Summit of the Old Gods

Inside the number one seclusion room, mist swirled.

Lu Ran sat cross-legged silently in meditation, appearing as though a monk in deep trance, but in reality, his body was tumultuous as waves.

The surging mist from between heaven and earth was forcibly compressed by him, condensed into streams, flowing into the rushing rivers within his body, merging into the boundless ocean.

Intense Divine Power fluctuations nourished the Divine Weapon and Magic Artifact around him.

The little Blazing Phoenix was the busiest among them.

It had already reached full capacity, clinging tightly to Lu Ran's palm, continuously channeling Divine Power into Lu Ran's body, creating a little space before absorbing more Divine Power, and then continued to nourish the master...

Happy as can be.

"Buzz~" Suddenly, the little Blazing Phoenix trembled lightly.

"What's wrong, Chi... Chi Feng?" Lu Ran stuttered, knowing he should focus on his breakthrough, yet still couldn't resist his concern for the unusual reaction of the little Blazing Phoenix.

The Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd immediately ceased its trembling.

"What's really... wrong?" Lu Ran frowned slightly.

The little Blazing Phoenix rarely spoke human words; even when it did, it would emit pleasing phoenix chirps.

As the master of the Magic Artifact, Lu Ran usually understood its intentions, but this time, he was genuinely puzzled.

[Want to, trap, trap the enemy.] A tender child's voice imprinted into Lu Ran's mind.

The voice was soft and sweet, almost melting Lu Ran's heart...

[Trap them, in the belly, don't let them move.] the little Blazing Phoenix whispered.

Lu Ran understood the intention of the little Blazing Phoenix. Recently, he often imprisoned enemies inside the gourd, with the Evil Shadow Guardian forcing prisoners to tear up contracts and control them.

So, did the little Blazing Phoenix want to help out?

Want the enemies to be controlled and immobilized immediately upon entering the gourd?

"You're such a good boy." Lu Ran hugged the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd to his chest, gently stroking it.

"Chirp~" The little Blazing Phoenix was extremely happy, continuously snuggling in Lu Ran's palm.

To this day, it had helped many people advance.

Most of the time, it was business as usual; for example, when helping Xue Fengchen, Gao Yunyan, and Niu Zhengzheng, the little Blazing Phoenix would just quietly stay on the ground.

For some particular individuals, it would express affection appropriately, like when helping Jiang Ruyi.

It would carefully nestle in her lap, not daring to move too much, afraid of annoying her.

But with Lu Ran, the little Blazing Phoenix could express its joy freely and unleash its nature.

It especially liked Lu Ran's palm.

Warm and soft, snuggling feels so comfortable...

"Buzz!" The trembling amplitude of the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd increased a bit, but its small movements were completely overshadowed by the Divine Power fluctuations caused by its master.

"Phew..." Lu Ran suddenly looked up, even his sigh was trembling slightly.

The surging energy within him filled his body to the brim, tirelessly expanding his limits, even giving Lu Ran the illusion of imminent body explosion.

This is the feeling!

The Eight Desolate Blade slanted on Lu Ran's back, within which the Sword Spirit, amidst its master's "illusion," continued digging deeper.

Earnestly seeking.

Self-detonation?

Like the Evil Technique·Skull Explosion ceremony encountered before, like the current master, is the body unable to withstand more?

The Eight Desolate Blade Spirit researched the entirely new Divine Weapon Domain, seeking the key to advancing to a Third-rank Divine Weapon.

"Phew!!"

Suddenly, a terrifying wave of air rippled out from Lu Ran's body.

He held the little Blazing Phoenix with one hand, while the other reached down to press the Cloud Sea Dust Clearing Blade resting on his knees.

Glorious Light, Silent Night, Eight Desolates are all Divine Weapons; they'll take good care of themselves.

Yes, the Silent Night Blade has long completed its task, and Lu Ran has retrieved it.

Since Lu Ran activated the Divine Sculpture of Nu Ying and signed a contract with the Divine General Wang Longxiang, allowing communication through soundwaves, he has taken back the Silent Night Blade.

