Chapter 272: The Final Target

Chapter 272: The Final Target

For Lu Ran, the following week passed by in the blink of an eye.

He even had the illusion that time seemed to be flowing faster.

After some thought, Lu Ran came to a conclusion: perhaps it was because he was too happy and content.

The reason was simple,

The forty-five minutes of class felt like an eternity.

If he was on his phone or playing games, time would fly by in the blink of an eye.

During this period, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi trained together, ate together, and practiced their martial arts on the rooftop of the Wu Lie Riverbank Community.

Under Lu Ming Shi's special training, Jiang Ruyi's close combat survival skills had improved significantly.

Jiang Ruyi, a natural-born scholar, was also skilled in martial arts.

With the guidance of a master and her own defensive technique, the Golden Jade Eight Symbols, even Lu Ran had to exert some effort to break through her defenses.

However, moments of happiness always seemed to pass by quickly.

The fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month had finally arrived.

In the dimly lit master bedroom early in the morning, Lu Ran slowly opened his eyes.

He turned his head slightly and saw Jiang Ruyi sleeping soundly on her side.

She was in a deep sleep, with one hand resting on Lu Ran's arm, holding it gently.

Sunlight filtered through the beautiful patterns on the curtains, casting light and shadow on her face.

Lu Ran carefully extended his hand and gently moved her slender fingers that were resting on his arm.

After a while, Lu Ran got up and quietly slipped out of the room.

"Phew,"

Lu Ran stood outside the door, taking a deep breath and stretching lazily.

He first went to the smaller bedroom and respectfully bowed to the deity, then headed straight for the bathroom.

After showering, Lu Ran checked the time and made his way to the kitchen.

It was undeniable that Jiang Ruyi's arrival had brought about some changes in him.

Living alone, Lu Ran had never cooked before, and his meals were usually simple and quick.

But in recent days, he had started learning to cook.

Hmm. Half of his cooking skills were learned from Jiang Ruyi, and the other half from his phone.

Speaking of which, frying an egg or cooking white rice porridge wasn't that difficult.

The only challenge was when it came to stir-frying, where he had to look up the specific steps on his phone.

"Praying for the heavens to spare a lovers' time, may what should happen never occur."

Lu Ran hummed softly as he sliced the pork into thin pieces.

He was confident in his knife skills.

In no time, Lu Ran was satisfied with his creation and proceeded to cut the mushrooms into halves:

"Praying for the heavens to be good for ten minutes, grant me her kiss, like a compassionate sound?"

Suddenly, Lu Ran closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly, as if he had heard something.

Shortly after, a tall figure appeared at the kitchen door.

Jiang Ruyi silently stood there, watching Lu Ran busy at the kitchen counter.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a faint glow on his white t-shirt.

"Finally awake?" Lu Ran said without turning around.

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but smile, leaning against the doorframe, her shoulder resting on it, "You hold grudges."

"I was just joking." Lu Ran smiled and turned to look at her, "Go and wash up.

Since you're awake, I'll cook."

However, Lu Ran noticed that Jiang Ruyi still looked sleepy, as if she hadn't fully woken up.

"We agreed yesterday that I would make breakfast." Jiang Ruyi said with a hint of dissatisfaction as she walked into the kitchen.

"Whoever wakes up first can cook," Lu Ran said nonchalantly.

Jiang Ruyi came up behind Lu Ran, leaning forward and resting her head on his shoulder, "Your cooking doesn't taste good."

Lu Ran: ???

What kind of talk is that?

"Hehe~" Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, closing her eyes.

Lu Ran hummed, "Be careful with your words, I'm holding a knife here."

Jiang Ruyi fell silent.

Lu Ran lifted his shoulder, indicating someone, "Hey, wake up! Or do you want to go back to sleep?"

Suddenly, Jiang Ruyi said, "After the exam, I won't be coming over anymore."

"What? You don't like my cooking that much?"

Jiang Ruyi gently rubbed her cheek against Lu Ran's shoulder, "With the city lockdown, it's not convenient for me to keep coming back and forth.

