Chapter 673: Yes, I Have Returned to the Human Realm

On the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the mist gradually dispersed.

By the sea cliff, Lu Ran was diligently meditating in cultivation when he suddenly sensed a change in his surroundings and immediately opened his eyes.

He looked up at the sky, feeling only that the sunlight was becoming increasingly blinding.

It seems Bai Lao has succeeded!

Should I bind him with the Pseudo-God·Curse Master Divine Sculpture?

But the souls of deceased Curse Master believers are hard to come by; alas, what a headache.

"Ugh~~~" Lu Ran stretched vigorously, turned his head slightly, and spoke to the empty air, "Notify everyone to assemble in the hall for a meeting."

【Yes.】 Yan Yan Shuangzi responded in a deep voice.

Since returning from the Human Realm to Cloud Sea Cliff, Lu Ran had not yet seen his soldiers.

He wondered if the God-Seeking General desired the Sea Serpent Yemo Yemo Xiesu.

As for Generals Feng and Yan, who would become the Barbarous Land Female Drought Demon, and who would become the Western Wasteland?

Back in the Human Realm, after Xiang Xiang Xianyang provided guidance, Lu Ran had already activated the Pseudo-God Stone Sculpture·Western Wasteland.

At this moment, the Western Wasteland Divine Sculpture stood at the Named River Estuary Realm, Fourth Stage!

The reason this divine sculpture reached such a realm was solely because Lu Ran had struck it rich during his previous visit to Ten Thousand Blades Mountain.

At that time, Lu Ran happened to arrive just as Peng Zhanglao of Ten Thousand Desolate Mountain led a team to annex the Vast Sea Gang, resulting in a fierce battle between the two sides.

When Lu Ran arrived, he saw corpses littering the ground; he absorbed the souls of over twenty deceased Western Wasteland believers at the Named River Estuary Realm, and later, while rescuing Jiangjiang Ruyi, he personally beheaded Peng Zhanglao of the Sea Realm.

What a pity; that old fellow was neglectful of his proper duties!

Despite staying in the mountains for so long, he was surprisingly poor.

In contrast, Luo Luo Tiantu and his wife from Sky Disciple Mountain had directly boosted Lu Ran's Master Yu Fu divine sculpture to the Sea Realm, Third Stage!

Peng Zhanglao, equally a noble figure of the Sea Realm and an elder of a great sect, had brought over twenty Western Wasteland believers of the Named River Estuary Realm to nourish the stone sculpture together, yet this only brought the Western Wasteland Divine Sculpture to the Named River Estuary Realm, Fourth Stage.

Truly...

He must have been too busy indulging himself and tyrannizing others.

"After subduing the Wu Sheng faction, we must also put Ten Thousand Desolate Mountain on the agenda," Lu Ran pondered silently.

At the same time, upon receiving the Sect Master's command, everyone rushed toward the Assembly Hall.

The first to arrive were Jiangjiang Ruyi and the others, who had been notified earlier.

As the Lady of the Ran Sect, Jiangjiang Ruyi was originally in no hurry, but since Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was particularly curious, the group arrived first.

"Tsk tsk~ So this is the Assembly Hall!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi examined the massive structure, looking at the rows of seats on the left and right inside the hall, feeling their exquisite craftsmanship was no inferior to furniture in the Human Realm.

"How magnificent." Niu Niu Zhengzheng gazed at the luxurious desk deep within the hall, his eyes landing on the Sect Master's throne.

During Bai Yan's promotion period, Niu Niu Zhengzheng had successfully broken through, reaching the Named River Estuary Realm, Third Stage.

After emerging from the seclusion chamber, he returned to Cloud Sea Residence to report for duty under the guidance of the Shadow Guard.

Due to the thick fog and the cliff's state of high alert, Jiangjiang Ruyi had temporarily kept Niu Niu Zhengzheng behind to guard the home and courtyard.

Jiangjiang Ruyi also knew Niu Niu Zhengzheng's position within the Ran Sect: he was the personal bodyguard Lu Ran had arranged for Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi.

She had also heard that Lu Ran, finding one Ox-Head insufficient, planned to arrange a Horse-Face for little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi as well.

After touring the place, Niu Niu Zhengzheng consciously took a seat at the very end, eagerly awaiting the comrades who were about to arrive.

