Summit of the Old Gods

Early the next morning, Lu Ran led the team back to Cloud Sea Cliff.

The southern expedition was not yet over, but the insight into the Divine Weapon Domain had already been fully realized.

No, it should be considered as an overachievement!

Lu Ran not only fulfilled his wishes by advancing the Eight Desolate Blade to a second-rank Divine Weapon, but also brought back a Great Martial Artist at the Sea Realm Peak!

Simply delightful~

After returning to Cloud Sea Cliff, Lu Ran specifically held a meeting to let the Ran Sect members get to know the new companion.

In the future, everyone would be brothers in the trenches, so of course, they needed to familiarize themselves with each other.

However, Lu Ran was a bit hesitant about the title.

Wu Xiao, as a Great Power at the Sea Realm Peak, fully deserved the title of "Divine General."

But in Lu Ran's heart, there were even greater expectations for Wu Xiao…

"Feng'er."

In the Council Hall, Lu Ran sat behind the desk and called out.

"Sect Master." Xue Fengchen immediately stood up, holding the Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear in his hand.

"How's the Divine Weapon?" Lu Ran asked.

"Much more obedient now." Xue Fengchen replied.

Since mid-October last year, Xue Fengchen had firmly kept control of the Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear, not giving it any chance to cause trouble.

For so long, all of the spear's resistance was in vain, and it no longer resisted as violently as at the beginning.

"Has it yielded to you?" Lu Ran got up, walked around the desk, and moved to the center of the hall.

"No." Xue Fengchen shook his head.

Throughout, Xue Fengchen had always considered himself a custodian, also using the Mad Dragon Spear to stabilize his Mental Realm.

He used a big axe, and also played with sand.

With the lightning attribute of the Sky-piercing Halberd, there was an attribute restraint, making this halberd unsuitable for him.

"Oh." Lu Ran extended his hand, and Xue Fengchen immediately handed over the Sky-piercing Halberd.

"Buzz!"

The moment they exchanged, the Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear suddenly acted up, attempting to fly away.

"Huh?" Lu Ran gripped the Mad Dragon Spear tightly, smiling and looking at Xue Fengchen, "It doesn't seem as obedient as you said, huh?"

Xue Fengchen looked embarrassed, rubbing his nose.

Seated nearby, Gao Yunyan couldn't help but chuckle.

"Sit down." Lu Ran patted Xue Fengchen's shoulder, the Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear in his hand fell silent again.

It seemed to want to take a chance but realized there was still no escape, and thus accepted its fate.

Lu Ran weighted the Sky-piercing Halberd and looked towards the chairs behind him: "Wu Xiao."

Wu Xiao immediately stood up.

"The battle for the Divine Weapon Domain is inevitable, I hope you won't blame me." Lu Ran spoke with some apology in his heart.

"The Sect Master need not feel that way." Wu Xiao said in a deep voice.

Everyone naturally understood the reasoning.

Lu Ran signaled for him to come forward: "This halberd is a second-rank Divine Weapon, named Purple Thunder Mad Dragon, with a tremendously explosive Divine Weapon Domain!"

Wu Xiao naturally understood what Lu Ran intended to do.

"In the Wusheng Sect, you have various attribute skills at your disposal, and lightning is one of them... By the way, can you use a halberd?"

"I know the basics." Wu Xiao replied.

"Good, with continued practice, it will suffice." Lu Ran handed over the Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear, "Here, this is your first task after joining the Ran Sect!

Make it truly yours, and it will become your Divine Weapon."

Wu Xiao looked at the luxurious halberd engraved with purple dragon patterns, then at the fierce gleam of the halberd head.

For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Meanwhile, seated beside, Gao Yunyan's eyes gleamed slightly.

The Purple Thunder Mad Dragon Spear finally had an owner?

Feng'er no longer needed to hold it day and night!

From now on, when the doors of Feng Yan Inn were closed, they could enjoy their time together peacefully?

