Summit of the Old Gods

"A suitable choice," Jiang Ruyi responded decisively.

Lu Ran looked curiously at his fiancée, "You have high hopes for her?"

Jiang Ruyi played with the teacup, analyzing, "Like your three Shadow Guards, Liu Huo was once a member of the Blazing Blood City Divine Guard."

Lu Ran nodded lightly.

Such individuals are elite, one in ten thousand, with impeccable overall qualities.

Jiang Ruyi took a sip of tea, "Courageous, meticulous, understanding, and someone who would risk everything for her beliefs."

Unfortunately, fate is unkind.

Lu Ran's expression turned strange, "You know so much about her?"

"From our first encounter until now, haven't you noticed all the choices she's made under pressure?"

"Hmm..." Lu Ran nodded.

Liu Huo's charming, beautiful appearance, coupled with her stream of tears, is indeed quite deceptive.

But thinking back on her actions, from the perspective of a Weak God disciple...

Humble but not inferior, weak but not timid.

She is quite a bold character.

Beside her, Leng Xushuang silently refilled Jiang Ruyi's tea.

Jiang Ruyi glanced up, seeing the exquisite beauty with bowed head and graceful demeanor, she couldn't help but smile.

In this Holy Spirit Mountain, who doesn't have their own unique background?

Who doesn't have their own story?

The difference is whether they'll be seen or not.

Just like in the Human World of Da Xia, amidst the vast sea of people, everyone working hard to live, who doesn't have their own joy, anger, sorrow, and unforgettable moments?

Yet, each unique soul, throughout their lives, is just encapsulated in four words:

The masses.

"I have difficulty cultivating Cold Plum Divine Sculpture, and naturally also with Blazing Blood Divine Sculpture," Lu Ran pondered, "How about binding Liu Huo with the Black Fire Colt?"

"Sure." Jiang Ruyi approved.

The Blazing Blood Sect and the Black Fire Clan are archenemies, with many similarities in skills. After Liu Huo changes her identity, she can naturally connect seamlessly.

There's just one point: Liu Huo cannot become a blood-colored warhorse anymore.

The Black Fire Colts were already horses and do not possess the Evil Technique to transform into horses.

"I'll go to Mist Rain Lake to invite Mr. Cong Long." Lu Ran stood up, "Evil Shadow, go bring Wu Xiao and Liu Huo."

[Yes.]

In secret, Evil Shadow flashed and departed, Lu Ran left through a mirror.

Jiang Ruyi also immediately got up to return to the bedroom to change clothes, since outsiders were coming, she didn't want to appear in a lazy manner.

Moreover, she was still wearing Lu Ran's robe.

In just a few minutes, the small courtyard of the Cloud Sea Residence was bustling with people.

When Jiang Ruyi saw the figures of Yu Changsheng and He Yingcai, she couldn't help but secretly praise them as a perfect immortal couple.

Except that the "male immortal" seemed to have a somewhat melancholic gaze?

He kept glancing at Master Lu...

Causing Jiang Ruyi to chuckle internally.

Lu Ran originally planned to let Yu Changsheng stay at Mist Rain Lake for a few days, but unexpectedly, it became nearly two months...

"I heard you visited a few days ago." Lu Ran looked at the woman as radiant as fire.

"Yes, Master." Liu Huo respectfully kneeled and bowed her head, feeling very apprehensive.

A little worried that the Sect Leader might be angry at her presumptuous interruption.

And a little hopeful that the Sect Leader might be merciful enough to help her defy destiny...

"After binding with Evil Sculpture·Black Fire Colt, your cultivation talent will have no limits," Lu Ran slowly said, "I will also help you eventually become the true Evil God."

Liu Huo's delicate body trembled!

The anticipation in her heart becoming reality made her extremely excited, she immediately expressed her gratitude repeatedly.

Lu Ran, however, smiled and said, "But, you will no longer be able to transform into a warhorse, unable to roam the world with your loved one."

Liu Huo was momentarily frozen.

Wu Xiao, who had been silent all along, more or less understood the situation from the conversation.

He didn't know Liu Huo had come to seek an audience, nor about her ambition.

Wu Xiao didn't care about himself, let alone anything else?

