[{"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-25":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},2362153,4618,"Chapter 25: The Sword Lotus and the Red Scarf","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-25",25,"\u003Cp>The cold-faced instructor began detailing the squad’s problems, leaving no room for mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a scathing rebuke, Lu Ran nearly thought his team had finished last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the group was left questioning their very existence did Dou Zhiqiang turn and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The instructor is so strict,” Lu Ran said, watching the instructor’s back, helplessly placing his hands on his hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Brother,” Deng Yu looked at Lu Ran and voiced what he’d been holding back, “You really intend to score a perfect mark?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just saying that,” Lu Ran smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi and Deng Yu exchanged a glance but said nothing to expose him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After yesterday’s rooftop incident, both teammates were certain: Lu Ran was burning with determination!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make Xiang Xianyang famous, and to shatter the world’s mockery and doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ruyi,” a man’s voice suddenly came from nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group turned to look and, through the wire fence, saw a middle-aged man walking toward them with a girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Zhao,” Jiang Ruyi greeted politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran recognized the teacher—he was the homeroom instructor of Class 7—and the girl behind him also looked vaguely familiar to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is my student, Tian Tian,” Teacher Zhao smiled at the three prominent figures, “This morning, she’ll train with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top-ranked trainee has entered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tian Tian,” Lu Ran murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t she Ma Tianchuan’s teammate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this assessment, she helped her team secure second place overall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello,” Tian Tian spoke softly, bowing slightly to the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a gesture took them by surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, people just say hello when they meet—why bow like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s expression turned odd as he glanced at Jiang Ruyi beside him: “Have we really become evaluators now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi gave him a amused look and stepped forward to greet her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian was petite, with a neat bob haircut, appearing very demure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Zhao said, “She’s rather introverted—please look after her, Ruyi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, Teacher,” Jiang Ruyi replied with poise and a smile, “We’ll train hard together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teacher nodded in satisfaction, gave Tian Tian a few final reminders, then turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Teacher Zhao departed, Jiang Ruyi looked down at Tian Tian—but to her surprise, the girl’s head sank even lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So shy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi spoke gently: “Your team earned second place—why change now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian whispered, “They think… they think I’m not suited for that team.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They?” Deng Yu asked, “Who? The teacher? Or your family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian shook her head silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu frowned slightly: “Your teammates think you’re not suited?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Tian Tian didn’t shake her head—but remained silent, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu’s frown deepened: “What about you? Do you think you’re not suited for that team?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian opened her mouth, hesitating: “I… I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi sighed inwardly and said softly: “Whether you’re suited or not—you must decide for yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu’s words were far more direct: “If you’re being excluded or bullied, speak up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian stayed silent, but her eyes grew slightly red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, enough,” Jiang Ruyi stopped Deng Yu, gently wiping Tian Tian’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they were the same age, Jiang Ruyi seemed more like a gentle senior comforting a wounded junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran watched quietly, feeling Tian Tian had worshiped the wrong deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the world’s eyes, shouldn’t Lu Ran—the follower of Xiang Xianyang—be the one looking weak and timid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I recall—you’re a follower of Jian Lian?” Jiang Ruyi asked softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes!” Tian Tian was stunned, nodding frantically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d never imagined someone as radiant as Jiang Ruyi would even notice her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jian Lian is outwardly gentle but inwardly firm,” Jiang Ruyi comforted her. “If you train hard enough and remain devout, you’ll grow more like Jian Lian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you,” Tian Tian whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the divine hierarchy, Jian Lian and Jian Yi differ by only one character—but their ranks are worlds apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jian Lian ranks fourth, depicted as a closed lotus blossom—seemingly a plant deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But don’t be fooled by her appearance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within that delicate bud, at its heart, floats a sharp, gleaming sword!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initially, no one knew the lotus concealed a sword, since the divine statue was solid stone, not transparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until one day, the deity Jian Lian began accepting followers, appearing before the public as a spectral form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did people understand why the deity called herself “Jian Lian”!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turns out, hidden within those tender petals was a deadly weapon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Ruyi said, Jian Lian’s followers are usually gentle outside but firm within—and Tian Tian clearly had plenty of gentleness but too little inner strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the homeroom teacher personally brought her here and specifically asked Jiang Ruyi to look after her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the basic divine art of the Jian Lian sect?” Lu Ran finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lotus Shield,” Tian Tian replied promptly this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t believe Lu Ran didn’t know this basic knowledge—he was clearly giving her a chance to show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian extended her small hands; as divine energy surged, a lotus petal immediately materialized before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Art: Lotus Shield!