The Sound of the Wind

The fourteenth day of the sixth lunar month, the entire school is on holiday.

More accurately, the entire country is on holiday.

From the fourteenth to the eighteenth of every lunar month, specifically three days before and one day after the fifteenth, society as a whole hits pause, with only specific departments remaining on duty.

This five-day holiday is both officially mandated and a social custom.

"Woooo~~~"

"Rumble!"

The siren in the early morning, accompanied by muffled thunder, woke Lu Ran from his sleep.

"Mmm." Lu Ran rubbed his eyes groggily and picked up his phone to check the time.

Seven o'clock sharp.

Although the Demon Race appears on the night of the Lunar Fifteenth, the authorities sound the alarm on the fourteenth to warn citizens.

"Immortal Sheep, good morning." Lu Ran got out of bed and habitually went to the shrine to pay his respects.

Since the Evil Dog Village assessment, Immortal Sheep hadn't manifested in a long time.

In fact, this was how gods should behave; a lofty pantheon of gods wasn't something mere mortals could see whenever they pleased.

"Disciple feels he is about to advance to Mist Realm, Stage Three."

Lu Ran muttered to himself, hoping the gods would hear.

Since advancing on the fifth day, up until today, the fourteenth of the lunar month, Lu Ran had been diligently cultivating. Even on the training ground, wisps of mist would swirl around him.

Now, the mist within his body had been compressed to a certain extent.

His body, nourished by divine power, had become increasingly robust and strong, ready for advancement to Mist Realm, Stage Three!

Lu Ran said with anticipation, "Then, I'll be able to learn the divine art, Immortal Hooves."

However, the jade sculpture of the Immortal Sheep in the shrine remained silent.

Lu Ran waited for a while, and upon confirming no instructions from Immortal Sheep, he bowed respectfully.

Then, he stepped aside and went to the windowsill.

The low, long siren continued to echo through the city, making the already gloomy, rainy day feel even more oppressive.

"It's raining again."

Lu Ran gazed at the rainy scene within the residential compound, watching the branches sway in the wind and rain.

The weather forecast predicted cloudy skies for tomorrow. He wondered if he'd be able to see the full moon.

Lu Ran took a deep breath and turned to head to the bathroom to wash up.

A few minutes later, he walked out of his home, holding an umbrella and carrying a wooden sword.

Rain Alley City, shrouded in rain, had a rather desolate and bleak atmosphere.

Compared to the previous few days, there were noticeably fewer pedestrians on the road, and the shops lining the streets had all closed.

Lu Ran searched for a long time before finding a small shop that was still open. He bought a carton of milk and a can of fish.

His destination remained the same: the abandoned residential complex by the Wulie River.

As for why Lu Ran came here...

On one hand, it was to mourn his deceased father. On the other hand, he was still thinking about that little calico cat.

Ever since their last encounter, Lu Ran made it a point to visit this place on his way to school every day.

On the sixth day, Lu Ran was so upset by Wu Shanshan leaving the group that he wasn't paying attention and let the calico cat run off.

After returning home, he worried every time he thought of the little calico cat.

Stray cats and dogs had a hard time surviving the Lunar Fifteenth Night.

Unless they were taken in by kind people, or the little calico cat could sneak into a citizen's home and hide beside a shrine statue that people worshipped...

"Meee~~~"

In the drizzling rain, Lu Ran, holding his umbrella, arrived at the overgrown residential complex by the Wulie River.

He meowed as he went from outside the building, to inside, and then to the dilapidated rooftop of the seven-story building.

Unfortunately, the calico cat still hadn't appeared.

"Dad, the calico cat isn't here again." Lu Ran went to a corner of the rooftop and placed the milk and fish can on the railing. "Here, have some."

Lu Ran put away his umbrella, his figure exposed to the rain once more.

"Eat up quickly. I'll eat after you're done."

Lu Ran gripped his wooden Tang-style saber, visualizing an imaginary enemy, and began his practice.

Thanks to the cat, for many days in a row, father and son had fish for breakfast.

Lu Ran was getting a bit tired of it.

As for his dad... well, it didn't matter.

Who cares if he likes it or not, he can't speak anyway~

"Little Lu Ran?"

A voice suddenly came from the rooftop stairwell.

"Huh?" Lu Ran turned his head and saw a tall figure in a yellow raincoat.

Lu Ran was startled!

Is this, Little Nightmare?

The little guy has grown so big, and she has such a good figure!

Lu Ran wiped his rain-soaked eyes, confirming she was still there.

For a moment, his heart was in his throat!

How could there be anyone in such a desolate place?

And she even knew his name!

Could it be some kind of evil spirit that had descended early?

