

As the days passed, the tenth day approached, and Lu Ran's group began to focus on their assignments.

Their state was akin to having played wildly for 30 days during a vacation and then frantically catching up on homework the night before school started!

As the saying goes:

"A pen, a lamp, a night, and a miracle!"

Lu Ran's group created a miracle.

In just three days, they completed over 20 days' worth of assignments.

They had two capable assistants!

One of them was Chang Ying!

Yes, while Chang Ying chopped bamboo, she also drew lots incessantly.

As soon as the cooldown time was up, she would draw the Five Treasure Oracle.

Drawing other oracles wouldn't be a loss either, as offensive and defensive oracles could help slow down the bamboo.

But once a summoning oracle was drawn, they would take off!

The majestic Cu Jin Wei was indeed an expert at manual labor!

Lu Ran's group bundled the chopped evil bamboo and tied it to the Cu Jin Wei.

At Chang Ying's command, she led the Cu Jin Wei on a mad dash towards the nearest bamboo village.

Since the Cu Jin Wei's duration was only 5 minutes, the two had no choice but to sprint.

Inside each bamboo village, there were, of course, military soldiers on guard.

The Oracle Sect believer, leading the mighty and robust warriors, sprinted towards the bamboo village at a hundred-meter dash pace, providing entertainment for the soldiers.

Lu Ran's team also had another helper—Hao Tian!

Hao Tian, the older brother, was indeed a good brother.

To show his gratitude to Lu Ran, Hao Tian volunteered to help the team complete their training assignments.

The Dong Ting Believers were, without a doubt, the best riders in the world!

Once Hao Tian lowered his head, no one could catch up.

Even if Lu Ran activated the Swift Shadow Spell, he could only watch in awe.

The Dong Ting Believers were like a "trail of lightning and thunder"!

They charged into the bamboo village with a loud clatter.

What's that? We can't finish our assignments?

Don't joke,

I have a Flash in my team

On the morning of the tenth day, Lu Ran's group, escorted by Hao Tian, left the scenic Bamboo Sea Abyss.

"Lu Ran, why not stay here for a few more days? Your school just wants you to come here for a vacation, right?"

Standing in front of the military camp building, Hao Tian looked at Lu Ran with some reluctance.

By this time, Hao Tian's complex feelings had subsided.

He just hoped that Lu Ran would stay a few more days, so his sister could eat more.

"I really have a mission on the fifteenth, I've told you several times," Lu Ran said helplessly.

Hao Tian could only nod, feeling a bit helpless himself.

The Deng Tian Chang trio didn't have any missions, as Rain Alley City had experienced a special event during the previous month's fifteenth night.

However, they still chose to return to Rain Alley City, not wanting to spend their days leisurely in the Bamboo Sea.

Because their families were all in Rain Alley.

Although there were divine sculptures and shrines in their homes to protect their parents,

they still wanted to be by their families' side during the dangerous and terrifying night of the fifteenth.

"Then, I'll teach you a trick," Lu Ran said, "Have you heard the story of the Tree Shadow Mother?"

"The Demon Dollwoman Tree Shadow Mother?" Hao Tian was puzzled, "What story does this tribe have?"

Lu Ran said, "When I was little, if I cried or made a fuss at night, my family would say:

'If you don't go to sleep, the Tree Shadow Mother will come and get you!'"

Hao Tian nodded, "I see."

Lu Ran lowered his voice, "Next time you persuade your sister to eat, tell her that if she doesn't eat properly, I'll let Lu Ran come and take her food."

Hao Tian was speechless. If anyone else had said such words, he would have kicked them.

But it was Lu Ran who said this!

In front of Lu Ran, Lily was indeed like a three-year-old child.

"Use it sparingly," Lu Ran patted Hao Tian's shoulder, "If you push your sister too far one day, you'll have to bear the consequences."

Hao Tian couldn't help but shudder.

He seemed to already imagine his sister staring at him with hollow eyes.

On the eleventh day of winter, in the early morning.

A train from a southern town broke through the snowy landscape of the north and arrived at a small city covered in silver.

The phrase "silver-clad" sounded quite beautiful.

Unfortunately, this was Rain Alley City.

Even though the city was adorned with white snow, the gray haze in the sky made it feel oppressive.

Lu Ran stepped off the train and onto the platform.

As he spoke, a thin mist escaped his mouth, and he felt the coldness of the north.

"We're home," Tian Tian said, following Lu Ran out of the car and looking up at the gloomy sky with her small face.

There was a faint snowfall, or perhaps it was just the cold wind blowing the accumulated snow.

The trip to the Qiantang River Bamboo Sea felt like a beautiful yet fleeting dream.

Now, as they woke from this dream, everyone returned to reality.

However, none of them felt regret, especially not Lu Ran.

In this world, only this small city could give Lu Ran a sense of belonging.

