The kitchen was warmly lit.

At the dining table, a young man and woman were seated.

Lu Ran was devouring his meal, occasionally shooting disgruntled glances at the Li Hua cat comfortably nestled in the girl's lap across the table.

Jiang Ruyi had a slight smile on her face as she played with the cat's paws.

It was precisely these paws!

Lu Ran was very uncomfortable.

It was these very paws that had landed on his face, disrupting his spellcasting.

What's worse was that Ruyi had snapped out of it and fled, claiming she needed to wash her hands.

And then... there was no "then."

"Focus on your food, and stop scaring it," Jiang Ruyi suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.

Lu Ran: "..."

"Meow~" The Li Hua mewed as it nibbled on beef, cooing contently.

It was comfortably nestled in the arms of the girl, earning its meal simply by letting its paws be played with.

Such royal treatment it was receiving.

Lu Ran grew more vexed.

"Hehe~" Jiang Ruyi finally lifted her eyes, unable to stop herself from chuckling as she glanced at Lu Ran, "Eat up, stop staring at Li Hua."

Lu Ran pouted and dug back into his meal without a word.

Jiang Ruyi gently pinched the meat pad under the cat's paw and inquired, "What are your plans for the next half-month?"

Lu Ran shrugged, "Cultivate, I suppose. Won't be going down to the Demon Cave for a while."

Month after month, Lu Ran had been non-stop.

He wanted to cultivate at home for a few solid days.

Besides, this was a golden opportunity!

Deng Tianchang's trio had gone down to the Demon Cave to train, and Sister Xian'er, that tag-along, had been sent back home, too.

Lu Ran planned to take this chance to spend some alone time with Jiang Ruyi.

Watch movies, stroll around the streets—just like ordinary people, these were things Lu Ran wanted too.

"That's fine," Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly, "I'll go back to cultivate as well."

Suddenly, Lu Ran said, "It's late, don't go home. Stay here tonight."

"Ah?" Jiang Ruyi's heart raced, and she looked up at Lu Ran.

Visibly, her fair cheeks flushed again.

Lu Ran, of course, was more than happy to see her blush.

She was so easily embarrassed.

Hmm...quite fun~

Delightful to watch, absolutely delightful!

"No, I can't," Jiang Ruyi lowered her head and whispered softly, "My parents will worry."

Lu Ran laughed, "But you're a River Realm powerhouse, what's there for uncle and auntie to worry about?"

Jiang Ruyi hesitated for a moment, then added, "I need to go back. I have to offer my respects to the deities early in the morning."

Lu Ran thought for a moment, then decided not to press her.

Respecting the deities was a top-priority!

If believers were to train in the Demon Cave, it would be fine.

But when resting at home, which believer wouldn't kneel before the shrine and offer prayers?

Probably, Lu Ran was the only one who slept whenever he wanted, meditated whenever he chose to.

"Ah..." Lu Ran sighed inwardly.

Cats causing delays, even the gods were causing delays!

Quite annoying.

Jiang Ruyi noticed Lu Ran silently devouring his meal and softly broke the silence, "Is it tasty?"

"Uhuh!" Lu Ran nodded vigorously, "Tasty."

Rice, stir-fried vegetables, and beef with goji soup.

The girl's cooking skills were quite impressive, far surpassing canned food.

Jiang Ruyi carefully observed Lu Ran, and seeing that he wasn't angry, felt slightly relieved.

She picked up her chopsticks and tasted the vegetables.

She'd just learned this simple dish from her mother at noon.

Hmm...it tasted pretty good.

Jiang Ruyi placed her chopsticks down and nodded quietly to herself.

She'd learn a few more dishes at home and cook for him.

"Meow~"

Li Hua meowed, its tiny belly rounded from eating, and as drowsiness took over, it found a comfortable position in the girl's arms.

Half an hour later, after Lu Ran had finished his meal and cleaned up the kitchen, he took the keys and escorted Jiang Ruyi home.

Her place wasn't far from his—just a fifteen-minute walk.

Her residential area had a poetic name—Beside the Water.

