Douluo : Capture the goddess starting from peerless tang sect

"Since you've chosen to be with me, I won't let you down."

Qian Ran looked at Cui Yajie with firm eyes, speaking with sincerity.

Unlike the powerful soul masters who often valued a lifetime of loyalty to one person, he had a different perspective, one that didn't constrain him to conventional views of love.

"Mhm." Cui Yajie's delicate eyes curved like crescent moons, filled with joy.

Qian Ran lifted her face, beautiful and sweet yet tinged with allure, and kissed her deeply, savoring the exquisite warmth in his embrace.

Her soft, gently waved pink hair and flawless, porcelain-smooth skin were rare treasures in his eyes. Unlike last night, dulled by drink, this moment was one he could relish in its fullness.

Once he'd thoroughly enjoyed their time together, Qian Ran took Cui Yajie's hand and went off in search of Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo. The impression they'd left him last night, with their matching swimsuits, was deeply satisfying—a one-plus-one combination that brought double the pleasure.

"Dong'er, why don't you take them to choose a room?" Qian Ran suggested to Wang Dong'er as they returned to the villa.

The three girls couldn't contain their delight. They knew that staying in the villa meant they'd been acknowledged and accepted by him. Being close to him daily was far more reassuring than being distant, no matter the title or promises.

"Got it!" Wang Dong'er responded with a grin as she guided Cui Yajie and the Lan sisters upstairs to pick their rooms.

"Enjoyed the gift we prepared for you? After all, yesterday was your birthday," Jiang Nannan said as she walked over with a smile.

"My birthday?" Qian Ran recalled that the girls had often asked him about it in passing, and indeed, if he went by his birth date from his previous life, it was yesterday.

No wonder they'd been so indulgent last night.

"Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday?" Jiang Nannan gave him a strange look.

"Ahem, I never really celebrate it," Qian Ran replied, a little embarrassed. Truthfully, he hadn't even thought to keep track of their birthdays. If he did, there would likely be a celebration every month!

However, Jiang Nannan's words were a reminder. He knew he ought to ask them later to make a note of everyone's birthdays. Then, he could have something special prepared on those days.

"Take them out for a little while. It's best not to get a new person involved only to forget about her," Tang Ya added with a warm but knowing smile as she helped straighten his collar, emanating a natural grace.

"Do I seem like that kind of person?" Qian Ran chuckled, though inwardly noting her concern.

"You're not?" Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan both cast him a teasing look.

"Innocent, I swear. Are you jealous? Maybe I should cure that right now."

With laughter and playful shouts, he swept them both up in his arms.

Although he didn't always have as much time to spend with each of them, he knew he would never just turn his back on them. As he walked the streets of Shrek City, Qian Ran realized that he'd become somewhat of a local celebrity.

Even casually strolling, people recognized his face. With his striking looks and his constant, rotating group of beautiful female companions, even shopkeepers recognized him on sight. Spotting Qian Ran now, with three more lovely girls in tow—two of whom were twin sisters—drew envious stares.

"That guy again!"

"There aren't many beauties around to begin with, yet he seems to get them all to himself!"

"He's even got a pair of twin beauties this time! What luck!"

Some people whispered in low voices, envy and jealousy lacing their words.

It couldn't be helped. Even though Shrek City was vast, the few shopping streets worth strolling along were limited. As someone who couldn't sit still, Qian Ran often took the girls out shopping, making his presence known. Each time he went out, he seemed to have a different set of companions, all breathtaking beauties, which naturally left onlookers with green-eyed envy.

Every girl by his side was a stunning gem in her own right, a delight to be with in every sense.

Meanwhile, the Lan sisters were still adjusting to all the attention they were receiving. Following close to Qian Ran, their faces flushed with embarrassment.

"Qian Ran, do you come here often?" one of the twins asked, attempting to steer the conversation.

"Mhm. I like trying the local snacks around here," Qian Ran nodded. Despite the allure of upscale hotels, he preferred local street food, feeling it gave him a sense of this world's culture and lifestyle. It was these small, everyday experiences that grounded him, making him feel alive.

After all, in the past year, he'd gained so much—almost too much for it to feel real.

…

Meanwhile, in a corner tavern along the street, Beibei and Huo Yuhao sat together. The shame of not even being selected as a reserve team member weighed heavily on Huo Yuhao, who could barely contain his frustration.

"Beibei, are you just going to let Qian Ran walk all over you? That guy's arrogance is out of control; he even dares to take your woman. He's absolutely vile," Huo Yuhao grumbled, recalling his humiliation during the selection process.

He was now a fourth-level soul engineer and had just broken through to the Soul Elder level, a top talent in the outer courtyard. Yet, Qian Ran had so many women by his side—eight or nine, at least—leaving Huo Yuhao completely outmatched on the field, forcing him to suffer the indignity of being thrown off the fighting platform.

And it wasn't just him. Even Dai Huabin, Beibei, and He Caitou were similarly outmatched. Had it been one-on-one, any one of them would've surely claimed a spot on the team.

Now, he needed a new way to get into Star Luo City.

The Snow Empress… he was determined to have her!

"Ugh." Beibei sighed deeply, trying to drown his sorrows. He felt as if he was at his wit's end. Zhang Lexuan, once his, now followed Qian Ran wholeheartedly. She'd even whipped him to please Qian Ran. Xian Liner was no better, siding with Qian Ran every chance she got. Yet Mu Lao refused to believe him. If not for their blood relation, Mu Lao would probably trust Xian Liner and Zhang Lexuan over him.

"Still, it seems he doesn't have much time left," Beibei muttered darkly, his gaze hardening with barely suppressed fury. Mu Lao had mentioned finding a way to deal with Qian Ran once they left Shrek City, meaning this upcoming soul master tournament would likely be Qian Ran's last.

"Really?" Huo Yuhao's face lit up, his heart pounding with anticipation. If Qian Ran could be eliminated, all the better.

Without Qian Ran in the picture, he could finally claim the title of the continent's top talent. He'd earn the admiration and respect of countless people and, in time, make everyone who'd ever looked down on him pay. Especially Wang Dong'er.

Yes, he, Huo Yuhao, would wash away all his past humiliations.

"Actually, killing him isn't the only option," Huo Yuhao said, his eyes gleaming as he turned to Beibei. "What if we just cripple him and keep him locked up? If Qian Ran were half-dead, wouldn't the girls do anything for the chance to save his life?"

He and Beibei shared a knowing look, both smiling with satisfaction. If Qian Ran were left half-dead, helpless, he'd be in a perfect position for them to manipulate.

In that state, his "beloved" companions might be willing to do anything to secure his survival.