Chilly winter rain, pattering down.

Lu Ran expressed his gratitude to all, then took Jiang Ruyi by the hand to bid farewell to the crowd.

Drenched like a pair of drowned rats, the two hurried home as fast as they could, with Lu Ran first insisting Jiang Ruyi take a bath, while he entered the small bedroom.

"Lord Immortal Goat!" Lu Ran stood in front of the shrine, hands pressed together.

Having successfully ascended to the River Realm, even his speech now carried more confidence.

"Disciple has successfully advanced to the River Realm!"

"Mhm, not bad." The telepathic response came, deep and husky.

Lu Ran wiped his dripping face, his smile brilliant.

Though Lord Immortal Goat's reply was brief, satisfaction could be heard.

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Ran whispered:

"Lord Immortal Goat, you said before that once I reached the River Realm, I could employ the Evil Technique, to silently send Jiang Ruyi to the Luo Xian Residence…"

"It was merely to use your ridiculous Human Clan emotions to spur your cultivation."

The Immortal Goat's words were blunt and discourteous.

Lu Ran: "Ah?"

Immortal Sheep Jade Carving: "Before Jiang Ruyi leaves the Jade Talisman Sect, it would be best not to reveal the Evil Technique in her presence."

Lu Ran pondered for a moment before nodding silently.

Two days ago, when Lu Ran inquired about Jiang Ruyi's enlightenment direction, her two-word reply stunned him.

And deeply moved him.

What is affection?

Is it love at first sight, an irrational passion that rises with the wind?

It could be, but it's far from everything.

Affection is the accumulation of life's tiny moments, the companionship through thick and thin.

It's the warmth shared between two people, their perfect fit, their mutual need that is hard to forsake.

It's the day after day, incident after incident, the continual build-up of sunk costs.

Unable to extricate oneself, then why talk of restraint.

Lu Ran never doubted the emotional bond between himself and Jiang Ruyi.

But this wasn't enough to reveal to her his identity as the Evil Sect Master.

However, when Jiang Ruyi summarized her path of growth with the words "Lu Ran"...

She was entitled!

He was her "path," an existence she couldn't bring herself to abandon.

Jiang Ruyi's success in unlocking the gates of advancement also verified her words as true.

The River Realm, unlike mist, creek, river.

It's not something you can reach by merely charging forward without thought.

The Vast River requires an inner enlightenment.

Let us call this enlightenment "the Path" for now!

Your "Path" must not waver.

Otherwise, your strength can't improve even in the slightest, which is just the most superficial punishment.

For those at higher levels, it's quite common to fall back, but even this is not the most terrifying consequence.

The obliteration of one's Heart of the Dao,

The impacts on one's mental state and psyche, are truly the most horrifying.

Setting Lu Ran aside,

Jiang Ruyi, as a person, has needs for survival, self-improvement, and protecting her parents.

As a member of the Human Clan, living under these special circumstances, she also aims to annihilate Evil Demons.

For Jiang Ruyi, all of the above could completely vanish with Lu Ran's disappearance.

Some overly realistic words don't belong in a sincere emotional exchange.

Actually, Lu Ran is quite foolish himself.

Even without all these reasons, he firmly believes that when the time is right, he can share his secrets with Jiang Ruyi, and she will stand firmly by his side.

A pure love warrior, steadfast unto death!

Contemptible schemers are the ones who should damn well drop dead!

Well… regardless, the reality of the situation is already laid out before him.

At this moment, Lu Ran could act utterly uninhibited in front of Jiang Ruyi.

A law unto himself!

Of course, Lu Ran would never do that.

He doesn't even have time to dote on her...

Jiang Ruyi is indeed qualified to touch upon the secrets of Lu Ran.

But for now, she's still with the Jade Talisman Sect, so let's set that aside for the moment.

Another point also gave Lu Ran great confidence in drawing her into the Ran Sect.

He had a divine safety net!

Lord Immortal Goat had clearly stated, once Jiang Ruyi recognized the true nature of this world, everything would fall into place.

"So… Lord Immortal Goat."

Lu Ran composed his words before continuing, "Shall I bring her back to Luoxian Mountain?

