The twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, evening.

In a house in Luoxian Village, a middle-aged man stood alone, still with a cigarette in hand.

"Phew..."

The man slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, closing his eyes as if to savor the moment.

Stars filled the sky, and the night breeze was gentle.

The village was peaceful.

Everything was so beautiful, until a voice rang out:

"Dad."

"Ah?" The middle-aged man instinctively turned his head to look.

He saw a tall figure standing at the gate of the house.

The girl was wearing a long white dress, floating like a fairy.

Those beautiful eyes were like the deep night sky, seemingly capable of leading one into a universe of dazzling stars and boundless vastness.

Seeing her father a little dazed, Jiang Ruyi spoke softly, "The award ceremony is more than halfway through, and it's almost Lu Ran's turn."

"Ah... Ah!" Jiang Zheng came back to his senses and quickly turned his back.

Though he was the father, he resembled a child caught in wrongdoing, using his broad figure to hide the small cigarette butt.

Jiang Ruyi shook her head with a smile and turned to enter the house.

Jiang Zheng hurriedly took another drag on his cigarette, the heavy smoke soothing his nerves, helping him calm down gradually.

It had been nearly three months since his daughter had ascended to the River Realm.

Jiang Zheng had never quite adjusted to her transformation.

Seeing Jiang Ruyi further Transforming upon their arrival at Luoxian Mountain, he was even more at a loss.

In the first few days of his visit, Jiang Zheng hardly dared to look directly at the fairy-like being.

In fact, both parents understood that from the moment their daughter successfully "Worshiped God," their family of three belonged to two different worlds.

Only, before Ruyi's advancement to the River Realm, the Jiang Family could still deceive themselves.

And the River Realm was like a watershed.

Completely separating the two groups.

Lu Ran had widened this gap to the extreme, as he had secured a Divine Blessing for Jiang Ruyi.

From then on,

Jiang Ruyi, the flower that blossomed above the high ridges, looking down on the world, was fully detached from the mortal realm, ascending to the clouds.

"Phew..."

Jiang Zheng exhaled another puff of smoke and smiled wryly to himself.

This was better, after all.

The journey of life is a process of parents and children gradually drifting apart.

The unique era made it so that families were cleanly and abruptly severed.

Since that day on the first of June, Jiang Zheng had been incapable of protecting his daughter.

He couldn't accompany her to the battlefield.

He was unable to shield her from the Evil Demon's fangs and claws, powerless to protect her as she moved forward.

Having someone like Lu Ran by his side, always with her, always protecting her, was, of course, extremely fortunate.

He could only hope that the young man would remain constant.

At the very least, he should always treat his daughter well.

"Dad." A slightly admonishing voice came once more.

"Coming, coming!" Jiang Zheng took one last drag, hurriedly extinguished the cigarette butt.

Jiang Ruyi, arms folded in front of her, watched her flustered father, a faint smile on her face.

This time, Jiang Ruyi didn't go inside first but waited for him to join her.

Lu Ran was about to go on stage to receive his award; Dad would surely want to watch.

The girl was still as gentle as ever.

She lowered her eyelids, avoiding her gaze, so as not to add any more pressure on her father.

In Luoxian Mountain,

She borrowed the tranquility and serenity from the setting sun and the evening sky.

In the star-studded Galaxy Bay,

She also borrowed the night stars, emulating Lu Ran's demeanor, incorporating them into the bottom of her eyes.

Unfortunately, at this point in time, this was the limit of what Jiang Ruyi could do.

She was still unable to "coexist peacefully" with the rest of the world.

"Ruyi?"

"Mhm." Jiang Ruyi detected the scent of smoke, and her brow slightly furrowed.

Jiang Zheng, looking embarrassed, hurried into the house.

Inside, Zhuang Jingyi's teasing voice could be heard: "You sure know how to put on a show.

Our Lady Luoxian had to invite you twice before you leisurely made your way in?"

Jiang Zheng smiled awkwardly.

"Mom~" Jiang Ruyi objected softly.

"Quick, come sit!" On the sofa, Si Xianxian waved her hand nonstop, "The song is ending, and it'll be Lu Ran's turn soon!"

Jiang Ruyi walked over and sat between her mother and Sister Xian'er.

Si Xianxian was fully equipped, not only watching TV with the family but also holding a mobile phone to watch the barrage of comments.

The atmosphere on the Da Xia channel's live webcast was fervent:

"How long is this song going to last? Can't they be considerate? I'm going to lose it!"

"Yeah! My Ran can clear a street in three seconds, slay Evil Demons eight times in five seconds, aren't they just delaying matters?"

"Looks like there'll be a reunion huh, haha! Going to see Ran again, Ran Dog!!"

"So looking forward to hearing what Ran Shen will say?"

"Recording ready, I'll fall asleep to Ran's voice tonight √"

Si Xianxian watched the barrage with a beaming smile, stealing a glance at Jiang Ruyi next to her before quickly typing:

"Love Ran the most~"

Beside her, Jiang Ruyi elegantly crossed her legs, watching the TV.

The singer, amid waves of applause, finally left the stage.

A glamorous female host appeared on the stage with a big smile: "Up to now, nine Heavenly Prides have taken the stage, sharing their growth experiences.

And this last one..."

While the hostess spoke, thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles exploded across the large auditorium.

The host continued to smile, her voice growing more emphatic: "Please welcome the first place winner of the 2019 annual Lunar Year of the Pig, Da Xia's genius..."

