Chapter 74: Romantic Past

Chapter 74: Romantic Past

Beside the van, the two squads got acquainted with each other.

"This is my brother Lu Ran," Qiao Yuansi introduced. "Just call him brother."

"Call me Lu Ran," Lu Ran said, extending his hand in a friendly gesture.

Qiao Yuansi was indeed a year younger, but her teammates were all Lu Ran's peers.

"It's fine to call him brother!" Qiao Yuansi looked at Lu Ran. "In my entire life, I've never seen anyone with a bigger birthday than yours."

This was indeed true.

Lu Ran and Qiao Yuansi were siblings, and they were only a year apart.

Qiao Yuansi's birthday was on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and Lu Ran's birthday was likely smaller?

"Iron Fang," the tall man extended his large hand and said in a deep voice, "Iron Bone Iron Fang."

Lu Ran looked up at the burly man with admiration in his eyes.

What an explosive natural talent for his physique!

Look at those muscles, that huge build, is this what a seventeen-year-old student should have? Even Deng Yutang standing next to Iron Fang turned into a little brother.

"Brother Ran, you're too thin. You need to eat more," Iron Fang smiled, showing a set of white teeth.

Qiao Yuansi immediately said, "Iron Fang is straightforward. He means what he says, so don't overthink it."

Lu Ran looked at Qiao Yuansi in surprise, "Iron Fang?"

"Yeah, look at how he's built, he's like a fierce and intimidating god," Qiao Yuansi looked up at Iron Fang, "The first time I met him, he almost scared me to tears."

"Hehe," Iron Fang scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed.

Although he looked a bit fierce, Lu Ran found this big guy to be quite adorable in his straightforwardness.

"This sister here is named Guan Yiren," Qiao Yuansi held the arm of the girl beside her, "She's a believer of Sword One!"

Sword One?

Everyone turned their attention to the girl.

In the first row of the Xia Divine Sequence, the first deity?

The number one deity, Sword One?!

Jiang Ruyi's heart fluttered slightly, and she carefully examined the long-haired girl.

Indeed, the disciple chosen by Sword One was just like this.

Guan Yiren was slightly taller than Qiao Yuansi, with an above-average appearance and an excellent temperament.

She politely nodded to the group, and that sense of distance that made her hard to approach was palpable to everyone.

Qiao Yuansi said, "Brother, the command position in our team should have been Sister Yiren's."

Lu Ran asked, "Then how did it end up with you?"

Qiao Yuansi giggled and tilted her head, resting it on Guan Yiren's shoulder, "Ever since she became a disciple of Sword One, she's been talking less and less~"

Everyone: "..."

Guan Yiren rarely showed a smile, but she did now, and she tapped Qiao Yuansi's head with her finger.

"I like to talk," Iron Fang suddenly spoke up, looking at his two teammates.

"Shh," Qiao Yuansi raised a finger, signaling Iron Fang to be quiet.

Iron Fang looked at Lu Ran and shrugged, "They don't want to listen to me."

Lu Ran's expression was quite interesting, and it was a struggle to hold back his laughter.

After all, they had just met, and it didn't seem very polite to laugh out loud.

"Brother, what deity do you believe in?" Deng Yutang asked.

Iron Fang replied, "Xi Xiang."

Once again, the air became quiet.

Second Rank God Xi Xiang?

One of the Four Generals, Xi Xiang the Axe?

What kind of team is this?!

A believer of the First Rank God Sword One, a believer of the Second Rank God Xi Xiang, and a believer of the Third Rank God Lantern God?

Qiao Yuansi, with her exceptional talent, worshipped a deity who was ranked last?

No wonder she was the young lady of a noble family in the capital, but it wasn't quite right to say it like that.

It should be said that Qiao Yuansi, under the care of her mother, had joined such a team.

Iron Fang clearly noticed the expressions on their faces and couldn't help but hum, "You don't believe me?"

As he spoke, he waved his large hand, and energy surged in his palm, as if he was about to summon an axe.

"Stop!" Qiao Yuansi immediately stopped him.

Iron Fang reacted as if by reflex, and the energy in his palm dissipated.

In other words, he waved his hand, and nothing happened.

Awkward!

"Oh, right," Lu Ran acted as if nothing had happened, "Where's your other teammate? I don't see them."

Qiao Yuansi lowered her head, playing with Guan Yiren's fair fingers, "Our team only has three people."

Lu Ran: "Ah?"

Qiao Yuansi lifted her eyes and smiled playfully, "We've been looking for a suitable member, but later realized that three is enough!"

Iron Fang suddenly said, "I want a male teammate to eat meat and drink with."

Lu Ran looked up at the burly man.

Iron Fang shrugged again, "They don't like it."

Lu Ran: "..."

"Hey, three people in a squad is enough. You're like two people!" Qiao Yuansi said.

Iron Fang showed his white teeth again and laughed, "Makes sense!"

"Let me introduce you to a brother!" Lu Ran pushed Deng Yutang forward, "He's bold, brave, and a real man!"

Iron Fang sized up Deng Yutang, scrutinizing, "He's a bit short. He needs to eat more!"

Deng Yutang: ???

I'm at least 185 cm tall. Are you calling me short?

Is Tian Tian alive?

Iron Fang placed his hand on Deng Yutang's shoulder, "What deity do you believe in?"

Deng Yutang didn't speak but pointed to the red scarf wrapped around his head.

"Wow!" Iron Fang's eyes lit up, "A disciple of Red Scarf? I've always wanted to join the Red Scarf Sect!

