Chapter 851: Shattered Dao Heart

What is her cultivation level? Lu Ran gazed at the subtly agitated Yan Shuangzi and whispered a question.

River Realm, Fifth Stage. Deng Yuxiang also looked down at Yan Shuangzi, her emotions complicated.

What?

River Realm? Fifth Stage?

Lu Ran had certainly noticed Yan Shuangzi's energy fluctuation was weak, but he'd always assumed it was due to her frail body.

He never imagined she was actually at River Realm.

Not long ago, Yan Shuangzi was a match for Deng Yuxiang!

In fact, she had once surpassed Deng Yuxiang.

When Deng Yuxiang returned to her hometown and stayed in the small Rain Alley City, Yan Shuangzi remained in North Wind City.

Not everyone had the privilege to stay in the sacred land.

There, the Divine's true form resided; the energy of heaven and earth was extraordinarily dense, and senior sect members generously offered guidance—naturally offering far greater prospects for advancement!

The facts proved Yan Shuangzi had indeed advanced well.

She became the only one to successfully challenge the Divine Ruins, and unquestionably the top young talent of the North Wind faction!

But look at her now!

Deng Yuxiang had reached River Realm, Fourth Stage, with a stable heart, steadily advancing toward the peak of River Realm.

Yan Shuangzi was merely a pitiful River Realm, Fifth Stage.

She dropped down a stage, Deng Yuxiang said with a complex gaze. Shuangzi once reached River Realm, Second Stage—but that was long ago.

Hearing this, Lu Ran's heart grew heavier.

Deng Yuxiang bent down and gently stroked Yan Shuangzi's back. She said that when she first entered this world, she was busy just surviving.

She fled and hid for an unknown length of time, with neither time nor energy to think deeply.

Until one day, she luckily encountered a North Wind disciple and joined their group back to Blade Ridge Peak, where she trained and grew for a while amid countless lies and deceptions.

Later, she confirmed beyond doubt that the Divine and the Demons were in league.

Her faith shattered; she sank into despair and drifted aimlessly for a long time.

Lu Ran listened silently, deeply moved.

Yan Shuangzi's Dao heart had shattered.

At the moment she severed the pact, she must have suffered severe backlash and massive damage.

Her foundation was already weakened; afterward, she survived only through constant suppression, imprisonment, and torment—how could her cultivation level possibly hold steady?

River Realm.

This realm imposes low demands on a believer's heart.

In other words, Yan Shuangzi had nowhere further to fall—this was where her decline finally stopped.

Are you pitying me? Yan Shuangzi suddenly spoke.

Deng Yuxiang's hand froze.

She had unconsciously smoothed Yan Shuangzi's back, then accidentally rubbed her head.

Any other River Realm cultivator daring to speak to a River Realm master like this would be asking for death!

But Deng Yuxiang did not anger; instead, she apologized: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.

When had the ever-dominant Great Nightmare ever spoken so humbly?

Today, Lu Ran witnessed it.

Yet he could understand Deng Yuxiang's psychology.

After all, Deng Yuxiang and Yan Shuangzi were fundamentally the same kind of person.

Deng Yuxiang knew better than anyone that pity was a profound humiliation for both of them!

Deng Yuxiang gripped Yan Shuangzi's arm. I'm not pitying you, she said. I feel sorrow for you.

Yan Shuangzi did not rise. She bit her lip, silent.

Get up, Lu Ran said, gesturing casually. The Jingye Dao flew to him, sheathed.

Only then did Yan Shuangzi stand.

From this small gesture, it seemed she had already accepted something in her heart.

She was indeed the same kind of person as the Great Nightmare.

Lu Ran handed her the Jingye Dao. You've already forged a pact with the Evil Hound Sculpture—you now have ears, a nose. I lend you one eye.

Jingye, as a divine weapon, possesses a unique perspective on the world.

As long as Yan Shuangzi holds the blade, its spirit can transmit information to her.

Jingye's nature is quiet; Lu Ran couldn't ask for much—just a timely warning when it matters most would suffice.

In temperament, Lu Ran would have preferred to lend the Xiaguang Dao.

But the Xiaguang Dao has a domain!

In this dangerous world, Lu Ran might activate the Divine Weapon Domain: Auspicious Clouds at any moment.

And Jingye Dao—

It was still blocked at the path's entrance by another divine or demonic weapon, forbidden from delving deeper into its path.

No one knew where that blade might be.

Lu Ran lent Yan Shuangzi the divine weapon for another reason: she was a swordsman—how could she fight without a proper blade?

Lu Ran had nothing else, but he had many swords!

He spoke: Inside Sacred Spirit Mountain, villains abound. They kill and plunder, and have seized many divine weapons and weapon embryos.

When we seize divine weapons, you'll return this eye to me.

Yes! Yan Shuangzi gripped the Jingye Dao tightly and obeyed.

She knew well the gap between herself and the others.

To join the Ruan Sect on missions, she truly needed a divine weapon as aid.

Deng Yuxiang whispered again: Shuangzi's blade was not lost or damaged—it was assigned by Elder Xing to another North Wind disciple.

Lu Ran's face turned cold. Fine. When we gather enough strength, we'll return and take the blade back!

He paused, then whispered again: I didn't make Yan Shuangzi a master-servant pact. Like you, it's a lineage pact. Talk to her more—share your experiences.

