Chapter 10: Xu Ran Fights

The patriarch of the Zhu family, Zhu Zihao, and three senior elders arrived early in the grand hall. However, their minds seemed to be elsewhere today. Normally, a family gathering would be a significant event, yet none of them seemed particularly engaged at the moment.

The Zhu family wasn't lacking in powerful soul masters in the ranks of Soul Emperors or Soul Saints. Only someone like Xu Ran, who had the potential to break through to the level of a Titled Douluo, could command their attention.

So, at today's family gathering, the only person who warranted their focus was Xu Ran.

A thirty-one-level Soul Elder at the age of twelve—such prodigious talent had not been seen in the Star Luo Empire for centuries.

The emergence of a talent of this caliber in their family was nothing short of divine favor.

Zhu Zhuqing was also present in the grand hall. She wore a long dress with black and gold embroidery that highlighted her full figure and slender legs. She stood out distinctly, like a crane amidst a flock of chickens.

Numerous eyes in the grand hall turned towards her, awash with amazement and tinged with a sense of helplessness and regret.

Among all the family members, Zhu Zhuqing's natural abilities were unparalleled, even outpacing those of her older sister, Zhu Zhuyun. Yet her fate seemed sealed, as she was betrothed to a man regarded as worthless and cowardly.

There was an old saying: beauty often led to tragic fates. If nothing changed, Zhu Zhuqing would likely meet an unfortunate end within a decade or so.

Yet, Zhu Zhuqing paid no mind to these gazes; she had grown accustomed to such looks over the years. She never cared for others' opinions; she lived for herself alone.

Her eyes continually swept the room, searching for Xu Ran. After some time, she couldn't hide her disappointment. Ever since that night, she hadn't seen him again. It was as if he had vanished from the face of the Earth, and now, he was even absent from this all-important family gathering.

Had Xu Ran become disillusioned with her? But considering both their statuses, how could they possibly be together? Even if she harbored feelings for him, could they defy the royal family?

She didn't want to be a burden on Xu Ran, but when he left, she couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. Would he come back? Uncertainty filled her mind. Though they had met only a few times, she couldn't deny that Xu Ran had left an imprint on her heart.

"Zhuqing, I'm sorry I'm late," Xu Ran entered the hall and immediately spotted Zhu Zhuqing. She looked stunning today, her long dress revealing a glimpse of her fair legs, drawing many stolen glances from the crowd.

Today was the day of the family gathering, and he had to persuade the family patriarch, Zhu Zihao, to break off Zhu Zhuqing's engagement with Dai Mubai. Once that was done, he'd have the chance to make his move. Given his talents, Zhu Zihao might even consider betrothing Zhuqing to him.

"Xu Ran, you're finally here. I thought you wouldn't come to the family assembly today," Zhu Zhuqing said, lifting her head. The moment she heard his voice, she felt an uncontrollable sense of joy. She looked at his face and breathed a sigh of relief; clearly, she had been overthinking. How could someone as kind as Xu Ran be mad at her?

"Here's your jacket; I've washed it," Zhu Zhuqing approached Xu Ran, handing him the garment she had been clutching.

"Thank you, Zhuqing, you're so capable. Whoever marries you would be incredibly lucky," Xu Ran took the jacket with a smile. He couldn't help but fantasize a little about their future together. Zhuqing naturally possessed a nurturing disposition, one that seemed particularly conducive to training...

T/N: If you know what he mean ;)

"Don't talk nonsense," Zhu Zhuqing's face turned red as she playfully punched Xu Ran. It didn't hurt, but rather appeared as if she was being coy. This unexpected side of her caught the people in the hall by surprise.

"Who is this guy? Why is he so close to the Second Miss?"

"And she was holding his jacket, what's going on? Could it be...?"

Speculations swirled among the disciples, as their minds began to race with possibilities.

Meanwhile, there was a sense of displeasure among them. Who was Xu Ran? A name they had never heard before, and yet he was so close to Zhu Zhuqing. It seemed she even had feelings for him.

"My name is Zhu Ling, a 28th level Soul Grandmaster. I would like to challenge you," a young man in black attire walked up to Xu Ran, disdain evident in his voice. Even if he couldn't win Zhu Zhuqing's heart, he couldn't allow another man to do so either. With Zhu Zhuqing's beauty and talents, what did Xu Ran think he was?

Zhu Ling's words caught everyone's attention. Zhu Zihao and the three elders also focused their gaze on the unfolding drama, curious to see Xu Ran's abilities.

At the age of sixteen, Hun Zun's cultivation speed was already impressively fast. But what about his actual strength?

