Chapter 616: 567 Return to the Forbidden City
Lu Ran waved the Ran Sect members away, then brought a few protectors nearby to Dreamland Residence.
On Cloud Sea Cliff, everyone's residences were more or less the same.
In the small yard in front of Dreamland Residence's entrance, there were also stone tables and stone chairs. The four of them sat around the table, while Big Nightmare, Cong Long, and Mad Immortal remained silent, watching their sect leader play with the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd.
The three of them understood in their hearts that since Lu Ran kept them here, he naturally had something to say.
"How's it over by Mist Rain Lake? Has Alliance Leader Yun emerged?" Lu Ran placed the Treasure Gourd on the stone table, holding it with both hands.
"Not yet." Yu Changsheng shook his head.
"When was this information from?" Lu Ran asked, "Today?"
"It was today."
"What a coincidence?" Lu Ran raised an eyebrow slightly, "Or do you guys chat every day?"
Yu Changsheng's expression was a bit unnatural: "As a leader of an island, she often consults me on issues related to development and management; we communicate almost daily."
Oh?
Lu Ran couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The reserve of the Sea Realm's Island Master truly kept being set aside, huh?
Alright, it seems the senior finally came around.
These lonely man and woman, texting "WeChat" every day, are bound to stir something up sooner or later~
So Lu Ran said: "Alright, since she is one of our Ran Sect's Divine Generals, Mr. Cong Long, please help her with advice and strategies."
"Yes." Yu Changsheng nodded gently.
Si Xianxian listened curiously, not entirely aware of the details of their trip to Mist Rain Lake.
But as a woman, her fearful intuition told her...
There might be something going on here?
Lu Ran continued: "A while ago, Qifeng contacted me and mentioned she's already selected believers for me to fetch at any time."
Deng Yuxiang asked: "How many people?"
"Didn't mention an exact number, but I estimate there must be at least dozens." Lu Ran weighed the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd in his hand, "Just right, the Little Fiery Phoenix can be put to use."
Yu Changsheng asked: "If all goes well, Sect Leader will only need to activate Mirror Flower Moon once to reach the Forbidden City?"
Lu Ran nodded immediately: "Yes, the Sea Grade Mirror Flower Moon's maximum teleportation distance reaches three thousand kilometers."
Upon hearing this, Si Xianxian grinned slightly.
In her heart, the existence of Lu Ran had long been deified.
However, when Lu Ran personally uttered words like "three thousand kilometers," Si Xianxian still couldn't help but marvel secretly.
Damn!
My young master is truly impressive...
If he were in Da Xia, he wouldn't even need to take a plane for travel.
At home, he could step into any major tourist spot.
Simply a divine travel skill~
"The world is vast, and you can go anywhere!" Yu Changsheng beamed, deeply moved.
Deng Yuxiang also smiled at Lu Ran.
Compared to Si Xianxian's admiration and Yu Changsheng's sentiment, her eyes held more pride.
Deng Yuxiang suggested: "Bringing the believers back sooner would be beneficial for assisting the lady's Divine Sculpture in ascending realms."
"Absolutely!" Si Xianxian spoke for the first time, nodding repeatedly.
In the structure of Ran Sect, each hall had its respective Hall Master.
But above the Hall Masters, there was also a Protector in charge.
Deng Yuxiang managed the Demon Control Hall, while Si Xianxian managed the Feixian Hall.
After all, inside the Feixian Hall, the Stone Sculptures of Lu Jiang were enshrined. As an attendant of Luo Xian's Lady, Si Xianxian had an unshirkable responsibility.
Lu Ran nodded: "Alright! Sister Xian'er, go communicate with the Feixian Hall and prepare to receive this group of believers.
Add several dozen people at once.
You should take Hall Master Song Yu to manage this team well."
"I'll go now." Si Xianxian stood up immediately.
"Wait a moment." Lu Ran stopped her.
He thought for a moment: "Currently, among the many statues I've activated, only two are of the Divine faction: Jade Talisman and Lie Tian.