Bother you to bestow a blessing on her... cough, I mean, bless your disciple, as a side bonus let her bask in the benefits.

I'm now in the River Realm and can withstand a mightier blessing."

"Heh." A cold laugh echoed in his mind.

Lu Ran felt a bit awkward and smiled sheepishly.

Immortal Sheep Jade Carving: "This matter is better sooner than later."

Lu Ran was overjoyed, "Thank you, Lord Immortal Goat!"

Receiving blessings earlier means earlier improvement in abilities; cultivation would naturally be twice as effective with half the effort.

Meanwhile, a tall silhouette appeared at the doorway.

Jiang Ruyi, wearing a loose white bathrobe and holding a large bath towel, lazily dried her long hair.

Her fresh post-bath rosiness was enticing.

Yet the powerful aura she emitted due to ascending to the River Realm discouraged any blasphemous thoughts.

In contrast, the other River Realm powerhouse in the room...

Still looked like a drowned rat.

And because he was cheerfully thanking the shrine, he indeed lacked some of the dignity befitting a powerhouse.

Jiang Ruyi hesitated, wanting Lu Ran to hurry and take a bath but not wishing to disturb his communion with the divine.

Fortunately, Lu Ran finished his consultation and turned to look at the door.

One glance,

And Lu Ran's heart skipped a beat.

Her appearances hadn't changed, but why did she seem so different?

Charisma is such a mysterious thing.

Invisible,

Yet it strikes people's senses so tangibly.

"Go take a wash, we've been cold for two days," Jiang Ruyi said softly.

"Understood!" Lu Ran smiled and stepped towards her.

The cold rainwater dripped from his cheeks, leaving wet footprints where he walked.

Yet Jiang Ruyi seemed unaware.

Her face was adorned with a gentle smile as she quietly gazed into his eyes.

"Why are you staring at me?" Lu Ran joked, "Could it be that after ascending, I can entice with beauty too?"

"Go," Jiang Ruyi laughed and playfully spat at Lu Ran, "Go take a bath."

"I will tell you a piece of tremendous news afterward!" Lu Ran whispered as he passed by her, heading straight for the bathroom.

Jiang Ruyi was quite curious.

What could be better news than ascending to the River Realm?

...

By the time Lu Ran had finished bathing and came out wearing his bathrobe, the house had been tidied up cleanly.

Jiang Ruyi sat on the sofa, talking on the phone.

She crossed her elegant legs, with wisps of Immortal Fog swirling around her, almost ethereally beautiful.

Lu Ran sat next to her, listening in to find that on the other end of the phone was Jiang's mother, Zhuang Jingyi.

It was clear the mother took great pride in her daughter.

The news of Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi's advancement had already spread through Rain Alley City.

Because of Lu Ran, the media had covered the story extensively; it seemed the whole Da Xia might already know.

This had led to Zhuang Jingyi being congratulated by colleagues every day when she went to work.

A happy nuisance, so to speak.

Zhuang Jingyi, already a competent judge, now saw her prospects greatly broadened by the accomplishments of her daughter and son-in-law.

Without any particular effort on their part, their influence was there to see.

Lu Ran was the real-life "Rain Alley Guardian"!

How much had he given to this city, how many lives had he saved?

And how many more would he help in the future?

Who wouldn't give a three-point courtesy to Lu Ran's in-laws?

To make a jest:

If Zhuang Jingyi could bust open the office door of the court's president, complain of thirst, and tea would need to be brewed immediately...

Actually, without harnessing Lu Ran's influence,

The Jiang Family had become renowned among the leaders at the provincial and municipal levels since Jiang Ruyi's appearance on the "Heavenly Pride" stage.

As for whether the Jiangs were interested in a political career, that was another matter.

Lu Ran wasn't concerned with that.

Though part of the same family living under one sky, they were people from two different worlds.

"Mhm, I'll ask him," Jiang Ruyi quietly responded and hung up the phone.

"What is it?" Lu Ran, lacking the comportment of a great master, shuffled closer and then lay in her lap.

The comfort of his girlfriend's knee pillow!

