The most effective way to establish her status was to conceive Xu Ran's child as soon as possible. Once she was pregnant with Xu Ran's child, her status was definitely secured as being no less than significant.
However, this proved to be the most challenging part since Xu Ran wasn't keen on becoming a father at the moment.
If he became a father now, by the the time his own kids grew up, the new girls he picked up might even be younger than his children. Damn, just the thought of it felt incredibly awkward. Besides, Xu Ran genuinely had no interest in children. Perhaps because he was immortal, the conventional desire for offspring wasn't there. "Why bother with succession if I can't die? My body remains forever young, and so does my outlook—no such thoughts at all."
So Xu Ran deliberately sabotaged the possibility, making it impossible for them to get pregnant.
However, this made Xun Er and the others occasionally doubt Xu Ran's capabilities, but they never said anything out of respect for his dignity. Even if Xu Ran really had a physical issue, they wouldn't leave him.
After placating Xun Er, Xu Ran left her, exhausted and weary, to set up the spatial wormholes.
Xu Ran was determined to spend more time with Xiao Mei and Xiao Yu in the next few days. Although these two girls weren't the absolute pinnacle of beauty, each had their own charm. No two leaves are the same in this world, and as long as Xu Ran liked what he saw, there wasn't really a high or low distinction.
Moreover, he felt quite guilty.
Xu Ran set up the spatial wormholes not far from the Xu Sect and Canaan Academy, completing the task in just a few minutes. He then went to inform Canaan Academy about the wormholes, and the academy took it very seriously, immediately sending an Elder with people to refurbish the surrounding area.
Due to the spatial wormholes, this area was bound to develop rapidly in the future.
If someone claimed that Canaan Academy was the center of the Black Corner Region, there might have been doubts. But now, with the establishment of the Xu Sect and the spatial wormholes, this place was indeed going to be the core of the Black Corner Region.
"This sound of the zither."
Before he knew it, Xu Ran found himself standing in front of Tang Yuehua's room, her enchanting music calming his previously agitated mood. After becoming a Music Goddess, Tang Yuehua's mastery of music was truly unmatched.
Perhaps it was because of the Xiao Family, Xu Ran once again thought of Tang Yuehua from those days. To this day, she still didn't know that he was responsible for slaughtering so many from the Hao Tian Clan, yet she remained, a gentle presence by his side.
Even Xu Ran, with his thick skin, felt a twinge of embarrassment.
Since being with Tang Yuehua, it seemed he'd been somewhat neglectful of her. Not that it was all Xu Ran's fault—since Tang Yuehua had become a Music God, she'd devoted most of her attention to the path of music, simple and uncompetitive, and naturally, Xu Ran spent more of his time with those who were constantly vying for his attention.
Fortunately, Xu Ran had a plan, making sure to be intimate with them at least once a month. Sometimes the System would remind him in this regard, and while he couldn't give everyone the same amount of love, he hadn't completely forgotten anyone.
"What brings you to my place today?"
As if sensing Xu Ran's presence, the music stopped abruptly, and Tang Yuehua's usually cool tone became noticeably rougher from happiness.
"Of course, I missed you. You're so beautiful that you're always on my mind," Xu Ran said with a chuckle as he walked up, hugging Tang Yuehua tightly while one hand seemingly wandered off to someplace else.
Tang Yuehua was dressed in a moon-white gauze dress, truly resembling a fairy from the lunar palace when she played the zither.
"I'll believe that when pigs fly. But since you haven't completely forgotten about me, I'll forgive you," Tang Yuehua said, clearly happy about Xu Ran's arrival. In fact, not just Tang Yuehua, Xu Ran spent a considerable amount of time with the others as well.
To increase the time they could spend with Xu Ran, they could only resort to being with him in a large group. Although it was embarrassing, that seemed to be the only way. However, this also meant that their chances for one-on-one time with Xu Ran became even rarer.
Xu Ran also felt that he needed to make time to chat with each of them individually, to share life goals and dreams. Otherwise, when grievances started to arise, it would be difficult to handle.
"This is a hairpin I had specially made for you when I was out. Let me put it on for you," Xu Ran said while holding a moon yellow jade hairpin that complemented Tang Yuehua's temperament beautifully. He skillfully placed it among the hair coiled atop her head, and it looked exquisite.
"At least you have a conscience."
A simple gift had Tang Yuehua spinning with joy, and she didn't even want to leave his lap.
"Xu Lang, play a tune for me, will you? I haven't heard you play in such a long time." Seizing the opportunity now that Xu Ran was here, Tang Yuehua wouldn't let it pass. She knew she was far inferior to Xu Ran in music. In terms of technique alone, she might far surpass Xu Ran, but as someone who had inherited knowledge from a new era, the pieces Xu Ran played were entirely different from classical music; they were lively and exuberant, which Tang Yuehua adored.
"Then you better listen closely."
Xu Ran straightened his body and rummaged through his mind before starting to play.
With Xu Ran's ability, even if he played blindly and randomly, it could never sound bad.
"That's amazing," Tang Yuehua applauded Xu Ran, gazing at him enraptured, fully immersed in his music. The piece Xu Ran was playing might not necessarily be better than Tang Yuehua's, but to her, Xu Ran was seen through rose-colored glasses, and even the most casual strumming might leave her pondering over some deeper meaning.
This is the weight carried by the title "Grandmaster." If one were to use an analogy from his past life, even an offhand curse from Xu Ran could be interpreted by students studying for an exam as a critique of some dark reality.
"I have even better surprises in store," Xu Ran said playfully, sweeping the delicate Tang Yuehua into his arms and about to head to her room. Reaching the doorway, he remembered his commitment to Han Yue and the others and instead turned towards the large room he had kept for himself nearby.
At this point, he wasn't sure how Han Yue and Xin Lan would react when they found him and Tang Yuehua, but it didn't matter anymore.
Because Xu Ran's playing was distinct from Tang Yuehua's style, the moment his music flowed out, all the women nearby knew Xu Ran had arrived.
As Xu Ran emerged holding Tang Yuehua, Rongrong, Zhu Qing, and the others, including Xue Ke, had already gathered at the door. Seeing Tang Yuehua in Xu Ran's arms, they all teased her with laughter.
With a look from Xu Ran, they quickly scurried back to their rooms to get ready.