At dusk, Wu Lie River City.

At the university gate, a taxi started up and drove away, leaving behind a tall figure.

"Wu Lie River University."

Lu Ran muttered to himself, gazing up at the rather imposing university gate.

Above the gate, there were a few characters in gilded letters, dancing like dragons and phoenixes, and full of strength.

During the dusk hour, university students came out to forage, and the entrance was bustling with people coming and going.

People occasionally cast curious glances, sizing up Lu Ran, who paused to admire the view.

He was dressed in a black outfit, donning a cap and a mask.

That's why most people's attention was drawn to his eyes.

Those eyes were like the starry night, deep and bright, peaceful and beautiful.

Many also focused on the twin blades he carried on his back.

The two blades were sheathed and not drawn, in a parallel position, slanting toward his right shoulder.

Such a way of carrying blades was not uncommon.

The problem was, with the youth covering his face like this, coupled with the fact that everyone knew this year's top scholar from the Da Xia national exam was from Wu Lie River...

Inevitably, many people linked this figure to that seen in "Heavenly Pride."

"Is that Lu... Lu Ran?"

"Gossip says Lu Tianjiao went on a pilgrimage, and he might not even come to school this year."

"It seems to be him, the blades are carried like this."

"No way, this junior's eyes are so gentle. Lu Tianjiao's eyes are eerily cold; it even makes my heart lurch."

"Can daily life be the same as the battlefield?"

"He's entered, he's really entered! He's really a student at our school, let's go and ask him."

Quite a few people shared the idea and followed the youth with twin blades into the school gate.

Some of the bolder ones stepped forward to ask.

However, the youth just lowered his cap and waved his hand, indicating, "I'm not signing up for a mobile phone."

This visit, Lu Ran had only told Deng Yutang and asked him to keep it a secret.

According to Deng Yutang, since the school's opening ceremony yesterday, a welcoming ceremony had commenced.

This welcoming ceremony was essentially a large martial arts competition.

All students from the River Realm could participate and if they performed well, they could obtain rewards like believers' points and Divine Power Pearls.

The school aimed to use this event to let the students quickly understand each other and accelerate team formation.

Early this morning, when Lu Ran had called Deng Yutang, he was still laughing and said:

"This time you come back, you better firmly grasp Miss Jiang.

Just one day into the new term, Jiang Ruyi has already received many letters, gifts, a lot of invitations."

Lu Ran had laughed out loud:

"I've gone as far as fighting 'Evil Dogs' on 'Heavenly Pride', and someone still dares to encroach?

Deng Yutang then said, "Probably not many love letters; it's more about wanting to team up with you."

Not too many?

That means there are!

Lu Ran was numb.

In this world of "today but no tomorrow," there are far too many daring people.

Next month, the 15th might be the end for me; you're telling me to keep my emotions bottled up?

What a joke!

So, even seeing Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi together on "Heavenly Pride," there still was a small fraction of people bold enough to express their love.

Jiang Ruyi truly was outstanding.

Whether it was her looks and demeanor or her formidable combat abilities, or even her "Heavenly Pride" reputation.

Each point alone was enough to draw ample attention.

Following the broadcast of two seasons of "Heavenly Pride," she indeed became a dream too distant for many.

And when she looked at Lu Ran, that gentle gaze, to the people in front of the screen, seemed as if it was directed at them...

Now, with the Goddess Jiang making her appearance at Wu Lie River University, it was like a dream entering reality.

For the youthful university students, acting bravely was only natural.

"Careful!"

"Awesome!"

"Wow, haha, the young man can't do it, huh?"

Voices ring out, accompanied by faint sounds of fighting.

Guided by his cellphone map, Lu Ran entered the northern forest of the campus.

There, laid out were several concrete grounds, each Martial Arts Arena about the size of two basketball courts.

The forest was bustling with people, all spectators.

Lu Ran had excellent vision; while climbing, he peered through the dense branches and leaves toward the Martial Arts Arena on his left.

"Roar!"

He just happened to see a golden tiger pouncing, pinning a student to the ground.

Was this a believer of the Second-class God·Mountain Lord?

The university campus surely was different, ah, one could encounter a variety of believers.

At Yuxiang Middle School, among nearly 400 believer students, there was only one Second-class God believer.

"Buzz~"

Lu Ran looked down at his phone, a message from Deng Yutang:

"Team Leader Jiang should be at Arena No. 46, climb towards the middle of the hill, I'm about to enter the arena, will head there after the match."

Lu Ran casually replied with an "Oh."

"Yikes! Go easy, go easy, I give up, ah!"

"Run, run, your butt's on fire!"

"Hahahaha!"

Ripples of laughter spread, lively and full of youthful spirit.

Listening to this made Lu Ran's heart flutter.

Over the past two months, he had been wandering alone inside Galaxy Bay and had been rigorously meditating alone at Luo Xian Residence.

His eyes,

Tinted deep and bright by the starry sky of Galaxy Bay,

Were also tinged with tranquility and peace by the flowers and the evening sky of Luoxian Mountain.

Now arriving at the university campus, enveloped by a fervent atmosphere, it inevitably stirred some waves in his heart.

"Arena No. 46." Lu Ran looked at the distant sign and walked toward the forest on his left front.

Here, the crowd of spectators was especially large.

These people... hmm, could they be here for Jiang Ruyi?

Lu Ran's face wore a strange expression as he stepped into the forest and circled half of the arena—where could he find a spot?

Luckily, at six feet tall, he found a spot where he could see and stood outside the crowd, looking toward the arena.

"Ooh~~~"

"Watch out, don't let the feathers fly everywhere!"

"I'm going!" The spectators hurriedly ducked as countless white feathers fluttered around.

Was this an eighth-rank Sky Star believer?

