Chapter 322: Lu Ran and Yuanxi

Chapter 322: Lu Ran and Yuanxi

After the meal, everyone got into a large SUV.

It was clear that Wang Ling had put in a lot of thought; there were even two nanny cars waiting outside the restaurant.

He had prepared two vehicles, most likely for Lu Ran.

It was quite normal for a powerful being from the River Realm like Wang Ling to prefer peace and solitude.

But even Wang Ling hadn't expected Lu Ran to be this amiable! To have more interactions with Lu Ran, Wang Ling didn't use his family's driver but chose to drive himself.

Lu Ran was initially offered the front passenger seat, but he politely declined and asked the tall and robust Niu Zhengzheng to take the seat instead.

You want to sit in the back with my sister? You must be dreaming!

As the vehicle left the capital and entered the highway, Lu Ran suddenly realized something.

Since Wang Ling was driving, wouldn't this car be a hearse?

Hmm.

At the beginning of his journey to becoming a deity, when Lu Ran rode in Yu Xiang's luxurious car, he had marveled at the wealth of a rich young lady.

Back then, he hadn't yet cut ties with ordinary society.

Now, sitting in this even more expensive top-of-the-line SUV, Lu Ran didn't have any particular thoughts.

He had already embarked on the path to becoming a deity, and his gaze couldn't be focused on mere mansions and cars.

Even if you argue otherwise,

No matter how expensive a mansion is, could it be more valuable than the Falling Immortal Mountain?

No matter how expensive a car is, could it be more precious than a divine weapon?

Furthermore, Lu Ran could even possess a Demon Den - Galaxy Bay.

Unfortunately, on this trip to the Falling Immortal Mountain, plans changed faster than expected.

Lu Ran only accompanied his fiancee to admire the flowers and the evening glow, but he didn't take her to see the starry river that cut through the night sky.

"Sister Ruyi has also advanced to the River Realm, so impressive," said Qiao Yuansi, sitting in the middle of the back seat, snuggling up to Guan Yiren as usual.

She turned her head to look at Lu Ran on the other side and said softly, "I miss her too."

Lu Ran gazed out the window at the passing scenery, "We'll see. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, I'll try my best to bring her back and celebrate your birthday."

"Really?" Qiao Yuansi's eyes lit up.

"Mhm," Lu Ran nodded.

Of course, it was true. After celebrating your birthday, it's time for me to leave.

The return date is uncertain.

"By the way, brother, how far have you and Sister Ruyi gone?" Qiao Yuansi asked.

Lu Ran thought for a moment, "We're discussing marriage."

"Yoyoyoyoyo~~~" Qiao Yuansi's face lit up with excitement, and she squealed playfully.

Lu Ran: "..."

Is she flirting?

Qiao Yuansi suddenly turned into a smarty-pants, nodding her head, "Discussing marriage~"

Lu Ran's face turned black.

Amidst the darkness, there was also a hint of redness.

He thought he had thick skin, but ever since meeting Xiao Yuansi, he had blushed twice.

Lu Ran also believed that he was quite skilled in verbal sparring.

But this little sister

Her mouth was equally skilled!

Guan Yiren looked at the mischievous Xiao Yuansi with a hint of indulgence in her eyes.

She slightly turned her gaze, discreetly glancing at Lu Ran.

Their first meeting was in the Soul-Splitting Demon Den, where her attitude had gradually changed from skepticism to affirmation.

The second time they met was at the Night Charm Demon Den.

Her attitude had evolved from approval to admiration and awe.

This time, upon seeing him again, only respect remained in her heart.

Lu Ran's excellence far exceeded her expectations.

Unfortunately, the flower already had an owner, and they were childhood sweethearts.

The dignified and aloof disciple of Sword One had her own sense of propriety and pride, naturally refraining from any melodramatic actions.

Emotions arose, but courtesy prevailed.

Everything was as Wang Ling had said; meeting him was already a fortunate encounter in three lifetimes.

Gazing up at him from afar and witnessing his ascent to the heavens could be considered a blessing in life.

Coincidentally, Lu Ran also turned to look back.

As their gazes met, a hint of panic flashed in Guan Yiren's eyes, and she quickly averted her eyes.