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The petal was about one meter across, white tinged with pink, exuding a sweet fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran whistled in amazement and stepped closer, sniffing the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hm~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So fragrant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Notably, the lotus petal was formed from divine energy and was semi-transparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Tian Tian could see Lu Ran sniffing around her hands through the petal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian blushed deeply and quickly pulled her hands back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like the school thinks our squad lacks defense,” Lu Ran said to Tian Tian. “You thought the same, so you came for trial training?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…” Tian Tian froze again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder and encouraged her: “Say what you feel—be brave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A squad needs smooth communication to achieve good results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian hesitated, then whispered: “I didn’t apply—I didn’t know. The homeroom teacher applied for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group: “…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing the three elites were speechless, Tian Tian lowered her head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in her previous team, she’d been rejected—how could she dare apply to train with the top squad in the entire school?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, after receiving feedback from the three squad members, the homeroom teacher confirmed they wanted adjustments—and then submitted Tian Tian’s name for trial training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the deity Tian Tian worshipped was powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The school valued Jian Lian followers’ balanced offense and defense, and granted her a chance to meet the First Squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the news, Tian Tian had forced herself to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d experienced being in the second-place team—she knew what kind of people these prodigies were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she hadn’t expected anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The training ground fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian kept her head down, knowing she’d said the wrong thing, yet lacking the courage to speak further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle voice broke the quiet: “From now on, you can stand beside me and protect me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Tian Tian lifted her face to look at Jiang Ruyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her humble expression was like standing before the Son of Heaven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like gazing upon a radiant goddess statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must perform well,” Jiang Ruyi whispered. “After all, you still have three rivals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will!” Tian Tian nodded urgently. “I—I’ll work hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi didn’t know how Tian Tian saw her in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Academics, martial skill, appearance, demeanor…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even on the Divine Altar yesterday, Jiang Ruyi had summoned two powerful deities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For two years, Tian Tian had silently watched the goddess Jiang shine brilliantly, never imagining she’d ever cross paths with such a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, after being kicked out of her team, by sheer accident, she stood before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go get your weapon,” Jiang Ruyi gestured to the weapon rack at the edge. “Let’s first get familiar with each other’s fighting styles, then spar with another squad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Tian Tian obeyed, turning and hurrying toward the edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi watched the girl’s back and sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she was pushed out—this girl was too “well-behaved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned to Deng Yu Tang and asked, “What’s that look on your face? Don’t you like her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s there to like or dislike?” Deng Yu Tang shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran chuckled. “Isn’t that exactly the type a rich, domineering young master likes—soft, delicate girls?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong!” Deng Yu Tang waved his hand. “I like bold, fiery, fearless types.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran gave him a strange look. “You mean like Chang Ying?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Deng Yu Tang instinctively wanted to deny it, but as he thought more, his eyes brightened—as if a new world had opened before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t you dare say it. Don’t you dare say it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That girl? She’s actually pretty impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swinging a great mountain-splitting axe, she’s even braver than me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi glanced at the two and scolded, “Keep your voices down—don’t let Tian Tian hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, don’t you know what kind of girl your Deng Shao likes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran hurriedly said, “How would I know what he likes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whose Deng Shao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds weird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Tang suddenly spoke up: “Lu Brother, have you watched ‘Sword of Honor’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve seen a few episodes. What of it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Tang raised his voice: “Cavalry Company!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran paused, uncertainly responding, “Charge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, yes!” Deng Yu Tang clenched his fist, face alight with agreement and longing. “I love this kind!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder you became a Red Scarf believer,” Lu Ran smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Sword Lotus believers’ hallmark is “soft outside, hard within,” “balanced offense and defense,” then the Red Scarf believers’ hallmark is “Master of Battle Spirit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the profound divine arts of the Red Scarf Sect, there is a technique akin to a “spiritual duel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the duel begins, regardless of your cultivation level or the strength of your martial or divine arts, all of it is discarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the duel arena, the only thing that matters is willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life or death depends solely on personal will!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this perspective alone, even an ordinary person can defeat a powerful believer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the streets of Great Xia, people say this:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavens’ deities have high and low ranks; mortal believers have noble and base statuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Red Scarf makes all beings equal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true, pure Red Scarf believer dares to fight anything—and can fight anything!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even against divine groups representing “authority,” even against immensely powerful demons and evil spirits—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duel, commence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cavalry Company!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fix bayonets! Charge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please support with monthly tickets~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1720,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4627ed33fd57979a02e51d16e3491a606386ff79afebc1058ac00059bd6e16cf","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-26","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-24",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]