Chapter 195: Spring Breeze Returns to the Person

"Lu Ran, victory!"

The male teacher announced loudly.

Although the students had been played by a certain person time and again, they still politely offered applause.

"Yo-hoo~" Chang Ying cheered and jumped with joy, "We won!"

Tian Tian's face was full of delight; holding a precious lotus flower in her hands, she whispered, "Master is the best."

Deng Yutang's face was also brimming with a smile as he raised his fist high toward Lu Ran.

Four large characters: Well deserved!

The male teacher continued, "Since Ma Ma Tianchuan cannot fight again in the short term, Wu Wu Shanshan is automatically elected second place, and Ma Ma Tianchuan ranks third."

Inside and outside the campus, the applause from the onlooking crowd never ceased.

It was just that the sounds of cheering and celebration abruptly turned into cries of shock.

The male teacher's voice continued, "Next, we will proceed with the award ceremony. Hmm?"

Before he could finish speaking, the male teacher suddenly lifted his head.

Beneath the slightly overcast sky, that figure drifting over slowly appeared so dazzlingly brilliant.

She wore a white long skirt, ancient in style and rhyme, surrounded by four Bai Yu tablets, fully displaying her graceful immortal posture.

That head of pitch-black long hair danced lightly in the wind along with the hem of her skirt.

The group of trainees tilted their heads up, their expressions strange, gazing at that stunning immortal shadow.

The white-skirted young girl, however, did not look at the crowd.

Those bright eyes kept fixed on Lu Ran upon the stage.

Lu Ran was already stunned.

He had spotted the young girl flying in from the distant sky long ago, feeling only that it was extremely unreal.

Lu Ran even began to suspect whether he had fallen under some sort of illusion technique.

That can't be right...

The Nuosha Sect indeed possesses illusion techniques, but those are divine arts suited only for River Realm stage three.

He, Ma Ma Tianchuan, is merely River Realm stage one; how could he make me fall for it?

Besides, the illusion techniques of the Nuosha Sect only cause all living beings to sink into endless terror and suffering.

How could they be so merciful as to allow separated people to reunite?

"Jiangjiang Meiren?"

"Oh my god! It really is Jiangjiang Ruyi; I thought some upper immortal had arrived..."

"Haven't seen her in half a year, and she's become this beautiful?"

"She's also at the River Realm; she's even activated Master Yu Fu's great formation!"

Within the crowd, Wu Wu Shanshan looked up, her face filled with shock, staring blankly at the figure standing in mid-air.

That person had once been her teammate as well.

However, since Wu Wu Shanshan had distanced herself from Lu Ran, naturally she had also distanced herself from Jiangjiang Ruyi.

Wu Wu Shanshan could never understand why Jiangjiang Ruyi wanted to form a team with Lu Ran.

Jiangjiang Ruyi was also among the top three in the grade, naturally making her a key target for the school's cultivation.

If Jiangjiang Ruyi had wished, she could have completely made the school revolve around her, specially crafting a team for her, but...

Jiangjiang Ruyi had set her heart on Lu Ran, insisting on bringing him along.

Why?

Because of affection?

After thinking it over and over, this was the only reasonable explanation.

But if that were truly the case, it would be even more ridiculous.

This choice was irresponsible toward her own future prospects, and even her safety in life.

Actually, Wu Wu Shanshan had guessed correctly.

It was just that Wu Wu Shanshan did not know that, at that time, Jiangjiang Ruyi had already prepared for the worst.

Who does not know the reputation of the Xiang Xiang Xianyang believers?

Jiangjiang Ruyi simply could not bear to see Lu Ran despised by everyone, with no team willing to take him in.

Until the very end, he wouldn't even be able to obtain an ordinary high school graduation certificate.

As for Lu Ran's powerful rise, all of that was a story for later.

At the very beginning of forming the team, Jiangjiang Ruyi had wanted to lead Lu Ran forward, not wishing for him to suffer repeated blows and live in destitution.

The two had been classmates for a full two years, companions day and night.

Regarding this young man at the same desk who lived alone and practiced silently in bitterness...

She understood all too well how strong-willed his heart truly was.

Indeed, just as Wu Wu Shanshan had thought, Jiangjiang Ruyi had chosen the latter between her future prospects and Lu Ran.

