Chapter 237: Top Scholar?

Chapter 237: Top Scholar?

The next morning, around mid-morning, Lu Ran was meditating in front of the shrine when he suddenly heard the sound of a key being inserted into the door lock.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran was a little surprised and stood up immediately.

Just as he reached the door, he saw Jiang Ruyi opening the door.

"Meow~" Little Fox seemed to have seen a relative and ran to greet her with excitement.

"Hello there?" Jiang Ruyi lowered her head and smiled at the little one.

"Meow~" Little Fox mewed and rubbed against the girl's pants leg, seeking attention.

Lu Ran was completely stunned!

He had kept Little Fox for so long, but when had she ever rubbed against his pants leg?

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but laugh. She bent down, picked up the fox cat with one hand, and reached for the shoe rack next to her.

But her movement suddenly stopped.

Then, Jiang Ruyi straightened up, playing with the fox cat while glancing at Lu Ran in the distance with a subtle look.

Lu Ran: "..."

It's so hard to learn good things, but bad habits come so easily.

"Done with your worship?" Lu Ran took a step forward, picked up the slippers from the shoe rack, and threw them to the girl's feet.

However, Jiang Ruyi slightly tilted her head and silently stared at the slippers without moving.

This scene made Lu Ran laugh.

He immediately squatted down and started to change the girl's shoes.

Jiang Ruyi felt Lu Ran's gentle action, and her heart secretly rejoiced.

"I thought you weren't coming today," Lu Ran said as he untied the laces of her leather boots.

Jiang Ruyi's foot, covered in white socks, had just come out when she quickly stepped back into the boot, "Then should I leave?"

"No, no, no!" Lu Ran grabbed her foot and put the slipper on.

Jiang Ruyi had been smiling all along, intending to tease Lu Ran a little.

But as Lu Ran continued, her face slightly reddened, and she fell silent.

"By the way, I discussed something with the Deity last night," Lu Ran said softly.

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruyi was a little surprised.

What does "I discussed something with the Deity" mean?

Divine Lord, is it that easy for you to communicate?

And as a believer, can you even discuss things with the Deity?

Lu Ran stepped back and said, "Divine Ram has agreed and allowed you to meditate in front of the shrine."

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

The girl silently looked at Lu Ran, feeling completely overwhelmed.

Lu Ran had only said a few words, but each one was overturning Jiang Ruyi's understanding.

Of course, Jiang Ruyi was well aware of how much care Divine Ram had shown Lu Ran.

Divine Ram not only allowed Lu Ran to fight but also taught him several special divine techniques.

After the release of 'Heavenly Talents', the internet was abuzz with heated discussions.

The mainstream opinion was that Divine Ram, a ninth-grade deity, had found a great treasure in Lu Ran, and that was why he was so attentive and almost indulgent towards him.

Now it seemed that this was indeed true!

Lu Ran smiled and said, "From now on, when you come to my house, we can meditate together in front of the shrine."

Jiang Ruyi hesitated a little and said softly, "Is that okay?"

"Come on, just come," Lu Ran said, grabbing the girl's wrist and leading her towards the small bedroom.

Jiang Ruyi was naturally very well-behaved. She casually placed the fox cat on the computer desk and then stood in front of the shrine, clasping her hands together and bowing respectfully: "Divine Ram, Ruyi apologizes for the disturbance."

"Sit down," Lu Ran said as he crossed his legs and sat down.

However, Jiang Ruyi was in a dilemma and couldn't sit down.

"Divine Ram is gentle and friendly...cough, very easygoing."

Lu Ran clearly stumbled over his words and felt guilty in his heart.

Jiang Ruyi naturally believed what Lu Ran said.

After all, the world only saw the kind and amiable side of Divine Ram.

Who had ever seen him with a dark face and a pair of sinister dead sheep eyes?

Lu Ran tugged at Jiang Ruyi and said seriously, "This is allowed by Divine Ram."

Jiang Ruyi hesitated for a moment but still didn't want to refuse Lu Ran's request.

She chose a compromise and knelt down, sitting in a posture similar to how people ate in ancient times.

"Just cross-legged meditation is fine," Lu Ran said softly, "You're not a believer of Divine Ram."

Jiang Ruyi's face was complicated as she pursed her lips and looked at Lu Ran.

You couldn't blame Jiang Ruyi for this.

