"I was too obsessed with advancing."

The girl's words broke the silence inside the car.

Lu Ran was about to say something when Jiang Ruyi said, "I should have gone with you."

Lu Ran softly replied, "I can make mistakes, you cannot."

In his arms, the girl lifted her head, "Do you think I care?"

Lu Ran remained silent.

Jiang Ruyi looked directly into Lu Ran's eyes, "Lu Ran, tell me, what exactly do I care about?"

Lu Ran let out a deep sigh in his heart.

He knew better than anyone that Jiang Ruyi's "Dao" was just two words—Lu Ran.

This was a strong bond!

Setting aside the ridiculous human emotions, just talking about the path to ascend to heaven, talking about career prospects...

Once Lu Ran died, everything for Jiang Ruyi would collapse completely.

"If I fail to advance this time, it will be because of you," Jiang Ruyi softly spoke.

She, who had always been gentle and composed, had never spoken so sharply before.

It was clear that Jiang Ruyi was genuinely anxious.

She used another way, against her will, to achieve her own purposes.

Lu Ran spoke up, "I promise, from now on, I'll be more careful and ensure my safety."

Jiang Ruyi commanded, "Look me in the eyes and say it."

But Lu Ran removed their masks and lowered his head to press against her tender lips.

Jiang Ruyi didn't dodge; she stubbornly kept her eyes open, staring at the hateful face so close.

In the driver's seat, Wen Yang hurriedly retracted his gaze from the rearview mirror.

He sat upright, gripping the steering wheel tightly, focusing his attention on the road ahead.

Meanwhile, in another vehicle.

Qiao Yuansi looked at Si Xianxian beside him and worriedly asked, "Will Sister Ruyi and Brother have a fight?"

Si Xianxian let out a laugh, "Your Sister Ruyi only keeps a cold face for outsiders.

For your brother?

Softens in three minutes."

Qiao Yuansi blinked and softly muttered, "Seeing Sister Ruyi again this New Year, I found her changed so much.

She used to be gentle and kind to everyone."

Si Xianxian pursed her lips, "After all, it's the Jiang Realm. The higher you cultivate, the less of a person you become.

That she still has us in her eyes, still willing to pamper us, is already good."

Qiao Yuansi quietly muttered, "I won't change after advancing to Jiang Realm."

Si Xianxian smiled slightly, reaching over to poke at the girl's ponytail, "Sister, don't speak too confidently."

Qiao Yuansi suddenly hugged Si Xianxian's arm, her cute face snuggling up:

"When you become Jiang Realm, you must still pamper me and play with me like this!"

Si Xianxian turned to look out the window and awkwardly said, "I'll try my best."

Qiao Yuansi pouted, "Pah, scoundrel!"

Si Xianxian: ???

You little girl, how are you talking?

You think just because you're Lu Ran's sister, I dare not smack you?

Hmm, forget it, forget it...

The vehicles gradually slowed down and came to a gentle stop at the base of Luoxian Mountain.

Everyone got out of the two cars in front, but Wen Yang's car remained closed.

Wen Yang sat in the driver's seat, quite torn inside.

He wasn't sure whether to remind the Mountain Master and the Lady to get out, or if he should get out himself to leave the two some privacy.

It wasn't until Jiang Ruyi's command came from the back seat, "You take them up the mountain first and arrange their accommodations."

"Yes, Lady." Relieved, Wen Yang quickly opened the door and left.

Lu Ran looked at Jiang Ruyi, who was snuggling beside him, marveling at her transformation.

People do change.

They change with experiences, mental states, strength, and shifts in status.

And Jiang Ruyi, with her eyes closed and clinging closely to Lu Ran, also signified a fact:

There is one thing that never changes.

The car was quiet, and Lu Ran breathed in the faint jasmine fragrance, feeling his mind gradually calm down.

Jiang Ruyi's soft lips parted, "You just said, Immortal Sheep agreed to let Deng Yuxiang challenge the Divine Ruins."

"Yes."

"Because she's about to become an Immortal Sheep Believer?"

Lu Ran pondered for a while, then changed the topic, "The world beyond the Divine Ruins, to me, is bound to have heavy challenges.

We both know how strong the Big Nightmare is. With her there, my life is more secured."

Jiang Ruyi asked, "If I were an Immortal Sheep Believer, could I accompany you in challenging the Immortal Sheep Sect's Divine Ruins?"

Lu Ran pondered for a moment, then replied softly, "You have no reason to leave the Jade Talisman Sect."

Jiang Ruyi lifted her gaze to meet Lu Ran's eyes, "No reason?

For anything concerning you, I have every reason."

Tonight, Jiang Ruyi was somewhat different.

There must be a reason.

It seems that what happened in Beifeng City really scared her.

The words she spoke sharply before now became bold and direct.

Lu Ran was unaware of Jiang Ruyi's exact state when she saw that photo.

Worry, panic.

Almost suffocating!

"Ruyi," Lu Ran said gently.

Jiang Ruyi lifted her incredibly charming face and stubbornly gazed at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran gently pinched her palm, "North Wind wanted Deng Yuxiang's life, to seize her soul, hence she left the North Wind Sect.

The Jade Talisman Sect has given you much; the Jade Talisman Divine Skill helped you get here.

You're not someone cold and unfeeling."

Lu Ran paused, then continued, "I know, every day after your nap, Sister Xian'er always accompanies you to that small house a few kilometers down the mountain.

You pray before the small Divine Sculpture of the Jade Talisman, offering the Power of Faith.

You only return to the mountain to watch the sunset before dusk.

Whether it's gratitude or not wanting to owe anything, that is you.

