Summit of the Old Gods

The night rain drizzled lightly.

A sea of flowers swayed in the rain, exuding a faint floral fragrance that wafted into the luxurious estate.

In the pitch-dark living room, the voice of the Wolf Bone Lady was intermittent.

Jiang Ruyi sat in a wide wooden chair, nestled beside Lu Ran, savoring a moment of peace while listening to the intelligence provided by the captive.

Langhua Village is somewhat stronger than Wolf Bone Village.

There are nearly forty Greedy Wolf disciples alone, led by the Langhua Village Chief, Lang Wen, and his wife, along with over ten Lantern disciples led by their adopted son, Lang Ziyi.

There are also thirty-six Weak God disciples from various sects.

The Langhua Village Chief and his wife are both Greedy Wolf believers with considerable strength, each at the Sea Realm Peak and High Rank.

They possess three Divine Weapons but no Magic Artifacts. The village chief has two Black Luminous Stone daggers, while the lady carries a Black Ice short blade.

However, none of the three Divine Weapons have activated the Divine Weapon Domain.

One particular point to note: the Weak God disciples in Langhua Village have a relatively better living environment.

It's not that the Greedy Wolf disciples have had a change of heart.

But because, within the ruling class of Langhua Village, there exists the Lantern Sect.

These dozen or so Lantern disciples, unlike the brutal Greedy Wolf disciples, form a special 'buffer zone.'

"Hmm," Lu Ran listened to the unique customs of Langhua Village, nodding silently.

The intelligence provided by the Wolf Bone Lady aligned closely with what he had interrogated from the Wolf Bone Village Chief and the Second Lady.

In truth, it wasn't easy for the Lantern Sect to achieve this!

After all, once a believer reaches the River Realm, they no longer see humans as humans.

That's the most basic logic!

Applicable to all sects and all believers.

Based on the 'dehumanizing' foundation, disciples from different sects indulge in revealing their true colors.

The Lantern disciples find themselves in the dirty environment of Langhua Village.

Not committing evil,

is the greatest virtue.

Jiang Ruyi spoke softly, "I heard that the Langhua Young Master is coerced."

The Wolf Bone Lady immediately responded, "Yes, Lang Ziyi's realm is exceedingly high, having reached the Middle Sea Realm. He is also an all-powerful auxiliary stream Lantern believer.

Lang Wen really wanted Lang Ziyi's assistance, initially bringing him under his command, and later forcibly adopting him as a foster son.

The Lantern believers also shared the ascendancy, breaking through the ranks alongside the young master."

Jiang Ruyi asked casually, "What's Lang Ziyi's real name?"

"Madam, I only know his surname is Shangguan, but not his first name."

Jiang Ruyi slightly tilted her head, leaning against Lu Ran's shoulder, "He could be incorporated into the Ran Sect."

A middle-ranked Sea Realm auxiliary would naturally be extremely useful.

Compared to the Dragon Carp believer, Yu Changsheng, the auxiliary capabilities of the Lantern Sect are more comprehensive!

Mentioning Lanterns, Lu Ran couldn't help but think of the little sister Yuanxi.

He wondered how the mischievous sister was faring in the human world.

Today seemed to be her birthday.

The fifteenth of the first month...

Lu Ran's gaze darkened a bit.

In previous years, he'd go to Beijing's Immortal Scenic Garden to celebrate little Yuanxi's birthday with his mother.

Jiang Ruyi sensed the change in Lu Ran's mood.

She snuggled against Lu Ran, her cheek resting on his shoulder, softly speaking:

"What's on your mind, feeling upset?"

"Sir, everything I've said is true, not a single lie..." the Wolf Bone Lady anxiously pleaded.

Before the interrogation, Lu Ran had burned her for a dozen seconds to ensure the accuracy of the information.

Recalling the scorching, bone-eroding pain, the Wolf Bone Lady's eyes were full of fear, hastily explaining.

In this world, there's no such thing as lunatics or madwomen.

When in pain and afraid, one becomes compliant.

"Shh." Jiang Ruyi gently frowned, stopping the noisy captive.

She extended a hand down, tenderly clasping his hand, soothing the dispirited person beside her.

In the darkness, Jiang Xianzi's gentle voice resonated: "Want to talk about it?"

"It's the fifteenth of the first month today," Lu Ran finally spoke.

Jiang Ruyi, astute as ice, combined with their previous conversation about the 'Lantern believers,' instantly realized why Lu Ran was feeling downcast.

After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "Auntie's in the human world, and little Yuanxi has the Peace Bead you gave her, she'll be fine.

After we return, we'll make it up to her with a proper birthday."

"Mm." Lu Ran embraced Jiang Xianzi, lowering his head to kiss her hair.

"I'm tired," Jiang Ruyi murmured as she nestled in Lu Ran's arms.

Lu Ran recalled his fiancée's opinion of the mansion's bedroom, inquiring, "Shall we return to Cloud Sea Cliff?"

Jiang Ruyi silently nodded, saying no more.

"Whew~"

Lu Ran dispersed the Soul Prison, releasing the Dead Souls from within.

They were again confined within Lu Ran's eyes.

After waiting a moment, Lu Ran activated the Transmission Mirror, confirming the Eight Desolate Blade was still with the Evil Shadow Guardian. Holding his fiancée, he stepped into Cloud Sea Residence.

Upon returning, Lu Ran felt no urge to create mischief, lying quietly on the bed.

As countless thoughts swirled in his mind while he stared blankly at the ceiling, the person beside him murmured, "The Thousand Bone Divine Sculpture could be of some help to you."

"If you're tired, sleep early."