However, the first person to walk in made Niu Niu Zhengzheng's eyes widen in shock.

This...?

Isn't this Feng'er?

"Oh?" Xue Xue Fengchen was also slightly bewildered, looking at Niu Niu Zhengzheng's eyes, which were as large as bronze bells.

Where did this black-faced fellow come from?

Fierce and menacing, yet his aura is quite impressive.

"Who are you?" A tall woman followed Xue Xue Fengchen inside and also spotted the unfamiliar burly man.

Divine sects each have their own unique characteristics.

Take the Xihuangyi Sect, for example!

Xue Xue Fengchen and Niu Niu Zhengzheng were truly one more towering and robust than the other.

Even Gao Gao Yunyan, though female, was of the tall and sturdy type, unlike ordinary frail women.

"I brought him back." From a distance, a cold voice drifted over.

Generals Feng and Yan turned to look and immediately bowed respectfully: "Lady!"

Niu Niu Zhengzheng secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

Ever since promoting to the Named River Estuary Realm, Third Stage, he had been somewhat carried away with pride!

But after coming face-to-face with Generals Feng and Yan, Niu Niu Zhengzheng's heart nearly leaped out of his throat.

In truth, he was mentally prepared, knowing that the Ran Sect soldiers would be very strong!

After all, these people were all Brother Ran's subordinates.

But the impact exerted by the Western Wasteland believers was too immense; Niu Niu Zhengzheng could only endure it stiffly, straightening his posture even more.

The few people who entered afterward did make Niu Niu Zhengzheng breathe a sigh of relief; both the He Tangzhu of Yumotang and the He Tangzhu of Flying Immortal Hall were at the Named River Estuary Realm.

But soon, another icy gaze swept over.

"Gulp." Niu Niu Zhengzheng swallowed hard; his heart, which had just settled, shot up fiercely again.

Another Sea Realm expert!

And not just any, but three vast seas combined!

Niu Niu Zhengzheng somewhat regretted sitting at the very end, as everyone entering the Assembly Hall would see him first!

Xiang Xiang Luoying looked curiously at the burly man sitting upright, Xun Xun Yifei likewise examined him with a scrutinizing gaze, while only Shangguan Hongfu showed no interest, quickly walking into the hall to greet the Lady of the Ran Sect.

Until a floor-to-ceiling mirror opened, and everyone in the hall immediately rose to greet whoever emerged, only to find it was not the Sect Master.

But rather General Qin?

For a moment, everyone was utterly bewildered.

The sight made Jiangjiang Ruyi struggle to suppress her laughter.

And as Lu Yuan stepped out from within the mirror, Niu Niu Zhengzheng felt every hair on his body stand on end!

What the hell!

What kind of thing is this?

Niu Niu Zhengzheng was having a hard time, and little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi and little Tian Tian were equally breathless.

Several days ago, Leng Xuanshuang had already entered secluded cultivation, striving to break through to the Sea Realm as soon as possible.

Jiangjiang Ruyi had specifically brought Tian Tian along to meet everyone, leaving Liuhuo at home.

Originally, Tian Tian had been quite happy to stay by Sister Jiang Ruyi's side, but as more and more people filled the hall, she grew increasingly panicked.

"Don't be afraid; you can stand a bit behind the chair," Jiangjiang Ruyi said, looking at Tian Tian.

"Mm," Tian Tian replied in a low voice, feeling somewhat dejected.

She desperately wanted to protect the goddess in her heart, yet the reality was that she still had to hide behind the goddess and seek shelter.

"Sect Master!"

"Sect Master!" Voices rang out one after another, jolting the self-pitying Tian Tian back to awareness.

"Sit, everyone, sit." Lu Ran appeared behind the writing desk, smiling and nodding at the crowd.

Just then, the Bai family members arrived.

Or perhaps they should be called the Deng family?

Deng Deng Yuxiang and Bai Yanhui, bringing Deng Yutang with them, walked together into the Council Hall.

Seeing this scene, Niu Niu Zhengzheng couldn't help but feel pity for Deng Yutang.

Poor Brother Deng.

Even I, at the third stage of the Jiang Jing, can't lift my head! You're only at the Jiang Jing; how are you supposed to survive!