"Uh ah ah ah~~~"

Lu Ran stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.

With his movement, several crisp bone cracks echoed from within.

Sea Realm·Fourth Rank!

"Hehe~" A blissful smile appeared on Lu Ran's face, looking a bit silly.

From today onwards, this seat is also the legendary high-ranking Sea Realm!

One more step, and I'll reach the Sea Realm Peak!

"Uh." Lu Ran transformed into a puddle of mud, leaning back, but the Silent Night Blade exerted a slight force, supporting its master and preventing him from lying down.

Lu Ran: "..."

This revealed the extent to which the Divine Weapon cares for its master.

Glorious Light, Eight Desolates were always in sync with Lu Ran's mind; when the master wanted to lie back and relax, neither sword stopped him.

Only the Silent Night Blade, fond of silence, was immersed in its world, caught off guard by this scene.

Poor Silent Night, still a First-tier Divine Weapon, constantly overran by another faster Divine Weapon, preventing it from comprehending the Divine Weapon Domain.

Lu Ran raised his hand, grabbed the hilt above his shoulder, and drew the Silent Night Blade.

He finally lay down, softly saying, "That guy, where on earth is it..."

Silent Night rarely expressed its thoughts: [It's best if it's strong.]

"Hmm." Lu Ran nodded with agreement.

Back in the Human World, the Silent Night Blade had already glimpsed the proper way of understanding, subsequently hindered all along.

Lu Ran's strength soared, now reaching Sea Realm·Fourth Rank!

The longer it dragged on, the stronger he would become; someday, when Lu Ran truly finds that Divine Weapon Blade that always suppressed the Silent Night Blade...

The opponent better be really strong!

Otherwise, it would be smashed to pieces by Lu Ran's kick.

Will that Master of Divine Weapon be in the Heavenly Realm? Or in some Demon Cave deep in the Human World?

Is the Master of Divine Weapon part of the Human Clan or the Divine Demon's true self...

Lu Ran lay on the ground, lost in thought, and only after a long time did he realize that the mist in the seclusion room hadn't completely dissipated.

Someone else is advancing?

[Ruyi.]

[Congratulations.] A gentle voice of Jiang Fairy immediately echoed in his mind.

[Who's advancing?]

[Your Hall Master of the Starry Sky Hall.]

[Chang Ying?] Lu Ran's face lit up with joy, [She was at the River Realm Fourth Rank before, right?]

[Yes, she has been advancing for two days now and could reach River Realm Peak any moment.] Jiang Ruyi felt quite sentimental.

Thinking of the members of Lu Ran's squad, Tian Tian, Deng Yutang, Chang Ying...

The last to join Ran Sect turned out to be the most promising!

When Heaven confers a great task on someone, it truly tests their resolve and strength first, doesn't it?

[Just before, I thought, once Chang Ying advances to the Sea Realm and can take charge, we'll let her lead the team to reclaim Starry Valley, coordinating with Longxiang Valley for mutual support.] Lu Ran transmitted with a smile.

Jiang Ruyi pondered for a moment and nodded inwardly, thinking if it's Chang Ying, she should be able to handle major responsibilities.

She turned to ask, [Are you planning to stay in the seclusion room a bit longer? Little Yuanxi really wants to see you.]

[I need to get used to my new body. Just now, when I lay down, the ground was cracked. I need to adjust a bit more.]

[Then I'll let her wait for you at home.]

[By the way, what's today's date?]

[February 19th.]

...

Late at night, when everything was quiet, the mist inside Cloud Sea Cliff finally dispersed. It seems Chang Shen Gun got his wish fulfilled.

Lu Ran also secretly slipped back home.

Coincidentally, Jiang Ruyi, who was cultivating in the study, was about to leave, when Lu Ran caught her.

"Long time no see, esteemed Empress." Lu Ran embraced the soft and warm Jiang Ruyi and returned to the study. One by one, the weapons automatically returned to their places, and Little Chi Feng flew back to the desk.

