Chapter 361: Ran Family Birthday Banquet, the Helplessness Behind It

"What's wrong with a hug between friends?"

Zhu Xingyao slid down from Lu Jing, her face full of smiles.

Dong Ningxue shook her head, having no way to help Zhu Xingyao, and looked at Lu Jing, saying:

"We still have to thank you; basking in your light, both my and Xingyao's military ranks have risen a level, and our treatment is much better than before!"

"Is that so?"

Lu Jing was slightly startled, not expecting that his endorsement of General Star was such a great help to Dong Ningxue and him.

"Hmm, by the way, why did you suddenly return? Isn't General Star always busy?"

Dong Ningxue asked.

"I took a mission here, and stopped by to see you both."

Lu Jing told the two women that he had taken the Yuanxi mission.

Dong Ningxue and Zhu Xingyao's expressions clearly turned sour.

Zhu Xingyao shook her head repeatedly, "Why did you take such a mission? Yuanxi is very dangerous!"

"Yeah, listen to me, turn down this mission!"

Dong Ningxue also frowned and urged.

"Don't worry, you forgot I'm a Talent Endowed of the mental type; the blood mist inside can't affect me, and if it's dangerous inside, I'll withdraw in time."

Lu Jing said with a smile.

"Sigh, I really can't understand your thinking, that's too risky..."

Dong Ningxue looked anxious, just about to continue persuading, when Lu Jing abruptly cut in.

"Let's not talk now; I need to rejoin the main force. When you get back, remember to treat me to a meal."

Having said that, he headed toward the Grade A Cave entrance.

Meanwhile.

The Ran family in Kyoto is situated on the mid‑slope of a mountain called Qingfeng Mountain.

Amid the picturesque forested mountains, numerous splendid buildings are dotted throughout.

In a spacious courtyard, many finely carved stone chairs and tables are arranged densely.

Lanterns and ribbons are strung inside and out of the courtyard, exuding festive joy.

Many Ran clan members, according to their rights and status within the family, sit in order on the stone chairs, their expressions both excited and thrilled.

At the front, the War God Ran Jianfeng sits at the head on a purple rattan chair, beside him are the Ran elders and some great clan heads.

Today is Ran Jianfeng's birthday banquet, arranged especially lively and splendid.

The scent of wine fills the air, the fruits and dishes are fresh, and gifts piled on a receiving table in the courtyard form a small hill.

"All the green mountains glow in the evening light; may Ran Jianfeng's blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and his longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains!"

"The Ran family head really looks young; may the Ran family stay evergreen all year under your leadership!"

Many guests come up to clink cups with Ran Jianfeng, their mouths full of compliments and congratulatory words.

Ran Jianfeng's smile never ceased, his face flushed, repeatedly nodding.

After drinking a while longer, Ran Jianfeng, still seated on the rattan chair, suddenly spoke: "Ranqingmo, come to grandpa!"

The courtyard's noise instantly lessened a great deal.

Everyone's gaze shifted to a beautiful woman in a black dress, slender and graceful.

"Grandpa."

Ranqingmo stood up, her long dress fluttering gently in the wind, and she stepped forward to pour wine for Ran Jianfeng.

"Where is that kid Lu Jing?"

Ran Jianfeng glanced at Ranqingmo, seeming very displeased.

Ranqingmo said nothing, only lowering her head.

"He didn't come?!"

Ran Jianfeng asked again, his tone clearly adding suppressed anger and heat.

Seeing Ran Jianfeng showing signs of anger, a nearby guest hurriedly intervened.

"Ran family head, calm down."

"Indeed, on such a grand birthday, you must not get angry!"

They mostly know that Ran Jianfeng has his eye on a grandson‑in‑law named Lu Jing.

And on Ran Jianfeng's grand birthday, this Lu Jing is absent; doesn't that mean he doesn't regard the Ran family?

Ranqingmo remained silent for a while.

She lowered her head and stepped forward.

"Grandpa, Lu Jing didn't come..."

Ran Jianfeng took a deep breath; with his War God's terrifying perception, how could he not know Lu Jing was not present?

It was precisely because he hadn't seen Lu Jing that he called Ranqingmo up.

"Oh? Didn't I give you time to get along well? Why is only you here today?"

Ran Jianfeng slightly raised his sword‑like eyebrows; the War God's aura leaked just a hint, pressing the entire hall's guests into silence.

Ranqingmo lowered her head, her eyes flickered, and in a still cool and calm tone, "Lu Jing broke off contact with me some time ago; since then, the granddaughter hasn't seen him again."

A Ran clan member stepped forward and said, "Family head, I think I know where Lu Jing is; if the intel is correct, this son should be in the military department, having entered the Cave battlefield!"

Following that, some Ran clan members serving in the military also echoed: "Yes, family head, Lu Jing recently achieved great merit on the Cave battlefield, single‑handedly slaying a Lord‑level Aberrant Beast, turning the tide, and cutting the Grade A Cave's area in half!"

But Ran Jianfeng didn't register any of those words, not even blinking an eye.

He looked at Ranqingmo with eyes full of sword intent, and said, "Ranqingmo, what do you think of Lu Jing?"

Ranqingmo raised her head and stared directly into Ran Jianfeng's eyes, said:

Outstanding talent, a genius of the Martial Way, he is truly extraordinary.

Her voice remained calm and mild, seeming out of place in this noisy, bustling environment.

"I'm not asking about those things; I'm asking what you think of Grandfather's decision—will you hate me?"

After a moment of silence, Ran Jianfeng continued to ask softly.

At this moment his anger had completely faded, his face showing helplessness and self-reproach.

The Ran family is large and prosperous, but only Ranqingmo is capable of holding her own in public.

Now he is nearly five hundred years old; even if he is in the Martial God Realm, he can live at most another hundred years.

To continue the Ran family's glory a hundred years from now, he had no choice but to take this measure, intending to bind Lu Jing to the Ran family.

This also overlooked Ranqingmo's own wishes.

Ranqingmo agreed so readily and offered no resistance because she only knew Ran Jianfeng's purpose.

Even though her talent is near monstrous, she is ultimately just a woman.

Aside from the Martial Way, she knows nothing about management and business.

To strengthen the family's power, a marriage alliance is inevitable.

Rather than marry into another great family's son, it would be better to take a son-in-law who lives in the family.

And Lu Jing is undoubtedly the best choice.

"My granddaughter will not hate you."

Ranqingmo pondered seriously for a moment, then shook her head and said: "I also have a little affection for Lu Jing; even if Grandfather let me choose myself, he would still be my first choice."

As she said this, a flash of Lu Jing winning the championship at the Martial Way Assembly crossed her clear, cold eyes.

Such a man—strong in ability, excellent in character, flawless in appearance and physique—is indeed the best choice.

"Hahaha, that's great!"

Ran Jianfeng laughed heartily.

The oppressive atmosphere on the field instantly dissipated, and the courtyard became noisy again.

Ran Jianfeng rose from the rattan chair, came to Ranqingmo's side, patted her shoulder, sighed softly, and said:

"Ranqingmo, since that's the case, you must seize this man yourself; I hope to see the day you bring him home!"