The villains are redeemed, and the heroines cry and beg for forgiveness.

"Without me, they would indeed be the undisputed number one, absolutely leading the Human Alliance," Gu Ran replied after thinking for a moment.

"It seems Zhu Zhu and his team are doing quite well, but it's a pity their research overlaps with yours," Xue Yingsong said, adjusting his glasses.

Gu Ran: "Actually, to be precise, it should be said that I clashed with them, since they started researching this project before me."

“That’s true, you’re the one who came later.” Xue Yingsong was speechless.

"Alright, the reason I called you here this time is to discuss some things." Xue Yingsong's face became serious. "The person leading the team from Vermilion Bird City this time is Zhang Bingzheng, the vice president of the Central Elders Council. He brought some unexpected news."

Gu Ran raised an eyebrow slightly: "What news? It seems very important, even our principal is on high alert."

Unlike Azure Dragon City, Vermilion Bird City is more conservative, so the major sects control the most resources within it.

Finally, the forces represented by these sects united to form the highest authority in Suzaku City—the Central Council of Elders.

The vice president of the Central Council of Elders is already one of the most powerful figures in Vermilion Bird City. If it were just a routine matter, there would be no need for him to come.

"This time, Far East City was controlled by the 'Evil God,' which involved Azure Dragon City, Vermilion Bird City, and New Testament City. Vermilion Bird City and Azure Dragon City are closely linked and are also victims. Therefore, he wants to join forces with Azure Dragon City to demand compensation from New Testament City and Far East City, which is actually for profit."

Xue Yingsong said indifferently, "Although that old man is quite shameless, he did it all for the sake of his main city, so I didn't kick him out. All the work was done by our Canglong City, and it was all done by you. Why should that old man get more benefits?"

"He changed his mind later, but I feel that what he changed his mind to later was what he really wanted. After all, negotiation skills are all about asking for the moon, bargaining, and constantly compromising and reaching a middle ground."

He heard that our Azure Dragon City had unearthed the Dragon Gate mobile city from over 300 years ago, and he wants to collaborate with us to develop Dragon Gate City.

"This matter also concerns you, so I'd like to hear your opinion."

Xue Yingsong looked at Gu Ran.

Gu Ran pondered for a moment and said, "Develop Dragon Gate City with us? What are their plans? Or rather, what goals have they set? For example, do they want to learn the construction technology of Dragon Gate City, a mobile city, or do they want to restart this mobile city together with Azure Dragon City?"

Xue Yingsong said, "They did not put forward their own specific goals. They only said that they wanted to form a joint team with Canglong City to strengthen cooperation. The leading role in the development is Canglong City. What plan to adopt and how to do it are all decided by Canglong City."

"However, major matters before development must be discussed by a development committee composed of personnel from both cities. Only after approval can the implementation phase begin. As for specific development benefits, if it is in the area of ​​scientific research, Canglong City must teach Zhuque City in this regard and must not keep anything secret. If it is in the area of ​​economic benefits, it depends on the efforts of both parties. However, in the end, Zhuque City must give Canglong City 30% more of its profits."

"There are some other miscellaneous matters, but I don't think you're very interested in them, so I won't go into detail. In short, Suzaku City is indeed very sincere and genuinely wants to jointly develop Dragon Gate City with Canglong City."

Gu Ran pondered for a while, and then said with certainty, "Has something happened in Vermilion Bird City? Vermilion Bird City is probably going to back down to Azure Dragon City and wants to use Azure Dragon City's influence to help Vermilion Bird City."

Xue Yingsong nodded with some satisfaction: "Your analysis is good. That's what I was thinking too. Although Canglong City and Zhuque City are closely connected, they rarely don't try to sabotage each other. If there's a chance to trick each other, they wouldn't mind doing it."

"Only when significant interests are involved, such as when the survival of both cities is at stake, will the two cities truly help each other. Although Vermilion Bird City was invaded by the martial arts masters of Far East City, it is not yet severely damaged. In Vermilion Bird City, spatial ability users are practically invincible. Even if the martial arts masters of Far East City possess some time-related skills, they cannot reverse the final outcome of defeat."

