Chapter 97

Xiao Ran indeed had the idea of recruiting Shi Zhexuan, but Shi Zhexuan was not someone easily deceived. It was no surprise that Xiao Ran failed once!

In the days that followed, Xiao Ran stayed in Luoyang. Later, he heard that Li Mi had overthrown Zhai Rang and discovered that Yang Guang was not in Luoyang. Suddenly, he felt like he had remembered something incorrectly.

Now, the only territories still under Yang Guang's control were Jiangdu and Luoyang. Yang Guang was overthrown in Jiangdu.

Therefore, in Luoyang, Yang Tong was enthroned by Wang Shichong and others, while the one killed alongside Yang Guang was his twelve-year-old son, Yang Dai, and possibly a few other sons and grandsons.

Thinking about this, Xiao Ran felt somewhat guilty towards his history teacher!

Calculating the time, Yang Guang was about to be killed in Jiangdu. Xiao Ran bid farewell to Shan Wanqing and set off for Jiangdu!

Xiao Ran did not rush. He practiced as he walked, having just entered the third level of Qi cultivation. Although his progress was remarkably fast, he was still far from the fourth level.

After meeting Shi Zhexuan and Yuwen Shang, two of the top figures of the era, his previous understanding of the martial arts system in this world gradually corrected itself.

Although the martial arts system in this world was not as advanced as that of the ancient continent, it had its own unique structure, especially in mental cultivation, which had aspects worth learning from. Xiao Ran continuously pondered the "Longevity Sutra" and made some progress!

While passing through a snowy plain, Xiao Ran suddenly heard a woman's panting and moaning!

Xiao Ran cursed inwardly, thinking how a lecherous man could engage in such activities in such a place. But he also faintly heard the names Li Mi and Dugu!

Xiao Ran suddenly remembered something. After Zhai Rang was killed by Li Mi, the beautiful strategist Shen Luoyan fell into the hands of Dugu Sheng. Fortunately, she was saved by Xu Ziling. This time, Xu Ziling was not around, so Shen Luoyan was in grave danger!

No matter how others viewed Shen Luoyan, Xiao Ran could not stand by and let her be violated. Even if it were another woman being assaulted, Xiao Ran would not remain indifferent!

However, Xiao Ran was not entirely sure. If it were a consensual act, interrupting it would be awkward!

So, he stealthily approached the source of the sounds!

As he got closer, Xiao Ran heard clearly. The man said, "My techniques can turn even a chaste woman into a wanton one, let alone you, a slut."

There was no mistake. Xiao Ran suppressed the sound of his clothes rustling and descended like a silent bird, flying towards Dugu Sheng!

Dugu Sheng's martial arts were quite formidable, one of the four great experts of the Dugu family. However, in this situation, his vigilance was at its lowest. Xiao Ran's martial arts were far superior, so he did not notice!

Shen Luoyan noticed Xiao Ran but did not make any sudden movements!

But just as Dugu Sheng was about to kiss Shen Luoyan, he suddenly saw Xiao Ran's figure reflected in her eyes and was immediately terrified, then furious!

He was terrified that someone had sneaked so close without him noticing, and furious because... well, any man would be angry if interrupted at such a moment!

Xiao Ran was already very close. Dugu Sheng could not use Shen Luoyan as a hostage or a shield!

But his martial arts were only second to You Chuhong and Dugu Feng of the Dugu family, and his reaction was extremely quick. He covered his body with protective true qi and, without turning around, twisted his waist and struck back with an elbow!

Seeing the ambush fail, Xiao Ran immediately switched to a strong attack, delivering a Great Demon Fist that struck Dugu Sheng's elbow!

Dugu Sheng felt a powerful force surge, and his elbow, hardened by true qi, instantly shattered. The terrifying true qi, unpredictable and ever-changing, broke through his protective true qi and attacked his heart, turning it into a pulp!

Then, Dugu Sheng spewed blood from all seven orifices, his body flying high and landing on the ground, twitching a few times before falling silent!

Shen Luoyan's face changed dramatically. She knew how skilled Dugu Sheng was; she could not even last ten moves against him, yet Xiao Ran killed him with one punch!

Although it was an ambush, he still only used one punch!

Heaven, when did such a formidable young man appear in the world!

