Chapter Summaries

Xu Ran mistook Zhu Zhuyun for a thief and restrained her, then pretended not to recognize her while taking advantage of the situation. After Zhu Zhuyun revealed her identity, Xu Ran released her, and the chapter ended with her embarrassed by her disheveled clothes and torn stockings.

• Xu Ran caught Zhu Zhuyun in his room and accused her of being a thief.
• Xu Ran held Zhu Zhuyun down and slapped her bottom while threatening to call the household over.
• Zhu Zhuyun panicked at the thought of Zhu Zhuqing discovering her there and demanded that Xu Ran let her go.
• Zhu Zhuyun revealed her identity, and Xu Ran pretended to recognize her only then before releasing her.
• Xu Ran turned on the light, and Zhu Zhuyun noticed her disheveled dress and torn stockings as he stared at her.

Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuyun scrambled to hide their awkward encounter when Zhu Zhuqing arrived at Xu Ran’s room. The chapter ended with Zhu Zhuqing entering while Zhu Zhuyun lay concealed beneath Xu Ran’s quilt.

• Xu Ran learned that his mission to teach Zhu Zhuyun a lesson was complete and received five hundred points.
• Xu Ran blamed Zhu Zhuyun for being in his room, and she claimed she had come to test his strength before inviting him to meet her, Dai Weisi, and Zhu Zhuqing at Star Luo Academy.
• Zhu Zhuqing called to Xu Ran from outside, and both Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuyun panicked about how her disheveled appearance would look.
• Unable to find a place to hide, Zhu Zhuyun crawled under Xu Ran’s quilt while Xu Ran opened the door wearing a sleeping robe and claimed he had just bathed.
• Zhu Zhuqing entered the room as Xu Ran blocked her view of the bed and Zhu Zhuyun tried to remain silent beneath the quilt.

Xu Ran hid Zhu Zhuyun beneath his covers while Zhu Zhuqing visited, then accepted Zhu Zhuqing’s sachet and kissed her. Zhu Zhuyun remained trapped beneath them, watching their intimacy in shock and growing distress.

• Zhu Zhuqing entered Xu Ran’s room, while Zhu Zhuyun hid beneath his covers.
• Xu Ran climbed beneath the covers to conceal Zhu Zhuyun and asked Zhu Zhuqing to dim the room.
• Zhu Zhuqing told Xu Ran that her sister had invited them to meet the next day and gave him the sachet she had embroidered.
• Zhu Zhuqing kissed Xu Ran, and he embraced her while Zhu Zhuyun watched from beneath them.

Xu Ran kept Zhu Zhuqing from discovering Zhu Zhuyun hidden beneath him, and Zhu Zhuqing left believing he had been hurting himself and promising to support him as his lover. After Zhu Zhuqing departed, Xu Ran let Zhu Zhuyun out and reflected on the danger of pursuing her, then pointed out that her breast binding was crooked.

• Zhu Zhuqing asked Xu Ran not to hurt himself again, and he promised to turn to her with future problems.
• Zhu Zhuqing agreed that she and Xu Ran were lovers who would face difficulties together, then left to visit her sister and the others with him the next day.
• After Zhu Zhuqing had gone, Xu Ran got off the bed and let Zhu Zhuyun breathe beneath the quilt.
• Xu Ran considered the danger of pursuing Zhu Zhuyun because of her ties to Dai Weisi, while the system girl told him it could not provide a resurrection cheat.
• Xu Ran noticed Zhu Zhuyun's breast binding was crooked as she straightened her dress.

After an intimate encounter, Xu Ran teased Zhu Zhuyun and reminded her that binding her breasts could harm her health. Zhu Zhuyun left with a promise that Xu Ran would grant her one future request, while she struggled to stop thinking about him.

• Zhu Zhuyun noticed Xu Ran staring at her and ordered him to turn around while she adjusted her breast-binding cloth.
• Xu Ran told Zhu Zhuyun that binding her breasts was unhealthy, then openly admired her figure after she let him face her again.
• Xu Ran tried to dismiss their encounter as a misunderstanding, but Zhu Zhuyun demanded that he agree to fulfill one request from her in the future.
• Xu Ran accepted Zhu Zhuyun's condition and repeated his warning about binding her breasts as she left.
• Zhu Zhuyun reflected on their intimate encounter and wondered whether Xu Ran truly liked her figure.