Lu Ran: "..."

Come on, Miss High-and-Mighty.

Don't cause trouble!

We can be comrades, but nothing more!

However, in the future, it might be worth trying to convert her into a Flame Gate Follower.

Xiao Yuansi's teammates represented not only themselves but also the vast network of connections behind them.

Lu Ran didn't believe that just because he had a Sea Realm disciple, Cheng Li, under his command, he could look down on the mortal world.

On the contrary!

These people's connections might lead to some old monsters!

Those who have read fantasy novels know:

Old monsters are the scariest!

Xiao Yuansi's close bond with her teammates was indeed an excellent connection.

Wang Ling spoke softly, "Lu Tianjiao..."

"That title is too formal," Lu Ran said casually, "If we were the same age, my birthday would be before yours."

Wang Ling chuckled, "Is that so? I was born in the first lunar month."

Lu Ran looked out the window, "I was also born in the first lunar month, on the seventh day."

Wang Ling took the opportunity to joke, "Then you are indeed older. So, Brother Ran?"

"Slap!"

Niu Zhengzheng slapped Wang Ling on the back of his head, his rough voice ringing out, "Are you really comparing ages?

You should call him Brother Ran, no matter what! I already did!"

Wang Ling: "..."

Guan Yiren frowned slightly, "He's driving."

Qiao Yuansi whispered, "My brother is so strong that even if the car flips over, we probably won't die."

Lu Ran: ???

Wang Ling said, "The seventh day is good, it's the Human Day Festival."

Niu Zhengzheng felt a little embarrassed and tried to ease the awkwardness, "What's the Human Day Festival?"

Qiao Yuansi giggled, "The seventh day of the first lunar month is the Human Day Festival, also known as the Ren Sheng Festival.

Legend has it that this day is the birthday of the human race~"

"Wow?" Niu Zhengzheng rubbed his head with his large hand, "That's a well-chosen birthday, the human race's birthday."

Lu Ran was quite impressed.

Was it my choice?

It was my parents' joint decision, wasn't it? They researched it!

As the group chatted and laughed, a few hours later, the vehicle arrived in Rain Alley City.

The Lu siblings were dropped off at their apartment building, and after finalizing the itinerary for the next day, Wang Ling drove away.

Lu Ran didn't need to worry about their accommodations; long before the squad decided to station themselves in Rain Alley, everything had been arranged.

"It's been so long since I've been back!"

Qiao Yuansi hugged Lu Ran's arm as she gazed at the apartment building before them.

Lu Ran dragged Xiao Yuansi's suitcase with one hand and smiled, "How old were you when you left? Do you still remember?"

"Of course I do," Xiao Yuansi replied, though her memories were indeed scarce.

When Lu Ran and Lu Yuansi's parents divorced, Lu Ran was five, and Lu Yuansi was four.

Although the high-speed rail journey from the Capital City to Rain Alley only took an hour,

it was this short one-hour journey that Lu Yuansi had taken more than a decade to complete.

Of course, her return wasn't for this old house, but for a person.

If not for Lu Ran's insistence on this place, this Capital City second-generation, the precious daughter of the Qiao family, might never have returned here in her lifetime.

Now, Lu Yuansi stood before this building once again.

However, she was now the precious daughter of a prestigious family, almost eighteen years old.

"Dad is so cold, he didn't even offer to pick me up to play," Xiao Yuansi muttered.

Lu Ran's forward stride halted.

Xiao Yuansi's heart fluttered with anxiety, and she tightened her grip around Lu Ran's arm, "Brother~"

She wanted to say something, but didn't know how to put it into words.

Lu Ran fell silent for a moment, then smiled, "You're living so well in the Capital City, he probably doesn't have the face to bring you back to this small place."

Or perhaps, was she stopped by Mother? Lu Ran suddenly remembered that this wasn't Xiao Yuansi's first return to Rain Alley after more than a decade.

At that time, she had come with her mother to attend her father's funeral.

But even then, Xiao Yuansi hadn't returned to this house.

"Never mind," Xiao Yuansi felt guilty for her careless words.

