[{"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-11":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},2362139,4618,"Chapter 11: Top Climbing Team?","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-11",11,"\u003Cp>Lu Ran trained on the playground under the scorching midday sun all morning, during which he also received plenty of visitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On such a sweltering day, when classmates came to ask Lu Ran to form a team, they usually brought a bottle of water or something similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As more drinks piled up, the students trying to curry favor got creative, bringing along crispy noodles, spicy strips, and sausage-wrapped pancakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Lu Ran became a vendor on campus!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood alone on the southern edge of the playground, surrounded by a pile of drinks and snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, when school let out, many students saw this scene and couldn’t stop laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was equally amused and exasperated, ordering Lu Ran to pack up immediately and go eat in the cafeteria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stuffed a huge plastic bag full of snacks—peanuts, sunflower seeds, grilled fish slices, milk, drinks, mineral water—and bolted away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was way too embarrassing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had reason to suspect some classmates weren’t here to form teams—they just came to gawk and stir up trouble by bringing food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, who gives a 17-year-old boy a gift of strong liquor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who are you insulting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why does the school store even sell this stuff?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Report it! Must report it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon, Lu Ran tried returning to his class group; Li Yan saw him but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was overjoyed—Teacher Li’s big ruler had been raised high, then gently lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he still had to submit a written reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After school that night, Lu Ran brooded deeply and wrote furiously, eventually composing a five-thousand-word reflection with help from the internet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earnest language and sincere attitude greatly pleased his homeroom teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter was officially over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the second to the fourth day of the lunar month, all outdoor training sessions were held to let students choose teammates and build team synergy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over three days, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi trained with many classmates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, they still chose the brave and fierce Red Turban Follower—Deng Yu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forming a team required not only mutual agreement but also adherence to the school’s recommendations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a key student, Jiang Ruyi’s decision to team up with Lu Ran prompted the school to assign one more member to complete the squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person was no ordinary student!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As previously mentioned, Jiang Ruyi had always held the top three spots in the grade; in fact, the top-ranked boy led the second and third by a massive margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi had long competed with another girl for second place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person assigned to join the team was precisely Jiang Ruyi’s longtime rival—the class monitor of Grade 12, Wu Shanshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl was no joke!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the top three in the grade, Wu Shanshan’s divine patron was the Second-Rank Deity—Asha!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deity Asha is a female deity statue holding a longbow, located on the southern island of Daya—Sha Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Locals also call this deity the “Southern Sea Bow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alongside it are the Northern Wind Blade, the Western Waste Axe, and the Eastern Thunder Spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These four deities, stationed at the four frontiers of Daya, are all Second-Rank Deities, collectively known as the “Four Border Warriors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Lu Ran’s team was complete!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It included Wu Shanshan, follower of the Second-Rank Deity Asha; Jiang Ruyi, follower of the Third-Rank Deity Yu Fu; Deng Yu, follower of the Fifth-Rank Deity Red Turban; and\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, follower of the Ninth-Rank Deity Xiang Xianyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something strange seems to have slipped in?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm. Doesn’t matter—what matters is synergy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four-member team trained hard, constantly practicing formations under the teacher’s guidance, refining each member’s role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the team’s synergy was still poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even by the afternoon of the fourth day, after school, none of them felt confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tired. Done.” Wu Shanshan plopped down on the cement ground of the training yard, sweat drenching her, no longer caring about her ladylike image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several peer trainees paused their drills, helplessly watching the spoiled “chosen one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi frowned slightly, disliking Wu Shanshan’s unilateral decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both ranked among the top in overall scores and both were class monitors, accustomed to being fawned over and issuing orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Command authority within the team had always been a major issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan rubbed her hair, frowning ahead: “You two—one yelling like a beast, the other bleating like a goat—give me a headache.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu, head wrapped in red cloth, wielding a red-tasseled spear, easily drove back a training partner, looking effortlessly cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t turn around: “If I didn’t boost your battle spirit, wouldn’t you already be charmed by my brother Lu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Turban Divine Art: Red Turban Command—a battle shout technique that enhances the target’s combat will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense are you spouting!” Wu Shanshan retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense?” Deng Yu turned to the stubborn girl, “Just now, I could’ve sworn I saw maternal radiance on your face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, who had been watching the spectacle, froze mid-laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maternal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maternal??\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran was crying so pitifully—who could stand it?” Wu Shanshan huffed. “You’re both heartless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Wu Shanshan noticed Lu Ran standing dumbly nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately called out: “Ran Bao, say something for me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell is your Ran Bao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ran Bao?” Wu Shanshan blinked, tilting her head at Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost,” Lu Ran snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~” Wu Shanshan covered her mouth and burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi watched them banter and bicker, a strange ache forming in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was you who shouted loudly to team up with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curse Kou Yingquan, understand Kou Yingquan, become Kou Yingquan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire world,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>is one giant vinegar barrel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s enough for today. Class ended a while ago—the teacher’s gone, no one’s here to guide us,” Jiang Ruyi said, addressing the other students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See you tomorrow—good luck!