[{"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-20":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},2362148,4618,"Chapter 20: Wu Lie Riverbank","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-20",20,"\u003Cp>After breakfast, Lu Ran walked to a desolate area in the west city, holding an umbrella and a wooden sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fine rain, several abandoned apartment buildings stood silently; this neighborhood had once borne a fitting name—Wu Lie Riverbank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran entered the southernmost building, climbed step by step to the rooftop, and arrived at the southeast corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For nearly two years, he had trained here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was where his father died in the line of duty; it was quiet here, and the view was unexpectedly beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing into the distance, through the misty rain, Lu Ran could see the Wu Lie River rolling onward with mighty force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his birth, this great river had remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently watched for a long while, then closed his umbrella and picked up his wooden sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh!” Lu Ran slashed out, as if slicing through the rain curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around his body, wisps of mist and divine energy began to gather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dad, how’s this move?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And this one—I used it yesterday to kill a dog.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, your Radiant Blade is incredibly useful—cutting off dog heads is like slicing tofu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath dark clouds, slanting wind and fine rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the rooftop, shadow and blade-traces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain grew lighter, but the mist around Lu Ran grew thicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only his sixth day as a believer, yet his physical condition had already leapt to a new level!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially after yesterday’s physical exhaustion, the god’s blessing overnight had rejuvenated him—he moved with terrifying speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?” Lu Ran’s peripheral vision caught something—he turned his head instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the entrance to the stairwell leading to the rooftop, a fuzzy little head peeked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tabby cat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the seventh-floor rooftop—why had this little thing climbed so high?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat was equally curious, tilting its head at Lu Ran, who seemed ethereal with divine mist. The human and the cat locked eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran wiped his wet face, crouched down, and said: “Come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat retreated slightly, its eyes filled with wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, don’t be afraid.” Lu Ran extended his palm forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow~” The tabby cat turned and bolted, vanishing into the dilapidated stairwell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmph,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little cat, thinking it could run?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran called out: “Baa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the stairs, the tabby cat froze—its upright ears twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheep call came again—the tabby cat’s expression changed instantly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran remained calmly crouched. After just two or three seconds, the cat returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the tabby cat was no longer the adorable little creature it had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It crept forward, ears trembling, tail flicking, its vertical pupils narrowing to slits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Art: Sound of Despair!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tiny tabby cat’s hunting instinct was awakened—and with it, the feline instinct to toy with prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat shrieked and, in the open hunting ground, launched itself swiftly at Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran remained calm and spoke again: “Baa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow?” The tabby cat slammed on the brakes, its tiny legs kicking like spinning wheels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Authentic Divine Art: Sound of Compassion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soaked to the skin, Lu Ran sat down on the ground and extended his hand: “Baa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People really do change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the day he first became a believer, Lu Ran had been ashamed of making “baa” sounds—so much so he’d wanted to bash his head against his desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he baaed better than any sheep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a real sheep might ask him: “Why do you look so human?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow?” The tabby cat’s hunting posture vanished—its pupils widened into round orbs, its head tilted as it studied Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the tabby cat was utterly lost in the baaing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its heart nearly broke!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat rushed to Lu Ran’s hand, rubbing its fuzzy head against his palm, licking his fingers, soothing this pitiful human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you alone too?” Lu Ran gently stroked the cat’s filthy head and asked softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, the tabby cat suddenly rolled onto its side, one paw nudging Lu Ran’s fingers—as if pulling him closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t lie down—the ground’s cold and wet.” Lu Ran tried to lift the cat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow~ meow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat softly mewed, persistently nudging his fingers, clearly urging him to come closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stared at the cat’s exposed belly as it lay on its side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment—then a sudden insight struck him—he understood the cat’s intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m not hungry!” Lu Ran was stunned. “I had breakfast—I’m not eating. Hey, no, I won’t, just put it away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat looked at Lu Ran and softly mewed: “Meow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t be polite?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nearly cried: “I really won’t eat, Miss Cat! Save it for your kittens!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran jumped—he’d almost thought the cat had spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up to see a slender figure emerging from the stairwell entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her ordinary clothes couldn’t hide her youthful beauty—out of place in this dilapidated, filthy rooftop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re really here,” the girl’s gaze swept between Lu Ran and the cat. “What did you just say you were eating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-nothing,” Lu Ran quickly pulled the tabby cat into his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi looked skeptical—she was certain she hadn’t misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Brother, you’ve got quite the spot picked out,” Deng Yu said, stepping out of the stairwell with an umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you here?” Lu Ran was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu couldn’t possibly know Lu Ran’s training spot—he must have followed Jiang Ruyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We couldn’t reach you,” Deng Yu glanced around. “We went to your place—you weren’t there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah,” Lu Ran felt embarrassed. “I left my phone on the bed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi stepped before Lu Ran, crouched down, and stared at the filthy little cat in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She extended a pale finger and gently stroked the cat’s dirty fur: “So sweet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Ran’s expression turned strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Miss Cat isn’t just sweet—she’s got a job to do!