Chapter 300: Sunset Silhouette
Chapter 300: Sunset Silhouette
As the sun set, the mountain forest was serene.
Two figures, one in front of the other, made their way up the mountain slope.
Jiang Ruyi kept her head down, silently following Lu Ran from the side, remaining silent throughout the journey.
She wanted to speak several times but wasn't sure if she should disturb the young man beside her.
He was probably trying to calm himself down.
Just like in the early hours of this morning, Jiang Ruyi had been editing a message for a long time, but in the end, she only sent the word "congratulations."
She didn't want to disturb him, but he still came.
He appeared by her side, giving her the sense of security she needed.
The recent battle had been earth-shattering.
Lu Ran, usually calm, had displayed thunderous methods, adopting an incredibly tough stance!
It was as if the monk believer wasn't a human but a vicious River Realm dog.
This terrifying battle had also made everyone reevaluate this Great Summer Tianjiao.
"Are you okay?" After a long while, Jiang Ruyi finally spoke up, her voice soft.
Lu Ran gazed at the dense forest, his steps never faltering:
"What's wrong? Do you think I'm being too aggressive and dangerous now?"
"Because of me, you..."
"Ruyi." Lu Ran interrupted her, "Is it your fault that you're beautiful?"
Jiang Ruyi opened her mouth but couldn't find the words to respond.
Lu Ran reached out and smoothed her long hair: "Is it your fault that you're so outstanding and admired by others?"
Jiang Ruyi remained silent, her head lowered, her expression complex.
A smile appeared on Lu Ran's face, unfortunately hidden by his black mask:
"Is it your fault that I don't want you to be wronged?"
Jiang Ruyi kept her head down, listening to Lu Ran's gentle whispers, her eyes gradually turning red.
This girl from the peaceful small town had entered the bustling city, and she had always been strong.
She became aloof and distant, adapting to the outside world and protecting herself.
But when she stood before Lu Ran, her strength seemed to disappear, and for some reason, all her grievances welled up from deep within.
Lu Ran changed the subject: "But you are indeed at fault."
Jiang Ruyi immediately raised her head, her red-rimmed eyes and wounded face conveying a sense of brokenness.
Lu Ran pretended not to notice, looking down: "Wearing high heels is your mistake."
Jiang Ruyi stared at Lu Ran, stunned for a long moment, before finally breaking into a smile.
Although she didn't cry, she did feel like she was laughing through her tears, and she said softly:
"Being a little taller can also deter some people."
Lu Ran: "..."
So tiny?
Oh no!
Does this include me?
"If you don't like it, I'll throw it away when I get back." Jiang Ruyi gently shook Lu Ran's hand.
This subtle gesture and her soft voice were a stark contrast to her previous aloof demeanor.
Lu Ran smiled: "It's not that bad."
As soon as he finished speaking, his phone started buzzing in his pocket.
Lu Ran took out his phone and saw that it was Principal Zheng calling.
This principal, whose surname was Zheng, was actually a vice-principal and was in charge of admissions.
Naturally, Lu Ran's phone wouldn't receive calls from strangers.
The two were able to contact each other because Lu Ran had previously reached out to the school to request the Tianchen Blade.
"Principal Zheng." Lu Ran spoke up.
"Lu Ran, I'm currently attending a conference out of town, but I heard you're back at school?" A middle-aged man's warm voice came from the other end of the line.
"Yes."
"Is the pilgrimage over?"
"No, I still have to go."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Wenhuan sighed inwardly, thinking of many things.
He spoke in a gentle tone: "Lu Ran, I heard about what happened at the martial arts field.
After yesterday's opening ceremony, the school has already taken control of the situation, but the popularity of Jiang Ruyi has far exceeded our expectations."
Lu Ran remained silent for a moment, then said, "Yes, our living environment is too unique, and there's no shortage of crazy people."
Zheng Wenhuan: "I'll give you an explanation about this matter.
We will do our best to provide you with a stable learning environment."
"Thank you, Principal Zheng." Lu Ran spoke softly, and his words became more frequent, "I'm currently preparing to advance to the River Realm, so I can't stay at school.
As for when I'll be back, I'm not sure, so I'm asking for a leave of absence in advance."
"Advancing to the River Realm?" Zheng Wenhuan was quite surprised and immediately said, "Good, go ahead and focus on your cultivation.
Don't worry about Jiang Ruyi; we'll arrange for her to stay in the teachers' dormitory."
"I'm also taking a leave of absence." Jiang Ruyi suddenly spoke up.
"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at the girl beside him.
Jiang Ruyi, of course, knew where Lu Ran was going to advance to the River Realm.
Rain Alley City, on the banks of the Wulie River!
Jiang Ruyi took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Lu Ran's arm, making a request.
"Okay." On the other end of the call, Jiang Ruyi's voice was clearly heard, "When you come back, the school will definitely provide you with a normal learning environment."
After a few more words, they hung up the phone.
It seemed that some people were going to be in trouble.
At the very least, some teachers would be held accountable.
Lu Ran's return was indeed very coincidental.