The name Lu Ran was completely drowned out by cheers.

In the dazzlingly adorned auditorium, thousands of spectators seemed ready to rip the roof off.

On the grand and stylish stage, a young man, guided by staff, emerged from backstage.

"Wow!" Si Xianxian immediately lit up with excitement.

Zhuang Jingyi snuggled up to her husband's shoulder, the more she watched, the happier she became, growing increasingly satisfied in her heart.

Jiang Ruyi's eyes also shone brilliantly.

Lu Ran had never dressed so formally before.

She was accustomed to seeing Lu Ran in school uniforms, combat attire, and casual wear.

But she had never seen Lu Ran in a trim suit.

His figure was just as upright, tall and slender, with deep and peaceful eyes, and a gentle smile on his face.

The epitome of a gentleman, refined as jade.

Perfectly fitting the style of the Immortal Sheep.

completely different from the Heavenly Pride Lu Tiangiao's slaughter on the battlefield.

The barrage of comments in the broadcast exploded, covering the scene of Lu Ran receiving the trophy.

"Is that truly my Ran Dog?"

"Big nephew... no, husband! Husband~~~"

"Wuuu, my Ran! My Ran!!"

"@Jiang Ruyi, don't get too cocky, you can't always be home, right?"

"Heh, a bunch of bumpkins! When I was young, at Lu Ran's age."

"Are you for real right now?"

"Baa'ing up~!"

Center stage, Lu Ran, cradling the trophy symbolizing his top ranking, weighed it in his hand.

It was quite exquisite.

Above the base, a gleaming golden pentagram.

The applause continued as Lu Ran looked down at the audience, seeing pair after pair of fervent eyes, and he gently gestured with his hand.

After some time, the auditorium finally quieted down.

Lu Ran moved closer to the microphone and said, "The director team told me to say something inspirational, something uplifting.

I think my attitude is already displayed in every episode of 'Heavenly Pride.'

Every battle, every swing of my sword..."

"Whistle~~~"

A whistle suddenly pierced the air, interrupting Lu Ran's speech.

Lu Ran grinned towards the front left, saying, "Don't forget to pick up your pay backstage after the show."

"Ha ha!"

"Hehehe..." Amidst the laughter, Lu Ran grew slightly more solemn.

"Life is suffering, all beings suffer.

No matter how poor or rich, strong or weak, no matter where you are, without exception.

It's as if being born is a sin."

The atmosphere in the hall slowly tensed.

"My hometown is a small and old city,

A place cursed.

It is constantly shrouded in dark clouds, buffeted by wind and rain.

Ghosts often roam at night, and the Demon Lord appears frequently.

I used to wonder why my hometown suffered such hardship.

Later, I realized,

It's not just Rain Alley City, it's the whole world."

"My father, Lu Xing, was an honorable soldier.

He fought at Rain Alley City, he died at Rain Alley City.

I also once wondered why I, so young, had to endure such parting through life and death.

Later, I realized,

It wasn't just me, it's the whole world."

Lu Ran's gaze swept over the solemn faces, speaking softly, "Will it always be like this?

I don't know.

Then... will things get better?"

The auditorium fell deadly silent.

Lu Ran paused for a moment before speaking, "Maybe."

"I believe in you!"

"It has to! I believe! I believe in you!" Suddenly, a flurry of voices rose from below.

Emotionally charged, their voices breaking.

In this very special era, Lu Ran's influence and charisma were unimaginable.

Lu Ran chuckled, "There's a few more now who need to collect money backstage."

But this time, there was no laughter in the hall.

Most people were solemn and silent, a few shouted loudly.

Lu Ran spoke out, quelling the shouts: "I'm trying, and thankfully, there are millions of people who share my ambitions and are also trying.

I think my performance in 'Heavenly Pride' is convincing enough.

Even if bloodied and beaten, even if shattered to pieces...

Maybe I'll fail in the end, but I'm telling you now, I'll try very hard!"

"Lu Ran!"

"Lu Ran!! Lu Ran!!"

The applause rose gradually, louder and louder.

Yet Lu Ran gestured with his hand, continuing, "I agree with a saying.

Life,

is not about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain."

Lu Ran once again looked at the crowd, his gaze passing over silent, contemplative, or eagerly anticipatory faces.

Finally, Lu Ran looked toward the camera, his eyes meeting thousands upon thousands through the screen.

"The rain in Rain Alley City is plentiful; I've already learned how to, now it's your turn."

"Live longer."

"Stride more gracefully through the rain."

Lu Ran nodded with a smile, speaking softly, "What if?"

These three words sounded disjointed and abrupt.

But people understood what Lu Ran was saying.

Perhaps not reaching deeper levels, but following Lu Ran's theme, they grasped one meaning:

What if this world could become better?

Boom!!

The auditorium exploded.

Amid resounding applause, voices surged like a tidal wave!

Top ten Heavenly Prides all went on stage to receive their awards, the previous nine shared their growth experiences and insights.

The nine Heavenly Prides also comforted and encouraged people to live on.

But no one would have imagined

that the young man standing at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Prides would say such words!

It was as if people suddenly understood something.

Compared to the scores, the rankings on the list that gave Lu Ran the name "first Heavenly Pride."

Perhaps, what truly brought Lu Ran to the summit of the Heavenly Pride

were his dreams,

his boundless ambitions!

Inside the broadcast room, the barrage of comments piled up, surging outward:

"What if?"

"What if?"

"What if?"

...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.