Chapter 172: An Invitation from a Beloved One

On the morning of the seventeenth day of the lunar month, Lu Ran returned home.

He immediately went before the spirit shrine and bowed respectfully:

"Lord Xiang Xianyang, your disciple has returned."

A low voice echoed in his mind: "Armed with a divine weapon, not bad."

It was easy to detect the appreciation in the deity's tone.

"Please do not blame me, Lord Xiang Xianyang." Lu Ran grasped the divine weapon floating beside him. "The Xia Guang Dao carries heavy divinity; it does not speak much."

"It matters not," the white jade carving of Bai Yang said in a deep voice. "So long as it remains loyal to you, there is no need for it to greet me."

Lu Ran nodded heavily: "My spirit is connected to Xia Guang, our thoughts intertwined."

"I have also specifically instructed Xia Guang not to expose our little secret."

"Mm." The white jade carving of Bai Yang responded in a low voice, harboring no excessive worry in its heart.

A weapon spirit must merge with its master's spiritual will before it can take form.

Under such circumstances, their goals, philosophies of existence, and other aspects naturally follow from the same lineage.

The divine weapon's sense of belonging, of course, is infinitely expanded.

Unless Lu Ran undergoes a drastic change in temperament, a transformative shift in his entire being, the divine weapon would never abandon its master.

"Go." Lu Ran held the hilt and gently pushed forward.

The Xia Guang Dao drifted slowly away, following Lu Ran's intent to the master bedroom, where it hung in its usual spot.

"Meow?"

Little Li Hua tilted its head curiously, gazing at the floating blade.

It actually stood up, making symbolic swiping motions with its cat paws.

That little look of wanting to touch but daring not to was quite amusing.

"By the way, Lord Xiang Xianyang," Lu Ran continued, "can the Yemo Yemo Xiesu of the Straw Demon clan be activated now?"

"It can, but the Straw Demon clan will not offer you much assistance."

"Mm, I was just asking." Lu Ran pondered briefly, then nodded lightly.

Indeed, the Straw Demon clan could not help him much.

There was the Xie Fa of scattering straw—Straw Needle—and the Xie Fa of weaving shields—Straw Shield.

The Xie Fa of inducing fear—Rice Ear Eye—and the Xie Fa of retreating—Straw Substitute.

The Xie Fa of aiding flight—Withered Grass Robe—and even the Xie Fa of shooting oneself into oblivion—Straw Dance.

Among these six Xie Fa, only Rice Ear Eye was passable, capable of combining with Lu Ran's Shen Fa of the Xianyangyi Sect—Immortal Eye—to execute a smooth little combo.

First use Rice Ear Eye to instill fear in the opponent, then use Immortal Eye to amplify that fear.

Aside from this, all other Xie Fa were utterly useless.

It is worth noting that while "Straw Substitute" appears formidable, that is only relative to evil spirits.

The Straw Demon clan is composed of pure energy!

When stabbed, it can naturally leave behind a shell while retreating from the spot, as if acquiring a brand-new body.

In essence, it trades energy for injury.

Lu Ran, however, cannot do this; he is made of flesh and blood!

If Lu Ran were stabbed, he could also leave a shell behind at the spot.

But the flesh-and-blood body with which he retreats would have wounds that cannot heal.

In other words, humans cannot unleash the maximum effect of the Xie Fa·Straw Substitute.

Lu Ran could only use this method as a Zhang Yan Fa.

The white jade carving of Bai Yang spoke: "Currently, you have activated four Yemo Yemo Xiesu, possessing ample varieties of Xie Fa."

"Now, activating further Yemo Yemo Xiesu requires careful selection rather than an obsession with quantity."

"Yes!" Lu Ran nodded heavily.

Ever since advancing to the River Realm, he could activate five more evil spirit sculptures.

Yet at this moment, Lu Ran had only opened one Night Charm sculpture, leaving four slots remaining.

Among these four slots, the Yan Zhi Ren clan was bound to occupy one!

Lu Ran was far too eager for the Xie Fa of the Yan Zhi Ren clan!

Simply speaking, the Xie Fa·Paper Effigy, combined with the Shen Fa of the Xianyangyi Sect·Scapegoat Body (Scapegoat), would allow Lu Ran to perform wonders.

This combination technique might even become the core Ji Fa throughout Lu Ran's future years of conquest!

It could not only preserve his life but also bring calamity upon others.

The problem was that the demonic cave where the Yan Zhi Ren clan resided was not open to the public.

"Infuriating." Lu Ran felt quite helpless.

On the side of Li Li Rouyin, a believer of Lady Lady Wangquan, there were no coin strings of the Yan Zhi Ren clan either.

