[{"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-78":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},2362206,4618,"Chapter 78: Rainy Night, Mackerel Cat","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-78",78,"\u003Cp>\"Little Lu Ran\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang turned around, looking down at the boy in the yellow raincoat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Lu Ran dared to face the nightmare head-on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strode up the steps, pushing Deng Yu Xiang forward: \"Sis, come with me to the rooftop first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang buried her doubts deep within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered now—why everyone had chased them here: because of a unique cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cat’s cry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A month ago, when Deng Yu Xiang and Lu Ran first met on the rooftop, Lu Ran had been searching for a cat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this cat be the one he was looking for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was or wasn’t, this little thing was lucky enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If those people hadn’t been here, this little cat would have been cruelly tortured and torn apart by the two ghost talisman dolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sis?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stopped before the rusted iron gate, gesturing for Deng Yu Xiang to lead the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Long and Wei Hu could become human shields—so could the Great Nightmare!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can’t you hear it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang snorted but cooperated, gripping the cold iron railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rain outside is too loud,\" Lu Ran whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a creaking sound, the old iron gate swung open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang stepped onto the rooftop, scanning warily in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran followed closely, stepping into the torrential rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It really is you!\" Lu Ran exclaimed, both surprised and delighted, striding forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat had already fluffed up its fur, but its coat was soaked, making the hairs lie flat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Ran approached, its eyes filled with terror, it screamed desperately, retreating toward a corner of the rooftop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran immediately stopped, fearing the little cat would jump off the rooftop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it?\" Deng Yu Xiang stepped beside Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Probably,\" Lu Ran knelt on one knee, softly calling, \"Mee~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tabby cat froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it didn’t remember Lu Ran, but the tabby surely remembered this unique sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it forgot the call, the Divine Art: Sound of Compassion would surely elicit the proper response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mee~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran curled his fingers slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the rain, the tiny tabby cat limped painfully toward Lu Ran, drenched and broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For ordinary creatures, the Divine Art was a crushing dimensional advantage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sound of Compassion was meant to be a soft control, yet it forcibly reversed the tabby’s will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still terrified, the little cat staggered forward, trying to offer Lu Ran comfort and protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little tabby cat softly mewed, extending its pink tongue to lick Lu Ran’s fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran rubbed its wet little head, speaking the same words he’d said during their first meeting:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you alone too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same words, bringing the same scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little tabby cat suddenly rolled onto its side, one paw nudging Lu Ran’s fingers, as if pulling him closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was Lu Ran who froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow~ Meow~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The poor little tabby cat could barely walk, trembling with every step—no doubt it had suffered terribly this night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet that tiny paw stubbornly nudged Lu Ran’s fingers, trying to soothe this pitiful human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran slowly lifted his head, astonished and delighted: \"It really is you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang looked at the boy’s smiling face beneath his hood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fleeting moment, she too was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this night of the fifteenth lunar month, such a smile shouldn’t exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood, slaughter, cries and wails—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These should be the symphony of this night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t that right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm,\" Deng Yu Xiang nodded gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She who had slaughtered through the night was usually icy-faced, yet her piercing gaze had softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the rooftop, the others had also witnessed this tender scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zhengfang couldn’t help shaking his head with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Lu Ran joined this team, he’d given them too many surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was a warrior—and also a candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combat power, combat will, and other traits were, of course, key evaluation criteria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in this long night of slaughter,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he could lift a cold blade and slay demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could also kneel down to comfort the weak and helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zhengfang was already looking forward to it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reporting Lu Ran’s performance tonight in full detail to the Bureau, how high would his score be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of extraordinary evaluation would Lu Ran receive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Rain Alley City,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a truly remarkable believer has emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time, you’re not getting away,\" Lu Ran picked up the little tabby cat, yanked open his raincoat, and tucked it into his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come with me,\" he said aloud, but inwardly, he had already decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little tabby cat,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>you think you can refuse to come with me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mee~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran let out another soft call, sealing his \"cat-napping plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang: \"We can’t take it into battle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran looked up and saw the Great Nightmare’s expression softened—he guessed she didn’t intend to separate owner and pet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Deng Yu Xiang whispered: \"During patrol, find a household and leave the cat there for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tonight ends, you can go get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood,\" Lu Ran had no objections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve never raised a cat before, have you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No,\" Lu Ran shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang reached into Lu Ran’s chest, her fingertip tapping the tabby cat’s nose: \"It’s clear it’s suffered greatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stray cats are tougher, but you’d better get someone to help care for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm,\" Lu Ran agreed wholeheartedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention what the little tabby cat endured before meeting them—just this rainstorm alone was enough to break it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you waiting for?\" Deng Yu Xiang locked eyes with Lu Ran. \"While your superiors haven’t issued orders yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s heart stirred—he immediately turned to look at the attending physician.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Zhengfang was a good man—at least, good to Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Lu Ran’s gaze and smiled, palm already glowing with green light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vibrant life force within it made Lu Ran’s eyes gleam; he hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Ran handed the tabby cat to Sun Zhengfang, a slender arm wrapped around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, Lu Ran was choked from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang stepped forward, forcing Lu Ran to lean back, retreating step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Nightmare's tone had lost its gentleness: \"Now, let’s talk about you digging into my ears.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No no no, I was just joking!\" Lu Ran hurriedly said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me, how did you hear it?\" Deng Yu Xiang loosened her grip slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran fell silent for a long while, then muttered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe heroes always emerge young.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang: \".\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nearly laughed in anger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran whispered, “The old saying goes that only young boys are allowed, not young girls.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang placed one foot on the rooftop railing and looked down: “Thinking of jumping again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang suddenly realized she’d been so angry she’d lost her senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d meant to say “bungee jumping,” but for some reason, those two words slipped out. Oh right!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That morning, in the car, Lu Ran had sung those lyrics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than ten minutes later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of an auto repair shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the small marmalade cat, Lu Ran knocked on the shop’s window under the watchful eyes of his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it, Lu Ran?” Chang Ying said, surprised, looking out the window at her classmate. “Are you hurt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to just a few hours ago, Lu Ran was now soaked through and in a sorry state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you do me a favor?” Lu Ran handed over the marmalade cat. “Take care of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll come back for it after the fifteenth night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!” Chang Ying carefully took the kitten and held it close. “Did you just rescue it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the marmalade cat was fast asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chang Ying’s arms were clearly warmer, softer, and more comfortable than Lu Ran’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her sleep, the kitten softly mewled, nuzzling her head against the warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks so much. Go back inside,” Lu Ran smiled and nodded, then turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rattling~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden crisp sound made Lu Ran stop in his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to see Chang Ying holding the marmalade cat in one arm, and in the other, shaking a divination cylinder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just two or three seconds, a spiritual oracle slip floated out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both looked up—the ethereal oracle slip hovered in midair, slowly spinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Written on it in large characters: SHANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was pleasantly surprised: “You’re not kidding me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chang Ying, equally astonished, gazed up at the oracle slip and shook her head vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could such a divine art be faked?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Ran?” A voice called from far behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coming!” Lu Ran stepped backward, waving goodbye to Chang Ying with a smile, then turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chang Ying took a step forward, watching the figure in the yellow raincoat vanish into the endless night rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1480,"2026-06-21T06:12:58.056Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6af7941027e27345fd099f526f72cdeafda974099d4b9ab16fc43dfd13bc62fa","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-79","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-77",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]