Summit of the Old Gods

"Sect Master." Qin Yanzhi stepped out of the bamboo house, "Lu Shi is not at home. From the setup inside, he hasn't returned since we parted last month."

Lu Ran nodded, having been mentally prepared for this.

Jiang Ruyi said, "Aren't you inviting us in for a sit-down?"

"Ah!" Qin Yanzhi apologetically stepped aside, "Sect Master, Lady, please."

The bamboo house was very small, and the interior layout was quite simple, without even a partition, just one single room.

On each side, a bamboo bed was placed, and in the center of the room was a bamboo table and a few bamboo chairs.

As simple as the house was, the bamboo carvings were equally exquisite!

Jiang Ruyi's eyes brightened!

On the bamboo table were cylindrical bamboo cups, carved with various landscape images.

The craftsmanship of these carvings was so exquisite, they were breathtaking.

Jiang Ruyi picked up a bamboo cup, looking at the small house in the bamboo forest.

Wasn't this exactly the Yunzhu Stream where everyone was?

"If Lady likes this bamboo carving, it's yours to have," Qin Yanzhi immediately said.

"Did you carve it?" Jiang Ruyi slowly turned the bamboo cup.

Among the exquisitely carved bamboo forest, one could also see the figures of Bamboo Wood Demons.

They weren't sinisterly lurking, but gathered in threes and fives, gesturing at something, looking rather silly.

Quite vividly portrayed.

"Yes, learned from Master Lu, but my skills are not sophisticated," Qin Yanzhi said with a face full of remorse.

"You're being modest," Jiang Ruyi put down the bamboo cup.

"Our Qin Divine General, probably isn't being modest." Lu Ran's voice came from the side.

The two in the center of the room turned their heads to look to the left.

Lu Ran was standing by the bamboo bed on the west side, looking at the bamboo cups on a small shelf.

The cups were not landscapes, but figures.

It was a middle-aged woman, her eyelids drooped, cascading black hair flowing over her shoulders, a subtle gentle smile on her face, exuding an air of grace.

Admiringly, Lu Ran clicked his tongue.

It's hard to imagine finding such "elegance" in a piece of craftsmanship.

The woman wasn't stunningly beautiful, but she was genuinely beautiful.

Qin Yanzhi introduced, "This is Master Lu's wife, but Master Lu has never mentioned her name."

Jiang Ruyi came forward to admire it closely.

Lu Ran leaned over, bumped Jiang Ruyi's shoulder, "Aren't you worried that she'll suddenly look up at us both?"

"Hehe~" Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but chuckle.

"Sect Master, you just mentioned... Divine General?"

"Yes! There are several sequences in our Ran Sect, including the four Great Protectors, the eight Divine Generals, and such." Lu Ran turned his head to look at the young man, "You are the fifth Divine General."

Qin Yanzhi was astonished.

He was already at Sea Realm·Second Rank!

Logically, to live up to the title "Divine General" and to stand neck and neck with him, one must also be from the venerable Yangyang Sea!

And from Lu Ran's words, is there a Protector sequence above the Divine Generals?

This Ran Sect...

Is a haven of hidden talents?!

It makes sense, the Sect Master is this powerful and ambitious, surely there are countless experts under him!

"What do you say, Brother Qin?" Lu Ran asked with a smile, "Would you like to accept the title of Divine General?"

Qin Yanzhi was delighted, immediately clasping his hands, "Sect Master has faith in me, I will not dishonor this title as a subordinate."

He, who relied on his master for life, had found another great support in Lu Ran.

Master Lu was indeed strong.

But as elusive as a dragon.

Lu Ran and his Ran Sect, however, were solidly established there!

With the title of "Ran Sect Divine General," there would surely be many companions to look after each other.

"Great!" Lu Ran smiled at Qin Yanzhi.

Perhaps, Qin Yanzhi really seldom interacted with others...

But his various reactions and behaviors, despite never having tasted pork, likely seen many pigs run!

Qin Yanzhi couldn't help but inquire, "The first four Divine Generals, are they also Sea Realm?"

Lu Ran nodded, then shook his head.

Qin Yanzhi was somewhat puzzled.

Lu Ran: "They are all indeed Sea Realm, but not just four."

Qin Yanzhi was even more puzzled, "Aren't I the fifth Divine General under the Sect Master?"

Lu Ran shrugged, "There are nine out of eight Divine Generals, it's quite normal!"

Qin Yanzhi: "..."

