The next day, Xu Ran began to formally prepare for the founding of the Xu Sect.
Even though he had obtained the land from Qian Renxue, building it up wasn't something that could be accomplished in a short while. Thus, Xu Ran decided to first establish a campus power within Shrek Academy, and move out when the time was right.
"Xu Ran, not bad, not bad at all, you're now capable of establishing your own sect; you truly deserve to be called our academy's number one genius and a role model for Shrek Academy," Zhao Wuji, Flander, Liu Erlong, and others all came over, with Flander speaking to Xu Ran, his eyes filled with admiration.
He still remembered when Xu Ran had first arrived at Shrek Academy, with only the cultivation level of a Soul Elder, yet he was able to injure him, a Soul Sage. At that time, Flander knew Xu Ran was truly a dragon among men, destined to shake the world one day.
Now, Xu Ran had already reached such a level, known throughout the world not just as a peerless genius but as a peerless powerhouse.
"Sect Leader Xu," Zhao Wuji and the others teased.
"My dear teachers, Dean Flander, please stop making fun of me. My sect isn't quite off the ground yet. Including myself, there are only four of us in the Xu Sect," Xu Ran shrugged. The four people referred to were naturally himself, Zhu Qing, Xiaowu, and Rongrong.
"Hehe, don't we count too?" Dugu Yan said coyly, holding Ye Lingling's hand as they approached. Dugu Yan was still as enchanting as ever, dressed to the nines, with a slender figure and a snake-like alluring waist. Ye Lingling wore a black dress and a veil over her face.
"Yan Yan, Lingling," Xu Ran's eyes lit up. The Xu Sect was not lacking in numbers; they only accepted geniuses. Hence, for the time being, he only planned to bring his own women into the Xu Sect. Anyone else wishing to join would need to undergo an assessment.
"Xu Ran."
"Master," Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling greeted Xu Ran. Having spent so much time with him, Ye Lingling was now able to call out to Xu Ran as her master in front of others. Had it been before, she would have hesitated and blushed for quite a while.
"Who are these young ladies?" Liu Erlong, who had been quiet, couldn't help but ask, seeing two such beautiful girls being so familiar with Xu Ran and even calling him master. A tinge of jealousy rose in her heart.
If it weren't for the presence of others, she would probably have thrown herself into Xu Ran's arms to feel his love.
"Could these be the two talents from Sky Dou Royal Academy?" Flander's eyes brightened as he looked at Xu Ran. Xu Ran truly was incredible. The most talented geniuses from Sky Dou Royal Academy were now his to claim.
But then thinking of Xu Ran's own talent and strength, he couldn't help clicking his tongue in appreciation. With such power, it was natural that the girls around him would be of the most exceptional caliber.
"Sky Dou Royal Academy's Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling greet the esteemed seniors," Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling greeted Flander and the others with a bow.
"Indeed from Sky Dou Royal Academy, no need for formalities," Flander said, waving his hand. Seeing Xu Ran surrounded by women, his gaze involuntarily shifted to Liu Erlong.
Liu Erlong was becoming more breathtakingly beautiful by the day, looking every bit the elite professional woman. With her straight skirt, stockings and white blouse tucked into her skirt, she exuded efficiency, with her shapely and ample figure highlighted.
Seeing Liu Erlong looking so gorgeous, he felt all other women in the world paled in comparison. Only a woman like Liu Erlong could catch his eye. Although he had met many beautiful young girls at Shrek Academy, most of them were too immature for his taste. He might be the dean with plenty of hidden maneuvers at his disposal, but he was above taking advantage of such things.
Flander opened his mouth, intending to ask Xu Ran for tips on wooing women, but seeing so many people around him, he didn't call Xu Ran aside to ask.
Having spent so many days with Xu Ran, he had learned quite a few tricks and should be fine, right?
He, Flander, couldn't possibly fail to win over a woman, could he?
Now that his greatest rival, Yu Xiaogang, had fallen from grace, unable to recover from his downfall, and Liu Erlong was still single and in low spirits, couldn't Flander seize this opportunity to make his move?
Since when was Flander the type to get easily discouraged?
"Well, Xu Ran, we'll be leaving first. I wish your Xu Sect all the best in opening its gates, and if possible, try to take in more students from our academy. A newly founded sect like Xu Sect could use some disciples to help out with various tasks," Flander said. With Xu Ran around, even if someone claimed that Xu Sect would surpass Martial Soul Hall to become the number one Holy Land on the Soul Land Continent, he would believe it. It all depended on whether Xu Ran wanted to do it or not.
But with Xu Ran's name backing it, Xu Sect was sure to become renowned throughout the world in the future. Just Xu Ran alone, not to mention the group of exceptional beauties with extraordinary talent by his side, was enough to support a super sect.
Xiaowu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling… Each one of them possessed the potential to become a Titled Douluo.
"Oh yes, Xu Ran, you have to represent Shrek Academy in the upcoming Continental Soul Master Academy Competition and take the opportunity to promote our academy," Flander added.
If Xu Ran showed up at the Soul Master Competition, with his current strength, he could annihilate the competition with just a breath. The shock that would cause to everyone else was unimaginable.
Even he had been shocked by Xu Ran so many times, so outsiders would surely be even more so.
By then, Shrek Academy, with Xu Ran among its ranks, would undoubtedly become a Holy Land of the Soul Master Academy. After all, it was the academy that had nurtured talents like Xu Ran. Even though he wasn't the one who had done the nurturing, pfft, they were still students of their academy; if not him, then who had nurtured them?
"Okay," Xu Ran nodded. In a flash, he had been in Soul Land for quite some time now. But he thought of all the things he had done, all the girls he had charmed…
The Continental Soul Master Academy Competition could indeed be worth attending, if only to meet Bi Bidong and expose Yu Xiaogang's true face, showing him the meaning of cruelty.
He had been intending to go to Spirit City to see Bi Bidong anyway, and as it turned out, the Soul Master Competition was being held there.
After Flander and the others left, Xu Ran spent some sweet time with the two women, then he took them to meet Xiaowu and the rest.
To Xu Ran's surprise, there was no significant awkwardness among the girls. He wasn't sure if it was an act or genuine enthusiasm, but they grouped up and went shopping together. Xu Ran was happy to have some peace and, after letting them know, headed towards Skywater City.
He had been away from Tianshui College for some days, and he was starting to miss it.
Especially Shui Yue'er, that girl was so charming in so many ways, he was utterly smitten. Of course, he missed Bing'er and Xue'er as well; he had to at least have one of them before returning.
Should it be the black-haired Xue Wu or the ice-blue-haired Shui Bing'er?
This seemed to be a question. Why not both?