Summit of the Old Gods

Lu Ran could not get his wish.

When he led his team to Thunder Mountain, the place was already deserted.

Not only was it empty, but the entire Thunder Mountain had been burned to the ground...

It's unclear who the current leader of Thunder Mountain is.

A ruthless person!

Lv Xiao had occupied Thunder Mountain for so many years, and the structures in the mountain could be seen as a small imperial city. Yet, all those grand palaces, pavilions, towers, and gardens were reduced to ashes.

Based on the intelligence provided by Lv Xiao earlier, Lu Ran went to search around the bottom of the valley on the west side of the main peak, and found that the treasure rooms had all been emptied.

Mr. Cong Long was right.

It's been nearly a month since Thunder Mountain's collapse, and the remnants have long since fled without a trace.

Lu Ran tried to find the direction in which the army had moved, looking for clues in the forests, but he failed to get his wish once again.

Could it be that these remnants flew away?

Thunder Mountain has hundreds of servants, and there are no lack of believers who can fly.

Helplessness filled Lu Ran's heart, and he had no choice but to give up in frustration.

Afterward, he politely declined He Qifeng's invitation and bid farewell to the Big Wind Hall.

Now that Lu Ran had reached River Realm Peak and had a clear goal to strive for, he believed he should enter seclusion mode and charge towards the Sea Realm!

As for He Qifeng's previous proposal to send believers to the Ran Sect, Lu Ran also planned to recruit new members after he advanced to the Sea Realm.

Sea Grade · Mirror Flower Moon, with one transmission, can span three thousand kilometers!

Safe and efficient!

Just as Lu Ran was entering seclusion, He Qifeng could select suitable believers within the Forbidden City and make preparations.

After agreeing to keep in touch, both sides parted ways.

Of course, they relied on the Mo Yu Tiger Talisman to communicate.

Lu Ran kept the Silent Night Blade by his side.

Women,

can't be spoiled too much!

Finally, with a hint of determination, Lu Ran parted with the people from Big Wind Hall and his speed skyrocketed!

After all, he could freely use the Transmission Mirror now.

On the twenty-second day of the lunar month of winter, the members of Ran Sect returned to Cloud Sea Cliff.

Because Bai Yanhui, a spellcaster believer, was on the cliff, those guarding the base all knew how special today was.

When Lu Ran's landing mirror opened at the west of Cloud Sea Cliff, at the entrance to the mountain, everyone was already waiting.

"Sect Leader!"

"Welcome back, Sect Leader!" voices rose.

Led by Xun Yifei, the group stepped forward to greet him.

"Long time no see!" Lu Ran replied with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Most faces bore the joy of reunion.

Only the protector Mad Immortal looked completely aggrieved!

She pouted her little lips, and her beautiful big eyes swept back and forth between Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi.

That pitiful little look was particularly endearing.

Lu Ran was stunned!

Could this still be the fiery, explosive Lie Tian girl?

How like a neglected child she appeared.

Waiting for mom and dad to come home?

"You said you'd be back in a month, and it's been a month and a half already!" Si Xianxian grumbled discontentedly in a low voice.

Jiang Ruyi's gaze held some blame.

Out of everyone, only Si Xianxian dared to be so bold.

"We'll talk at home," Jiang Ruyi said softly.

Si Xianxian pursed her lips. Under Jiang Ruyi's watchful gaze, her torrent of words turned into an obedient "Oh".

Lu Ran winked at her with a smile, making Xian'er roll her eyes.

Immediately, he laughed more merrily.

Just love seeing you annoyed yet not daring to lash out~

Lu Ran led the group back to the conference hall, held a brief meeting, and got a rough idea of the situation within the cliff.

In the past month and a half, the inside of the cliff had remained relatively peaceful, giving Lu Ran much peace of mind.

Lu Ran briefly recounted the journey of the past month and a half; though he downplayed it, it was enough to make everyone's hearts tremble!

He then announced his impending seclusion, with Jiang Ruyi presiding over the situation on the cliff, thus concluding the meeting.

"By the way, Elder Bai!" Lu Ran, seeing the people leaving, suddenly spoke up.

