[{"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-39":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},2362167,4618,"Chapter 39: Toy Doll","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-39",39,"\u003Cp>The welcome ceremony was brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the night was still dangerous, and still long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Jiang Ruyi’s soft reminder, Deng Yutang set aside his celebratory thoughts, and Lu Ran approached the team leader, Zhang Feng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back already.” Zhang Feng sized up Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his tattered raincoat, it was clear what brutal battle Lu Ran had endured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhang.” Lu Ran nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng reached out and placed a hand on Lu Ran’s shoulder: “I didn’t protect you well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was an accident,” Lu Ran immediately said. “Brother Zhang, no need to blame yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since stepping onto this path of believers, danger has always accompanied this body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, having a River Realm Stage Two Moonwatcher stationed in the team should have been enough to safeguard the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, many other Moonwatcher teams were stationed nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one anticipated that, within an extremely short time, three River Realm demons appeared right in front of Gym Door No. 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This probability was extremely abnormal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng let out a hollow laugh and shook his head: “You’re surprisingly carefree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran whispered: “I’m faking it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng was speechless, while Deng Yutang wore a strange expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like he’d seen this scene before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Return to formation,” Zhang Feng said softly, gesturing toward Door No. 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Lu,” Deng Yutang slung an arm around Lu Ran’s shoulder and climbed the steps. “Tell us about what just happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian closely followed Jiang Ruyi, her big eyes filled with curiosity as she stared at Lu Ran’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I got snatched by the paper doll, and the Moonwatcher came to rescue me,” Lu Ran turned to Deng Yutang. “By the way, your sister is my savior!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Deng Yutang was startled. “My sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded firmly: “Your sister is terrifying—more terrifying than the paper doll!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One slash, and she cut the paper doll clean in half. Total ruthless blossom-crusher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng, listening nearby, had a giant question mark appear above his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of description is that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you implying you feel sorry for the paper doll?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Deng Yutang’s eyes sparkled with pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran grinned: “Last time I sparred with your sister, she casually summoned a wind blade. Tonight I found out your sister’s weapon is a massive halberd?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, it’s two and a half meters long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One swing, and it’d split a horse in two—how could a paper doll possibly withstand it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran shared all his gratitude and admiration for the Great Nightmare with his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, vividly, he recounted his abduction experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he mentioned the paper doll summoning tiny paper figures, Zhang Feng couldn’t help asking: “Evil Art: Paper Doll?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Lu Ran confirmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng’s expression turned grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This evil art is a technique reserved for the Paper Doll clan at River Realm Stage Three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning, that unexpectedly appearing Paper Doll was even stronger than Zhang Feng himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power level doesn’t just determine what techniques you can learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each minor stage advancement also boosts a being’s attributes to some degree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Paper Doll had appeared behind Zhang Feng and snatched him instead…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng genuinely doubted whether he could have done better than Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the result was right there:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran survived—and returned to his post unharmed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the Paper Doll crushed the believers into meatballs, it smashed through the bone wall,” Lu Ran continued, making the others shudder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yutang listened, utterly entranced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Lu Ran reached the final scene, Zhang Feng couldn’t help sighing: “This time, you really don’t have to worry about your score.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran immediately said: “Can our team’s score go up too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng nodded: “After you left, the team performed excellently. Adjustments in mindset and tactics were all noteworthy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Zhang Feng’s expression grew odd as he looked at Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Lu Ran had left, the frequency of demon appearances here had returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No more River Realm demons had shown up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was downright bizarre!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it really be connected to this kid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhang misunderstands,” Lu Ran explained. “I meant, I assisted the Moonwatcher in slaying the Paper Doll.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran spoke with unshakable audacity: “Don’t just give me points—I’m the team’s jungler!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should be out there solo, boosting the whole team’s score. That’s our team’s tactic!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This mouth of yours makes me want to be your teammate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can you score points just by lying down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, getting snatched by the Paper Doll was part of your team’s plan too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three teammates stared at Lu Ran as he fought hard for credit, unsure what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You really need to try harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yutang clenched his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was genuinely happy Lu Ran had performed so well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Deng Yutang realized his own contributions to the team were still far from enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never wanted to be a burden, but after two assessments, a cold truth stood before him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi was the team’s anchor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, meanwhile, was the team’s explosive ram leg!