People living in this era had a strong sense of the limitations of their time.

Even though Divine Ram wasn't the deity Jiang Ruyi worshipped, she didn't dare to overstep her boundaries.

"Be a good girl," Lu Ran said as he reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind Jiang Ruyi's ear.

Just thinking about the Deity above, Jiang Ruyi's face immediately turned red.

She lowered her head, struggled in her heart for a moment, but in the end, she obeyed Lu Ran.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do?

But it also depends on who this 'Roman' is.

If it were anyone else, Jiang Ruyi would never listen to them.

The girl crossed her legs and sat down, and it was clear that she still felt a little apprehensive.

Lu Ran said, "Let's meditate together until noon, and then go out for hot pot. How does that sound?"

"Mmhmm," Jiang Ruyi replied softly.

"Let's begin!" Lu Ran closed his eyes.

In the shrine, strands of white mist continuously drifted towards the two of them.

As it turned out, Lu Ran's choice was correct.

After solving the big problem of 'meditation', the quality of their time together improved significantly.

Over the next ten days or so, Lu Ran was very happy, meeting with Little Ruyi every day.

The two had watched movies together, gone shopping, enjoyed cold drinks, and even strolled leisurely on quiet nights along the Wuli River.

Of course, these were all considered 'extracurricular activities'.

Most of their time was spent meditating at home and practicing martial arts on the dilapidated terrace.

The nature of the Jade Talisman Sect's divine techniques dictated that its believers could follow two paths of growth: close combat and long-range.

Based on Jiang Ruyi's growth, she seemed to be taking the long-range path.

Lu Ran didn't intend to force her to change.

He thought that if there were enemies on the battlefield who got close to Jiang Ruyi, she should at least have some self-defense abilities.

This wonderful time together lasted until the eleventh day of the lunar month.

That afternoon, the two of them went to the Snow Lane Cottage for cold drinks as promised.

Deng Tanchang and his group of three had finally returned from their training on the tenth night, and they wanted to get together after a long time apart.

Lu Ran also explicitly stated that he would treat them to this meal.

After all, the three of them had worked hard and deserved it!

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi stayed at home, relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

Deng Tanchang, Tian Tian, and Chang Ying were toiling away in the Demon Abyss, completing the assignments given by the school for the two of them.

It sounded quite unreasonable.

In the West Sea Province, in front of the Snow Lane Cottage.

"Here they come!" Tian Tian excitedly clenched her tiny fists and whispered.

In the distance, at the street corner, a couple walked towards them, both wearing hats and masks, looking like they didn't want to show their faces.

"Tsk tsk~" Chang Ying placed her hand on Tian Tian's head and exclaimed, "What a perfect match, huh?"

Tian Tian nodded repeatedly, her heart filled with sweetness upon hearing such words.

"Master and Sister Ruyi are a perfect match!"

As Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi approached, Tian Tian couldn't hold back her longing any longer and ran towards them.

"Sister Ruyi!"

Tian Tian whispered, like a little swallow returning to its nest.

"Oh." Jiang Ruyi hugged the petite Tian Tian and took a step back, only then slowing down the momentum.

Tian Tian buried her head in Jiang Ruyi's embrace, looking like she was greedily enjoying the moment, rubbing her cheeks against Jiang Ruyi's.

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but chuckle, speaking softly, "Did you miss me?"

"Mhm." Tian Tian's face turned slightly red, nodding softly in response.

Lu Ran smiled as he watched this scene, knowing it would be difficult to understand Tian Tian's inner thoughts and the special feelings she had for Jiang Ruyi.

Tian Tian had reached the River Realm, and logically, she should have exuded the demeanor of a strong cultivator.

But in front of Jiang Ruyi, she still acted like a little sister.

"Come in!" From a distance, Deng Yutang's voice called out.

Lu Ran looked up and saw Deng Yutang standing at the entrance of the Snow Lane Cottage, waving and beckoning towards them with a smile.

In front of the small wooden cottage, Chang Ying was also beaming with a bright smile, "Ran, come, come~"

Lu Ran smiled as he approached, feeling the rare joy of a reunion.

A few minutes later, the five of them entered a small private room.

Finally, Lu Ran removed his mask and hat, looking at the others, "How was the training? Tiring?"

"It's good." Chang Ying said with a bright smile.

