Summit of the Old Gods

Suddenly, Yun Qianzhou smiled.

At last, a hint of human warmth adorned his demeanor.

Throughout Mist Rain Lake, sounds of relief rose, and the tension in the air eased considerably with his smile.

"I owe my advancement this time to the support of all present."

Yun Qianzhou spoke slowly, his magnetic voice piercing through layers of rain, reaching everyone's ears.

He stood mid-air, slowly turned, and cupped his hands in salute to the members of the Thousand Boat Alliance.

Yun Qianzhou's smile was clearly kind, his gratitude sincere, yet it still felt solemn and sacred to those observing.

It even made one question what qualifications they had to receive gratitude from someone so divine?

As it turns out, Lu Ran's intuition was not wrong.

The members of the Thousand Boat Alliance were indeed panicked and reverent!

Across the skies and earth, people knelt in worship, congratulating the lofty Alliance Leader on his success.

This left Lu Ran's presence quite conspicuous.

Standing atop the Golden Jade Talisman, he did not perform the kneeling rites that others did for this great Heavenly Realm power.

As the Lady of the Sect Leader, Jiang Ruyi naturally acted in line with Lu Ran, standing steadily as well.

Yun Qianzhou naturally glanced over, nodding and smiling at the unfamiliar young man.

There was not a hint of coercion in his demeanor.

Yet Lu Ran's breathing faltered slightly, his heart beat wildly.

Yun Qianzhou slowly descended to Tianya Island, his tall figure disappearing into the lush forest.

Inside and outside Mist Rain Lake, silence prevailed.

Only after a long time did the members of the Thousand Boat Alliance cautiously lift their heads and murmur among themselves.

Logically, everyone should have gone to Tianya Island to congratulate the Alliance Leader; perhaps a grand celebration was to be held on Thousand Boat Island.

Yet now, no one dared to make a move.

The compassionate and gentle image of Alliance Leader Yun in their minds had completely changed; that celestial aura and demeanor were not accessible to just anyone anymore.

Eventually, someone stepped forward to ease the situation.

The Island Masters of Tianya and Mingyue flew out from the island, conveying that the Alliance Leader Yun had accepted their goodwill and requesting everyone to return to their own islands.

Naturally, everyone obeyed the orders and returned.

The originally festive Mist Rain Lake became eerily quiet.

"Master Lu, please stay!"

The Island Master of Mingyue, with pure white phoenix wings, flew rapidly toward him.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at the noble and holy Sky Phoenix female disciple, yet in comparison to Yun Qianzhou's brilliance, the Island Master of Mingyue seemed somehow inferior.

"Alliance Leader Yun invites Master Lu to the island for a discussion." Mingyue Island Master, with bright eyes, spoke softly.

"Alright." Lu Ran agreed, then turned to Jiang Ruyi, saying, "Ruyi, you should stay on Green Lotus Island."

Even as he spoke, he sent a mental message: [This trip is likely uneventful, but you should remain on the island to oversee matters. If something happens, consult Mr. Cong Long, and I shall bring Big Nightmare to attend.]

"Alright." Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly.

As Lu Ran placed the Divine Weapon beneath his feet, she flew back.

At her glance, Deng Yuxiang, holding a broken blade, flew over.

Here, the Island Master of Mingyue looked at the Island Master of Bi He and others, and in a tone not of invitation but of command, said, "Island Master of Grey Lotus, follow me to the island as well."

"Yes." The Island Master of Grey Lotus, leaning on a cane, walked on leaves.

The four of them flew toward the central area of Mist Rain Lake, and along the way, Lu Ran also encountered the leader of the Chenghua Sect, the Island Master of Yihua, and the leader of the Sword Lotus Sect, the Island Master of White Lotus.

The group gathered at the front of the Council Hall on Tianya Island, exchanging cordial greetings, and entered the building together.

At this time, He Qifeng was already seated inside the hall, with the eighteenth Pride of Da Xia, Hou Yun, standing behind.

