At noon, in Yuxiang Family Community.

"Hmm."

In the small bedroom, Lu Ran sat up in a daze with the tabby cat still deep in sleep cradled in his arms.

He spent the night in the car with "clangs" and "bangs," and no amount of sleep seemed to be enough to shake off the fatigue.

Now, having slept at home for the entire morning, he finally felt somewhat revitalized.

Lu Ran got up and headed to the kitchen, rummaging through the cupboard before opening a can of luncheon meat.

"Meow~"

At the entrance of the kitchen, the little tabby's mew was heard.

"Heh," Lu Ran looked at the adorable tabby and couldn't help laughing out loud.

I was holding you when I sat up just now, and you were still sleeping like a lump of mud.

Now, the moment I open the can, you're awake?

"Come." Lu Ran placed the luncheon meat on a cutting board and casually drew a kitchen knife.

The tabby meowed and with a graceful leap, it jumped onto the countertop.

Lu Ran sliced a small piece of meat and put it in front of the tabby: "This is for you."

He picked up the remaining large chunk of luncheon meat, took a big bite, and muttered with his mouth full, "This is for me."

"Meow~"

After a quick meal, Lu Ran washed his hands thoroughly and returned to sit cross-legged in front of the shrine in the bedroom.

"Lord Immortal Goat, this journey has been quite fruitful," Lu Ran muttered, touching the Copper Coin on the red string on his wrist.

Gradually, a faint mist began to drift inside the room.

As he cultivated, Lu Ran sighed, "Lord Wang Quan really has it tough, reduced to such a state."

Suddenly, a hoarse transmission broke the silence: "At least Wang Quan still exists.

If you were to be exposed, it might be hard to find wiggle room."

Lu Ran pursed his lips, staying silent.

White Sheep Jade Carving: "The Forget Spring Sect simply feeds on Origin Energy to strengthen themselves.

You, on the other hand, are using Origin Energy as a foundation to cultivate your own God Demon Series.

Which do you think is more serious?"

Lu Ran: "..."

No matter how powerful Wang Quan is, she only strengthens herself.

Lu Ran is building a power base, crafting a system that can deceive the world and replace the existing order.

Your technique? Mine now.

Your sect, your Believers? Mine now.

Your social status, your influence and control over this world, including the rules you've set...

All mine!

So, who is more serious?

"I should keep focusing on my cultivation," Lu Ran said softly.

All of a sudden, his motivation to cultivate became even stronger.

The days of cultivation at home were monotonous, tranquil, yet fulfilling.

What pleasantly surprised Lu Ran was that on the thirteenth day of the lunar month, he felt a sense of swelling within him.

Divine Power within his body was restless, as if it could break through and advance at any moment!

Overjoyed, Lu Ran meditated even more assiduously in front of the shrine.

If he could advance to Stream Realm·Fifth Rank before the city defense, he would naturally have a better chance of surviving!

Moreover, after reaching the Fifth Rank within the major realm, there wouldn't be a need for accumulation of quantity.

Just one flash of enlightenment!

That is to say, if Lu Ran could advance to Stream Realm·Fifth Rank, then he might be able to step into the River Realm·First Rank in the very next second!

If he could take part in the city defense as someone from the River Realm, wouldn't it be delightful?

Lu Ran was full of anticipation and exerted himself in arduous cultivation, however...

He thought too much.

This "swelling" in Lu Ran lasted till the fifteenth day of the lunar month without coming to fruition.

"Alas..."

In the early morning, a sigh echoed in the small bedroom.

In front of the shrine, Lu Ran, who was sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.

"Indeed, every step is a challenge," Lu Ran stood up, brought his palms together respectfully, and bowed obediently before the shrine.

To think I was fantasizing about advancing to the River Realm, to be seen as a powerhouse in the eyes of the world!

It's already the fifteenth, and I'm still stuck at Stream Realm·Fourth Rank.

Awkward~

Lu Ran took a step to the left and approached the windowsill.