But on the day of worship, Xi Xiang came first and took me away."

It was clear to see that his interest in the Red Scarf Sect was growing.

Jiang Ruyi suggested, "Let's get in the car and continue the conversation on the way.

(End of Chapter)"Alright, let's go." Qiao Yuansi was full of energy. "We'll discuss our tactics in the car and give them a good thrashing!"

The group of seven quickly boarded the van.

The driver watched the young people with envy, having heard every word of their conversation.

"Make sure your weapons are secured and don't bump into anything," the driver said, stepping on the gas and heading out of the city.

Lu Ran sat in the back row, next to Jiang Ruyi, and whispered, "It's not bad not becoming a disciple of Sword One."

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruyi was a little puzzled.

Lu Ran lowered his voice, "Look at Guan Yiren, she doesn't say a word, so cool and aloof, like an ice sculpture."

Jiang Ruyi whispered, "Don't talk about others like that."

Lu Ran continued, "It would be so much better if she was gentle and warm. What if you accidentally became a disciple of Sword One?"

Jiang Ruyi smiled and flicked Lu Ran with her mouth.

Was that supposed to be comforting?

But the deity I worship, Jade Talisman, is also very cold.

In the end, it's up to the believers to stay true to themselves.

Jiang Ruyi glanced at Lu Ran, thinking to herself: Don't let the deity twist your personality like he's doing.

In the front row, Qiao Yuansi turned around curiously, looking at Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi.

Her eyes were lively, and the more she looked, the more interesting she found them.

Something's not right!

These two have a problem!

"What are you looking at?" Lu Ran suddenly spoke up.

"I'm just looking at Sister Ruyi, she's so pretty," Qiao Yuansi said with a smile.

Jiang Ruyi smiled and waved her hand.

As long as it didn't involve Lu Ran, she was always so poised and graceful.

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow slightly, "Not bad for someone so young, you have good taste."

Jiang Ruyi immediately nudged Lu Ran with her arm.

Qiao Yuansi's eyes sparkled, her gaze shifting between the two.

There's definitely something wrong!

I have to look out for my foolish brother.

My mother's Black Ice Sword must not be given away lightly!

Forty minutes later, the van drove into a military camp in the northern suburbs of Tianjin.

From a distance, Lu Ran saw the sculpture of the deity, Sword One.

It was undeniable that Sword One was truly formidable, and her protection was indeed vast.

The main statue of Sword One stood in the capital, but her statue was also erected in Tianjin.

After passing through multiple checkpoints, the vehicle entered the camp's parking lot, and everyone got out one by one.

Guan Yiren, who had been silent throughout the journey, knelt down before the statue of Sword One as soon as she got out of the car.

With her hands clasped together, her cold expression turned into one of utmost reverence, and she bowed her head, silently praying.

The others didn't kneel but bowed as a sign of respect.

Lu Ran seemed out of place. After admiring the grandeur of Sword One, he went to the trunk to retrieve his sword.

He wasn't a disciple of Sword One, so it wasn't appropriate for him to pay respects.

The main reason was that the Divine Sheep, who always accompanied Lu Ran, was unique and had such a domineering temperament.

Lu Ran didn't want his deity to misunderstand anything.

He muttered to himself, "This statue in the God and Devil Sculpture Park is far more impressive and majestic than this Sword One statue!"

"Oh?" Lu Ran noticed a familiar Black Ice Sword in the trunk.

Its pitch-black, icy blade, golden hilt, and familiar golden tassel were unmistakable.

Lu Ran immediately recognized his mother's sword, and it seemed she had given it to Yuansi to use.

"Do you remember the name of that sword?" Qiao Yuansi came to Lu Ran's side.

"Of course," Lu Ran picked up the Black Ice Sword, "Cool Night."

"Want to hear a little secret?" Qiao Yuansi smiled, her eyes curving like a beautiful crescent moon.

"What is it?"

"The names of the Radiance Blade and the Cool Night Sword were given to each other by our parents."

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow, as this was the first time he had heard this story.

Quite romantic, huh?

Qiao Yuansi said, "Mom specifically asked me to bring the sword.

She said that after the training is over, she wants you to bring the Cool Night Sword back to Rain Alley City."

"Why?" Lu Ran was puzzled.

Qiao Yuansi linked arms with Lu Ran, "She said that you should hang the Cool Night Sword with the Radiance Blade."

Lu Ran fell silent and didn't respond.

He wanted to say it was a waste, as the Black Ice Sword was a divine weapon and a powerful demon-slaying tool! But since it was a matter between his parents, he didn't feel it was his place to comment.

Qiao Yuansi suddenly lowered her voice and spoke in a mysterious tone, "Mom also said that if one day, your brother decides to give the Cool Night Sword to a girl, he must inform her in advance, as she wants to meet her personally."

Lu Ran: "..."

If I remember correctly, I'm only 17 this year?

Yep, it's almost time.

In this special era where everyone reveres the gods, the Great Xia Empire encourages people to get married and have children.

After becoming a believer at the age of 17, one can get married and hold a wedding banquet on their 18th birthday.

Qiao Yuansi's eyes sparkled with mischief, "What do you say? My cold-hearted brother, has anyone ever caught your eye?"

Lu Ran picked up the two swords, "Let's go, let's go kill some demons!"

The siblings left, chatting and laughing.

On the side of the vehicle, Jiang Ruyi stood quietly, watching their backs as they walked away.

(End)

Chapter end