Upon seeing Lu Ran arrive, He Qifeng stood to welcome him.

Because of their agreement, He Qifeng secretly joined the Ran Sect, thus she addressed him as "Master Lu," not omitting Lu Ran's surname.

When everyone was seated again...

Hou Yun astonishingly noticed that He Qifeng sat in the second chair, leaving the first position on the left side vacant for Lu Ran.

Hou Yun was quite surprised.

Having been in the Forbidden City long enough, she was very aware of her City Lord's "none can rival me" nature.

And here you tell me that He Qifeng voluntarily gave up her seat?

Has Sister Qifeng been possessed?

Hmm... Just in terms of this battle, Lu Ran and his Ran Sect's killing of the Thunder Mountain Sect Master were indeed meritorious!

Moreover, as the first Pride of Da Xia, Lu Ran was indeed above He Qifeng.

To rationalize her City Lord's unusual behavior, Hou Yun could only comfort herself in this way.

The vast Council Hall had a grand chair set at the top, where Yun Qianzhou sat, with Tianya and Mingyue flanking him.

Lu Ran and He Qifeng sat on the left side of the hall, with Deng Yuxiang naturally standing behind Lu Ran.

Directly opposite them, on the right side of the hall, sat the Island Master of Grey Lotus, the Island Master of Yihua, and the Island Master of White Lotus.

The hall felt quite spacious; in total, there were merely ten people there.

Besides Lu Ran and the four led by He Qifeng, the remaining Island Masters were considered the core leadership of the Thousand Boat Alliance.

"This time, my successful ascension owes much to the support of these two righteous individuals," Yun Qianzhou spoke gently.

Lu Ran could feel that the other was intentionally restraining his presence, trying to make it easier for those in the room to endure.

"Alliance Leader Yun is too kind," He Qifeng spoke first, seemingly afraid that Lu Ran might appear awkward. As someone from the Sea Realm, she could better withstand the pressure.

Lu Ran was certainly not one to be underestimated by the Wind Emperor; he smiled, "Thunder Mountain had wild ambitions, yet Alliance Leader Yun governs the Thousand Boat Alliance with benevolence.

Those who are virtuous naturally garner support; it's an eternal truth."

"Hehe." Yun Qianzhou's eyes were full of admiration as he looked at the overly young Master Lu.

These words truly bring joy to one's heart.

And then there's the Hall Master of Wuji Peak · Big Wind Hall, also a young woman, yet possessing such kingly poise.

I've only been in seclusion for just over half a year.

Has this Holy Spirit Mountain already transformed into such a state?

Lu Ran added, "Furthermore, the Island Master of Green Lotus Island is my senior. Being able to meet an old friend within Holy Spirit Mountain, it's only natural to offer some assistance."

Yun Qianzhou nodded, "So there's also this layer of relationship."

After a moment's reflection, Lu Ran still said, "The main reason is that on the night I arrived at Mist Rain Lake, I heard the song 'Fisherman Singing in the Evening'.

Alliance Leader Yun is stuck in the mire yet remains untainted; your principles for leading are truly admirable.

If Alliance Leader Yun can, with transcendent demeanor, uphold the land and sky of Holy Spirit Mountain, it would naturally reduce the mutual slaughter among our Da Xia compatriots."

Yun Qianzhou's expression turned slightly solemn, "You two young friends are truly people of high moral integrity."

The Island Master of Grey Lotus slowly stood up, timely saying, "Alliance Leader. Master Lu's footprints cover Holy Spirit Mountain, punishing the wicked and purging the air of the Mountain Realm.

Hall Master He constructed a Forbidden City in the center of the Holy Spirit Mountain continent, taking in refugees and protecting compatriots..."

As the Island Master of Grey Lotus recounted, Yun Qianzhou was filled with admiration.

After all, he had just emerged from seclusion, and his subordinates had only briefly informed him about these two allies.

Now, upon hearing of their deeds, even Yun Qianzhou could not help but be filled with admiration.

