Summit of the Old Gods

The next morning, at the assembly, Lu Ran saw the Divine Weapon·Blood Drink in Deng Yuxiang's hand.

He couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

It seems Yan Shuangzi still couldn't accept Elder Xing's weapon.

Or perhaps she felt her own weapon was sufficient and gifted the Divine Weapon to her best friend?

Lu Ran thought it was a pity.

Originally, he thought the Great Evil Shadow could wield a black moon in one hand and a blood moon in the other.

Hmm... that would have been quite impressive.

The Big Nightmare and the Great Evil Shadow, one with a blood crystal scimitar and the other with a black ice scimitar, are actually quite a match?

Tsk~

Why does this have a certain charm?

Speaking of which, Deng Yuxiang has two close friends, aside from Yan Shuangzi, there's also Hu Jiaojiao, the granddaughter of the City Lord of Beifeng.

Lu Ran naturally remembered Miss Hu, with her youthful appearance and... impressive figure. She's also a North Wind Disciple.

Now that Sword Ridge Peak has been destroyed, a large number of North Wind Disciples are bound to enter the Holy Spirit Mountain...

Thinking of this, Lu Ran couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

However, Hu Jiaojiao is the granddaughter of the Human World Sect Master of the North Wind Sect, could she have some privileges?

Won't be thrown into this cruel slaughterhouse?

Who knows.

At the meeting, Lu Ran encouraged everyone and then rewarded them, distributing the seized Divine Power Pearls.

Lu Ran, possessing the Second-rank Magical Artifact·Blazing Phoenix Patterned Gourd, was less reliant on the Divine Power Pearls.

But this doesn't mean others don't covet the Divine Power Pearls!

The Divine Power reserves of a Sea Realm Great Power are indeed impressive, but correspondingly, spellcasting consumes a great deal of Divine Power!

At any stage, Divine Power Pearls are extremely important strategic resources.

Lu Ran didn't shortchange himself either.

After fighting for so long, the Divine Power Bead string around his neck had long been updated!

28 Divine Power Pearls make a string.

Currently, on Lu Ran's necklace, there were no longer River Grade·Divine Power Pearls the size of fingertips; instead, there were 20 River Grade·Divine Power Pearls the size of quail eggs.

Additionally, there were 8 Sea Grade·Divine Power Pearls the size of pigeon eggs.

This necklace was of immeasurable value!

At the end of the meeting, Lu Ran informed everyone that he planned to rest for three days and then continue heading south.

It was then that Xue Fengchen, who had been silent, stood up.

He bowed his head and cupped his hands, saying: "Sect Master."

"What is it?" Lu Ran curiously looked at the Great Phoenix of the West Desolation.

"I am about to touch the bottleneck of my cultivation." Xue Fengchen said in a deep voice.

"Oh?" Lu Ran's eyes lit up.

The Yan God General and the Phoenix General had respectively advanced to the Sea Realm last September and October.

Last month, Gao Yunyan had just advanced, and this month Xue Fengchen had caught up.

Hmm, not bad at all~

Lu Ran chuckled, "Didn't I say 'Soon, soon' works!"

Xue Fengchen twitched his lips.

Who knows why the Sect Master has such a penchant for those four words.

He even calls it: psychological suggestion...

"Then I'll stay on the cliff a few more days." Lu Ran casually waved, and Little Chi Feng flew out, "After the meeting, you can go into seclusion."

"Thank you, Sect Master!" Xue Fengchen said gratefully, receiving the Second Rank Magical Artifact with both hands.

Lu Ran suddenly thought of something and looked at the Xun Luo couple below.

If he remembered correctly, Xun Yifei had advanced to Sea Realm·Third Rank last May, already a year ago.

As for Luo Ying...

Since they met, she had always been Sea Realm·Fourth Rank, never breaking through.

Yu Changsheng was the same, always at Sea Realm·Fourth Rank, but Mr. Cong Long has clearly stated he could advance further.

But looking at the Xun Luo couple's stance...

Had they reached the limit of their talent in terms of strength and realm?

