Chapter 376: Shattered Stars on the Ground

Chapter 376: Shattered Stars on the Ground

In the dead of night, at Yeyu City.

The airport arrival hall was bustling with people, and at the baggage claim area, a group of four stood quietly waiting.

Just by their attire, it was evident that these four had traveled across the vast land of Daxia, from the snow-covered North Country to the ever-springful Cainan.

Among them, a couple was clearly in love.

The young man was tall and handsome, and the girl was fair-skinned and beautiful, a perfect jade couple, but they had an overly heavy 'stealing feeling'!

It was a bit comical.

From time to time, the young lovers would sneak a glance at the woman beside them, checking on her condition.

Deng Yuxiang wore a dark woolen coat, standing at a height of 1.78 meters, with a stunningly beautiful yet expressionless face, giving off a strong sense of oppression.

Only her slightly curled shoulder-length hair softened her overall demeanor, making her seem slightly lazy.

Such a beauty indeed deserved to be the center of attention, but she had grown tired of the stares.

Deng Yuxiang turned slightly, casting a cold glance at the person beside her.

Deng Yu Tang and Bai Man Ni looked like two children who had done something wrong, both lowering their heads in unison.

"Don't scare the kids," Lu Ran said softly.

The mask made his voice sound a bit muffled.

Deng Yuxiang had been about to warn the distant onlookers who were staring at them.

Hearing Lu Ran's words, her gaze softened slightly, and she refrained from making any further movements.

Deng Yu Tang and Bai Man Ni exchanged a glance, both with complex expressions.

The two had already sensed that something was amiss!

During the day, when Deng Yuxiang and Lu Ran walked out of the hotel room, Deng Yu Tang was stunned!

He had imagined that his sister's condition would be terrible.

Her willpower was shattered, and she was completely despondent. After all, Deng Yuxiang had endured unimaginable torment and setbacks.

She had lost completely, suffered severe injuries, and her divine weapon was broken, its spirit dissipated. Deng Yu Tang had prepared for the worst and wanted to do everything he could to comfort and encourage his sister, accompanying her through this dark period.

He never expected!

Deng Yuxiang... was fine!

Fine?

Could Deng Yuxiang's inner strength be so powerful? Deng Yu Tang was overjoyed!

Bai Man Ni, on the other hand, felt ashamed.

If it were her, she might have had her spirit and morale completely shattered.

She might not even be able to stand.

But Deng Yuxiang stood up and, facing Deng Yu Tang with red-rimmed eyes, coldly said, "Why are you crying?"

After the initial surprise, Deng Yu Tang and Bai Man Ni imagined many scenarios, thinking that Deng Yuxiang was probably putting on an act, covering herself with a thick shell.

From then on, the two were extra cautious, not daring to offer comfort or encouragement, or even show concern, fearing that any word might trigger Deng Yuxiang.

However, Deng Yuxiang truly seemed unaffected!

She inquired about the flight tickets and then instructed the young couple to go out and buy clothes.

After a day of interaction, Deng Yu Tang became aware of an issue.

When facing Lu Ran, Deng Yuxiang was overly obedient!

This was not right!

Very wrong!

How could his proud and dominant sister possibly be this gentle?

Did Lu Ran replace his sister's 'core' with another one?

Of course, this was just a joke.

Deng Yu Tang wanted to ask but dared not, as he was genuinely perplexed about what had happened between Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang in the bedroom for several hours.

Hmm. Love is love, I guess.

Deng Yuxiang didn't continue her despondency, and what more could she ask for?

"Let's go," Lu Ran said, lifting the luggage from the conveyor belt and speaking casually.

Deng Yu Tang snapped out of his thoughts, and the group immediately followed.

But just as they stepped out of the hall, a figure rushed towards them.

"Brother!"

Qiao Yuansi ran over and buried herself in Lu Ran's embrace.

"Oof!" Lu Ran stumbled back a step, his chest aching.

Was this a hug?

Or a rocket head-butt?

