The drifting dust slowly dispersed, and Lu Ran stood quietly on the battlefield.

Not far away, Yan Zhi looked at Lu Ran's figure with increasingly fervent eyes.

This was the difference between Yan Zhi and Night Charm.

Night Charm would certainly remain alert to her surroundings, searching for any approaching enemies.

But Yan Zhi...

Her eyes held only him.

Only when Lu Ran looked at her did Yan Zhi lower her gaze modestly, restraining herself somewhat.

"It's done."

Lu Ran shivered slightly and murmured to himself.

His brain no longer buzzed—the Jade-faced Snake Evil Sculpture had advanced to the next level!

River Realm·First Rank!

Lu Ran could finally create Jade-faced Snake servants.

Of course, he had been able to use various techniques of the Jade-faced Snake clan for a while, but now he had added a powerful move—the White-Scaled Immortal Sky Python!

Actually, Lu Ran was a bit puzzled, not knowing if he could transform into a giant python.

Hmm... Should he give it a try?

The River Realm·Jade-faced Snake Evil Sculpture granted Lu Ran seven Evil Techniques, namely:

1 Jade Ruyi, 2 Immortal Breath, 3 Immortal Realm, 4 Immortal Scales, 5 Immortal Tail, 6 Immortal Sky Python, 7 White-Scaled Immortal Sky Python.

Evil Technique·Immortal Breath allowed Lu Ran to exhale immortal Qi, producing gusts with a powerful erosive effect.

Evil Technique·Immortal Realm, a Purification Skill, enabled Lu Ran to summon wisps of mist that could purify the abnormal states within an area.

Evil Technique·Immortal Tail enabled Lu Ran to grow several ethereal snake tails which could autonomously strike at the enemy!

Evil Technique·Immortal Sky Python allowed Lu Ran to summon a giant python, either ethereal or substantial, to charge at his opponent.

The aforementioned four Evil Techniques were quite remarkable.

Firstly, Lu Ran had been after the Purification Skill·Immortal Realm.

Secondly, who wouldn't want to cleave a giant ethereal python with a single strike?

Recalling several months ago, when Lu Ran went to Wu Lie River University and battled with the Martial Monk Believer·Zhao Zhenren.

At that time, Zhao Zhenren had punched out a golden dragon!

Cool as hell!

Don't worry about how miserably Zhao Zhenren was later slain by Lu Ran.

Strength is temporal.

But coolness, that lasts a lifetime!

Now Lu Ran could do it too.

Whenever he wished, he could also blast out a 30-meter long ethereal white python!

The remaining three Evil Techniques deserved further explanation.

Evil Technique·Jade Ruyi.

This was not a Basic Technique, and whether Lu Ran had a Jade Ruyi in his hand or not, it did not interfere with his use of other Jade-faced Snake Evil Techniques.

However,

Jade Ruyi was an "amplifier for casting effects"!

With it, the immortal Qi that Lu Ran exhaled could cover a wider area, eroding entire forests.

With it, the ethereal giant python Lu Ran blasted out could become a substantial python!

The difference in strength was stark.

The last Evil Technique·Immortal Scales.

The effect of this technique was similar to that of a Golden Body that shielded the user, rendering them impervious to all attacks once activated!

Lu Ran... couldn't use it.

When a Jade-faced Snake activated Evil Technique·Immortal Scales, there was no change to the upper half of her flesh body.

Only the lower half of her snake body, covered with scales, would transform into Immortal Scales, maxing out her defense.

Lu Ran had no snake body!

No snake scales to speak of, so how could he have Immortal Scales?

Thus, this powerful defensive technique, while equipped by Lu Ran, was fundamentally unusable.

But now it was different!

The Jiang Realm ultimate skill of the Jade-faced Snake clan was to transform into a giant python.

If Lu Ran could become a giant python, wouldn't his entire body be covered in snake scales?

"Stay vigilant," Lu Ran spoke in a deep voice.

Yan Zhi instinctively shifted her gaze, then followed the command, looking around attentively.

Lu Ran closed his eyes, connecting closely with the Jade-faced Snake Evil Sculpt.

His heart was full of anticipation, eager to try the Jade-faced Snake clan's ultimate move.

