Summit of the Old Gods

Lu Ran lingered in the seclusion room for a long time until the fog dispersed completely before he got up.

He gently took a step forward.

The way he moved cautiously, it was as if he was treating the solid ground as if it were thin ice.

After confirming the "ice" hadn't cracked under his feet, Lu Ran gave another gentle step forward.

Step by step.

Lu Ran was continually adapting to the unruly physical form, suppressing the sense of wild power, silently complaining to himself:

"How can one maintain balance with this mindset?"

Lu Ran continued to adjust himself, like a child learning to walk, until he reached the tunnel entrance and had adapted quite a bit.

The bright light was somewhat dazzling.

He squinted his eyes and saw many figures.

Leading them was a woman in a flowing white dress with an elegant fairy-like appearance.

Sniff~

Lu Ran tried to imagine the fragrance of jasmine but instead smelled the real presence of a faint plum scent.

Miss Xuan Shuang seems to be stealing the spotlight a bit.

Indeed, it's quite fragrant~

"Succeeded?" Jiang Ruyi asked gently, her hands behind her back, her eyes tenderly smiling.

If she tilted her head just a little more, that would be perfect.

Just like that lively young Ruyi from high school.

It's a pity, those youthful days are long gone~

It's been... err, less than two years since I graduated high school?

Darn it!

Less than two years? Why does it feel like it's been two centuries?

Oh, right! This year is 2021, and I just turned 20...

"Congratulations Sect Leader!"

"Congratulations Sect Leader on exiting seclusion successfully!" The chorus of congratulations awakened Lu Ran from his thoughts.

Lu Ran shifted his gaze from his fellow student Jiang and reverted back to the high-ranking Master of Ran Sect.

With a smile, he cupped his fists and greeted everyone: "Happy together, happy together."

The stronger the Sect Leader is, the higher the survival chances of the soldiers, and the brighter the future.

That phrase "happy together" was quite accurate.

After inquiring about the other soldiers who had advanced and receiving satisfying responses, Lu Ran's smile grew even bigger.

After some simple pleasantries, Lu Ran announced a meeting in an hour and dismissed everyone.

Soon, only Lu Jiang and the two personal guards of Lady Ran remained at the entrance.

The guards had a good sense of awareness, at least much better than Sister Xian'er.

They walked off into the distance, guarding with their backs to the two of them.

Lu Ran gently wrapped his arms around Jiang Xianzi's slender waist, handling her as if she were a fragile work of art.

Jiang Ruyi naturally sensed his unusual action and couldn't help but lift her eyes.

Her beautiful eyes examined Lu Ran's pupils while softly teasing him.

Lu Ran had excellent hearing, but he heard nothing at all.

He just watched her delicate lips open and close and then lowered his head to kiss her.

"Mmm..." Jiang Ruyi instinctively closed her eyes, basking in the deep joy in his heart.

If possible, she wished time could freeze at this moment forever.

But unfortunately,

when she opened her eyes again, she was still on Holy Spirit Mountain.

Next, Ran Sect would be heading to Sword Ridge Peak.

The main stronghold established by disciples of a second-class deity wouldn't know what awaited them all.

Would there be strong beings from the Heavenly Realm there?

It's said that when Lu Ran last led a team north to rescue Yan Shuangzi, the Peak Master of Sword Ridge Peak was already in seclusion.

It's been such a long time...

Has the Peak Master of Sword Ridge Peak advanced further?

"Mmm... Ran..."

"Hmm?" Lu Ran finally released her.

"This time, let's bring more people," Jiang Ruyi suggested softly, her forehead touching Lu Ran's.

"Of course."

"Before we set off, let's ask Elder Bai. If he feels uneasy, we'll postpone our departure."

Now, Bai Yanhui is an elder of Ran Sect.

Despite being an elder, specialization is key. Elder Bai mainly handles the ideological education of Ran Sect disciples and does not participate in other management affairs.

"Heh." Lu Ran laughed, "What's up with you, scholar master? You shouldn't make such mistakes, right?"

The predictions of Spellcaster Believer Bai Yanhui were all made from his personal perspective.

He might have a firm alliance with Ran Sect, but Elder Bai, being at Cloud Sea Cliff, could only predict the fortunes or misfortunes that might befall Cloud Sea Cliff.

When Lu Ran leads his team away from Cloud Sea Cliff to battle Sword Ridge Peak in the north, Elder Bai's predictions would be challenging to make.

"What mistakes?" Jiang Ruyi looked puzzled.

"Elder Bai's predictions are always based on himself, spreading out to the whole Cloud Sea Cliff..." Lu Ran was interrupted while speaking.

Jiang Ruyi brought her lips close to Lu Ran's ear and whispered, "Did I ever say he has to stay within the cliff?"

Lu Ran: "..."

Lady Ran... Is she planning to bring Elder Bai onto the battlefield?

It cannot be denied; this is indeed one way.

"What, can't bear to?" Jiang Ruyi asked with a smile.

After a brief consideration, Lu Ran spoke softly.

Elder Bai is not some flower kept in a greenhouse.

After joining Ran Sect and following a clear-sighted leader, Bai Yanhui lived peacefully at the cliff, taking up the role of a schoolteacher.

Before this, he was the leader and strategist of Sinless Valley!

He spent decades in the mountains, going through numerous large and small battles.

In the most recent war, Elder Bai personally led the army, maneuvering deftly despite an absolute disadvantage, embarrassing Luo Tiantu of Tiantu Mountain!

"Then let's bring him along," Lu Ran replied softly.

