Lu Ran still held a sliver of hope, "Since Sister Yuxiang is so talented, and we are all fellow disciples, would Senior Liao spare her life?"

Hu Jiaojiao suddenly stopped in her tracks, turned around, and looked at Lu Ran, "Would Lu Tianjiao nurture a tiger that might cause trouble?"

Lu Ran pursed his lips.

Right, knowing this is an enemy with explosive talent.

Would you keep her and allow her to grow wildly?

Hu Jiaojiao spoke up, "This battle is inevitable; Yuxiang's defeat is certain. I've tried to persuade her to admit defeat at the right moment.

But she wouldn't listen."

Hu Jiaojiao's tone shifted, "You're different to her, Lu Ran. In front of you, she can almost do whatever she wants.

May I know why?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran's thoughts drifted away.

Because she's a comrade-in-arms?

Born and bred through life and death, supporting each other through thick and thin?

Because we're from the same hometown?

For our hometown, do we share the same goals and dreams?

Because our "paths" are rooted deeply like two large trees with intertwined roots underground?

Or perhaps because...

"If you don't want to talk, then don't," Hu Jiaojiao raised her hand and patted Lu Ran's shoulder, "What I mean is, you could try and persuade her.

Losing to a predecessor who has expanded the territory of Beifeng City isn't shameful.

Yuxiang can admit defeat.

And admitting defeat will greatly increase her chances of survival."

Lu Ran suddenly said, "I won't persuade her."

Hu Jiaojiao was taken aback, "What?"

Lu Ran lifted his head, exhaling mist into the cold air, "Deng Yuxiang, so radiant and extremely proud as a martial artist, will fight until the last moment.

She won't truly be defeated until she is utterly exhausted."

Hu Jiaojiao suddenly reached out and grabbed Lu Ran's chin.

Lu Ran: ???

What's happening?

Is she revealing her true nature?

Hu Jiaojiao's face came closer, those lively almond eyes carefully examining Lu Ran's eyes, "That's why in front of her, you can act recklessly.

Because you are kindred spirits.

Your thoughts align perfectly.

You will support her, even if she dies tomorrow at the Martial Arts Arena."

Lu Ran took a half step back and pushed her hand away, "How could I possibly watch her die?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyebrows raised, "What about you?"

Lu Ran said, "Miss Hu, is the Beifeng City Lord your...?"

"Ah, so that's your angle." Hu Jiaojiao turned to look deep into the Snow Forest and spoke softly, "I might as well tell you, to spare Yuxiang's life, I have already begged my grandfather.

Not just once.

I begged on my knees."

Lu Ran: "Then, Old Master Hu..."

Hu Jiaojiao snorted coldly, "The Life and Death Contract has already been signed, within the Divine Hall, signed before the divine beings themselves, leaving no room for manipulation.

Even the Beifeng City Lord you mentioned must act according to the rules!

He can't intervene during the fight."

Saying this, Hu Jiaojiao turned her head to look at Lu Ran, her expression dissatisfied, "Senior Liao, a killer like no other, knows how to eliminate future threats.

And you, Deng Yuxiang's dear brother, still support your sister fighting to exhaustion.

It seems I need to start preparing to claim my best friend's body."

Lu Ran felt deeply moved; this was a true best friend, doing so much behind the scenes.

He was willing to trust Hu Jiaojiao.

Because Lu Ran was willing to trust Deng Yuxiang, trust her judgment and abilities, trust the friend she believed in.

Lu Ran smiled, "Thank you, Sister Hu.

You think too highly of me; my support or lack thereof won't change Deng Yuxiang's decisions."

Hu Jiaojiao's brows lightly furrowed, shooting Lu Ran a cold glance before turning to leave, "Don't call me sister."

"Wasn't it your request?"

"I don't feel like it now."

"I bet your best friend won't die." Lu Ran watched her retreating figure and suddenly spoke.

Hu Jiaojiao paused her steps but didn't turn around, only scoffing lightly, "You're betting?

For Da Xia's number one genius, better to keep your promises golden."

Lu Ran's voice was soft, "I only support Deng Yuxiang's proud approach to combat.

Following one's heart, thoughts clear.

Win or lose, live or die, those are secondary.

I support the process, support her glowing radiantly throughout her life."

