Chapter 365: Catching Up?

Chapter 365: Catching Up?

Outside, at the entrance of the tea house.

Lu Ran caught up with Deng Yuxiang, holding a down jacket and wrapping it around her from behind.

Deng Yuxiang paused in her steps.

Her body, not yet thoroughly warmed, was once again enveloped by the thick down jacket.

Beside them, Hu Jiaojiao's face was filled with concern, but she chose to silently step away.

Deng Yuxiang took a deep breath, as if suppressing something, and spoke in a soft and gentle voice:

"Do you think I should avoid the fight?"

Lu Ran descended a step and stood in front of Deng Yuxiang, looking up at her with a smile:

"Am I that kind of person?"

Deng Yuxiang lowered her head, quietly gazing into Lu Ran's eyes.

His eyes were filled with peace.

Like a mysterious and profound night sky.

All emotions that entered were unable to stir even the slightest ripple.

After a long while, Deng Yuxiang softly uttered an "mm-hmm."

Lu Ran held her wrist, threading it into her sleeve: "Let's go, I'll walk you back.

Take a nice hot bath, get a good night's sleep, and tomorrow, have a satisfying battle."

As he spoke, Lu Ran zipped up the down jacket and pulled it up to her knitted scarf.

Looking into her eyes, Lu Ran spoke softly: "Adjust your state, do it for the sake of the Zan Ye, and for yourself."

Deng Yuxiang raised her hand and ruffled Lu Ran's hair.

Her cold expression finally softened a little.

Lu Ran turned to Hu Jiaojiao: "Should we walk her back together?"

Hu Jiaojiao didn't refuse: "I'll go back to get my jacket."

Lu Ran hurriedly said: "Please pack the tea, I must let my sister have a taste today."

What did he mean?

A last meal before execution?

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips, looking at Lu Ran, and pushed his head aside, then continued walking down the stairs.

Lu Ran casually took out sunglasses and a hat from her pocket and put them on: "Is your place far from here?"

Deng Yuxiang remained silent, continuing her stride.

Her powerful aura caused everyone along the way to make way.

Even the crowded people outside the tea house hurriedly stepped aside when she walked out.

Lu Ran, with his head lowered, followed behind her, praying that he wouldn't be recognized.

The two of them left the commercial district and headed straight for the Martial Arena.

Near the Martial Arena, at the edge of the pine forest, Lu Ran saw a row of low-lying houses, and Deng Yuxiang entered the rightmost courtyard.

"You can go back now." Deng Yuxiang stood at the door, unzipping the down jacket.

But Lu Ran said: "I'll wait until you finish your bath and go to sleep, then I'll leave."

Deng Yuxiang paused, turning to look at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran smiled, giving her a classic expression.

Deng Yuxiang spoke softly: "Little Lu Ran, go back, tomorrow..."

Lu Ran interrupted: "Sis, are you and Hu Jiaojiao very close?"

Deng Yuxiang didn't get annoyed and casually replied: "Mhm."

Lu Ran's expression turned serious: "How close exactly?"

Deng Yuxiang furrowed her brows slightly, paused for a moment, then said: "A bond forged through life and death."

"I understand, go and enjoy your bath." Lu Ran stepped back, spreading his arms, "I'll stay far away, don't worry, I won't eavesdrop."

Both siblings were well aware of each other's keen hearing.

Deng Yuxiang's expression was slightly startled as she watched Lu Ran retreat step by step.

Until he reached the courtyard gate, stubbornly standing there.

The two of them stared at each other for a long time, each more stubborn than the other.

Suddenly, Deng Yuxiang shook her head and smiled.

This frost-covered camellia, with its delicate beauty, bloomed into a captivating smile.

She turned and pushed open the door, striding into the house.

Lu Ran stood at the courtyard gate, hands in his pockets, looking around.

Soon, he spotted a tall and fiery figure approaching in the distance.

She had a youthful face and an incredible figure.

"Lu Tianjiao, why aren't you going in?" Hu Jiaojiao, carrying many tea snacks, arrived at the courtyard gate.

"Ms. Hu," Lu Ran nodded, "My sister is taking a bath."

Hu Jiaojiao reacted for a moment, then smiled: "Then I'll go in first to deliver the tea. Do you want your jacket?"

Lu Ran slightly tilted his head, gesturing towards the nearby pine forest: "Take a walk?"

"Sure." Hu Jiaojiao didn't hesitate and followed Lu Ran towards the snowy forest.

Lu Ran lowered his hat brim and his voice: "Not even a sliver of hope?"

Hu Jiaojiao shook her head: "As difficult as ascending to heaven."

In three rounds of sparring, Deng Yuxiang had been thoroughly defeated.

And this was without Liao Senior using his divine weapon!

If both sides were to fight with real blades and guns, Deng Yuxiang's disadvantage would be even greater.

Setting aside the effects of the divine weapon realm, just the basic attributes of the two divine weapons:

The power, speed, sharpness, and durability of the Zan Ye Great Saber were comprehensively crushed.

