Hidden Gauze Sect, Main Peak Training Ground.
A group of young disciples had gathered here.
Most of them were newcomers who had recently joined the sect, and there were also some who had missed the previous trials.
They were nervous and excited about the upcoming trial.
"I heard that the Ten Thousand Mountains are super scary, with countless demons and monsters wandering around in it at all times. Isn't it like a death trap for us rookies?"
"We're just a bunch of greenhorns. Are we going to be a feast for demons?"
"Don't worry, the sect won't send us to our deaths. We'll only be at the outskirts of the Ten Thousand Mountains. It's not that dangerous."
"And we have senior brothers with us. What's there to worry about?"
"I wonder which senior brother will lead us this time. I hope he's handsome; it'll make the trial more enjoyable."
"You daydreamer..."
Listening to the discussions of the disciples around her, Lu Xinran sighed and furrowed her brow.
She was also part of the group going on the trial.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she stood out among the Qi Refinement disciples and had become a senior sister.
However, she couldn't find any joy in it.
Every time she thought about how she couldn't see the Holy Son for a long time, her heart felt empty.
"Ah, I was planning to make plum blossom cakes for His Holiness. Looks like I'll have to wait until I return."
In her heart, cultivation always took a back seat...
Suddenly, the noisy discussions came to a halt.
"What's going on?"
Lu Xinran looked around in confusion, only to see a figure in white descending gracefully.
Her small mouth hung open, her eyes filled with disbelief.
"Holy... Holy Son?!"
Li Ran landed in the center of the training ground.
He looked handsome and confident, his aura radiant.
He scanned the surroundings with an indifferent expression and said, "I am the leader of this sect's expedition."
"My task is to ensure your safety."
"As for everything else, whether it's a missing arm or a broken leg, it has nothing to do with me."
"So, my only requirement for all of you is..."
"Survive!"
"Half an hour from now, gather at the teleportation array. Anyone who arrives late will be judged as defeated!"
Li Ran's words were concise and to the point. After speaking, he soared into the sky and departed.
The training ground fell silent for a moment, then erupted into excitement.
"Who is this senior brother? He's so handsome!"
"Especially that cold and aloof aura, it's just too cool!"
"I'm in love!"
The female disciples' eyes sparkled with admiration.
Most of them were outer disciples who rarely had the chance to interact with Li Ran, so they didn't recognize him.
"Don't you all recognize him? He's our sect's Holy Son, Li Ran, the number one genius of Hidden Gauze Sect!"
"Holy Son?"
"He's the Holy Son, Li Ran?"
"Oh my goodness!"
They exchanged amazed glances.
He was a legendary figure, and this was just a minor trial. Yet, the Holy Son himself was leading the way?
Lu Xinran giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
She's so lucky!
"Unexpectedly, I can actually go through the trial together with the Holy Son. Such great luck, hoho!"
...
Li Ran returned to his residence.
Ah Qin also knew about the matter regarding him leading the sect disciple on the trial, and was helping him pack his belongings.
Because she was not a disciple of the Hidden Gauze Sect, she couldn't accompany him on this trial.
"Lord Holy Son, these are your replacement clothes for this period. If they get dirty, just change into new ones."
"These are the snacks for the journey, all the ones you usually enjoy. They won't rot even if you put them in the storage ring."
"This is..."
Li Ran chuckled, "Alright, I'm not going on vacation, just a regular trial, I'll be back soon."
"Yes, Ah Qin will work hard in her cultivation while waiting for the return of Lord Holy Son," she said seriously.
"Good girl."
Li Ran ruffled her little head.
Ah Qin squinted her eyes, looking extremely content.
"Ah Qin is already at the middle stage of Qi Refinement. According to the Mysterious Luminous Scripture, as long as Ah Qin successfully builds her foundation, Ah Qin can double cultivate with Lord Holy So-Hmmph!!"
Li Ran, feeling awkward, covered her mouth with his big hand.
"Besides cultivating with me, can't you have some other pursuits?"
"Hmm?"
Ah Qin's black and white eyes blinked innocently at him.
Li Ran: "..."
Li Ran let out a sigh, and then, with a smile, he rubbed Ah Qin's head and said: "Alright, alright, I'll be back soon. No need to think about that right now."
"Hmm!"
After ensuring that his belongings were packed and that he had everything he needed, Li Ran headed out of his room. His gaze shifted towards the towering peak of the Rakshasa Peak.
It had been a while since he last saw Leng Wuyan, and he had a slight uncertainty in his heart. He wondered if she was still upset about their last encounter when she had shyly run away.
Just as he was lost in thought, a female disciple approached him hurriedly.
"Holy Son."
"Ah, Steward Wang? Do you need something?" Li Ran asked.
Steward Wang nodded and handed him an envelope. "This is a letter that the Sect Master asked me to give you before you depart."
"A letter?" Li Ran was momentarily surprised but took it from her. "Did the Sect Master mention anything else?"
Steward Wang shook her head. "No, she did not."
"Very well."
Once she left, Li Ran opened the envelope and infused it with his spiritual energy. Leng Wuyan's cool voice echoed in his ears:
"Ran, I have to make a trip to the Southern Border for important matters and won't be able to personally see you off."
"Take care of yourself, return early, and I'll have a surprise for you when you come back."
"When you're out there, as a young man, remember to protect yourself and not get involved with others. Otherwise, I won't acknowledge you."
"Remember to think of me every day. Your... your fiancée..."
Her voice gradually faded, and Li Ran could almost imagine her blushing as she recorded the message.
Li Ran couldn't help but shake his head, and with a happy tone, he said: "Sigh* With a lover as sweet as this, how can someone not end up in diabetes?"
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