Such happiness~

Jiang Ruyi looked down at Lu Ran with a warm smile, her elegantly crossed legs coming together to provide him with even more comfort.

One hand reached down, gently stroking his hair:

"The past two months, you were immersed in cultivation, and mom and dad didn't want to disturb you.

Now that we've advanced, mom wants us to come home for dinner and asked if you're free."

"Oh, let's go," Lu Ran replied softly.

Jiang Ruyi, always sensitive, sensed something amiss and asked, "Don't you want to go?"

Lu Ran shook his head repeatedly: "No, not that. It's just, I was thinking about going for a lamb hot pot later."

They were supposed to enjoy lamb hot pot with cheerful hearts.

Instead, they got drenched at Wu Lie River for two days, chilled to the bone, and then... home.

"Hehe~"

Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but chuckle, flicking Lu Ran on the forehead with her finger.

Clearly a little lamb, yet fixating on lamb hot pot…

Lu Ran gazed at Jiang Ruyi, feeling increasingly unworthy.

No!

How come she looks so ethereal?

Why?

Oh... right, she's my girlfriend.

That's fine then.

Suddenly, Jiang Ruyi placed a hand before Lu Ran's eyes, lightly covering them.

With Lu Ran unable to see, Jiang Ruyi's face slightly reddened as she quietly adjusted her breathing.

The River Realm—truly unpredictable.

Like the boundary between mortals and immortals.

Lu Ran's eyes were already like the stars of Galaxy Bay.

Now those dark pupils, set within his increasingly handsome face, stood out even more prominently.

Gradually, Jiang Ruyi's brow furrowed.

Why did other River Realm powerhouses, like Captain Ge Bin, seem so ordinary?

Lost in a crowd, indistinguishable.

Was there a way to contain that edge slightly?

Just now, both Liu Yunlan and Ge Bin had said if she needed anything, she could call them.

She decided to seek their advice when the opportunity arose.

Jiang Ruyi contemplated silently, then said softly, "Accompany me back. I miss mom and dad.

I'll have mom prepare hot pot at home for you, how about that?"

"Okay," Lu Ran readily agreed.

Jiang Ruyi's eyes, still affectionate, continued to shield his gaze as she picked up the phone again.

She suddenly remembered the previous topic and asked, "Right, what were you going to tell me? Some good news?"

Lu Ran tugged gently at her fingers, pulling down.

Jiang Ruyi resisted, keeping his eyes covered, her palm unwilling to budge.

"What's the meaning, not letting me see you?" Lu Ran looked puzzled.

"What's the good news?" Jiang Ruyi pressed.

Lu Ran curled a lip, "I consulted with Lord Immortal Goat. In the next couple of days, I'll take you back to Luoxian Mountain to receive a Divine Blessing."

"Divine Blessing?"

"Yes, a genuine blessing!"

Lu Ran pursed his lips, adding, "Body Tempering and Marrow Cleansing, Transforming kind of blessing!"

Jiang Ruyi's forehead creased in shock, "But, but I'm a believer of..."

Lu Ran cut her off, "It doesn't matter what kind of Believer you are. You are my girlfriend, no, my fiancée.

You are the lady of Luoxian Mountain, the one who will accompany me for life."

Jiang Ruyi fell silent.

From her lightly bitten lip, one could tell her heart was anything but still.

Lu Ran's words were sudden.

Like a confession,

Yet far exceeding one.

Lu Ran grasped her fingers again, pulling down to finally see the light.

He smiled, "When I just got back, didn't you ask about my eyes?

Now you'll understand.

I'll take you to Galaxy Bay to see the starry river.

Take you to Luoxian Pavilion to see the flowers, the twilight."

Jiang Ruyi did not speak, silently gazing into Lu Ran's eyes.

"Moreover, the mushrooms there are really tasty...uh?"

Lu Ran was stunned!

He watched as a face suddenly leaned forward, her soft lips blocking his words.

Little Ruyi, defying the heavens!

Was it just trying out the knee pillow, and she found her opportunity?

You...um, you could've said sooner!

Had I known, I'd have lain down sooner...

...

I'm asking for some monthly tickets.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.