"What are your orders, Sect Leader?" Bai Yanhui, holding the Divine Weapon · Earth Trace Sword, turned to face Lu Ran.

Elder Bai's eye sockets were also sunken, devoid of eyeballs, and could only perceive the world with the help of the Divine Weapon.

Lu Ran: "The Thousand Boat Alliance Hierarch is a Heavenly Realm healer, capable of healing your eyes, but he's currently in seclusion for an indefinite period.

As soon as he exits, Mr. Cong Long will receive news immediately.

Then, I will take you to visit and heal your eyes."

"Great, great." Even someone as steady as Bai Yanhui felt a bit emotional, "Thank you, Sect Leader! Thank you..."

Suddenly, Lu Ran reached out his hand.

Five fine red threads shot from his fingertips, precisely striking Bai Yanhui's brow, wrists, and ankles.

In an instant, Bai Yanhui lost control of his body.

The grand gesture he intended to make was naturally left unfinished.

Lu Ran's fingertips trembled slightly, and the strange red threads swayed lightly, causing Elder Bai to stand upright uncontrollably.

"Mr. Cong Long is at the Sea Realm Fourth Rank and will eventually advance to the Heavenly Realm." Lu Ran scattered the Tethering Silk, "Elder Bai, don't worry, your eyes will come back to you."

"Yes!" Bai Yanhui complied and saluted Lu Ran.

This time, Lu Ran did not stop him.

After seeing Bai Yanhui off, Lu Ran leaned back, slumped in his chair, and exhaled a long breath.

Finally home!

The scenery of Mist Rain Lake, though beautiful, cannot compare to the comfort of Cloud Sea Cliff.

Jiang Ruyi, looking at the relaxed young man, said softly:

"It's been a hard time, get a good night's sleep and start your seclusion tomorrow."

"I'll head back later, after I go out to sea to find the Ink Carp Squad and the Sea Merfolk Squad." Lu Ran mumbled with his eyes closed, "See if there are any personnel losses and replenish our strength."

Looking at Lu Ran, who was resting with his eyes closed, Jiang Ruyi felt a pang of compassion.

She leaned forward slightly, lightly kissing Lu Ran's lips.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran opened his eyes, seeing the beautiful face so close.

It startled him!

Did the beautiful Jiang fairy show mercy and give a reward?

Her face is really thin, rarely taking the initiative.

Jiang Ruyi said softly: "Take Xun Yifei with you and come back early. I'll wait for you at home."

"Okay." Lu Ran grinned, feeling warm inside.

Home.

This word, it's so beautiful.

Especially within this Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, it's even more precious.

Lu Ran suddenly remembered something, blinking: "A task for you?"

"A task?"

"Before nightfall, drive sister Xian'er away, she must not stay at home tonight."

Jiang Ruyi, with her sharp wit, immediately understood someone's intent.

Lu Ran's eyes were burning as he looked at her dark pupils: "Hmm?"

That gaze was too intense, causing a slight panic in Jiang Ruyi's heart.

She slightly lowered her eyelids, her voice small and gentle: "Hmm."

"Shh~"

Lu Ran vanished in an instant.

In the deserted hall, Jiang Ruyi's heart gradually steadied.

She was indeed a calm and composed person, yet her Dao Heart was him.

When it came to him, everything would be treated specially.

Thinking about it now, this trip to Mist Rain Lake had indeed been long, and after she mentioned it once, Lu Ran had always been restrained, not making things difficult for her.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ruyi secretly chuckled and got up to walk to the door.

The mission time flew by, and in a blink, it was sunset.

Today, the weather at Cloud Sea Cliff was exceptionally good.

Amidst the sky full of twilight, a silhouette descended from the sky, landing in the courtyard of Cloud Sea Residence.

Lu Ran listened carefully, inside and outside the house was silent, without the usual chirping sound of a certain woman.

He stepped into the house and found in the eastern study the fairy lady kneeling in front of the desk, silently cultivating.

"Back already?" Jiang Ruyi slowly opened her eyes and looked toward the door.

"Good girl." With big strides, Lu Ran came in.

Jiang Ruyi smiled and shot Lu Ran a glance.

No,

you are far more obedient than me.

Lu Ran came to her side, leaned down, and heavily kissed the delicate lips of his fiancée.

