Summit of the Old Gods

In the morning, the soldiers at Cloud Sea Cliff welcomed the return of Lu Ran and others.

The happiest among them was undoubtedly the Hall Master of Feixian Hall, Song Yu!

The Mad Immortal Guardian had informed him that the Sect Leader would be sending dozens of hall members to Feixian Hall.

Originally, Song Yu only had Zhang Zhenghu and An Xian under his command.

Now, everything was better. Hall Master Song would command dozens of people, and according to the development trend of the Ran Sect, his role would become increasingly important and his status would continue to rise!

How could Song Yu not be delighted?

Everyone followed the Sect Leader and arrived at Feixian Hall, located in the northern part of Cloud Sea Cliff, within the mountain.

At this moment, the hall was already well repaired, spacious, and clean.

In the depths of the hall, two towering edifices, seven meters high, stood steadfastly.

A huge skylight in the surface let in a vast stream of light, which fell upon the two stone sculptures.

Such a scene had a somewhat sacred meaning.

"Hall Master Jing." Lu Ran looked at the two stone sculptures and spoke.

"Sect Leader?" Jing Hong immediately stepped forward.

Excluding Jiang Ruyi, who was in seclusion cultivating, all protectors, Divine Generals, Hall Masters, and hall members of the Ran Sect were present to welcome the first batch of believers of the Ran Sect.

"After going back, you and Hall Master Xiong are to take people and quickly create sculptures of the four protectors and all the Divine Generals."

In the crowd behind, Gao Yunyan's eyes suddenly brightened, and she exchanged a glance with Xue Fengchen beside her.

She followed Lu Ran to achieve great accomplishments that would last through the ages!

Now, would this Feixian Hall also have their "Immortal Positions"?

Such a result was indeed foreseeable.

With Lu Ran's ambition, he intended to lead his soldiers to overthrow the tyranny of the Gods and Demons!

"Yes!" Jing Hong immediately responded.

"Everyone, establish posts around the hall." Lu Ran stepped towards the depths of the hall.

Currently, the Evil Shadow Guardian and the Mad Immortal Guardian would both have believers.

The problem was, merely erecting these two statues seemed somewhat biased.

So why not establish sculptures of all four protectors and eight Divine Generals!

Although most soldiers had not yet pledged allegiance to Lu Ran, eventually, these individuals would inevitably sever ties with the gods and join Lu Ran's ranks.

Everyone followed the orders and scattered away.

Lu Ran then arrived at the depths of the hall, standing before the stone sculpture of Jiang Ruyi, looking up at it.

Hmm... truly beautiful~

Although her features were blurred and her appearance unclear, Lu Ran liked her no matter how he looked.

"Hoo~"

Lu Ran turned around and sent out the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd.

Subsequently, shadows were "spat out."

The people from the Forbidden City, either frightened or bewildered, surveyed their surroundings.

Upon seeing the majestic soldiers of the Ran Sect, the people from the Forbidden City became even more fearful.

However, when they saw the two towering stone sculptures under the beam of light, their expected reactions followed.

In a world controlled by the God Demons, worshipping gods was as habitual and crucial as breathing!

Regardless of who the statues depicted, people's instinct to kneel and worship was triggered!

Just like how Tang Monk entered temples and worshipped Buddhas at every sight.

When one person knelt down, a group of people followed.

"Gentlemen." Lu Ran slowly ascended, standing between the two stone sculptures, at waist level with them.

Following the voice, everyone looked up and saw Master Lu.

"This is Cloud Sea Cliff, the stronghold of the Ran Sect." Lu Ran lowered his head, sweeping his gaze over everyone, "This place is called Feixian Hall."

Upon hearing this, many were stunned.

So fast?

Didn't City Lord He say that the Ran Sect was very far from the Forbidden City?

Or perhaps, being inside the gourd Magic Artifact, everyone couldn't feel the passage of time.

Was it already one or two months later?