Tomorrow morning, I'll come back with you one last time to take Little Li Hua home."

City lockdown?

Ordinary people indeed had to stay at home and couldn't step outside.

But for Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi, this rule was practically non-existent.

Lu Ran remained silent for a while before asking, "You're not coming to see me off on the nineteenth either?"

"Meow~" At some point, Little Li Hua had come to her owner's feet and was rubbing her fluffy little head against Jiang Ruyi's ankles.

"You're awake too." Jiang Ruyi didn't respond to Lu Ran but instead looked down at the little cat by her feet.

"Meow~" Little Li Hua purred softly.

Jiang Ruyi bent down, picked up Little Li Hua, and walked out of the kitchen.

Lu Ran turned his head to watch Jiang Ruyi's departing figure.

He could indeed sense that these days, Jiang Ruyi's emotions had become more complex.

Perhaps she was afraid of becoming attached and holding herself back?

Lu Ran shook his head and smiled, turning back to the wok and tossing the meat slices into the hot oil.

"Sizzle~~~"

How could it not taste good?

Every time before a dish was done, he would always sneak a few bites~

At 7:30 am, fully geared up, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi left the house.

Today, Rain Alley City was especially bright and sunny.

Perhaps, they would be able to see the full moon tonight.

Familiar with the route, they walked through the desolate areas, heading towards the campus.

At the campus entrance, it had been a long time since any rankings were posted.

On the fifteenth of last month, Rain Alley City had experienced the Demon Lord's descent, so there was no need for rankings.

All the surviving students had received full marks.

If it weren't for today's special circumstances and the college entrance examination, many students would have been confined to their homes.

As soon as Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi entered the campus, they immediately became the center of attention.

Teachers, students, and Moonwatchers alike all stared at these two Heavenly Talents.

"Wow, Lu Ran!"

"Bro, you're so brave! Do you think you're typing at home? Keep it down, what if he hears you?"

"Oh my! Jiang Ruyi is so beautiful!"

"Go for it, buddy, I support you! Go and have a grand battle with Lu Ran!"

"Yes! Take down Lu Ran, and you'll be the third on the Great Summer Pride!"

Amidst the buzzing discussions, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi kept their heads down and quickly arrived at their usual spot.

It was the very place where Lu Ran had been punished to stand and set up a stall a year ago.

The trio of Deng Tanchang immediately approached them.

"Ruyi!" Tian Tian ran over and hugged Jiang Ruyi's arm.

"Congratulations on advancing to the Third Stage of the River Realm," Jiang Ruyi smiled and patted Tian Tian's head.

Just a week ago, the squad had enjoyed some cold drinks together, and at that time, Tian Tian was still at the First Stage of the River Realm.

According to Tian Tian, right after they parted ways, she had immediately entered the advancement mode upon returning home.

Lu Ran clenched his fist and bumped it with Deng Yutang and Chang Ying's fists, "How are you guys doing? Have you advanced?"

Deng Yutang's smile instantly froze, and he awkwardly replied, "Soon, soon."

It had been over three and a half months since Deng Yutang advanced to the First Stage of the River Realm, and it was indeed a bit long.

Chang Ying couldn't contain her smile and gave Lu Ran a thumbs-up.

"Oh?" Lu Ran's eyes lit up.

Back then, Chang Ying had been stuck at the Fifth Stage of the Stream Realm and had advanced to the River Realm a few days after Deng Yutang.

Now, she had surpassed him and advanced first? There was indeed a difference in talent between a Fourth Rank God Follower and a Fifth Rank God Follower.

Chang Ying leaned forward slightly, covering her mouth with one hand and lowering her voice, "I followed your instructions and worshipped fervently at home!

Praying day and night, offering fruits, incense, and candles with all my might."

Lu Ran: "..."

Did I teach you that?

Hmm. It's close enough.

"Lu Ran," Chang Ying's expression turned curious, and she suddenly asked, "Have you become more handsome?"

Lu Ran: "Huh?"

Chang Ying nodded seriously, examining Lu Ran closely, "You look so radiant.