As the couple saw Lu Ran continually looking at them, they both stood up, waiting for instructions.

Lu Ran asked: "Do you still have the potential to improve your cultivation?"

The couple glanced at each other, and Xun Yifei said: "We are still progressing, but the pace is somewhat slow."

Below, Yu Changsheng lightly waved a paper fan, naturally understanding the Sect Master's thoughts.

The Xun Luo couple had joined at the founding of the Ran Sect, at a time when Lu Ran urgently needed combat power, he certainly didn't wish for them to drop in rank.

The couple did not disappoint Lu Ran's expectations; their contributions were vital in allowing the Ran Sect to stand firmly and continue growing.

Now, the circumstances were different.

The Ran Sect had established itself, replete with talent, capable of enduring the couple's potential drop in rank.

So, should the Xun Luo couple switch allegiance to Lu Ran's faction?

Yu Changsheng pondered silently.

In comparison, Xun Yifei seemed manageable; Yan Qing's skills shared some similarities with the Sea Merfolk Clan's techniques.

As long as the Divine Seeking General could maintain his focus, he could transform, becoming the Evil Demon·Sea Merfolk in the flesh.

But Luo Ying...

Her strength and realm were exceedingly high!

That's Sea Realm·Fourth Rank!

Though she seemed just one rank above her husband, there was an insurmountable gap between them.

Another point: the mortal enemy of Divine Ash, fundamentally distinct from herself.

The illustrious Southern Sea Bow, had an arch-enemy that was the Evil Demon·Fisherman.

Fisherman!

That wretched old man carrying a broken fish spear, sailing a tattered fishing boat!

The expression of their techniques vastly differed.

The efficacy of their skills was worlds apart!

If the Luo Divine General were indeed to join Lu Ran's faction, she would have to bind herself to the Fake God·Ash God Sculpture, and even a glance at the Evil God·Fisherman would sully the eyes of the Luo Divine General.

The council hall fell into silence, and Lu Ran pondered quietly for a long time without speaking.

"Sect Master." Yu Changsheng stood up and called.

"Mr?"

"This matter requires careful deliberation." Yu Changsheng advised.

"Well, everyone disperse." Lu Ran waved his hand.

The crowd left one by one, while Yu Changsheng stayed behind.

Jiang Ruyi was seated quietly by the side of the desk, noticing Yu Changsheng had something to say, she said:

"Mr. Cong Long, speak freely."

Yu Changsheng said, "The situation in Ran Sect has changed, the Sect Master's intention to change strategies is a reasonable action."

Lu Ran smiled, "Mr. sees through me, our capital has thickened, Nightmare Evil Shadow has continuously advanced to Sea Realm, while the Xun Luo couple remains stagnant.

Observing this, it's inevitable to have some thoughts."

Yu Changsheng, with a stern expression, persuaded, "I think the Sect Master should not act rashly."

Lu Ran restrained his smile, listening attentively.

Yu Changsheng: "The Xun Luo couple's realms are too high! All along, the Sect Master only allowed those from River Realm to break contracts, mostly resulting in a drop of 1 to 2 ranks.

The higher they climb, the harder they fall.

Xun Luo falling from Sea Realm Fourth Rank, the consequence is unforeseeable."

Lu Ran fell silent.

He cannot simply assume the couple would only drop one rank.

If the couple falls two or three ranks, even regresses to River Realm, Lu Ran would be devastated!

Hmm... next time during battle, maybe I can capture a Sea Realm enemy and force them to break a contract to test this?

Yu Changsheng paused then said, "Nightmare Guardian, with exceptional talent, is bound to the sculpture early, and would need at least six months to make achievements within the Sea Realm Initial Stage.

Considering the best scenario, even if the Xun Luo couple only drops two ranks, assuming their mental realm remains stable.

The time required for them to return to their current ranks would be…"

No need to finish, everyone understands.

Feeling the oppressive atmosphere, Yu Changsheng said, "With the Sect Master's advancement speed, at most, one or two years, he can lead us back to the human world."

