Chapter 268: The Last Lesson

Chapter 268: The Last Lesson

On the nineteenth day of the lunar month, the sun shone brightly in the sky.

After several months, Lu Ran once again donned his blue and white school uniform and stepped out of his home.

"Ahhh~~~"

Standing at the entrance of the apartment building, he gazed at the blue sky and white clouds, stretching lazily with a fierce expression.

Time sure flies.

Today's morning class would be the last lesson before the college entrance examination.

"The little yellow flowers of the story, have been floating since the year of birth~"

Lu Ran hummed a little tune as he walked, casually kicking a small flower by the roadside.

Petals fluttered in the wind, slowly falling to the ground as Lu Ran's figure walked away.

Lu Ran walked around the residential building and saw a tall figure standing under a tree not far away.

The blue and white school uniform, the neat ponytail, and the pure and lovely face.

However, compared to a year ago, the girl had grown a lot, both in terms of her inner self and her physical appearance.

"Is your school uniform a bit small?" Lu Ran quickened his pace.

"It's fine, I'll only wear it for one day," Jiang Ruyi said with a smile, looking at Lu Ran.

"Let's go, we should take the back alleys," Lu Ran said, holding her soft palm and gently squeezing her hand.

Jiang Ruyi slightly lowered her head, feeling a hint of joy in her heart, allowing him to lead her out of the neighborhood.

Today, the school asked the students to wear their uniforms, and if Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi wore hats and masks, it would be like openly announcing their presence.

So, they decided not to wear any protective gear at all.

Fortunately, there weren't many people in Rain Alley City to begin with, and they chose to walk through some desolate areas, ensuring a relatively peaceful journey.

After a few streets, in an empty alley, Lu Ran suddenly spoke up, "Ruyi, there's something I need to tell you."

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruyi turned to look at Lu Ran, feeling a sense of unease.

Every night before bed, the two of them would exchange text messages.

If he didn't want to say it over the phone, it must be something important.

Lu Ran: "The Celestial Sheep has summoned me."

Jiang Ruyi's heart stirred, and she asked, "A pilgrimage?"

"Yes," Lu Ran nodded, "The Celestial Sheep has summoned me right now, and I begged them, after all, I still have to take the college entrance examination.

After the fifteenth of next month, I'll have to go."

Jiang Ruyi pressed her lips together and lowered her head.

Of course, she couldn't stop Lu Ran from going on a pilgrimage.

No believer in this world had the right to disobey the will of the Deity.

And with Lu Ran's departure, no one knew how long he would be gone.

Jiang Ruyi had once stayed at the Jade Gate Pass under the Divine Statue for half a year.

"I'm sorry," Lu Ran stopped walking and apologized, "On June 1st, I won't be able to accompany you to the front line."

Every year, the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month is the day of the college entrance examination.

And on the first of June that follows, it's the last chance for students to receive their scores.

It is well known that the first day of the sixth lunar month is the annual day of reverence for the Deity.

The Deity will inspect the human realm and recruit followers.

During this month and day, the demons are at their most well-behaved.

Every year, the graduating class of high school will be organized by the school to enter the Demon Den and go to the front line to observe.

This is the last lesson the school gives to the believer students.

Students from the Mist Realm and Stream Realm can only watch from the city walls.

However, followers from the River Realm can apply to join the army and execute tasks under the leadership of soldiers.

Whether it's clearing the mountains of corpses piled up under the city walls or advancing the front lines with the army.

In any case, the school will work with the military to ensure the students' safety and let them understand the cruelty of this world as much as possible.

"If the Deity has given an order, of course, we should follow it," Jiang Ruyi shook her head, "It's fine, I'll go with them."

Lu Ran nodded lightly, feeling a bit helpless in his heart.

Of course, it wasn't that he was afraid to go, but that he couldn't go! Lu Ran couldn't absorb a large number of demon souls in a short period, or he might be exposed.

Once the demon lord found out, it would be a huge problem! The Deity would definitely investigate why the demon lord was targeting Lu Ran.

Once they found out the reason, the demon lord wouldn't even need to take action, the Deity would personally intervene. Look at the current state of the Deity of the Forgetful Spring! She was exiled to the Demon Den in the Bamboo Sea, barely surviving.

The Forgetful Spring Sect only strengthened themselves by absorbing souls.

Lu Ran, on the other hand, has a sculpture garden that can fundamentally shake the foundations of the Deity, and this is completely different!

Lu Ran didn't believe that the Deity would let him off easily.

"Did the Celestial Sheep say what you're being summoned for?" Jiang Ruyi asked, holding back her curiosity.

Previously, when she was summoned by the Deity, Lu Ran had asked a similar question.

At that time, Jiang Ruyi shook her head with a smile, saying that she couldn't possibly know.

Now, as Lu Ran was summoned, Jiang Ruyi realized that she couldn't help but ask.

"On the night of the fifteenth, I performed very well," Lu Ran replied, "After returning home, I reported my achievements to the Celestial Sheep, and it was very satisfied.