Xu Ran made another Gold-Tier Ten-Pull Draw and received Proficiency in the Four Arts as his guaranteed reward, then chatted with the System Lady and promised to help her transform into a human. He met Zhu Zhuqing outside his room, and they set out together to visit her older sister and Dai Weisi, while Zhu Zhuqing’s growing acceptance of Xu Ran’s lustfulness brought them closer.

• Xu Ran found that his cultivation had reached level thirty-three and spent eleven hundred Skill Points on a Gold-Tier Ten-Pull Draw.
• The System Lady explained that Xu Ran’s luck did not affect the system, and his guaranteed reward was Proficiency in the Four Arts.
• Xu Ran asked the System Lady for photos, saw her censored and seaside images, and promised to save enough Skill Points for her human transformation.
• Xu Ran finished washing up and found Zhu Zhuqing waiting outside his door in a carefully chosen outfit.
• Xu Ran complimented Zhu Zhuqing and walked with her through Star Luo City as they headed to see her older sister and Dai Weisi.

Dai Weisi questioned Zhu Zhuyun about Xu Ran and learned that the twelve-year-old could defeat her without using his Martial Soul. When Xu Ran arrived with Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Weisi saw how close they were and delighted in how thoroughly Dai Mubai had lost his fiancée.

• Dai Weisi asked Zhu Zhuyun what she knew about Xu Ran, and she explained that he was Zhuqing’s shameless, irresponsible fiancé.
• Zhu Zhuyun revealed that Xu Ran had defeated her without releasing his Martial Soul, suggesting his combat strength had reached the Soul King level.
• Dai Weisi asked Xu Zhan to test Xu Ran in a spar, and Xu Zhan agreed.
• Xu Ran arrived with Zhu Zhuqing arm in arm, and Dai Weisi rejoiced that Dai Mubai had been cuckolded.

Xu Ran met Dai Weisi and Xu Zhan, then defeated the rank fifty-one Soul King in an instant. Impressed by Xu Ran’s talent, Dai Weisi resolved to win his allegiance and protect his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing.

• Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing greeted Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, and Dai Weisi welcomed Xu Ran as a potential ally.
• Dai Weisi introduced Xu Zhan, who challenged Xu Ran to test his combat ability.
• Xu Ran revealed his three Soul Rings, including a ten-thousand-year ring, and cut down Xu Zhan’s attacks.
• Xu Ran swiftly put his sword to Xu Zhan’s neck, defeating him before he could react.
• Dai Weisi was stunned by Xu Ran’s strength and decided to persuade the imperial family to befriend him and accept his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing.

Xu Ran defeated Xu Zhan, won Zhu Zhuqing’s affection, and accepted Dai Weisi’s offer to become his ally. Dai Weisi then sent Zhu Zhuyun to stay with her family and learn Xu Ran’s temperament so he could keep the powerful newcomer under his control.

• Xu Zhan thanked Xu Ran for exposing his weakness, and Xu Ran sheathed the God-Slaying Sword.
• Zhu Zhuqing clung to Xu Ran and declared her devotion, while Zhu Zhuyun watched them with concealed tenderness and envy.
• After Xu Zhan left, Dai Weisi praised Xu Ran’s strength and asked him to join his side in the struggle against Dai Mubai.
• Xu Ran accepted Dai Weisi’s token and ten million Gold Soul Coins in exchange for becoming his right-hand man.
• After Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing left, Dai Weisi told Zhu Zhuyun to stay with her family and learn Xu Ran’s temperament so he could keep him under control.

Dai Weisi asked Zhu Zhuyun to grow closer to Xu Ran so he could secure the prince’s support, while Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing spent the day together. After Xu Ran’s song and story stirred Zhu Zhuqing’s fears of losing him, she asked him to take her, and he carried her toward the room.

• Dai Weisi asked Zhu Zhuyun to spend more time with Xu Ran and build a relationship with him before he left for the Heaven Dou Empire.
• Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing shopped together using Dai Weisi’s Gold Soul Coin card, and Zhu Zhuqing praised Xu Ran for caring for her.
• At the Zhu Family residence, Xu Ran played the harp and sang a song about lovers separated by war.
• Xu Ran told Zhu Zhuqing the story behind the song, and she recognized herself in the conservative woman who waited for her lover.
• Zhu Zhuqing asked Xu Ran to take her, and he carried her toward the room as evening fell.