"Are your injuries healed?" Qiao Yuansi quickly disentangled himself from the embrace, examining Lu Ran up and down.

"They're fine, they've been fine for a while now," Lu Ran reassured softly.

Qiao Yuansi pouted, her small fist pounding on his shoulder, "You scared me to death!"

Lu Ran forced a smile, continually soothing his sister.

This smiling and accompanying demeanor was somewhat reminiscent of the celestial ram grandmaster's demeanor.

Qiao Yuansi's eyes filled with concern, "I saw your photos online, covered in injuries and blood!"

Behind Lu Ran, Deng Yuxiang stood with her eyes lowered, silent.

She was the culprit.

All the injuries Lu Ran had sustained and the blame he had endured were because of her.

"Alright, alright," Lu Ran hurriedly said, "Let's not talk about this anymore."

Lu Ran alternated between coaxing and persuading Qiao Yuansi, taking a few steps forward before stopping again.

In the distance, two tall figures stood.

Lu Ran automatically ignored the celestial girl and turned towards the true human celestial girl.

She wore a simple white knitted sweater, accentuating her cool and otherworldly aura.

Under the duckbill cap, her beautiful eyes shone like cold stars, bright and lovely, but not captivating.

Because her gaze was cold.

Cold enough to make Lu Ran's heart palpitate.

"Gudu." Lu Ran's Adam's apple moved slightly, and he silently pushed Qiao Yuansi to the front, continuing forward.

"Hey? Hey?" Qiao Yuansi realized she was being used as a human shield.

She twisted and turned but eventually ran away.

"It's so late, and you're here to pick us up?" Lu Ran asked awkwardly, "We can go up the mountain ourselves."

Jiang Ruyi watched Lu Ran quietly, not saying a word.

Strangely, the fiery Tian Niu beside her was also standing obediently.

Ci Xianxian held a handbag with both hands in front of her, her demeanor meek and docile.

What happened to the rebellious and unruly self?

Had she turned into a well-behaved maid?

"Squad Leader!"

"Squad Leader Jiang," Deng Yu Tang and Bai Man Ni spoke in unison, trying to break the awkward atmosphere.

Amidst the group, Deng Yutang carried a hint of apology and a hint of appeasement.

After all, Lu Ran had endured everything because of Deng Yuxiang.

Jiang Ruyi's gaze swept over the two, and she nodded slightly.

Her eyes eventually landed on Deng Yuxiang.

All day today, the internet had already exploded!

Videos and photos of Northwind City were spreading like wildfire online.

Especially the scene of the Divine Sheep's awkward apology, which left the world in awe! However, there weren't many photos of the Martial Arts Arena near Northwind City online.

But among them was a photo of Lu Ran, covered in sword wounds, holding Deng Yuxiang, who was drenched in blood.

"This is my fiancee, Jiang Ruyi." Lu Ran immediately introduced, "This is my comrade, Deng Yuxiang."

Jiang Ruyi and Deng Yuxiang recognized each other.

They also knew about each other's relationship with Lu Ran.

But all along, the two had hardly exchanged any words.

Deng Yuxiang sized up Jiang Ruyi, marveling at the girl's growth.

Not only was she graceful and poised, but she was also ethereal, like a celestial being.

Her cool aura and powerful presence showcased the majesty of the Vast River Jiang, causing the surrounding crowd to fall silent.

At the same time, Jiang Ruyi was also observing Deng Yuxiang.

The proud and radiant woman she remembered now appeared slightly dimmed.

No longer as dazzling as in her memories.

Jiang Ruyi knew that Deng Yuxiang's injuries were severe, and she might even be on the brink of death.

But Jiang Ruyi cared more about Lu Ran!

In the morning, when Qiao Yuansi rushed over anxiously and showed Jiang Ruyi the phone, her head suddenly buzzed!

She almost lost her balance.

Lu Ran had experienced countless battles, from the Ghostly Night March to the Demon Lord's descent, and had faced dangerous battlefields.

But never had he been as miserable as he was today.

