Chapter 161: The Last Night
Chapter 161: The Last Night
After Lu Ran took the stage and received the Divine Energy Orb from the teacher, he turned and walked away without a word.
The teacher wanted to try the same trick again, asking Lu Ran to say a few words to motivate the students.
But Lu Ran ran off so quickly that the teacher couldn't help but show a hint of disappointment, saying, "After this city's defense, you'll be on winter break. No homework, just enjoy your holidays. Alright, follow your leader, Zhang Feng, and head out!"
"Yeah, it's almost the New Year," Lu Ran muttered, holding the newly acquired Divine Energy Orb.
Although he lived alone, he would always go to the capital during the New Year's Eve to celebrate with his mother and sister.
It had been almost a year since he last saw his mother. He missed her, but he couldn't deny the truth.
"Let's go, Lu Ran!" Deng Yutang put his arm around Lu Ran's shoulder. "It's our turn."
"Oh," Lu Ran snapped out of his thoughts.
"What were you thinking about so intently?" Deng Yutang asked curiously.
"Thinking about the New Year, it's only half a month away. Time flies," Lu Ran sighed.
Deng Yutang nodded silently, feeling the same way.
Ever since becoming a believer, the months had flown by.
"Long time no see," came a familiar male voice from ahead.
The group turned to see Zhang Feng, the leader of Squad 98, who specialized in leading the Moon Worshippers.
"Hello, Brother Zhang," they greeted him.
"Good morning, Brother Zhang," they added.
"Good," Zhang Feng smiled and nodded, carefully examining the group. "How's your cultivation coming along? What levels have you reached?"
It had been four months since they last saw each other on the 15th of August.
The students had changed a lot; they looked more mature and had the bearing of seasoned warriors.
"We're all at the Fourth Stage of the Stream Realm," Chang Ying said proudly. "Lu Ran is at the First Stage of the River Realm!"
"Oh?" Zhang Feng turned to Lu Ran, both surprised and delighted.
This extraordinary young man always brought him pleasant surprises.
Whether it was Lu Ran's fighting spirit, his combat strength, or his terrifying talent, it was enough to leave people speechless.
Now, Chang Ying's words about the River Realm further stirred up waves in Zhang Feng's heart.
In just six months, he had reached the First Stage of the River Realm!
Undoubtedly, this was the growth rate expected of a First or Second Rank Deity's follower.
Even a powerful Third Rank Deity's follower would find it hard to match.
"Incredible," Zhang Feng sighed, his eyes scanning the group. "Good, you've all improved significantly! Especially Lu Ran, who has changed the most.
He already possesses the aura of a true warrior."
Lu Ran chuckled and scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "I still have a long way to go.
The one who has changed the most is Jiang Ruyi."
"Huh?"
"What?" The others were puzzled and looked at Lu Ran.
Lu Ran patted Chang Ying's shoulder and gazed at the dark-skinned girl, "Look at Jiang Ruyi's transformation!
She went from a fair-skinned beauty to a tall and mighty glutton!"
Chang Ying: ???
Tian Tian covered her mouth with one hand but couldn't hold back her laughter, "Pfft!"
Deng Yutang: "Hahahahaha!"
The hearty laughter drew curious glances from those around them.
Zhang Feng was also amused and led the group towards the bus, "Looks like it's time for me to retire."
"Leader Zhang?" Tian Tian was sensitive to his words and noticed the complex emotions in his tone.
"Retire?" Lu Ran asked, turning to Zhang Feng.
Zhang Feng nodded, "Yes, you're all at least at the Fourth Stage of the Stream Realm, and you've been through six months of training and participated in numerous battles.
Now, you're all warriors and the main force defending the city.
As your leader, I should step down."
The demons that invaded the city on the 15th night had strengths ranging from the Fog Realm to the Stream Realm.
Under normal circumstances, a squad of four was a qualified defense force.
Listening to Zhang Feng's words, Lu Ran couldn't help but think of another person—Instructor Dou Zhiqiang.
The last time Lu Ran and Si Xianxian went to Evil Dog Village, Instructor Dou Zhiqiang had said something similar.
The cold-faced instructor, in his words, had already bid farewell to Lu Ran.
From then on, the two would most likely never meet again.
On the path ahead, he didn't have the ability to accompany Lu Ran.
Well, thinking about it carefully, it was actually quite good.
At least there was a somewhat formal farewell.
And in the journey of life, many last goodbyes happen unexpectedly.
"Get on the bus!" Zhang Feng arrived at the front of the bus, "After this exam, go home for the New Year!"
The flag was set, and it was a standard farewell.
The group quickly boarded the bus, feeling the spacious interior. Including Lu Ran's group, there were only 20 students left in the class, forming five squads.
The bus drove towards the east of the city with the group.
Their destination was the abandoned school—Rain Alley City's Fifth Elementary School.
As the bus arrived at the school, Lu Ran stepped onto the playground and couldn't help but look towards the southeast side.
The old swing still stood there.
The autumn leaves had turned yellow, and the once vibrant autumn had transformed into a snowy winter.
So many memories!
Lu Ran walked through the snow-covered playground, heading straight for the swing.
