Summit of the Old Gods

"Hmm." Qiao Yuanxi quickly reached out her hand, holding onto the diamond-shaped pendant, as if afraid it might run away.

But just a few seconds later, her slightly worried expression turned into one of increasing delight.

"Yes, yes!" Qiao Yuanxi nodded repeatedly, like a little chick pecking at rice, then got up and walked towards the west side of the house.

Who knows what the Artifact Spirit communicated to her.

Lu Ran watched the back of his sister, and mentally sent a message: [Shadow One, Shadow Two, protect her well.]

[Yes!]

[Yes.]

It wasn't until Qiao Yuanxi disappeared at the door of the house that the others withdrew their gaze.

The courtyard was silent, except for the crackling of the bonfire.

"Let's continue." Lu Ran spoke first, glancing at Deng Yutang diagonally across from him, teasing, "Deputy Hall Master Deng, are you still accustomed to being in the Law Enforcement Hall?"

Deng Yutang immediately nodded.

Leaning beside him, Bai Manni also sat up straight: "Thank you, Sect Leader."

Lu Ran waved his hand with a smile: "We're family, no need to be so polite."

Ever since the young couple was promoted to the River Realm, Deng Yuxiang had let her own brother join the Law Enforcement Hall.

The Law Enforcement Hall was originally dominated by the Phoenix and Swallow Generals, but with the Ran Sect's southward campaign, the Phoenix and Swallow Generals accompanied Lu Ran to first conquer the Pear Garden Sect and then Jingxian Island. They haven't been inside the cliff for a long time.

Deng Yutang was also promoted to Deputy Hall Master, fully commanding the Law Enforcement Hall of the Ran Sect.

His face was full of the words "connections".

Sometimes, Lu Ran even wonders if Mr. Deng has taken the protagonist's script!

Has a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter.

Has brothers who can shelter the sky, a sister with power in her hands, and a grandfather elder who is close across generations.

Isn't this purely a winner in life?

"You've trained well, showing some responsibility." Deng Yuxiang spoke calmly.

She always sat next to Deng Yutang, and throughout, Deng Yutang used his body to shield his wife, creating a makeshift haven for Bai Manni against the pressure from his sister.

"Hehe~" Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle.

Visibly, with Deng Yuxiang's words, Deng Yutang couldn't help but shiver slightly again.

Bai Manni held her husband's hand heartily, and dared not say anything about her strong sister-in-law.

Lu Ran suddenly said, "Sister Yuxiang, accompany me to explore the southwest this time."

Deng Yuxiang immediately nodded, looking as if it were only natural.

Lu Ran's eyes carried a hint of sympathy as he looked at the suffering elder brother of the Deng family.

Brothers can only help you this far.

I'll take her away so that you can have a few comfortable days...

Deng Yutang evidently understood Lu Ran's intention, his face full of gratitude, but he immediately shifted his gaze.

Sister is a Sea Realm Great Power, but isn't brother too?

One is Sea Realm Fourth Rank, the other is Sea Realm Third Rank, not much difference to Deng Yutang.

"Sect Leader, during this westward trip, you might want to seek out the Ash Destruction Demon Clan." Yu Changsheng spoke softly.

"Hmm." Lu Ran nodded in agreement, "I'll search the southwest and then go north on the way."

In his mind, the image of a giant lava bear emerged.

The Ash Destruction Demon Clan possesses a rather remarkable skill that allows them to ignore high-temperature environments and even absorb fire attribute damage.

Similar to Yan Qing Faction/Sea Merfolk Clan's immunity to water-type skills, it has its unique charm.

If he can activate this Evil Sculpture, Lu Ran's survivability could be improved somewhat.

[By the way, Sect Leader, how many Stone Sculpture activation slots do you have left?] Yu Changsheng switched to sending a mental message.

However, Lu Ran hadn't connected spiritually with the Mo Li Evil Sculpture, making Yu Changsheng's words sink into the sea.

Yu Changsheng immediately prayed in his heart, pleading for the response of the Lord God.

Lu Ran indeed noticed a slightest anomaly, and after a mental search, he couldn't help but smile wryly, looking at Yu Changsheng right in front of him: [Mr. Cong Long, did you call me?]

Yu Changsheng was still reverent at heart, inquiring via prayer.

