Chapter 203: Jiang, the River Realm?

Chapter 203: Jiang, the River Realm?

Seven days later, in the buffer zone.

"Caw!"

High in the sky, two crows hovered, their eyes flashing with an eerie glow, intently watching the battlefield below.

By this day, the patrol leader, Zhou Tian, no longer knew how to evaluate these young people.

Lu Ran and his group had long completed their labor reform mission, successfully helping Xian'er to turn over a new leaf and start anew.

Over the next few days, they didn't stop but came to the buffer zone each day to showcase their talents and assist the troops in their tasks.

This wasn't the issue; the crucial point was that Lu Ran's method of executing tasks was incredibly demoralizing!

"Screech!"

Far below, a human figure moved like a phantom, spraying thick mist underfoot as they swiftly darted through the rubble.

Over a dozen angry Evil Dogs barked and chased after the figure ahead.

"Crunch!"

"Crunch!!" Amidst the annoying barks, teeth appeared out of thin air, biting at Lu Ran.

But Lu Ran seemed to have eyes at the back of his head!

He maintained his forward momentum, sometimes darting left, sometimes advancing right.

The teeth clamped down fiercely, yet no matter what, they couldn't bite Lu Ran.

"Caw!"

In the night sky, Zhou Tian couldn't help but shout.

He had witnessed such a scene many times before.

But no matter how many times he saw it, he couldn't help but feel deeply impressed.

Was Lu Ran completing his training mission?

No!

He was more like a teacher giving lectures to the soldiers on duty, and it was an advanced version of a "master class"!

Question:

How can we complete tasks more efficiently?

What is the highest level of interpretation for the skill of sound-based positioning in actual combat?

How can we use the smallest movements and expend the least energy to perfectly dodge the enemy's attacks?

Watch closely, and I'll teach you just once. Well, no, I'll teach you for a few more days!

The Ran School master class is open to all!

Pay attention and learn well~

Over the past few days, Patrol Leader Zhou Tian had also exchanged a few words with Lu Ran.

According to Lu Ran himself, he was indeed exceptionally gifted, born to be a "swordsman."

He had been tirelessly training, listening to the sound of the wind.

What?

Is that even humanly possible?

It would be more believable if you said you secretly paid homage to the North Wind Elder.

Undeniably, there were geniuses in this world.

The gap between people was so evident that it was downright disheartening.

"Boom!"

Lu Ran stomped his foot, and his entire body lunged forward.

Four teeth appeared, and just as they were about to clamp down on Lu Ran, he darted through from the center.

"The third Evil Dog seems to be at the Third Stage of the River Realm!" Jiang Ruyi's voice came from high above.

She had been chasing after them, finally confirming that this Evil Dog's strength exceeded expectations.

It was no wonder people had difficulty distinguishing them.

The Evil Dogs at the Second and Third Stages of the River Realm differed in size by only 10 centimeters.

Even if two Evil Dogs stood still, people would find it challenging to tell them apart, let alone when they were currently jumping around and running at full speed.

"Baa~~~" Lu Ran understood, and immediately produced a sheep's bleat.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was enough for the small dogs to hear it clearly.

The Evil Dog Clan was already eager to tear Lu Ran apart, and upon hearing this sound, they became even more reckless!

Taking advantage of this, Jiang Ruyi flew a little lower, aimed at her target, and suddenly swung her jade-like hand downward.

"Swish~!"

She threw out a Frost Charm, hitting the third Evil Dog squarely.

In an instant, frost spread, quickly covering the Evil Dog's body.

"Woof! Woof!!"

Because Jiang Ruyi intentionally lowered the grade of her Divine Art: Frost Charm, the Evil Dog wasn't frozen solid.

However, as the Evil Dog pack was running at full speed, this Evil Dog's slightly slower pace caused it to be left behind by the main group.

"Are you sure, Ruyi?" Sister Xian'er's questioning voice came from a distance.

"The resistance and size match," Jiang Ruyi observed the isolated Evil Dog, feeling that it was beyond help.

Her Frost Charm had struck it, yet it still pursued Lu Ran, ignoring everything else.

"Good!" Sister Xian'er shouted, swinging her giant hammer fiercely.

Heaven's Wrath Spell: Blazing Sky!

A three-meter-wide illusory hammer shadow, engulfed in raging flames, slammed straight into the Evil Dog, whose movements were becoming increasingly sluggish.

"Boom!"

Amidst the fire, the Evil Dog exploded.

The air was filled with the aroma of burnt dog meat. Meanwhile, on the high wall.

Two soldiers on duty saw the Immortal Mist approaching from afar and sighed softly, "The little sheep is here again."

"There are quite a few this time, around twelve or thirteen."

"This taunting skill is incredible! It's been so many days, and not a single Evil Dog has escaped. Wow!"

