Douluo : Capture the goddess starting from peerless tang sect

With the sparring match concluded and the spectators dispersing, nearly everyone at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was abuzz about the event. Qian Ran's overwhelming dominance had left an indelible impression, erasing any traces of jealousy or hostility toward him.

His flawless performance silenced all criticism.

The sheer gap in strength made it impossible for anyone to entertain the thought of competing with him.

Qian Ran's fame now spanned the academy, from the youngest students to the senior faculty. Everyone knew his name, and his astonishing achievements inspired awe.

Before this, many at the academy had believed that continued advancements in soul engineering would one day surpass the capabilities of pure soul masters. Now, that confidence had been shaken to its core.

For Qian Ran, however, the impact of soul tools on his combat strength was marginal. To him, the true strength of soul engineers lay in their collective potential.

Soul engineering armies far outperformed soul master armies in large-scale combat.

While soul masters possessed a vast variety of martial souls, their effectiveness in large-scale engagements was inherently limited. In contrast, soul engineers could be equipped with standardized, identical soul tools, resulting in a coordinated and terrifying combat force.

In single-combat scenarios, however, Qian Ran felt soul engineers held little advantage—at least not in this era of the Douluo Continent.

"Qian Ran, you're amazing! I admire you so much!" Keke exclaimed as she leaped onto Qian Ran the moment he stepped off the stage. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, and her slender legs locked around his waist.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she clung to him, finally feeling a sense of grounding amidst her exhilaration.

From her vantage point in the stands, she had overheard countless girls expressing their admiration—and outright infatuation—for Qian Ran. If he wanted to indulge in mischief, it would be all too easy for him.

Some of those lovestruck girls would probably throw themselves at him willingly, treating it as an honor.

Though Keke looked down on their behavior, she couldn't help feeling a twinge of pride. Compared to them, her luck was extraordinary.

Had the academy not assigned Qian Ran to her lab, she wouldn't have had the chance to establish her current advantage.

This man was simply too cool.

"Admire me?" Qian Ran raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Of course! You were so awesome just now, defeating all those Mingde Hall elites with ease. Apart from their senior researchers, I don't think anyone can match you," Keke replied with a grin.

Mingde Hall held an almost mythical status among the academy's students and teachers.

It was the equivalent of Shrek Academy's inner court.

Anyone admitted to Mingde Hall was a one-in-a-million genius. Keke and Juzi were both on track to join, their talent promising them entry within a year or two.

Mingde Hall housed the academy's best and brightest, with most members being sixth-level soul engineers or higher. Only exceptionally gifted fifth-level engineers were allowed in early. Nearly all of the Sun Moon Empire's most advanced soul tools were developed there.

Mingde Hall's reputation was unshakable.

Yet Qian Ran had single-handedly swept through its ranks. Even the seventh-level soul engineers—arguably the strongest of Mingde Hall's students—had been too intimidated to face him.

This stark contrast left Keke breathless with excitement, her face flushed red throughout the match.

"By the way, Qian Ran, I won a ton of rare metals today. I'm officially a rich girl now!" Keke beamed, shaking Qian Ran's neck as she recounted how she had bet all her savings on his winning streak.

"And how does this little rich girl plan to thank me?" Qian Ran asked, his hands resting lightly on her waist. The warmth of her closeness stirred something within him.

Keke was undeniably attractive, and Qian Ran held a favorable impression of her.

Lately, he had spent most of his time with either Ice Emperor and Snow Emperor in his dimensional space or Juzi and other labmates he couldn't even remember by name. The monotony was starting to wear on him.

Now, with such a sweet and lively girl throwing herself at him, Qian Ran couldn't help but entertain certain thoughts.

"Huh? What do you want? I'll agree to anything!"

Keke blushed deeply, her heart fluttering under Qian Ran's intense gaze.

She knew Qian Ran spent much of his time with Juzi, and she had often envied their closeness. At least Juzi had won Qian Ran's affection—what about her?

Despite her subtle hints, Qian Ran had always held back. Worse, he had once mentioned his preference for long legs, leaving Keke feeling even more insecure.

"Why don't you come down first? You're wearing a skirt, after all," Qian Ran said, eyeing her black short skirt and sheer nude tights. Beneath her brown long coat, she looked simultaneously fashionable and delicate.

"Oh." Realizing her position wasn't exactly ladylike, Keke quickly slid down from his arms.

Grabbing her hand, Qian Ran led her toward the lab.

Keke was puzzled, half-expecting him to take her to a dormitory or hotel. But…

He doesn't like me, does he? A pang of sadness welled up inside her. If only she had legs as long as Juzi's, maybe he'd like her too.

"Close the door. Lock it," Qian Ran instructed as they entered the lab, his tone calm yet firm.

Keke hesitated briefly before complying, her face burning as she realized what this might mean.

Lock it? Why lock it?

"Qian Ran, what are you planning?" Keke stammered, lowering her gaze. Normally bold and carefree, she now found herself too flustered to look him in the eye. Alone in the lab with him, her mind raced.

Why bring her here, of all places?

If Qian Ran intended to… do anything, wouldn't a dorm or hotel be more appropriate?

The familiarity of the lab only heightened her nerves. The thought of someone like Juzi returning and discovering any evidence of… something made her heart pound in both shame and excitement.

As Keke's mind spiraled, Qian Ran cupped her cheeks and leaned in, pressing his lips firmly against hers. Her soft, red lips felt like a sweet delicacy, drawing Qian Ran deeper into the kiss.

Keke's intoxicating scent and the warmth of her petite frame left Qian Ran utterly captivated.

(End of Chapter)