Chapter 280: A Night of Twin Moons

Chapter 280: A Night of Twin Moons

The sky gradually brightened, revealing a landscape of devastation. Amidst the ruins, only the dazzling morning glow seemed to shine with vibrant beauty. The heavenly scenery contrasted sharply with the earthly devastation, creating a striking and jarring sight.

Standing at the entrance of the Wuli Building, Lu Ran gazed into the distance. "On the first day of June, stay close to your teams. The frontlines are dangerous, so don't act recklessly," he instructed his teammates, who understood that Lu Ran was about to embark on a journey, likely due to the harrowing events of the night before.

Jiang Ruyi watched Lu Ran quietly. His eyes seemed distant as he gazed at the morning glow, and in his pupils, a faint reflection of the light could be seen. It was both strange and beautiful.

"I'm leaving," Lu Ran said softly in farewell.

"Leaving?"

"Is Master going home first?" several teammates asked.

"Lu Ran, Rain Alley City has just experienced the Night Parade of Ghosts. You should stay in the shelter for another day," Zhang Feng, the team leader, said.

According to custom, this was indeed the case. While the students were told to guard the shelter, the true purpose was to protect their safety.

However, in Rain Alley City, Lu Ran had special privileges. For example, on the three days before and after the 15th day of each lunar month, the city was under lockdown, and everyone had to stay at home or in the shelter.

But Lu Ran was free to move about as he pleased. No one would stop him, and even when he walked on the streets, no one would question him.

Instead, he received admiring and grateful glances from the people.

"Brother Zhang, I'm tired," Lu Ran said, turning to Zhang Feng with a smile. "I'm going back."

Zhang Feng opened his mouth, hesitated for two seconds, and then said, "Be careful on your way."

Indeed, Lu Ran was exhausted. In the area around the square alone, he was the most tired and determined fighter. His presence significantly reduced the pressure on the Moonwatchers.

Countless people avoided injuries and survived because of Lu Ran, as every Vermilion Paper Person's target was him.

"I'll accompany you back," a gentle voice said, and a girl approached Lu Ran.

Lu Ran did not refuse. The two set off, bathed in the morning glow, heading home.

"Take care, Brother Lu!"

"Shouldn't we say that when we send off Brother Ran on the 19th day of the lunar month?"

"Be careful on your journey, Master Lu!"

Several voices called out from behind.

Lu Ran did not turn around but waved his hand in response.

Jiang Ruyi, however, turned and smiled at them in farewell.

Along the way, the journey was calm, but the devastation was still evident. Despite the beautiful morning glow, their hearts remained heavy.

Finally, at Jiang Ruyi's suggestion, they soared high into the sky, crossing from the east to the west side of the river.

Once airborne, their speed increased significantly. In just a few minutes, they returned to the Rain Alley Home Community and arrived home.

This time, the lilac cat did not rush to greet them.

Jiang Ruyi quickly changed her shoes and headed to the bathroom.

Lu Ran assumed she was going to take a bath, as they were all dirty after a night of fighting.

However, Jiang Ruyi only washed her face and hands before heading straight to the kitchen.

"Ruyi?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't bother cooking. I'm tired," Lu Ran said, holding the restless lilac cat and walking to the dining room.

But Jiang Ruyi insisted, "Let's eat first, and then we can rest."

Lu Ran held the restless lilac cat, "I thought you'd take the cat and leave directly."

After all, Jiang Ruyi had clearly stated the previous morning that she would not come here after the city defense. She only planned to take the cat home and care for it.

"Hmph," Jiang Ruyi took out two boxes of milk from the refrigerator. "I'll leave later."

"Meow!"

As Lu Ran released the cat, it darted away.

Lu Ran gazed at Jiang Ruyi's graceful figure and slowly approached her. He embraced her from behind, burying his head in her neck, and took a deep breath.

The strong smell of blood mingled with a faint fragrance.

Jiang Ruyi stood still, feeling his cheek gently rubbing against her neck.

"Don't leave," Lu Ran said softly.

"Mmm," Jiang Ruyi's voice remained gentle, like a warm spring breeze. "I won't leave."

She wasn't one to compromise easily, and her smooth agreement indicated that she had never intended to leave.

Lu Ran couldn't help but tighten his embrace around her delicate body. Perhaps she had sensed his low spirits.

Jiang Ruyi tilted her head slightly, touching Lu Ran's temple with her head. "Go take a shower. We'll eat and then rest."

"Oh," Lu Ran turned and left.

He returned to his room, where he respectfully prayed before the shrine. Then, carrying his change of clothes, he headed to the bathroom.

After about ten minutes, Lu Ran emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed.

He dried his wet hair with a large white towel and made his way to the kitchen.

Breakfast was almost ready. Hot milk, fried eggs, and a plate of toasted bread awaited them.

It was a simple yet cozy meal.

"You should wash up too," Lu Ran said, approaching the stove and looking at the bacon in the pan. "I'll take care of it."

Jiang Ruyi smiled, "Eat the bacon while it's hot. I take a long time to shower, so don't wait for me."

"Mmm," Lu Ran agreed softly.

Jiang Ruyi quickly left and returned half an hour later, wearing a white tank top and white sleepwear.

Lu Ran sat at the table, and the breakfast remained untouched.

"Aren't you hungry?"

Jiang Ruyi glared at Lu Ran, her annoyance clear.