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now she was trying to feed me milk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This view is truly exhilarating!” Deng Yu walked to the rooftop railing, gazing at the roaring river, genuinely awed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded in agreement and asked: “What did you come for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu planted one foot on the stone railing: “The school called to notify us—prepare mentally. The squad will be reorganized.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Lu Ran’s face showed surprise. “Our performance is excellent—why change us randomly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lu Ran’s reaction, Jiang Ruyi and Deng Yu exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, unaware, continued: “Teams that need adjusting are those with mismatched roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our four-person team is perfectly balanced—no need to change!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Squad reorganization ultimately depends on personal preference. If we clearly state our wishes, the school won’t interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran fell silent—suddenly understanding why Jiang and Deng had exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four words: personal preference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four people’s preferences keep the squad stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One person’s preference can pull them away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, squads go to battle—it’s no game. A team must not only be well-balanced but also united!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu looked at Jiang Meiren: “I told you, Lu Brother wouldn’t leave without a word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi said nothing, her fingertip gently pinching the cat’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Wu Shanshan is leaving?” Lu Ran frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The school hadn’t consulted any of them beforehand—it simply announced the squad would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant the reorganization was very likely initiated by an internal member.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this member’s personal determination is extremely strong—the kind that’s non-negotiable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Meow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat suddenly darted off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stray kitten had regained her senses and seized the chance to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: “We tried contacting Wu Shanshan, but couldn’t reach her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran understood—he couldn’t blame his teammates for misunderstanding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That doesn’t make sense.” Lu Ran thought again and again, baffled. “Why did she leave? There’s no reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This team’s performance was outstanding, and their positioning was ideal—Lu Ran truly couldn’t find any reason for Wu Shanshan to quit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s expression darkened: “Is it because I’m a Xiang Xianyang believer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, Xiang Xianyang believers indeed have a terrible reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But didn’t my powerful, almost divine performance yesterday prove enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or did she find a better teammate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she go to Ma Tianchuan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, Lu Ran’s heart would feel slightly better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he couldn’t accept was that her absolute, unwavering decision to leave was because of his very existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lu Ran’s mind, Wu Shanshan was a points addict—obsessed with performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, even when their team stood a strong chance of taking first place, she still firmly left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thinks she’s visionary, cutting off her wrist to save her arm, unblinded by short-term gains, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The label “Xiang Xianyang believer” truly stands like a great mountain in people’s hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how astonishing Lu Ran’s temporary performance, it cannot shake that mountain—she had already sealed his future in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe it’s not like that, Brother Lu, don’t let your imagination run wild,” Deng Yu said, trying to comfort him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one was foolish—this kind of comfort had no effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.” Lu Ran let out a cold snort. “Then I wish her a brilliant future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu laughed. “Brother Lu, what a generous heart!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran grinned. “I’m faking it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu burst out laughing. “Brother Lu, how candid!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can praise me whether I’m right-side up or upside down, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, if some handsome, wealthy, young second-generation heir kept sweet-talking you every day—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could possibly resist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s call the school later and express our personal wishes,” Jiang Ruyi said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gentle voice carried a hint of reassurance: “As long as the three of us stay together, there are plenty who want to join us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was true—some believed Xiang Xianyang believers were a hidden danger, destined to fail or cause major problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others believed that Lu Ran, who could summon demons, was no ordinary man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, on the school playground, many students had surrounded Lu Ran, volunteering themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feel the same,” Deng Yu turned to look at Lu Ran, seated on the ground, probing. “What about you, Brother Lu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve thought of much more,” Lu Ran stood up. “In the future, whether in exams or on the battlefield, I want to lead—and stay ahead, always.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran walked toward the rooftop railing, his words truly candid: “I want her to regret it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want her, when she joins every future team and meets every teammate, to remember how good I was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi covered her mouth with a light laugh, gazing at Lu Ran’s back: “You’re quite vengeful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a Yu Fu believer—you wouldn’t understand,” Lu Ran shook his head. “Wu Shanshan isn’t just one person—she’s a type.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You, as a Yu Fu believer, need only stand there—you shine brilliantly enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one looks down on you; no one dares question you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m the weak, easily bullied Xiang Xianyang believer, the little lamb in the world’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I need to prove myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I need to prove it again and again, over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran took a deep breath, gazing across the gloomy sky toward the raging, surging Wu Lie River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of life—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I love it so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new month begins—brothers, please support me with monthly votes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1863,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1ce94b5526a5da3023b532b07b715717b20b20efcacbc31cd9b826da1dae0e87","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-21","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-19",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]