Chapter 909: The Demon

Lu Ran honored his promise, delivered the Nine-Ring Golden Chan Staff to He Qi, then swiftly returned to Yunhai Cliff.

Afterwards, Lu Ran plunged into the meditation chamber and sat cross-legged with Deng Yu, delving deep into their insights.

Several days later, on a night when Lu Ran's face betrayed unmistakable disappointment, Deng Yu kicked him out of the stone chamber.

His ambitious heart was doused in icy water.

From head to toe.

Deng Yu's path was crystal clear—and in some ways, she was even more resolute, even more unwavering than Lu Ran!

Yet advancing to the Sea Realm was no simple matter.

Talent, effort, insight, and luck—all were indispensable.

Those who became great masters naturally had effort as their baseline.

Deng Yu had already bound herself to Yemo Xie, with profound integration—her talent was top-tier.

In insight, Deng Yu possessed both sufficient height and depth.

Once rooted in the tiny Rain Lane City, she now had the vision and the right to expand the concept of "hometown" to encompass all of the mortal world.

The path Deng Yu had firmly chosen, and the ambition burning within her, reached even the realm of gods and demons.

Lu Ran did not believe her insight was insufficient.

It seemed she simply lacked a touch of luck.

No one knew when that elusive "flash of spiritual illumination" would finally descend.

"Hmph."

In the pitch-black forest, Lu Ran stood at the cave entrance, surveying the silent night.

Great Nightmare. You're heartless!

I've spent day and night debating with you, driven mad trying to help you advance—and you tell me to go home and sleep?

I'm your sect master, and you just kick me out like that?

Fine. