Under the protection of Yu Changsheng and Jing Hong, the two doctors, the trio from Feixian Hall tore apart their contract with the gods.

Pain was inevitable.

Their fall in cultivation level was expected as well.

Song Yu and Zhang Zhenghu fared better—they had previously been at the Second and Third Segments of the River Realm. After their demotion, their Great Realm remained within the River Realm.

Only An Xian, who had been at the River Realm·First Segment, fell straight down to the River Realm, suffering a massive blow to her strength and cultivation level. From now on, she would need to eat and drink just to sustain her life.

The Vast River had thus become a mere mortal.

An Xian was deeply pained and dejected.

Lu Ran watched all this unfold and couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

In the future, he had to treat his first batch of believers more kindly...

Lu Ran continuously released Resurrection Carp and worked with Yu Changsheng and Jing Hong to heal the trio from Feixian Hall. Several hours later, as he saw their expressions relax, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

To his surprise, the three of them unexpectedly fell asleep.

This left Lu Ran both amused and helpless.

Come to think of it, none of them had enjoyed a single night of peaceful sleep since arriving in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, right?

Exhausted in both body and mind, today they had suffered a heavy blow, been healed both physically and emotionally by the doctors, soothed in heart and spirit. Falling asleep was to be expected.

Watching the trio sleep peacefully, Lu Ran finally felt at ease.

After exchanging a nod with Yu Changsheng, he stepped outside.

"Ha..."

Lu Ran stood in front of the residence and let out a deep breath.

It was afternoon, and clouds churned in the sky again, casting an oppressive feeling over the world.

"You've done well by them already." Out of nowhere, a cool and clear voice came from behind.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran turned to look.

Jiang Fairy wore a white veil, her white dress gently swirling in the mountain breeze, so beautiful it took one's breath away.

"You've given them shelter. That alone is a great kindness," the cold beauty said, stepping forward to gently take Lu Ran's arm.

"Ruyi, Ruyi..." Before Lu Ran could respond, a figure bustled over hastily.

Si Xianxian walked to Jiang Ruyi's other side and affectionately held her arm, asking, "Are you done with everything?"

"For now, they're all resting. Once their spirits recover a bit more, Lu Ran still needs to sign the contract."

"So you're free for now?" Si Xianxian's eyes sparkled brightly.

"Mm." Jiang Ruyi, looking at the girl's longing gaze, couldn't help but soften her heart.

"Come on, let's take a stroll at Cloud Sea Cliff!" Si Xianxian clung tightly to Jiang Ruyi's arm as if afraid of rejection.

"Alright."

"Let me tell you, Ruyi..." Without hesitation, Si Xianxian started talking.

Lu Ran watched the two tall, graceful figures walk away and realized one thing.

Am I being left behind?

Is this the power of close friends?

Little Ruyi, just now you were holding my arm; now you've let go without a second thought?

In his line of sight, the two women suddenly stopped. Si Xianxian turned around to look at him and asked, "Why are you just standing there?"

Lu Ran: "..."

Si Xianxian laughed and waved him over: "Come, come, young master, accompany the lady!"

Lu Ran's expression turned strange.

Lady and young master—aren't they from different generations?

Isn't the lady supposed to pair with the lord?

"Hurry up!" Si Xianxian urged. "Come accompany the lady to check out your territory!"

Lu Ran rolled his eyes and strode forward.

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but laugh softly and said, "Let's stop by his residence first."

"Sure!" Si Xianxian quickened her steps, smiling bright-eyed, and added, "Don't worry, madam! The young master has always lived alone.

He's so good, so good~

Although the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm doesn't have much in the way of laws or morality, the young master is still quite respectable—not the type to exploit men or bully women."

Jiang Ruyi gave Si Xianxian a look, half amused and half exasperated.

"Hehe~" Si Xianxian only laughed more joyfully and quickened her pace again.

Lu Ran's residence was located near the eastern cliffs of Cloud Sea Cliff, a high altitude and rather secluded place.

The Cloud Sea Residence wasn't small. It nestled in a small valley surrounded on three sides by rocky hills and dense forests, with a carefully maintained fenced courtyard in front of the house.

Serene, hidden.

When Jiang Ruyi stepped into the courtyard, she found herself immediately drawn to it.

It was truly peaceful.

If only Sister Xian'er's chatter could quiet down for a moment, it would be even better...

The southeast corner of the courtyard housed a stone table and several stone chairs. The sight reminded Jiang Ruyi of the garden at Luoxian Mountain's Luoxian Residence.

Jiang Ruyi took in the surroundings and walked step by step, eventually pushing open the door to the Cloud Sea Residence.

Inside was a guest hall with a bedroom to the left and what seemed to be either a training room or a study to the right.

The room was sparsely furnished; in the center stood a desk with a small wooden rack on which rested a highly ornate short dagger.

The blade emitted a cold gleam; the hilt, crafted of pure gold, was set with seven multi-colored gemstones.

Jiang Ruyi stepped inside, picked up the Seven-Star Blade, and casually toyed with it: "Do you often come to tidy up this house?"

"Not at all." Si Xianxian noticed the spotless condition of the spacious house and speculated, "Maybe the Evil Shadow Guardian helps clean it."

"Evil Shadow." Jiang Ruyi sighed inwardly.

Another soul fated for hardship...

From Lu Ran, Jiang Ruyi already knew about Yan Shuangzi's general situation.

