Chapter 368

Outside, at the teahouse staircase.

Lu Ran caught up with Deng Yuxiang, took the down jacket, and wrapped her body from behind.

Deng Yuxiang's pace stopped.

Her body, which hadn't been warmed through yet, was once again wrapped in the thick down jacket.

To the side, Hu Jiaojiao looked worried, but chose to retreat silently.

Deng Yuxiang took a deep breath, as if trying hard to suppress something, her voice small and light:

"You also think I should avoid the battle?"

Lu Ran walked down a step, stood in front of Deng Yuxiang, and looked up at her with a smile:

"Am I that kind of person?"

Deng Yuxiang lowered her head, quietly watching Lu Ran's eyes.

His eyes were peaceful.

Like a mysterious and deep night sky.

All the emotions thrown in from the outside world couldn't stir up the slightest ripple.

After a long while, Deng Yuxiang gave a soft "Hmm."

Lu Ran picked up her wrists and put them into the sleeves one by one: "Let's go, I'll see you back.

Take a good hot bath, get a good night's sleep, and have a good, hearty fight tomorrow."

As he spoke, Lu Ran pulled up the zipper of the down jacket, pulling it up to the knitted scarf at her neck.

Lu Ran looked into her eyes and said softly: "Adjust your state, be worthy of the Night-Slaying, be worthy of yourself."

Deng Yuxiang raised her hand and rubbed Lu Ran's head.

Her cold expression finally softened a little.

Lu Ran looked at Hu Jiaojiao to the side: "Shall we send her back together?"

Hu Jiaojiao did not refuse: "I'll go back and get my coat."

Lu Ran hurriedly said: "Please pack up the tea snacks; I must make my sister eat a bite today."

What does that mean?

A final meal?

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips and looked at Lu Ran, pushed his head away, and stepped down.

Lu Ran took the sunglasses and hat out of her pocket and put them on her one by one: "Is your place far from here?"

Deng Yuxiang said nothing, her pace not stopping.

Her powerful aura made everyone along the way give way.

When she walked out of the teahouse, even the crowded crowd outside hurriedly retreated.

Lu Ran lowered his head, followed behind her, praying not to be recognized.

The two walked out of the commercial district and headed straight for the direction of the martial arts arena.

At the edge of the pine forest near the martial arts arena, Lu Ran saw a row of low houses, and Deng Yuxiang walked into the small courtyard with a private entrance on the far right.

"You go back." Deng Yuxiang stood in front of the door and unzipped the down jacket.

Lu Ran, however, said: "I'll wait until you've finished your hot bath and are asleep, then I'll go back."

Deng Yuxiang's movements stopped, and she turned to look at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran pursed his lips and smiled, giving her a classic meme expression.

Deng Yuxiang said softly: "Lu Xiao Lu Lu Ran, go back, tomorrow..."

Lu Ran interrupted: "Sister, are you and Hu Jiaojiao very close?"

Deng Yuxiang wasn't annoyed, responding casually: "Hmm."

Lu Ran's face was serious: "How close exactly?"

Deng Yuxiang frowned slightly, was silent for a moment, and said: "Friends who would die for each other."

"Understood, go take your hot bath with peace of mind." Lu Ran stepped back and spread his arms, "I'll stay far away, don't worry, I definitely won't eavesdrop."

How sharp the siblings' ears were, they both knew very well.

Deng Yuxiang was slightly stunned, watching Lu Ran step back step by step.

Until he retreated to the courtyard gate and stood there stubbornly.

The two stared at each other for a long time, each more stubborn than the other.

Suddenly, Deng Yuxiang shook her head and smiled.

This camellia, frozen by frost, carried a trace of broken beauty and bloomed with a moving smile.

She turned, pushed the door open, and walked into the house with big strides.

Lu Ran stood at the courtyard gate, hands in his pockets, looking around.

Before long, he saw a tall, hot figure walking over from not far away.

Truly a baby face and a... great figure.

"Lu Tianjiao, why aren't you going in?" Hu Jiaojiao brought many tea snacks and came to the courtyard gate.

"Ms. Hu." Lu Ran nodded to indicate, "My sister went to take a bath."

Hu Jiaojiao reacted, then smiled: "Then I'll go in and deliver the tea snacks first; do you want a coat?"

Lu Ran tilted his head slightly, signaling to the pine forest to the side: "Want to walk?"

"Sure." Hu Jiaojiao did not hesitate and followed Lu Ran toward the snow forest.

Lu Ran lowered his hat brim and lowered his voice: "Is there really no hope at all?"

Hu Jiaojiao shook her head: "As difficult as ascending to heaven."

In three sparring sessions, Deng Yuxiang was thoroughly defeated every time.

And this was without Senior Liao using a divine weapon!

If both sides were to fight with real blades and guns, Deng Yuxiang's disadvantage would be even greater.

Putting aside the effects of the divine weapon domain, just talking about the basic attributes of the two divine weapons:

The Night-Slaying Broadsword's power, speed, sharpness, toughness, etc., were all comprehensively crushed.