The sky was sprinkling with light snow, turning the whole world a vast expanse of white.

It looked cold.

But to fight amidst the snow, wouldn't that have a charm of its own?

The blood of the Evil Demon Clan spilled onto the pure white snow field would certainly paint exquisite blossoms of blood...

It should be beautiful, right?

Lu Ran turned his head, looking towards the coat rack next to the door.

Should I wear someone's scarf?

Lu Ran walked over and took down a dark red knitted scarf:

"This way, does it count as if you're fighting alongside me?"

Twenty minutes later, dressed in a sleek black combat suit, wrapped in a wide scarf, and carrying twin sabers, Lu Ran stepped out of his home.

The gathering place for the patrol this time was changed to Hexi Park.

Lu Ran walked alone through a world blanketed in white.

For a long time, not a single person was in sight.

Not until he entered Hexi Park and reached the artificial lake did he finally see someone's dashing figure.

Tsk tsk~

Big Nightmare reminiscing about the glorious days of the past?

Although winter had arrived, the artificial lake was not yet frozen.

Right now, Deng Yuxiang was standing on the bow of a black-awning boat, aimlessly drifting in the lake.

In the same spot as the Night Charm stood last month on the fifteenth.

It's a pity, though, that Big Nightmare was wearing a modern-style dark woolen coat.

Despite looking stylish, the outfit didn't match the ancient traditional charm.

"Sister!" Lu Ran called out loudly.

Deng Yuxiang was roused from her reverie and turned her head toward the lakeside.

Upon seeing Lu Ran, a trace of a smile finally appeared on her expressionless face.

She then waved to Lu Ran, signaling him to come over.

Lu Ran: "..."

Do I look like I can fly to you?

Wait until I advance to the River Realm and activate the Night Charm Sculpture, then I'll be able to walk on air.

Wait a minute!

The Night Charm Clan are the sworn enemies of Big Nightmare, right?

If I showcase the Evil Technique·Night Dance in front of her, climbing up into the heavens...

Won't she behead me with a single strike?

"Pfft!"

Suddenly, a long and thin Big Horse-cutting Saber shot out from the lake!

The wet saber, dripping with chilly droplets, thrust straight at Lu Ran, terrifying him!

"Whoo~"

Wind and snow danced together.

The Night-slaying Great Saber steadied itself before Lu Ran, its hilt lowering into his palm.

A true Divine Weapon indeed!

It's so cool... Hmm, though a bit chilly.

Lu Ran gripped the cold blade tightly, gliding over the lake's surface with the aid of the Night-slaying Great Saber, and headed straight for the boat's bow.

"Thump."

Lu Ran landed steadily on the boat's bow, watching as the Night-slaying Great Saber plunged diagonally into the water, vanishing from sight.

Clasping his own twin sabers, Lu Ran's eyes were filled with envy as he looked in the direction where the Night-slaying Great Saber disappeared.

"Nice scarf," Deng Yuxiang commented, examining Lu Ran.

"Not bad," Lu Ran said with a strange expression, looking at the miniature camera tucked into the collar of Deng Yuxiang's coat, "Your camera isn't bad either."

"Heh," Deng Yuxiang laughed and gave Lu Ran a stare.

"Is that a law enforcement recorder?" Lu Ran asked curiously, "Are you guys required to wear those when defending the city on the fifteenth?"

Deng Yuxiang sighed softly, "I'm participating in a program."

Lu Ran: ???

A warrior of the River Realm·Fifth Rank and a North Wind Believer participating in a program?

Are you kidding me?

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips as if she wanted to say something but seemed apprehensive, so she didn't speak.

Lu Ran grew even more puzzled: "What kind of program is it that could lure you out?

Is this a mission arranged by the bureau?"

Deng Yuxiang said, "It's a task given by the school, which the bureau also approved."

"Oh, a task from the school..." Lu Ran stopped mid-sentence, his expression turning to one of shock as he stared at Deng Yuxiang, "Aren't you a Moon Gazer? How did you become a student again?"

