Summit of the Old Gods

"Let's call it Forbidden Guard... Hmm, add the word 'Shadow'." Lu Ran thought aloud, "How about Shadow Forbidden Guard?"

Yan Shuangzi naturally had no objections.

The word "Shadow" perfectly encapsulates the positioning of this unit.

Lu Ran turned to the three of them: "You three will follow the Evil Shadow Guardian from now on. When we return to Cloud Sea Cliff, I'll change your sects."

"Yes!"

"Yes," the three sisters of the Zhong Family replied in unison.

He then looked at He Qifeng: "Let's go, shall we check on the believers? By the way, how many are willing to join the Ran Sect?"

He Qifeng stood up: "A total of eighty-eight."

"So many?" Lu Ran was somewhat surprised.

He Qifeng was very pleased with Lu Ran's reaction and laughed: "I selected these people very carefully.

They have relatively stable personalities, and among them are those who are timid, cowardly, and submissive, with a clear understanding of reality.

It'll be easier for you to persuade them to join us at Cloud Sea Cliff and change their allegiance."

"What kind of talk is that!"

He Qifeng's face turned slightly serious, no longer joking: "You can give these Weak God Disciples a chance to change their fate against all odds, helping them to survive better. That is their blessing."

He Qifeng's expression was sincere as he added: "For you as well, it's a meritorious deed!"

"Ours."

"Hmm?"

"Our meritorious deed." Lu Ran gently patted He Qifeng on the shoulder.

"Hehe." He Qifeng laughed out loud.

Oh, Lu Ran, Lu Ran...

Your bright dog eyes are truly perceptive of human hearts, aren't they?

You sure know how to say what the elder sister loves to hear!

Actually, for Lu Ran, this wasn't difficult, since he hadn't often heard the word "merit" mentioned during his time wandering Holy Spirit Mountain.

Now that He Qifeng brought it up separately, it must matter to him?

Evidently, considering the Martian Monk lady constructing this Forbidden City, she might also have intentions of accumulating merit?

"They are already waiting in the Martial Arts Arena." He Qifeng stepped forward, standing face to face with Lu Ran.

Just as Lu Ran was puzzled, the Martial Monk lady suddenly reached out to adjust his collar.

Lu Ran: ?

Not only was Lu Ran a bit dumbfounded, everyone else in the room was also stunned.

He Qifeng was a Sea Realm Great Power and the City Lord of the Forbidden City.

The wide golden-brown robe suited her aura perfectly, emphasizing her supreme imperial presence.

Such a majestic leader now gently and meticulously organizing Lu Ran's clothing...

This is the He Qifeng?

"First impressions are very important." He Qifeng slightly raised her eyes, looking straight into Lu Ran's eyes, "Show them the same aura you had when you defeated the Thunder Mountain Sect Master!

Kindness and such things are for later.

Intimidate them now, to save a lot of trouble afterward."

"Ah..." Lu Ran nodded dumbly, "Don't worry, I've got the Tiger Talisman."

He Qifeng stepped back and looked Lu Ran over with satisfaction, nodding appreciatively:

"Shall we proceed, Sect Master?"

"Oh," Lu Ran nodded.

Yu Changsheng followed behind the two, wearing a slight smile.

The Wind Emperor... indeed differs from the other Ran Sect soldiers.

She stands as a leader, offering Lu Ran advice and aiding his growth.

Yan Shuangzi silently followed suit, as did the Zhong Family sisters.

The group walked through the city, bowing respectfully to those they encountered.

He Qifeng's actions were undoubtedly benevolent; she held a kind heart, welcoming wanderers and sheltering all.

Yet, outwardly, she consistently portrayed an omnipotent posture over all.

Lu Ran had witnessed firsthand just how much the city's citizens respected and supported her.

After all, during his last visit, she hadn't even had time to lead him around the city before she advanced at the city gates...

The group arrived at the Martial Arts Arena in the north of the city.

More than a hundred people stood in the vast grounds.

There were 88 Believers supporting the Ran Sect's construction, as well as Martial Monk Believers maintaining order.

On the northern side of the venue, a two-meter-high stone platform for troop review was built, and Yin Tianlong was standing on the stage, watching the City Lord approach from afar.

He tried to manage his expression, feeling immensely despondent inside.

Although He Qifeng drew closer step by step, Yin Tianlong felt she was getting further away.

Back when He Qifeng was at the River Realm Peak, Yin Tianlong wasn't as self-conscious and harbored some romantic ideas towards the City Lord.

But now...

The gap was widening.

Watching the person he adored ascend to great heights step by step left Yin Tianlong both happy and dejected.

Sigh...

"Brother Tianlong, have you been well lately?" Lu Ran climbed onto the troop review platform, smiling as he greeted him.

Lu Ran had a strong impression of this Martial Monk Believer; he was at the River Realm Peak, yet uncertain of when he might advance to the Sea Realm.

Currently, the entire Big Wind Hall belonged to Lu Ran.

Of course, he hoped Yin Tianlong could grow faster.

"Cough." Before Yin Tianlong could respond, He Qifeng suddenly gave a light cough and glanced at Lu Ran.

Didn't I just remind you to show your authoritative side? Already forgotten?

Even though the people below had been meticulously selected by He Qifeng, Holy Spirit Mountain possesses a unique magical power!

It teaches every "naive" individual what true evil means!

Previously, the Ran Sect followed an elite path, where Lu Ran had ample energy to get to know each soldier, even personally selecting and recruiting them.

But from now on, with Lu Ran widely accepting believers, it's impossible for him to know every individual.

Humans are incredibly complex creatures.

