Top-tier Unruly Master

Furthermore, Hao Chun had thoroughly studied Zhou Ruoran's situation within the sect and understood it well. Zhou Ruoran rarely interacted with any male cultivators, and any rumors had nothing to do with her, which made Hao Chun more certain that Zhou Ruoran was just finding an excuse to reject him and that she actually didn't have any supposed lover, let alone a husband!

Regarding Ding Fan's situation, Zhou Ruoran couldn't explain it clearly, or else if people found out about her origins, it would obviously cause a lot of trouble, especially since she and others came to this Cultivation World from Earth.

Hence, Zhou Ruoran couldn't explain, making even people from the Jade Maiden Sect feel that Zhou Ruoran just found a reason to refuse this Wuji Sect core disciple, Hao Chun. Even Zhou Ruoran's master thought the same way.

Zhou Ruoran felt helpless about this; she couldn't explain and had no choice but to let it be. She had no feelings whatsoever for Hao Chun, and sometimes she couldn't even remember his name, which embarrassed her even more.

However, Zhou Ruoran knew that her sect, especially her master, evidently wanted her to be with Hao Chun. After all, Hao Chun was a Wuji Sect core disciple, and the Wuji Sect was indeed a Great Gate Sect, obviously more prestigious than the Jade Maiden Sect where Zhou Ruoran belonged. It would clearly be beneficial for the Jade Maiden Sect to forge connections with such a sect.

This was also what Zhou Ruoran's master hoped to see. But her master wasn't someone who only cared about the sect's interests; clearly, she also adored Zhou Ruoran and knew that Zhou Ruoran's talent in cultivation was exceptional. Developing the disciples' abilities was naturally the most important aspect for the sect. Zhou Ruoran represented the hope for the Jade Maiden Sect to become a Great Gate Sect.

After all, Zhou Ruoran's talent was so exceptional that even the Jade Maiden Sect master felt inferior. The sect master could imagine that given some time, this proud disciple would achieve cultivation far surpassing her own.

This was one of the reasons why the Jade Maiden Sect master adored Zhou Ruoran, but not all of it: Zhou Ruoran's obedient and intelligent nature was naturally something else the sect master cherished about her.

"I heard that this year's Great Alchemy Competition is quite different. It's said to be the grandest event in hundreds of years, and the champion reward is rumored to be very generous. Many famous alchemists are vying for it! It must be bustling and exciting! I wish I could go right now and join in the fun! Hehe..."

A baby-faced female cultivator beside Zhou Ruoran said longingly, obviously the Great Alchemy Competition was a grand event across the Donglai Continent. Although they were in the sect, news about the Great Alchemy Competition was everywhere, and even the senior sisters and junior sisters in the sect were discussing it, especially about "Ding Lin".

But Zhou Ruoran had not the slightest interest in this, and naturally knew nothing about the topics related to the Great Alchemy Competition. At this moment, Zhou Ruoran's thoughts were on finding Ding Fan, but no matter how much she inquired about Ding Fan's whereabouts, there was no news at all, which made her quite frustrated.

At this moment, upon hearing Taotao's words, Zhou Ruoran, knowing that Taotao really wanted to see the Great Alchemy Competition, decided not to let her mood affect others. Zhou Ruoran smiled gently at Taotao and said:

"If you want to go have a look, then go. I'll talk to Master for you."

Upon hearing Zhou Ruoran's words, Taotao pouted and coquettishly said:

"Young Master Hao Chun invited you. If you don't go, he won't go either, so what's the point of me going alone? Come with me, please?"

At this moment, Hao Chun, overhearing their conversation, realized it was a precious opportunity for him. After all, Zhou Ruoran's best friend was eager to go, which was certainly advantageous to him. There couldn't be a better opportunity to invite Zhou Ruoran. How could Hao Chun let this chance slip by? So he promptly said:

"Yes, this year's Great Alchemy Competition is quite extraordinary. If you miss it, who knows when the next chance will come? I've heard that many interesting figures have appeared this time. I think this year's competition will be very fascinating! Junior Sister Zhou, you usually train so hard; you should definitely not miss this good opportunity to relax."

"That's right, I've also heard that many interesting people have come to this year's competition, like some alchemist named Ding Lin, who is said to be very impressive and also a handsome man! Just thinking about it makes me drool..."