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s encourage each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two teams politely parted ways, leaving only Lu Ran and his teammates on the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow we head to Dog Village,” Wu Shanshan said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu replied offhandedly: “I heard the first-place prize is a high-quality Divine Power Pearl?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Power Pearls can absorb and store divine power—excellent for sustaining combat and aiding cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d be satisfied just making the top three,” Wu Shanshan sighed. “We’ve had too little time to sync up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran dismissed Wu’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve had little time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but so have others!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Lu Ran truly believed this team’s composition was excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu was bold and fierce, charging ahead with his red-tasseled spear—purely a top-lane big brother!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi controlled the center, managing the whole battlefield—she was the team’s backbone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And followers of Deity Yu Fu were all late-game powerhouses!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Jiang Ruyi matured, she wouldn’t just control the battlefield—she could unleash thunder and fire through her Jade Talisman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her damage output would be staggering!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan, as a follower of the “Southern Sea Bow,” was dominant from start to finish—already the team’s primary damage dealer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran considered himself agile enough, wielding his Tang broadsword, dashing between positions, feeling like a jungler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he reached Mist Realm Stage Three and learned the Divine Art: Immortal Hoof, his speed would leap to another level!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he’d be even better suited for jungling~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the support dad…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole team’s made of dads—why need a dad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This lineup was enough to make other students weep with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t this a perfect climbing team?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woman!” Deng Yu sneered. “Why settle for less? I aim for first place!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan shot a glare at the overconfident Deng Yu: “Like you’ve ever won first in the whole school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Meiren and I haven’t even spoken yet—why are you so eager?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the start of the team formation, Wu Shanshan had gazed at Deng Yu with a dreamy expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as she got to know him better, she began to resent this guy who called himself “Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s so arrogant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran is a bit better. Hmm, but only in character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deity Lu Ran worships is utterly useless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan’s lack of confidence also stems from Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the nature of Immortal Goat is to be kind to others, to avoid conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, how could Lu Ran possibly be a reliable teammate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this stage, he still maintains his own personality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what about later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran is very likely to be influenced by his deity, molded by Immortal Goat into a “perfect good person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’ll value harmony above all, endure injustice without resistance, and cease striving to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps one day on the battlefield, Lu Ran will abandon his teammates and turn to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the deity, Immortal Goat, refuses to fight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine arts of the Immortal Goat sect are mostly avoidance techniques—meant to be used that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan didn’t care how other students viewed Lu Ran or how they wanted to cling to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was one of the majority, deeply wary of Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wu Shanshan’s mind, Lu Ran would eventually let the team down—he was only suitable as an early-stage teammate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because time was tight and the assessment was on the fifth day, and she couldn’t outright refuse the school’s arrangement, she had temporarily stayed on this team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master isn’t good at written exams!” Deng Yu’s voice was stubborn, “As for sparring, I can’t bring myself to hurt my classmates.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow’s assessment is different—we’re going to kill dogs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianchuan should get off that top seat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan snapped back to reality, displeased: “Say what you mean, don’t insult people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her expression troubled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ma Tianchuan’s team is also strong—he’s a follower of the Third-Rank deity, Nuo Sha, and has several powerful teammates.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s not even a First-Rank deity,” Wu Shanshan snorted, secretly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For two full years, she had been trampled under Ma Tianchuan’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after this year’s deity worship, she had finally surpassed him in divine rank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The deity’s rank doesn’t matter—it’s our own combat strength that counts,” Deng Yu changed the subject. “How’s your cultivation going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, Deng Yu didn’t look at either of the two prodigies—he looked directly at Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran shrugged: “I’m about to reach Mist Realm, Second Stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan: “Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu’s eyes gleamed—he’d known it all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi raised an eyebrow and asked: “Exactly when?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran sensed carefully: “Tonight, maybe tomorrow? Sometime around then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So fast!” Wu Shanshan’s face showed surprise, her mind filled with doubt. “I still need three or four days—how are you—oh, right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Shanshan suddenly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran did indeed worship the Ninth-Rank deity, Immortal Goat—but before that, he had worshipped the demonic entity, Crimson Paper Man!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In raw talent and potential, Lu Ran was unquestionably the top student in the entire school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Wu Shanshan looked at Lu Ran with a mix of envy and pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had such incredible potential, yet ended up with a goat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d worshipped any other deity at all, wouldn’t he have ruled the school?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a pitiful guy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go home early,” Jiang Ruyi walked toward Lu Ran. “Break through sooner—we’ll have a better chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In ordinary society, believers also cultivate divine power—like these people now, each surrounded by faint wisps of mist, none slacking off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before altars and divine statues, divine power grows denser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, home!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you to WeChat user Weixiao Kun for the 100,000 reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss, you’re generous—thank you for your support! Long time no see—wishing you happy reading and smooth sailing~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1935,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c2c871a3574334dcef3449f7e2f08202b8edac9d761628c5028ad9f67371bdb2","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-12","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-10",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]