Lu Ran cradled the tabby cat and fell into a deep sleep.

He still had no idea that his performance from the night before had set the outside world abuzz!

Major news outlets scrambled to cover the story; terms like "Lu Ran," "Immortal Sheep Believer," and "Rain Alley" had become hot keywords.

The name Lu Ran was especially on fire.

"From a small town comes an Immortal Sheep Believer, the unprecedented prodigy of Da Xia!"

"Lu Ran, a human youth that made even the Yan Zhi creatures cry with envy!"

"Supreme youth of Rain Alley City, casually blessed with divine impartation!"

"My blood built the city's walls—why worry about aloofness or madness?"

"Public Notice: Be cautious in worshiping the faction of the Immortal Sheep—not everyone is Lu Ran!"

The relentless media coverage caught people off guard.

The night of February fifteenth showcased the remarkable performances of fifty participating talents.

Many indeed witnessed Lu Ran's meteoric rise, marveling at the astounding debut of this disciple of the Immortal Sheep.

But, many more had not tuned into Lu Ran's channel.

There was a deep-rooted stereotype about Immortal Sheep Believers, with a clear picture of what these individuals were like.

Doubts, disdain, indifference, pity, or embarrassment...

Whatever the mindset, many purposefully overlooked the existence of Lu Ran.

However, as articles poured out and internet users on forums spread the word, a divine-like disciple of the Immortal Sheep burst into the public eye.

People were stupefied!

The world came to a slow realization that things were not as they had assumed.

It made sense—Da Xia had carefully selected a hundred battle participants; how could there be any pretenders among them?

The issue was...

People could reluctantly accept that disciples of the Immortal Sheep had overcome their inherently weak nature and redeemed themselves on "Heavenly Pride."

That was already the limit of what people were willing to believe!

But whether it was through news reports or the countless messages from eyewitnesses, they were telling the world:

This was not the uplifting story of a timid boy's self-redemption.

Quite the contrary!

It was about a prodigy who already shined brightly, whose legend began on a perilous night.

On the official "Heavenly Pride" website, Lu Ran's channel entered repeat mode.

Staff worked overtime, adding snippet after snippet of his amazing moments into the feed.

Attracting unaware viewers, video after video was opened, with live comments and messages skyrocketing.

"What's this? He really took on Night Charm by himself??"

"Insane, either I'm crazy, or the world has lost its mind..."

"No way! He's facing down seven Night Charm Blades head-on?"

"My life must be too stressful—it's all an illusion..."

"How dare he? Is his life worth nothing that he dared to venture into the Tether Silk Robe for a rescue?"

"I was wrong, so wrong. I thought him fighting Night Charm alone with the Night Charm Blade was tough enough, this..."

"I've braved the King Yan's palace, saved the lives of the Human Clan! Tangled Silk Shadow can't take them away, my word!"

"Miehh!!!"

Truly became famous after one battle!

Initially, Lu Ran had a certain reputation only in Rain Alley City, but within one night, he was a sensation.

On the sixteenth day of the lunar calendar, people were staying at home or in shelters with nothing to do, further facilitating the spread of Lu Ran's fame.

People eagerly dug up information about him, discovering his past.

Before them was a youth, estranged from his parents from a young age, and whose father passed away early, entering their view.

In the context of these peculiar times, Lu Ran's life story was not extraordinary.

Countless others had similar experiences.

And because of this, many felt a strong empathy toward him.

Unlike most, young Lu Ran chose to live alone, leaving his mother's embrace and the capital of Da Xia, returning to his small hometown, Rain Alley City.

This unyielding attachment to his hometown stirred emotions in others.

Perhaps this legendary story had begun from there.

Adding vivid colors to the legend was the event that had happened on the first day of June at the God Worship Platform.

Papers from the afterlife falling, chilling winds blowing!

How many from the Human Clan had managed to summon an Evil Demon at the God Worship Platform in forty years?

It was a rarity!

Lu Ran's talent was undoubtedly terrifying.

The course of the story took everyone by surprise.

With deities above, not a single one showed willingness to claim this exceptionally gifted youth.

It was not until the very moment before Yan Zhi's vast hand touched Lu Ran that divine light suddenly flashed!

The Nine-class God, Immortal Sheep, arrived!

The lowest-ranked, least regarded deity in the hierarchy of Da Xia.

Among Da Xia's divine beings, the most inclusive yet also the most criticized.

People then realized, it wasn't that Lu Ran purposely selected the lowest-ranked Immortal Sheep.

Rather, the Immortal Sheep chose Lu Ran!

From the start, Lu Ran never had a choice!

He could become an Immortal Sheep Believer, fall into demonhood and be slain on the spot.

Otherwise, Lu Ran would have to struggle to survive as a mere mortal.

From this angle, the Divine·Immortal Sheep undoubtedly saved Lu Ran's life!

Only then did people begin to understand why this supposed Immortal Sheep Disciple was neither weak nor timid.

And why he did not avoid battles or cry for mercy...

Because Lu Ran wasn't just any typical Immortal Sheep Disciple.

He was the product of Divine·Immortal Sheep's vast Compassion and an incredible find for the Immortal Sheep faction!

Thus,

An incredibly contradictory combination was born.

A youth with unique talents, not favored by deities.

The much-maligned, lowest-ranked divine being, Immortal Sheep.

