Chapter 320: Reclusive Expert

Under Deng Deng Shijie Cheng Rou's guidance, Lu Ran and Jiangjiang Ruyi arrived at Luo Sister Xian Village.

As expected, in the living quarters of the Xianyangyi Sect believers, Lu Ran and Jiangjiang Ruyi were once again surrounded.

The kind and enthusiastic aunties kept asking how well the two had rested, whether they were accustomed to the food, and if there was anything else they needed.

This overwhelming care moved Jiangjiang Ruyi deeply.

The group of Xianyangyi Sect believers possessed distinct characteristics.

They were not merely submissive; they even bordered on being "altruists."

Within such a community, if even a single egoist managed to slip in, that person would enjoy all resources and reap every benefit!

Fortunately, the first-generation believers—the Cheng brothers—guarded this mountain.

Furthermore, an army was stationed here, maintaining strict discipline.

Otherwise, there would be no need for demonic invaders to attack this mountain; those humans with ulterior motives would have already devoured the Xianyangyi Sect completely.

With Cheng Rou's help, the two successfully extricated themselves and entered a large mansion.

The vast courtyard was empty; to the right, the main hall stood with its doors wide open.

"Jingxiandian."

Jiangjiang Ruyi raised her eyes to gaze at the plaque, then lowered her gaze to see two elderly men kneeling in worship deep within the hall.

"Grandfather, Third Grandfather, Little Junior Brother has arrived."

Cheng Rou walked quickly into the hall, approached the elders' sides, and whispered softly.

The two elderly men showed no reaction, continuing their worship.

It was not until over ten seconds later that both simultaneously opened their eyes and stood up.

Such tacit understanding made Lu Ran secretly marvel.

And when the two turned around, Lu Ran blinked his eyes in surprise.

Exactly alike?

Both elderly men wore white Daoist robes, with white hair and beards.

They were not tall, standing around 165cm, both with their hair tied in buns pierced by wooden hairpins.

They appeared vigorous, possessing an ethereal demeanor and Daoist bones.

"Young friend."

"Young friend," the two Cheng brothers said in unison, clasping their fists and bowing.

Lu Ran likewise clasped his fists and bowed, addressing the one on the left: "Grandfather Cheng Yi."

Then he addressed the elderly man on the right: "Grandfather Cheng Li."

The two exchanged a glance, then burst into hearty laughter: "Hahahahaha!"

"Eh?" Cheng Rou blinked her beautiful eyes. "Little Junior Brother is amazing; sometimes even I can't tell them apart!"

Can't tell them apart?

Then feel them with your heart.

Cheng Yi's inner nature was resolute, even subtly revealing a domineering aura.

In Lu Ran's eyes, he was not an old man with white hair, but a halberd.

Cheng Li possessed elegant demeanor, indifferent and free-spirited, resembling someone beyond the mortal world.

In Lu Ran's eyes, he was a flowing and agile sword.

Where in this Jingxiandian were there any timid Xianyangyi Sect believers?

One was a domineering halberd wielder!

The other was an unrestrained swordsman.

Their commonality was that although both were in their sixties, they remained robust and vigorous.

They both looked very capable in a fight~

"Second Brother, I have lost, haha!" Cheng Li looked at Cheng Yi and said with a smile.

Cheng Yi stroked his long beard, nodding repeatedly: "Good, good, good. Tomorrow's morning exercises will be led by you."

"I will take Gu Gu into the mountains to play."

Cheng Li smiled warmly: "Agreed, agreed."

Lu Ran: "."

He always felt that beneath Deng Deng Shijie Cheng Rou's gentle appearance hid a hint of mischievous humor.

Who sees their own daughter and calls her Gu Gu?

Old Master Cheng was also very cooperative; even though she was his great-granddaughter, he could still say it.

"I'm afraid that won't work, Grandfather," Cheng Rou said hurriedly.

"Why?" Cheng Yi's expression turned unpleasant. "Is that good-for-nothing husband of yours trying to take our daughter back again?"

Cheng Rou immediately shook her head: "No, no, it's Little Junior Brother!"

"He has brought good news for Grandfather and Third Grandfather! It is, it is..."

Cheng Rou desperately wanted to speak out and share the joy, but forcibly stopped herself, looking toward Lu Ran.

Lu Ran merely smiled; seeing Deng Deng Shijie Cheng struggling to hold it in, he said, "You say it."

"Okay!" Cheng Rou revealed a happy smile and immediately began recounting the story.

Her joyous demeanor, unable to hide anything, really did not resemble a mother of two children.

Instead, she seemed more like an innocent female college student.

