Summit of the Old Gods

January 19.

This is a special day, marking the one-year anniversary since Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang entered the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

At this moment, they are both in the Feixian Hall.

Deng Yuxiang leans against the smoothly polished stone wall, her gaze glancing over the devout figures, looking deep into the hall at the youth standing in midair.

No matter how many times she sees that Black Gold Emperor Robe, it never gets old to her.

She has to admit, the Sect Leader's wife has decent taste.

"One year..."

Deng Yuxiang sighs inwardly, glancing around Feixian Hall.

Nearly two hundred disciples of the Ran Sect, one after another, as if protectors capable of destroying heavens and earth.

Who would have thought that when they first arrived in this realm, the two were chased down and fled miserably, with only each other to depend upon...

Reflecting on those tough times, Deng Yuxiang felt quite sentimental.

Now, it seems he has everything.

Great power, loyal subordinates.

Devout disciples, a peaceful and harmonious sect home.

Staying in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm doesn't seem to be a bad idea?

Deng Yuxiang raises her eyes, looking deep into the hall at the youth floating between two huge stone sculptures.

Suddenly, the youth looks back, their gazes intertwine.

"What's wrong, sister?" Lu Ran asks, puzzled.

"Nothing."

"Then why were you staring at me?"

"Heh." Deng Yuxiang smirks, "Why, is the Sect Leader feeling shy?"

Lu Ran: ?

What kind of talk is this!

Who has skin as thick as mine... eh, why am I insulting myself?

Lu Ran instinctively wants to scratch his head but forcefully restrains, after all, the hall is packed, he should maintain the dignity of the Sect Leader.

"Sign the contracts, the disciples are getting impatient." The voice of the Big Nightmare echoed in his mind again.

"Oh." Lu Ran slowly descends, heading to the left phalanx.

Just like last time, Lu Ran provided disciples with two choices: Jade Talisman and Lie Tian.

At this moment, the combined 68 Weak God disciples from Wolf Bone Village and Langhua Village have all chosen.

It proves that the Fierce Heavenly Sect is indeed more favored!

Even though Lu Ran clearly informed everyone that the Divine Technique·Fiery Fire Sky Leader has been sealed by him, only to be unlocked in life-and-death crises at Cloud Sea Cliff.

Yet, the Weak God disciples still flock towards the Fierce Heavenly Sect.

Lu Ran can hardly imagine if any sect dared attack Cloud Sea Cliff....

Ran Sect, nearly a hundred Lie Tian disciples, move together!

Each unleashing Fiery Fire Sky Leader, it'll be a barrage of heavy bombardment!

Who could withstand it?

"Thank you, Sect Leader, thank you..."

As Lu Ran signed the contracts with the disciples, voices of gratitude kept echoing, often accompanied by sobs and tears.

One for defying fate, another for stable refuge.

Each offering Lu Ran provides the disciples is granting them a new life.

Deng Yuxiang frowns slightly at Lu Ran's expression, realizing his heavy heart, immediately shouts sternly:

"Silence!"

Feixian Hall instantly falls into a silent hush.

Lu Ran remains silent, signing contracts with sect members one by one.

When the abstract concept of suffering materializes into one tear-streaked face after another, who can feel content?

The multitude,

The agony of divine spirits have persisted for long...

Until the contract with the last disciple is completed, Lu Ran promptly leaves Feixian Hall.

Walking out of the hall, sunlight bathes over him.

Forest breeze brings the scent of the sea, brushing his face, making Lu Ran feel much more relaxed.

"It's quite nice." A woman's voice suddenly calls from behind.

"Hm?" Lu Ran turns his head, seeing a radiant face.

Deng Yuxiang smiles, looking at Lu Ran's solemn appearance: "Compassion, empathy.

You're still concerned, treating others as people."

Lu Ran snorts coldly, stubbornly: "Each of you is more cold-blooded than the last, if I don't cushion things a bit, this life will be unbearable."

"What are you two chatting about?" A clear voice interrupts casually, undoubtedly another aloof presence.

