[{"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-48":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},2362176,4618,"Chapter 48: The Soul-Grabbing Sheep","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-48",48,"\u003Cp>At 1:30 p.m., in the west of Yuxiang City, beneath Wu Ya’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A business vehicle, after passing through multiple layers of inspection, slowly entered the military base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are quite a few people,” Lu Ran observed, spotting many social practitioners, including several high school students like themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the Great Xia government’s policy support, students coming to complete their assignments need not pay any fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military also assigns a soldier to serve as an invigilator, free of charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From another perspective, isn’t this invigilator also a bodyguard?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that Gao Zhonglin?” Deng Yutang suddenly spoke from the front passenger seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned his head and saw a slightly overweight boy wearing glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Tian, usually silent, spoke rarely and softly: “It’s him—the incredibly strong one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Zhonglin’s rise followed a path similar to Lu Ran’s: you could sum it up in one phrase—he appeared out of nowhere!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first assessment, Gao Zhonglin ranked third on the individual leaderboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second assessment, he shot straight to second place schoolwide!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remember, for two years before the Divine Worship, Gao Zhonglin never cracked the top fifty in school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, after the Divine Worship—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianchuan, Jiang Ruyi, Wu Shanshan—all of you, get behind!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three words: The wolf is coming!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though, uh, this little wolf pup is a bit fat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he fits the word “greedy” pretty well, doesn’t he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can anyone be stronger than Brother Lu?” Deng Yutang said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded in agreement: “Definitely not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the back seat, Jiang Ruyi extended her slender fingers and lightly poked Lu Ran’s occiput: “Be modest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran didn’t care: “I’m just being factual!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Greedy Wolf devotee, I made those arrogant top students step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an Immortal Sheep devotee, I made the Greedy Wolf devotee step back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is this, turning heaven upside down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can go back now; we’ll stay inside for a long time,” Deng Yutang said to the driver. “I’ll call you when we come out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the vehicle stopped, everyone quickly got out, retrieved their weapons from the trunk, and hurried to the central building to register and queue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides weapons, Lu Ran specifically brought a red scarf, tying it around his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was ready to try the “Sound Recognition” technique taught by the Great Nightmare Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran had also wanted to carry a backpack with food and water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But such supplies cannot be brought into the Demon Caves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water and food are provided at supply points within the stone cities and across the wilderness, but must be exchanged for demon crystals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Training is free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eat, drink, sleep—pay up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if you dare camp in the wilderness, eat dog meat, and drink dog blood, the military won’t stop you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Save money,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You save with your life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coach Dou!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a coincidence—again you’re our invigilator?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting in line for a long time, as they neared the building’s entrance, a familiar face strode over and greeted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Zhiqiang replied: “I’m specifically assigned to Team 98.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Zhiqiang scanned the group: “How long do you plan to stay inside the Dog Village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group exchanged glances; Jiang Ruyi stepped forward: “Coach Dou, we’ll stay a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We need to upgrade our weapons and divine energy pearls, and slay many demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Zhiqiang nodded: “How did your team perform on the Fifteen Nights defense mission?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “First place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Zhiqiang’s face showed rare approval, then turned to Lu Ran: “What about individually?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran smiled apologetically: “I slipped a bit—can’t score that high anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.” Dou Zhiqiang snorted. “You still aiming for 98?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One must have dreams!” Lu Ran sighed. “This time I scored 91.2—still a drop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold-faced instructor clearly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He confirmed: “Fifteen Nights defense—91?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran shook his head: “Not 91. 91.2.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In two sentences, you deducted 0.2 points from me—can I even take this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Zhiqiang: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi smoothly added: “Coach Dou, Lu Ran performed excellently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this Fifteen Nights, he was still first—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Top scorer across all five county-level cities under Yunshan City.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Dou Zhiqiang’s expression turned complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was amusing, really:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the car, Jiang Ruyi had urged Lu Ran to be modest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, facing outside criticism—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi not only defended him, but seemed even prouder than Lu Ran himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several seconds, Dou Zhiqiang turned and walked off: “Follow me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group didn’t dare delay—they immediately hurried after the instructor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran glanced sideways at Jiang Ruyi and whispered: “Be modest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the last assessment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Dou Zhiqiang led them into the Demon Cave and straight to the South Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he transformed into a crow again, leaving the stage to the young ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“South Gate,” Lu Ran gripped his Radiant Blade, gazing at the torch-lit path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “There seem to be fewer practitioners here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect for us,” Deng Yutang hefted his red-tasselled spear, brimming with energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that everyone had survived one Fifteen Nights, most were confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Tian Tian showed no worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ruuu,” a canine hunting cry suddenly came from the right front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yutang reacted instantly, striding forward with his Tianchen Spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, this direction had few human practitioners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were still at the gate when a demon attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mist Realm—probably level 2 to 3?” Deng Yutang called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind came Lu Ran’s voice: “Let Jiang’s classmate try her new divine art—we’ll see its power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine,” Deng Yutang halted, but remained at the front of the formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi made no objection; her naturally hanging hand traced invisible symbols with her fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!” The evil dog moved with shocking speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s divine art was ready, fully charged—but she didn’t strike yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had ample experience slaying these dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dog clan was fast, with sharp reflexes; to kill in one strike, you needed the right opening—not blind output.