It's crucial to understand that one's level of cultivation does not necessarily equate to one's true power.

"Is that all you've got?" Xu Ran asked calmly. "You're too timid to even flirt with girls, and yet you grow jealous when others succeed. People like you are utterly shameless."

"Hmph, arrogant. If you lose, stay away from Miss Zhu Zhuqing," Zhu Ling retorted, immediately releasing his martial soul, the Netherworld Spirit Cat. The display of his Level 28 soul force earned approving nods from many disciples in the hall. After all, this was a gathering of the younger generation, and for a sixteen-year-old like Zhu Ling to possess such prowess was commendable.

However, even after Zhu Ling had released his martial spirit, Xu Ran remained unmoved, maintaining an air of nonchalance.

Such audacity instantly infuriated Zhu Ling. He detected a trace of disdain and indifference in Xu Ran's gaze, and his ire surged uncontrollably.

How dare a branch family member like Xu Ran look down upon him?

The surrounding members of the Zhu family burst into laughter at Xu Ran's attitude.

"What level is Zhu Ling at? And Xu Ran dares to act so arrogantly? He hasn't even released his martial spirit. No matter how strong he is, he couldn't possibly be Zhu Ling's match."

"Xu Ran just wants to show off in front of the second young miss."

"Doesn't he realize how powerful Zhu Ling is? A Level 28 in our young generation is quite strong."

"If Xu Ran can defeat Zhu Ling, I'll eat my hat right here," declared one disciple, full of bravado. However, those who had witnessed Xu Ran's capabilities in the square earlier remained silent, watching with keen interest.

Amidst the cacophony of speculation and derision, Zhu Ling's confidence swelled to bursting. With a scornful laugh, he charged toward Xu Ran, instantly unleashing his second soul skill, intending to show just how powerful a main family disciple could be. Branch family members who didn't even have the clan's martial spirit dared to pursue the second young miss? Such audacity!

In Zhu Ling's mind, defeating Xu Ran might even attract the attention of Zhu Zhuqing. Although he dared not establish a relationship with her, the thought of winning the affection of such a beautiful woman provided ample fodder for boasting.

However, his dreams were shattered in an instant.

"Boom."

A thunderous explosion echoed through the hall. Before Zhu Ling could even get close to Xu Ran, he found himself catapulted backward, landing several meters away.

And all this while, Xu Ran had not even released his martial spirit.

Xu Ran's actions were limited to two simple movements: unsheathing his sword and sheathing it back.

Both movements were executed swiftly and cleanly, completed in less than a second, without a trace of hesitation.

The spectacle left the assembled disciples utterly dumbfounded. Even the patriarch Zhu Zihao and the three elders appeared slightly bewildered, staring at Xu Ran in astonishment.

A Level 28 Soul Grandmaster had just been defeated in an instant, and that too when Xu Ran hadn't even activated his martial spirit.

Could this really be happening?

At that moment, Zhu Ling was lying on the ground, wincing in pain and curled into a ball. His mind raced with incredulity; he had never imagined Xu Ran could be this powerful. The sheer force behind that single sword strike was staggering. Not just him, but anyone in the hall below the level of Soul Elder would not have been able to withstand it. Just how powerful was Xu Ran? Was he at the level of a Soul Saint? Otherwise, how could he be so strong without even releasing his martial spirit?

"Do you yield?" Xu Ran looked toward Zhu Ling and spoke calmly. This was his first real battle, and clearly, the martial spirit bestowed upon him by the system was truly invincible. He had a premonition that even though he was merely a Soul Elder, he could potentially hold his own against a Soul King if he fought with all his might.

"I yield, I truly yield, my lord," Zhu Ling quickly nodded, staring at Xu Ran's pitch-black sword with a shiver running down his spine. Had Xu Ran activated his martial spirit, Zhu Ling feared he would have been cleaved in two.

The onlookers, other disciples who had witnessed this scene, also involuntarily shivered, looking at Xu Ran with a newfound sense of respect. In this world, strength commanded respect and opened doors to endless possibilities.

"Xu Ran is incredibly strong, much stronger than I had imagined," Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but remark, a hint of a smile breaking through her otherwise cold and poised face.

Xu Ran's true strength exceeded her expectations by a large margin. With this single display, his actual prowess could at least rival that of a Soul Ancestor or even Soul King. Considering how young he was, Xu Ran was undeniably one of the most prodigious talents on the continent.

Xu Ran's future appeared limitless. There was even a chance that he could ascend to the rank of a Titled Douluo.