Initially, it was indeed suggested by Gao Yunyan, hoping Lu Ran would let Xue Fengchen take care of the Battle Axe, but now four months had passed, and the West Desolation's Phoenix's Dao Heart was already very stable!

"Take it." Lu Ran pushed the Sky-piercing Halberd forward again.

Wu Xiao accepted it with both hands, saying in a deep voice, "Thank you, Sect Master."

"There's no need for thanks, it's a task."

"Yes!" Wu Xiao nodded heavily.

From deep within the hall, a cool, clear voice suddenly came forth: "Your long spear, let the Ran Sect take care of it."

Wu Xiao was slightly stunned and looked up.

Jiang Ruyi sat elegantly in a chair on the side of the desk, quietly observing the Great Martial Artist below.

After a moment, Wu Xiao, who had been serious all along, suddenly smiled.

It seemed he understood something and accepted it calmly:

"Yes, Lady."

Having said that, Wu Xiao walked to the side, took the long spear from Liu Huo, and stepped towards the back of the hall.

Cold Xushuang, standing silently behind Jiang Ruyi, immediately reached out to receive the Black Iron Spear.

"Focus on practicing with the halberd in the future, you will still break your contract with the Divine Martial Artist and join Lu Ran's sect." Jiang Ruyi appraised the brave young man, looking into his eyes.

Wu Xiao, respectful in attitude, lowered his head and said, "Yes."

Jiang Ruyi spoke in an uncharacteristically gentle tone: "You will find the meaning of living, and regain a new life in the Ran Sect."

"Shu~"

Below the hall, Yu Changsheng elegantly unfolded a fan, lightly swaying the paper fan: "All past is like yesterday's death; everything henceforth is like today's birth."

Lu Ran couldn't help but look at Yu Changsheng, praising, "Sir, what exquisite craftsmanship in words!"

Yu Changsheng had a peculiar expression: "These words are from 'The Four Instructions of Liao Fan'."

Lu Ran: "..."

From what?

Forget it, better not to ask in the hall.

Lu Ran looked left and right: "Divine Seeking General, in a moment, ask Feixian Hall for a few people to build another house in the eastern region of the cliff."

Xun Yifei immediately accepted the order.

Since the whole family moved here, Xun Luo and his wife have been stationed at Cloud Sea Cliff, no longer needing to hide the Divine Weapon under the sea. During meetings, the two of them will also be present.

Lu Ran confirmed the site for the residence, then walked back to the desk and sat down heavily.

He looked at the people below the hall: "In the next few days, I have to make a trip to the north to meet the Ice Plum Demon Queen's clan..."

Before he finished speaking, Luo Ying stood up first: "Sect Leader, let me accompany you."

Xue Fengchen followed closely: "Sect Leader, I haven't been on the battlefield since I advanced to the Sea Realm!"

Gao Yunyan, supporting her own man, also stood up to request the same.

The believers of the Four Directions Martial Arts... at least the disciples of the West Desolation and Dong Ting sects are inherently battle enthusiasts.

Lu Ran looked at the divine generals volunteering for the task, feeling very moved.

Thinking back, when he and Big Nightmare were rushing around tirelessly.

Now it's better!

With enough forces, the soldiers' actions can be a bit slower, and they might not even be needed...

"Alright." Lu Ran didn't want to let the generals down and agreed to the three of them, then named Shangguan Hongfu, finalizing the team members.

Yu Changsheng looked at the young sect leader behind the desk with a profound gaze.

Previously always hanging onto me, causing a scene to have me by your side.

Now you have Shangguan Hongfu, don't need me anymore?

"Uh." Lu Ran suddenly shivered and turned to look, catching Yu Changsheng's eyes.

Goodness~

Such strong resentment!

Are you also a disciple of Qian Gu?

Do you also know the Yin Bone Curse?

Lu Ran said gently: "Mr. Cong Long, you've worked hard recently, have a good rest at home."

With so many people in the Council Hall, Yu Changsheng couldn't say much more, so he clasped his fists and bowed:

"Thank you, Sect Master, for your consideration."