Zhang Feng remained easygoing and didn't stop Lu Ran.
"Tsk tsk," Lu Ran reached the swing set.
One of the swing boards was broken, leaving only two iron chains tied together, which was Lu Ran's handiwork.
A
He sat on the swing, accompanied by the full moon on the 15th night of the eighth month, swaying gently.
It was a beautiful sight.
L
"Creak~"
The rusted chains swayed gently, emitting a piercing sound.
"Squeak, squeak."
Footsteps crunching through the snow drew near.
Lu Ran turned to see Tian Tian approaching, holding his twin blades.
"Master," Tian Tian whispered.
"Thank you," Lu Ran said, taking the blades.
Tian Tian's eyes sparkled, and she asked softly, "Master, are you thinking of Sister Jiang Ruyi?"
"Uh," Lu Ran hesitated.
Four months ago, he had indeed swung on this swing with Jiang Ruyi.
"
"No?" Tian Tian said softly, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"I did think of her," Lu Ran said, feeling a mix of laughter and tears.
"My disciple is my CP fan?" Tian Tian's face lit up with a sweet smile, not caring if Lu Ran was telling the truth.
It seemed that as long as Lu Ran said it, she would believe it.
Lu Ran wrapped his arm around the blades and patted Tian Tian's head, "I haven't slept for two days and nights, I'm a bit tired."
"Don't sleep here, you'll catch a cold," Tian Tian said hastily.
Lu Ran: ". "
Lu Ran slept so soundly that he lost track of time.
As night fell, a tall, dark figure quietly sneaked into a fourth-floor office.
"Ran Bao, Ran Shen?"
"Hmm," Lu Ran mumbled, rolling over and continuing to sleep.
Chang Ying took a few steps forward, sat beside the bed, and patted Lu Ran's shoulder, "Wake up, Ran Bao. It's dark, time to get up!"
"Hmm?" Lu Ran finally opened his eyes, and in the corridor's light, he saw Chang Ying.
"Get up quickly," Chang Ying said with a smile, "In a while, a demon will crawl into your bed."
Lu Ran: ". "
Is this how you wake someone up? It's quite scary.
If a straw demon or a bamboo demon crawled into my bed, I could still sleep while being tied up.
It's just a pillow.
But if a vermillion paper figure crawled into my bed, who could bear it?
Lu Ran sat up, his head buzzing.
"Only our small team is guarding outside," Chang Ying whispered, "Without you, we feel a bit anxious."
Lu Ran smiled, "Isn't Zhang Feng leading the team?"
Chang Ying pouted, "Of course, being by your side is safer than being by his side."
Lu Ran rubbed his eyes and warned, "Don't say that in front of others."
"I know, I'm not a fool."
"I'll go wash my face," Lu Ran got up, slipped on his shoes, and walked out.
"Then I'll wait for you at the door?"
"Blade."
"I'll take it." Without needing a reminder, Chang Ying's gaze had already fixed on the twin blades on the table.
Like Tian Tian, Chang Ying didn't mind being Lu Ran's "Blade Bearer."
Today, Lu Ran's relationship with his teammates was gradually changing.
Fundamentally, it was due to Lu Ran's powerful strength, and on the other hand, it was the result of his deliberate guidance.
As for when it would bear fruit, he didn't know.
Lu Ran only hoped that when the time came, when he extended the invitation to his teammates, they would not disappoint him and join the "Ran Sect" without hesitation.
A few minutes later.
The two arrived in the first-floor hall and saw Bai Man Ni's team guarding the small shrine.
"How are you feeling?" Lu Ran greeted everyone and then turned to Bai Man Ni.
As a believer in the art of incantations, Bai Man Ni still looked restless, shaking her head with worry.
"Ah," Lu Ran sighed heavily and pushed the door to leave.
The cold air hit him, fully waking Lu Ran!
The night sky sparkled with stars, and the bright moon hung high.
The cold moonlight poured onto the snow-covered ground, making the frosty snow glisten.
"Great weather, Radiance Blade!" Lu Ran clenched the Radiance Blade in his left hand and slowly raised it.
Through the dark yet translucent ice material, his gaze fixed on the bright moon in the sky.
"It's freezing, the weather is terrible," Chang Ying rubbed her hands and exhaled warm breath.
But Lu Ran spoke softly, "She doesn't understand what we're waiting for, right?"
"Buzz!"
The Radiance Blade in Lu Ran's hand suddenly trembled, making quite a commotion.
This surprised everyone.
If a weapon's reaction could be this intense, was it about to...
Zhang Feng's face was filled with astonishment, and he couldn't help but ask, "Lu Ran, what's the story behind this blade?"
"It was left to me by my father," Lu Ran said, his gaze fixed on the moon through the thin ice blade.
It was time, Radiance Blade!
This night, before the red glow filled the sky, was the last night.
The moon gazers said that tonight's Rain Alley might not be peaceful.
The incantation believer from earlier was also deeply worried.
It seemed like it would be a long night.
However,
The morning glow is not something we wait for.
It's something we fight for!
Don't you think so?
"Buzz!"
(End of Chapter)
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