After notifying Qian Renxue, Qian Ran remained in Shrek City, awaiting her arrival.
When it came to seeking out Gu Yuena, Qian Renxue's status as the former Angel God lent significant weight. Qian Ran believed Gu Yuena would recognize that, once Qian Renxue fully merged with Electrolux's godhood and restored it, she would be comparable to a God-King level entity.
Gu Yuena, at her current strength, was likely at that same level.
At her peak, Gu Yuena might have been capable of contending with one and a half or even two God-Kings simultaneously.
Even without Qian Ran, Qian Renxue alone would be enough to command Gu Yuena's attention.
Gu Yuena had been hiding in the Lake of Life for so many years, likely aware that, without powerful allies, attempting to challenge the entire God Realm on her own was hopeless. The God-Kings alone were beyond what Gu Yuena could handle.
Since the Dragon God's defeat, the balance had shifted. Over time, the strength of the God-Kings had increased significantly. Even if the Dragon God were resurrected, the result would likely be the same—a crushing defeat.
Gu Yuena had likely considered seeking allies to resist the God Realm together. However, with the God Realm suppressing the path for soul beasts to become gods, Gu Yuena couldn't cultivate subordinates capable of fighting alongside her.
Qian Ran knew he'd soon need to travel to the Sun Moon Empire. Until then, he spent his free time with Dong'er and the others.
He didn't think his departure was a bad thing. The opportunities he had provided for Dong'er and the others were already abundant. With their rapid cultivation progress, they needed time to consolidate their power.
In his absence, they could focus on their training without distraction. Unlike Qian Ran, who had no concerns about his cultivation path, they required diligence and effort.
"Before I leave, I should secure Nanmen Yun'er. If I wait too long, someone else might steal her away." Qian Ran mused as he stepped out of Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan's dormitory, where he had spent the day. The thought of Nanmen Yun'er, the petite beauty from the Mu Jin class, suddenly crossed his mind.
Nanmen Yun'er had a good relationship with Wu Feng and Ning Tian. Qian Ran often heard her name mentioned in their conversations.
As he headed toward the Mu Jin class, he encountered a familiar face.
Dai Huabin.
It had been a while since Qian Ran last saw him.
As Qian Ran's status rose, Dai Huabin's chances of appearing in his world diminished.
"Qian Ran, I…"
"I want to apologize for my childish behavior back then." Dai Huabin, noticing Qian Ran's indifferent demeanor, stepped forward to make amends. He was genuinely afraid of Qian Ran now. He knew he wasn't even remotely a match for him. Qian Ran's power had far surpassed his reach.
"No problem. Did Zhou Yi give you trouble again? I can talk to her if you want." Qian Ran, surprised by Dai Huabin's approach, patted his shoulder heavily.
At this point, Qian Ran had no intention of oppressing Dai Huabin. There was no need. Dai Huabin's mother, Zhu Ying, had already handed everything over to Qian Ran. What was there to hold a grudge about?
Not only Zhu Ying—Dai Huabin's sister, and even several of his cousins, had also become Qian Ran's maids. All the beauties in the Dai family were his now. What was there left to care about?
The peace Dai Huabin and Dai Yaoheng currently enjoyed came at the expense of the women in their family, who bore the burdens behind the scenes.
Dai Huabin, shocked by Qian Ran's magnanimity, stared wide-eyed. He could hardly believe Qian Ran could be so… understanding? Wasn't he known for being vindictive?
"Ran-ge, from now on, you're my big brother!" Dai Huabin exclaimed joyfully.
"Sure," Qian Ran replied nonchalantly. Poor Dai Huabin had no idea his "home" had already been infiltrated—no, outright stolen. He had no home left to speak of. Qian Ran saw no need to rub it in. The truth would come out in time, and by then, Dai Huabin would have no laughter left.
Qian Ran hoped Dai Huabin and Dai Yaoheng could accept the situation gracefully. A harmonious family reunion would be much more entertaining. When the time came to share a New Year's banquet, Qian Ran could sit comfortably at the head of the table.
"Thank you, Ran-ge! If you ever need anything, just let me know. I'll do my best to help. Please, think of me as your little brother," Dai Huabin said, his excitement evident. He had heard from Dai Yaoheng about Qian Ran's exceptional power and influence. Following Qian Ran could only lead to good things.
Being the son of the White Tiger Duke and serving as someone's subordinate might seem shameful, but it depended on whose subordinate he became.
Many would kill for the opportunity to serve Qian Ran.
Unless, of course, they had to sacrifice a mother.
"Oh, and Nanmen Yun'er is off-limits. She's your sister-in-law now. Don't even think about it."
Hearing this, Dai Huabin's face fell. Among the top beauties in the outer courtyard, there weren't many, and now Qian Ran had laid claim to Nanmen Yun'er as well. Dai Huabin sighed inwardly, letting go of any fantasies he had about her.
His jealousy burned as he thought about Qian Ran's conquests—teachers like Zhou Yi and Mu Jin, practically all the charming girls in the outer courtyard, and countless younger students secretly yearning to dive into Qian Ran's "pond" as well.
Dai Huabin didn't know what it meant to be at the peak of manhood. But he figured that, for someone their age, Qian Ran's life was probably the pinnacle.
"Alright, I won't bother you anymore, Ran-ge. I'll get going." Realizing Qian Ran wasn't particularly interested in him, Dai Huabin left on his own, worried about overstaying his welcome.
When Qian Ran reached the training grounds, Mu Jin noticed him immediately.
Finding a quieter spot, she ran over, delightedly grabbing his hand.
"What were you talking about with Dai Huabin? Need me to take care of him for you?" Mu Jin raised an eyebrow.
"Stop picking on him. Don't you care about your image as a class advisor?"
"Well, who taught me to act this way? Are you actually getting along with Dai Huabin now? That's not like you," Mu Jin said, surprised. Qian Ran was notoriously vengeful.
Qian Ran explained his relationship with Zhu Ying. Mu Jin stared at him in disbelief for a long moment. She never imagined Qian Ran could even conquer someone like the Duchess of the White Tiger Duke's household!
Qian Ran didn't bother revealing that he had essentially taken over the White Tiger Duke's estate. That would have shocked Mu Jin even more.
"You're here for that little girl, aren't you? Want me to call her over? Maybe we can have some fun together?" Mu Jin quickly refocused, uninterested in Qian Ran's other women. She'd get all the gossip from Zhou Yi later. She wasn't about to waste her private time with Qian Ran on trivialities.
"I heard from Zhou Yi that you'll soon be leaving for the Sun Moon Empire as an exchange student at their Royal Soul Engineering Academy. If you don't act now, you'll miss your chance."
"If it's you, she'll be thrilled. I know for a fact Nanmen Yun'er secretly has a crush on you. Honestly, it's not just her—at least 80% of the girls in my class have a thing for you." Mu Jin giggled behind her hand. "If someone like you had been in my year, I wouldn't have stood a chance resisting either. You're practically irresistible to girls."
"Oh, and I know for a fact that Yun'er secretly keeps… uh… your used clothes…" Mu Jin leaned in and whispered the shocking revelation into Qian Ran's ear.
What?!
Qian Ran was taken aback. Was that even possible?
He'd heard about fetishism before, but mostly in the context of guys. He never imagined a girl could have such a… peculiar preference.
(End of Chapter)