Thinking thus, unless he encountered a special event like the Night of a Thousand Ghosts, Lu Ran seemed to have no channel for acquiring stock?

Fortunately, both Paper Effigy and Scapegoat were Ji Fa suited for the third stage of the River Realm.

The current Lu Ran still had some time to prepare.

Some Yemo Yemo Xiesu lacked departed souls, while others were already fully prepared—the Barbarian Female Drought!

Undoubtedly, the Barbarian Female Drought clan was extremely powerful, and their entire repertoire of Xie Fa was terrifyingly formidable.

Wherever the great axe passed, the earth tore apart and yellow sand churned, displaying astonishing momentum!

Lord Xiang Xianyang did agree to let Lu Ran activate this clan's Yemo Yemo Xiesu.

However, it also clearly expressed its hope that Lu Ran would treat the Barbarian Female Drought as a servant, rather than becoming addicted to the Barbarian Xie Fa.

The Savage Wilderness Clan is far too reckless!

Their brutal Xie Fa gave them the capital to be brutal.

The core philosophy of Xiang Xiang Xianyang cultivating Lu Ran was to let him survive better, not to turn him into a reckless fool.

"My lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang, this disciple encountered the Laotian Clan last night."

Lu Ran's thoughts grew increasingly active as he continued, "This clan's Zhi Xie Fa fits my combat style perfectly, doesn't it?"

Xiang Xiang Xianyang approved, saying, "Having more arms can indeed grant you more protection."

Hearing there was hope, Lu Ran immediately launched into a grand sales pitch: "Yes, in the future, these arms can help me carry the Savage Wilderness Nuoba's great axe.

Moreover, the Laotian Clan can use chains to burn and extract an enemy's energy while the enemy is still alive.

It's even more powerful than the Divine Power Pearl!"

The Bai Yang jade statue spoke indifferently, "In half a year, you have only summoned the soul of a single Laotian Tian Mo."

Lu Ran: "..."

To avoid unnecessary casualties, the Great Xia Kingdom sealed the demon caves of many powerful evil demons.

The demon cave of the Laotian Tian Mo Clan was naturally among them.

"My lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang." Lu Ran pondered for a moment and asked cautiously, "You and my lord Lady Lady Wangquan are old acquaintances.

Tell me, if I go to ask my lord Lady Lady Wangquan for it, will she give it to us?"

The Bai Yang jade statue: "..."

This time, it was the turn of the Divine Lord to be speechless.

Lu Ran was clearly asking Xiang Xiang Xianyang: If I use your sheep face, will Lady Lady Wangquan show us some favor?

"My lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang?"

"He is a god, not I." Suddenly, a voice transmission fell.

"What?" Lu Ran didn't quite understand.

The Bai Yang jade statue said, "The benefits you obtained from Lady Lady Wangquan will one day have to be repaid."

Lu Ran silently rolled up his sleeves, looking at the artifact · Rebirth Coin on his wrist.

Now, she has given quite a lot too!

Including the Ye Mei Yemo Xiesu in the garden, which reached the River Realm · Fourth Stage, was also thanks to the great assistance of my lord Lady Lady Wangquan.

Although Lady Lady Wangquan did not know Lu Ran was cultivating Yemo Xiesu, she only thought Lu Ran liked eating lost souls.

But objectively speaking, Lu Ran received immense help from the Wangquanyi Sect.

So... many debts don't weigh on the body?

The Bai Yang jade statue said, "As for the specifics of how to do it, you consider it yourself."

Lu Ran said in a deep voice, "Favors should be repaid when due; they must not delay my steps of growth."

The divine voice transmission fell; though it was only a single brief word, it carried a hint of praise:

"Good!"

Only then did Lu Ran realize that my lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang was testing him?

Deep down, Xiang Xiang Xianyang approved of this decision.

"This disciple understands." Lu Ran pressed his palms together, bowed once to the small shrine, turned around, and walked to the bathroom.

He took Little Li Hua, took a thoroughly refreshing shower, changed into dry clothes, and began to thoroughly clean the house.

While cleaning, Lu Ran inevitably thought of the evil demon · Savage Wilderness Nuoba.

If only one could be summoned...

Lu Ran could sit leisurely on the sofa, watching the Savage Wilderness Nuoba sweep the floor, wipe the tables, and change the cat litter.

Unfortunately, Yemo Xiesu can only create and control evil demon minions when in Jiang Jing.

Currently, the Savage Wilderness Nuoba Yemo Xiesu should be at the River Realm · Initial Stage.