After all, Liao Senior's divine weapon was already an existence of a higher tier.

Just like the current Xaguang Saber and Night Silence Saber.

If these two divine weapons were to clash, Xaguang Saber had enough strength to cut Night Silence Saber in half!

Hu Jiaojiao looked at Lu Ran and explained: "Liao Senior holds a high position and has achieved great feats within our sect."

She was one of the guardians of the Demon Cavern within the city.

Although she was tasked with guarding the Demon Cavern, she was not the type to stay confined within the city walls but rather, she was the kind to conquer and expand.

Unlike most people, Liao Senior's martial arts prowess was not honed during the Night of the Fifteenth while defending the city.

Instead, it was tempered deep within the Demon Cavern, amidst the fires of war."

Lu Ran listened intently.

No wonder the Great Nightmare was completely overwhelmed.

Hu Jiaojiao sighed, her heart filled with regret. "Jade Xiang isn't lacking in any way. In terms of talent, she definitely surpasses Liao Senior.

At just twenty-two years old, Jade Xiang is already at the Third Stage of the River Realm.

It's unimaginable what her future achievements will be like.

But at this very moment..."

Hu Jiaojiao didn't finish her sentence, merely shrugging helplessly.

Lu Ran still held onto a glimmer of hope. "Since Jade Xiang has such incredible talent, and we're all fellow disciples, will Liao Senior spare her life?"

Hu Jiaojiao suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to face Lu Ran. "Would Lu Tianjiao let a tiger roam free?"

Lu Ran pursed his lips.

Indeed, knowing that this was an enemy with explosive talent.

Would you keep her around, allowing her to grow unchecked?

Hu Jiaojiao spoke up, "This battle is inevitable, and Jade Xiang's defeat is certain. I've tried to advise her to concede at the right moment.

But she won't listen."

Hu Jiaojiao's tone shifted. "Jade Xiang feels differently about you. In front of her, you can act as you please.

Do you know why?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran's thoughts wandered.

Because we're comrades-in-arms? We've faced life and death together, supporting and relying on each other?

Because we're from the same hometown? We share the same dreams and aspirations for our homeland?

Because our 'Dao' is rooted in Rain Alley, like two trees with intertwined roots deep beneath the ground?

Or perhaps...

"If you don't want to say it, then don't." Hu Jiaojiao raised her hand and patted Lu Ran's shoulder. "What I mean is, you can try to persuade her.

It's not shameful to lose to a senior who has expanded the territory for Northwind City.

Jade Xiang can concede.

And by conceding, her chances of survival will greatly increase."

Lu Ran suddenly spoke up, "I won't try to persuade her."

Hu Jiaojiao's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

Lu Ran tilted his head back, and in the cold air, he exhaled a thin mist, "A martial artist like Deng Yuxiang, so dazzling and proud, will fight until the very end.

Only when she's exhausted all her strength will she truly be defeated."

Suddenly, Hu Jiaojiao reached out and pinched Lu Ran's arm.

Lu Ran: ???

What's going on?

Is she revealing her true nature?

Hu Jiaojiao's face drew closer, her lively almond-shaped eyes scrutinizing Lu Ran's gaze. "So that's why you can act as you please in front of her.

Because you're the same kind of person.

Your thoughts align perfectly.

You'll support her, even if it means dying with her on the martial arena tomorrow."

Lu Ran took a half-step back, pushing the woman's hand away. "How could I possibly watch her go to her death?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyebrows rose. "Then is Northwind City's master yours?"

"So that's the plan you had in mind." Hu Jiaojiao turned her head towards the depths of the snow-covered forest and said in a low voice, "I'll tell you, to keep Jade Xiang alive, I've already pleaded with my grandfather.

Not just once.

I knelt and begged."

Lu Ran: "Then, Old Master Hu..."

Hu Jiaojiao let out a cold huff. "The Life and Death Pact has already been signed, in the Divine Hall, in front of the Divine Being. There's no room for negotiation.

Even the master you speak of must follow the rules! At the very least, during the battle, no one can interfere."

Hu Jiaojiao turned to look at Lu Ran, her expression displeased. "Liao Senior, who has slain countless demons, knows how to ensure there are no loose ends.

And you, Jade Xiang's dear brother, still support your sister fighting until her last breath.

It seems I can start preparing to collect the remains of my dear friend."

Lu Ran's heart was filled with admiration. This is a true friend, doing so much behind the scenes.

He was willing to believe in Hu Jiaojiao.

Because he was willing to believe in Deng Yuxiang, in her vision and abilities, and in the friends she held dear.

Lu Ran smiled. "Thank you, Sister Hu.

You're giving me too much credit. My support or lack thereof won't change Jade Xiang's decision."

Hu Jiaojiao's eyebrows furrowed, and she gave Lu Ran a cold glance before turning to leave. "Don't call me sister."

"But you asked me to."

"I don't want to anymore."

"I bet your friend won't die." Lu Ran watched the woman's departing figure and suddenly spoke up.