Together, they walked side by side.

Rain Alley City had a small population, and during the night, the streets were eerily quiet.

This actually suited Lu Ran, who didn't have to worry about being recognized.

His arms hanging naturally by his sides, he stealthily reached out and gently gripped the girl's delicate hand.

Jiang Ruyi allowed him to lead her in silent tandem.

In the spring night, a gentle breeze caressed her long, black hair.

Stars twinkled in the night sky, with a crescent moon hanging.

The dim streetlights cast long shadows of them on the ground.

Jiang Ruyi hadn't realized how swiftly fifteen minutes could pass.

When she came back to her senses, she had already entered her residential area and was standing in front of her own building.

"Best head back," Lu Ran gently squeezed her palm.

"Mm," Jiang Ruyi finally withdrew her hand and whispered, "Goodnight."

Lu Ran watched as she entered the building and then suddenly remembered something: "By the way, Ruyi."

"Hmm?" Jiang Ruyi halted and turned around.

"Here." Lu Ran fished out a key from his pocket.

"What is this?" Jiang Ruyi asked, puzzled.

Lu Ran grinned, "My house keys, to spare you having to use 'Divine Technique' to sneakily pick locks anymore."

"Go away," Jiang Ruyi spat at Lu Ran before turning to leave.

Lu Ran quickly followed up, stuffing the key into her jeans pocket just before the elevator doors closed:

"My mistake, my mistake, don't be mad."

Jiang Ruyi "hmmphed" once but didn't pull out the key, stepping into the elevator instead.

Lu Ran stood outside the elevator, and just before the doors closed, he asked, "Will there be dinner for me tomorrow?"

Jiang Ruyi rolled her eyes at him, "Dream on."

Lu Ran awkwardly scratched his head, "Oh."

As the elevator doors closed firmly and it began to ascend, Jiang Ruyi took out the key and held it in her soft palm, examining it.

She slowly closed her hand around the key, her pretty face slightly blushing, whispered to herself,

"There could be lunch."

Meanwhile, just outside the residential complex.

Lu Ran, looking at the crescent moon, walked through the quiet streets of Rain Alley.

The spring breeze was soothing, and the night was serene.

Listening to the sound of insects, he felt almost as if he had stolen a day's reprieve from a busy life.

Unconsciously, he reached a desolate place.

Looking at the dark abandoned housing complex, Lu Ran felt no fear and walked in.

It had been a long time since he had visited his father.

Tonight, there seemed to be a lot to talk about.

Lu Ran confidently made his way into a building and headed for the rooftop.

However, as he reached the seventh floor, he suddenly stopped.

Sniff~

Lu Ran sniffed the air.

Was that... the scent of camellias?

Lu Ran was slightly taken aback and hurriedly made his way to the rooftop.

Not far from a stone railing, a figure clad in a windbreaker stood quietly.

"Sister?" Lu Ran called out softly.

The woman turned her head, her sharp eyes softening slightly.

"What a coincidence, huh?" Lu Ran was pleasantly surprised.

Seeing Lu Ran's delighted expression, Deng Yuxiang's lips curled slightly.

Under the moonlight, her stunning features were breathtakingly beautiful.

"It's been a while!" Lu Ran approached quickly.

Deng Yuxiang turned her head to gaze southward, towards the bustling Wu Lie River, "Yes, it's been a while.

You haven't been here in a long time."

Lu Ran was surprised and moved closer to her, "Do you come often?"

Deng Yuxiang nodded slightly, "This is where I advanced to Jiang Realm.

I've also been to the bridgehead, riverside, or other building rooftops, but the views of Wu Lie River from those spots just don't feel right."

"I see," Lu Ran said thoughtfully, "After advancing to Jiang Realm, do you need to regularly consolidate your mental state?"

Deng Yuxiang shook her head, "No, it's just that I like the view."

Lu Ran: "..."

"Hehe~" Deng Yuxiang chuckled.

Seeing Lu Ran's deflated appearance, she couldn't help but stretch out her hand to lightly ruffle his hair.