Hu Jiaojiao abruptly turned around, a slight movement in her heart, faintly grasping something.

He supports the process.

Not the result!

And he explicitly said he bets Deng Yuxiang won't die!

Lu Ran looked at her with a smile.

The fate of the Nightmare is not determined by a mere Life and Death Contract.

Nor is it up to any Senior Liao!

"You..." Hu Jiaojiao's facial expressions fluctuated, finally realizing something, her almond eyes slightly widening.

The next moment, she stepped back towards him.

Lu Ran still wore a smile but soon felt a bit panic.

Because Hu Jiaojiao seemed unstoppable.

What was she up to?

Looking for a collision?

Lu Ran decisively stepped back, but Hu Jiaojiao caught hold of his sweater's collar and pulled him close.

Hu Jiaojiao leaned forward, her lips close to Lu Ran's ear, her voice very low, "You better think about the consequences!

This is Beifeng City, the sacred ground of the Beifeng Sect.

Tomorrow's challenge is at the Martial Arts Arena, right below Lord Beifeng!

If you dare to interfere with the fight, even if you are Da Xia's genius..."

"Tomorrow, will the Beifeng City Lord come to oversee or watch?" Lu Ran abruptly interrupted her.

Hu Jiaojiao straightened her body, looking at the face so close to hers.

Those almond eyes slightly narrowed, no longer so lively.

The pressure was immense!

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds...

Hu Jiaojiao curled her lips, "I think I know why Yuxiang likes you so much."

So it is...

I support all your decisions, go ahead and follow your heart.

And,

I'll take care of everything for you, the consequences are mine to bear.

What kind of divine brother is this?

Lu Ran asked again, "Will Old Master Hu personally be there?"

Hu Jiaojiao with a smile in her eyes, "Not sure, why don't you call me sister and I'll go ask for you?"

Lu Ran smirked, "Didn't you say you didn't want me to call you that?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyes twinkled mischievously, "I told you not to call me 'Sister Hu', it sounds awful.

'Sister Jiaojiao' sounds much nicer, don't you think?"

"Shh!" Lu Ran suddenly issued a silencing gesture.

Hu Jiaojiao tensed up, listening intently.

A tall figure approached through the Snow Forest.

Her hair was wet, clearly she had just bathed.

Her tall, slender body still wrapped in that thick white down jacket.

Deng Yuxiang's eyes narrowed slightly, looking at the pair in the grove:

"What are you two doing?"

"Yuxiang's here?" Hu Jiaojiao released Lu Ran's collar, turning to approach, "I brought you some snacks.

Just now, you didn't eat much."

Deng Yuxiang eyed the smiling woman in front of her, "You brought me snacks, all the way to the grove."

Hu Jiaojiao: "..."

Lu Ran: "..."

"Alright, alright." Hu Jiaojiao linked arms with Deng Yuxiang, "Our brother here is Da Xia's genius, right!

I just thought of getting his autograph, maybe take a photo together."

Deng Yuxiang: "My brother."

Hu Jiaojiao: "Ah?"

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips, remaining silent.

Hu Jiaojiao burst into laughter, unable to resist teasing, "You really are!

How come I never noticed how stingy you are before?

Don't you have two brothers? Give me one, I want this one, and you can have the other."

At this, Deng Yuxiang frowned slightly, her gaze seeming a bit disdainful.

"Cough cough." Lu Ran coughed, "Let's head back, your hair is freezing."

"Come on, let's go back. I'll blow-dry your hair and you can have some snacks. Get a good night's sleep, there's a big fight tomorrow!" Hu Jiaojiao led her best friend away, "Lately, you've been quite gloomy, not in a good mood.

But now, you seem happy?

Why?

Because of Lu Ran?"

"Jiaojiao."

"Uh?"

"Lu Ran has a childhood sweetheart, a girl he loves."

Hu Jiaojiao looked speechlessly at Lu Ran:

"That someone, quickly tell your sister, who am I to you?"

Lu Ran smiled, "Although it's our first meeting, I feel like we're kindred spirits.

In the future, we might become comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side."

Hu Jiaojiao's smile was meaningful, receiving all the messages yet spoke,

"Brother, I am your Sister Jiaojiao!"

Lu Ran: "..."

Wasted emotions.

I'm still your proud brother!

...

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