"Big Nightmare is praising me." Lu Ran casually remarks, "Says I've got the heart of a Bodhisattva."

Deng Yuxiang remains noncommittal, turning respectfully: "Lady."

If there were only three people present, she wouldn't use this title.

At this time, Leng Xushuang had already "taken up duty," closely following behind Jiang Ruyi.

"Hm." Jiang Ruyi nods, stepping forward to take Lu Ran's arm, "Going to the Council Hall now?"

This was prearranged; after the Sect Leader receives disciples, a small meeting with Ran Sect's upper echelon is to follow.

"Let's go."

When Lu Ran arrives at the Council Hall, he finds its interior set up quite differently.

Deep inside, there's a remarkable seat, it used to be the Wolf Bone Village Chief's throne, solemn and grand.

In front of the throne is a thick desk with an antique feel.

Beside and slightly behind the desk lies Jiang Ruyi's seat, though slightly smaller in size.

Below the hall, two rows of seats are lined on each side.

These exquisite seats come from both Langhua Village and Wolf Bone Village, indeed elevating Ran Sect's prestige quite a bit.

"This?" Lu Ran stands at the door, already not recognizing his own Council Hall.

He never ordered the hall's style to change, so this must be Jiang Ruyi's handiwork.

"What's the matter?" Jiang Ruyi asks with a smile.

Lu Ran smiles as well: "Why didn't you hang a 'Justice Hangs from a High Place' plaque for me?

Place a box of verdict slips on the desk, some inscribed with 'Execution by Decree?'"

"Get out." Jiang Ruyi scoffs lightly, leading him inside.

Lu Ran waits a while in the hall, as protectors, Divine Generals, Hall Masters all gather.

He was hoping to catch some excitement.

But everyone orderly found their own places.

"Alright, let's commence!" Lu Ran elbows resting on the desk, supporting his face with his hand, "Esteemed Great Powers, any grievances to air?"

A gentle laughter came from below the hall, but no one got up to complain.

Lu Ran's gaze swept over the crowd and finally settled on Shangguan Hongfu.

Shangguan Hongfu, being a master of observation, immediately stood up, awaiting orders.

Lu Ran slowly said, "In this session of disciple recruitment, I didn't make the 13 Lantern Disciple change sects. They possess excellent healing skills and have previously shown care for the Weak God disciples at Wolf Flower Village.

Now that Ran Sect members have increased, I plan to establish a Medical Hall with the Lantern disciple overseeing it.

"Mr. Shangguan, how do you feel about being the Hall Master?"

Shangguan Hongfu was momentarily surprised, then bowed gratefully:

"I'll follow the arrangement of Sect Master."

Shangguan Hongfu was indeed somewhat surprised, after all, he had previously told Lu Ran about his experiences at Qianhua Ridge.

Earlier he thought Lu Ran would recruit those 13 Lantern Disciples.

But Lu Ran didn't force anyone.

After the disciple recruitment ceremony today, Shangguan Hongfu thought that this loyal group of brothers and sisters following him would be spread out and assigned to various halls.

Unexpectedly, Lu Ran still kept the 13 together.

Even allowing Shangguan Hongfu, the team leader, to personally lead?

Shangguan Hongfu felt the trust of the Sect Master, and more so the confidence of the Sect Master!

"I promised you, Mr. Shangguan, not to let you and your brothers and sisters suffer." Lu Ran looked at Shangguan Hongfu.

Surprised, ashamed, grateful.

The subtle expressions and glances of others naturally couldn't escape those observant eyes.

Lu Ran smiled briefly and sighed softly, "Life at Holy Spirit Mountain is so difficult, it's better for close individuals to stay together.

Don't separate."

"Thank you, Sect Master!" Shangguan Hongfu expressed gratitude.

"What should the Medical Hall be named?" Lu Ran rested his chin on his hand, suddenly rekindling the feeling of sitting in a classroom at a school desk.

Xinglin Hall?

Huichun Hall?