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly needed to try harder—much harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huuu!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Deng Yutang silently spurred himself on, Zhang Feng beside him suddenly tensed and whirled toward the west.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under surging energy, a demon coalesced into form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, it was their old foe—the Black Hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Preliminary assessment: Mist Realm Stage Four demon,” Zhang Feng swiftly concluded, barking, “Attack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he spoke these words, inside he roared: Yes! This is normal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mist Realm and Creek Realm demons should be the main force invading Rain Lane City on the fifteenth night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not three River Realm demons clustering together, stomping on everyone’s faces in arrogance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pitch-black hound immediately spotted them and opened its massive jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Jiang Ruyi, energy surged violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four sharp canine fangs rapidly materialized, as if ready to crush the human girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evil Art: Fanged Maw!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evil technique they’d never seen in Black Hound Village finally appeared tonight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Ruyi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian stretched out her small hands and raised a petal shield, blocking directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi remained terrifyingly calm, stepping back half a step as electric sparks flickered at her fingertips, hissing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thin lips parted, directing the one who had finally returned: “Lu Ran.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sssss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Lu Ran dashed out, circling to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the heavy rain, a faint bleating echoed—like a baby’s cry, chilling to the bone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” The hound snapped its head around, its dog eyes locking onto Lu Ran’s fleeing direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four phantom fangs shattered Tian Tian’s petal shield—but then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the black hound’s attention had been drawn away by a little fat lamb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, Jiang Ruyi hurled a Lightning Shackles Talisman!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A phantom white jade slab materialized midair, carrying writhing lightning snakes, brushing past Deng Yutang as he charged forward, heading straight for the hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Snap!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning flashed, current spilling everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fog realm, stage-four hound was pinned in place by Jiang Ruyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Fu devotees are indeed late-stage contenders, but that doesn’t mean they’re weak in the early stages!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beings of the same realm—whether human devotees or demonic evils—would never wish to oppose Jiang Ruyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she can truly control you to death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t idle talk; Jiang Meiren’s combat record is clearly documented:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long ago, the team had already fought a blood calamity hound of fog realm, stage four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under her overwhelming control, that blood calamity hound could only tremble and open its mouth uselessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its limbs couldn’t move at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the hound before them was even worse than the previous blood calamity hound—unable to open or close its mouth at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wretched beast!” Deng Yu followed closely behind and thrust his spear forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing such flesh-and-blood demonic creatures is far simpler than killing mist shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear tip pierced the dog’s head, but Deng Yu didn’t withdraw—he rapidly stabbed again and again, delivering relentless finishing blows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since that person returned, everything has returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the squad members were of lower realms, they dispatched the fog realm, stage-four hound in a single glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Feng observed this performance and silently added points in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi suddenly spoke, her gentle voice drifting through the layers of rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Deng Yu turned to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Ruyi wasn’t even looking at Deng Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Awkward silence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Lu Ran, standing alone in the rain outside, also felt awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of those beautiful eyes, he lowered his head and walked toward Gate 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Jiang Meiren’s voice came again: “Use the Immortal Hooves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t I just walk back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I have to use divine technique to travel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mist swirled around Lu Ran’s calves, forming a pair of goat legs that shot him straight back to Gate 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk~” Lu Ran teased the girl before him, “Can’t you live a moment without me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who can’t live without you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi turned her head aside, her cheeks faintly flushed: “I just told you to be careful—not to get snatched away again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In your eyes,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>am I some kind of toy doll?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please support with monthly votes~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you to the kind patrons: HappyLittlePomegranate, ShanYouFuSu, Kwin, and Reader20230119015824020! Thank you for your support—patrons, you’re magnificent! (`) ❤️\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1562,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7b96e405ca5edb4dd1ebf3e375ec8471bba70db0aa61b5f8192a94fe04b6f2f5","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-40","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-38",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]