If you leave the Jade Talisman Sect now, in the future, this might become an obstacle in your cultivation path."

The higher one ascends in cultivation, the more rigorous the requirements for one's Mental Realm.

Jiang Ruyi remained silent for a long time, then softly said, "I once thought that having an undistracted mind, focusing solely on harsh cultivation, was the right answer to accompany you on the journey.

Because of that, I even caused you to misunderstand.

On that New Year's Eve, you persuaded and pleaded with me to treat you as a person.

But what happened today..."

Lu Ran suddenly interrupted, "You weren't wrong, that was the right answer."

Jiang Ruyi lowered her eyelids, her long eyelashes gently trembling.

Seeing this made Lu Ran's heart ache again.

Sometimes, having too strong of senses is not a good thing.

Lu Ran spoke gently, "You're troubled by what happened in Beifeng City, so let me tell you another version.

The wounds on me, they were intentional."

Jiang Ruyi furrowed her brows, staring at the face before her, trying to find traces of lies.

Lu Ran nodded to confirm, "I admit, some sword energy was unavoidable.

But to tell you the truth, some injuries, I inflicted intentionally, like the cut on my face."

Jiang Ruyi pressed her lips together.

Lu Ran continued, answering himself, "Did I have any fatal wounds? No!

Acknowledging mistakes requires an attitude, and taking a beating requires standing firm.

I was at fault first; my more miserable I was, the happier North Wind Sect was, and my issue was easier to resolve."

Jiang Ruyi raised her hand and gently brushed her fingertip against Lu Ran's cheek.

There was once a deep cut here, visible to the cheekbone, oozing blood.

Lu Ran sighed softly, "I showed my remorseful attitude, and the City Lord of Beifeng understood too; the matter was on its way to being resolved through negotiation.

Then Liao Wushuang flipped the table... forget it, let's not talk about this.

What I mean is, in the Martial Arts Arena this morning, I wasn't desperately struggling; I'm much stronger than you think!"

Lu Ran held her hand that rested on his cheek, looking serious, "The Divine Ruins can't defeat me.

No matter what's behind the Divine Ruins, even River Realm·Fifth Rank North Wind Disciples can enter, then after I enter, I can slay a thousand times."

"Be modest, maintain a sense of reverence." Jiang Ruyi looked displeased.

Such an attitude from Fairy Jiang actually made Lu Ran breathe a sigh of relief.

It seems explaining what happened in Beifeng City was indeed necessary.

Lu Ran's face turned serious, "I will complete the task assigned by the Immortal Sheep Lord, and I will return from the Divine Ruins!

I hope when I return, I'll see you equally strong.

There are still many goals waiting for us to achieve together..."

Lu Ran's inner determination was unwavering.

Ruyi, you will be pure and untainted.

Once I understand the essence of this world, I'll lead you away from the Jade Talisman Sect.

Your Dao Heart, your path, won't have the slightest blemish.

Only then can you go further, climb the higher peaks.

"Ruyi, the road ahead of us is long, very long, you cannot for the moment..." Hmm?" Lu Ran paused in surprise.

Energy surged violently.

The mist outside the car thickened, flowing into the car, rushing into the girl's body.

Is she about to advance?

Jiang Realm·Second Rank?

Lu Ran's face lit up with joy, but Jiang Ruyi seemed oblivious.

Her beautiful eyes quietly watched Lu Ran.

As if seeing him as a distant star in the night sky over Galaxy Bay;

As if seeing him as the distant sunset on Luoxian Mountain;

As if wanting to fully absorb this man destined to journey afar.

"Quick, fly back to the mountain." Lu Ran immediately opened the car door to get out.

Don't underestimate this as just a minor rank advancement, but this is the Jiang Realm!

Breaking through is enormously difficult!

Whether Jiang Ruyi can break through the shackles depends on fortune.

The closer to the Divine Sculpture of the Immortal Sheep deity, the denser the Divine Power, the more it aids Jiang Ruyi's improvement.

"I will strive to grow strong, as you wish." Jiang Ruyi's gaze blazed, "You also remember your promise to me."

"Hmm?"

"You said, you would definitely return from the Divine Ruins."

"Definitely!" Lu Ran stood outside the car, leaning into it.

He lifted her out with a princess carry, "Fly up, I'll follow right away."

But Jiang Ruyi said, "Carry me up the mountain, step by step."

Lu Ran was a bit bewildered, "Uh?"

After being together for so long, the beauty Ruyi was always gentle and considerate, almost never willful.

And now, being willful, she does it to such an extent?

You are in the middle of advancing...

This day, Jiang Ruyi showed Lu Ran too many different sides.

Lu Ran wanted to say something, but seeing Jiang Ruyi in his arms keeping her eyes closed, seemingly focused on advancing.

As if sensing Lu Ran's gaze, she softly said, "Step by step."

Lu Ran couldn't help but laugh, indeed he wanted to summon the Divine Weapon and fly up the mountain.

Hmm... alright.

You're advancing, you're the most important now.

Compared to the difference in Divine Power concentration between the mountain top and foot, her mood and state while advancing are more important.

As the surrounding fog grew denser, Lu Ran carried his fiancée and headed towards the stone steps leading up the mountain.

Suddenly, Jiang Ruyi spoke, murmuring softly, "With each step up, silently recite your promise to me in your heart."

Lu Ran paused briefly, stepping onto the first stone stair, "Alright."

Everlasting tranquility.

The god seated atop the Celestial Mountain cannot grant her that.

Deep in her heart's path, a Divine Temple is built.

The temple enshrines a single person.

Jiang Ruyi nestled against Lu Ran's shoulder, her cheek gently rubbing against his neck.

She must plead to him.

...

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