"Eh?" Lu Ran had a strange look, gazing at his handsome strategist.

Yu Changsheng smiled and nodded, "At least one year, at most two years, the Sect Master will naturally enter the Heavenly Realm."

"You have more confidence in me than I do."

"I've studied the Sect Master's growth trajectory, facts speak louder than words." Yu Changsheng gently shook his paper fan, "By then, the Sect Master can naturally ascend to the Heavenly Realm, seeking a way back to the human world.

Even..."

"Even what?" Lu Ran asked curiously.

Yu Changsheng thought, "Others have only one path to ascend in order to leave Mountain Realm.

The Sect Master is the Master of Evil Mirror Demon, might possess Heavenly Grade·Mirror Flower Moon."

Lu Ran nodded with a thoughtful expression.

He had fantasized about the specific effects of a Heavenly Grade Transmission Mirror.

Yu Changsheng analyzed in detail, "River Grade Mirror Flower Moon only has a transmission distance of less than a hundred kilometers, Sea Grade leaps to three thousand kilometers.

As the skill grade elevates, it provides a qualitative improvement!

Heavenly Grade·Mirror Flower Moon might even connect to the human world."

Lu Ran sighed, "Hopefully, Mr.'s wish comes true."

Yu Changsheng continued to advise, "The Xun Luo couple just indicated they are progressing slowly, not stagnant. Luo Divine General only needs one more step to reach Sea Realm Peak!

With the Sect Master leading, her Dao Heart certainly will not stop at the sea.

Personally, I believe Luo Divine General should go the route of unscathed contract breaking, if she falls now, it might squander a great opportunity."

Jiang Ruyi said softly, "Mr. has a point."

"Hmm." Lu Ran gently nodded, his thoughts floated far away.

Heavenly Realm!

Heavenly Realm...

Lu Ran once again fell into contemplation, Yu Changsheng ceased speaking, stood silently.

After a while, Lu Ran came back to his senses, seeing this scene, he smiled apologetically, "Thank you for your guidance."

"Do not dare." Yu Changsheng gently shook the paper fan, smiled, "Duty-bound."

Lu Ran stood up, "I should also make a trip to Nine Star Island, see how much Holy Spirit Energy the nine Evil Mirror Demons have collected in total."

He visited the island on December tenth last year, calculating the days, it's been five months.

Time to reap a wave!

Yu Changsheng proposed, "Sect Master, now that Cloud Sea Cliff is as solid as gold soup, the few Evil Mirror Demons guarding the sea cliff nearby can be stationed on the island to collect Holy Spirit Energy for the Sect Master."

Lu Ran nodded, "Sounds good, Mr. can return now, later I'll take Evil Shadow and go."

Yu Changsheng: "..."

In the past, Lu Ran needed to bring the sea combat experts Yu Changsheng and Xun Yifei along.

It's completely different now.

Lu Ran can step onto the island in one stride, no need for sea navigation, Lu Yan and others can teleport a distance of ten thousand meters, search for new islands efficiently.

Others, how can they keep up with these two evil dogs' rhythm?

Lu Ran looked at Jiang Ruyi again, "I'll be right back."

Jiang Ruyi hesitated for a moment, but eventually didn't stop him, "Be careful."

Lu Ran smiled in response, his figure flashed and vanished.

Left Jiang and Yu behind, along with the two personal guards silently standing behind Jiang Ruyi.

Yu Changsheng looked at Jiang Ruyi's face and reassured, "Lady need not worry, in Holy Spirit Mountain, someone capable of injuring the Sect Master would be hard to find even if they carry the wondrous Fire Cage."

Jiang Ruyi softly said, "If only Heavenly Grade·Mirror Flower Moon could truly connect to the human world."

Regarding the realm above the Cloud Sea, Jiang Ruyi always holds a deep sense of awe.

Holy Spirit Energy continuously drops down from the sky.

No matter if the Heavenly Realm is closer to the human world...

At least, it's closer to the battlefield.

Closer to God Demon.

Which also means closer to death.

...