"Sister Jiang Ruyi!" Tian Tian's excited face turned crimson.

The girl, whose voice was usually so small and light, rarely shouted out loud.

Finally, Jiangjiang Ruyi deigned to look at the living beings.

Since her appearance, this was the first time she turned her head slightly, gazing diagonally downward.

Upon seeing that it was Tian Tian, a gentle smile appeared on Jiangjiang Ruyi's face; her naturally hanging hand gently patted, the motion very slight.

Tian Tian, however, understood, smiling sweetly as if she had been patted on the head from across the distance.

In stark contrast, Chang Ying's expression was extremely stiff.

Earlier, while she was gazing at the grand leaderboard at the school gate, she had heard classmates gossiping, saying things like, "Even if Jiangjiang Meiren returns and kicks the gambling dog out of the team, the gambling dog would still be worth it."

Had her words become a prophecy?

Jiangjiang Ruyi had truly returned!

Chang Ying stared blankly at Jiangjiang Ruyi, gazing at that figure resembling an exiled immortal, secretly lost in trance.

"Jiangjiang Ruyi." On the main podium, the male teacher looked at the student hovering in mid-air with eyes full of admiration.

This world has never lacked geniuses.

Every teacher and student in the school knew that Jiangjiang Ruyi had rejected the Second-Rank God, Heavenly Phoenix, and instead condescended to become a disciple under the Third-Rank God, Master Yu Fu.

Perhaps precisely because of this, Jiangjiang Ruyi had become the first trainee in the school to be summoned by her own deity, going beneath the feet of the Divine Sculpture to listen to teachings.

"Finished fighting?" Jiangjiang Ruyi spoke softly, turning her gaze toward Lu Ran once more.

"You arrived late; the opening ceremony is already mostly over." The male teacher's attitude was very good, even though Jiangjiang Ruyi remained standing in the air, projecting an aloof and superior demeanor.

In this realistic and Harsh World, the strong always receive more care and tolerance.

Conversely, the weak, who need care even more, are instead subjected to harsh criticism.

"Won?" Jiangjiang Ruyi glanced lightly at Lu Ran.

In those bright, beautiful eyes lingered a faint smile as she looked at Lu Ran, who still appeared somewhat dazed.

After she revealed herself, did he seem to remain skeptical?

Hmm... he looks rather silly.

"Brother Lu is naturally first!" Deng Yutang responded loudly.

"But I haven't fought yet." Jiangjiang Ruyi drifted down gently, coming to rest beside the main podium.

The male teacher spoke: "Both rounds of competition have concluded, and the rankings are finalized.

Student Jiang, this violates the rules."

"I don't care about the ranking." Jiangjiang Ruyi smiled at Lu Ran and teased, "I just want to see how skilled the first-place winner is."

The young girl in the white skirt smiled gently, like a figure stepping out of a painting, causing everyone's hearts to flutter secretly.

Consequently, the way everyone looked at Lu Ran also changed.

Because Lu Ran possessed great strength, an impressive combat record, and a Believer Score far ahead of anyone else, with no one able to catch up to him.

Therefore, most students felt nothing but worship and reverence toward Lu Ran.

But at this moment?

The expressions in many people's eyes changed flavor.

Beam after beam of envious gazes fell upon Lu Ran.

"Damn it, this kid got lucky!"

"So everyone only has eyes for Lu Ran, huh?"

"Good heavens, she isn't even glancing at anyone else."

"Jiangjiang Meiren, you can't be deceived so easily!"

"Stop dreaming, brother; ever since Lu Ran was nothing, Jiangjiang Ruyi has always been by his side."

"What does Lu Ran mean by staying silent? What is he pretending to be?"

On the main podium, Lu Ran indeed said nothing, merely twitching the tip of his nose.

Sniff~

Ever since Jiangjiang Ruyi arrived, it seemed as though spring had grown warm.

Amidst the gentle blowing of the spring breeze, Lu Ran caught a faint scent of jasmine.

Yes, it truly was Jiangjiang Ruyi.

Not an illusion.

"Lu Ran!" The male teacher returned and spoke: "After discussion by the school leadership, the award ceremony will be postponed; you and Jiangjiang Ruyi should spar.

Student Jiang has been cultivating outside for over half a year, and the teachers wish to understand the extent of her progress.

Are you still capable of fighting now?"

