Chapter 158: River Realm?!

Chapter 158: River Realm?!

Half an hour later, at the banks of the Wu Lie River.

On the tower terrace, a figure left a trail of slashes with their blade.

"Go easy on me!" Lu Ran shouted, his feet enveloped in Celestial Mist, swiftly dodging and weaving.

But the Northwind Follower was like a lingering shadow, relentlessly pursuing Lu Ran.

No matter where Lu Ran fled, he was always shrouded in nightmares.

"Ding!"

The Radiance Blade and the Gale Blade clashed, creating an ear-piercing sound.

Lu Ran felt his palm go numb, and he couldn't help but mutter, "When you lured me out, you were so gentle! But the moment we met, you started torturing me!"

Deng Yu Xiang remained silent, her expressionless face giving no clues.

She was clearly chasing Lu Ran to kill him, but her demeanor suggested she wasn't entirely satisfied.

Lu Ran's Celestial Hoof technique activated again, and he hastily dodged.

Deng Yu Xiang was enveloped in a whirlwind, her movements mirroring his.

After a few more exchanges, Deng Yu Xiang suddenly shouted, "I can't believe this!"

With these words, her offense became even more fierce.

Lu Ran was dumbfounded!

You're the one who's been chasing me, making me flee in panic. Why aren't you happy now?

It had to be admitted that Deng Yu Xiang was indeed a bit agitated.

As the pinnacle existence in the River Realm, renowned for her speed and saber technique, she was a Northwind Follower.

When facing Lu Ran, who had just entered the River Realm, she struggled to gain the upper hand.

This sparring session was unlike any before.

Lu Ran had advanced to the River Realm, mastering the Water Flow Armor, which provided him with a means of self-preservation.

Therefore, Deng Yu Xiang no longer held back, and she focused her attention on Lu Ran's Water Flow Armor.

The more serious she became, the more embarrassed she felt!

Lu Ran's agile movements were like a slap in the face.

"Oh no! Oh no, oh no!" Lu Ran's heart raced, and he struggled to defend and dodge amidst the dense blade lights, feeling overwhelmed.

It seemed that before he advanced to the River Realm, Deng Yu Xiang had indeed been gentle.

It was as if she had been nurturing a growing lamb.

Now, the little lamb had grown plump, ready for slaughter!

"Huff!"

The woman held a gale blade, moving at an alarming speed, aiming directly at Lu Ran's face.

Lu Ran quickly sidestepped, once again invoking the Zhan Decision.

The Celestial Sheep Follower sounded the horn of counterattack!

He was determined to let this relentless Northwind Follower taste the agony of being pursued by vengeful spirits.

"Tsk!"

This was the sound of the Jie Ye Sword striking the woman's Water Flow Armor.

"Slap!"

This was the sound of Nightmare grabbing Lu Ran by the neck.

Lu Ran: "..."

In a sense, the siblings shared a similar predicament.

They feared being serious, for when they were, they would realize their inadequacies.

Deng Yu Xiang held Lu Ran up in the air with one hand:

"You're so fast!"

"What are you talking about?" Lu Ran dropped his blades, grabbing Deng Yu Xiang's cold hands that were around his neck.

Deng Yu Xiang tilted her head back, looking up at Lu Ran, and narrowed her eyes, "How can you be so fast?"

Lu Ran: "..."

Indeed, he had become a bit too fast.

Even Lu Ran himself felt a bit overwhelmed by his own speed!

Firstly, Lu Ran had advanced to the River Realm, resulting in a qualitative leap in his physical attributes.

Secondly, Lu Ran's Evil Art: Evil Agility had also advanced in grade, from Stream Grade to River Grade!

This was the real reason Deng Yu Xiang and Lu Ran felt uncomfortable.

Just how fast had Lu Ran become? Even he struggled to control it!

The battle ended abruptly because, at that moment, Lu Ran was a bit dazed!

It was truly embarrassing to admit:

I was caught because my speed was too fast.

I lost the sparring session because I became too strong.

"Little Lu Ran?" Deng Yu Xiang gently shook him, seeing that he wasn't responding.

Lu Ran, suspended in mid-air by her, swayed slightly.

"Can you put me down first?" Lu Ran patted her hand.

From her actions and tone, Lu Ran could tell that Deng Yu Xiang's attitude had changed slightly.

When Lu Ran was in the Stream Realm, Deng Yu Xiang had been more caring towards him.

Now that Lu Ran had advanced to the River Realm, they were in the same major realm.

His display of strength made Deng Yu Xiang view him as a worthy opponent!

Under the influence of this subconscious change, she became more aggressive when facing Lu Ran.

"Hmm," Deng Yu Xiang released her hold, also realizing that her actions were a bit unusual.

As Lu Ran deactivated his Water Flow Armor, Deng Yu Xiang reached out again, as if to make up for something, and straightened his wrinkled clothes.