The Jade Talisman Divine Sculpture is already Fourth Rank of the Sea Realm, whereas the Fierce Heavenly Divine Sculpture is still at the Peak of River Realm.
All along, the pure Holy Spirit Energy I've collected has been used to cultivate the Fierce Heavenly Divine Sculpture."
Yu Changsheng agreed: "This choice aligns with our rise-to-power needs. The Fierce Heavenly Sect possesses the technique for cross-level slaughter.
It's worth prioritizing cultivation!"
Lu Ran nodded: "Focusing on cultivation is one thing, but it should also be a slow and steady process."
He then looked at Si Xianxian: "I plan to have Xiong Xiong build a statue for you in the Feixian Hall.
With the group of believers we will be receiving, I will split half of them to have faith in you."
"Uh... Uh!" Si Xianxian's hand clenched into a fist under the table.
In her heart, worshipping the Stone Sculptures of Lu Jiang was only natural.
But her own statue?
Though Lu Ran presented his considerations, Si Xianxian knew the importance of the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill. Still, she wasn't prepared to accept people's worship.
The core issue is a feeling of being "unworthy!"
How can one become worthy?
Si Xianxian tightly pursed her lips, attempting to cultivate harder...
"Other Stone Sculptures are easier to cultivate, they are Evil Sculptures." Lu Ran's gaze swept over others, "After accepting believers, I plan to continue traveling through Holy Spirit Mountain.
Killing more Evil Demon minions to absorb energy."
In Lu Ran's sculpture garden, many Evil Sculptures are still in River Realm, so they require proper cultivation.
For instance, the Tangled Silk Shadow Evil Sculpture!
River Grade Silk Pupil and Sea Grade Silk Pupil, are they the same?
Additionally, during this journey, Lu Ran intends to return to Northwest's Ten Thousand Blade Mountain, attempting to glimpse into the Heavenly Realm.
Yu Changsheng proposed: "Sect leader can first visit Seven Star Island, see how the seven Evil Mirror Demons are doing, while we search for Holy Spirit Energy on Immortal Island.
Ultimately, cultivate the Fierce Heavenly Divine Sculpture to Sea Realm.
Once equipped with the Sea Grade Fiery Fire Heavenly Leader, the sect leader's power will soar to new heights!"
Deng Yuxiang nodded in agreement, "We can also stride across Holy Spirit Mountain with a stronger posture."
"Sure!" Lu Ran chuckled, looking at the overbearing Big Nightmare, "While the Fierce Heavenly Divine Sculpture advances, I'll unleash the Dong Ting Divine Sculpture!"
"Whish~"
Yu Changsheng unfolded his folding fan with flair.
He lightly shook the fan while nodding in satisfaction, wearing a nurturing expression, "Sounds even more forceful."
"Hehe~" Deng Yuxiang chuckled lightly, her bright eyes fixated on Lu Ran, who had advanced to the Sea Realm.
These words truly resonated with her heart.
"Whew~" However, the Black Jade Tiger Talisman was displeased.
After nearly a month of interaction, this Magic Artifact had already acknowledged its new master.
As the Tiger Talisman gradually realized Lu Ran's high status, being not only the Master of Ran Sect but also having the Green Lotus Island Master and the Forbidden City Lord under his command...
The right half of the Tiger Talisman exclaimed it hit the jackpot!
The poor left half of the Tiger Talisman seemed fortunate, being chosen by the more regal He Qifeng.
But turning back to see, the Forbidden City Lord was actually under Master Lu...
Hmm, quite fitting for the positioning of the two halves of the Tiger Talisman!
"Family." Lu Ran placed a hand on his neck, patting gently.
The Black Jade Tiger Talisman was tied onto the Divine Power Bead Chain by Lu Ran, hidden beneath his collar.
It suddenly acted up, likely misunderstanding, because Deng Yuxiang had been staring intensely at Lu Ran, her unique aura making her appear aggressive.
It must be said, the second-rank Magic Artifact is truly fierce!
Even if only half, a slight show of power terrified everyone at the table.