The woman reached out and pinched her hood, pulling it up to reveal an Eastern face.

Lu Ran was even more confused!

The woman before him was radiant and beautiful. Like her yellow raincoat, she looked exceptionally bright and dazzling in this gray, hazy world.

"Rain Alley Sister?" Lu Ran asked in disbelief, his face full of surprise. "What a coincidence?"

"What coincidence," Deng Yuxiang shot Lu Ran a look. "I followed the sound of sheep bleating to find you."

Lu Ran: "..."

"You're quite brave," Deng Yuxiang stepped onto the rooftop. "The fourteenth day of the lunar calendar, and you still dare to come to this desolate area?"

"This is my secret training base," Lu Ran held his wooden sword and pointed south. "Look over there."

"Hmm?" Under the hood, the woman's dark eyes pierced through the rain curtain and gazed south.

Under the misty rain, the Wulie River flowed turbulently.

It was grand and quite spectacular.

"The scenery is indeed nice," Deng Yuxiang looked into the distance and asked, "Tomorrow, you and Yutang are participating in the city defense mission. How are your preparations?"

"It's okay. I thought I'd practice a bit more today to stay in shape," Lu Ran asked, puzzled, "Why are you here, Rain Alley Sister?"

Deng Yuxiang didn't answer but shifted her gaze to the milk cans placed on the stone railing.

"Do you want some, Sister?" Lu Ran was quick to respond. "It's yours."

Deng Yuxiang smiled and rolled her eyes.

Did I climb 7 floors just to snatch your milk and canned fish?

Deng Yuxiang turned and walked towards the stairwell, a voice drifting from afar, "Take your snacks and go home to practice. Don't linger outside."

Snacks?

Lu Ran felt a little upset.

That's Little Li Hua's cat food, an offering from my dad, and my breakfast!

What do you mean "eat fish three ways"?

"She really hasn't changed at all," Lu Ran muttered softly and continued practicing his sword.

A few days ago, after dropping Lu Ran at his doorstep, she had floored the accelerator, her coupe roaring into the rain.

Now, she had left with just a word, not even giving him a chance to chat. She was truly decisive.

Lu Ran hadn't expected that Deng Yuxiang would return to the rooftop just a minute later. "Do I have to escort you back?"

"No, no," Lu Ran repeatedly shook his head. "I'm leaving right now, just a moment more."

Deng Yuxiang smiled. "I see now. You're all talk, aren't you?"

Lu Ran said helplessly, "Just a little longer, just a little while."

What if Little Li Hua shows up?

Deng Yuxiang nodded slightly. "It seems Yutang hasn't mentioned me to you much."

Lu Ran didn't understand. "Mention what?"

Deng Yuxiang beckoned casually, and a translucent, slender wind blade quickly gathered in her palm. "In front of me, Yutang doesn't dare to disobey me."

Instantly, a biting aura swept over them, making them tremble with fear.

"North Wind!" Lu Ran's eyes narrowed. "Rain Alley Sister, are you a believer of the North Wind Blade?"

Second-class God - North Wind!

This deity was also known by the common folk as the "North Wind Blade." Its statue depicted a stern man holding a sword, located on the distant border of the Northern Country.

Along with the South Sea Bow, West Wasteland Axe, and East Thunder Halberd, they were known as the "Four Directions Military Heroes."

Lu Ran's former teammate, Wu Shanshan, was a believer of South Sea Bow, one of the Four Heroes.

"You don't have to trouble yourself," Deng Yuxiang said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'll break your legs and then personally send you home. How about that, Little Lu Ran?"

This time, Lu Ran didn't have the mind to look at her bright lipstick.

"It's a misunderstanding! Sister, I'll go back right now!" Lu Ran was astonishingly cowardly.

He really hadn't expected that such a stunning and alluring older sister would be a living Yama? No wonder Deng Yutang didn't dare to say "no." She'd act the moment she decided, leaving no room for negotiation!

"I said before that I wanted to teach you a few moves," Deng Yuxiang said, weighing the wind blade in her hand. "There's no better time than the present. Let's do it today."

Lu Ran's face stiffened, feeling an oppressive pressure envelop his entire body.

"No, please don't," Lu Ran retreated step by step. "I have to defend the city with Deng Yutang tomorrow. If I get injured..."

"Shh!" Deng Yuxiang made a shushing gesture.

She slowly closed her eyes, as if listening to something. "Do you hear it?"

The woman suddenly became mystical, and Lu Ran was bewildered again and again. "Hear what?"

Deng Yuxiang suddenly sprang forward, lunging towards Lu Ran with a slight smile. "The sound of the wind."