Luo Sister Xian Mountain had protected Cheng Rou so well; her life must have been carefree.

As his granddaughter recounted the tale, Cheng Yi's expression grew increasingly astonished.

"This, this..." It took a long while before he came to his senses.

Cheng Yi clasped his fists and bowed to Lu Ran, his expression agitated: "I truly do not know how to thank you, young friend."

Cheng Yi was naturally someone who had weathered great storms and should have possessed a calm state of mind.

But his situation was very special!

Cheng Yi had been stuck at Jiang Jing, Fifth Stage, for an unknown number of years.

Even he himself was unclear whether it was due to insufficient comprehension, an unfirm Dao heart,

or whether his talent had already reached its limit, leaving no room for further improvement.

If it was the latter, then this blessing Lu Ran had sought was a tremendous help to Cheng Yi.

To call it a "great kindness and virtue" would not be an exaggeration in the slightest!

One must understand that this upward path of climbing is not merely about increasing your strength.

When your realm reaches a certain level, advancing further will increase your lifespan!

Of course, since the descent of the gods until now, only a mere forty years have passed.

Exactly how much lifespan one can gain within the Jiang, Hai, or even the High Realm has not yet been precisely calculated.

Moreover, in this extremely dangerous world, believers generally find it difficult to die of old age naturally.

Regardless, making an aged body more vigorous is a tangible reality!

"This great kindness and virtue, the Cheng family will keep etched in our hearts!"

Cheng Li likewise clasped his fists and bowed, the smile fading from his face as his expression turned solemn.

Lu Ran immediately returned the courtesy: "It is because Lord Xiang Xianyang was willing to show mercy."

A smile returned to Cheng Li's face, and he nodded gently: "Good, good!"

As soon as the words fell, the two turned toward the statue of Sister Xian Xiang Xianyang and knelt upon the prayer cushions.

Cheng Rou, standing nearby, likewise knelt to the ground, offering thanks repeatedly.

Outside the hall, Lu Ran raised his eyes to gaze into the distance, looking up in reverence at the towering, earth-striding true form of the Sister Xian Xiang Xianyang divine statue.

Jiangjiang Ruyi stood slightly behind and to the side of Lu Ran, watching the three generations of the Cheng family display their gratitude and devotion.

She, more than these three, could truly empathize with their feelings.

So-called believers possess no rights whatsoever before the gods.

You are merely a servant summoned at a whistle and dismissed with a wave.

If, in your entire life, you receive even one or two transmitted messages, it is an honor of heaven-shaking magnitude!

Within the same sect, this is even a resume item one can boast about!

Fellow disciples will surely treat you with three parts respect.

After all, you are a believer who has received a "divine oral decree"!

And someone like Lu Ran...

One truly does not know what to say.

"Jiang Ruyi." Lu Ran gently took hold of her hand.

Jiangjiang Ruyi subconsciously tried to pull away, but Lu Ran gripped her even tighter.

She raised her eyes to gaze at the tall and majestic true form of the god, hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head and ceased struggling.

Lu Ran said: "You can ask Grandfather Cheng Li to instruct you in sword techniques.

From what I observe of his style, it should be of the free and flowing type, quite suitable for your own style."

Jiangjiang Ruyi: "..."

It was the first time the two sides had met; how could he tell what weapon the other person used?

Actually, she could do the same.

After all, Jiangjiang Ruyi was someone who had cultivated a divine weapon and possessed the corresponding qualities.

But to discern the opponent's combat style and sword technique lineage from a single glance?

Lu Ran's understanding of weapons was indeed profound!

After all, he was someone who had unlocked the Divine Weapon Domain.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at his fiancée and gently squeezed her palm.

It was soft and very comfortable.

Jiangjiang Ruyi, head still lowered, whispered: "I will listen to you."

This appearance of daring not to show disrespect to the god while being unwilling to pull her hand away from Lu Ran looked somewhat awkward.

It was quite amusing~

Lu Ran, emboldened, slid his fingers through her slender gaps, interlocking their ten fingers.

Jiangjiang Ruyi lowered her eyelids, bowing her head even lower.

Lu Ran said softly: "I am not asking you to undergo intensive training over these few days; I hope you will take him as your master.

Originally, I was thinking of asking Mother to teach you, but now it seems that is unnecessary."

Lu Ran paused briefly, then continued: "Grandfather Cheng Li is a first-generation disciple!

He is from the generation that campaigned across the frontiers alongside Lord Xiang Xianyang!

His combat power is so high, and his martial arts so exquisite, that surely neither you nor I can imagine it.

I know your combat style leans toward long-range spellcasting, but I also hope you can systematically cultivate sword arts."