Unrivaled in this era?

This is a very high evaluation.

Gu Ran couldn't help but ask curiously, "Why? Is there anything special about Vermilion Bird City? Do space ability users get any advantages here?"

Xue Yingsong: "Spatial ability can be said to be a very unique ability, because from ancient times to the present, there have only been two spatial ability users in the same era, and they are always in a master-disciple relationship."

"There are no superior or inferior spatial abilities. Logically speaking, no two abilities are exactly the same. Even if two abilities look very similar, they are not exactly the same. With careful observation, you can see the differences. Moreover, the ability cores of similar ability users will not be the same."

"But spatial abilities are different. Spatial ability users can use the same abilities. The only difference is the level of proficiency in mastering them or whether they can use them at all. Once they use them, the nature and characteristics of their power are the same. It is said that the ability crystal cores are also exactly the same. Of course, due to the lack of relevant opportunities and evidence, there are no examples of this. It is just a guess based on rumors."

In the end, Xue Yingsong's tone sounded quite regretful.

It seems they really want to test whether the two spatial ability crystal cores are exactly the same.

Gu Ran was also quite disappointed, and he was very curious about how much of the related rumors were true.

After all, he was once a space ability user, and now his sister has taken his place as a space ability user.

"However, based on the fact that the power is basically the same, it is highly credible that the ability crystal core is also exactly the same. In short, spatial ability is such a peculiar ability, and spatial ability users are such peculiar ability users."

Xue Yingsong continued, "These peculiar ability users have always settled in Suzaku City. Almost every generation of space ability users is a student of the previous generation of space ability users, and every generation of space ability users chooses to continue to protect Suzaku City."

"This actually involves the secrets of spatial ability users, just like how each president of Lanxin University searches for the next telekinetic user to be their successor, right? However, only spatial ability users themselves know the secrets, but I can tell you the secrets of telekinetic users."

Xue Yingsong suddenly smiled and looked at Gu Ran.

"Huh?" Gu Ran was surprised that the topic had suddenly shifted to her.

"The reason why every president of Lanxin University is so keen to find the next telekinetic user is because Lanxin University follows a path that combines starstone technology and martial arts. Therefore, it pays more attention to scientific research strength than combat strength. Do you know why Lanxin University focuses on scientific research strength and insists on following the path of combining starstone technology and martial arts?"

Before Gu Ran could answer, Xue Yingsong continued:

"You probably already know the answer. It's because the first principal, the man considered a tyrant of Canglong City more than three hundred years ago, built Lanxin University, yet he himself is no longer recorded in history. But why did he build Lanxin University? What was he striving for throughout his life?"

Finally, Xue Yingsong's face showed a thoughtful expression.

Gu Ran recalled his conversation with the "tyrant" phantom in the ruins, the words left on the core of the Ark, and the words that had been "erased," and his heart sank slightly.

He didn't tell Xue Yingsong the whole story of that day because his subconscious told him that it wouldn't be good for Xue Yingsong, nor for himself.

"Perhaps he's trying to prove something? He must have a reason to do this..." Gu Ran offered his guess.

Xue Yingsong smiled and said, “It seems you have your own ideas. This is the question that the previous principal was pursuing and thinking about: What exactly is our mission? What kind of thing do we want to accomplish? I don’t know if this is the idea of ​​the first principal—or even the previous principals, but I know this is what I have to do.”

"As for you, I can't tell you what to do. I can only tell you what I want to do, what I've done, and what I want you to do."

Gu Ran frowned: "Principal, why...?"

"Actually, everyone has already seen that I prefer you to be my successor, to become the new principal of Lanxin University, and the new ruler of Canglong City." Xue Yingsong said bluntly, "As for the reason, it is very simple: because you are a psychic, because you are the destined one."

"In the previous tests, you passed with perfect performance. Now your reputation has reached its peak in Azure Dragon City. No one will doubt your ability, and no one will question whether you are capable of shouldering such a heavy responsibility."

Suddenly, Xue Yingsong's expression changed, and he said with a smile, "Those students outside are here to petition for you, hahaha... petitioning for you to have special rights, this is truly unheard of."

