Starting from Douluo to Capture Goddesses

The Zhu Family Patriarch, Zhu Zìháo, and three elders arrived in the grand hall early. Today, they were all somewhat distracted. A family meeting was an important event, but their hearts and minds were not focused on it.

The Zhu Clan was not lacking in Soul Emperors or Soul Sages, but only someone like Xu Ran, who had the chance to break through to the rank of Titled Douluo, could attract their notice.

At today's family meeting, the only person worth their attention was Xu Ran.

A twelve-year-old Soul Elder at level 31—a genius talent like this had not appeared in the Xingluo Empire for hundreds of years.

Now, such a level of talent had emerged within their Zhu Clan, which was the heavens protecting the Zhu Family.

Zhu Zhuqing was also in the grand hall at that moment. She wore a long black dress with golden embroidery, outlining her full figure and long legs, standing out like a crane among chickens.

Countless gazes in the hall turned towards her, unable to help feeling dazzled, yet also feeling a sense of helplessness and sighs.

Zhu Zhuqing's talent was the best in the Zhu Clan, even slightly better than that of the elder Miss "Zhu Zhuyun". But her betrothed was a useless coward, which had seemingly sealed her fate.

Beautiful women have often led tragic lives since ancient times. If nothing unexpected happened, Zhu Zhuqing would likely wither away in a decade or so.

Zhu Zhuqing ignored these gazes. She had grown accustomed to them over the years. She never cared about others' opinions and lived for herself. It did not matter to her how others saw her.

Her beautiful eyes kept searching the surroundings for Xu Ran's figure. After a long while, Zhu Zhuqing felt disappointed. She had not seen Xu Ran since that night. It was as if he had vanished from this world, and now, he was nowhere to be seen even at the family meeting.

Had Xu Ran been disappointed in her? But given their statuses, how could they possibly be together? Even if she was interested in him, what could they do? Did they have the power to defy the royal household?

She did not wish to bring trouble to Xu Ran, yet she still felt some heartache when he left. Had Xu Ran really gone? Would he ever come back? Her heart was filled with unease. Although she and Xu Ran had only met a few times, she could not deny that Xu Ran had left a mark in her heart.

"Zhu Qing, I'm late," Xu Ran walked into the grand hall and immediately spotted Zhu Zhuqing. She looked stunning today in her long dress revealing a glimpse of her fair legs, drawing secret glances from many.

Today was the day of the family meeting, and he had to persuade Family Head Zhu Zìháo to annul Zhu Zhuqing's engagement to Dai Mubai. Then he would have the opportunity to make that request. With his talent, perhaps Zhu Zìháo would grant him Zhu Qing's hand.

"Xu Ran, you've finally come. I thought you weren't going to attend the family meeting today," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly looked up, and when she heard Xu Ran's voice again, her heart overflowed with joy. She looked at Xu Ran's face and took a deep breath, clearly overthinking things before. Xu Ran was so good, how could he possibly be angry with her?

"Your clothes, I've washed them," Zhu Zhuqing approached Xu Ran and handed him the clothes she held in her arms.

"Thank you, Zhu Qing is so capable. Whoever marries you is really fortunate," Xu Ran said with a smile, as he took the clothes. Zhu Qing was so skillful, would she become even more so if they were together in the future?

He couldn't help but look forward to it, as Zhu Qing was the kind of girl who liked to silently give her all and was a model of a virtuous wife and good mother.

"Don't talk nonsense," Zhu Zhuqing's face turned red, and she couldn't help but punch Xu Ran lightly. However, it was not painful and seemed more like the petulance of a young girl. This side of Zhu Zhuqing shown suddenly stunned everyone present.

"Who is this person? Why is he so close to the second miss?"

"And just now, the second miss was holding his clothes. What's going on? Could it be?"

Many disciples couldn't help but make a bold guess. Returning clothes? Could it be that Xu Ran and Zhu Zhuqing had already...? Otherwise, why would there be a need to return the clothes?

Their minds began to wander with wild thoughts.

At the same time, they also felt some discontentment. Who was Xu Ran? They had never even heard of the name before. Why could he be so intimate with Zhu Zhuqing? And it seemed Zhu Zhuqing also had a good impression of him.

"I am Zhu Ling, a level 28 Grand Soul Master, here to challenge you," a young man dressed in black strode up to Xu Ran, his tone full of disdain. Even if he couldn't pursue Zhu Zhuqing, he would not allow another man to win her over. Zhu Zhuqing was a woman of stunning beauty and great talent; what was Xu Ran in comparison?