The only time he considered Liu Huo was before the battle at Qianhua Ridge, when he gave his last instructions.

He asked Lu Ran not to inquire about her real name.

That's all there was to it.

Yet, Master Lu didn't let Wu Xiao die, and now looked at him and asked, "Don't you have anything to say?"

The words might not have sounded pleasant, but the blood-red warhorse was Wu Xiao's mount.

For a moment, everyone looked towards the man.

Especially He Yingcai, who curiously observed this brave young man.

From Yu Changsheng, she had already learned about Wu Xiao, knowing he was someone Lu Ran had "brought back to life," a man with a dead heart.

Seeing him today, he indeed lived up to his reputation!

The immense pressure from the Sea Realm Peak was suffocating.

Is this the intensity of a First-class God disciple?

"Wu Xiao?" Lu Ran called again.

"Following you, there's no need to roam the world anymore." Wu Xiao finally spoke, his voice hoarse.

Lu Ran: "..."

Maybe Wu Xiao really didn't care, showing no attachment towards either people or his mount.

Hmm... Regardless, at least he didn't hinder Liu Huo's future.

Liu Huo hung her head low, her expression gloomy, silent.

Initially, she only followed Wu Xiao carefully to survive.

Gradually, she developed a dependency.

The emotions between a man and a woman also grew uncontrollably.

She didn't blame anyone, knowing to Wu Xiao she was no different from that Divine Weapon Sword.

Her ungrateful desire for more led to greater disappointment and sorrow.

"Liu Huo?"

"Lady." Liu Huo looked up towards the stone table.

Jiang Ruyi spoke calmly, "Strength is the foundation of everything, no matter what you wish to do."

Liu Huo indeed was courageous, her expression serious, and she requested, "I beseech the Sect Leader and Lady to give me a new identity!

In life and death, Liu Huo will never forget this kindness."

"Alright, destroy the contract with the Divine," Lu Ran decided, explaining the method briefly.

"Bo~"

Yu Changsheng summoned a pale golden Dragon Carp in advance to help Liu Huo ease her mind.

Soon, a piercing scream echoed through the mountains and forests.

He Yingcai looked at the woman in the red dress with a painful expression and raised her delicate hand.

A crystal-clear dewdrop appeared in the palm of He Yingcai's hand.

This tiny dewdrop, filled with a rich life force, slid from her slim fingers and off her fingertips, flying towards Liu Huo's forehead.

"Hoo~"

A strange scene unfolded!

A thin, visible water veil instantly enveloped Liu Huo's entire body and then fused into her body.

Bi He Divine Technique · Azure Dew Purification!

The healing effect of this technique was quite remarkable!

After a long time, Liu Huo stopped trembling.

Lu Ran was also ready, a phantom of a warhorse spread out from within him.

The magnificent black horse, burning with a dim flame.

The massive horse's head lowered, its nose overlapping with Lu Ran's palm, moving towards Liu Huo's forehead.

"Heh..."

Liu Huo's eyes suddenly widened, the searing breath poured into her head, as if it was going to burn her flesh and blood to ashes.

Just over ten seconds later, another Evil God took shape under Lu Ran's hand.

To be precise, it was a Fake God.

"In the future, you will also go through such a ceremony," Lu Ran looked at Wu Xiao.

Wu Xiao watched everything quietly, his eyes, like a still pool of water, began to ripple.

Such a contract ceremony was indeed soul-stirring.

Not until the remnant shadow of the Evil God · Black Fire Colt gradually dissipated, did He Yingcai let out a sigh of relief.

She was well aware that in the future she too would become a Fake God · Bi He under Junior Brother Lu.

Or perhaps become Bi He's mortal enemy, Evil God · Tangled Silk Shadow?

He Yingcai secretly compared the two deities, one righteous, one evil.

The Bi He Sect encapsulates attack, defense, and control as one, coupled with impressive healing techniques.

Whereas the Tangled Silk Clan...

Pure poison!

Thinking of this, He Yingcai couldn't help but look towards Yu Changsheng.

Since his support methods were so powerful, perhaps she should transform into Tangled Silk Shadow, to complement each other?

