[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods":3,"chapter-at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-10":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","At the Summit of the Old Gods",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2362138,4618,"Chapter 10: The Sweet Treat","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-10",10,"\u003Cp>“Thirty or forty people can’t stop two kids fighting?” The homeroom teacher’s reprimand echoed through the classroom. “What kind of time is this, and you’re still gawking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today is the second day of the sixth lunar month! Before the fifth, you must form your teams and head straight to Dog Demon Village to face the demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the fifteenth of this month, you’ll be participating in the city’s defense battle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still not panicked? You’re no longer ordinary people under protection—you must now protect others!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the worst class I’ve ever taught!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The classroom fell silent, while in the hallway, Lu Ran and Kou Yingquan stood far apart, both standing at attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief silence, the classroom door slammed open with a thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu stormed out, and upon seeing the two standing in punishment, her fury surged: “You two, stop standing here blocking the view!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Go home and get your parents!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Yingquan: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu’s sharp cry rang through the hallway: “When you were fighting just now, no one could stop you—now you’re frozen in place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Class 4 of Grade 2, but the entire third floor was utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kou Yingquan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here!” Kou Yingquan snapped to attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go!” Li Yanzhu cut him off sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kou Yingquan: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the homeroom teacher’s stern gaze, Kou Yingquan reluctantly shuffled off to fetch his parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu barked again: “Lu Ran!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran spoke weakly: “Teacher…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu’s anger flared: “Teacher? I don’t have a student like you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stepped forward, whispering: “Teacher, I know I’m wrong. My mom’s away, in Jingcheng. My dad…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m an only child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said “away,” Lu Ran’s home province of Wu Lie River actually bordered Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Yuxiang City, the high-speed train to Jingcheng took just over an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Yanzhu was determined to summon his parents, Lu Ran had no recourse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu looked at Lu Ran, head bowed in apology—angry, yet pained: “Why did you fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran grimaced: “As soon as I walked into class, Kou Yingquan choked me and called me a little lamb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He told me to beg for mercy and bleat like one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu frowned—she already knew why they’d fought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brief silence in class earlier had been her checking with others for details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This morning, Kou Yingquan had been picking fights nonstop—perhaps his mindset had destabilized since becoming a follower of the Third-Rank God: Prisoner Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teachers had seen too many cases like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu said sternly: “If you have an issue, come to me to resolve it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The school strictly forbids private fights—you, of all people, started one the day after becoming a follower? Don’t you fear being made an example?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many students are expelled each year after the God-Worship Ceremony? Don’t you know? Are you trying to provoke it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m wrong.” Lu Ran kept apologizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you truly understand your mistake?” Li Yanzhu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her tone, Lu Ran instantly perked up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s a chance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded vigorously, words tumbling out like a machine gun: “I swear, next time I’ll come straight to you—I’ll never act impulsively again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a beacon of justice, fair and clear, seeing every detail…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll surely deliver a fair judgment—you’re a true heavenly judge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanzhu’s head throbbed from his babbling. She delivered her verdict: “Fine. Three days suspension. Write a three-thousand-word self-criticism.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh!” Lu Ran’s face fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days suspension?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, everyone would’ve formed their teams and left for Dog Demon Village on the fifth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time I return with my report, everything will be over!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, I really know I’m wrong—but Kou Yingquan accused me of colluding with the demon race! He slandered me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s voice grew softer, adopting a pitiful expression: “I’m just too proud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if I don’t stand up for myself, who will?