This close friend of the Big Nightmare had endured immeasurable suffering in the devouring Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

If suffering could be measured, then everyone on Cloud Sea Cliff—each and every one—would pale in comparison to Yan Shuangzi's plight.

Even Bai Yanhui!

Jiang Ruyi also knew that Lu Ran had led the Ran Sect members north to Sword Ridge Peak and forcibly rescued her from the North Wind Sect's base!

He had freed Yan Shuangzi, granted her dignity, hope, and purpose.

He'd given her a new life.

Just as he had once done for Deng Yuxiang.

Jiang Ruyi trusted Lu Ran's judgment of people and trusted that Yan Shuangzi was utterly loyal to him!

Only someone like her deserved to sign an "Inheritance Contract" with the God and Demon Sculptures imprinted in Lu Ran's mind.

Transforming from a stone sculpture, surpassing the sculpture... taking its place.

In the future, no matter what Ran Sect had to face—whether being condemned by all or enduring endless calamities—the Evil Shadow Guardian would remain unwaveringly by Lu Ran's side.

And within Lu Ran's Sculpture Garden, there were still many sculptures waiting to be bound!

Each inheritor must be carefully chosen...

If they were all like Deng Yuxiang and Yan Shuangzi, that would be ideal.

Jiang Ruyi pondered quietly, her gaze drifting toward the door. As her line of sight passed through the main hall, she saw Lu Ran standing at the entrance to the bedroom in a daze.

She looked at the figure that could now be considered "tall," her beautiful eyes carrying a faint look of admiration.

As for Lu Ran at that moment...

His mind was filled with mischievous thoughts!

Lu Ran was a man.

A young, vigorous, and energetic young man!

His mind had been tightly wound for the longest time, but now, returning to the serene Cloud Sea Residence after completing his duties, he looked at the double bed...

"Ugh." Lu Ran shook his head.

In a little while, he still had to sign master-servant contracts with the trio from Feixian Hall!

He'd endured for half a year already; he could hold out a bit longer.

Until nightfall!

Dark nights with high winds—perfect for action...

Lu Ran turned to leave, only to meet Jiang Fairy's gaze.

Somewhat flustered, he diverted his eyes and noticed the Seven-Star Blade in her hand.

Lu Ran said, "Do you like it? Why not take it for yourself as a means of self-defense."

Jiang Ruyi lifted the Seven-Star Blade. The weapon was excessively ornate, dazzling in its splendor.

It didn't quite match her aura.

It might be difficult for her to make it stand out.

Lu Ran spoke again: "I still have many weapons to cultivate and can't devote my focus to this one. It'd be better for you to foster its growth instead.

This blade has excellent potential and a solid foundation."

Jiang Ruyi gently shook her head: "Perhaps you should give it to Nightmare or Evil Shadow—mm... Nightmare's aesthetic aligns better.

I noticed she only has a broken blade, which she's already cultivated into a Divine Weapon."

Lu Ran raised his brow slightly, looking surprised.

All along, Jiang Ruyi and Deng Yuxiang hadn't seemed particularly close.

Jiang Ruyi recognized the expression on Lu Ran's face and smiled: "We're all on the same side, aren't we?"

This Holy Spirit Mountain had undoubtedly brought about a significant change in the girl's worldview.

Now that she knew all of Lu Ran's secrets and understood what he sought to achieve, the strength of those loyal to him naturally mattered the most.

Everything else paled in comparison to his safety and survival.

Lu Ran smiled too: "Alright, will you give it to her?"

He naturally wished for harmony between the sect leader's wife and the guardian.

"Mm." Jiang Ruyi replied offhandedly, returning the Seven-Star Blade to its rack on the desk.

"Come, let's go take a look by the sea," Lu Ran invited, already heading out of the house. "I often go there to zone out."

"Zone out?" Jiang Ruyi followed, chuckling as she asked.

"Obviously~" Lu Ran shrugged. "It's the perfect place to think about you."

Jiang Ruyi slowed her pace slightly, her gaze on Lu Ran softening visibly.

Si Xianxian tilted her head: ???

What's this now?

I feel like a stray dog kicked to the curb for no reason?

Lu Ran exited the courtyard and turned back to Jiang Ruyi, suddenly breaking into a mischievous grin:

"Hehe~ Just kidding, I didn't think of you at all."

Jiang Ruyi looked at the seemingly insincere man and gave a gentle "mm" in response.

Lu Ran's expression turned serious: "Really, I hardly thought of you."

Si Xianxian froze in place, sensing his sincerity, which didn't seem like a lie.

What's going on?

Is Lu Ran ill? Getting annoyed at how close you two are?

Jiang Ruyi herself seemed mildly taken aback.

Only after a long pause did she softly say, "You've been busy surviving, busy fulfilling missions—it's understandable you had no time."

Little Ruyi remained as gentle as ever, whether for her own sake or for Lu Ran's.

"That's not it." Lu Ran resumed walking and spoke softly, "It wasn't a matter of not having time.

Instead, I didn't dare to think about you.

Much less think deeply."

Jiang Ruyi's heart trembled slightly, clearly understanding the deeper meaning behind Lu Ran's words.

She could empathize completely.

Indeed, back in the human world at Luoxian Mountain, there had also been a lone figure standing silently and gazing at the vast Cang Mountain and Erhai Lake.

To long too deeply can lead one astray.

Si Xianxian felt utterly exasperated!

What even is this?

Did I attempt to learn something that's utterly useless? -->

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