A hush fell over the tower terrace.

The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated.

"No wonder the Vermillion Paper Figure took a liking to you. With such a remarkable physical talent, you're indeed worthy of being a First Rank God Follower," Deng Yu Xiang said softly, looking at Lu Ran.

She suddenly realized that he had grown a little taller.

On the night of the 15th of the winter month, when the two of them looked into each other's eyes, they were still at eye level.

Looking at him now, he must have grown another centimeter, reaching 1.79 meters.

"It's okay," Lu Ran said, seemingly modest, but it was the truth.

Wait for me to adapt to the River Grade Evil Agility and utilize it to the fullest.

At that time, I'll show you what true speed is~

Not only the Evil Dog Dark Art: Evil Agility, but also the Soul Shattering Demon Dark Art: Soul Splitting Power.

During this friendly match, Lu Ran didn't even dare to use the Soul Splitting Power!

Although people can voluntarily lower the grade of their techniques when casting spells, Lu Ran had just entered the River Realm and was already experiencing a surge in physical attributes.

At that moment, he hadn't even adapted to this "new body" and thus didn't go overboard.

"Hmph, you're getting away with it and acting cute," Deng Yuxiang gestured to the scattered blades in the snow, "Pick them up."

"I'll do it later, let me digest this first," Lu Ran waved his hands hurriedly.

Deng Yuxiang hesitated for a moment, but didn't insist further. She turned and walked towards the tower terrace railing.

"By the way, how did you rank on the Fifteenth Day?" Lu Ran asked.

Deng Yuxiang shook her head, "Middle of the pack."

"What?"

"Heaven's Pride gave me an average evaluation."

"So strict?" Lu Ran sighed inwardly.

Were all the participants in this project monsters?!

"It was just an internal trial broadcast." Deng Yuxiang gazed at the white world, "It doesn't count towards the main competition's point accumulation.

By the way, the people from Heaven's Pride also specifically asked about you."

Lu Ran: "Me?"

Deng Yuxiang nodded slightly, "In their eyes, your performance was much better than mine."

Lu Ran: "..."

Damn,

She's stealing the spotlight!

Deng Yuxiang: "They also made a request to the bureau, hoping that our team would maintain this configuration.

Since you have to take the final exam this month, it's fine.

Wait until next year's Lantern Festival, when Heaven's Pride officially starts, and join me then."

Lu Ran pursed his lips but didn't speak.

"Why, you don't want to?" Deng Yuxiang turned to look at him.

"Is it because of me that your score is low?" Lu Ran asked.

Deng Yuxiang asked in confusion, "Why do you say that? You make this team more complete, and I perform better because of you."

Lu Ran shrugged, "No comparison, no harm, right?"

Deng Yuxiang: ?

Lu Ran gave her a classic expression with a smile.

"Haha." Deng Yuxiang suddenly laughed and waved at Lu Ran, "Come here."

Lu Ran, however, took two steps back.

Only a fool would go over!

Nightmare's eyes were indeed bright and clear, and her smile was even more captivating.

But none of this could deceive Lu Ran.

After all, he had just been grabbed by the neck and lifted into the air, swaying left and right.

Seeing that Lu Ran wasn't coming over, Deng Yuxiang hummed and turned away.

She gazed into the distance and then asked, "How was your trip to Boreas City?"

Lu Ran thought for a moment and said, "Teacher Yan was very kind to me. She gave me a lesson and practiced with me for a day."

"Just one day?"

"I arrived at an inconvenient time, right on New Year's Day. She went to participate in a ceremony, and later she entered the Divine Ruins, and I never saw her again."

Upon hearing this, Deng Yuxiang silently nodded.

Sensing the woman's silence, Lu Ran's thoughts became complicated.

Before he could say anything, Deng Yuxiang spoke again, "What did she teach you?"

"The three stages of the blade."

"You're not a Northwind Follower, don't go down the wrong path." Deng Yuxiang gently advised, "You can have a basic understanding, but don't become obsessed with this path."

The strict requirements of the Northwind Divine Art forced the Northwind Followers to delve into this path.

Other followers in the world didn't need to waste their time and energy on this.

"Oh." Lu Ran's heart stirred, and he carefully examined Deng Yuxiang.

The woman had a tall figure and wore an expensive dark velvet coat, exuding a powerful aura.

But under Lu Ran's careful observation, this elegant and noble woman gradually transformed into a large blade.

"Sister Yuxiang also resembles a blade."

"Compared to Yan Suangzi?"

Lu Ran fell silent in response to this question.

And silence, in itself, was a form of reply.

Deng Yuxiang didn't press further. She placed her hand on the stone railing, leaving a shallow snow handprint.

"Do you regret it?" Lu Ran stepped forward to the stone railing, three meters away from her, looking at her profile.

"Regret what?"

"Going home," Lu Ran said, "Teacher Yan said that in the beginning, you were more qualified and had more right to stay in Boreas City than anyone else."