As the faction becomes increasingly powerful, the internal structure needs to remain stable, and the power of individuals should never be underestimated.

One piece of rotten meat can ruin the whole pot of soup!

This is He Qifeng's concern; Lu Ran is a bit too easygoing, and his governance philosophy might clash with the principles of the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

It is often said: "A petty person fears power, but not virtue."

Hmm... Fortunately, in the upper echelons of the Ran Sect, there are wise and strong-willed individuals like Mr. Cong Long and Nightmare Guardian.

"Hoo~"

He Qifeng thought to herself, casually flicking her sleeve.

Facing the battlefield, everyone lowered their gaze where her eyes landed.

She spoke slowly, "This is the Master of Ran Sect, also the Pride of Da Xia."

The Martial Arts Arena was silent.

"Our Forbidden City is forming an alliance with the Ran Sect, sharing life and death. After you return with Master Lu, you must follow orders and complete the construction of the base, without slacking!" He Qifeng said solemnly.

"Yes!"

"Yes!" Dozens of people responded in unison.

He Qifeng turned her head and nodded gently towards Lu Ran.

Lu Ran stepped forward, unleashing his full aura as the Wind Emperor would have desired.

He was already a Great Power of the Sea Realm, and the Tiger Talisman hidden under his collar crazily augmented his presence!

An unnervingly powerful presence, intangible yet real, surged like ocean waves.

"Gulp." Yin Tianlong swallowed, looking at Lu Ran's back, his legs trembling.

He Qifeng was getting farther from him, and so was Lu Ran.

Thinking back to their first meeting when everyone was in the River Realm! Now, both Lu and He had become kings of the Sea Realm...

Everything that happened within a few short months left Yin Tianlong a bit dazed.

"Thank you all for your trust in me." Lu Ran's aura was terrifying, yet his tone remained gentle, "I swear by the name of the Heavenly Pride, I will surely give you a future."

Inside and outside the battlefield, everyone trembled, yet He Qifeng stood firm as a rock.

The Second-rank Magical Artifact·Black Jade Tiger Talisman not only boosted his aura but also objectively counteracted the pressure from a powerful individual.

Was she merely standing firm?

Her eyes carried a hint of admiration as she looked at Lu Ran.

Indeed,

This is the Sect Master that I follow!

Lu Ran turned his head, meeting He Qifeng's gaze.

He Qifeng did not avert her eyes, still bright-eyed, she smiled at Lu Ran, "Shall we go? I'll see you out of the city."

Lu Ran's Evil Technique·Mirror Flower Moon could not be demonstrated within the city.

"No need." Lu Ran reached behind his waist, pulling out the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd.

"Hmm?" He Qifeng was quite curious, naturally recognizing this artifact.

Because the first Heavenly Pride had taken the little Blazing Phoenix, she had then taken the Wind Barrier Treasure Pearl.

"Sorry to trouble you." Lu Ran muttered softly, tilted his head back, and drank deeply.

"Buzz~"

The little Blazing Phoenix gently trembled, pouring the arduously collected Divine Power into Lu Ran's mouth.

"Gulp, gulp..."

The crowd did not understand but watched as Master Lu drank with his head held high.

Once he could drink no more, Lu Ran looked at He Qifeng: "Want some?"

He Qifeng raised her brows slightly.

"Here." Lu Ran shook the gourd, and the Divine Power, in liquid form, gushed out of the gourd and enveloped He Qifeng.

"No need to drink?" He Qifeng accepted the gift, absorbing the energy greedily.

Lu Ran chuckled, "I'm used to it; I find pouring it down really satisfying."

"Then I'll give it a try." He Qifeng immediately took the gourd, raised it overhead, tilted her face up, and felt the Divine Power sliding down her throat.

The people of the Forbidden City were quite surprised.

Their City Lord, always dignified and solemn, rarely showed such boldness.

"Gulp, gulp..."

She drank for quite a while before the Wind Emperor stopped.

She wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand, returned the gourd, and nodded in approval, "Indeed, refreshing."

"Right~" Lu Ran shook the Treasure Gourd as if estimating the amount of Divine Power left inside.

After delivering quite a bit of Divine Power to Cong Long and Evil Shadow, a strange phenomenon occurred!

Under the astonished gaze of the onlookers, Lu Ran was sucked into the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd.

He Qifeng remained composed on the surface, but her heart trembled deeply!

This...?

Has the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd developed a new function, capable of absorbing living people?

Has it upgraded to a Second-rank Magical Artifact?

A few seconds later, Lu Ran flew out from within the gourd.

He was conducting an experiment and also providing reassurance to everyone present.

Inside and outside the arena, everyone watched in amazement at Master Lu's terrifying methods.

"Hoo~"

Lu Ran extended his hand forward, and the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd flew into the battlefield.

"The journey is perilous; everyone, please stay within the artifact for now." Lu Ran said.

With his mental command, the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd began devouring people!

One believer after another trembled, though inwardly terrified, under the pressure of Lu Ran and He Qifeng, no one dared to move a muscle.

Soon, the Martial Arts Arena was emptied, nearly a hundred believers devoured completely by the little Blazing Phoenix!

Lu Ran raised his hand to catch the elegant Treasure Gourd that flew back, looking at He Qifeng: "Shall we return?"

He Qifeng looked at Lu Ran and then at the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd in his hand.

Nearly a hundred lives were in the palm of his hand.

If he wanted to, could he refine all of them?

"Qifeng?" Lu Ran called softly.

"Hmm." He Qifeng snapped back, giving Lu Ran a mild glare.

Lu Ran: ???

What's that about? Why are you glaring at me?

Is it because... I showed off again?

Hehe~

...

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