Zhu Zhuyun realized that she had fallen for Xu Ran after hearing him play the zither. The next morning, Xu Ran teased the shy Zhu Zhuqing after their first night together, then left the room to prepare for her while she waited beneath the quilt.

• Zhu Zhuyun lingered outside Xu Ran's courtyard and recalled his extraordinary zither playing.
• Zhu Zhuyun admitted to herself that she had fallen for Xu Ran despite trying to keep her distance.
• Xu Ran woke beside Zhu Zhuqing and teased her as she hid beneath the quilt.
• Xu Ran dressed and left the room so Zhu Zhuqing could get up and dress in private.
• Zhu Zhuqing quietly grumbled that Xu Ran had left without offering to help, just as he opened the door again.

Xu Ran cared for Zhu Zhuqing after their first night together and received 3,000 Skill Points for adding her to his harem. After deciding to save the points for strengthening his Qilin form and helping Ah Yin, he carried Zhu Zhuqing to meet her father at the Zhu Family main hall.

• Xu Ran wrapped Zhu Zhuqing in a quilt, carried her to the bath, and waited while she recovered and dressed.
• The system awarded Xu Ran 3,000 Skill Points, bringing his total to 3,100, and he chose to save them rather than buy Soul Rings.
• Xu Ran helped the sore Zhu Zhuqing out of the bathroom, and they discussed avoiding pregnancy.
• A steward told Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing that her father wanted to see them, and Xu Ran carried her toward the Zhu Family main hall.

Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing joined Zhu Zihao and Zhu Zhuyun for dinner, where Zhu Zihao revealed that the Star Luo emperor accepted their relationship and had granted Xu Ran the title of Heaven's Mandate Marquis. Xu Ran accepted the token, considering the benefits and attention the title would bring.

• Xu Ran carried Zhu Zhuqing into the hall, and Zhu Zihao teased them about their relationship.
• Zhu Zihao told Xu Ran that the emperor had praised him as the empire's Child of Destiny and would not oppose his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing.
• Zhu Zihao announced that the empire had granted Xu Ran the title of Heaven's Mandate Marquis, without a fief or official post.
• Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing reacted with astonishment and excitement at Xu Ran becoming a marquis at twelve.
• Xu Ran accepted the marquis's token and considered how his new status could help him while attracting attention from major factions.

Xu Ran confessed his desire for Zhu Zhuyun and kissed her, while she struggled with her engagement to Dai Weisi and her feelings for Xu Ran. She accepted his feelings but asked him to keep their relationship secret to protect him from the imperial family.

• Zhu Zhuyun congratulated Xu Ran on becoming the Star Luo Empire's youngest marquis, and Xu Ran hinted that she was one of the two people he cared about.
• Xu Ran pulled Zhu Zhuyun into his arms and kissed her, despite her warning that she was Dai Weisi's fiancée and destined to become Empress.
• Zhu Zhuyun stopped resisting as she admitted to herself that she disliked her arranged marriage and wanted Xu Ran.
• Xu Ran told Zhu Zhuyun he liked her and wanted her, and she quietly agreed to be with him.
• Zhu Zhuyun asked Xu Ran to conceal their relationship and act distant in public so the imperial family would not target him.

Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuyun agreed to keep their relationship secret while he prepared to leave the Star Luo Empire with Zhu Zhuqing. Before Zhu Zhuyun returned to her room, Xu Ran played her a song and gave her specially made garments.

• Xu Ran agreed to keep his affair with Zhu Zhuyun secret and explained that he could not risk taking things further while the imperial family could endanger her.
• Zhu Zhuyun asked when Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing would leave, and Xu Ran said they would probably depart in a week.
• Zhu Zhuyun asked Xu Ran to play her a song, and he held her while performing on a harp.
• Zhu Zhuyun decided she would preserve her chastity for Xu Ran and refuse Dai Weisi's touch.
• Xu Ran gave Zhu Zhuyun several garments for exercise and everyday wear, and she tucked them away before hurrying back.

Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing left Star Luo City for Suotuo City after Xu Ran declined Dai Weisi’s invitation to study at Star Luo Academy. As they traveled toward Shrek Academy, Zhu Zhuqing read to Xu Ran while he rested against her legs.