Even in the capital where his mother lived, he still felt like a guest after living there for three years.

"~"

Lu Ran snapped back to his senses and took out his phone from his pocket.

Seeing the caller ID, he wasn't surprised. It was the eleventh day of the lunar month, and it seemed that a new defense mission was about to be assigned.

Lu Ran answered the call, "Uncle Sun, good morning."

"You actually answered the phone?" On the other end of the line, Captain Sun Zhengfang's voice came through, "I heard the school arranged a good place for you.

Are you out of the bamboo sea?"

Lu Ran laughed, "Yes, I'm already home."

Sun Zhengfang asked, "Since you're back, do you still want to join us for the mission on the fifteenth of this month?"

"Of course!" Lu Ran nodded firmly.

He had promised Lord Sheep that he must not slack off on the fifteenth of every month.

"Let's go." Chang Ying patted Lu Ran on the shoulder and led him out of the station with the other passengers.

"Okay." Sun Zhengfang had expected Lu Ran's response and continued, "Your performance during the last two nights of the fifteenth was excellent.

You lent a helping hand in times of danger, and on the night of the ghost parade, you eliminated many barbaric female demons, making a significant contribution.

The bureau held a meeting to discuss rewarding you."

"Oh?" Lu Ran became instantly interested, focusing solely on the call and not paying attention to his surroundings.

Chang Ying led Lu Ran forward like a "Black Armored Guard," and no one could get close to him.

Sun Zhengfang: "The bureau has sent a letter to your school, giving you an additional 30 believer points."

"Just 30 points?" Lu Ran asked with a smile.

Sun Zhengfang: "Don't be impatient, there's more.

To recognize your outstanding contributions, the bureau has approved a special budget to break with tradition and upgrade your Black Radiant Stone Sword."

Lu Ran: "Huh?"

He had indeed dreamed of upgrading his weapon, but that was in the past.

At this moment, how could Lu Ran bear to hand over the Jie Ye Sword?

Sun Zhengfang understood Lu Ran's reaction and said, "You've developed feelings for it?"

Lu Ran replied honestly, "Uncle Sun knows that I've named it Jie Ye.

This sword is something I'll never change for the rest of my life."

"I also mentioned it to the bureau, but we still need to follow the proper procedures." Sun Zhengfang said immediately, "In that case, let's change the reward to a Divine Energy Orb?"

"Okay!" Lu Ran agreed without hesitation.

Who wouldn't want more divine energy reserves? As Lu Ran continued to advance, he became even more versatile in his techniques, naturally requiring stronger endurance.

"Then we'll meet on the fifteenth of the lunar month. Wait for my text." Sun Zhengfang added, "Prepare well these few days."

Lu Ran's heart tightened, "What have you predicted this time?"

"Nothing." Sun Zhengfang reassured him, "I'm just giving you a few words of advice. Otherwise, being a captain would be meaningless."

Lu Ran: "."

It was understandable for Lu Ran to react this way, as Rain Alley City had experienced three consecutive special incidents.

At this point in time, the entire city was filled with unease, and everyone was like a startled bird.

As Lu Ran hung up the phone, Deng Yutang asked, "Lu Ran, what's this about 30 points?"

Lu Ran explained, "Last month on the fifteenth, didn't I join the patrol team in battle?"

"Oh, that's right." Deng Yutang's eyes were filled with envy, and he believed that Lu Ran deserved this.

Even the blurry video clip in the grade group chat, showing Lu Ran charging towards the barbaric female demons, was enough to make Deng Yutang's blood boil.

In just a few seconds, Lu Ran's display of brilliance was enough for everyone to worship him!

It was also enough to shatter all doubts and intimidate the petty thieves.

As they spoke, they exited the station and stood under the familiar eaves.

"Wait a moment, the driver will be here soon," Deng Yutang said, looking at the familiar scene and letting out a soft sigh.

"Don't be discouraged," Tian Tian said softly, offering comfort.

Deng Yutang shook his head, "I just remembered that rainy night, we were standing right here.

Lu Ran made me a bowl of chicken blood and said we would turn the world upside down together."

Chang Ying looked at them curiously, as she wasn't part of the team that night.

Deng Yutang: "Now, Lu Ran is on the path of turning the world upside down, and I'm a bit slow."

Lu Ran raised his hand and patted Deng Yutang's shoulder firmly, "A Red Veil Follower like you doesn't need much encouragement, right?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Yutang nodded.

Lu Ran changed the topic, "Why don't you call me Flame Deity in your heart?

That way, it'll be easier to accept."

Deng Yutang laughed, "I already called you that during the early morning class last month, but you asked me to change it back."

"I mean, call me that in your heart," Lu Ran openly revealed his plan, "First, plant a seed.

Once it takes root and sprouts, everything will naturally fall into place."

Deng Yutang furrowed his brows slightly, understanding Lu Ran's intention.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Ran was hinting at something.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end