"Mm." Jiang Ruyi, rarely taking the lead, gently left a peck on Lu Ran's cheek.

Is it a reward?

One hour later, inside the Council Hall.

The members of Ran Sect gathered in full, yet the atmosphere wasn't as heavy as expected.

Instead, many warriors were eager for action!

The two generals of Feng Yan from the West Desolation Sect were inherently belligerent.

The Mad Immortal Guardian, a former Fierce Heavenly believer, was also a maniac for violence.

Not to mention, the grim-faced Deng Yuxiang.

Her best friend had endured such inhumane torture, of course, she loathed Sword Ridge Peak to the core!

The attitude of the first protector of the Ran Sect had undoubtedly set the tone for this mission.

Seated firmly behind the desk, Lu Ran scanned the assembled elite warriors below.

The hall was solemn, its aura astounding!

Even for those from the River Realm like Xuan Shuang and Liu Huo, breathing was difficult...

"Sword Ridge Peak, the base of the North Wind Sect." Lu Ran finally spoke, breaking the silence, "A behemoth."

Deng Yuxiang snorted coldly in her heart.

Lu Ran continued, "The only counterpart to it would be Thunder Mountain."

His gaze once again swept over the crowd, and he said gravely, "In the battle of Mist Rain Lake, we did play a crucial role, but we were backed by the Thousand Boat Alliance and aided by the Forbidden City."

Mentioning the Forbidden City, before advancing in rank, Lu Ran had specifically contacted He Qifeng, but the City Lord was busy and couldn't come over.

Lu Ran also learned that He Qifeng had already advanced to the second rank of the Sea Realm.

Whether personally or his city, both had developed quite well.

"I say these things to keep you from being arrogant and overconfident."

The hall was silent, listening to the Sect Master's exhortation.

Yet the young Sect Master wasn't stern for long before he joked, "If anyone deserves to be cocky, it should be me.

All of you, take a step back for me."

"Pfft~"

"Hahaha..." The atmosphere was instantly lightened, laughter echoing from below.

Jiang Ruyi, seated nearby, also chuckled helplessly.

When the hall returned to silence, Lu Ran said seriously, "We've been together day and night like family; I don't want to have to bury anyone after this battle.

Understood?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!" they all replied in unison.

Lu Ran nodded in satisfaction, "Before the meeting, I discussed with Mr. Cong Long and Elder Bai. For this expedition, the Ran Sect is divided into three teams... Nightmare Guardian."

"Present." Deng Yuxiang immediately stood up.

"You will lead Luo Ying and Wu Xiao as the vanguard."

"Understood!" Deng Yuxiang's eyes were bright.

Wu Xiao, the Great Martial Artist at the Sea Realm's peak, was so strong that even his face didn't matter!

In the entire Ran Sect, aside from the Sect Master, who could control Wu Xiao?

He's the absolute master of high-level situations!

Luo Ying is even more of a god of death!

Every time she draws her bow and notches an arrow, what she's holding isn't just a feathered shaft,

but the lives of hundreds or thousands of enemies...

"Dragon Guardian," Lu Ran continued.

"Sect Master." Yu Changsheng also stood up, awaiting orders.

"You will lead the two Feng Yan generals, and I'm assigning the Evil Shadow Guardian to you for better real-time communication."

"As you command." Yu Changsheng nodded immediately.

"The remaining team will be led personally by me and the Lady." Lu Ran named them one by one, "Mad Immortal Guardian, Elder Bai, Hall Master Jing, Hall Master Shangguan."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up to receive their orders.

Jing Hong hadn't anticipated that she'd have a role in this journey either!

Recalling the previous attack on Sword Ridge Peak, her Divine Technique: Thunderclap Horn had truly caused the North Wind disciples immense suffering.

Looking at Xun Yifei, Lu Ran said, "Divine General Xun will hold the Cloud Sea Cliff, managing the rear during our expedition."

Xun Yifei stood and clasped his fists, agreeing solemnly.

Jiang Ruyi timely suggested, "Divine General is experienced at the cliff; I'll leave Xuan Shuang and Liu Huo to assist in the management there.

Please guide and properly train them, Mr. Xun."

"Yes, Lady."

From below, He Yingcai stepped forward softly, "Sect Master."

"Hmm?"

"I wish to join the expedition as well." He Yingcai volunteered, "During the battle against Thunder Mountain, I was constantly by the Lady's side..."

Lu Ran nodded but replied, "You've been at Cloud Sea Cliff for almost a month, haven't you?"

He Yingcai smiled, "I'll return after joining the Sect Master in destroying Sword Ridge Peak."

"Alright." Lu Ran also smiled, "With you by Ruyi's side, I'm more at ease."

After assigning roles, Lu Ran was full of confidence!

Counting himself, the Ran Sect's expedition comprised a total of 10 formidable warriors from the Yangyang Sea!

Plus several highly functional individuals from the River Realm, forming an army capable of world destruction.

Sword Ridge Peak, even if evenly matched with Thunder Mountain, so what?

Flatten it!

Flatten it all to hell!

Gouge out the eyes of my great Evil Shadow? Cut her arms?

Forced her to tear up the contract, then imprisoned her in a cold cave, torturing and tormenting her days on end?

Damn it!!

"Everyone go prepare, rest well!" Lu Ran's expression grew increasingly grim, "Whether in a day or a week, we're setting out for Sword Ridge Peak!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!" The unanimous and resonant voices filled the Council Hall.

Their spirit soared to the sky!

...