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, you know—I lost my father when I was little…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you dare use Compassion’s Voice on me?” Li Yanzhu laughed bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She kicked him hard in the buttocks: “Go to the playground. Stand in the sun. Punishment: standing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.” Lu Ran turned and walked off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No expulsion, no suspension, no parents called—what’s a little standing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worth it to stick the chair leg right into Kou Yingquan’s smug mouth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midsummer June—the sun was brutally harsh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Ran didn’t seek shade. Only by enduring full punishment could the homeroom teacher possibly show mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran wouldn’t stand idly. Soon, he slipped into cultivation, absorbing divine power from heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine power levels are divided into: Mist, Creek, River, River, Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each major level contains five minor stages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the first and third stages of each major level, followers may learn a unique divine art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was currently Mist Stage, First Stage—a novice—and had learned the divine art: Compassion’s Voice. After testing it just now, the effect was excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To learn another unique skill, Lu Ran needed to reach Mist Stage, Third Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s expression turned strange. He suddenly realized something: Lord Xianyang created Compassion’s Voice to prevent conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to be used like he just did—begging while fighting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that Lu Ran couldn’t use it that way—the problem was, every time a follower activated a divine art, they had to pray to their god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant you couldn’t deceive your own deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a follower of Xianyang, constantly opposing your god by weaponizing this technique was… inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, Lord Xianyang might punish him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t Lord Xianyang merciful and forgiving?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then no matter how much I twist things, He wouldn’t really mind, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh wow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a bug!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a low voice echoed in Lu Ran’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s heart jolted—had Lord Xianyang manifested?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, a follower must kneel and pray devoutly before the deity’s statue to communicate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even then, the god might not appear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this god Lu Ran worshipped—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not angry with me?” Lu Ran looked up at the sky, whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The low voice spoke again: “A cub’s cry draws care and protection from parents and kin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden shift confused Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The wail of the weak also draws the gaze and hunger of hunters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true,” Lu Ran nodded thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compassion’s Voice can amplify benevolence in a being’s heart, stirring pity. Or it can awaken the desire to kill and torment the weak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Lu Ran was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knowledge I learned doesn’t match what you’re teaching!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was certain: Compassion’s Voice had only one effect—begging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Lord Xianyang say this divine art could transform into mockery and provoke hostility?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse—Lord Xianyang didn’t scold him, didn’t order him to be patient, forgiving, and avoid conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, it encouraged him to fight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, why reveal the second effect of Compassion’s Voice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extremely, profoundly wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Lu Ran joined Xianyang’s sect, this deity’s image, behavior, and words all clashed violently with the world’s understanding of Lord Xianyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Lu Ran had confirmed, through using the unique divine art, that this was truly Xianyang—this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you want to learn?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran hesitated a moment, then nodded firmly: “Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You need the Mist Realm, Second Stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll work hard,” Lu Ran nodded again. “But Master Xiangyang, haven’t you taught this method to any other believers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, Lu Ran would never have gone his entire life without hearing of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Ran waited half a lifetime—and heard no further voice from Xiangyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again with this.” Lu Ran sighed helplessly, yet dared not press further, afraid of angering the Divine and drawing punishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only bury his doubts deep inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, Master Xiangyang’s acts of rebirth, blessing, and instruction were all real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Lu Ran felt somewhat comforted, and resumed cultivating his divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the dismissal bell rang, and the campus erupted once more into noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran.” Not long after the bell, a voice called from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran looked up to see a boy striding onto the playground—Deng Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Class is over,” Lu Ran tilted his head slightly in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You smashed my stool—I stood through the whole class,” Deng Yu said with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran felt a bit embarrassed: “Thanks for helping me earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu stepped up to Lu Ran: “How about we team up from now on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Lu Ran froze, staring at the strikingly handsome boy before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu was tall, noble-looking, with piercing eyes that locked directly onto Lu Ran’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks for stepping in,” Lu Ran looked apologetic. “But… I like girls.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s expression was serious: “Don’t be upset—you’re great. We’re just not compatible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are you talking about? I like girls too!” Deng Yu snapped. “I meant team up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Lu Ran was even more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d rather believe Deng Yu was into guys than think he wanted to form a team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran had plenty of reasons to suspect his own deity was odd—but no one else knew that!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was baffled: “I’m a Xiangyang believer. Are you sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what if you’re a Xiangyang believer?” Deng Yu snorted. “Kou Yingquan’s a Prisoned Demon believer—what of it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t you beat him into vomiting congee?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Ran nearly broke composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vomiting congee? Really?