Under the anticipation of all the school's teachers and students, Lu Ran pondered for a long while before suddenly blurting out:

"Is there an appearance fee?"

Everyone:???

The male teacher laughed outright, unsure whether he was angry or not: "This duel does not affect the rankings.

You have already secured first place in the school grand tournament, earning 30 Believer Points."

Lu Ran, however, said: "That is what I deserved. This battle should also come with Believer Points, right?"

The male teacher: "."

Below the stage, an uproar erupted; Lu Ran had already secured a full 30 Believer Points, which was hard for some students to bear.

As a result, this little lamb turned out to be greedier than the little wolf cub, actually daring to demand an appearance fee?

"Ten or eight points will do!" Lu Ran turned his head to look at the side of the main podium, gazing at the group of teachers: "I have a premonition!

This battle will be extremely, extremely wonderful! Trust me, esteemed leaders, just 10 Believer Points will suffice.

Ten points won't make you poor, nor will it make me rich!

Ten points, you won't buy a loss, you won't buy a scam!"

"Stop, stop, stop!" The male teacher hurriedly halted Lu Ran.

With one moment of inattention, how did he start hawking like a street vendor?

The expressions of all the teachers were quite spectacular, a mix of amusement and helplessness.

By rights, a strong person like Lu Ran ought to possess the bearing of a master, but this...

Lu Ran, however, didn't feel he was lowering himself.

Earning points isn't shameful~

Besides, Little Jiang Ruyi has been away from school for over half a year; her believer points are truly quite low.

In the future, what will she do if she can't get into a good university?

"Believer points are no small matter; they require discussion at a meeting," the male teacher said after receiving instructions. "The school administration will give it serious consideration."

"You two must go all out and display the demeanor expected of you."

Speaking thus, the male teacher patted Lu Ran's shoulder with one hand and said with earnest gravity, "Whether either side in this match can earn points remains to be discussed."

"But I can tell you in advance: throwing a match will definitely result in a point deduction!"

Lu Ran: "."

They were all sharp operators; who could fool whom?

On the east side of the podium, Jiangjiang Ruyi smiled with gentle eyes, quietly gazing at Lu Ran.

Clever as she was, she also understood Lu Ran's intention.

"Begin!" The male teacher quickly withdrew, holding the whistle in his mouth.

"Peep—"

The whistle sounded immediately; on the podium, only a man and a woman remained.

The two stood far apart, not making a move immediately.

Compared to the previous battles, the atmosphere in the duel arena now lacked any tension of swords drawn and bows bent.

"Long time no see."

Jiangjiang Ruyi looked at Lu Ran with a beaming smile and said softly.

Lu Ran silently nodded.

Yes, long time no see.

Gazing at that incredibly real figure, he once again felt as though he were living in a dream.

She's back already?

Without even saying a word in advance, not a single shred of news.

"You..." Jiangjiang Ruyi's expression showed playful reproach. "Why aren't you speaking?"

"From the moment I arrived until now, you haven't said a single word to me."

Lu Ran finally spoke: "Don't make noise."

Jiangjiang Ruyi was slightly surprised: "Hmm?"

Lu Ran looked the young girl up and down; finally, his gaze settled on that familiar and enchanting face, and he grinned:

"I missed you."

"No need to miss me? I'm standing right here," Jiangjiang Ruyi said, yet she lowered her head slightly.

On those Bai Xi cheeks, a faint blush quietly rose.

A gentle spring breeze blew past, brushing across her slightly shy face, brushing across her lightly dancing hair tips.

"Mm, now I miss you even more."

Lu Ran murmured softly, gazing at this beautiful scene.

The young girl's blushing face indeed surpassed a thousand words.

"Th-this?"

"Wow! Is it this sweet?"

"Learned it, learned it..."

"Damn it, what kind of bullshit opening ceremony is this? Tricking dogs in just to kill them, right?"

"Ahhh, I'm so mad! I'm going to pee in their river of love..."

It's the end of the month; don't hide your monthly tickets~

Thanks to Lingxi for the 10,000-point reward for the character card Lu Ran!

Thanks to the bosses Guarding the City of Time, Seven Seven Together, and River Bamboo Jade Bridge for their tips! Thanks for the support; you bosses are generous!

( ̄▽ ̄)~* Heart

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(End of Chapter)