Gu Ran knew that Xue Yingsong had sensed the students' movements outside through his telekinesis, because he had just done the same and learned about the students' situation.

Immediately, Xue Yingsong's voice rang out from the loudspeaker outside the research room.

"Please leave, students. I know why you've come, but school rules are rules and cannot be broken so easily."

Inside the research room, Xue Yingsong smiled and said to Gu Ran, "I'll play the bad guy."

"Alright, let's continue talking about our business."

"There is one thing I hope you will agree to, no matter what."

Xue Yingsong's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

"What is it?" Gu Ran asked.

"I want you to get engaged to Xiaoling."

......

Seeing this scene, Xue Xiling, who was outside the screen, could no longer control her emotions.

209. Gu Ran is a liar! 4k

Xue Xiling originally thought she had let go of the past and only harbored hatred towards Gu Ran.

She had mostly remained calm when she saw Gu Ran's past memories, and she thought she would always remain calm.

But I never expected that seeing this scene would bring back a flood of memories.

Those memories kept surfacing: knowing Gu Ran, being curious about him, admiring him, loving him...

Those ordinary times spent with him now seem so beautiful – even though they were just simply together, the memories they left in her heart were wonderful.

The sweetest moment in her heart was the time when she was engaged to Gu Ran. During that time, she felt like she had everything wonderful in the world.

She imagined doing research with Gu Ran after they got married, reading papers together, and taking afternoon naps together...

He also imagined that after she became pregnant, he would press his face against her belly, and the two of them would feel the rhythm of new life together...

I've also envisioned helping my father take over Lanxin University after he gets old, and the two of us working together to develop Lanxin University with all our might...

She had imagined countless beautiful scenarios, and she had even thought that she would possess all those beautiful scenarios.

Then time froze on the day Gu Ran launched the "Great Turmoil," a day that profoundly impacted Canglong City.

Her fiancé, Gu Ran, a highly respected teacher at Lanxin University and Gu Ran's special envoy to Canglong City, has turned into a murderous demon.

At least tens of millions of people died in that turmoil, after which Canglong City entered into its dark rule.

"No matter what your reason is, it is unforgivable, absolutely... unforgivable!" Xue Xiling said through gritted teeth as she looked at Gu Ran inside the triangular crystal cone.

She was no longer the naive and innocent girl she once was; her heart had long since become as hard as a rock amidst all the calculations of self-interest.

She is Xue Yingsong's daughter, the current president of Lanxin University, and one of the current central committee members of Canglong City.

She came with her father, with Lanxin University, and with the hatred of tens of millions of dead Canglong City people!

If Gu Ran doesn't die, she won't let it go, Lanxin University won't let it go, and Canglong City won't let it go!

"Let everything from the past end here..." Xue Xiling thought to herself.

Let all the beautiful memories and love of the past vanish with hatred...

“Speaking of which, Gu Ran could have easily obtained all that he has now…” a powerful figure suddenly said with emotion.

"Yes, the former president of Lanxin University values ​​him, the people support him, and the former president even wants to marry his daughter to him. He has already reached the pinnacle that most people can never reach. With his strength, even if he just follows the rules and does a good job of governing Canglong City, he will definitely have the opportunity to become the general governor of the Human Alliance in the future."

The other powerful figures couldn't help but agree.

"Yes, Gu Ran is already so capable. Even without taking the wrong path, he could have obtained everything he has now. Why did he choose to betray his family and friends and the people? What he once possessed was something countless people could only dream of. Can greed really completely corrupt people's hearts?"

Some people couldn't help but say with regret.

"Sigh, I really want to know what happened back then. Did Gu Ran suddenly change, or did he just expose the devil in his heart? He did a lot of things to Canglong City back then. I thought we were all deceived by this tyrant Gu Ran. The tyrant he became later was Gu Ran's true self."

"But now that I think about it, compared to those rumors that touted Gu Ran's achievements, Gu Ran did much more for Canglong City—he did indeed make a huge contribution to Canglong City, which is undeniable, but... sigh..."