This paradoxical pair, eight months later, shocked the whole of Da Xia.

From Lu Ran's various performances on the battlefield, anyone with eyes could see:

Divine·Immortal Sheep was exceedingly indulgent towards this fortuitous disciple.

Exactly how indulgent?

Avoid battles?

Not at all! If you wish to kill, go kill!

Begging for mercy?

No need! That pitiful Voice of Compassion—turn it into a taunt that invites enemies to battle!

The Immortal Hoof intended for fleeing?

Use it to plunge into the fray!

What about the ability to Sound Positioning? It was unclear whether that was a guarded secret technique of the Immortal Sheep...

Of all the countless Immortal Sheep Believers, Lu Ran stood undeniably distinct!

With the deity's overindulgence came the shining Heavenly Pride of Da Xia.

Among countless media reports, one article was shared the most, or rather, one line spread the widest:

"Supreme youth of Rain Alley City, casually blessed with divine impartation!"

Why was Lu Ran so unique, capable of shocking the world with such flair?

Divinely taught!

Coddled by the deity,

Permitted by Lord Immortal Sheep!

...

Night had returned, and the city lights were just beginning to glow.

Lu Ran slept soundly, utterly exhausted from the night's battles.

Ultimately, it was his grumbling stomach that awakened his resting body.

"Umm..."

Lu Ran let out a groggy hum and opened his bleary eyes.

The tabby cat in his arms was still deep in slumber, merely having shifted position.

Lu Ran carefully extracted his arm and reached for his silent cellphone by the pillow.

"Wow~" A lot more alert, Lu Ran woke up fully.

His screen was filled with a barrage of messages and missed calls, leaving him somewhat stunned.

Well, it made sense.

Most of his good friends were loyal to different gods, naturally defending the city on the fifteenth.

To watch Lu Ran's battle, they could only replay it the next day or watch video highlights.

Lu Ran tapped the social media app marked "99+" and was met with countless red notifications.

He browsed and settled on Little Yuanxi's messages.

"Oh, you little rascal~"

Lu Ran couldn't help but laugh to himself.

Qiao Yuansi's monologue spanned from morning to evening in the messages.

"Bro, I'm back from defending the city, watching your match now~"

"Wow! Bro, it was so right to train in the Night Charm Demon Cave!"

"But it was so nerve-wracking to watch, you stink, bro! I hate you!"

"Oh my, Sister Ruyi she..."

"My stupid, cold-hearted brother, why aren't you responding? Asleep again? Are you even capable?"

"The Tangled Silk Shadow! Bro, are you insane? What if you get caught in her threads?!"

"I'm gonna kill you!"

"That must've hurt, right? Answer your phone, I want to hear your voice."

"T^T, you stinky bro, call me back..."

Lu Ran scrolled through the messages, feeling the deep concern pouring out from his sister's heart.

Sighing inwardly, he continued to read.

Just then, another call came in.

He was distracted for a second before hastily answering, softly saying, "Mom?"

"Awake?" On the other end, the gentle voice of his mother came through.

It was hard to imagine such a soft voice coming from a stern disciple of Sword One.

From her brief question, Lu Ran could almost sense that his mother must have called earlier?

Guilty, Lu Ran hurriedly said, "Mom, I just woke up. I was so tired last night, the battle was just too grueling.

Sorry, Mom, I forgot to let you know I was safe when I got home this morning."

Qiao Wanjun simply replied, "Don't forget next time."

"Heh heh~" Lu Ran chuckled, quickly adding, "I'm alright, just took a few hits, but no serious harm."

"I saw your performance, it was impressive."

"Oh?" Lu Ran's mood lifted, and he smiled, "I'm just a minor figure, but can I really catch my great mother's eye?"

"Hehe~" Qiao Wanjun couldn't help but laugh, "Your wings are firm, ready to make fun of your mother?"

"No, no, no." Lu Ran quickly said, "My mistake, my mistake."

What he couldn't see was that his mother bore no resentment; her eyes were filled with immense pride.

Qiao Wanjun said, "Your swordsmanship seems to need more polishing."

Lu Ran replied, "I will work hard in training."

"It's my fault; my expectations for you are too high, considering your youth."

"No, not at all; I am Da Xia's genius and should live up to high standards and expectations," Lu Ran answered naturally.

"Mhm." Qiao Wanjun nodded gently, changing the subject, "I believe that girl with the Cold Night Sword has returned to your side."

"Yes, Jiang Ruyi." Lu Ran awkwardly scratched his head, "Our family heirloom can't be reclaimed.

She's cultivated the Cold Night Sword into a Divine Weapon..."

Qiao Wanjun spoke indifferently, "Find a time to bring her to see me."

Instantly, Lu Ran said, "Alright, I'll talk to her. Once the city's lockdown is lifted, I'll bring her to you."

After all, the Cold Night Sword was his mother's weapon, and it was only proper for little Ruyi to personally meet the sword's former master.

"Let me know before you come."

"Sure thing!" After chatting with his mother for a bit more, Lu Ran ended the call.

Staring at his phone, Lu Ran's thoughts began to wander.

If he wanted to venture into special Demon Caves for training, maybe he didn't need to beg for assistance or ask for favors from the young masters and ladies of Beijing?

If he spoke to his mother about it, she could probably arrange something?

...

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