Unfortunately, Little Chi Feng still couldn't advance or realize new effects.

However, as a mature magical artifact, it would strive to research diligently, especially after being praised as "good girl" by Lu Ran, which fueled Little Chi Feng's motivation even more.

"Hmm." Jiang Ruyi's expression was slightly coquettish, as the prestigious phoenix robe she wore indeed boosted her aura significantly.

Being both second-rank magical artifacts, Lu Ran's Ink Jade Tiger Talisman only came to life when necessary.

While her phoenix robe was exactly the opposite. It only restrained its power when Jiang Ruyi ordered it.

In this magical artifact's perception, the world was forever hierarchical and orderly; initially, even if someone dared to look at its master, it would be deemed as defying heavenly awe...

Phoenix soaring above nine skies, all beings lower their heads.

It's much better now.

Jiang Ruyi and her phoenix robe were embraced by Lu Ran, the robe like her, allowing him as he wished.

"There are dead souls in the Nightmare, Evil Shadow, and Shadow One's Rebirth Money. Remember to collect them tomorrow."

"Another Angry Sea Flame Flood Dragon?" Lu Ran said with a smile.

Every time someone advances, the invasion of Cloud Sea Cliff by the Angry Sea Flame Flood Dragon had become a routine occurrence.

If it weren't for Lu Ran's Ink Carp Squad and Sea Shark Squad controlling the Mocean Bay area, the Mo Li Clan and Sea Merfolk Clan wouldn't have been spared either.

"Plus a few human dead souls."

"Humans?" Lu Ran was somewhat surprised; since Ran Sect's founding, there had been occasional appearances of others, but in the days that followed, few humans dared to invade.

"Four disciples of Yan Qing, I've had Niu Zhengzheng interrogate them. They drifted from the north."

Niu Zhengzheng, being the presiding Soul-splitting Demon, naturally possessed a Soul Prison and Soul Fire.

Lu Ran could completely free himself, letting Niu act as a ruthless executioner.

Jiang Ruyi's voice cooled considerably, "Their time entering the mountain wasn't long, yet they understood the rules thoroughly."

"Hm." Lu Ran recalled when he first entered the mountain.

Such ignorance and fearlessness.

"You're getting closer to the Heavenly Realm." Jiang Ruyi no longer dwelled on the minor thieves, resting on Lu Ran's shoulder, her voice softening again.

"Yes, so I need to speed up." Lu Ran said softly.

"Hm?"

"Tonight, I'll sleep well, and tomorrow morning, I'll go to the Jinmi Demon Clan's lair to activate the Evil Sculpture soon, so I won't fear fire anymore."

Jiang Ruyi was quite pleased with Lu Ran's decision.

Along with this, the Phoenix Nine Heaven Robe graciously lowered its long trailing hem, encircling Lu Ran.

"What is this?" Lu Ran was somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

At times, a shared mind isn't very beneficial.

She could have many thoughts, yet her face remained as calm as a lake, but the magical artifact, loving her as its master, expressed its owner's and its feelings.

Lu Ran felt the phoenix robe gently caressing his back, his expression somewhat odd: "Isn't the Empress very satisfied?

Is this... encouragement or reward?"

Jiang Ruyi's cheeks flushed slightly, changing the subject: "When you set off tomorrow, aren't you taking Yuanxi? I'll accompany you, to guard her."

Lu Ran smiled, not making it difficult for her: "Alright, bring the Xuan Shuang Guard along too; Jinmie Ridge is too hot, she can help cool it down... Oh right!

Speaking of Xuan Shuang, does she often help you with bathing and dressing?"

"Yes, Xuan Shuang truly takes care of me, always... who told you that?"

"Who else could it be?"

Jiang Ruyi, smart as ice and snow, instantly thought of that fierce-tempered, petty, and jealous confidante.

Yet Lu Ran slyly turned the conversation, whispering: "You know, I also really want to take care of you..."

Jiang Ruyi blushed bright red, lightly scolding: "Go!"

Foolish ruler!

...