Meanwhile, in the human world of Da Xia.

In the Bamboo Sea of the Demon Cave, in front of the eerie gate of the Ghost Bamboo Crossing.

"Knock, knock, knock~"

A young man occasionally knocked on the mansion's door, occasionally pacing back and forth outside the bamboo gate.

Finally, the youth couldn't hold back and shouted: "Rouyin! Should I come in?"

The Ghost Bamboo Crossing remained tranquil and silent.

Hao Tian was somewhat hesitant.

He thought and thought, then gritted his teeth and pushed open the mansion's door.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Rouyin! I had to see you, who knows when I'll get the chance again!" Hao Tian apologized while carrying a bamboo basket as he walked in.

Inside the basket was still his sister's favorite spicy duck wings.

Hao Tian circled around the sinister bamboo clustered in the courtyard center, abruptly halting his steps.

On the second floor of the building ahead, by the wooden window, stood a graceful figure.

She wore a black ancient-style dress adorned with golden patterns.

The dress highlighted her skin's sickly pallor.

Her hollow eyes were directed towards Hao Tian's position, appearing somewhat eerie.

"Rouyin!" Hao Tian wasn't afraid, quickly saying, "Shall I bring the snacks up to you?"

"Where are you going." Li Rouyin's face was indifferent.

Upon hearing this, Hao Tian was overjoyed!

Every time he came to see his sister, he would hear "leave", "not meeting", or simply receive no response at all.

On rare occasions when she spoke, it would be to inquire about Lu Ran's whereabouts.

Yet today, Li Rouyin inquired about him?

See!

No matter what, she's still my dear sister, who cares about her brother.

"The divine one summoned me to go for a pilgrimage." Hao Tian responded, "I may cultivate under Dong Ting for a period..."

Li Rouyin suddenly clenched her fingers on the window ledge.

From this moment, whatever Hao Tian said, she couldn't hear anymore.

"Rouyin, Rouyin?"

"Hmm." Li Rouyin came back to her senses, lightly opening her mouth, "Any news on Lu Ran?"

Asking about him again?

Hao Tian was quite helpless, but still answered honestly: "No, Lu Tianjiao has always been absent, everyone speculates he might have joined the army, going to the front lines."

"Hah." Li Rouyin gave a cold laugh.

Hao Tian cautiously proposed: "Shall I bring the duck wings up to you?"

"Yes, come up."

"Oh, all right, I'll leave them on the first floor... ah? Go up?" Hao Tian was momentarily stunned, looking up at the woman by the window.

However, the graceful figure had already disappeared.

Hao Tian, both surprised and delighted, hurriedly walked inside in three quick steps.

Upon reaching the second floor, he saw Li Rouyin sitting at the wooden table, playing with a bamboo cup, her unfocused eyes gazing at the distant Bamboo Sea.

Suppressing his excitement, Hao Tian slowly approached, placing the bamboo basket on the table and taking out a plate from it.

As he took things out, he sneakily glanced at Li Rouyin's face.

He couldn't recall how long it had been since he was this close to his sister.

"Sshhh~"

Suddenly, a breeze blew by, bringing the pleasant sound of bamboo leaves rubbing together.

"Don't go, alright?" Li Rouyin suddenly spoke.

"What?"

"Don't go."

Hao Tian opened his mouth: "But... the divine one..."

"Pilgrimage cultivation, huh, maybe your Dong Ting..." Li Rouyin's face suddenly froze, her words cutting off.

She trembled, clutching the bamboo cup with such force it made her fingers even paler.

"Crack!"

The bamboo cup was crushed in her hand.

"Rouyin?" Hao Tian was startled, quickly stepping forward, holding his sister's arm, "Rou..."

"Whoo!!"

A terrifying pressure emanated from Li Rouyin's body.

Hao Tian staggered back several steps, swiftly raising his hands, not daring to touch his sister any further.

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds...

Li Rouyin's trembling body gradually stopped.

She silently lowered her head.

"Rouyin, what was that just now?"

With her head lowered, Li Rouyin's cascading black hair obscured her pale face.

In her hollow eyes, there was a hint of sorrow, softly murmuring:

"Don't go... alright?"

...