A week had gone by, and the name Xu Ran increasingly resonated throughout the Xingluo Empire.
Since the emperor's edict finally reached every part of the Xingluo Empire, from Xingluo City to every other locale, everyone knew of a twelve-year-old young genius who had been awarded the title of Marquis.
Xu Ran became an instant sensation, especially in Xingluo City, where he could often hear about himself being the talk of the town as he strolled the streets with Zhu Zhuqing.
A twelve-year-old genius who was appointed a Marquis was enough to draw countless people's attention. The rumored Marquis of Destiny had been awarded such a high title by the royal household simply because of his overwhelming talent. Suddenly, everyone began speculating just how immense the Marquis of Destiny's gifts must be for the royal household to value him so highly?
At that moment, in a private room in Xingluo City, Davis and "Zhu Zhuyun" had come to bid farewell to Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing, as today was the day they had decided to depart. The journey from Xingluo City to Shrek Academy was not short, and Xu Ran naturally did not want to delay any longer.
"Brother Xu, I think you and Zhu Qing should consider attending Xingluo Academy with us. With your status as a Marquis, nobody at Xingluo Academy would dare to provoke you," Davis urged.
"Brother Dai, I appreciate your kindness. It's just that I, Xu Ran, really don't suit an overly comfortable place for Cultivation. Too much comfort is bad for a Soul Master," Xu Ran said with a smile as he patted Davis on the shoulder. These past few days, he had made frequent trips to the imperial palace due to his ennoblement, which had also led to a friendship with Davis.
After all, as Davis's fiancée, "Zhu Zhuyun" often found herself having to visit the imperial palace, even against her wishes. And Xu Ran took these opportunities to rendezvous with Zhu Yun in secrecy.
In the most dangerous places often lay the greatest safety. Davis could never have imagined that he would become... in his own home.
Naturally, the furthest Xu Ran and Zhu Yun had gone was to break the barrier of a kiss; they hadn't gone any further.
Because in the imperial palace, there would certainly be professional physicians and healing Soul Masters. Should he and Zhu Yun dare to taste the forbidden fruit, there was a high likelihood that they would discover Zhu Yun was no longer pure.
That would put Zhu Yun in danger.
That was something he did not want to see, so no matter how hard it was to resist, he would not take the risk.
"Xu Ran, you and Zhu Qing take care. Remember to come home often; our family will miss you both," Zhu Yun said, her expression complex. At that moment, she couldn't help but feel envious of Zhu Qing, who had the freedom to live her life with Xu Ran.
"Mhm, Zhu Yun Jie, rest assured. We're not leaving never to return. Even if Zhu Qing and I go to attend the Soul Master Academy in Tiandou, we will have vacations every half year. We will return to the Zhu Clan then."
"As for you, Zhu Yun Jie, remember, no matter what happens, I will always have your back. And Brother Dai, if there's anything in the future, I will support you with all my might. The Xingluo Empire, with our younger generation, will become even more prosperous," Xu Ran declared.
"Well said, Brother Xu. With a talent like you assisting the empire, I won't have to worry anymore," Davis said with joy, giving Xu Ran a hearty slap on the shoulder, barely containing his excitement.
Well said indeed, it was truly well said.
He had meticulously spoken well of the royal household, and, in an unprecedented move to win over Xu Ran, even granted him the title of Marquis. Looking back, it all seemed worthwhile, for in the moment Xu Ran uttered those words, he saw sincerity and a surge of passion in Xu Ran's eyes.
With his acute ability to judge character, he was certain Xu Ran was the type who kept his word. Xu Ran would become a right-hand man to him and a pillar of talent for the Xingluo Empire.
"Alright, let's not talk anymore for today, it's time to set off now." Xu Ran gave a bow and, along with Zhu Qing, walked down to the street below, where a carriage had already been prepared.
Watching Xu Ran's retreating figure, "Zhu Zhuyun" revealed a look of reluctance in his eyes, a sentiment that Davis clearly noticed. He nodded to himself, thinking that Zhu Yun truly had built a profound friendship with Xu Ran these past few days.
Xu Ran was a man of genuine emotions, which was evident by the fact that he brazenly charmed Zhu Zhuqing away, regardless of the royal family's dignity. To deal with someone like Xu Ran, if he sensed that you were trying to manipulate him, he would not sincerely give you his allegiance. Only true heartfelt emotions could retain Xu Ran, and that was exactly what Davis wanted to see.
Zhu Yun's relationship with Xu Ran had always been close, and now that they had grown familiar and established a friendship, as long as they weren't too hard on Xu Ran in the future, wouldn't Xu Ran become an asset to him?
"Zhu Yun, you've worked hard during this time," Davis said to the beauty before him, unable to hold back.
His Zhu Yun was indeed beautiful, her figure truly unmatched in the world. Even in the "Harem" of his father's imperial palace, not a single woman could match Zhu Yun's beauty. Zhu Yun was the epitome of a woman, an existence as beautiful as a heavenly fairy.
"Mm, I feel a bit tired today, I'm going to head home and rest," Zhu Zhuqing said, not wanting to spend more time with Davis and immediately excused herself to leave. With Xu Ran gone, her heart felt a little empty. By now, she had already considered herself Xu Ran's woman and naturally did not want to stay with Davis.
...
Outside Xingluo City, a carriage slowly made its way in the direction of Soto City.
Zhu Zhuqing dressed in leather attire, stretched out her legs, allowing Xu Ran to lie on her thighs to rest. These past few days, Xu Ran had often met with Davis and His Majesty the emperor, and naturally, he had become quite tired.
"Xu Ran, shall I continue from where I left off yesterday and read to you while you rest?" Zhu Zhuqing found sitting in the carriage somewhat boring and spoke in a soft voice.
"Sure," Xu Ran yawned, comfortably resting his head on Zhu Zhuqing's smooth legs, readily agreeing. The last time she traveled back from Soto City alone, she almost died of boredom. Now, with his lovely wife by his side, he didn't feel bored at all; on the contrary, he felt quite entertained.
"Oh, last time I read up to the second volume of the basic sword moves, let me start from the beginning for you," Zhu Zhuqing took out an ancient tome, which was precisely the "Fundamental Sword Technique: Hundred Interpretations" Xu Ran had obtained earlier.
"Volume Two, Chapter One: The Piercing Sword..." Zhu Zhuqing read each word, turning the originally dry and dull text into something quite enjoyable with her pleasant voice.
"This is truly enjoyable..." Xu Ran couldn't help thinking, he now understood why some said that a gentle homeland was the Hero's Tomb. Day after day, he wasn't in the least bit focused on cultivation. But it was all good for him, Xu Ran, whose prowess grew as he charmed women, found his paradise in such gentle comforts.
Xu Ran just wanted to say that when it came to a gentle homeland, the more, the merrier.