Lu Ran's next words left everyone dumbfounded: "Just moments ago at the Martial Arts Arena in the Forbidden City, I promised you a future."

Just moments ago?

Those with keen senses had already noticed something was off.

But in front of the imposing Master Lu, no one dared to rashly inquire.

Lu Ran, who was usually gentle in demeanor, rarely displayed such a stern posture outside the battlefield.

It could be considered that he was adhering to the advice of the Wind Emperor.

Lu Ran's gaze swept over the crowd, his words resonating powerfully: "What I said is not empty words."

He paused, then continued: "You are all disciples of the Weak God and find it difficult to protect yourselves when encountering Evil Demon tribes in the wild.

If you encounter disciples of the Strong God, it would be worse than death, facing humiliation and enslavement."

The words were harsh yet true.

The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly stifling.

All those present had been selected and mostly had tragic experiences. Just as He Qifeng stated, these people had a very clear understanding of the world.

They were willing to join the Ran Sect, partly because the City Lord of the Forbidden City strongly recommended it.

To be honest, when someone like He Qifeng stands before you, it's hard to say "no" to whatever she says.

On the other hand, it was because of Lu Ran's renowned reputation.

Master Lu was known for his justice and kindness, helping the Thousand Boat Alliance through life-and-death crises and personally slaying the Sect Master of Thunder Mountain, establishing great accomplishments.

The Pride of Da Xia, like the second Pride, came to rectify the ethos of the Holy Spirit Mountain!

Whether it was Lu Ran's formidable strength or his noble deeds, both convinced these people that following such a person would allow them to lead safe lives.

They didn't seek a luxurious life.

As long as Master Lu could care for the weak as he did for the Thousand Boat Alliance members, treating everyone a bit better...

That would be a tremendous blessing.

"If you are willing to trust and follow me, you are a part of the Ran Sect." Lu Ran looked at everyone, "I give you an opportunity to change your fate."

"Hoo~"

Suddenly, blocks of Golden Jade Stone Plates spread out from within Lu Ran.

Jade Talisman Divine Skill·Golden Jade Eight Talismans!

"Hoo!"

Lu Ran clenched his right hand, grabbing an illusory War Hammer, with fragmented patterns on it.

Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill·Fierce Heavenly Hammer!

"Ah??"

"This... this this?"

"God..." Feixian Hall was filled with chaotic voices.

Deng Yuxiang slightly furrowed her brow and sternly commanded, "Silence!"

Instantly, the grand hall fell into absolute silence.

Lu Ran spoke in a deep voice, "Now, you have two choices."

His left hand reached to the side, and palm-sized Golden Jade Stone Plates obediently flew over, hovering slowly beside his hand:

"On the left, cultivate the Divine Technique of the Jade Talisman Sect."

Lu Ran raised his right hand, wielding a hammer pointing to the right:

"On the right, cultivate the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill."

Everyone blankly stared at Lu Ran.

The figure standing in mid-air, mysterious and powerful, displayed something that far exceeded people's understanding.

And at the edge of the hall, behind the Evil Shadow Guardian, the three sisters of the Zhong Family were ecstatic.

They were mentally prepared.

But seeing Lu Ran exhibit the Jade Talisman Divine Skill with one hand and control the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill with the other...

Such an astonishing scene still shook their spirits.

"Let me say this first," Lu Ran continued, "cultivating the Jade Talisman Divine Skill will not make you cold-hearted. Cultivating the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill will not make you irritable.

You will not be influenced by any negative emotions.

Because what you revere is not the Jade Talisman, nor the Fierce Heaven."

Lu Ran lowered his gaze to sweep across the crowd, enunciating each word: "What you believe in is me."

Everyone: !!!

Men and women widened their eyes, the shock in their hearts was beyond measure.

Only then did they realize a terrifying fact: this Master of the Ran Sect had already transcended the realm of the Human Clan!

Has he already stepped into the realm of divinity?!

This...?