Cloud Sea Cliff First People's Hospital?

"Sect Master." From the first seat on the right, Yu Changsheng stood up.

"Does Mr. Yu have any good ideas?" Lu Ran perked up.

"How about Fushou Hall?" Yu Changsheng lightly shook a paper fan, "The 'Fu' from Mr. Shangguan's name, combined with 'Shou', embodies our Ran Sect's beautiful aspiration."

"Not bad." Lu Ran nodded repeatedly, "That's settled! This Fushou Hall will be managed by Mr. Cong Long."

"Yes!" Yu Changsheng nodded in agreement.

The four Great Protectors of Ran Sect, now each has their own division.

Demon Control Hall, Feixian Hall, Fushou Hall, Shadow Guard Team.

The Shadow Guard Team is an exception with no Hall Master, as for the other three halls...

Hall Masters should consult their own Lord Guardians for matters!

Don't bother the Sect Master.

Incredibly busy~

Lu Ran gave a few more instructions, checked on everyone's current situation, and intended to adjourn the meeting.

At this moment, Luo Ying stepped forward, "Sect Master."

"Divine General Luo?" Lu Ran looked at the young mother.

Luo Ying requested, "I wish to bring the children to reside at Cloud Sea Cliff, I wonder if..."

"Sure!" Lu Ran was somewhat surprised but nodded immediately.

Luo Ying felt warmth in her heart seeing Lu Ran agree so readily.

Lu Ran continued, "However, with so many Ran Sect members now, it's a bustling place..."

Luo Ying obviously had long prepared for such a decision, she explained clearly, "Disciples cherish the chance to live at Cloud Sea Cliff; the atmosphere inside the cliff is great.

I am fortunate to have a statue in the Feixian Hall, disciples hold me and Yifei in high regard.

My residence is located on the eastern part of the cliff, ordinary disciples aren't allowed to venture..."

Lu Ran listened and nodded, "Alright, as long as you and your husband have thought it through.

Living at Cloud Sea Cliff, the children's lives will be richer, the place to play larger."

"Thank you, Sect Master!" Luo Ying looked grateful.

"Thank what? It's my honor." Lu Ran smiled at the young mother.

Children are the lifeblood of the Xun Luo couple.

The couple making such a decision indicated their absolute trust in Lu Ran, approval of Ran Sect's environment and safety.

Their secluded valley courtyard was indeed hidden, but their daily hunting and fishing, traveling back and forth, posed hidden dangers.

Lu Ran said, "When moving just tell me, I'll open the Transmission Mirror for you."

The journey of several kilometers, traveling with children, indeed carries risks.

Listening to Lu Ran's gentle tone and feeling his thoughtfulness and care, Luo Ying was moved, and softly said:

"Thank you, Sect Master, just today."

"Alright, does anyone else have anything?" Lu Ran's gaze swept over the crowd.

Seeing no one standing up, he announced the meeting over.

After everyone left, Lu Ran opened the Transmission Mirror for Luo Ying, directly to her valley residence.

Both agreed to meet again at dusk, then Lu Ran dispelled the mirror, stretching fiercely:

"Ah~~~"

Ah, desks do have a sort of magic power, don't they?

Tired.

Lu Ran lay down on the antique desk, smelling the wood fragrance.

Beside him, Jiang Ruyi looked on with a peculiar expression at the youth sleeping on the table.

Behind her, Leng Xushuang stood silently, observing the Emperor Robe-clad youth.

Returning to Ran Sect, he was like a different person compared to his time at Wolf Flower Village and Wolf Bone Village.

One was a decisive, powerful king.

One was a gentle, benevolent leader.

"Anything going on?" Lu Ran rested his arms and appeared to be sleeping with eyes closed, yet suddenly spoke.

Leng Xushuang hurriedly lowered her gaze.

Jiang Ruyi chuckled, "Are you planning to sleep here?"

"Ruyi, tell me about mathematics." Lu Ran suddenly uttered.

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

What meaning?

Help to sleep?

...