After all, Senior Liao's divine weapon was already an existence of a higher level.

Just like the current Glow Blade and Silent Zhan Ye Dao.

If these two divine weapons were to clash, the Glow has enough strength to snap the Silent Zhan Ye Dao!

Hu Jiaojiao looked at Lu Ran and explained: "Senior Liao holds a high position in my sect and has made great contributions.

She is a member of those guarding the demon cave in the city.

Although she is said to be guarding the demon cave, she is not the type to defend the city, but the type to expand territory.

Unlike the vast majority of people, Senior Liao's martial arts were not gained on the night of the fifteenth or by defending the city.

But were tempered in the depths of the demon cave, in the midst of war."

Lu Ran listened silently.

No wonder the Great Da Da Mengyan was comprehensively crushed.

Hu Jiaojiao sighed, full of regret: "Yuxiang is not bad; in terms of aptitude, she definitely exceeds Senior Liao.

Twenty-two years old, Yuxiang is only twenty-two and is already River Estuary Realm, Third Stage.

It's unimaginable what Yuxiang's future achievements will be.

But at this point in time..."

Jiang Ruyi: "I have sword lessons every day, it's not good to interrupt.

Lu Ran still held a glimmer of hope: "Since Sister Yuxiang is so talented, and everyone is a fellow disciple, will Senior Liao spare her life?"

Hu Jiaojiao suddenly stopped walking, turned to look at Lu Ran: "Would Lu Tianjiao raise a tiger that will cause trouble later?"

Lu Ran pursed his lips.

That's right, knowing that this is an enemy with explosive talent.

Would you keep her and let her grow wildly?

Hu Jiaojiao said: "This battle is unavoidable; Yuxiang's defeat is already set. I tried to persuade her to admit defeat at the right time.

But she wouldn't listen."

Hu Jiaojiao changed the subject: "Yuxiang is different toward you; in front of her, you can almost do whatever you want.

Can I know why this is?"

Hearing this, Lu Ran's thoughts drifted far away.

Because they are comrades-in-arms?

Born and died together, supporting each other, sharing weal and woe?

Because they are from the same hometown?

Regarding their hometown, they have the same goals and ideals?

Because their "Dao" is both rooted in the Rain Alley, like two big trees, their roots closely connected deep underground?

Or perhaps because...

"If you don't want to say it, then don't." Hu Jiaojiao raised her hand and patted Lu Ran's shoulder, "My meaning is, you can try to persuade her.

Losing to a senior who has expanded territory for Lord Bei Feng City is not shameful.

Yuxiang can admit defeat.

And admitting defeat will greatly increase the probability of survival."

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

Hu Jiaojiao was startled: "Huh?"

Lu Ran looked up and exhaled wisps of white mist in the cold air: "A martial artist as bright, dazzling, and extremely proud as Deng Yuxiang will fight to the last moment.

Fighting until exhaustion is the only true defeat."

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

Lu Ran:???

Wh-what's the situation?

Is this exposing her true nature?

Hu Jiaojiao leaned in, her pair of lively almond eyes carefully examining Lu Ran's pupils: "So that's why you can do whatever you want in front of her.

Because you are the same type of person.

Your thoughts are consistent, completely compatible.

You will support her dying in the martial arts arena tomorrow."

Lu Ran stepped back half a step and pushed the woman's hand away: "How could I possibly watch her die."

Hu Jiaojiao raised her eyebrows: "Then you?"

Lu Ran said: "Ms. Hu, is the Lord Bei Feng City Lord your...?"

"So that's the idea you had." Hu Jiaojiao turned to look into the depths of the snow forest and said in a low voice, "Telling you is fine; in order to save Yuxiang's life, I have already gone to beg my grandfather.

More than once.

All on my knees."

Lu Ran: "Then Grandpa Hu..."

Hu Jiaojiao snorted: "The life-and-death contract has already been signed, signed in the temple of the gods, in front of Lord God; there is no room for maneuvering.

Even the City Lord Hu you speak of must act according to the rules!

At least during the battle, he cannot intervene."

As she spoke, Hu Jiaojiao turned to look at Lu Ran, her expression dissatisfied: "Someone like Senior Liao, who kills demons like hemp, knows how to eliminate future trouble.

And you, Deng Yuxiang's good brother, still support your sister fighting until exhaustion.

It seems I can start preparing to collect the corpse for my good friend."

Lu Ran was full of emotion; this is a true best friend, having done so much behind the scenes.

He is willing to believe Hu Jiaojiao.

Because Lu Ran is willing to believe Deng Yuxiang, believe in her vision and ability, and believe in the good friend she has identified.

Lu Ran smiled: "Thank you, Sister Hu.

You value me too much; whether I support it or not cannot change Deng Yuxiang's choice."

Hu Jiaojiao frowned slightly, gave Lu Ran a cold glance, and turned to leave: "Don't call me sister."

"Wasn't that what you requested?"

"I don't want to anymore."

"I bet your best friend won't die." Lu Ran looked at the woman's departing back and suddenly spoke.