"Qifeng specifically informed me, saying you have a clear understanding of the world. Since that's the case, if I say the gods are unkind, do any of you have objections?" Lu Ran added.

No one dared to speak, but many subconsciously nodded.

"The gods you worship, with faces of gods but hearts of beasts, throw you into this slaughterhouse, letting you fend for yourselves, be enslaved, humiliated..."

"Rumble!!"

Suddenly, a violent roar came from the high heavens.

Heaven-shaking and earth-breaking!

Lu Ran raised his head, looking through the large skylight at the churning Cloud Sea in the sky.

Heh,

it fits the scene.

Lu Ran pressed his lips and looked down at everyone: "So stop believing in gods.

From now on, believe in me."

"Gulp."

"Huff..." The sound of tremulous breathing and swallowing echoed continuously.

Master Lu said to stop believing in gods.

Yet in everyone's eyes, this white-robed youth, bathed in beams of light and standing aloft...

Seemed just like a deity!

"Powerful techniques to save your life, a safe sanctuary, a life free from enslavement, I'll give them all to you."

Lu Ran paused for a moment, then finally said: "Now, choose."

The hall remained silent, no one moved.

Deng Yuxiang coldly said, "Be decisive, don't keep the Sect Master waiting."

The latter half of the sentence seemed to trigger a switch within everyone.

For a moment, many people stood up and walked towards Lu Ran's right side.

Then, more people swarmed over.

And what Lu Ran held in his right hand was the Fierce Heavenly Hammer!

The result came quickly, nearly sixty people chose to cultivate the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill!

Lu Ran internally sighed at the sight.

Sure enough, when a chance to defy fate stands before you, the weaker one is, the stronger the desire for power!

No matter if what Lu Ran said is true or not, even if they were treated as emotional dumping grounds, they acknowledged it for the sake of power.

However, among those who chose the Fierce Heaven Sect, many chose to believe in Lu Ran.

After all, everything Lu Ran showed left no room for disbelief!

Their eyes were fervent, devoutly kneeling, facing the new god who would soon bring them rebirth...

Only a dozen or so chose the Jade Talisman Sect.

The remaining dozen were conflicted, unsure of what to choose.

"Alas..." Yu Changsheng, observing the situation, heavily sighed in his heart.

The weak endure much bullying; once they gain immense power, it's hard to guarantee they won't become unbalanced.

Such people are likely to undergo drastic changes in temperament, causing disturbances.

After this covenant ends, he must discuss it properly with the Sect Master.

The Ran Sect should establish a Law Enforcement Hall to maintain sect order.

"The rest, go to the Jade Talisman side," Lu Ran looked at everyone, "If you're not suited to use a hammer, don't hinder yourself; the Jade Talisman Sect excels in four elemental divine techniques and can fly."

The crowd understood Lu Ran's implication.

Even the Weak God Disciples who managed to survive within the Holy Spirit Mountain, even if lacking in understanding expressions, were forced to develop it through experience.

In no time, over forty people stepped out, heading to the Jade Talisman Sect's camp.

Now, those selecting the Jade Talisman suddenly became the majority.

Lu Ran smiled wryly, realizing the weight of his words, and knew he must pay more attention in the future...

He organized his thoughts, emphasizing not to begrudge oneself and to respect personal wishes, thus reluctantly balancing the two camps.

Facts proved: those wanting the Fierce Heavenly Divine Skill were still the majority.

"Believing in me naturally entails a complete separation from the deities," Lu Ran's voice echoed in the Feixian Hall, "Mr. Cong Long, Hall Master Jing."

Yu Changsheng immediately summoned a light golden Dragon Carp, and Jing Hong also grasped a horn.

"Rumble!!"

A loud noise struck again.

Lu Ran slowly lifted his head, gazing once more at the churning Cloud Sea in the sky.

Suddenly, he laughed.

The might of the Sea Realm, Black Jade Tiger Talisman.

Under such overwhelming arrogance, that usually gentle smile appeared so wanton.

...

Asking for some monthly tickets.