Deng Yuxiang smiled but didn't speak.

Lu Ran spoke softly, "Over the years, Yan Suangzi has been able to frequently listen to the teachings of the deity.

Now she has entered the Northwind Divine Ruins and gained a tremendous opportunity.

(End of Chapter)As she returns to the mortal world, she will likely be a River Basin Realm Powerhouse, right?"

Finally, Deng Yuxiang spoke up, her voice low, "I'm happy for her."

Lu Ran fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Sister, you've been stuck at the Fifth Stage of the River Realm for a while now, haven't you?"

Just in the time Lu Ran has known Deng Yuxiang, it's already been half a year.

Who knows how long she had been stuck before that.

"What do you mean?" Deng Yuxiang turned to look at Lu Ran, "Are you suggesting I leave Rain Alley City?"

"No, no." Lu Ran shook his head, "I just think you could go to the Divine Ground and seek some guidance."

"I've been back before." Deng Yuxiang said softly.

Lu Ran: "It's almost New Year's Eve, and there will probably be a ceremony in Boreas City. You can—"

"That's enough." Deng Yuxiang interrupted Lu Ran.

Lu Ran hesitated for a moment, then said, "It won't take up much time. You can return on the fifteenth day."

"That's enough." Deng Yuxiang gazed into the distance, her eyes fixed on her snowy hometown.

Her voice was very soft.

But these two identical phrases eventually caused Lu Ran to close his mouth.

The rooftop fell silent once more.

After a long while, Deng Yuxiang broke the silence, "Prepare well for the exam. This fifteenth day might not be as peaceful."

Lu Ran said, "On the eighth day of the first month, I advanced right here."

"Hmm?" Deng Yuxiang raised her eyebrows slightly.

Lu Ran walked over to Deng Yuxiang, propped his elbow on the stone railing, and looked into the distance, "I feel like Rain Alley City is overly attached to me, afraid that I'll leave it."

"Hehe." Deng Yuxiang couldn't help but laugh.

As someone who had given up great opportunities and the bustling world, she never thought she would resonate with someone who hadn't yet ventured out.

Experiences may differ.

But some people are born with such talent and insight, allowing them to attain a certain mindset early on.

After all, emotions in this world are interconnected.

Inner realizations aren't something one can naturally possess just because of their age.

There are countless people who live for decades without such insights.

Those who mature early are also not uncommon.

"Sister, look at that river." Lu Ran slightly lifted his head, gesturing towards the distance.

Deng Yuxiang followed his gaze to the mother river of Rain Alley City.

Lu Ran: "It's quite powerful."

Deng Yuxiang: "..."

Lu Ran shared his realization, "In this icy and snowy land, flowers and trees wither, everything is frozen and buried in snow.

But the Wu Lie River remains unchanged.

Since I can remember, it has always been this way."

"Hmm." Deng Yuxiang nodded lightly, gazing at the river's misty waters.

"Nothing can stop it, not the passage of time nor the changing seasons." Lu Ran paused, then suddenly turned to look at Deng Yuxiang.

Her eyebrows were tightly knit, and her body even trembled slightly.

Lu Ran widened his eyes, staring at the woman, feeling the energy emanating from her body becoming more and more intense.

Was this...

A breakthrough to the Fifth Stage of the River Realm?!

Suddenly, a trembling palm landed on Lu Ran's head, gently massaging it.

Lu Ran stared at her, dumbfounded, and after two or three seconds, he suddenly laughed, "It seems your choice was right.

What Boreas City can give you, your hometown can too."

"Hmm." Deng Yuxiang also smiled.

Slowly, she lowered Lu Ran's head, and her thin lips lightly kissed his frost-covered hair.

"Hoo!!!"

A fierce wind rose!

A terrifying energy surged from Deng Yuxiang's body, sending Lu Ran flying backward.

The world was already a white expanse, and now, layers of white mist continued to emerge.

The terrifying energy surged towards the Wu Lie Riverbank and the abandoned residential building's rooftop.

"Chh—"

Lu Ran leaned forward, his legs bent, and as he slid backward, Celestial Mist erupted beneath his feet.

At the rooftop railing, he finally halted his retreat and looked into the distance.

The wind and waves carried frost and snow, mixed with white mist, enveloping the human within.

Deng Yuxiang stood firmly, her eyes closed, head slightly tilted back, black hair dancing in the wind, and the hem of her coat fluttering.

At this moment, Lu Ran felt like he was gazing upon a goddess statue.

He felt honored!

To witness a Fifth Stage River Realm powerhouse cross that invisible threshold and become a human powerhouse was a privilege.

For forty years, this "threshold" had blocked countless talented individuals.

Now,

The threshold that had blocked Deng Yuxiang was shattered by the surging mother river.

Indeed,

The hometown cares for every child who yearns for it.

End of Chapter

Chapter end