Yet He Yingcai discovered that Yu Changsheng had a peculiar expression, looking towards the fence yard outside.

"Yo~ isn't that Mad Xian'er, my lord?" Lu Ran suddenly spoke.

In the dense woods to the south of Cloud Sea Residence, about a dozen meters away, a sneaky figure was bathed in golden drizzle, their face slightly awkward.

"Come," Jiang Ruyi beckoned.

Si Xianxian looked like a little child who had done something wrong, lowered her head and walked in.

"Liu Huo has been bound with the Evil Sculpture," Jiang Ruyi smiled, looking at Xian'er Sister.

"Mhm mhm." Si Xianxian nodded repeatedly, whispering, "Cong-congratulations, another general for Ran Sect."

Lu Ran also smiled at Si Xianxian.

The usually lawless Mad Xian'er, looking so well-behaved, was indeed very interesting.

"Sect Master," Wu Xiao's voice was hoarse, "If there's nothing else, I will return now."

Lu Ran paused, looked at Liu Huo, who was still recovering her senses, then looked at Wu Xiao.

The courtyard was silent.

After a moment's pause, Lu Ran said, "Go report to the Nightmare Guardian and tell her, Yan God General has already gone into seclusion, working on advancing, and I should catch this opportunity.

Follow her instructions, during this time, protect Cloud Sea Cliff well."

"Yes!" Wu Xiao responded with a slightly firmer tone, turned, and departed.

Kneeling on the ground, Liu Huo, enduring intense pain, labored to open her eyes.

She slowly turned her head, watching Wu Xiao's tall back gradually fade into the distance.

"Liu Huo."

"Lady," Liu Huo instinctively turned her head, looking at the young woman.

"From now on, stay by my side," Jiang Ruyi also gazed at the departing silhouette of Wu Xiao, instructing softly.

Liu Huo opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something.

But eventually, she lowered her eyes, softly replied, "Yes."

Jiang Ruyi signaled Leng Xushuang, "Take her back to rest."

The dwelling of Leng Xushuang was in the backyard of Cloud Sea Residence, a small log cabin built recently.

Not until the two left did Lu Ran look at Jiang Ruyi, "You are...?"

Jiang Ruyi replied, "Xuan Shuang Liu Huo, don't you think the names match well?"

Do they match?

Sounds like one cold, one hot...

Lu Ran called Yu Changsheng and He Yingcai to take a seat, teasing, "I thought you had some opinions on Wu Xiao.

Turns out Liu Huo is lucky, caught the Lady's eye, and will stay as a guard?"

"Oh, hush," Jiang Ruyi playfully retorted.

Lu Ran switched to voice transmission: [Isn't this a bit like breaking up a pair?]

Jiang Ruyi continued speaking aloud, letting Yu Changsheng and the others hear, "Aren't you planning to let Wu Xiao seize the Sect Master position of the Wusheng Sect, to become the second He Qifeng?"

Yu Changsheng indeed became interested, looking at Lu Ran.

He Yingcai timely picked up the teapot, pouring tea for everyone.

Si Xianxian was a bit dumbfounded, silently cursing herself for not having foresight...

"Indeed," Lu Ran nodded immediately.

Jiang Ruyi smiled gently, "If Ran Sect truly has the fortune to control the Wusheng Sect and build another Forbidden City, I will let Liu Huo return.

Let her stay by Wu Xiao's side to assist in management."

Yu Changsheng lightly nodded, added, "By then, Liu Huo would no longer represent just herself, but have the identity of the Sect Leader and Lady's guard."

Marvelous~

Lu Ran grew even more puzzled: [You're treating her quite well, even giving her a sort of honorary title?]

Jiang Fairy's usually indifferent nature taking such actions genuinely surprised Lu Ran.

Her enchantment with Leng Xushuang's sword dance, appreciating her talents, led to special treatment, which Lu Ran could understand.

But towards Liu Huo?

Jiang Ruyi shook her head with a smile: [If that day truly comes, she is to assist Wu Xiao, managing a sect and governing a city for you.

This identity, for Liu Huo herself, is also a reminder, a constraint.]

Oh boy~

Lu Ran stopped speaking, silently picked up the teacup.

...