Zhu Ling's voice drew the attention of everyone present, including Zhu Zìháo and the three elders, who looked on with interest. They were also curious about Xu Ran's strength.

A twelve-year-old Soul Elder was certainly progressing quickly in cultivation, but what about combat strength?

Cultivation level and strength were not necessarily equivalent.

"Just you? I'm afraid you're not enough," Xu Ran spoke indifferently. Fearful of going after girls himself, he became envious when someone else succeeded. Such people were truly shameless.

"Hmph, how arrogant. If you lose, stay away from Miss Zhu Qing," Zhu Ling said, as he unleashed his Martial Soul, the Hell Spiritual Cat. The fluctuation of his level 28 Soul Power became apparent, prompting many disciples in the hall to nod in approval. After all, they were all of the younger generation, and for a sixteen-year-old like Zhu Ling, having this strength was considered average.

Zhu Ling unleashed his Martial Soul, but Xu Ran still stood there, unmoving, still with a calm and unperturbed demeanor.

This behavior directly infuriated Zhu Ling. He saw a trace of disdain and disregard in Xu Ran's eyes, which immediately ignited rage in his heart.

A member of a side branch dares to disregard him?

The surrounding Zhu Family Young Disciples burst into laughter at Xu Ran's action.

What was Zhu Ling's "Cultivation Level"? And Xu Ran still dared to put on airs? Without even unleashing his Martial Soul, Xu Ran, no matter how strong, would not be Zhu Ling's match.

"Xu Ran is just trying to show off in front of the Second Miss," one said.

"He doesn't see what Zhu Ling's 'Cultivation Level' is, level 28 in the Zhu Clan's younger generation is considered quite strong," another chimed in.

"If Xu Ran beats Zhu Ling, I'll castrate myself on the spot," another declared.

Many disciples discussed among themselves, with even the most boastful laying down bold words. However, those who had witnessed Xu Ran's strength in the square earlier didn't say a word, watching the drama unfold with keen interest.

Listening to the multitude of comments, Zhu Ling's confidence soared as he let out a cold laugh and charged towards Xu Ran. He instantly released his second soul skill, prepared to show Xu Ran just how strong the mainline disciples were. Side branch disciples didn't even possess the family Martial Soul, yet dared to woo the Second Miss? Such audacity.

In his view, if he could defeat Xu Ran, maybe he could even attract Zhu Zhuqing. Although he didn't dare to get involved with Zhu Zhuqing, being liked by such a beautiful girl was something to boast about.

But his fantasy was shattered almost instantly.

"Boom."

A massive booming sound erupted. Before Zhu Ling could get close to Xu Ran, he was hurled backward, crashing to the ground several meters away.

And Xu Ran hadn't even unleashed his Martial Soul.

Xu Ran's motions were just two, unsheathing the sword and sheathing it.

Two actions, clean and efficient, completed within a second without dragging his feet.

This scene left the onlooking disciples dumbfounded. Even Family Head Zhu Zihao and the three Elders appeared somewhat dazed, looking at Xu Ran in surprise.

A level 28 Grand Soul Master, defeated in a second by Xu Ran without even unleashing his Martial Soul.

Could this be for real?

At this moment, Zhu Ling was curled up on the ground in pain, his heart racing in shock. He had never imagined Xu Ran to be so powerful. The might of that sword was too terrifying – not just for him but for anyone in the hall under the rank of Soul Elder, none could withstand that strike. How strong must Xu Ran be? A Soul Ancestor? Otherwise, how could he be so powerful without using his Martial Soul?

"Are you convinced?" Xu Ran looked at Zhu Ling and spoke indifferently. This was also his first time in actual combat, and the Martial Soul granted by the System was evidently invincible. He had a feeling that although he was only a Soul Elder, under full power, he could barely contend even with a Soul King.

"Convinced, completely convinced, bro," Zhu Ling nodded frantically, looking at the pitch-black longsword in Xu Ran's hand and shivering uncontrollably. If Xu Ran had unleashed his Martial Soul, he feared he might have been split in half with that strike.

The other disciples around watched this and seemed to shudder as well, their gaze towards Xu Ran now filled with a hint of respect. In this world, the strong garnered respect and everything else.

"Xu Ran is so strong, much stronger than I had imagined," Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, her cool and beautiful face inadvertently revealing a smile.

Xu Ran was much more powerful than she had thought; with just that move alone, his real strength was at least comparable to a Soul Ancestor. Xu Ran was still so young, such a youth could be considered one of the top geniuses of the Continent.

Xu Ran's future was boundless, and he even had the chance to become a Titled Douluo.