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds...

Lu Ran smirked.

Damn, can't he use the ultimate skill either?

The reason the Jade-faced Snake could transform into a hundred-meter python was that she was essentially composed of energy.

Lu Ran's body, however, was made of flesh!

He couldn't become a snake!

Hmm... never mind, if he can't use it, he can't use it.

Anyway, he was after the Purification Skill.

And activating the Jade-faced Snake Evil Sculpt was also to appreciate her combat prowess and intellect, hoping to have her join his command and lead the servant squad.

"Wait a minute!"

Lu Ran suddenly furrowed his brow.

The Spear Withering Divine Skill·Shattering Cloud Body allowed a small part of the human body to temporarily turn into a cloud form.

Regardless of how short the effect lasted or how small the altered body part was.

Its effect was genuine!

Does this mean that the fleshly bodies of the Human Clan could actually transform into energy bodies?

"Hmm..."

Lu Ran stroked his chin, wondering if Lord Immortal Goat could provide an answer.

He'd ask him when he returned.

Lu Ran reached forward with one hand, energy swirling in his palm.

Yan Zhi, who was standing guard nearby, suddenly changed her expression.

The fervent look in her eyes turned into one of deep resentment.

Because under Lu Ran's palm, a beautiful snake woman was gradually taking shape.

"Sss..."

The Jade-faced Snake parted her thin lips, letting out a soft hiss.

She opened her beautiful eyes with an indifferent expression, looking at the young man from the Human Clan before her.

Slowly, the Jade-faced Snake, with an eight-meter long body, coiled around, clinging to the ground.

The upper half of her body leaned slightly forward, bowing her head in submission to Lu Ran.

Lu Ran, holding the Eight Desolate Annihilation, used the back of the knife to gently lift her chin.

She retained her ethereal beauty, with a noble and cold face.

Like a white lotus unsoiled by mud, to be admired from a distance but not to be defiled.

"Indeed, you can be hurtful."

Lu Ran suddenly smiled.

He sighed inwardly.

Clearly, the Jade-faced Snake was looking up at Lu Ran.

But her manner,

Still was one of superiority, as if looking down at him.

The cold eyes, the indifferent expression.

The attitude of regarding all beings as mere ants.

"In another two days, we will need to leave. You stay close to me and let myself be influenced by you."

Lu Ran slightly raised the blade, and as the Jade-faced Snake's chin was propped up, her face tilted up a bit more.

He observed her carefully, striving to mimic her.

Planning that when he faces an enemy again, he will throw them this "contempt for all beings" look.

No need for taunting techniques at all!

If he comes across someone hot-tempered, just one look from Lu Ran might cause the enemy to mentally implode, right?

...

The tenth day of the winter month, Beijing airport.

A young man, holding three knives wrapped in cloth, wearing a gray fisherman's hat and a white mask, emerged from the airport terminal.

With just a glance, he found among the crowd waiting to pick people up, a woman Sword Immortal with an extraordinary demeanor.

As an impressive Jiang Realm Power, she was utterly different from the ordinary masses...

There were truly many people there to pick up travelers, but there was a small clear space around Chen Jingjing.

Those feeling self-conscious didn't dare to get too close to the Female Sword Immortal.

Peoples' eyes glanced her way, somewhat expectantly, curious about the kind of person such a woman was waiting for.

"Lu... Xiaolu!" Chen Jingjing raised her hand to greet, immediately changing the form of address.

Lu Xiaolu?

Lu Ran smiled, his eyes reflecting a hint of apology: "I've troubled you, Sister Jingjing."

"It's no bother at all," Chen Jingjing smiled back at Lu Ran.

Through their few encounters, Chen Jingjing had become much more "lively."

At first,

Lu Ran was the son of Peak Master, seen by Chen Jingjing as a young master.

Later, Lu Ran became Da Xia's genius honored by Chen Jingjing.

And then, Lu Ran was an imposing Jiang Realm Power, the number one talent of Da Xia.

In terms of realm, they were now equals.

In terms of combat prowess, even the proud Chen Jingjing had to admit her inferiority.