Yun Qianzhou merely established an alliance and held steadfastly to one corner, but these two young individuals before him...

Are they intent on completely transforming the order of the Mountain Realm?

At this thought, Yun Qianzhou's gaze turned slightly melancholic.

He Qifeng spoke, "Now that Alliance Leader Yun has ascended to the Heavenly Realm, the crisis of the Thousand Boat Alliance has already been resolved.

Our Forbidden City, the Ran Sect, and the Thousand Boat Alliance can form an alliance to collectively purify the atmosphere of the Mountain Realm.

What does Alliance Leader Yun think?"

Yun Qianzhou maintained a calm exterior, yet a trace of bitterness stirred in his heart.

Remain in the Mountain Realm?

I fear I won't be able to stay for long...

The room was silent, though Yun Qianzhou's countenance was as calm as a still lake, he was after all a Great Power in the Heavenly Realm!

His quietly rising mood could influence the atmosphere within the hall.

He Qifeng's eyebrows slightly furrowed, asking, "Does Alliance Leader Yun have some unspeakable difficulty? Or perhaps you wish to ascend to the Heavenly Realm to experience a more elevated landscape?"

Lu Ran suddenly reached out and gently patted He Qifeng's arm.

No wonder he's our Wind Emperor!

Dare to question even a Great Power of the Heavenly Realm like this?

Behind the chair, Hou Yun blinked his eyes, looking at Lu Ran's hand on He Qifeng's arm.

He Qifeng's "If not me, then who" was not merely words.

The so-called Big Wind Hall was indeed her one-woman show.

Especially since He Qifeng ascended to the Sea Realm, those qualified to advise her, and daring enough to do so, were very few.

Yet Lu Ran's move now...

Watching this, Hou Yun was truly baffled.

He Qifeng not only had no reaction but actually fell silent?

This...?

And as He Qifeng's words fell, the Island Master of Grey Lotus, the Island Master of Chenghua, and the Island Master of White Lotus sitting opposite also all turned their gaze to the Alliance Leader.

The Island Master of Chenghua was a slightly effeminate man, while the Island Master of White Lotus was a charming lady.

The two Sea Realm Great Powers should have been calm and composed.

At this moment, the two of them, however, were anxiously looking at the Alliance Leader, fearing that Yun Qianzhou might leave the island.

"With such ambition and helping my Thousand Boat Alliance through this calamity, Yun and the Thousand Boat Alliance should naturally offer full support." Yun Qianzhou displayed extraordinary grace, once again showing a gentle smile.

Upon hearing this, several core leaders in the room all breathed a sigh of relief.

Yun Qianzhou changed the subject, "I heard the two of you together slew the Sect Master of Thunder Mountain, truly impressive for the younger generation."

He Qifeng frankly acknowledged, "I was merely providing support from the side; Lv Xiao was slain by Master Lu and the generals of the Ran Sect."

Yun Qianzhou looked towards Lu Ran, carefully scrutinizing this extraordinary young man.

Though this youth's realm wasn't high, he moved with ease among a group of strong individuals, neither arrogant nor subservient.

Yun Qianzhou could genuinely feel the steadfastness of this youth's character and the resolve of his will.

Coupled with his actions and aspirations...

If one day he had to leave.

Entrusting the Thousand Boat Alliance to such a person, presumably, he would be at ease.

"Tianya."

"Yes." The Island Master of Tianya carried a square wooden tray over to Lu Ran and He Qifeng.

As the red cloth was lifted, there lay a Tiger Talisman upon it.

It was jet black in its entirety, made of some kind of jade, with the tiger's head carved lifelike, and strange golden inscriptions engraved upon its body.

The black jade Tiger Talisman, though small and delicate, only two-finger sized, carried an innate majesty.

Aware of being scrutinized, it seemed somewhat displeased.

Or perhaps, it was testing the two of them.

Suddenly, a terrifying aura, like surging waves, overwhelmed Lu Ran and He Qifeng...

...