Hu Jiaojiao's pace stopped; she didn't turn her head, only gave a sneer: "You bet?

As the number one prodigy of Great Xia, it's better to keep your word."

Lu Ran's voice was very light: "I just support Deng Yuxiang's proud acceptance of the battle.

Following her heart, her thoughts unobstructed.

Victory or defeat, life or death—those are matters for later.

What I support is the process, supporting her to bloom so brightly for her whole life."

Hu Jiaojiao turned around abruptly, her heart moved, vaguely sensing something.

He supports the process.

Not the result!

He even explicitly said he bets Deng Yuxiang won't die!

Lu Ran looked at the other party with a smile.

The life and death of a Great Da Da Mengyan cannot be determined by a piece of life-and-death contract.

And it's definitely not up to some Senior Liao to decide!

"You..." Hu Jiaojiao's expression changed, and finally, she confirmed something, her almond eyes widening slightly.

The next moment, she walked back.

Lu Ran originally had a smile on his face, but soon he panicked a little.

Because Hu Jiaojiao didn't seem to have any intention of stopping?

What is this for?

Charging with the ball?

Lu Ran decisively stepped back, but was grabbed by the sweater collar by Hu Jiaojiao, who pulled him in front of her.

Hu Jiaojiao leaned in, her lips close to Lu Ran's ear, her voice very light: "You have to think about the consequences!

This is Lord Bei Feng City, the holy land of the Lord Bei Feng sect.

Tomorrow's challenge is in the martial arts arena, right under the feet of Lord Lord Bei Feng!

If you dare to interfere in the duel, even if you are the Great Xia..."

"Tomorrow, will City Lord Hu come to preside or watch the battle?" Lu Ran suddenly spoke, interrupting her words.

Hu Jiaojiao stood up straight, looking at the face within arm's reach.

That pair of almond eyes narrowed slightly, no longer lively.

Full of pressure!

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 do it, follow your heart.

At the same time,

I will cover everything for you, and I will bear the consequences.

What kind of god-tier brother is this?

Lu Ran asked again: "Will Grandpa Hu come to the scene in person?"

Hu Jiaojiao's eyes were smiling: "I don't know, do you want to call me sister, and I'll go help you ask?"

Lu Ran pursed his lips: "Didn't you not want me to call you that?"

Hu Jiaojiao rolled her eyes, a little mischievous: "I told you not to call me Sister Hu; it sounds so ugly.

Sister Jiaojiao sounds better, don't you think?"

"Shh!" Lu Ran suddenly issued a command to be quiet.

Hu Jiaojiao's body tightened, and she listened intently.

In the snow forest, a tall figure walked over.

Her hair was wet, obviously having just bathed.

Her tall and slender body was still draped in that thick white down jacket.

Deng Yuxiang's eyes narrowed slightly, looking at the two in the small woods:

"You two, what are you doing?"

"Yuxiang is here?" Hu Jiaojiao let go of Lu Ran's collar and turned to walk over, "I brought you tea snacks.

Just now, you didn't eat much."

Deng Yuxiang looked at the smiling woman before her: "You brought me tea snacks, and delivered them to the small woods."

Hu Jiaojiao: "..."

Lu Ran: "..."

"Alright, alright." Hu Jiaojiao took Deng Yuxiang's arm, "Isn't our brother the Great Xia prodigy!

I just thought I'd have him sign an autograph for me, take a photo, or something."

Deng Yuxiang: "My brother."

Hu Jiaojiao: "Huh?"

Deng Yuxiang pursed her lips and didn't speak again.

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

Why didn't I notice you were so stingy before?

Don't you have two? Share one with me; I want this one, and I'll give you that Tang one."

Hearing this, Deng Yuxiang frowned slightly, her eyes looking somewhat disgusted.

"Cough, cough." Lu Ran coughed, "Let's go back; your hair is frozen dry."

"Go, go, go, I'll blow-dry it for you when we get back, and eat some snacks." Hu Jiaojiao took her good friend away, "Get a good sleep in a while; there's a big battle tomorrow!"

Deng Yuxiang looked at Hu Jiaojiao, feeling something strange in her heart.

Because the day of the challenge was approaching, recently, Hu Jiaojiao had also been very depressed and in a bad mood.

But at this moment, Hu Jiaojiao seemed to have become happy?

Why?

Because of Lu Ran?

"Jiaojiao."

"Hmm?"

"Lu Xiao Lu Lu Ran has a beloved girl, a childhood sweetheart."

Hu Jiaojiao was speechless and turned to look at Lu Ran:

"Hey you, hurry and tell your sister, who am I to you?"

Lu Ran smiled: "Although it's our first meeting, I have a feeling that we are like-minded people.

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

Hu Jiaojiao's smile was playful; she received all the messages, but said:

"Brother, I am your Sister Jiao!"

Lu Ran: "..."

Wasting emotions.

I'm still your Brother Jiao!

Three chapters finished! Asking brothers for monthly ticket support!

(End of chapter)