Jiang Ruyi closed her eyes, a hint of a smile appearing on her face: "Both ladies of Wolf Bone Village are at the Sea Realm, having been in the Mountain Realm for six to seven years at the shortest, and over ten years at the longest.

They must have collected a lot of Holy Spirit Energy.

Moreover, you have captured over twenty Dead Souls of River Realm Thousand Bone believers, which might allow you to cultivate the Thousand Bone Divine Sculpture to the Sea Realm."

"Hmm." Lu Ran nodded silently.

"If you can equip a Sea Grade Thousand Bone Body, your survival ability will greatly increase." Jiang Ruyi murmured, constantly thinking about Lu Ran.

Lu Ran is extremely mobile, able to move at high speed and flicker rapidly.

Within the Mountain Realm, it's hard for anyone to deal with him.

But Lu Ran's ultimate goal, after all, is the gods and demons above!

Against those beings, no matter how high Lu Ran's survival ability, it's never high enough!

Jiang Ruyi continued: "The Divine Technique Thousand Bone Body can also enhance your combat power. In the future, your limbs will be capable of reverse joint movement.

Wielding a blade will reach a new level... "

"Indeed." Lu Ran agreed deeply.

"Once we annihilate Langhua Village, you can open both the Thousand Bone Divine Sculpture and the Greedy Wolf Divine Sculpture," Jiang Ruyi pondered, then deliberately added, "This way, you'll be less easily crushed by gods and demons."

Her thoughts were clear; although amazed by Lu Ran's transformation after ascending to the Sea Realm, she didn't lose herself in it.

Human enemies seemed more like a chronic poison to her.

A poison that could make one's side smug and gradually inflate with pride.

Jiang Ruyi reminded Lu Ran between the lines, also constantly reminding herself.

Lu Ran could stand atop Holy Spirit Mountain, overlooking the masses.

But his eyes must always be fixed on the heavens.

"Hmm, alright." In the darkness, the young man's low voice came through.

Jiang Ruyi lay sideways, resting on his arm, slightly shifted her head to find a more comfortable position, then slowly exhaled:

"Good night."

"Good night." Lu Ran's gaze softened, watching her gradually drift into sleep through the darkness.

Lu Ran was grateful time and again in his heart, for meeting little Ruyi on his journey through life.

Her gentle attentiveness, her care and consideration for him, was constant throughout.

It made one indulge deeply.

Who could possibly resist this...

Nothing more was said that night, and the next morning.

The strength of their Sea Realm bodies allowed Lu Jiang to sleep peacefully through the night, sweeping away the fatigue from multiple battles the previous day.

The two took a step into Wolf Bone Village, quickly gathering their teammates, mounting Black Fire Colts, heading straight for Langhua Village.

The journey of thirty-three kilometers seemed too short.

The majestic Black Fire Colts strode through flowers of flame, racing wildly through the air, reaching their destination swiftly, barely had time to enjoy the ride.

The Lang brothers had hidden their village deep in the mountains and forests.

Moreover, the mountain they chose was similar, with steep terrain and only one path leading up.

Without surprise, numerous secret posts were hidden in the forests along the way.

With prior experience attacking villages, Ran Sect executed their plan accordingly.

Lu Ran once again led the Nightmare Guardian, Evil Shadow Guardian, and two Shadow Guards up the mountain.

The only difference was that Leng Xushuang, who used to walk behind Lu Ran, was now riding a Black Fire Colt equipped with the ability to fly.

Lu Ran and his team cleared the secret posts along the way.

Leng Xuanshuang used the Divine Technique Plum Blossom Fall to force out hidden wolf cubs that might exist but hadn't been discovered.

They fought their way to the front gate of the village, where Lu Ran saw the lesser god disciples acting as gatekeepers and finally met a Lantern Believer.

This man, dressed in lavish silk robes, carrying a delicate eight-sided lantern, clearly indicating his identity.

Trembling with nervousness, his face uncertain, he looked at the suddenly appearing mysterious youth:

"Sir... may I ask... you..."

"Lantern Believer." Lu Ran looked at everyone gathered at the village gate, the Second-rank Magical Artifact Jade Tiger Talisman around his neck functioning effectively.

Tiger Talisman Divine Artifact!

It wildly bolstered its owner's ki, suppressing all beings with overwhelming power.

River Realm people facing Sea Realm Great Powers were originally terrified.

Being affected by such an artifact, it was practically killing them...

"Indeed, my lord." The Lantern disciple broke out in a cold sweat, bowed respectfully, and responded shakily.

"You've done well." Lu Ran took out the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd, his gaze sweeping over the trembling lesser god disciples, "Everything will be alright."

As he spoke, the golden Phoenix pattern on the Treasure Gourd quietly brightened, absorbing the humans one by one.

The unfamiliar youth spoke mysterious words and even summoned a secret soul-eating artifact.

Yet no one resisted; not even dared to shout and flee.

Lu Ran became increasingly adept with the artifact, secured the Treasure Gourd, and led the Ran Sect team deeper into the village.

Until a shout rang out, awakening the entire village; the members of Langhua Village astonishedly realized a mysterious team had silently infiltrated their base!

At the moment Ran Sect was discovered, Mad Immortal Guardian immediately received Lu Ran's transmission.

"Hia~" Si Xianxian squeezed his horse's belly, riding swiftly through the sky.

Flames erupted from her body, wielding a War Hammer, lowering her head to swiftly search and identify the enemies.

"Whoosh!!"

The next moment, a burning Hammer Shadow plummeted rapidly.

Flames roared, earth shook.

Yesterday's Wolf Bone,

Today's Wolf Flower.

...