"Congratulations, Elder Bai!" Lu Ran said with a smile. "Didn't you cultivate a bit more to consolidate your foundation?"

Unexpectedly, Bai Yanhui adjusted his robes and performed a deep, solemn bow. "Thank you, Sect Master!"

His aged voice was low and powerful.

It echoed throughout the vast Council Hall.

Elder Bai might be thanking Lu Ran for saving him in the past, allowing him to live long enough to see his blood relatives.

Or perhaps he was thanking Lu Ran for granting Bai Bai Manni a Yemo Yemo Xiesu, giving the Bai family's descendants a divine position.

Or maybe...

It was both.

The smile on Lu Ran's face faded slightly as he nodded toward Deng Yutang.

Deng Yutang hurriedly helped support his grandfather.

Alas, a Jiang Jing lackey simply lacked the strength to support a Sea Realm expert.

"Please sit first, Elder Bai," Lu Ran said.

"Yes." Only then did Bai Yanhui rise, leading Deng Yutang to take their seats.

Lu Ran looked helplessly at Deng Deng Yuxiang: 【Why bring Young Master Deng here?】

【To let him get to know his comrades-in-arms.】 Deng Deng Yuxiang, seated in the first chair of the left row, lifted her eyes to look at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran: "..."

Having a sister like you, your brother is truly cursed with bad luck!

People might not believe it if said aloud: within the Ran Sect's Council Hall, those at the Jiang Jing and those at the Heaven Realm can, in certain aspects, be considered equal!

Both have only one...

Lu Ran watched the grandfather and grandson take their seats, noting how Bai Yanhui kept Deng Yutang close by his side, and couldn't help but nod inwardly.

Is Elder Bai treating this grandson-in-law very well?

Things have taken a turn for the better, it seems~

If the older sister doesn't care, there is still the grandfather's love.

Lu Ran glanced around at everyone; apart from Sister Sister Xian, who was in secluded cultivation seeking a breakthrough, the upper echelons of the Ran Sect were nearly all present.

At the same time, he realized that the looks everyone directed at him were becoming increasingly fervent!

The array of unfamiliar faces inevitably sparked speculation among the Ran Sect generals.

The attire of Niu Niu Zhengzheng, Deng Yutang, Tian Tian, and the others did conform to local customs, yet at a single glance, everyone could tell they were flowers grown in a greenhouse!

That young man, so intimately connected with Bai Yanhui, was pitifully weak; he simply did not deserve to be thrown by the gods into this Holy Spirit Mountain!

And the young girl standing behind the Ran Sect Lady also seemed completely out of place here.

So... the answer seemed quite obvious.

Were these unfamiliar young men and women all brought back to the mountains by the Sect Master from Great Xia?

Has the Sect Master returned to the mortal world?!

And Lu Ran's words soon confirmed everyone's suspicions.

Sitting behind the writing desk, he called out: "He Tangzhu Shangguan."

"Sect Master." Shangguan Hongfu rose from the ranks and stepped forward, bowing respectfully with clasped hands.

"This is my younger sister, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi." Lu Ran reached a hand to the side, and little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi hurriedly stepped forward. "I intend for her to serve as your deputy; I trouble you, He Tangzhu Shangguan, to nurture her well for me."

"Yes!" Shangguan Hongfu immediately accepted the order.

"Additionally, apart from you, I intend for the rest of the Lantern disciples to shift their devotion to the Evil God·Black Lantern; what are your thoughts?" Lu Ran asked again.

Now that Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi had entered the mountain, Lu Ran no longer needed to handle the Lantern sect with kid gloves.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was the true body of the Pseudo-God·Black Lantern; this move meant having the entire Fushou Hall devote themselves to her.

"I will follow the Sect Master's arrangements entirely," Shangguan Hongfu replied crisply, completely adhering to Lu Ran's decree.

Lu Ran nodded in satisfaction, then looked toward the last seat at the end of the hall: "Niu Zhengzheng."

"Sect Master!" Niu Niu Zhengzheng mimicked Shangguan Hongfu's manner, rising to step forward, his voice as rough as a broken gong yet remarkably loud.

"From now on, you will stay with little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, just as before, and help me protect her well." A gentle smile graced Lu Ran's face.