In order to let Lu Ran focus on his cultivation, Jiang Ruyi not only kept it from him but also asked her companions not to mention it.
So, Lu Ran's motivation was pure; he had come to see Jiang Ruyi after advancing to the fifth stage of the River Realm.
As a result, this incident occurred on the second day of school.
It was hard not to associate Lu Ran's return with Jiang Ruyi.
"Do you want to come back with me?" Lu Ran smiled as he looked at the girl.
Jiang Ruyi nodded slightly, "I'll accompany you to advance to the River Realm."
Lu Ran thought for a moment, then said, "Actually, you should be able to live a normal life at school."
Many times, bandits are more useful than soldiers.
Soldiers have to follow the rules, go through procedures, and are restricted by regulations, with punishments fitting the crimes.
Bandits are different.
They can hold a blade to your neck and ask if you're afraid to die.
In this incident, Lu Ran was that bandit.
On the martial arena, he directly beheaded and dismembered the Monk Follower, chopping off his hands, leaving him in a bloody mess.
This act of killing the chicken to scare the monkey had an absolutely intimidating effect.
After all, Lu Ran's opponent was quite suitable.
Not only was he a follower of the First Rank Deity·Warrior Monk, but he was also a powerful figure in the River Realm!
From then on, anyone who wanted to disturb Jiang Ruyi's peace would have to think twice.
"No, I'll accompany you back." Jiang Ruyi's tone was firm.
She could imagine Lu Ran on the abandoned rooftop by the Wulie River, diligently pondering.
With her there, she could at least send him meals and take care of his daily needs.
"Alright then." Lu Ran reached into his pocket and said, "Close your eyes."
Jiang Ruyi's heart fluttered, and without refusing, she slowly closed her eyes.
The expected kiss didn't come, leaving her secret anticipation unfulfilled.
However, she seemed to hear a pleasant sound.
A cool sensation landed on her wrist.
Was this a bracelet?
"Here you go!" Lu Ran lifted her arm and looked at her delicate wrist.
Jiang Ruyi eagerly opened her eyes and examined the gift from Lu Ran.
It was a delicate gold bracelet, intricately crafted, and it shone brilliantly in the setting sun.
On the thin gold bracelet, there was a pendant, a small, deep red jade stone.
It looked like a red bean.
"This is Ninghong Jade from the Divine Crimson Jade Cavern, blessed by the Crimson Jade Lord before processing."
As Lu Ran spoke, he held her arm and examined it closely, "It's said to have a calming effect."
Jiang Ruyi stared at the tiny jade stone, not concerned about which demon cavern it came from or its effects.
She only saw that it was a red bean.
And she understood the longing it represented.
"Do you like it?" Lu Ran asked casually.
The jade bracelet was exquisite, perfectly complementing her slender wrist and fair skin.
As for which was more beautiful, the bracelet or her delicate hand, Lu Ran favored the latter.
"Ruyi?" After a while without a response, Lu Ran turned to look at the girl.
"I like it." Jiang Ruyi finally snapped out of her daze.
She suddenly leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, and whispered, "I really like it."
"So easily fooled, a bracelet is all it takes to win your embrace?" Lu Ran smiled as he spoke.
Jiang Ruyi tilted her head slightly, bumping Lu Ran's temple in dissatisfaction.
"Alright, now it's time to argue." Lu Ran gently pushed Jiang Ruyi away.
Jiang Ruyi was a bit taken aback, "What?"
Lu Ran looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled, "We agreed that after I advanced, we could chat.
But you just congratulated me?
You're so cold, do you want to freeze me to death in Cai Nan?"
"Can't we not argue?" Jiang Ruyi, who had just been pushed away, once again wrapped her arms around Lu Ran's neck, this time tighter.
Her voice was soft and light, so soft it made one's heart ache.
Lu Ran: "."
He had intended to joke with her, hoping she would change and pay more attention to him in the future.
But it turned out like this.
Admittedly, when he first received the message, he did feel neglected and hurt.
But upon seeing Jiang Ruyi in person, all those feelings had dissipated.
What truly angered Lu Ran was that she had endured these grievances without telling him.
However, Lu Ran's silence made Jiang Ruyi misinterpret his intentions.
The noble and pure white moonlight, in front of a particular person, also appeared somewhat humble, "Don't be angry.
I was afraid... afraid that if I told you too much, I wouldn't be able to hold back and would say more and more."
Several words popped into Lu Ran's mind: I deserve it!
"Let's go home." Lu Ran sniffed the faint fragrance on her body and patted her back.
"Mhm, okay." Jiang Ruyi buried her head in Lu Ran's neck, nodding slightly, but she didn't let go of her embrace.
The setting sun's rays
Stubbornly illuminated the mountains.
Casting long shadows of the two.
Thanks to the lovely little deer Bambi for the many, many rewards for the character card·Lu Ran!
Thanks to Lu Ji, T Mo 29, and Wu Hu Duoduo for their rewards!
The bosses are generous, thanks for the support!
(`) Heart
(End of Chapter)
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