• Xu Ran’s new marquis title became widely known across the Star Luo Empire, and he and Zhu Zhuqing prepared to depart Star Luo City.
• Dai Weisi urged Xu Ran to stay and study at Star Luo Academy, but Xu Ran declined, saying he preferred a less comfortable place to cultivate.
• Xu Ran reassured Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun that he would support them and return to the Zhu Family during breaks.
• Zhu Zhuyun watched Xu Ran leave with Zhu Zhuqing, then excused herself from Dai Weisi and went home to rest.
• On the carriage ride toward Suotuo City, Zhu Zhuqing read from Hundred Explanations of Basic Swordsmanship while Xu Ran rested with his head on her legs.

Xu Ran brought Zhu Zhuqing to Shrek Academy, where they prepared to face Dai Mubai and meet Xiao Wu. After registering Zhu Zhuqing, Flender recognized her family name and worried about the conflict he suspected between her, Xu Ran, and Dai Mubai.

• Xu Ran took Zhu Zhuqing to Shrek Academy and told her Xiao Wu studied there and Dai Mubai was there too.
• Xu Ran told Zhu Zhuqing how he planned to make Dai Mubai confront their relationship, and Zhu Zhuqing agreed to follow his lead.
• Xu Ran brought Zhu Zhuqing to Flender's office to register her at Shrek Academy.
• Zhu Zhuqing introduced herself as a rank twenty-six Soul Master with a Hell Spirit Cat Martial Soul.
• Flender recognized Zhu Zhuqing as likely belonging to the Zhu Family and worried that Xu Ran's presence would cause a conflict with Dai Mubai.

Xu Ran enrolled Zhu Zhuqing at Shrek Academy, where Flender accepted her without a test and told Xu Ran to set his own training schedule. Zhu Zhuqing asked to share a dorm room with Xiao Wu, and Xu Ran took her to meet Xiao Wu, who was waiting for him while cultivating.

• Flender warned Xu Ran to protect his health, and Xu Ran said he was now a rank thirty-three Soul Elder.
• Flender admitted Zhu Zhuqing to Shrek Academy without a test and told her to choose a room with Xiao Wu if she wished.
• Xu Ran explained that Shrek had six students and took Zhu Zhuqing toward the dormitories.
• Zhu Zhuqing insisted on rooming with Xiao Wu, while Xu Ran complained that it would disrupt his visits and she agreed to make it up to him.
• Xiao Wu cultivated alone, reached rank twenty-nine, and wondered when Xu Ran would return.

Xu Ran brought Zhu Zhuqing to meet Xiao Wu, and the two girls went shopping together while he gave Zhu Zhuqing Dai Weisi's Gold Soul Coin card. Dai Mubai mistakenly believed Zhu Zhuqing had come to find him and planned to hurt Xu Ran emotionally, but he found only Xu Ran after the girls had left.

• Xiao Wu opened the door and met Zhu Zhuqing, who introduced herself as Xu Ran's fiancée.
• Xiao Wu accepted Zhu Zhuqing's presence, and the two girls linked arms and went shopping in Suotuo City.
• Xu Ran gave Zhu Zhuqing Dai Weisi's Gold Soul Coin card and left the girls to get acquainted.
• Ma Hongjun warned Dai Mubai not to provoke Xu Ran, but Dai Mubai assumed Zhu Zhuqing had come for him and vowed to trample Xu Ran's dignity.
• Dai Mubai gave Ma Hongjun the Rose Hotel key and went looking for Zhu Zhuqing, but she and Xiao Wu had already left.
• Dai Mubai saw Xu Ran standing alone and mistook his appearance for heartbreak.

Dai Mubai mistook Xu Ran’s mood for heartbreak over Zhu Zhuqing and offered him advice while privately planning to make him suffer. Xu Ran left him to his delusion, and Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu returned from shopping as close friends, chatting until they neared the academy.

• Dai Mubai approached Xu Ran, apologized for their past conflict, and assumed Xu Ran looked miserable because Zhu Zhuqing had come to Shrek Academy.
• Dai Mubai urged Xu Ran to let go of Zhu Zhuqing, while Xu Ran realized Dai Mubai misunderstood their relationship and walked away.
• Dai Mubai took Xu Ran’s departure as proof that his taunts had struck a nerve and planned to call for Zhu Zhuqing that night to upset him.
• Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu returned late from shopping and teased each other about their figures and Xu Ran before Zhu Zhuqing hushed them near the academy.