Alright then.

You are the Sect Master, what you say goes!

...

Lu Jiang stayed at Yunzhu Stream for a few days.

During the time, they also wandered in the Bamboo Sea, slaying quite a few Bamboo Wood Demons.

Unfortunately, they couldn't wait for Lu Yuan to return home.

On May 13, Lu Ran had to return to Cloud Sea Cliff.

The Great Phoenix of West Desolation had, after several days of closed-door cultivation, finally broken through the bottleneck, entering the advancement mode!

Lu Ran certainly couldn't miss such a great opportunity for cultivation.

He ordered Shadow Three to stay at Yunzhu Stream, and then took Jiang Ruyi and two members of the Shadow Guard Team back to Cloud Sea Cliff together.

According to the Shadow Guard Team, the two sisters of the Zhong Family still had potential advancements in their cultivation path.

They should be able to return to Jiang Realm·Fourth Rank.

The youngest sister of the Zhong Family seemingly had no hopes, fearing she would only remain at Jiang Realm·Third Rank for her life.

No way, the three sisters of the Zhong Family signed a master-servant contract with Lu Ran, devoted to the Evil Sculpture·Yan Shuangzi.

They simply couldn't enhance their cultivation talent.

Mmm... but it shouldn't be so absolute.

After all, there still exists the method of "Divine Blessing" in this world.

If Lu Ran could seize a Divine Position, he could possess the skill of "Blessing."

At that time, he could perform Body Tempering and Marrow Cleansing for his subordinates.

After returning to Cloud Sea Cliff, Lu Ran quickly entered a state of vigilance, fiercely absorbing Divine Power while also guarding Xue Fengchen.

Jiang Ruyi went into seclusion.

Lu Ran also only found out upon returning that Big Nightmare had already gone into seclusion ahead of time.

The two girls had both advanced last December, one in the early and another in the late month.

Considering the dates, it's indeed about time.

With Xue Fengchen's advancement as the trigger, hoping they both can successfully break through their cultivation shackles.

As for the newly joined Divine General·Qin Yanzhi, early on, when Lu Jiang were staying for a while at the Cloud Bamboo Ravine, he took the Divine Weapon·Silent Night Blade to search for his mentor.

The world is vast, and finding one person is indeed a slim hope.

But it was evident that Qin Yanzhi had genuine feelings for his master, and he was eager to convey this happy news to his teacher.

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi did not stop him.

If Qin Yanzhi found his master soon, Lu Ran could return home earlier to report the results to Lord Immortal Sheep.

The Phoenix General's advancement went smoothly.

On May 19, Xue Fengchen successfully emerged from seclusion and specifically came to the sea cliff to report the good news to Lu Ran.

At that time, Cloud Sea Cliff was still shrouded in mist!

The Big Nightmare was in the process of leveling up, tumultuously advancing to the Sea Realm·Third Rank!

Lu Ran also noticed that every year or so, whenever the generals of the Ran Sect advanced, they would follow suit in succession.

Since the advancement time for a Sea Realm Great Power is long enough, it indeed benefits many people.

Until May 27, the mist within the cliff finally dispersed.

The Fake God·Night Charm emerged from seclusion!

Deng Yuxiang, with the terrifying power of Sea Realm·Third Rank, caught up with Xun Yifei, Shangguan Hongfu, these "old fellows" in their thirties, at the age of twenty-three.

He also left the likes of Divine Color General, Qin Divine General, and Phoenix and Swallow Generals, all these Sea Realm·Second Rank Great Powers, far behind.

The so-called first Protector of the Ran Sect was finally going to live up to their name!

Now the only ones who could suppress her were the Dragon Guardian and Luo Divine General, just a few.

Oh, right!

There was also a Great Martial Artist·Wu Xiao!

Hmm... let's forget about that one.

That one is a bit too fierce~

Unfortunately, Jiang Ruyi wasn't able to catch a break; after the mist cleared, the Jiang Fairy was still meditating in seclusion.

Lu Ran naturally did not disturb her.

Ever since meeting Qin Yanzhi, Lu Ran's mindset had somewhat changed; he was not in such a hurry and wanted to continue cultivating, just waiting for good news from the Silent Night Blade.

Time flew, and it was now early June.

On this day, the Evil Shadow Guardian brought a criminal to the sea cliff.

"Master." Yan Shuangzi called softly as she looked at Lu Ran's back.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran did not turn around, his calves still hanging outside the cliff, leisurely swaying.

