[{"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-32":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},2362160,4618,"Chapter 32: Rainy Night, Deadly Threat","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-32",32,"\u003Cp>Dusk fell at the West Gate of the gymnasium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The squad members stood or sat, guarding the steps before the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one in the team had spoken for a long time; all waited in silence as the sky slowly darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be nervous,” Zhang Feng leaned against the wall, naturally sensing the heavy atmosphere within the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke to reassure them: “There are many sentries posted around, and countless statues guard the interior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If any demon clan appears, just follow my orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran and the others were indeed believers, but as newcomers, how could they stand alone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhang Feng said, there were many believers posted around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless misfortune struck and a demon appeared right before them, there was no need for the squad to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true purpose of this night watch was to guide new believers into the fold, to shift their mindset, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to send these students out to fight to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng continued: “Rain Alley City is just a small county town, with few people and only one divine avatar statue located outside the suburbs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Over the years, powerful demons have rarely descended upon our area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words of comfort sounded more and more like tempting fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are the top team of this cohort,” Zhang Feng changed tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly, gazing into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the West Gate lay an open field; further west were shrubs and iron fences, beyond which stretched a road lit by streetlamps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dim yellow light, the fine drizzle was clearly visible, like a curtain of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as you survive this night safely, your score won’t be bad,” Zhang Feng said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu suddenly spoke: “I noticed the student teams arriving later were all assigned inside shelters—only we’re guarding outside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng nodded: “The interior of buildings is naturally safer than the exterior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only the top ten teams are allowed to guard outside the major shelter structures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if you survive tonight safely, your base score will be much higher than other squads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu understood, and pleaded: “Brother Zhang, if a low-rank demon attacks, let us try our hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To earn a high score, base points alone won’t suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before departure, everyone had learned that Zhang Feng was a River Realm · Second Stage Lotus Believer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>River Realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Moonwatchers who guard the city are so powerful—their cultivation levels are truly high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mist, Creek, River, River, Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For believers, River Realm is a watershed—and a badge of strength!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Lu Ran rose two ranks in just half a month to reach Mist Realm · Third Stage,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>know that in Great Xia, at least half of all believers remain forever stuck in Creek Realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These believers spend their entire lives unable to cross the threshold into River Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words “watershed” carry immense weight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a believer reaches River Realm, their use of divine power undergoes a qualitative leap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>River Realm believers can condense divine power into flowing water, allowing it to extend outward and coil around their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This “water armor” is a lifesaving talisman—and the very foundation for charging into battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you already possess a defensive divine art, it’s even better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You gain an extra layer of armor; in some situations, it’s like gaining an extra life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“City defense is no child’s play,” Zhang Feng emphasized again. “I know you want high scores, but everything hinges on obeying orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Otherwise, I’ll deduct points.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood,” Deng Yu sighed inwardly, nodding reluctantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, during the Evil Dog Village assessment, military instructors graded them; this time, Moonwatchers from the Divine People’s Bureau will judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside them, Lu Ran’s voice came: “This time, the school’s ranking reward is a weapon, Deng Shao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran teased: “You’re holding a million-grade Tianchen Spear—do you even care about the school’s reward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu looked at Lu Ran sitting on the steps and shrugged indifferently: “Might as well take it for fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded solemnly: “Thanks for the school’s measly little gift?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~” Jiang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Brother, you’re wrong!” Deng Yu laughed too. “You’re aiming for first place for the reward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu tilted his head, a giant question mark appearing above it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stalled for a long moment before saying: “No—you and I fight for honor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right,” Lu Ran readily adjusted his tone. “Also for honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t tease him,” Jiang Ruyi smiled gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.” Lu Ran extended two fingers, slowly tracing the cold blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t replace the Radiant Blade—but if he got another blade,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>could he try dual-wielding?