The soldier exclaimed, and just then, Lu Ran leaped forward, twisting his body like a gymnast.

Amidst the snapping of sharp fangs, Lu Ran forcefully carved out an escape route.

The sound of gnashing teeth, far from intimidating, served as a rhythmic beat, spurring Lu Ran on.

In the instant he landed, he faced the pack of dogs, sliding uncontrollably towards the city wall.

"Huff!"

Once again, Lu Ran slid into the prison, and the sheep's call echoed:

"Baa~~~"

The mentally inferior evil dogs had lost their ability to think and surged frantically into the prison.

It was less of a prison and more like a breach in the city wall.

At this moment, the large iron gates on both sides of the wall were raised.

"Close the gates!" Lu Ran shouted as he passed through the thick wall and slid out, his voice carrying across the distance.

A loud bang reverberated.

The heavy iron gates slammed shut, hitting the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Woof!"

"Woof!!!" The leading evil dog pounced on the iron gate, barking furiously.

Lu Ran dodged the snapping fangs while softly bleating, "Baa~"

Another loud bang, and the large gate on the other side of the wall slammed shut.

Over a dozen evil dogs were trapped inside the prison, creating chaos as they awaited inspection by the soldiers.

Once they passed the inspection, they would be released, and Lu Ran would lead them towards the Fifth City.

"Will it work?"

Lu Ran called out, quickly sidestepping and taking cover at the base of the wall to avoid an attack from the evil dog clan.

He didn't wait for a response from the soldiers; instead, a graceful figure appeared.

"Why are you here?" Lu Ran asked curiously.

Jiang Ruyi, still in mid-air, heard his question and immediately hovered above Lu Ran's head.

In front of Lu Ran was the gently swaying hem of her white skirt.

The girl's eyes were deep and mysterious, her head bowed as she looked at Lu Ran without saying a word.

"Umm." Lu Ran realized his words might have been inappropriate and quickly added, "I'm worried about Scarlet Xian."

Jiang Ruyi replied calmly, "You care so much about her that you can't even leave for a moment."

"No, it's not that," Lu Ran said, looking up at the girl in the white skirt. "You should minimize contact with the Blazing Heaven Believers.

The Scarlet Xian you see is how she is after I've tamed and reformed her.

She only shows a bit of a smile when she's with us.

But with others, she's quick to argue."

As Lu Ran spoke, he raised his hand to grab the girl's palm.

However, Jiang Ruyi slightly lifted her hand, not giving him the chance.

Lu Ran reacted swiftly.

He stood on his toes and firmly grasped the girl's hand.

It was cool and soft, just as he remembered.

Lu Ran applied a little force, pulling her hand down, and pressed his lips against the back of her hand:

"Mua~"

Jiang Ruyi's calm expression suddenly changed!

The aloof fairy transformed into a slightly flustered human girl.

Instinctively, she withdrew her hand, her heart filled with both surprise and embarrassment.

This guy was becoming more and more outrageous.

Lu Ran chuckled, "Good girl, go and keep an eye on her, don't let her cause any trouble.

I'll lead the evil dogs away, and then I'll come back to meet up with you."

"Hmph," Jiang Ruyi turned away from Lu Ran and flew towards the top of the wall.

Watching the girl's hasty retreat, Lu Ran's smile grew even more radiant.

Little Ruyi,

It's so easy to coax you, isn't it?

Following the graceful figure of the girl, Lu Ran spotted a soldier leaning out from the top of the wall, giving him a thumbs-up with a broad smile.

Lu Ran: "..."

Every time the soldiers opened the gates to release the dogs, they did it as a routine, signaling with hand gestures.

But they had never smiled and given a thumbs-up like this before.

"Crack! Crack"

The iron gate slowly lifted.

The evil dog clan, like a pack of zombie dogs, frantically tried to squeeze out.

"Baa~~~"

Lu Ran quickly darted towards the direction of the Fifth City.

High above on the wall, Jiang Ruyi silently watched Lu Ran's figure until he disappeared into the night, then she descended into the buffer zone.

"Did it work?" Scarlet Xian asked with a smile as she saw Jiang Ruyi descend.

"Yes," Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly, "Let's wait for him to return."

"Okay," Scarlet Xian twirled the heavy hammer in her hand, looking relaxed and carefree.

After more than a week of interaction, the relationship between the two had grown significantly.

In the past, Scarlet Xian had no teammates or friends and had endured the hardships of reform alone.

Now, with the care and concern of Jiang and Lu, she had grown to like them even more.

The only downside was that Jiang Ruyi had also started to impose restrictions on her. As the commander, it was natural for Jiang Ruyi to give orders to the squad.

The commander's orders gradually expanded from the battlefield into their daily lives.

This made Scarlet Xian feel extremely embarrassed!

After all, Jiang Ruyi was not only younger but also slightly inferior in terms of strength and cultivation level.