While Lu Ran spoke these words, he was also muttering to himself in his heart.

If one day you lose the Yu Fu Shen Fa, or if there is a gap period...

possessing powerful sword techniques would allow you to protect yourself.

Of course, this was Lu Ran's worst-case scenario!

Naturally, he would do his utmost to seamlessly transition to the garden sculptures immediately after Jiangjiang Ruyi left the Yufuyi Sect, avoiding any gap where he would be "at a loss."

How should he put it?

Better safe than sorry!

Having skills to rely on is never a bad thing.

Jiangjiang Ruyi nodded and said, "I understand."

Lu Ran said, "I'll make the introductions and arrange everything for you.

After I leave, you can visit Xianshan often; it would be best if you could receive Grandpa Cheng Li's true transmission."

As he spoke, Lu Ran felt his hand gripped tightly.

Listening to Lu Ran's gentle words, Jiangjiang Ruyi forgot her worries and squeezed his hand very hard.

It was as if...

the tighter she held on, the later he would have to leave.

"Young Friend Lu, Young Friend Jiang."

The grandfather and his two grandchildren had exited Jingxiandian and were now looking at the silent pair.

Cheng Li still smiled cheerfully, as if he hadn't noticed the atmosphere between the two:

"What a divine couple; truly enough to make others green with envy."

"Hehe~" Lu Ran chuckled. "If you two have time, why not return to the Xianshan Residence with me now?"

"Certainly." Cheng Yi nodded immediately.

A divine blessing was a major event; naturally, it could not be treated lightly.

Let alone going to receive the blessing right now;

even if you made Cheng Yi wait at the entrance of the mountain residence for ten or eight years, he wouldn't utter a single complaint.

As the group walked outward, Lu Ran suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Cheng Li: "By the way, I forgot to congratulate Grandpa Cheng Li on successfully closing his retreat.

I presume your strength has improved considerably?"

Cheng Li said, "Congratulations to you as well."

Lu Ran smiled; indeed, it was a shared joy!

He probed further: "Yesterday, Grandpa Cheng Yi said you were stronger than him. Could it be that Grandpa Cheng Li has advanced to the Sea Realm?"

"Hehe." Cheng Li stroked his long beard, looking at Lu Ran with a beaming smile. "This old man reached the Sea Realm over a decade ago."

Lu Ran couldn't help but grin widely.

Good heavens!

"Hehe~" Seeing her junior brother's shocked expression, Cheng Rou couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Cheng Yi gently swept a glance at his granddaughter; Cheng Rou immediately became obedient and suppressed her laughter.

Lu Ran calmed his emotions. Since two inquiries had failed to yield a precise result, he felt it inappropriate to press further.

He changed the subject: "Grandpa Cheng Yi, Grandpa Cheng Li, my fiancée cultivates the sword.

Her foundation isn't very solid, and after joining the Yufuyi Sect, she has been throwing talismans every day..."

How could the two elders fail to grasp Lu Ran's meaning?

Just as Cheng Yi looked toward his third brother, Cheng Li had already spoken:

"Rest assured, Young Friend Lu; this old man also cultivates the sword and is willing to offer some guidance."

"Is that permissible?" Lu Ran asked gratefully. "I apologize for the trouble."

Cheng Li still smiled cheerfully: "With the Sect Master's request, how could I, Cheng, refuse my duty!"

The change in address clearly defined their respective statuses.

Lu Ran looked at the elder with a smile: "Grandpa Cheng Li, if you don't mind, why not take her as a disciple?

My fiancée wishes to achieve mastery in sword arts and hopes to receive your true transmission."

Hearing this, Cheng Li understood clearly.

This wasn't about learning a few moves to assist the Yu Fu Shen Fa in battle to kill enemies.

She intended to make sword arts her main cultivation?

Cheng Li pondered for a moment before speaking: "Yes!

This old man will definitely go all out and teach her with utmost care."

Jiangjiang Ruyi listened quietly, her heart rippling with waves of emotion.

The master of Xianshan was indeed no empty title, just like the city lord of Sword Heaven Gate and the city lord of North Wind City.

Cheng Li was a great expert of the Sea Realm...

A being whom the world should revere and worship!

During their casual chat, Cheng Li had always smiled cheerfully, calling them "Young Friend" at every turn.

But once Lu Ran made a serious request,

Cheng Li turned out to be so exceedingly respectful.

Special thanks to bosses tungtai and Locrian for their generous donations!

You bosses are so generous, tough, domineering, and invincibly handsome! Thank you for your support, bosses!

(`) Heart fingers

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(End of Chapter)