Lu Ran pursed his lips and suddenly said: "Mr. Cong Long, would you like to go to Mist Rain Lake for a couple of days to recuperate?"

Yu Changsheng: ?

Why don't you just send me back to Qianhua Ridge!

The valley has streams, I'll relax there, not bothering you...

"It wouldn't hurt to take a look," Jiang Ruyi said, "oversee the work for the Colorful Divine General, representing the Ran Sect, and get closer to the Thousand Boat Alliance."

Yu Changsheng: "..."

He silently stood up, took the order, and said: "Yes, Lady."

Lu Ran dared not look at Yu Changsheng again and said to everyone: "We'll depart in the morning, everyone dismissed."

...

In the morning, He Yingcai received a "big gift" sent by the Ran Sect Lady!

Lu Ran's landing mirror opened directly on Green Lotus Island, in the forest hut.

At that time, an elegant lady in a green dress was waiting in the hall.

Seeing Lu and Yu emerge from the mirror, He Yingcai placed her hands at her waist and elegantly gave a deep curtsey.

Then, the Colorful Divine General gracefully extended her hand and linked arms with Yu Changsheng.

Such an immortal couple-like pairing indeed made Lu Ran feel pleased!

Unfortunately, there was no good news from Mist Rain Lake, as Alliance Leader Yun Qianzhou still hadn't emerged from closed-door training.

Who knows how long it will take to treat Elder Bai's eyes.

Speaking of which, hasn't Alliance Leader Yun been in retreat for too long? Does it really take this long to consolidate one's strength and realm?

Lu Ran even began to suspect if Alliance Leader Yun secretly ascended...

Hmm, probably not.

From all aspects and sides, Yun Qianzhou's character is very reliable!

Therefore, Lu Ran couldn't help having some other guesses.

What does this so-called Heavenly Realm,

ultimately bring to people?

Does someone painstakingly advancing to the Heavenly Realm end up losing freedom, having to stabilize their mental state day and night?

Is this a limitation set by gods for the human community?

Once Alliance Leader Yun emerges from seclusion, he must inquire well!

After delivering the gift, Lu Ran brought boxes of flower fruit cakes and two packs of Smoke Rain Tea prepared by He Yingcai and returned alone to Cloud Sea Cliff.

"Look, snacks." Lu Ran returned to Cloud Sea Residence and saw two beautiful ladies in the small courtyard.

Jiang Ruyi, not surprised, opened the dessert box and gestured to Leng Xushuang: "Have a taste."

Leng Xushuang silently picked up a piece of dessert and tasted it in small bites.

Jiang Ruyi, feeling something, turned her head and saw Lu Ran's eager expression.

"Ha." She couldn't help but chuckle, picked up a small piece of flower fruit cake, and handed it over.

Lu Ran didn't reach out to take it; he leaned over and opened his mouth directly.

"Mmm." Lu Ran, satisfied, nodded repeatedly.

Jiang Ruyi, with a teasing expression, turned to Leng Xushuang and said, "Go boil some water to brew some tea for our Sect Master."

"No, no, no!" Lu Ran quickly waved his hand and sat on the stone bench, "This tea is more bitter than my life!"

Leng Xushuang looked down at the lotus leaf packet on the table.

Jiang Ruyi, with a keen mind, softly said, "It won't be bitter anymore in the future; the Ice Plum Demon Queen can fly and capture souls, much stronger than the Cold Plum Sect's combat power.

The key is that once you're bonded with this Evil Sculpture, your cultivation talent will continuously improve.

The so-called Sea Realm and Heavenly Realm will not be your endpoints either."

Jiang Ruyi indeed had special treatment for her personal guards.

Once she advances to the Sea Realm, she can be by her side.

Lu Ran also realized that his jokes might be inappropriate, so he gave Leng Xushuang an apologetic smile.

Leng Xushuang lowered her head: "Mr. Cong Long said, 'The past is like yesterday's death,' this saying suits me too.

Xuan Shuang will replace that Evil God and stay with the Sect Master and Lady till the end."

Her voice was soft yet very determined.

....