[{"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-36":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},2362164,4618,"Chapter 36: Raincoat Night Phantom","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-36",36,"\u003Cp>A muffled thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran landed lightly on the wet grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before hitting the ground, a gust of wind had briefly supported his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment, Lu Ran was too close to the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind only slowed his fall—it couldn’t fully hold him—and he still landed flat on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran cried out in pain, then forced himself to stay silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thud!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yellow raincoat plummeted rapidly, spreading her legs and stomping heavily on either side of Lu Ran’s waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her chest rose slightly; her beautiful eyes locked onto Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filled with murderous intent, she was even three times more ferocious than the Crimson Paper Man!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran struggled to lift his hand and shield his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Paper Man had just died—and now another nightmare had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was outright denying him any chance to live!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Lu Ran felt a chilling coldness beneath his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu held a long blade and gently pried open Lu Ran’s hand; her murderous intent vanished, replaced by gleaming fascination:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little Lu Ran, aren’t you afraid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say he wasn’t afraid was a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what overwhelmed him was the delayed terror, wave after wave of dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he thought about it, falling from such a height could easily kill you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just moments ago, he’d been toyed with by the Crimson Paper Man—humiliated beyond endurance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he’d cared about was how to resist with all his might—he had no room for anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does it hurt?” Deng Yu leaned down, grasping Lu Ran’s bloody palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran clenched his teeth tightly, still saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he’d already be pulling out a plastic bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real men,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>never miss a chance to show off!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But right now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This damn thing hurt too much!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in a black raincoat sprinted over to Deng Yu’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain Sun.” Deng Yu straightened Lu Ran’s arm and presented it to her teammate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arm dripped blood, hung with shredded flesh—the wound ran deep to the bone, horrifying to behold!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in black raincoat’s palm glowed green as he immediately pressed it against Lu Ran’s arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this kid really a Xiang Xianyang devotee?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in black raincoat couldn’t help himself—he blurted out the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In nearly twenty years of service, he’d never seen such a bold little lamb!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people snatched by demons would already be paralyzed with fear, shattered and trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Lu Ran’s conduct truly startled the entire Moonwatch team!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did he not lose his nerve—he’d seized the critical moment to distract the Crimson Paper Man, enabling Deng Yu’s killing blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the Crimson Paper Man not turned back, the two might have fought many more rounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few seconds, this young man had displayed extraordinary composure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yu Tang told me you have a unique understanding of Divine Art,” the Great Nightmare observed Lu Ran with interest, diverting his attention, “Now I’ve seen it for myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re just a novice, yet you managed to influence a River Realm demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran finally spoke, voice strained: “I couldn’t change the Crimson Paper Man’s thoughts—I simply went with the flow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Nightmare raised an eyebrow slightly: “Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran explained: “If someone isn’t sleepy, I can’t force them to fall asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, I merely offered a pillow to someone already half-asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu smiled, confident in Lu Ran: “Divine Art can be upgraded in rank. Right now, you can only ride the current—but later, it’ll be different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded; the higher the rank of Divine Art, the more devastating its effect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, if the Sound of Sorrow grew too strong, the consequences seemed dire—shout it out, and you might end up at war with the entire world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, devotees can lower the intensity of their Divine Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worst case, Lu Ran still had the Sound of Compassion as a fallback!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After mocking them, I can just cry and beg for mercy, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, just having fun~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done.” The Sun-named Moonwatcher lowered his bloodied hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done?” Lu Ran was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was too fast—had it really been less than a minute?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran looked at his arm: the wound had fully healed, new flesh already grown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Nightmare stretched out Lu Ran’s arm and wiped away the blood with falling rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming, she asked: “Any other discomfort?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran pushed himself up, moved his body slightly—every part still ached faintly, as if his bones might fall apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his mouth stayed tough: “Seems… seems no major damage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: “After this, you may apply for rest and recovery.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran immediately shook his head: “I don’t want rest—I want points!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.” Deng Yu smiled warmly, “Your score this time won’t be low.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undoubtedly, Lu Ran had already earned himself a huge bonus!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire squad might even benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Paper Man was clearly a powerful River Realm demon; as a hostage, Lu Ran played a crucial role in this battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded firmly, his fighting spirit still surging: “I want to continue the mission!