Understood. Can I communicate with Shuangzi via telepathy?

Probably not. You're colleagues, independent individuals. Hmm, why don't you try?

Hmm, I'll try, Deng Yuxiang mused, already forming a conclusion in her mind.

Both were statues within the Sculpture Garden of Gods and Demons, standing within Lu Ran's spiritual realm.

As master, Lu Ran could communicate with each statue.

But between statues themselves—shouldn't there be no connection?

Strengthen your own path, return to River Realm as soon as possible! Lu Ran expressed his hope to Yan Shuangzi. When you reclaim your glory and earn my approval, I'll make you a Guardian.

Who was Yan Shuangzi?

A proud warrior—a mirror of Deng Yuxiang!

Though Lu Ran had little contact with Yan Shuangzi, he knew Deng Yuxiang intimately—he knew exactly how to treat her.

Poor Xian'er was going to have to wait longer again.

Yes! Yan Shuangzi clutched the Jingye Dao with one hand and replied solemnly.

Yu Changsheng, watching silently nearby, nodded inwardly.

Yu Changsheng, who had been silently watching nearby, nodded inwardly.

Mental wounds must be healed by the sect master.

Just then, Lu Ran turned to look. Shall we return?

Yu Changsheng immediately nodded.

He had long realized the young sect master was soft-hearted—likely wanting Luo Ying to return home soon to be with their child.

Though Lu Ran never said it aloud, his actions spoke volumes.

For instance, when he heard thunder in the sky earlier, his first thought was for the child—he urged the couple to send one home to care for their offspring.

At the time, Yu Changsheng thought it was a clever tactic to win loyalty.

Of course, that possibility still couldn't be ruled out.

But Yu Changsheng leaned toward believing it was truly Lu Ran's heartfelt thought.

Nothing to prepare, right? Lu Ran looked over the group. Then let's depart now.

As he spoke, he summoned the ancient bronze mirror.

Yu Changsheng walked with the troops, pondering silently.

Xu Yifei and Luo Ying had finally found a quiet, hidden dwelling—they wouldn't move.

And the Ruan Sect now heavily relied on the couple.

Should they find a coastal base for the Ruan Sect?

With new members joining, the Ruan Sect would only grow stronger.

After all, Lu Ran possessed a unique ability and had demonstrated sufficient charisma.

The Sea Cliff Cave was too small, too crude.

Thinking of this, Yu Changsheng glanced at Luo Ying in the group. You mentioned earlier that two factions from your side had sailed out long ago?

Thinking of this, Yu Changsheng looked at Luo Ying in the team: "You said earlier that there were two factions from your side who set sail long ago?"

'Yes.'

'How is your base coming along?' Yu Changsheng asked as he walked toward the full-length mirror.

Xiang Luoying immediately replied: 'Once we return, I can guide you there to take a look.'

Lu Ran: 'Does Master Long want to establish a foothold by the sea?'

Yu Changsheng nodded with a smile: 'Our forces are growing steadily—we need a proper base of our own. What do you think, Lord Lu?'

Lu Ran nodded in agreement, then summoned another mirror: 'It should be near the coast.'

'Why?' Yu Changsheng asked, puzzled.

The sea is extremely dangerous; a Fury Sea Flame Serpent could emerge at any moment.

'I told you before, Master Long—I can absorb the power of gods and demons.'

'And?' Yu Changsheng's expression turned curious.

Lu Ran smiled mysteriously: 'So if a dark god can do it, so can I.'

Yu Changsheng pondered a moment, then said: 'Please, Lord, clarify.'

Lu Ran shrugged: 'I can create demonic minions.'

Yu Changsheng: 'Ah?'

The others turned, their faces stunned.

Lu Ran looked perfectly at ease: 'I can summon the Night Phantom clan to guard the mountains, and the Ink Carp clan to guard the sea.'

Yu Changsheng:!!!

Lu Ran naturally sensed the stares of the others.

Sigh.

No matter when or where, pulling out a plastic bag always brings deep comfort.

It's just so soothing~

Lu Ran continued: 'So far, the power I've absorbed from the Dark God Ink Carp is the greatest.'

'I can summon the River Realm Ink Carp!'

Yu Changsheng caught on: 'So Lord Lu plans to have the Ink Carp clan occupy a stretch of sea—to guard our base while helping you gather Sacred Spirit Qi?'

'Exactly!' Lu Ran nodded.

Yu Changsheng fell silent, processing this astonishing revelation.

Yan Shuangzi, who had been silently following behind the group, clenched her scabbard tightly.

Even the demons Lu Ran summons are from the River Realm?

Then what about me, a River Realm cultivator...

Yu Changsheng steadied his breath and asked: 'Lord, how many demonic minions can you summon at once?'

Lu Ran hesitated: 'To be honest, Master, I've never summoned a large number of demons—I don't know the upper limit yet.'

'I'll test it once we return.'

Yu Changsheng pressed on: 'Is there a distance limit to controlling the demons you summon?'

Lu Ran smiled: 'You misunderstand—I don't control the demons. I command them. There's no distance restriction.'

Yu Changsheng's eyes lit up: 'Absolute loyalty?'

Lu Ran lifted the exquisite ancient bronze mirror, his words stirring the minds of all present, filling them with fervor:

'Of course. I am the Lord of Demons.'

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(End of Chapter)