Finally encountered these proud "Blacksmiths."

The weapons they fashioned, mostly made of Tianchen Steel, were crafted by Sky Star believers.

Among them, of course, was Deng Yutang's million-dollar Heavenly Star Spear.

Lu Ran looked interestedly at the Sky Star believers showing off in the arena, his gaze following his figure but then abruptly stopping.

He saw a tall and graceful figure—Jiang Ruyi.

The area around the arena was packed like sardines.

Only under the tree where she stood was there a bit of space.

Jiang Ruyi's face was expressionless, her eyes cold as she crossed her arms in front of her, silently watching the battle in the arena.

The aura of a strong person, though intangible, could be truly felt.

The kind of cold emanating from within her, mixed with an air of keeping others at a distance, made the people around her dare not approach.

Lu Ran stared at her, his heart tightening.

He had never seen Jiang Ruyi this cold.

In his memory, she was extremely gentle, serene, and enchanting when she smiled.

She had a great personality; during the three years of high school, she was always polite and amiable to her classmates.

The Jiang Ruyi at this moment seemed like a completely different person.

Cold and aloof.

So... was she tired of being harassed?

Lu Ran frowned deeply, just about to move, when suddenly he heard a whistle:

"Whew—"

"Student No. 23 wins, contestants leave the arena!" the judge by the arena shouted loudly, "Next battle, No. 25 and No. 26!"

"Go Jiang Ruyi!"

"Why not let the Divine Weapon fight directly instead of the person?"

"Here comes Heavenly Pride, who's No. 26? Just surrender!"

"Jiang Ruyi! Jiang Ruyi! Jiang Ruyi!"

The crowd grew restless, their words becoming noisy.

But soon, the crowd unified around three words, resembling a tsunami!

People knew Jiang Ruyi from "Heavenly Pride," and most harbored a worshipful sentiment in their hearts.

Even if the Jiang Ruyi on screen and the real her were somewhat different, people were still willing to cheer for her.

Jiang Ruyi, without a word, stepped onto the arena, and the crowd in front automatically split to the sides.

"Uh." A young man was pushed out from the crowd, his face flushed.

It was unclear whether it was due to shyness or excitement.

This sight immediately elicited a round of laughter.

"What's with that expression?"

"Did he chase stars all the way here?"

"Hahaha, now that he's seen her, he might as well get her autograph and be done with it…"

"Whew—"

The piercing whistle cut through the air.

Jiang Ruyi, expressionless, had eight golden jade talismans floating beside her.

The young man on the opposite side, amid a mix of laughter and curses, finally gripped a twig.

It looked like he was a Biwu believer.

Jiang Ruyi remained silent, just coldly watching him.

"Uh." The young man felt Jiang Ruyi's gaze, and with a bit of bravado, whipped out a Biwu branch.

"Snap!"

A golden jade talisman autonomously confronted the attack, blocking the whiplike branch.

Jiang Ruyi reached out one hand, and the Jade Talisman Formation quietly emerged.

Beneath her slender hand was a Bursting Flame Talisman that sparked.

"Stop!" the young man immediately spoke, "I, I surrender!"

"Tsk~~~"

"Why did you come up then?"

"Making an impression is good, right? What if we can do missions together in the future?"

"Surrendering is the right choice, what could a River Realm First Rank Biwu believer use against a River Realm Fourth Rank Jade Talisman believer?"

Amid the buzzing discussions, the referee blew the whistle, unsurprised by the outcome.

Jiang Ruyi didn't glance at her opponent and turned to leave.

The crowd parted automatically, and cheers came from all around.

Jiang Ruyi slightly bowed her head, not intending to linger.

However, unexpectedly, a figure approached: "Congratulations, junior!

Heh, winning without a fight."

Jiang Ruyi's brows knit lightly as she looked up at the tall young man.

The girl's impatient gaze clearly displeased the young man, though he didn't show it.

He wore a sunny smile, deliberately stepping forward and lowering his voice, "Must be quite bothered by many people, right?

I'll escort you back, keep those people away, and let you have some peace."

Jiang Ruyi took a step back and shook her head lightly: "There's no need."

The young man's smile froze slightly, then reappeared as he continued whispering something.

This scene naturally attracted the students' attention.

"Isn't that Senior Zhao? The third-year one?"

"Yes, Zhao Zhenrn - our school's celebrity! I heard he advanced to River Realm last summer."

"Impressive, a talent of the Human Clan! Is he making a move on the junior?"

"He wouldn't dare! Wouldn't Lu Tianjiao annihilate him?"

"Senior Zhao is a First-class God·Monk believer though, and he's in the River Realm. Even if Lu Ran is fierce, he's still only in the River Realm…"

"Nonsense, have you forgotten how Lu Tianjiao slew the River Realm Evil Dog?"

"Whew! Whew! Whew—"

The urgent whistle drowned out the clamorous discussions.

The teacher acting as referee looked displeased at the edge of the arena: "Irrelevant personnel, leave immediately!

Contestants No. 27 and 28, up to the arena!"

"Sorry, teacher, we're leaving." Zhao Zhenrn smiled apologetically at the teacher.

He stepped aside, apparently letting Jiang Ruyi walk ahead.

Jiang Ruyi's brows knit lightly, eyeing the grinning tall young man before her.

In the suddenly quiet arena, a voice suddenly rang out:

"She said, no need for your escort, can't you understand human speech?"

Jiang Ruyi's expression froze, and she quickly turned around, looking in the direction of the voice.

Many people followed her gaze.

And many looked astonished.

Because they saw in Jiang Ruyi's impatient eyes a hint of surprise.

Her always cold expression softened, and a faint smile appeared on her face.

...

I'd love some monthly tickets.

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