Lu Ran did nothing, yet his aura surged!
But poor Xian'er from the River Realm!
Sitting at the same table with a group of Sea Realm great powers, she was already trembling inside.
Now she shivered, instinctively turning her head, not daring to look directly at Lu Ran.
"Damn...
It's simply deadly!
Yu Changsheng and Deng Yuxiang's faces froze momentarily.
Only to hear Lu Ran's gentle voice, "Xian'er, you go first."
"Ah! Alright, okay." Si Xianxian hurriedly retreated.
"Nightmare, go preside over the Demon Control Hall. I'll bring people there shortly, don't cause any trouble."
"Yes." Deng Yuxiang took a deep look at Lu Ran's collar before turning to leave.
"Mr. Cong Long, will you stay home or come with me to the Forbidden City?" Lu Ran looked at Yu Changsheng.
Yu Changsheng adjusted quickly, joking with a smile, "Then I'll accompany the Sect Leader for a trip, it's just a step away anyway."
"Indeed~" Lu Ran laughed heartily.
He placed a hand below his collar and instructed, "Tell the other half of the Tiger Talisman we can go now."
"Buzz~"
A few minutes later, inside the Forbidden City.
In the room where Lu Ran once stayed.
In the hall, He Qifeng in a loose, golden brown robe, rested his hand on the Divine Power Bead Chain at his neck, gently twirling the left half of the Tiger Talisman with his fingers, waiting patiently.
"Huff~"
Suddenly, a surge of energy unraveled!
He Qifeng turned his gaze, seeing an ancient, ornate bronze mirror unfold unexpectedly.
"Snap!" A hand stretched out from the mirror, grasping the edge of the frame.
He Qifeng's eyes narrowed, naturally recognizing it as Lu Ran's hand!
Soon after, from the far eastern side of the Holy Spirit Mountain continent, someone walked through just like that.
"I hope you are well, Feng Tian... Qifeng." Lu Ran quickly changed his address.
He Qifeng remained speechless for a long time, just quietly staring into Lu Ran's eyes.
"What's wrong, don't recognize me?" Lu Ran blinked.
"Hmph." He Qifeng calmed his roiling emotions, feigning disdain, "I thought some Evil Mirror Demon was blind and came to die."
Lu Ran pouted and said, "Didn't I stretch my hand in advance?
The hands of the Evil Mirror Demon are always soft and tender... hmm, that's true."
He looked at his own hand, muttering softly, "I'm also soft and tender, huh~"
He Qifeng: ???
Lu Ran looked at the Martial Monk lady, showing a smile with lips closed.
The two exchanged glances for only two or three seconds before He Qifeng broke the facade, unable to resist smiling and casting an annoyed glance at Lu Ran:
"Finally advanced to Sea Realm?"
"Finally achieved my wish." Lu Ran stepped inside, plopping down beside the Eight Immortals Table.
"Congratulations." He Qifeng's expression turned slightly serious, offering genuine congratulations.
During the conversation, Yu Changsheng and Yan Shuangzi, both in green capes and bamboo hats, sequentially walked out from the mirror.
"Mr. Cong Long, Evil Shadow Guardian, please." He Qifeng gestured towards the seat, maintaining proper etiquette.
Yu Changsheng smiled and cupped his hands.
Lu Ran, in a mildly annoyed tone, said, "I said, I'm actually your..."
He Qifeng glanced at Lu Ran, "Spit it out, no one's around."
"No one?" Lu Ran slightly tilted his head, indicating the tightly closed door, "Aren't there three standing behind it?"
"I meant, no outsiders." He Qifeng picked up the teapot on the table, pouring tea for Lu Ran, smiling as he said, "They're my gifts to the Sect Master, sir."
Lu Ran: "Ah?"
He Qifeng: "Those three sisters, all Blazing Blood believers."
Lu Ran looked stunned: "Blazing Blood horses? No, He Qifeng!
What do you take me for?"
He Qifeng retorted, word for word: "What do you take me for?"
Lu Ran: "..."
...