[Currently, I can activate five Stone Sculptures.] Lu Ran thought, [Don't worry, when I ascend to the Heavenly Realm, the activation slots will increase greatly.]

Since ascending to the Sea Realm, Lu Ran gained 15 new Stone Sculpture activation slots, and now he has used 10 of them.

[If there are still five slots left, we must plan well.] Yu Changsheng murmured softly.

[One for Sword One, one for Spiritual Fortune.] Mentioning these two gods, Lu Ran's face also turned somber.

Sword One is the god revered by his mother, and immune to frost-type skills, it is a must-have.

When Lu Ran first arrived at Holy Spirit Mountain, he had a grudge against the Sword Mountain Peak faction, and indeed, he was taught a lesson.

As for Spiritual Fortune, it is the god revered by Chang Ying...

Regardless of Chang Ying, the illustrious and great Lord Spiritual Fortune, in Lu Ran's view, has always had a high hatred value!

Yu Changsheng understood Lu Ran's expression and advised: [Sect Leader, beware of acting rashly, Sword One is the head god of Da Xia, and the Sword One Sect is a top-tier sect!

This sect's Sword Control Technique is incredibly fast, capable of scattering a Sword Dance Clear Shadow, and swiftly traversing spaces. Encompassing it all is incredibly tough!

Yu Changsheng observed Lu Ran's expression and sincerely suggested: [You might as well cultivate to the Heavenly Realm and descend to Sword Mountain Peak, crushing it. At that time, I might also reach the Heavenly Realm and assist in taking down this sect together.]

"Hmm." Lu Ran nodded.

Everyone heard Lu Ran's nasal sound but didn't know who he was talking to.

And the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere also turned sharply with Lu Ran's mood changes.

Jiang Ruyi said softly, "It's late, let's end it here."

As Lady Ran spoke, everyone naturally got up and took their leave.

Jiang Ruyi came to Lu Ran's side, placing a hand on his back, her voice gentle: "Let's go back and rest too."

"Oh." Lu Ran stood up, apologetic, "Sorry for disturbing everyone's mood."

He always treated everyone as friends and comrades-in-arms, but unfortunately, others found it hard to regard Lu Ran in this light.

His joys and sorrows indeed influence everyone.

"It was already quite late anyway." Jiang Ruyi said nonchalantly, and in the empty environment, she rarely took the initiative, wrapping herself around Lu Ran's arm.

As she walked, she said softly, "Let me accompany you on this exploration trip."

Lu Ran said, "Aren't you planning to select a group of disciples and form an Evil Mirror Believer squad?"

Jiang Ruyi pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Lu Ran desperately needed the Holy Spirit Energy descending from the sky to cultivate the Jade Talisman and Fierce Heavenly Stone Sculpture.

Throughout the Ran Sect, hundreds of Jade Talisman Believers and Fierce Heavenly believers haven't brought about any substantial change. These two stone sculptures continuously receive the Power of Faith from the Human Clan, but their growth rate is exceptionally slow.

Clearly, Lu Ran doesn't have enough believers yet.

He has been in the mountains for less than two years, with even less time spent establishing Ran Sect and recruiting believers.

At this stage, the pure Holy Spirit Energy descending from the sky is still an essential resource for Lu Ran's development!

Forming an Evil Mirror Believer squad would be very beneficial, as it could help Lu Ran collect and properly preserve this resource within the control range of Ran Sect and subordinate forces.

As Ran Sect's power spreads in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, the role of the Evil Mirror squad will become increasingly significant.

"Hmm." Jiang Ruyi was still deep in thought when she suddenly felt herself being lifted.

When she came to her senses, she was already placed on a soft bed, with someone's delicate kisses falling on her neck.

A soft whisper came from her neck: "I plan to travel light and increase the pace of search, only bringing the Nightmare Evil Shadow dual protectors.

Hmm... I will also take Little Wu along to help probe."

The Witch Crow Believer Wu Huan is undoubtedly an excellent scout.

Jiang Ruyi's face flushed, she slowly closed her beautiful eyes and said softly:

"Not taking Yuanxi either? She's begged you so much."

"Inability to obtain makes one desire more. The harder she pleads, the more diligently she'll research and comprehend."

"You...," Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but chuckle.

She could already imagine Little Yuanxi's spoiled tantrums.