Then a name popped into her mind. She straightened her clothes and bowed to Xiao Ran, "It turns out it's the Immortal's presence! Miss Shen Luoyan thanks Mister Xiao for saving her life!"

Mister, please don't blame Luoyan for being wanton. Luoyan was only making a lot of noise to attract attention and seek help!"

Shen Luoyan was one of the most beautiful women in the Tang Dynasty. Her disheveled clothes and flushed face added a unique charm!

Xiao Ran, though not a gentleman, was not a lecher. He cleared his throat and said, "It turns out it's the beautiful strategist Shen Luoyan, Miss Shen!

This is good; I happen to be short of someone like you!"

Shen Luoyan looked surprised, "I didn't expect Mister Xiao to have ambitions for the world. But in today's world, with Li Mi's strength, he is bound to win the empire!

Mister Xiao, acting alone, may not achieve much. If you wish to serve Li Mi, I will recommend you!"

Seeing Shen Luoyan trying to recruit him, Xiao Ran smiled, "Li Mi may seem the strongest, but he is no match for Wang Shichong. Do you believe me?"

In today's world, no one thought Li Mi would lose to Wang Shichong. They believed Wang Shichong would be lucky to hold out for a few more years!

So, Shen Luoyan did not believe a word Xiao Ran said!

Xiao Ran looked into Shen Luoyan's eyes and said seriously, "In terms of military talent, you far surpass Wang Boyang, and even Xu Shiji is not as strong as you. But if you serve Li Mi, your brilliance will always be overshadowed by Xu Shiji, becoming his shadow. How unfair is that for you?

In the future, people will only see Xu Shiji's brilliance. Who will remember you, Shen Luoyan?

But if you follow me, I will ensure that women can also be recorded in history!"

Shen Luoyan stared at Xiao Ran, then shook her head and laughed, "Are you crazy, or am I crazy, to say such things!

Undoubtedly, your words are very attractive, but how can you possibly achieve it?!"

Xiao Ran said nonchalantly, "Just stay with me for a while and see if I can do it!"

Shen Luoyan said, "I had always thought you were a transcendent person after hearing your 'Water Melody Ode,' but I didn't expect you to be so domineering!

Trying to recruit me with just a few empty words!"

"Because I have no other way. Letting you stay with Li Mi is a waste.

If you die for him, it would be a great loss to the world!

Your wisdom and beauty are invaluable to the world!

Women can hold up half the sky. If you are gone, half the sky will collapse!"

Shen Luoyan shook her head and smiled, "Hearing your grand and righteous nonsense, I actually feel a bit happy!

But since you saved my life and saved me from being violated, I will follow you.

Anyway, I can't fight you, so it's better to avoid your force!

Where are you heading, Mister?"

Xiao Ran looked into the distance, "Jiangdu. I want to see Yang Guang before he dies. I also want to see what kind of person he is, who wanted to create a great empire but ended up with such a tragic fate!"

Shen Luoyan said, "The Sui Dynasty is in turmoil. Everyone knows Yang Guang won't last long. Even Yang Guang himself said, 'A fine head, who will cut it off!'

But he still has the Brave Army under his command, and his subordinates include Sima Dekan, Yuwen Huaji, Yuwen Zhiji, and the Dugu family's experts. How can he fall so quickly?"

Xiao Ran, thinking about his extremely limited historical knowledge, said, "Yang Guang still has a chance to fight!

But he ordered the construction of the Danyang Palace, and his guards are all from Guanzhong, longing for home.

His subordinates have already incited the soldiers to rebel, so he won't last long!"

Shen Luoyan naturally had her own intelligence network. The situation in Jiangdu was not hidden from her, and she had similar judgments. But to make such a definitive statement, as if he had seen Yang Guang's death, was still beyond her.

Her gaze towards Xiao Ran became more complex. If what he said was true, he was not just a brute. But to compete for the world, good eyesight and high martial arts alone are not enough!

Fine, I'll follow you and see!

(Too much reliance on my memory led me to remember incorrectly where Yang Guang died and which son died with him! Fortunately, I checked the facts, or it would have been awkward!

I feel guilty towards my history teacher!

Also, the second strongest of the Yuwen family is Yuwen Shu, not Yuwen Shi, which is another mistake due to over-reliance on my memory!)