From looking down on Lu Ran, to looking at him as an equal, and then looking up to him...

Chen Jingjing had experienced significant changes within herself, unknown to others.

And what truly surprised Chen Jingjing was that Lu Ran's attitude towards her had never changed.

"I shouldn't have told Little Yuanxi," Lu Ran said with some helplessness.

That morning, after Lu Ran left Lingyun Mountain, he sent messages to a few people to tell them he was safe.

And since he had to transit through Beijing on his way back home to Yuxiang, it was inevitable.

Qiao Yuansi, after completing the assignment from school, still had to return with the group and was unable to leave.

Therefore, at the young mistress's instruction, Chen Jingjing was here for the airport pick-up again.

"If the young master returns home, of course there must be someone to pick him up," Chen Jingjing said teasingly.

The observers around them watched quietly, some with a stunned look on their faces, astonished by Chen Jingjing's smile.

What is this...?

Aren't you the disciple of Sword One?

You can actually smile?

Lu Ran's expression was strange: "Maybe you should keep calling me Lu Xiaolu."

The aloof disciple of Sword One, how could she be making jokes?

This is unscientific!

"Heh heh~" Chen Jingjing could feel the veiled stares of those around and hurried them along, "Let's go."

"Alright." Lu Ran walked briskly with Chen Jingjing, murmuring quietly, "How is my mother?"

Chen Jingjing's smile faded, and she gently shook her head: "Peak Master Qiao is still in seclusion."

"Sister Jingjing."

"Hm?"

"I'll be in Beijing for another two days, waiting for Yuanxi's team to go together to Yuxiang. Do you think if I visit Mother, she would agree?"

Hearing this, Chen Jingjing was troubled.

She couldn't provide a definite answer and cared deeply for Qiao Wanjun, really wanting him to visit the Peak Master.

After a moment's thought, Chen Jingjing said: "After returning to Jinghong Peak, I'll try to help you with the inquiry?"

Lu Ran looked at the woman: "You won't be punished for this, right?"

Chen Jingjing laughed: "Your words are my talisman.

If the Peak Master feels bothered and truly blames me, on account of your face, the most I'll have to do is kneel for a few days."

Lu Ran: "..."

Is this rule too strict?

Chen Jingjing, the great power of the Vast River, would have to kneel too?

Judging by Chen Jingjing's demeanor, it seems she doesn't feel humiliated but thinks it's normal?

Lu Ran sighed inwardly.

He felt that his understanding of his mother, his perception of the world, was still lacking.

Before him, Qiao Wanjun would always be his gentle mother.

But within the sect, Qiao Wanjun was the absolute authority.

She was also a formidable being capable of destruction.

"Do you want me to inquire?" Chen Jingjing asked.

"I can't implicate you," Lu Ran pondered, "So, Sister Jingjing, take my Dawn Blade with you.

If my mother truly blames you, just let the Artifact Spirit appear.

The spirit form of the Dawn Blade is me; it might awaken some maternal feelings..."

Chen Jingjing: "..."

The two reached the parking lot, and Lu Ran opened the rear car door, holding the fabric bundle with care as he got into the car.

Chen Jingjing had already sensed something amiss and asked softly, "It smells so fragrant, is it from flowers?"

Lu Ran nodded lightly: "Picked from Lingyun Mountain."

The three knives wrapped in the fabric seemed more like a stand protecting a small flowerpot.

Chen Jingjing inhaled deeply, her eyes suddenly brightening: "Chui Si Immortal?"

Lu Ran said with a smile: "I saw it on the first day, but then the Jade-faced Snake ate it, and I was heartbroken.

After half a month of cultivation, I finally encountered it again."

The Chui Si Immortal jasmine,

A rare plant from the Demon Cave, only produced by Lingyun Mountain.

It resembled a miniature tree, and after spreading its branches and leaves, fine branches would hang down, each bearing a blossom of the Immortal jasmine.

Not only did it emit a faint jasmine fragrance, but it also released a bit of energy.

As a cultivation aid, it wasn't highly valuable since the energy it released was too slight.

But it was beautiful!

And it was precious due to its rarity!

What girl wouldn't like flowers?

Mom would like it too, right?

...

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