At this point, Taotao, clasping her chin with both hands, looked starry-eyed and mischievously at her best friend, Zhou Ruoran. After all, she mentioned a handsome man; Taotao didn't believe Ruoran wouldn't be intrigued! When Taotao finished speaking and looked at Ruoran, it truly surprised her—no, it was a big delight.

At this moment, when Zhou Ruoran heard Taozi mention the name Ding Lin, her heart felt as if it had been shocked, leaving her standing in place, her expression frozen!

Zhou Ruoran's first reaction upon hearing the name Ding Lin was to think of Ding Fan. She knew that back on Earth, Ding Fan had used this alias to hide his identity. Clearly, Zhou Ruoran was aware of this. Hearing the name Ding Lin once again filled her heart with excitement. Was it really Ding Fan? Or just someone with the same name?

For a moment, Zhou Ruoran's heart was like a calm lake suddenly hit by a massive rock, stirring her emotions to an uncontainable excitement.

Taozi watched Zhou Ruoran's reaction with great curiosity. What was wrong with Ranran? Why such a big reaction? She knew Zhou Ruoran well enough to know that even mentioning a handsome guy wouldn't normally provoke such excitement in her. Although Hao Chun wasn't particularly handsome, he still looked decent.

Yet, Zhou Ruoran was indifferent towards him. Now, just by hearing the name Ding Lin, a supposed handsome guy she had never met, she was visibly affected. Why did Ranran have such a reaction? Taozi was quite puzzled.

Hao Chun also noticed Zhou Ruoran's expression, feeling very puzzled. Usually Zhou Ruoran didn't seem interested in men at all, sometimes making one wonder if she even liked men. Yet, just by hearing the name Ding Lin, she reacted so strongly. Isn't it a bit exaggerated?

Hao Chun felt a bit resentful towards this so-called Ding Lin. After all, he had pursued Zhou Ruoran for days without her even remembering his name. Yet, at the sound of another name, she became excited, leaving him feeling quite frustrated.

Hao Chun had heard some things about Ding Lin, after all, Ding Lin was quite a famous figure in this Great Alchemy Competition. Not knowing about him was difficult for anyone, except maybe Zhou Ruoran, who was uninterested in worldly matters and focused only on her cultivation. Hao Chun knew that Ding Lin had achieved some recognition in the competition, but he didn't take him seriously. No matter how skilled he was, he was just an alchemist after all.

Moreover, Ding Lin was said to be quite young, even if an alchemist, he was likely just average. His standout performance in the competition was probably due to some talent. Clearly, Hao Chun didn't know much about Ding Fan's notoriety. For Hao Chun, as a core disciple of the Wuji Sect and a key target of the sect's training, no matter how capable Ding Lin was, he couldn't compare.

If Ding Lin had some talent in alchemy, the sect could just hire him for a few spirit stones. Wuji Sect had many alchemists, none of whom were ordinary. Even if Ding Lin came to the sect, he would still have to respect Hao Chun, remaining under his influence.

Competing with him for Zhou Ruoran was simple wishful thinking, something truly impossible!

Hao Chun felt a bit down. He didn't know why he was even comparing himself to such a person; it was the greatest insult to himself.

"Ranran, what's wrong? Are you okay? Could it be that I mentioned a handsome guy and you lost your composure?"

Taozi noticed Zhou Ruoran's embarrassment and teasingly remarked.

"Can you tell me some things about Ding Lin?"

At this moment, Zhou Ruoran was very excited; it was the first time she heard anything about Ding Fan in the Cultivation World. Even though she knew that the Ding Lin Taozi mentioned might not be Ding Fan, she couldn't let the chance slip. What if it really was Ding Fan? She couldn't take that risk!

Taozi was taken aback by Zhou Ruoran's inquiry about a man, which was unprecedented. Clearly, Zhou Ruoran never showed interest in any male cultivator before, rarely even glancing at one. This sudden inquiry into a male cultivator's affairs suggested there was more to it. Taozi, with a mischievous yet cute expression, teased Zhou Ruoran:

"If you want to know about the handsome guy, you'll have to accompany me to Dancheng. How about that? A trade?"

When Hao Chun heard Taozi's words, he was about to tell Zhou Ruoran what he knew about Ding Lin, but Taozi stopped him with a timely look, expressing a displeased expression in his direction, clearly not wanting him to interrupt!