Covered in wounds and blood.

For so long, Jiang Ruyi's stable state of mind was now so fragile.

Just one photo was enough to make her completely lose her composure.

There were too few photos from inside Northwind City, so she couldn't understand the specific situation.

What was even more terrifying was that someone outside the city had captured a confrontation between the Deity of the Celestial Ram and the Deity of the North Wind.

Jiang Ruyi's heart was pounding.

The Divine Sheep's intervention should be able to save Lu Ran, right? But the fact that the Deity had appeared meant that the situation was even more severe!

Fortunately, Qiao Yuansi got through on the phone.

It was on the train from Ice City to Joy City.

At that moment, Jiang Ruyi had already booked a ticket and was preparing to board the plane.

"Let's go, let's head back to the mountain first." Lu Ran suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

Deng Yuxiang suddenly spoke, nodding lightly: "Hello, Ruyi."

Jiang Ruyi remained silent for a moment, her voice soft: "Hello."

"Let's go." Lu Ran held Jiang Ruyi's hand and led her outside.

The Celestial Ram Sect sent three cars, and Lu Ran took Jiang Ruyi to Wen Yang's vehicle.

Qiao Yuansi also wanted to ride with his brother, but Ci Xianxian intercepted him, coaxing and hugging him before taking him to another car.

The vehicles slowly started and headed north towards Yeyu City.

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi sat in the back seat.

He looked at her, and she gazed at the pitch-black night outside the window.

"Are you angry?" Lu Ran squeezed her palm.

Jiang Ruyi remained silent, without any reaction.

For the first time, the girl who was always gentle and soft in front of Lu Ran made him feel a hint of coldness.

Lu Ran played with her slender fingers: "You know, I've always been in her patrol team.

She has also saved me before, so I can't just watch her die before my eyes."

Jiang Ruyi remained silent.

In the driver's seat, Wen Yang held his chest and silently drove, his hand gripping the steering wheel slightly trembling.

This world was truly cruel.

The power of cultivation constantly reminded the masses of the hierarchy among people.

The emotions of the River Realm experts could, of course, influence the surrounding environment.

"With the Divine Sheep here, I can't possibly be in danger." Lu Ran's words abruptly stopped.

Jiang Ruyi suddenly turned her head, her eyes red, a layer of mist covering her pupils, and her slightly trembling eyelashes made people's hearts ache.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Lu Ran quickly hugged Jiang Ruyi, whispering soothingly.

Was he wrong?

He was wrong, but he wasn't wrong.

Even if Lu Ran were given a million chances to choose again, he would still step onto the battlefield a million times.

Of course, Jiang Ruyi would also worry and ache a million times, and this didn't conflict.

"Think positively, I've brought back a powerful Celestial Ram believer." Lu Ran spoke softly, "Jade Xiang has already been expelled from the Northwind Sect.

Tonight, she will join the Celestial Ram Sect.

Falling Immortal Lady, from tomorrow on, when she sees you, she will have to bow and greet you respectfully."

"Go!" Jiang Ruyi finally spoke, clicking her tongue lightly.

Lu Ran: "Don't be angry, why get angry with a new initiate?"

So tomorrow morning, I'll have her come and pay her respects to you."

Jiang Ruyi looked at Lu Ran, her eyebrows, which should have exuded a cool aura, were slightly furrowed.

The vehicle drove through the streets, and the flashing neon lights reflected in the girl's eyes.

Like stars scattered on the ground.

It was her gaze, and it was also her heart.

Regarding the term "fragmented feeling," Lu Ran found the most beautiful interpretation.

Who could withstand this!

Lu Ran held her in his arms, inhaling the faint scent of jasmine, and gently pressed his forehead against her hat:

"I'm sorry."

His words were sincere, filled with guilt.

He removed her hat and gently stroked her black hair.

Jiang Ruyi felt his gentle comfort, and after a long time, she slowly closed her eyes.

As if finally finding peace.

Or perhaps accepting fate.

What else could she do?

His safe return was already a blessing.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end