Chapter 143: Heaven's Pride

Chapter 143: Heaven's Pride

At noon, in the Rain Alley residential area.

"Hmm."

In the small bedroom, Lu Ran held the Lilac Cat, who was still fast asleep, and groggily sat up.

After a night of rattling around in the car, he couldn't shake off his fatigue no matter how he slept.

Now, after sleeping for an entire morning at home, he finally felt a little better.

Lu Ran got up and went to the kitchen, rummaged through the cabinets, and opened a can of luncheon meat.

"Meow~"

At the kitchen entrance, the sound of the Lilac Cat's meow echoed.

Lu Ran looked at the cat's adorable appearance and couldn't help but laugh.

I just held you and sat up, and you're still sleeping like a puddle of mud.

Now, as soon as I open the can, you wake up?

"Here." Lu Ran placed the luncheon meat on the cutting board and casually drew out a knife.

The Lilac Cat meowed and gracefully leaped onto the kitchen counter.

Lu Ran cut a small piece of meat and placed it in front of the cat, "This is for you."

He picked up the remaining large piece of luncheon meat, took a big bite, and mumbled, "This is mine."

"Meow~"

Lu Ran quickly finished his meal, washed his hands thoroughly, and returned to the bedroom, sitting cross-legged in front of the shrine.

"Lord Sheep, on this journey, I have gained a lot."

Lu Ran muttered, touching the red rope and copper coin on his wrist.

Gradually, a faint white mist rose within the room.

As Lu Ran cultivated, he sighed, "Lord Forget Spring is truly pitiful, reduced to such a state."

Suddenly, a hoarse voice spoke, "At least Lord Forget Spring still exists.

If you were exposed, you might not have room to maneuver."

Lu Ran pursed his lips, remaining silent.

White Jade Sheep Sculpture: "The Fountain of Forgetting Sect merely feeds on the Divine Demonic Primordial Energy to strengthen itself.

But you are cultivating your own Divine Demonic sequence based on this energy.

Which do you think is more severe?"

Lu Ran: ". . ."

No matter how powerful Lord Forget Spring is, she only enhances herself.

Lu Ran, on the other hand, is building a powerful faction, a system that can create a convincing illusion and replace the original.

Your techniques? I'll take them.

Your sect, your followers? They're mine.

Your identity, status, your influence and control over this world, including the rules you've set—all of it is mine!

So, who is more severe?

"I should focus on my cultivation," Lu Ran said softly.

Suddenly, he felt more motivated to cultivate.

The days of home cultivation were monotonous and peaceful, but also fulfilling.

Lu Ran was pleasantly surprised when, on the 13th day of the lunar month, he felt a swelling sensation.

The divine energy within his body stirred restlessly, as if ready to break through and advance at any moment!

Lu Ran was overjoyed and practiced even harder in front of the shrine.

If he could advance to the fifth level of the Stream Realm before the defense of the city, it would naturally increase his chances of survival!

Furthermore, after reaching the fifth level within the great realm, there would be no need for further accumulation.

Only a sudden flash of insight was required!

In other words, if Lu Ran could advance to the fifth level of the Stream Realm, he might directly break through to the first level of the River Realm in the next second!

If he could participate in the defense with the strength of the River Realm, wouldn't that be wonderful?

Lu Ran was filled with anticipation and worked tirelessly on his cultivation, but...

He had thought too much.

Lu Ran's 'swelling' sensation lasted until the 15th day of the lunar month without any significant progress.

"Sigh."

In the early morning, a sigh echoed through the small bedroom.

In front of the shrine, Lu Ran, sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.

"It seems like every step is a hurdle," Lu Ran said as he stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed respectfully towards the shrine.

He had deluded himself into thinking he could advance to the River Realm and become a powerful figure in the eyes of the world!

It was already the 15th day, and he was still stuck at the fourth level of the Stream Realm.

How embarrassing!

Lu Ran took a step forward and approached the window.

The sky was filled with flurries, and the world was blanketed in white.

It looked chilling.

However, fighting in the snow might have a unique charm.

The blood of the Demon Clan splattering on the pure white snow would surely create a mesmerizing display of blood-red flowers.

It should be beautiful, right?

Lu Ran turned his head and looked at the coat rack by the door.

Should he wear someone's scarf?

Lu Ran walked over, taking off the dark red knitted scarf:

"Like this, does it count as you accompanying me into battle?"

Twenty minutes later, Lu Ran stepped out of the house, dressed in a sleek black combat uniform, wearing a large scarf, and carrying two knives.

The gathering point for this patrol had been changed to the West River Park.

Lu Ran walked alone through the white, wintry world.

It was a long time before he saw another person.

It wasn't until he entered the West River Park and reached the artificial lake that he spotted a certain person's elegant figure.

Tsk tsk~

Nightmare, reminiscing about the glorious past?

Although it was already winter, the artificial lake hadn't frozen over yet.

At that moment, Deng Yuxiang stood at the bow of a rowboat, aimlessly drifting on the lake.

Her position was identical to where Night Charm stood on the 15th night.

Unfortunately, Nightmare was wearing a modern-style dark woolen coat.

Although it had its charm, it lacked the classical elegance.

"Sister!" Lu Ran called out loudly.

Deng Yuxiang snapped out of her reverie and turned towards the lakeside.

Upon seeing Lu Ran, a faint smile finally appeared on her expressionless face.

She waved at Lu Ran, signaling him to come over.

Lu Ran: ". . ."

Do I look like I can fly?

When I advance to the River Realm and activate the Night Charm sculpture, I'll be able to tread on the air.

Wait a moment!

Aren't the Night Charm clan Nightmare's mortal enemies?

If I display my Demonic Technique: Night Charm's Dance in front of her...

Will she slaughter me with a single strike?