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wuuu~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a deep horn blast pierced the long night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran rose slowly, gazing northward in the direction of the sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the distance was too great; even with streetlights blazing, he saw nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only sensed the night rain was growing heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has it begun?” Deng Yu gripped the Tianchen Spear tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Help! Demon—demon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaa!” Suddenly, screams erupted from inside the gymnasium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound was piercing; the group instinctively turned to look inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hold your posts!” Zhang Feng barked. “No one is to leave their station without orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The screams inside continued, but Lu Ran could only imagine the chaos unfolding within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-silent rain-soaked night was shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm,” Tian Tian’s heart rose to her throat; one small hand clutched Jiang Ruyi’s tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her other hand churned with divine power, ready to summon the Lotus Shield at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Roar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another roar came from the north—and this time, the source was close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned instantly: a massive, mist-shrouded figure stood a hundred meters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mist Shadow!” Deng Yu stepped forward immediately, blocking the squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Clan · Mist Shadow—commonly called “Mist Shadow Man” by civilians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Its realm is high,” Jiang Ruyi frowned, her spirit tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons come in many types, each with unique traits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one universal rule: the larger the demon, the higher its realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That distant Mist Shadow stood over three meters tall, radiating overwhelming pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was at least a River Realm Mist Shadow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Human-shaped, entirely composed of gray mist, its face lacked eyes, nose, or mouth—mystical and horrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment it appeared, it acted like a contaminant, continuously releasing thick gray mist in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t move—stay alert!” Zhang Feng immediately recognized the enemy’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill!” Several roars erupted as a Moonwatcher squad stationed to the north charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Tian Tian felt slightly relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Feng suddenly raised a hand to his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice through his hidden earpiece made his face change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Close your eyes!” Zhang Feng blurted out an extreme order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Close our eyes?” The group was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In such extreme danger, keeping eyes open took courage—but closing them took even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Close your eyes!” Zhang Feng ordered again, lifting his gaze toward the western sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the iron fence, energy churned violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, a tall figure suddenly formed and tumbled into the bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had a human shape, yet its face was withered, shriveled like a corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It possessed an utterly grotesque hide, yet its eyes were brilliant, crystalline green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Clan · You Tong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Folklore also calls it the “You Tong Ghost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you encounter this creature, never! Never look into its eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One misstep, and you might lose yourself within them—even willingly tear out your own heart to offer the demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise!” Zhang Feng knelt on one knee, slamming one hand fiercely onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a massive lotus bloomed from within the bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sturdy iron fence was cleanly severed by the rapidly closing petals, along with the bushes and the You Tong, all swallowed whole inside the bud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could this happen?” Zhang Feng questioned inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The misty figure from the north, the You Tong Ghost directly ahead—both were River Realm demons?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was human society, not the depths of a demon lair, let alone a higher-tier divine-demon battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was merely an ordinary full-moon night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that powerful demons couldn’t invade—after all, on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, anything was possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the odds were off!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The frequency of River Realm demons appearing was even more suspicious!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng had served for a full decade—this was the first time he’d encountered two powerful River Realm demons appearing one after the other, clustered together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>River Realm,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was not merely the dividing line for human cultivators—it was also the dividing line for the demon clan’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuxiang City was just a small county town!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout history, the demons drawn to such small places were almost always below Stream Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thud!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lotus bud trembled violently as the demon inside raged, trying to break free from its prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“West Gate-4, request backup!” Zhang Feng’s face was rigid; his other hand surged with divine power as he slammed it again onto the ground. “Eyes open—remain on alert!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cry of agony came from within the bud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Zhang Feng activated his Lotus Sword again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran received the order and opened his eyes at once, seeing only a massive, pure white lotus bud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a beautiful, flawless flower was utterly out of place in this gloomy rain-soaked night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luu~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Ran savored this stark contrast, another sound came from his left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart leapt—he spun around sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Energy rippled along the building’s wall, then a black dog plummeted from above, crashing hard onto the concrete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black dog barked wildly; its entire body suddenly glowed with vivid crimson patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew from its mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Clan · Xue Zai!