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yutang tensed his body, knees slightly bent, gripping his Tianchen Spear tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dog closed in, judged the distance sufficient, and launched itself forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its gaping maw revealed sharp fangs, lunging straight for Deng Yutang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yutang, retreat!” Jiang Ruyi flicked her two fingers forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yutang leaped back instantly; at the same moment, a slender fire serpent flashed past him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-flight, the flame runes revealed a phantom white jade tablet, bearing the serpent as it surged toward the dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Art: Exploding Flame Rune!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woof!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dog widened its eyes, its forward leap twisting wildly—but it had no ground to push off from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skinny dog, dare to jump?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dare to jump, dare to be erased!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the dog’s thrashing, the Blazing Rune missed its head but struck its body solidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>flames exploded, and shockwaves churned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shreds of flesh sprayed in all directions, blood rained down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woo~ woo~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dog was blasted backward, its shriek echoing across the wasteland—terribly pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!” Deng Yu tang stamped his foot and lunged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finishing off enemies? He’s a professional!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Deng Yu tang had no interest in this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the current strength composition of the quartet forced him to treat Jiang Lu as the absolute core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Deng Yu tang ended the dog’s life did Jiang Ruyi turn to Lu Ran and raise an eyebrow slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm!” Lu Ran nodded vigorously, eyes full of admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she’s a noble mage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at Mist Realm·Stage Three, she has this kind of output.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Yu Fu Sect followers are called “Late Stage” players—imagine how terrifying Jiang Meiren will be in the future!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran added, “If we want to upgrade our gear, we need to slay a thousand Mist Realm·Evil Dogs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is just to upgrade the Stream-grade·Divine Power Bead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We still have the school-awarded weapons to upgrade—another thousand Mist Realm Evil Dogs needed. This kind of number—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knows when we’ll finish?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi pondered: “Do you want to challenge Stream Realm·Evil Dogs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ratio of Stream Realm to Mist Realm demonic crystals is 1:10.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two thousand Mist Realm Evil Dogs equate to two hundred Stream Realm Evil Dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded: “Stream Realm·Evil Dogs have no defensive techniques—they’re still flesh and blood, vulnerable to blades and spears, and can be shattered by Yu Fu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi thought a moment, then chose caution: “No rush. Let’s first slay demons nearby.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Yu tang and Tian Tian both reach Mist Realm·Stage Three, we’ll head to the next Shitoucheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the goddess’s decision, Tian Tian immediately agreed: “I’m about to advance—I’ve already memorized the next-stage Divine Art.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After advancing, I can summon lotus buds from the ground to imprison demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team had witnessed “Lotus Born from Earth” firsthand—on the fifteenth night, their leader Zhang Feng had used it to trap demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this technique, the squad would gain a tremendous advantage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When facing two Evil Dogs, Tian Tian could force one offline!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m almost there too!” Deng Yu tang answered before anyone asked, adding, “Believe me, I’m even more eager than you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Mist Realm·Stage Three, Red Scarf followers can learn a powerful Divine Art—Red Scarf Soul!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he gains this art, Deng Yu tang can escape his current awkward position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a small scale, Divine Art·Red Scarf Soul gives Deng Yu tang the confidence to overcome stronger foes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a grand scale—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Scarf Soul—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>is the very capital Red Scarf followers use to defy their superiors!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This art allows Red Scarf followers to enter a frenzy state, drastically boosting all physical attributes in a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The increase is especially staggering!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why Jiang Ruyi insisted on waiting for Deng Yu tang’s advancement before challenging Stream Realm Evil Dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who among the faithful doesn’t know the power of “Red Scarf Soul”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, alright, I believe you,” Lu Ran laughed. “Then let’s level up first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, Lu Ran’s body stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a faint sensation—as if some invisible force had quietly merged into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran?” Jiang Ruyi, perceptive as always, noticed his oddness. “What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s eyes grew slightly vacant; a strange vision had surfaced in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mist-shrouded realm where demonic statues stood in layers of fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul of the recently slain Evil Dog drifted into the “Demonic Statue Garden” and was sucked into a massive dog statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha, Xiang Xianyang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After our last meeting, you’re no longer pretending, are you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm down,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll go collect the soul now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1749,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","dfa265aa16539336a32171167c3761ff6c1cc6d6e72e04eebf9d857d4c92e7e2","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-49","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-47",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]