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.” Deng Yu nodded approvingly and waved toward the distance, “Please escort this trainee back to his post.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu belonged to the Yunshan City Divine People’s Bureau · Moonwatch Branch, dispatched here specifically to respond to emergencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing their superior’s order, several warriors from the Yuxiang City · Moonwatch Unit immediately stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Sister Yu Xiang,” Lu Ran said at once, then turned to the Sun-named man, “Thank you, Uncle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zheng: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.” Deng Yu snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kid’s tongue was as sweet as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Ran was led away by the Moonwatchers, Sun Zheng murmured: “The Crimson Paper Man had countless chances to kill him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She must have taken an interest—wanted to capture him and torture him slowly,” Deng Yu whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons capturing humans was common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many demon races were obsessed with tormenting living beings and weren’t in a hurry to kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They savored their prey’s panic and fear, relishing every scream of agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why say “many” and not “all”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because demons like Blood Hounds or Rage Hounds, though they feed on fear, lack the mental capacity to suppress their primal savagery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, low-tier demons rarely imprison humans—they simply slaughter wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think the Crimson Paper Man clan is unusually fond of him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zheng paused, then continued: “Crimson Paper Men are rare to begin with—yet one appeared in this tiny Yuxiang City and found him precisely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this one was likely a River Realm Stage Four to Five demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had her realm been even slightly higher, she’d have crossed into River Realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know, Xiao Deng—if a River Realm demon appears, it triggers the city’s human elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Paper Man deliberately stayed just below that threshold—so the ones who’d come to rescue would be people like us, Moonwatchers…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it intentional?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone else had been captured, this conversation wouldn’t have happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just half a month ago, Lu Ran had offered worship on the Altar—and received a Crimson Paper Man demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zheng: “There’s definitely something wrong here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu spoke: “Whether it’s coincidence or not, we report the facts as they are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Captain Sun, let’s send more personnel to the gymnasium and patrol there ourselves—what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.” Sun Zheng paused, then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This pair clearly consisted of an experienced veteran and a newcomer—but it was obvious that the newly recruited Deng Yu held considerable influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, there is indeed one eternal truth—strength reigns supreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang, though young, has already reached the River Realm, Fifth Stage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a height countless others fail to reach in a lifetime, a presence worthy of awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, she is a devoted follower of the Second-Class God, North Wind Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her future truly deserves to be called “unlimited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And another person of unlimited potential was being rushed back to the stadium by several Moonwatchers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, Lu Ran was questioned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a superficial explanation of the Divine Art, his words identical to those he had reported to Coach Dou Zhiqiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group couldn’t help but murmur in amazement at Lu Ran’s answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, Lu Ran also watched a man closely, silently praising him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?” One of the Moonwatchers noticed Lu Ran’s odd behavior and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, thank you for coming to rescue me,” Lu Ran said, looking at the man unharmed, “You didn’t get hurt at all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the chase, it was this man who summoned a bone wall to block the path of the Red Paper People.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Paper People then pulled out a tiny paper doll and clenched it in their palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the paper doll was crushed, the man’s limbs twisted uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was almost being crushed into a ball of flesh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry,” the man said calmly, “I am a follower of Lord Thousand Bones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the man’s head suddenly rotated a full circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, a complete 360 degrees!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A full rotation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Lu Ran was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demons and monsters scaring me is one thing—but you, a Moonwatcher, are scaring me too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what if you’re a follower of Thousand Bones?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You really are impressive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are your bones just like spare parts—you can assemble and disassemble them however you like?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re almost there,” the Moonwatcher squad leader said grimly; the team fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran crossed the road with the others, his gaze sweeping past the ruined iron fence, just catching sight of Team 98 fighting enemies!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha!” Deng Yutang’s roar echoed faintly; blinding flashes of electricity flickered within the battle cluster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s heart jolted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m going over.” As he spoke, mist surged beneath Lu Ran’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved at blinding speed, like a phantom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tattered black raincoat flapped violently in the torrential downpour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the night sky, illuminating the phantom’s face in the rain and the cold gleam of the Radiant Blade:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1679,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e2f1eeb039ddd5412433b02b7af511a8f1a86f613c948c1930fb84d7c49d79a8","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-37","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-35",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]