Her eyes sparkled as she stared at Lu Ran's face, as if she could see a blooming flower.

Deng Yutang and Tian Tian were also staring at Lu Ran, and it was evident from their eyes that they held admiration for him.

Lu Ran had always been a role model for them.

Ever since the broadcast of 'Heavenly Talents', Lu Ran's status in their hearts had been elevated to an even higher level.

In fact, they were well aware that Lu Ran had shone brilliantly during the 'Night of the Wraith's Journey' in the Barbaric Drought Demoness Realm.

But they could only get a superficial glimpse through photos and animated GIFs.

'Heavenly Talents' was different!

With all-around, no-blind-spot filming, it perfectly showcased Lu Ran's terrifying combat power!

After this battle, Lu Ran gained even more attention and became a 'big shot', truly worthy of admiration.

"Uh." Lu Ran touched the tip of his nose.

With his thick skin, he rarely felt embarrassed, but he changed the subject, "Are you confident about getting full marks for this training assignment?"

"Don't worry, Master." Tian Tian whispered, "We will definitely get the full 20 Devotee Points."

Deng Yutang nodded confidently, "With these 20 points, I'll have over three hundred Devotee Points.

I'm almost reaching the graduation line."

There was a hint of emotion in Deng Yutang's tone, as high school life was about to come to an end.

The college entrance exam was just two months away!

Jiang Ruyi turned to Tian Tian beside her, "What about you?"

Tian Tian immediately replied, "I'm a little higher than Yutang, with 307 Devotee Points."

"That's good." Jiang Ruyi nodded in satisfaction, "Before the college entrance exam, we can still earn points from two '15th Night City Defense' missions and two school training assignments.

The May 15th college entrance exam is also the final exam, and it's a percentage-based scoring system.

According to tradition, on the first day of the sixth lunar month, the National Worship Festival, we also have a special bonus task.

Your final score will be quite good."

"Mhm, mhm." With the approval of the goddess, Tian Tian's face lit up with a happy smile.

Since the start of the second semester of senior year, the school had not only increased the value of training assignments to 20 Devotee Points.

The '15th Night City Defense' mission had also increased in points as the students' cultivation realms improved and their responsibilities became heavier.

Originally, the individual and team leaderboards had a maximum score of 10 Devotee Points each.

Now, the point limit for both leaderboards had been increased by 10 points.

In other words, Lu Ran, who used to be first on both leaderboards, could earn 20 Devotee Points at once, but now, if he topped both leaderboards again, he would earn 40 points!

On the 15th of the month, Rain Alley City experienced a special event, 'Night of the Wraith's Journey', and students could earn full marks just by surviving.

As a result, all the students in the school gained a full 40 points!

It was incredibly satisfying!

"You don't have to worry, Lu Ran." Deng Yutang smiled at Lu Ran.

"That's right." Tian Tian was unusually lively today, "Including these 20 points, Master already has 409.6 points."

Lu Ran's face showed surprise, "You know more than me?"

Tian Tian clenched her tiny fists, "I calculated it, and Master's final score will definitely surpass the Capital University's admission line by a lot!"

"Oh, that's right!" Chang Ying suddenly spoke up, looking at Lu Ran, "Does 'Heavenly Talents' not give Devotee Points?"

Lu Ran shrugged, "You have to wait until the end of the year, and based on the rankings, they'll reward Devotee Points, Divine Artifacts, and other prizes."

"Oh." Chang Ying silently thought it was a pity, muttering softly, "It would be great if they settled it one by one.

I could directly get the top rank~"

Lu Ran: ". "

Settling it one by one would indeed be a bit unfair.

Since the end of the second semester of junior year, students' Devotee Points accumulated over the next year after becoming believers were equivalent to their college entrance exam scores.

Of course, some top schools also had their own entrance exams, and students needed to reach the admission line to be eligible to apply.

These were just side notes; let's focus on the Great Xia's top 100 Heavenly Talents, all of whom, except for Lu Ran, were university students.

University students treated Devotee Points as honors, using them to bring glory to their deities and sects, and enhance their personal resumes.

But Lu Ran was directly adding the points from 'Heavenly Talents' to his college entrance exam score?

Who could beat me in that case?~

Hey, guys, tomorrow is the 15th of July, and we need to travel to pay respects to our ancestors.

I'll be taking a day off tomorrow, so please bear with me.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end