Unconsciously, she hugged Lu Ran's arm tighter.

Ordinary people's emotions required observation to understand,

but the River Realm's powerful beings were different!

Lu Ran's personal emotional fluctuations, if intense enough, could directly influence the surrounding environment.

This objectively demonstrated that the higher the human realm's strength, the closer their connection with the heavens and earth.

"Why are you hugging me so tightly? I need to get the keys," Lu Ran said helplessly.

"Hmm," Xiao Yuansi didn't change her actions, as if afraid to let go.

With Xiao Yuansi hanging onto his side, Lu Ran finally opened the door.

As the security door opened, Xiao Yuansi's memory gates seemed to open as well.

In the living room, there seemed to be two young children's shadows playing and chasing each other.

"Change your shoes," Lu Ran said softly, and Xiao Yuansi finally released her grip.

"Wear your sister Jiang Ruyi's shoes," Lu Ran picked up a pair of women's slippers and squatted down out of habit to change her shoes.

After changing one shoe, Lu Ran suddenly realized!

The shoes were indeed Jiang Ruyi's.

But the person wasn't!

He raised his head and saw Xiao Yuansi's charming and pretty appearance, her long eyelashes trembling as she smiled.

Her eyes curved like crescent moons, "Having a girlfriend makes you so different? You've become so good at taking care of people?"

Lu Ran rolled his eyes and continued, resigned to his fate, untying her Martin boots' laces, "Your sister Jiang Ruyi only met our mom once, but she inherited this glorious tradition."

Xiao Yuansi's face was filled with laughter, enjoying her brother's gentle actions, "If you don't change her shoes, she'll just stand there, right?"

Lu Ran hummed.

Xiao Yuansi pouted, "I want to too~"

"You're dreaming!" Lu Ran stood up and walked away, leaving the suitcase at the door.

"Hmph!" Xiao Yuansi wrinkled her little nose and stepped into the house, surveying the surroundings.

The furniture was new, but the layout remained unchanged.

Memories resurfaced more easily.

"Brother!"

"What's wrong?" Lu Ran appeared at the bedroom door, looking at the girl.

Xiao Yuansi extended her delicate finger, pointing at a window in the living room, "I remember now, you snatched my candy there!"

Lu Ran recalled for a moment, his face turning red again, but he remained stubborn,

"You were just four years old, don't you get toothaches from eating too much candy?"

Xiao Yuansi was surprised, "How old were you? Weren't you just five?"

Lu Ran lowered his head and walked into the bedroom, not daring to say anything more.

It was a bit embarrassing.

Xiao Yuansi pouted and eventually made her way to the master bedroom.

Back then, she had privileges and could sleep with her parents, but Lu Ran couldn't; he was banished to the small bedroom.

Sleeping in a small bed, covered by a small blanket.

Weak, pitiful, and helpless, snatching candy to eat.

"Things have changed, where's Mom and Dad's wedding photo?" Xiao Yuansi entered the master bedroom.

"I'll sleep here with your sister Jiang Ruyi," Lu Ran said after a moment's thought, "You can sleep here for now."

Xiao Yuansi plopped down on the big bed, "Isn't this okay?"

Lu Ran said, "There's an Immortal Sheep statue in the small bedroom, it's not suitable for you to stay there."

"Oh, right!" Xiao Yuansi stood up with a bounce.

Lu Ran immediately sidestepped and moved aside, watching Xiao Yuansi hurry towards the small bedroom.

When he reached the small bedroom door, he saw Xiao Yuansi kneeling before the shrine,

"Excuse the disturbance, Immortal Sheep Lord.

Thank you for your constant care for my brother and your love for him."

Lu Ran leaned against the doorframe,

watching her with her hands clasped together, her expression filled with utmost sincerity.

Listening to Xiao Yuansi expressing gratitude on his behalf and asking the deity to continue blessing him.

She seemed to be more sincere than when she worshipped the deity during the Flower Lantern Festival.

Gradually, a gentle smile appeared on Lu Ran's face.

Xiao Yuansi,

in the future, there will also be a place for you among the myriad divine demons.

I hope I have the ability to do so,

rather than ending up in a tragic demise.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end