Chapter 12: Life Is Short, Just Act Cool

On the fifth day of the lunar month, the sky was overcast.

Amid a series of alarm bells, Lu Ran opened his sleepy eyes and swiftly silenced the shrill, life-threatening sound.

Thump.

Lu Ran executed an unconventional carp leap—no knee bend, rigid as a corpse rising from its coffin—straightening up in one motion.

Youth means a strong lower back~

He strode off the bed, approached the altar, and bowed respectfully: “Lord Xiangyang, good morning! Today I’m heading to Dog Village for training—please watch over me.”

The moment Lu Ran fell silent, his body shivered.

From within the altar, the white sheep jade carving released wisps of mist, flowing steadily toward Lu Ran.

Lu Ran immediately reacted, compressing and solidifying the divine power within his body to make room for Lord Xiangyang’s gift.

“Ugh~” Lu Ran leaned against the cabinet and slowly slid to the floor.

His body trembled violently; he felt as if he were about to burst from overinflation!

“Whoosh!”

A storm of energy surged, divine power radiating outward.

Mist Realm—Stage Two!

“Heh.”

Lu Ran gasped for breath, his heart swelling with joy!

Last night, he had sat before the altar in meditation, training deep into the night—but that final step remained just out of reach.

And now, this morning, such good fortune.

Awesome~!

Lu Ran savored the overwhelming sense of power for a long while, then looked up at the altar:

“Thank you, Lord Xiangyang! Today, I will strive hard and bring honor to our Xiangyang Sect.”

The white sheep jade carving continued silently releasing mist, nourishing Lu Ran’s human form, offering no reply.

“You previously said that when I reached Mist Realm Stage Two, I could learn the special version of the Divine Art—Merciful Chant?”

Lu Ran clasped his hands together, eyes full of anticipation.

“Dog Village.” Three words imprinted themselves in Lu Ran’s mind.

After a moment’s thought, he understood the deity’s meaning.

So Lord Xiangyang intends to teach through practical experience?

“Good!” Lu Ran nodded firmly, then hurried off to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face.

After washing up, he headed straight for the master bedroom.

Since his father’s death, Lu Ran had rarely entered this room—but now he strode purposefully toward the Tang broadsword hanging on the wall.

This sword was no wooden toy—it was a genuine weapon forged from Black Ice.

Black Ice is a mysterious ore mined from the Demon Caves.

It is as cool and light as ice, with a semi-transparent jet-black hue and exceptional durability.

The blade is slender and long—77 cm in length, two fingers wide, with a 33 cm hilt.

“Whoosh!” Lu Ran blew lightly; dust scattered, stinging his eyes.

This blade is named Radiant Glow.

It was his father Lu Xing’s personal weapon, its surface once adorned with countless runes.

Unfortunately, Lu Ran is not a believer of the Divine Yu Fu.

In his hands, this Tang sword could no longer summon radiant clouds, ignite fire, entangle lightning, or spread frost.

But Jiang Ban Zhang is a believer of Yu Fu.

Once she grows stronger, Lu Ran could have her enchant the blade before each battle?

“Come with me, Radiant Glow.”

Lu Ran channeled divine power into the blade, and wisps of white mist drifted and flowed along its slender length, brushing away the dust.

“Hum!”

Radiant Glow trembled gently, emitting a pleasant chime.

Since Lu Xing’s passing, it had lain dormant for four years.

Today, to accompany the son of its former master once more into the world—it must be glad.

The overcast sky drizzled with light rain.

Rain Alley City—its name fit perfectly.

Rainy days were truly common—more than London.

In the fine drizzle, Lu Ran carried his sword and held an umbrella as he arrived at the gates of No. 1 Middle School.

The playground was already packed with students, clustered in small groups.

Lu Ran glanced around and quickly spotted his three teammates—because Deng Yu’s appearance was unmistakable!

Since becoming a believer of the Divine Red Scarf, Deng Yu had bought a red headband and wrapped it around his head.

Extremely distinctive.

And the spot they occupied was precisely where Lu Ran used to set up his stall.

Lu Ran thought they were doing it on purpose.

Jiang Ruyi saw Lu Ran approaching from afar, noticed his odd expression, and couldn’t help smiling.

Just as she was about to wave, Wu Shanshan beat her to it: “Lu Ran, over here!”

Jiang Ruyi: “...”

Wu Shanshan, curious, stepped forward: “Let me see—what divine weapon did you bring?”