Cultivation does not necessarily require sitting upright and serious.

Lu Ran was very adept at finding joy amidst hardship.

"I want her to join the Shadow Guard Team." Yan Shuangzi requested.

Lu Ran finally turned to look.

He saw the former North Wind Disciple·He Jing kneeling properly on the ground, her head respectfully lowered.

"Can you trust her?" Lu Ran asked.

This question was directed at Yan Shuangzi.

For Lu Ran personally, after this person signed a master-servant contract with the Evil Dog Sculpture, she was equivalent to having her life in Lu Ran's hands.

Lu Ran needed only one thought to make her lose all her Evil Techniques.

And with just a thought, he could make her die suddenly.

"Yes." Yan Shuangzi nodded slightly, "Her overall competence is no less than the three sisters of the Zhong Family; her martial arts are exceptional, qualified to join the Shadow Guard Team.

I also want her to become an Evil Dog Follower to follow and revere me from now on."

"Fine, as long as you've considered it well." Lu Ran's figure flashed, standing before the woman.

He placed a hand down, slowly closing his eyes.

"Hoo!!"

A phantom of the Evil God suddenly burst from within him.

The Evil Dog's nose and Lu Ran's hand overlapped, pressing onto the woman's head.

He Jing widened her eyes slightly.

She had never expected that after more than ten years, she could once again relive the feeling of signing a contract at the God Worship Platform.

A few seconds later, an Evil Dog Disciple was born.

"From now on, you are Shadow Four." Yan Shuangzi said.

"Thank you, Sect Master, for giving me a new life. I will faithfully follow both of you." He Jing lowered her head, a flash of joy as a Believer passed, her eyes full of deep respect.

Reflecting on the deeds of the people at Sword Ridge Peak, she even found it somewhat laughable.

A group of people unaware of the vastness of the heavens and earth dared to imprison and torment a future Evil God...

During these days, she had felt countless times lucky that she had once expressed a hint of goodwill to Lord Evil God.

Yan Shuangzi looked at Lu Ran, "She was once at the River Realm Peak and dropped to Jiang Realm·Third Rank after breaking the contract.

A few days ago, when Yuxiang advanced, she again ascended to Jiang Realm·Fourth Rank."

"Oh?" Lu Ran was somewhat surprised.

This is quite a valuable piece of information: Can a person still improve their cultivation without any sect or group?

It is known that ordinary people cannot cultivate Divine Power.

One must sign a contract with the Divine at the God Worship Platform and alter their physique to be eligible to receive this wondrous power of "Divine Power."

Now it seems, after a person's body is transformed and then breaks the contract, they can still continue to climb as "an ordinary person?"

"Truly a disciple of a Second-class God, with very high aptitude." Lu Ran lamented.

"Indeed, her potential is very high and can continue to grow." Yan Shuangzi spoke softly, "Your Shadow Guard Team shouldn't just be River Realm."

Lu Ran laughed at the Evil Shadow Guardian, "You've just been promoted to Sea Realm and want to arrange a Sea Realm Guard Team for me?"

Yan Shuangzi replied, "My Lady's two guards are both Evil Gods; their growth has no upper limit and will become stronger."

"Uh?" Lu Ran blinked his eyes.

He and Little Ruyi were inseparable; moreover, those two Evil Gods also belonged to Lu Ran.

But looking at Yan Shuangzi's stance, are they aiming for a showdown?

Lu Ran said, "Then I'll find you an Evil God to join your Shadow Guard Team?"

Yan Shuangzi seriously said, "Okay!"

Lu Ran: "..."

Since successfully taking revenge and advancing to Sea Realm, Yan Shuangzi indeed changed a lot.

Daring to make demands, the whole person became more radiant.

The prideful nature of the past seemed to be gradually returning.

Good, very good!

Lu Ran pondered for a moment and tentatively said, "Call me Sect Leader from now on."

They looked at each other for a long time.

Yan Shuangzi did not respond to Lu Ran; she simply bent down and patted Shadow Four's shoulder, "Let's go. I'll show you how to guard him."

Shadow Four saluted Lu Ran, then quickly caught up with Yan Shuangzi and walked towards the mountain forest.

Leaving Lu Ran pouting, standing there in the sea breeze.

...

Report! The missing chapter will be supplemented tomorrow.

I swear I'll get up at 6 a.m. tomorrow to make sure I can churn out three chapters...