Hmm. What to do now?

Scarlet Xian could only endure and slowly digest the situation.

After all, she was in need of these two people.

"Ruyi, sister~" Scarlet Xian sidled up to the girl.

"Hmm?"

"Where shall we go to play next month?"

Jiang Ruyi looked at Scarlet Xian with expectant eyes and smiled, asking, "Where does Sister Xian'er want to go?"

Scarlet Xian immediately became excited, "Let's go to the big city, okay?"

To a warm place, a bustling place, to a prosperous and dazzling city!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruyi's heart softened.

She had heard many of Scarlet Xian's stories, and she couldn't help but feel a hint of pity.

Jiang Ruyi nodded gently, "Sure, I'll talk to Lu Ran about it."

"As expected, you're so good to Sister Xian'er!" Scarlet Xian affectionately wrapped her arms around Jiang Ruyi.

Everything turned out just as Scarlet Xian had expected, and Jiang Ruyi became even gentler and easier to talk to.

"Consider it a reward for you." Jiang Ruyi suddenly said.

"What?" Scarlet Xian was a little confused.

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but smile, "Last night at the restaurant, you endured a lot, didn't you?"

"Ah!" Scarlet Xian understood and hummed, "If it weren't for you stopping me, I would have cursed that little brat."

Jiang Ruyi admonished, "From now on, try to avoid swearing."

Scarlet Xian hummed, "I'll try my best.

Ruyi, you're still too gentle. Some people deserve a good beating. If you slap them, they'll start talking nicely."

Jiang Ruyi shook her head helplessly, how could Scarlet Xian possibly look like she had been successfully reformed?

Hmm. That makes sense.

Lu Ran was the absolute main force in driving away the evil dogs, and this trip to Evil Dog Village was more like Lu Ran's labor reform.

"Whoosh!" A figure rushed through the air.

"Let's lure another wave, and we'll finish today's mission, okay?" Lu Ran gripped the Radiant Light Saber and slowly descended.

"Okay." Jiang Ruyi nodded in agreement.

Scarlet Xian asked, "By the way, how many evil dogs have we driven away? Your mission must be almost complete, right?"

"Once we reach two thousand, we'll stop." Lu Ran said casually, "Let's go!"

"We've caught that many already?" Scarlet Xian was amazed and quickly followed.

After more than ten minutes, when the trio had ventured deep enough into the buffer zone, Lu Ran once again stood on a large boulder.

Jiang Ruyi and Scarlet Xian stood at a distance, each on guard, as usual.

"Baa~~"

The sound of a sheep's call echoed across the rocky wilderness, and Lu Ran vigorously activated the Dark Art: Evil Perception, scanning the surroundings.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted, and two rows of canine teeth rapidly appeared, biting fiercely towards Lu Ran.

Lu Ran's expression changed drastically, and he quickly jumped back.

"Crunch!"

The canine teeth clamped down, creating an unbearably harsh sound.

Jiang Ruyi's eyes narrowed, and Scarlet Xian's breath caught in her throat! Two rows of canine teeth?

Not four, but two rows?! In the Dark Art: Malevolent Fangs, below the River Rank, there were always four teeth.

Only when this art advanced to the River Rank would a qualitative change occur, and the teeth would appear in a staggered row!

In other words,

a River Realm·Evil Dog had been attracted by Lu Ran?!

"Retreat! Get out of here, quickly!" Lu Ran's face turned rigid.

"Tsk—"

As he spoke, Lu Ran tensed up and darted to the right.

Those who walk by the river long enough will eventually get wet!

"Crunch!"

Again, two rows of canine teeth rapidly appeared.

Where the teeth clamped down, a surge of energy churned, as if trying to tear apart the very fabric of space.

Lu Ran: !!!

He suppressed his palpitating heart and activated the Dark Art: Evil Perception to its maximum, perceiving every movement in the surroundings.

Please, no!

No way!

Could it be that a River Realm·Evil Dog had slipped through the screening zone from beyond the Sixth Wall and into the buffer zone?

Please don't have the Dark Art: Evil Shadow Flash!

Please, don't know how to teleport!

The more Lu Ran thought about it, the more anxious he became.

Over the past seven days, the trio had encountered some Evil Dogs at the Third and Fourth Stages of the River Realm.

It was true that the Evil Dog Clan had low intelligence, but there were still a few exceptional individuals who possessed this technique!

It was no exaggeration to say that Evil Dogs with teleportation and those without were completely different species!

"Growl"

Faintly, Lu Ran heard the low growl of hunting dogs.

The sound was incredibly deep, sending shivers down one's spine! High in the sky, two crows spoke in human language, shouting sternly:

"Immediately suspend the mission!"

"Abandon the mission! Let's go, Lu Ran! Run!"

Four thousand words! It's the end of the month, please support with some monthly votes!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end