According to my lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang's meaning, Lu Ran has only five activation slots within the River Realm stage, and one Ye Mei Yemo Xiesu has already been activated.

The path of the River Realm is naturally long.

Along the path of growth, Lu Ran will likely encounter new problems.

His most correct course of action should be to reserve Yemo Xiesu slots and continuously make adjustments based on his own development situation.

Or wait until the number of lost souls of the Savage Wilderness Clan is sufficient to promote to River Realm, then activate it in one go.

The Savage Wilderness Clan's Ancestral Evil Method is indeed very strong, but for Lu Ran, it is not a necessity.

Once a Yemo Xiesu is activated, closing it again requires immense effort from my lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang, which Lu Ran is unwilling to see.

Since his own divine lord said so, Lu Ran could not say much more.

After the thorough cleaning, Lu Ran returned to the small bedroom and collapsed onto the small bed.

Just as he was dozing off, his phone suddenly buzzed.

Lu Ran was quite curious; he picked up the phone to look, and it was actually a call from his younger sister.

"Little Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi?"

"Brother!" This time, Little Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi's voice was full of energy again, "When are you coming?"

Lu Ran said helplessly, "The city won't be unsealed until the nineteenth of the lunar calendar; even if I wanted to go, I couldn't."

"Oh," Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi dragged out the sound, then asked, "Then on the nineteenth, what time will you arrive in Jingcheng?"

Lu Ran smiled instead, "You want to eat hamburgers that badly?"

"I do want to, but that's not it." Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi explained, "My teammates heard you are coming to Jingcheng and want to invite you to play together."

Lu Ran hesitated for a moment and still refused, "Let's not play.

I'll come home to accompany you and Mom, spend the New Year together, and won't go out to play."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi hurriedly said, "Not that kind of play; we're going to a Demon Lair."

"Oh? With the New Year just around the corner, your school is still assigning homework?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi replied, "No homework; Sister Guan Yiren wants to go to a special Demon Lair to strengthen and improve herself."

"A special Demon Lair?" Lu Ran immediately perked up with interest. "How exactly is it special?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi lowered her voice and spoke mysteriously, "It's the kind that isn't normally open to the public~"

Lu Ran:???

A Demon Lair not open to the public?

On what grounds can you enter?

Just because you're young masters and young ladies from Jingcheng. Hmm, fine, pretend I didn't say anything.

In this world, where is there any fairness to be found!

Lu Ran pressed his lips together; in merely a few seconds, his full-blown skepticism transformed into a pounding heart!

Is there a possibility that the place you're heading to is the Lao Tian Mo Demon Lair?

Lu Ran immediately asked, "Which Demon Lair do you plan to visit for strengthening and improvement? Also, with the New Year approaching, will there be enough time?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi retorted, "Do you think it's an ordinary Demon Lair where we can stay for ten or twenty days?

If Sister Guan Yiren can get us inside and we manage to stay there for a week, that would already be excellent."

Lu Ran said, "Mm, I understand, but you still haven't said which Demon Lair it is."

"Hee-hee~" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi laughed sweetly. "Guess, Brother?"

"Guess nothing; just tell me quickly!" Lu Ran pretended to threaten. "If it's too dangerous, I won't go."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi countered, "You could slaughter your way through the army of Barbarian Female Fiends; is there anywhere you wouldn't dare to go?"

Lu Ran's eyes lit up: "The Barbarian Female Fiends' Demon Lair?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi replied, "That's not it~"

"Cough, cough." Lu Ran was truly furious, nearly choking and unable to catch his breath.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi giggled, "Alright, alright, my impatient Brother~

I'll tell you: it's the Night Phantom Demon Lair!"

Lu Ran sat up with a sudden flop.

He hadn't expected that within these few short sentences, his heart would race twice!

Night Phantom,

my Night Phantom,

you are already at River Realm, Stage Four.

If I can reach Jiang Jing, wouldn't I be able to summon you out?

By then, I can finally lift your black veil and see your mysterious face...

"Does Brother want to go?" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi waited a moment; seeing no response from Lu Ran, she added, "Sister Guan Yiren rarely makes a request; I don't want to refuse her.

Don't worry; we'll hire many soldiers as bodyguards."

Lu Ran thought for a moment and said, "It's still too dangerous. How about I accompany your Sister Guan Yiren instead? You shouldn't go."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi:???

Many thanks to Great Patron Hu Hu Yifan for the 100,000 donation! Boss, you're generous; thank you for your consistent support!

Wishing the Boss monthly immense wealth, eternal life, and ever-increasing vitality year after year! Hooray~!

(⁎˃ ꇴ ˂⁎) Finger heart

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(End of Chapter)