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m a Red Sash believer,” Deng Yu reached out and gripped Lu Ran’s hand. “Lu brother, think about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Red Sash ranks fifth in the lineup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its statue depicts a bare-chested man with a red cloth wrapped around his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its followers are mostly battle-obsessed, naturally brave and fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll think about it seriously,” Lu Ran, flattered, immediately shook Deng Yu’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the playground filled with more people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them was Chang Ying, who had once cast Lu Ran’s fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl approached them and grinned: “Heard you got into a fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran gave Chang Ying a deadpan look. Deng Yu repeated his request for a team-up, then took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I already cast your fortune—it was a bad omen. How could you still be so careless?” Chang Ying leaned her elbow on Lu Ran’s shoulder, slumping against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before becoming a believer, she could swing a mountain-splitting axe with terrifying force—she was built strong and tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having a girl like this lean on him was torture for Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t want to admit he couldn’t handle it, so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Move off. It’s hot,” Lu Ran said with a disgusted look, shaking his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A hundred yuan, I’ll cast you another fortune—guaranteed. How about it?” Chang Ying didn’t get mad, just smiled at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just leave me alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, fine, no need to get all grumpy,” Chang Ying looked down at him, then suddenly changed tone. “Hey, we’ve got real luck together. Want to team up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Lu Ran stared, stunned, at the beautiful yet wild girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really! I already cast it,” Chang Ying nodded solemnly. “It’s the best omen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best omen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You got it wrong,” Lu Ran frowned. “I’m a Xiangyang believer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~” Chang Ying waved her hand grandly. “I won’t call you little lamb, and you won’t call me a gambling addict!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How’s that deal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Li, I was wrong about you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought this was detention—but you’ve turned me into a display piece, putting me on display here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran!” Several more classmates crowded around, volunteering themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran greeted them politely, his sense of accomplishment soaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the class bell rang, and everyone headed to the training ground. As the crowd dispersed, Lu Ran spotted a familiar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re popular,” Jiang Ruyi smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran shrugged: “One fight, and I’m famous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi gave him a light disapproving look: “All your classmates are thinking the same thing—you can summon demons, your talent is rare, and now you’ve shown such strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Team up with you, and you’ll almost certainly do well in the Fifteen-Defense City missions or demon caves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is surreal,” Lu Ran murmured. “I worship Xiangyang, yet I’m this popular?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “Most students still hesitate—they haven’t come to you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d worshipped another deity, the playground would already be packed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These people know nothing,” Lu Ran muttered. “I just summoned a little red paper spirit—you’re the real goddess… hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re the real powerhouse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Smooth talker,” Jiang Ruyi blushed slightly and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he was fine and calm, she had no reason to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!” Lu Ran called out urgently. “Let’s team up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi stopped, turned, and smiled at him: “Oh? The celebrity wants to team up with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who doesn’t want to cling to a powerhouse… no no, don’t go yet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the girl about to walk away, Lu Ran blurted: “I do!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi, I want to be with you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang out loud and clear, making Jiang Ruyi’s eyes widen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just the students still on the playground—even the distant classroom buildings must have heard this bold confession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooooh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran’s really something—he’s being punished and still dares to confess? Doesn’t he fear expulsion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t get it! Real men charge into the wind!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Lu Ran, I support you! Screw this school!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Meiren is mine—I’ll kill this lamb!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, he just crushed a Prisoned Demon believer. You’re just a nobody—step back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the murmurs, Jiang Ruyi’s face burned red as fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lowered her head and hurried away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will you answer or not?” Lu Ran muttered, gazing at the girl’s receding silhouette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those long legs,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who wouldn’t want to cling to them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I, Lu Ran, am a man… hmm, a good student who wants outstanding results!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you, Zangyuesheng, for the 100,000 reward for the character card—Lu Ran!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Big boss, generous as ever—thank you for your support! May you grow rich daily, eat meat every meal, and celebrate every day!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2310,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","595fc72178d78c26f74c7629cb2539bad59e9d8da438f643701138de277edfa4","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-11","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-9",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]