A smile appeared on Deng Yuxiang's face again, seemingly enjoying Lu Ran's puzzled look.

"I'm only 20 years old, why wouldn't I be a student?" she replied.

Lu Ran: "The first time we met, I asked if you were a college student!

I remember clearly, you told me you were already working."

"Yes, specially recruited by the Divine People Bureau," Deng Yuxiang's smile grew wider, "I just didn't need to attend classes anymore.

But I haven't graduated from my school; I'm still a junior."

Lu Ran: "..."

Nice—

So an individual should suffice with one label.

Now you're both a police flower and a female college student...

What exactly are you aiming for?

"What's that expression for?" Deng Yuxiang frowned slightly with a hint of threatening tone, "Do I not look like a student to you?"

"Uh," Lu Ran scratched his head, "Maybe you're too powerful, and I have a filter."

Deng Yuxiang was already very "imposing," both beautiful and cool.

Plus, with the poise of a warrior forged through constant battling on the brink of death, it was hard to perceive her as just a student.

"Hmmph," Deng Yuxiang snorted, letting Lu Ran off the hook.

Lu Ran inquired, "So what about the program?"

"Da Xia officially organized it, and the school approached me," Deng Yuxiang answered.

"Da Xia officially?"

With all that's happening, Da Xia still has the time to organize programs?

"Yes," Deng Yuxiang gave a soft sigh, "We both understand the situation on the fifteenth of every month since this June."

Lu Ran silently nodded.

Deng Yuxiang lifted a hand to cover the microphone on the camera: "This society needs a morale boost.

People need something to lift their spirits and something to rely on."

Lu Ran understood.

In the recent months, the intensity of Evil Demon invasions had suddenly increased, and people have suffered and gone through too much.

In such grim times, people indeed need hope and light.

The program that Deng Yuxiang was participating in was, of course, a cultural product.

It was similar to how Lu Ran once fell asleep to the sounds of comedy sketches on the night of the fifteenth, seeking some mental solace.

But this time, Da Xia was going to make a bold move!

After all, the battlefield is exceedingly brutal, and many images are not suitable for public viewing.

Of course, this world is also quite special.

Even ordinary citizens have likely witnessed the battlefield with their own eyes, if not experienced life and death themselves.

The frequency of Evil Demon invasions is too high, occurring like clockwork every month.

Those who survive, how could they possibly be flowers from a greenhouse?

If, on the night of the fifteenth, people could watch Human Clan warriors slaughtering Evil Demons on the screen, it would undoubtedly immensely lift the public spirit.

Lu Ran murmured, "The participants in the program must all be particularly strong, right?"

Da Xia wanted to showcase its martial strength and lift morale.

If those participating in the program died on the battlefield, how could that work?

Deng Yuxiang nodded slightly: "Each trial campus sends out only one person.

The student must be above River Realm·Third Rank.

Those like me, who possess a Divine Weapon, are prioritized."

Lu Ran nodded, as it should be!

It would be a disaster if it went wrong.

Deng Yuxiang spoke softly, "Currently, the program is only shown to a small group of people.

After two trial broadcasts on the fifteenth of December and January, it will officially air on the next Lunar New Year's fifteenth."

"What's the program called?"

"I think it's called 'Heavenly Pride'."

"Wow, that name is indeed domineering."

Deng Yuxiang smiled: "Work hard, and if you become a freshman next year, you might get to join the fight."

Clearly, she had full confidence in Lu Ran's strength!

But Lu Ran replied: "Tonight, is there a ranking? Any rewards?"

Deng Yuxiang nodded gently, "Yes, the rewards are quite generous."

"Got it, sister!" Lu Ran waved his hand broadly and with high spirits, "Tonight, I'll help you clinch the first place!"

Deng Yuxiang could only smile helplessly.

She placed a hand on Lu Ran's head and rubbed it gently but firmly:

"Okay, good."

...

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