"Yes!" Niu Niu Zhengzheng shouted in response, masking the tremor in his voice.

Lu Ran pressed his hand down, signaling Niu Niu Zhengzheng to sit, then said, "General Phoenix, General Swallow."

The two immediately rose and stepped forward.

Lu Ran pointed to the side where Bai Yan stood: "That is my brother, Deng Yutang, also the younger biological brother of Protector Nightmare; once he advances to the Jiang Jing, he will join your Law Enforcement Hall."

He introduced Deng Yutang and Tian Tian, then began chatting with everyone about matters concerning the Pear Garden Sect.

"Currently, Protector Following the Dragon and Emperor Martial Heaven have done excellent work on infiltration, already winning over a group of people."

Lu Ran paused briefly, then added, "Everyone, tighten up; the Ran Sect is now officially entering a state of war readiness. Emperor Martial Heaven will launch his uprising soon, and Mr. Following the Dragon may summon us at any moment."

Upon hearing this, the most excited were undoubtedly Generals Phoenix and Swallow.

Especially Xue Xue Fengchen, whose heart longing to conquer the world had been stifled for far too long.

"There's nothing else; mainly introducing the newcomers and informing you of the war preparations... Oh, right!" Lu Ran suddenly remembered something, "Tomorrow, I need to make a trip to the Ghost Moon Fox Clan's headquarters."

Saying this, he glanced at the assembled elite troops and strong generals.

Under Deng Deng Yuxiang's gloomy gaze, he spoke: "General Luo, you will accompany me on this trip tomorrow."

"Yes!"

Deng Deng Yuxiang: "..."

Lu Ran slowly rose to his feet: "I know what you are all thinking."

His gaze swept across the entire hall, his soft words striking everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer:

"Yes, I have returned to the Human Realm."

In an instant, a "stormy sea" surged within the Assembly Hall!

The hall remained very silent, yet inside each person, vast oceans of emotion churned violently, greatly affecting the surrounding atmosphere.

Pairs of blazing eyes fixed tightly on Lu Ran, as if gazing up at a deity.

A savior!

"Elder Lu sent me back," Lu Ran finished speaking, and everyone turned their gaze in unison.

Lu Yuan's expression remained unchanged, showing no reaction.

Lu Ran said in a deep voice, "This method of smuggling across is not permitted by the gods.

While in the Human Realm, I was like a rat in the sewers, unable to see the light of day."

Everyone's faces instantly showed shock, staring blankly at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran continued, "The so-called correct route home, the path set for us by the gods, is through the heavens.

And from the number of humans who have managed to return to the Human Realm, you can also see

that the gods never intended for us to return alive."

These faint words made the atmosphere in the hall grow even heavier.

Lu Ran gestured to the elder below the hall: "Elder Lu has returned before and nearly been executed by the gods."

"Indeed," Lu Yuan finally spoke, confirming it, "The Dust Shadow did not allow me to go home; had I not desperately teleported back, my life would have already been taken by the Dust Shadow."

The words of this Heaven Realm expert made everyone's hearts sink even deeper.

Yes, how could the gods possibly allow us to return?

We know so many secrets; once revealed, the lies woven jointly by gods and demons would be exposed...

"Do not lose heart," Lu Ran spoke. "So what if the gods do not permit it?"

One and all raised their heads, looking toward the young sect master behind the desk.

The youth in the imperial robe looked solemn: "Our target has always been the gods and demons themselves, has it not?"

"Correct!" Gao Yanyan nodded heavily.

"Yes, it was always them," Xue Xue Fengchen said, his tiger-like eyes shining brightly.

"Therefore, there is no need to be sad." A smile returned to Lu Ran's face. "During this return, I resolved some confusions and made some progress in my cultivation.

Seeker Phoenix, Seeker Swallow, the three of you stay behind for a moment."

Having said this, he looked toward the Lady of the Ran Sect seated to the side: "Do you have anything to instruct?"

Jiangjiang Ruyi's gaze swept over everyone present, her voice icy: "What happened today must not be leaked. Sect Master Lu is willing to tell you a little, to give you a source of motivation.

You must recognize your own status and cherish everything you possess."

"Yes!"

"Yes!" Everyone rose in unison to respond.

Four thousand words; requesting some monthly votes.

(End of Chapter)