That cold aura is completely gone."

Lu Ran couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Wait till nightfall when I slay a few demons, and I'll be back to my old self."

Beside them, Jiang Ruyi stole a glance at Lu Ran.

Indeed, Lu Ran's eyes had always been chillingly cold.

But recently, his eyes only held gentleness, with not a trace of fierceness.

"Everyone, assemble!"

The male teacher's voice echoed from the podium.

The playground was in chaos, and it took several seconds for the students to finally line up.

"Today is your college entrance examination day!" The male teacher held a microphone and paced back and forth on the podium, "It's also the final exam with a hundred-point system!"

Lu Ran wasn't in the mood to listen to this. He looked around and spotted the class teacher standing at the back.

Li Yanzhu noticed Lu Ran's gaze and immediately walked over.

Lu Ran spoke softly, "Teacher, I need to take a leave of absence. I can't participate in the school's June 1st task.

After the exam, I have to leave."

Li Yanzhu was puzzled, "Why?"

If it were someone else asking for leave, Li Yanzhu might think that they were scared or intimidated.

But Lu Ran?

He even dared to confront the Jiang Jing · Evil Dog head-on, how could he possibly be afraid?

Lu Ran explained, "I need to go on a pilgrimage.

The Lord of the Gods has sent a divine message, asking me to listen to his teachings at the feet of the Divine Statue."

"Oh, that's wonderful news." Li Yanzhu nodded immediately, "Of course, you must go!

I'll inform the school on your behalf. You have a valid reason, and they won't deduct any Believer Points."

"Thank you, Teacher." Lu Ran smiled.

Li Yanzhu also smiled and patted Lu Ran's shoulder. As she was about to give some further instructions, a voice suddenly came from the podium:

"Before we proceed to the next item, I want to specially commend a student!

Senior Three (4) class, Divine Sheep Follower, Lu Ran!"

Lu Ran: "..."

Again?

Are you really that persistent?

It's the college entrance examination day, and you still want to use me as a target?

The male teacher raised his voice, "As you all know, Lu Ran is a Great Summer Pride and ranks third on Heaven's Ranking!

Just last month, on the 15th, Lu Ran helped the Moonwatcher troops and killed an invading Demon Lord!"

Lu Ran naturally sensed that countless gazes were fixed on him.

He kept his head down, pretending to be modest.

However, no matter how low-key Lu Ran tried to be, his glorious achievements couldn't be hidden.

The male teacher held up a sheet of information, "Lu Ran volunteered to risk his life for the citizens of Rain Alley.

He displayed the aura of a general and achieved heroic deeds.

To recognize Lu Ran's outstanding contributions to this city, the Divine Citizen Bureau specially awards him 30 Believer Points."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran was a bit taken aback.

On the night he fought alongside the Ghost Night Walkers of the Qiansi Clan, he had already mentioned this to Captain Sun Zhengfang.

But Uncle Sun had clearly stated that since Lu Ran was participating in the Heavenly Talents, he couldn't receive points from both.

But this time...

Was it because his battle achievements were too outstanding and his contributions too significant?

The male teacher put down the information sheet, "Our school also awards Lu Ran 20 Believer Points.

Thank you for bringing glory to our alma mater and protecting our hometown."

"Yes!"

"Well deserved! Lu Ran is awesome!"

"Clap, clap, clap!" Cheers erupted, and the sound of applause thundered.

In the beginning, when Lu Ran was made a target, the students had various thoughts. But now, their hearts were filled with nothing but admiration.

Jiang Ruyi's eyes softened as she looked at the silent Lu Ran.

Indeed, those living in Rain Alley should be grateful to him. No amount of applause and praise would be excessive.

After a while, the playground finally quieted down.

The male teacher continued, "With these additional points, Lu Ran's score has reached 639.6 points."

"Hiss!"

"Holy sht!" Exclamations of surprise and awe filled the air.

Keep in mind that the hundred-point final exam hadn't even started yet!

Lu Ran's college entrance examination score...

Was he aiming for a perfect 700?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end