"I understand Little Yuanxi; when she goes out exploring, her playful nature becomes more prominent." Lu Ran propped his hands on both sides of her body, slightly rising, looking down at the jade beauty beneath him.

A hint of a smile appeared on his face: "Trouble Lady Fairy, please look after her for me."

Jiang Ruyi snorted softly.

Lu Ran looked at her beautiful eyes, his gaze growing more fervent, and said softly: "Let's not talk about her anymore."

Jiang Ruyi shifted her gaze slightly, turning her head to look at the carved wooden window not far away.

Perhaps she was looking at the Immortal jasmine tree in the night, or at the stars scattered across the sky.

Yet her slightly trembling eyelashes indicated her heartbeat was tumultuous, unable to escape Lu Ran's eyes.

No words were exchanged for the rest of the night.

At dawn the next morning.

A light drizzle began in the early hours.

But, clearly, this couldn't hinder Lu Ran's pace of exploration.

In the master bedroom, in front of the wardrobe, Lu Ran took out a large bamboo hat, planning to dress uniformly with the Nightmare Evil Shadow, transforming into a mysterious Jianghu Hero.

Outside the front courtyard of the Cloud Sea Residence, Deng Yuxiang was waiting, astride the Black Fire Colt, having waited quite a while.

Beside him was another majestic Black Fire Divine Steed, with a completely black crow perched on the horse's head.

Lu Ran donned the bamboo hat and walked to the bedside, looking at his beautiful and alluring fiancée, and softly said: "I'm leaving."

Jiang Ruyi softly replied: "Remember to come back on New Year's Eve."

"Certainly." Lu Ran bent down, gently pressing a kiss on her soft lips.

Jiang Ruyi hugged the quilt, quietly watching him turn around and leave, disappearing behind the screen.

The Divine Weapons and Magic Artifacts in the study flew out one by one.

Lu Ran took the Cloud Sea Blade given by the radiance, letting each Divine Weapon and Magic Artifact return to its place, smoothly putting on a wide bamboo hat, and pushed open the door to walk into the rain curtain.

Outside the fence, Deng Yuxiang sat on his horse, knife in hand, looking at the youth with a reluctant expression, slightly raising an eyebrow: [Is this all you've got?]

Lu Ran grumbled before swinging himself onto the horse.

"Brother?" Little Yuanxi, who had rushed over to share good news, suddenly changed her expression.

Lu Ran's face also stiffened.

A girl wearing a black dress rushed into the rain, clutching the diamond pendant around her neck, running all the way to the courtyard outside.

"Where are you going?" Little Yuanxi looked up, angrily at the youth in the bamboo hat on the horse's back.

Lu Ran internally sighed and said, "When you advance to Sea Realm, I'll take you out to explore."

Little Yuanxi's eyes were filled with displeasure: "I wanted to tell you that the Tear Star Pendant has accepted us, you...you! Liar!"

Lu Ran looked down at the beautiful yet angry black swan and continued: "The Holy Spirit Mountain is vast, with countless beautiful landscapes.

Once you advance to Sea Realm, wherever you wish to go, I'll accompany you."

Little Yuanxi suddenly jumped up, grabbing Lu Ran's wrist.

Lu Ran had to bend down, a hint of helplessness: "Yuanxi...ah? Be careful!"

He was startled, hurriedly waving away the Water Flow Armor; Little Yuanxi seemed determined not to worry about her teeth, as if convinced Lu Ran wouldn't harm her.

She grabbed Lu Ran's hand and bit down hard.

"Hiss..." Lu Ran took a sharp breath, "Are you like a dog?"

"Nou!" Little Yuanxi released Lu Ran's hand, wrinkling her little nose, "No! My whole family is like dogs!"

Lu Ran: "..."

As long as it's directed at me,

No need to involve our parents.

"Go, then, who cares~" Little Yuanxi turned her head towards the house, picking up the diamond pendant, wiping her lips stained with Lu Ran's blood.

Strangely, spots of blood merged into the crystal-clear diamond pendant.

Lu Ran watched her rain-soaked back, still opening his mouth to say: "I'll return before New Year's Eve; after the new year, I'll still have to celebrate your birthday."

Little Yuanxi's steps paused, then continued into the house.

Little brother!

That's somewhat better.

...

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