Lu Ran quickly brushed away the Jiang Realm Great Power's invasive hand, "Haven't we not met for nearly three months?"

"I've seen your performance on Heavenly Pride, very impressive," Deng Yuxiang shifted the topic instead of responding.

Right away, Lu Ran said, "Uncle Sun said that you were watching from the top of Wu Lie Building!

I had to perform well!"

Deng Yuxiang shook her head, "You're too small, I couldn't see clearly."

Lu Ran: ? ? ?

What kind of statement was that!

Deng Yuxiang smiled as she watched Lu Ran, not hiding the admiration in her heart: "But I watched your channel, it was marvelous."

"That's more like it," Lu Ran muttered before asking, "So, sis, what've you been busy with lately?"

Deng Yuxiang paused for a moment before slowly saying, "Cultivating."

Lu Ran looked intently at Deng Yuxiang, a hint of concern shadowing his features, "Is there something bothering you?"

"Hehe." Deng Yuxiang chuckled, void of mirth.

It had been several months since their last meeting, and the time had stretched long.

But within just a few exchanges, Lu Ran had made her recall many past events.

With him, she felt like she couldn't hide anything.

Including the very critical matter of her advancement.

Even she had been lost in prolonged confusion, uncertain of how she should advance.

Instead, it was Lu Ran who helped her unearth her inner tenacity, clarified her thoughts, and escorted her into Jiang Realm.

"Sis?"

Looking at Lu Ran's concerned face, Deng Yuxiang softly said, "What, planning to solve my troubles?"

Lu Ran turned around, leaning back against the railing of the rooftop, "Might as well try, right?"

Deng Yuxiang pondered for a moment before speaking softly, "North Wind City wants to call me over."

"The deity?" Lu Ran raised an eyebrow slightly.

Deng Yuxiang shook her head, "No, North Wind City.

At my age, achieving such accomplishments has caught the attention of some seniors who wish to call me over."

Lu Ran nodded, "To guide your cultivation, right? Isn't that a good thing?"

Deng Yuxiang lifted a leg and rested it on the railing, pointing toward the rushing waters of Wu Lie River,

"But my roots are here."

"You don't need a flash of inspiration for minor rank advancements, just keep your heart here."

Before she could reply, Lu Ran added, "Going out to receive guidance from a master, and with access to abundant cultivation resources in North Wind City, you could power through the levels! It'd be fantastic!"

Deng Yuxiang gazed at the river, a trace of doubt clouding her eyes, "But once I go, I don't know when I'll be able to return. This place..."

"Don't you have me?"

"You?"

"Yes," Lu Ran grinned, "I'm here too, this is also my home."

Deng Yuxiang quietly viewed Lu Ran, her gaze flickering slightly.

"What's the matter, you don't trust me?" Lu Ran pretended to be upset, "Hey, I am the celebrated Heavenly Pride of Da Xia, ranked seventh!"

"That is true," Deng Yuxiang finally responded, nodding slightly and uttered a word, "Ran Mei."

Lu Ran shrugged, "Then take a look~"

Suddenly, Deng Yuxiang reached out her hand.

Lu Ran didn't understand, but within moments, he felt a gust of wind rush toward him.

He quickly dodged to the side, hearing a sharp 'snap' as Deng Yuxiang grasped the Night-slaying Great Saber that flew toward them!

She turned to Lu Ran, a slight smile on her lips: "Come on, Ran Mei!

Let me witness your prowess, the seventh of Da Xia."

"No, no, no!" Lu Ran waved his hands frantically, "I didn't bring a saber today."

Deng Yuxiang's eyes narrowed slightly: "You are the saber."

Lu Ran was dumbfounded!

It's got to be you, Big Nightmare!

Just seeing me once to hit me once, huh?

He hurriedly retreated, "Sis! No... not like this, you're about to travel far, let's talk some more!"

"Shh..." Deng Yuxiang closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly, "Listen."

Lu Ran was almost in tears.

No! I don't want to listen!

"Whoosh~"

Deng Yuxiang suddenly lunged at Lu Ran, a faint smile playing around her lips:

"The sound of the wind."

...

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