But Lu Ran remained silent, his mind drifting elsewhere.

After her bath, her fair skin glowed with an alluring blush, captivating and enchanting.

Her jet-black hair casually draped over her shoulders, carrying a faint jasmine fragrance.

Her beautiful eyes held a hint of reproach, as if Lu Ran had done something mischievous.

Indeed, those who captivated your heart and soul seemed to possess a unique charm.

She could make your heart flutter time and again.

"Your family's discipline is so strict?" Jiang Ruyi sat beside Lu Ran, amused and concerned.

Lu Ran: "..."

What kind of talk is that!

And are you praising me or yourself?

Oh, right.

You should be praising my mom.

Jiang Ruyi picked up a fried egg and put it in her mouth, surprised to find it was still hot.

When she looked back at Lu Ran, he was enjoying his breakfast heartily.

The breakfast left Lu Ran feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Both of them were exhausted, so instead of clearing the table, they went straight to rest.

As the sun rose, the master bedroom's curtains remained tightly shut.

In the pitch-black room, Lu Ran lay on his side on the large bed, once again embracing Jiang Ruyi from behind, and took a deep breath.

A faint trace of blood lingered in the air.

More prominent was the familiar scent of her hair.

Thinking back to just a few hours ago, when they were fighting for their lives on the battlefield, the current cozy atmosphere felt like a dream.

But they didn't know if, in the next Mid-Autumn Eve, or the one after that, or the one after that, they would be able to return safely like this.

"Lu Ran, no one wants to see their comrades die," Jiang Ruyi whispered in the darkness, "but it's not your fault.

You're not an all-powerful deity; you've done your best.

All the citizens in the Wuli Building, including every Moonwatcher around the square, were protected by you."

"Mhm," Lu Ran responded softly.

But in his heart, a thought emerged:

Are deities truly all-powerful?

"Lu Ran."

"After June 1st, when the results are confirmed, help me with the school registration," Lu Ran changed the subject, "I probably won't have time then."

The room fell silent.

After a long while, Jiang Ruyi whispered, "Okay, I understand."

"By the way, we should discuss conditions with the university."

Jiang Ruyi whispered, "That's possible. In these past few months, many universities have contacted me and offered me various conditions."

Lu Ran pursed his lips.

Although they were aiming for Wu Lie River University, it was indeed appropriate for the school to provide some compensation.

Directly asking for divine weapons and artifacts might be too demanding.

As Lu Ran pondered, an idea struck him: "How about asking the school to gift us a pair of swords?"

"Weapons?"

"Yeah, even though we're not sword or blade cultivators, if we have enough divine weapons, can't we pretend?"

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

Northern Wind Believers casually throw out a string of wind blades, and you casually throw out a string of divine weapons?

You call this pretending?

Lu Ran said, "How about this, tomorrow I'll contact the school and ask for ones made of Tianchen steel?"

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but smile. She was asking for the top-quality material right off the bat.

But Lu Ran indeed deserved it.

Jiang Ruyi wasn't sure if her performance warranted the school gifting her a Tianchen Sword, but she knew that if Lu Ran asked, it wouldn't be a problem.

Jiang Ruyi didn't refuse Lu Ran's consideration.

Her thoughts were clear:

Only by staying alive and continuously improving their combat strength could they better help Lu Ran.

That was the greatest responsibility to him!

"Sleep," Lu Ran whispered, gently pressing his hand on her hair.

Jiang Ruyi didn't respond, but instead hugged Lu Ran's arm that was wrapped around her, feeling a sense of reassurance.

Annoyingly, just as she was drifting off to sleep, she seemed to hear Lu Ran's voice:

"Don't miss me too much after I leave."

Lu Ran slept soundly throughout the day, from the early morning to the night's arrival.

When Lu Ran opened his bleary eyes, his embrace was empty.

He disliked this feeling.

"Crack!"

The bedroom door suddenly opened, the sound crisp in the silent environment.

A tall figure entered, moving stealthily.

"Where did you go?" Lu Ran suddenly asked, startling Jiang Ruyi.

"You!" Jiang Ruyi's expression was displeased.

She knelt on the edge of the bed, searching for the source of the sound, and leaned forward, pretending to strike.

But darkness was Lu Ran's domain.

Jiang Ruyi's attempt was thwarted, and instead, she was pulled and laid on the bed by Lu Ran.

Lu Ran propped himself up on his hands beside her body, lowering his head to look into her eyes.

"I..." Jiang Ruyi turned her head away.

Although the room was dark, she couldn't see clearly, but she could feel his scorching gaze.

"Hmm?"

"Little Lilac was being fussy, so I went to soothe her and told her not to make a fuss. Mmm." Jiang Ruyi paused, and her eyes gradually closed.

Lu Ran leaned down, capturing her soft lips.

"Meow~ Meow!"

Suddenly, the sound of Lilac's meows came from the doorway.

Lu Ran: ???

Is this for real? Is it such a coincidence? I don't believe it!!

Lu Ran turned his head towards the doorway.

"Hehe~" Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but laugh, pretending to get up, "I'll go and soothe her again."

Before she finished speaking, she was pushed back onto the bed.

The beautiful Jiang Ruyi's face flushed with embarrassment, and her fair skin glowed with a hint of pink.

Lu Ran lowered his head, whispering softly into her ear, his breath tickling her:

"You should soothe me first."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end