"Pfft!"

Suddenly, a thin, long saber shot out from the lake's surface!

The wet blade, dripping with cold water, thrust towards Lu Ran, striking fear into his heart!

"Whoosh~"

The wind and snow danced together.

Zhannight's massive saber hovered steadily in front of Lu Ran, its hilt slowly lowering and entering Lu Ran's palm.

Indeed, it was a Divine Armament!

This was so cool. Hmm, just a bit cold.

Lu Ran clenched the icy blade, and with the help of Zhannight's saber, he soared over the lake, aiming straight for the bow of the rowboat.

"Dong."

Lu Ran landed steadily on the boat's bow, and he saw that Zhannight's saber had pierced the lake surface at an angle, disappearing once again.

Lu Ran, with one hand around his own saber, gazed at the direction where Zhannight's saber had vanished, filled with admiration.

"That scarf is not bad," Deng Yuxiang appraised Lu Ran.

"It's okay," Lu Ran said, his expression odd as he looked at the mini-camera clipped to Deng Yuxiang's collar, "Your camera is not bad either."

"Heh." Deng Yuxiang smiled and glared at Lu Ran.

"Is this a law enforcement recorder?" Lu Ran asked in confusion, "Do you still need to wear this thing while guarding the city on the fifteenth?"

Deng Yuxiang let out a soft sigh, "I'm participating in a program."

Lu Ran: ???

A strong River Realm Fifth Stage practitioner, a Northwind Follower with a Divine Armament, participating in a program?

Are you kidding me?

Deng Yuxiang pouted, as if she wanted to say something but seemed hesitant, so she didn't speak.

Lu Ran became even more puzzled, "What kind of program is it that could get a big Buddha like you to come out of seclusion?"

Is this a task assigned by the bureau?"

Deng Yuxiang replied, "It's a task given by the school, and the bureau approved it too."

"Oh, a task given by the school..." Lu Ran paused, his expression filled with surprise as he looked at Deng Yuxiang, "Aren't you a Moon Gazer? How did you become a student again?"

A smile appeared on Deng Yuxiang's face, as if she enjoyed seeing Lu Ran's confused expression.

She said, "I'm only 20 years old, why wouldn't I be a student?"

Lu Ran: "The first time we met, I asked if you were a university student!

I remember clearly that you told me you had already started working."

"Yes, I was specially recruited by the Divine Citizen Bureau," Deng Yuxiang's smile widened, "I just don't need to attend classes.

But at the school, I haven't graduated yet, I'm only a junior."

Lu Ran: "."

Wow~

I mean, one label is enough for a person, right?

You're both a police flower and a female university student,

What exactly are you up to?

"What's that expression for?" Deng Yuxiang furrowed her brows slightly, her tone carrying a hint of threat, "Do I not look like a student?"

"Uh." Lu Ran scratched his head, "Maybe your strength is too powerful, and I have a bit of a filter."

Deng Yuxiang was already quite 'regal' and beautiful.

Moreover, having constantly fought on the brink of death, her aura as a strong warrior forged in battle made it hard for others to believe she was a student.

"Hmph." Deng Yuxiang humphed, letting the person off the hook.

Lu Ran asked, "So, what's this program about?"

Deng Yuxiang: "It's hosted by Great Xia, and the school reached out to me."

"Great Xia official?"

When did Great Xia have the time to host programs?

"Yes." Deng Yuxiang sighed softly, "You and I both know the situation since June, especially on the night of the fifteenth each month."

Lu Ran nodded silently.

Deng Yuxiang raised her hand and covered the microphone hole on the camera, "This society needs a boost in morale.

People need to be uplifted, and they need something to believe in."

Lu Ran understood.

In recent months, the intensity of the demon invasions had suddenly increased, and people had suffered greatly, enduring too much.

In such dark and special times, people needed hope and light.

The program Deng Yuxiang was participating in was naturally a cultural product.

It was the same reason Lu Ran had listened to cross-talk sketches on the night of the fifteenth, seeking spiritual solace.

But this time, Great Xia was taking drastic measures!

After all, the battlefield was incredibly cruel, and many scenes were not suitable for public viewing.

Of course, this world was also special enough.

Even ordinary citizens had witnessed the battlefield with their own eyes, and some had even experienced life and death.

After all, the frequency of demon invasions was too high, occurring once every month.

Those who survived couldn't possibly be greenhouse flowers.

If on the night of the fifteenth, people could witness the slaughter of demons by human warriors on screen, it would greatly boost morale.

Lu Ran whispered, "Are all the participants in the program very strong?"

Great Xia wanted to showcase its military might and boost morale.

If the participants died on the battlefield, that wouldn't do.

Deng Yuxiang nodded, "Each trial school sends only one person.

Students' strength must be above the River Realm Third Stage.

Those like me, who possess Divine Armaments, are given priority."

Lu Ran nodded, that's how it should be!

It wouldn't be good if things went wrong.

Deng Yuxiang spoke softly, "Currently, the program is only shown to a small group.

After two trial broadcasts on the Winter Moon and Winter Solstice, it will officially air on the Lunar New Year's Eve."

"What's the name of this program?"

"I think it's called 'Heaven's Pride'."

"Whoa~ That's a domineering name."

Deng Yuxiang smiled, "Work hard, and when you enter university next year, you might be able to participate."

Obviously, she had great confidence in Lu Ran's strength! But Lu Ran said, "Tonight, do you have rankings? Are there rewards?"

Deng Yuxiang nodded lightly, "Yes, the rewards are quite generous."

"Done, sis!" Lu Ran waved his hand vigorously, his spirit high, "Tonight, I'll help you get first place!"

Deng Yuxiang was speechless.

She placed her hand on Lu Ran's head and gently ruffled his hair, "Hmm, good."

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end