This time, the Celestial Sheep probably wants to reward me and help me advance my realm faster."

"Hmm," Jiang Ruyi lowered her eyelashes.

"Don't be like that, Ruyi, I still have a month before I leave."

"26 days."

"What?"

"You have 26 days left before you leave," Jiang Ruyi said softly.

Lu Ran felt a little uneasy, for this pilgrimage was something he had arranged himself.

As a human student, he was well aware of what the school organized for graduating seniors every year on the first of June.

Lu Ran needed to avoid risks and needed a valid reason for not participating.

When he explained the situation to the deity, the Celestial Sheep readily agreed and allowed Lu Ran to come to the main divine statue for further study.

"So, we start counting the days now?" Lu Ran slightly lowered his head and gently bumped her forehead.

Jiang Ruyi: "Mm."

Her words were cut off as she was embraced by Lu Ran in an alley with no one around. He kissed her tender lips.

Jiang Ruyi closed her eyes, her face flushed, and tightly clutched the hem of Lu Ran's clothes.

After a while, Lu Ran's voice echoed in the alley again: "I'll tell you later.

Don't be sad, I'll try to come back as soon as I can."

Just last month, on the 15th, Jiang Ruyi had seriously expressed that if Lu Ran had any major decisions to make, he must inform her in advance.

If not for this, Lu Ran might have indeed delayed things.

People, indeed, shouldn't be too obedient.

"Who's sad?" Jiang Ruyi, for once, was being stubborn, her face pressed against Lu Ran's shoulder. "Spend more time with the deity and listen to their teachings.

Focus on your cultivation, as strength is the most important."

Suddenly, she lifted her head, a smile on her face: "By the time you return, I hope you'll be at the River Realm."

Lu Ran laughed: "You really have faith in me."

"By the way, are you taking the Wu Lie River University entrance exam?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll wait for you at school."

"No, I still have a month before I leave. Why are we saying goodbye now?"

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi were late.

The upside was that there were no students chasing or asking for autographs and photos.

The downside was... well, there wasn't one.

The usually strict Li Yanzhu stood at the podium, looking at the couple outside the classroom with a smile, and let them in.

There was no scolding or punishment; the homeroom teacher simply held her teaching rod and tapped the blackboard again.

On it was written a sentence:

"The world's hardships are like a terrifying thunderstorm.

There are always people who won't wait for the storm to pass but will dance in the rain."

Lu Ran was visibly taken aback when he read this sentence.

These were the exact words written by one of the judges of 'Heavenly Talents' as a comment for Lu Ran.

"This is your last morning class in high school," Li Yanzhu said solemnly. "I'm borrowing the words of 'Heavenly Talents' to share with all of you."

Li Yanzhu's gaze swept over the twenty-odd students in the class, and she continued, "This world is not beautiful, and it doesn't seem like it will get better.

The rain will only get heavier, and the thunder and lightning will only increase.

But your lives are just beginning.

After graduation, you will go your separate ways. I wish that you will soon learn to dance in the rain on your respective paths."

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

The solemn and sentimental atmosphere was broken by a round of applause.

The twenty-odd students in the class also joined in, clapping their hands.

Li Yanzhu smiled: "This month's training assignment is to prepare for the college entrance exam.

There's no requirement to submit demon crystals.

You can go to any demon den to practice teamwork and tactics, or you can rest and recuperate at home.

When you stand in the exam hall next month on the 15th, you will receive your scores for this month's training assignment."

She added, "Twenty points, full marks."

For a moment, the students looked at each other in surprise.

The final assignment in previous years was not like this.

Was it because Rain Alley City had gone through so much, and the students had endured so much, that the school was making such an exception?

Li Yanzhu: "Next month, on the 15th, at 8 a.m., assemble in the school playground for the final exam.

Absolutely no tardiness, is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Yes!"

Li Yanzhu nodded in satisfaction: "Additionally, on the first of June, the school will organize a trip to the Evil Dog Village for everyone to visit the frontlines.

No one is allowed to skip or take leave; all students must go, or they will lose a significant number of believer points.

For most of you here, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so cherish it."

Several students responded, while most remained silent.

Li Yanzhu glanced at her watch and continued, "Everyone, tidy up your appearances. We'll start taking graduation photos soon, and it'll be our turn for Class 4 soon.

Are there any questions?"

The class fell silent.

The usually strict homeroom teacher's face softened: "After the graduation photos, you can leave on your own.

Finally, I wish you all a bright future."

A bright future.

These words, once again, sounded a bit sentimental to Lu Ran.

After about ten minutes, the twenty-odd students of Class 3 of Grade 3 stood in front of the teaching building.

School leaders and teachers sat in the front row, while the students stood in rows on the steps.

Lu Ran was positioned in the very center, with Jiang Ruyi by his side, a faint smile on her face.

Today, Rain Alley City was bathed in sunshine, with clear blue skies and white clouds.

It was indeed a perfect day for photos.

As the shutter clicked, Lu Ran gently touched Ruyi's fingers and quietly held her hand.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end