Lu Ran’s Radiant Glow was wrapped in cloth to avoid drawing attention.

Black Ice is a rare and precious ore; finished Black Ice weapons are extremely valuable—not something ordinary families can afford.

Lu Ran’s family wasn’t wealthy—his father was a soldier, and this sword was a special award from the military, granted for Lu Xing’s outstanding contributions.

“Wow, it’s Black Ice!”

Wu Shanshan crouched beside Lu Ran, gently lifting the cloth with her fingers, her eyes brightening.

“Shh.” Lu Ran signaled for her to keep quiet.

“Didn’t know you were a rich kid?” Wu Shanshan grinned, teasing him.

“Also?”

Lu Ran caught the word instantly, looking down at Wu Ban Zhang: “I wish I were a rich kid.”

“Modest much?” Wu Shanshan tapped the blade lightly. “You’re not holding a sword—you’re holding an A6!”

“Not that much, not that much.” Lu Ran bowed his head in humility, waving his hands. “At most, it’s a Cullinan.”

Wu Shanshan: ???

Do you even know prices?!

Wu Shanshan’s heart leapt; she asked incredulously: “You’ve already awakened a blade spirit?”

But that doesn’t make sense!

If it truly had a spirit, its value wouldn’t be measurable in money.

Weapons with sentient spirits are true divine blades—the holy grail of every believer!

Lu Ran shook his head: “Wu Ban Zhang, you’re overestimating me—I don’t have that kind of ability.”

Wu Shanshan was even more confused.

No spirit—just an ordinary Black Ice sword.

Wu Shanshan scoffed: “So you don’t understand cars, or you don’t understand swords?”

Lu Ran lifted the blade and gently tapped her head: “You don’t understand me.”

Wu Shanshan: “Pfft.”

Fine, you don’t know cars—still stubborn, huh?

Lu Ran smiled and asked: “You said ‘also’ just now—what did you mean?”

Wu Shanshan nodded toward the side: “Over there’s another Porsche.”

Lu Ran turned to look at Deng Yu, studying the red tassel spear in his hand.

The red-tasseled steel spear looked ordinary, no special features—but given Wu Ban Zhang’s price guidance

Lu Ran’s heart leapt: “Tianchen Steel?”

Like Black Ice, Tianchen Steel is a mysterious material mined from the Demon Caves—and far rarer and more valuable than Black Ice!

Deng Yu openly admitted it, handing the Tianchen Red Tassel Spear over: “Lu Brother, take a feel?”

“Tsk tsk~” Lu Ran took the heavy spear, weighing it in his hands.

This kid’s been hiding his cards well.

You’d say Deng Yu is humble—he calls himself “Young Master” every day, loud and proud.

You’d say he’s flashy—yet after two years of school, Lu Ran never knew Deng Yu came from such wealth.

Now that they’re entering the Demon Caves, this kid’s finally showing off.

For grades and survival, he’s pulling out a million-level Tianchen spear... wait a minute!

Lu Ran suddenly looked up at the red headband wrapped around Deng Yu’s head.

The 9.9-yuan street-market item instantly became a 999-yuan branded luxury.

A few days ago, Deng Yu sent Lu Ran a headband, saying wearing one together would make them look impressive.

Lu Ran politely declined, since he wasn’t a Red Headband believer and wasn’t used to wrapping his head—but now it seemed—

Lu Ran asked, “Deng brother, is your red headband quite valuable?”

“A headband’s worth a few coins at most,” Deng Yu shook his head.

“Oh.” Lu Ran nodded, feeling considerably better.

Then Deng Yu added casually, “A few thousand, maybe.”

Lu Ran: ???

I was being generous guessing 999, and you just drop “a few thousand”?

Damn, I got ripped off!

Lu Ran whispered, “Deng brother, you gave me one before.”

Seeing Lu Ran’s pitiful expression, Jiang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh and roll her eyes at him: “Didn’t you say you weren’t used to wearing it?”

“What kind of talk is that!” Lu Ran waved his hand. “You get used to it after wearing it a while! A friend’s gift—how could you refuse?”

Thinking about it now, I feel I’ve wounded Deng brother’s sincere heart.

It’s all my fault—I’m too young and naive.”

Wu Shanshan burst into laughter: “Alright, alright, stop proving it—I believe you’re poor, okay?”

Lu Ran: “.”

Deng Yu: “.”

Jiang Ruyi also couldn’t hold back her laughter and changed the subject: “By the way, Lu Ran, did you advance?”