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the very demon race humans dreaded most—the Blood Plague Dog, capable of igniting raging infernos!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body length was roughly 1.4 meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>this was a Mist Realm ·\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One minor stage higher than Lu Ran, two minor stages higher than the other three!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s pupils shrank slightly as he watched the Blood Plague Hound open its bloody maw, flames igniting within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Ruyi!” Zhang Feng kept both hands on the ground, issuing a firm order, “Form battle array! Lu Ran?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sssss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhang Feng finished speaking, Lu Ran had already shot forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Technique: Immortal Hoof!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What even is a launch start?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s feet sprouted goat hooves as he charged straight into the rain curtain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tiny, light bleat, like a baby’s cry, even more chilling than the shrieks of the Mist Shadow or the You Tong Ghost!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mournful cry of the little lamb pierced through layers of rain and reached the Blood Plague Hound’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” The Blood Plague Hound, distracted by Lu Ran, turned its head instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, Lu Ran hadn’t charged directly at the Blood Plague Hound—he didn’t want to be swallowed by flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flame meant for Gate West-4 now sprayed into the rainy night, striking the distant iron fence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s heart pounded as he continuously blasted Immortal mist from his feet, feeling flames churning behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Save! Save...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran fled wildly, while the Blood Plague Hound searched for the lamb’s location, sweeping its scorching fire column across the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Lu!” Deng Yu tang, startled and frantic, seized his long spear and charged toward the Blood Plague Hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another talisman flew past Deng Yu tang’s side, overtaking him from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Snap!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning flashed, electricity spreading everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning-binding talisman shot out with pinpoint accuracy and stuck to the Blood Plague Hound’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s divine power surged, her raincoat flapping violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble mage had acted!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beautiful eyes locked onto the Blood Plague Hound, her fingers trembling slightly as she swiftly drew another lightning-binding talisman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Save...” Lu Ran halted his feet, staring at the Blood Plague Hound paralyzed with numbness, “That’s your save?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha!” Deng Yu tang stomped the ground, brandishing the Tianchen Spear and lunging straight at the Blood Plague Hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His momentum aimed to pierce a hole clean through the beast’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Plague Hound roared in fury, using its inner energy and formidable physique to tremble as it opened its mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder it was a Mist Realm·Stage Four demon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could actually open its mouth while under Jiang the Goddess’s hard control?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Deng Yu tang’s heart lurched as he charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames were already igniting inside the Blood Plague Hound’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the last possible moment, the little lamb’s mournful cry pierced through layers of rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desolate and heart-wrenching, like a sobbing lament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Plague Hound was indeed embarrassing—embarrassing for a dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a demon, the Blood Plague Hound had been bewitched!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Driven by primal desire, it turned its head uncontrollably, eyes filled with violent greed, staring once more at the weak, whimpering creature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, too-sensitive hearing isn’t such a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu tang hadn’t heard the mournful cry; his tiger-like eyes glowed brightly as he leapt forward without hesitation, spear aimed straight at the dog’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear tip pierced straight through the dog’s skull, then slammed hard into the concrete ground with a crisp sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a Mist Realm·Stage Four demon, the Blood Plague Hound was still flesh and bone, with no defensive techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu tang swung his spear sideways; the million-level divine weapon revealed its true worth—razor-sharp, slicing cleanly through the hound’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From start to finish, his forward charge never paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That little fat lamb lurking in the shadows was Deng Yu tang’s greatest confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!” Zhang Feng muttered, his expression slightly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just three or five seconds, he had misjudged nearly every move of the squad!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the others’ gazes, Zhang Feng turned and saw Lu Ran standing alone in the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging from the squad’s reactions...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, was this boy the true architect of it all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing with four thousand characters—please give some votes~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2317,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e62833614c9ac8673d87cdf070d51f3a0e493f79f16e10f4ef184b8421d9b22b","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-33","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-31",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]