Hu Jiaojiao paused in her steps but didn't turn around, only letting out a scoff. "You're betting?

(End of Chapter)The renowned Tianjiao of Great Xia should speak with authority.

Lu Ran's voice was gentle, "I merely support Deng Yuxiang's decision to bravely face the challenge."

Follow your heart and let your thoughts be known.

Whether it's victory or defeat, life or death, those are matters for later.

I support the process, and I support her to continue blooming brilliantly throughout her life."

Hu Jiaojiao abruptly turned around, her heart stirred, and she seemed to sense something.

He was endorsing the process.

Not the outcome!

Moreover, he explicitly stated that Deng Yuxiang wouldn't die!

Lu Ran smiled at her.

The life and death of the Great Nightmare was not something a life and death pact could decide.

And it was certainly not something Liao Senior could predict!

"You—" Hu Jiaojiao's face underwent a series of changes, finally settling on a realization, her almond-shaped eyes widening slightly.

The next moment, she took a step back.

Lu Ran had been smiling, but soon he looked a little flustered.

Because Hu Jiaojiao didn't seem to have any intention of stopping? What was she up to? Was she going to body-check him?

Lu Ran decisively took a step back, but Hu Jiaojiao grabbed his sweater collar and pulled him close.

Hu Jiaojiao leaned forward, her lips close to Lu Ran's ear, her voice soft, "You should consider the consequences!

This is Northwind City, the sacred ground of the Northwind Sect.

Tomorrow's challenge will take place in the Martial Arena, right under the Northwind Master's feet!

If you dare to interfere in the fight, even if you are the Tianjiao of Great Xia—"

"Will Lord Hu be here to preside or observe tomorrow?" Lu Ran suddenly interrupted her.

Hu Jiaojiao straightened her body, looking at the person standing right before her.

Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, no longer sparkling with vitality.

The oppressive atmosphere was overwhelming!

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

Hu Jiaojiao curled her lips, "I think I understand why Yuxiang likes you so much."

So,

I support all your decisions, and I'll back you up, following your heart.

At the same time,

I'll handle everything, and I'll bear the consequences.

What kind of divine younger brother is this?

Lu Ran asked again, "Will Elder Hu be present at the scene?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyes smiled, "I don't know, do you want me to call you sister and ask for you?"

Lu Ran pouted, "Don't you not want me to call you?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyes twinkled, a hint of mischief in them, "I'm just asking you not to call me 'Hu Jie' (Sister Hu), it sounds so unpleasant.

'Jiaojiao Jie' (Sister Jiaojiao) sounds much better, don't you think?"

"Shh!" Lu Ran suddenly gave a signal to be quiet.

Hu Jiaojiao tensed up, listening intently.

In the snow-covered forest, a tall figure approached.

Her hair was still wet, indicating she had just bathed.

Her tall and slender body was wrapped in a thick white down jacket.

Deng Yuxiang's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the two in the small grove, "What are you two doing?"

"Yuxiang's here?" Hu Jiaojiao released Lu Ran's collar and turned to leave, "I brought you some snacks.

You barely ate anything just now."

Deng Yuxiang looked at the smiling woman before her, "You brought me snacks and delivered them to the small grove?"

Hu Jiaojiao: ".

Lu Ran: ".

"Okay, okay." Hu Jiaojiao held Deng Yuxiang's arm, "Our little brother isn't the Tianjiao of Great Xia?

I just want him to sign something for me and take a photo together."

Deng Yuxiang: "My little brother."

Hu Jiaojiao: "Huh?"

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips and didn't speak further.

Hu Jiaojiao chuckled, unable to resist teasing her, "You're such a person!

How come I didn't realize you were so stingy before?

You have two, right? Give me one, I want this one, and you can have the other one."

Upon hearing this, Deng Yuxiang's eyebrows furrowed slightly, her gaze conveying a hint of disdain.

"Ahem." Lu Ran coughed, "Let's go back, your hair is freezing."

"Let's go, let's go. I'll blow-dry your hair and we'll have some snacks." Hu Jiaojiao left with her good friend, "Get some good rest tonight, there's a big battle tomorrow!"

Deng Yuxiang observed Hu Jiaojiao, a peculiar feeling stirring in her heart.

With the challenge day approaching, Hu Jiaojiao had been feeling down and her mood had been quite low recently.

But at this moment, Hu Jiaojiao seemed to be in a better mood?

Why?

Because of Lu Ran?

"Jiaojiao."

"Hmm?"

"Lu Ran has a girl he loves, a childhood friend."

Hu Jiaojiao was speechless, turning to look at Lu Ran, "Hey, quickly tell your sister, who am I to you?"

Lu Ran smiled, "Although we've just met, I have a feeling that we are kindred spirits.

In the future, we might become comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side."

Hu Jiaojiao's smile was playful, and she received all the information, but she said, "Little brother, I'm your Jiaojiao Jie!"

Lu Ran: ".

Wasted emotions.

I'm still your Jiaogou brother!

End of Chapter.

Chapter end