Lu Ran casually returned the red tassel spear: “Guess.”

Deng Yu immediately perked up: “Judging by your confidence, you must’ve succeeded.”

Lu Ran nodded as if it were obvious: “I told you all yesterday.”

Sorry, guys,

You all dug into the feast, but I pulled out a plastic bag!

Say nothing more,

I’ve already packed it away~

Wu Shanshan’s eyes widened: “You really advanced?”

Deng Yu let out a loud laugh: “Hah! Good!”

Jiang Ruyi glanced at Lu Ran’s smug face and couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him.

It’s funny,

She was always called Jiang Meiren by classmates—for her gentle, serene beauty.

But before Lu Ran, she always “broke character,” losing her composure.

“You should all work harder,” Lu Ran said casually, feeling like a lone master of unmatched skill.

Honestly,

Lu Ran looked as steady as an old dog, but was actually totally fake!

After all, he only advanced this morning after praying to the gods.

This brag could’ve been convincing,

but it wouldn’t have worked without the help of Boss White Sheep.

“Everyone, line up by team number!” On the podium, a male teacher held a microphone and shouted.

The group stopped laughing and immediately went to form lines.

The second-year class had 399 believers, divided into 100 teams.

Due to the numbers, one team had only three members—no one knew which unlucky souls they were.

“Everyone, snap to attention!”

“Once you enter Dog Demon Village, obey your team instructor’s orders without question.”

“Don’t assume your team is fixed—anyone who breaks discipline or shows poor attitude will be filtered out!”

“Also, prove your value! The school will reassign teams based on final rankings and individual strengths.”

Lu Ran listened to the teacher’s speech without a flicker of emotion.

Today was July 17th on the solar calendar; until early September, before third-year began, no team was permanent.

The Great Xia had nearly a hundred divine beings, each with unique divine arts—building a team with true synergy required repeated trials.

If one day Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi were separated, there’d be nothing he could do.

He wanted Jiang Ruyi to enchant his blade—didn’t others want that too?

If you don’t strive, you won’t even earn the right to cling to someone’s leg.

“Hm?” Jiang Ruyi sensed something, and turned to look at Lu Ran.

She saw him staring blankly at her legs.

Her cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat softly.

Lu Ran snapped back to attention, looked up, and his expression turned curious.

“Hmph.” Jiang Ruyi’s face burned red; she gave Lu Ran a light, reproachful glance before turning away.

“Lu brother, you don’t have to be so sentimental,” Deng Yu leaned over.

Lu Ran: “Huh?”

Deng Yu looked disgusted: “If the monitor wore a skirt, fine—but what’s so interesting about those ugly school pants?”

Lu Ran: “.”

Was I looking at her legs?

I was looking at her thighs… Wait?

No way to explain this anymore.

“Don’t let your worshipped deity be ashamed of you—did you all hear that?!” The teacher’s voice grew louder, rescuing Lu Ran.

“We heard!”

“We heard!”

“Good.” The male teacher on the podium nodded approvingly. “Line up by team number and board the school bus to Dog Demon Village!”

Dog Demon Village was, in truth, a demon lair.

Demon lairs were scattered across Great Xia, each with different environments and different kinds of demons.

Wherever a demon lair opened, a divine statue would stand atop it to suppress it.

Though Great Xia had nearly a hundred divine beings, demon lairs were even more numerous—and still increasing.

Thus, each deity created “divine statue avatars” to suppress the gates of individual demon lairs.

In Lu Ran’s Rain Alley City, there stood an avatar of the Seventh-Rank Divine Being, Wu Crow; its original statue resided in a prefecture-level city over a hundred kilometers away.

Whether original statue or avatar, wherever a deity’s sculpture stood, believers would flock to pay homage.

In recent days, Lu Ran had researched and learned that his deity, White Sheep, had its original statue located in the southern reaches of Clouds.

Not bad,

White Sheep was in the southwest of Great Xia, not the northwest.

Otherwise, he’d risk being “doused.”

Actually, whether believers made pilgrimages mattered little—every believer had a small divine statue at home.

Worshiping a small divine statue was equivalent to facing the deity directly.

But Lu Ran still planned to find a chance to see White Sheep’s original statue in person.

He really wanted to see whether White Sheep’s face could turn black.

Thank you to Fu Hei the Grand Minister for the 100,000-coin patronage, thank you for your support, Boss is generous! May Boss live ten thousand years, eternal as heaven and earth! Wula~

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(End of Chapter)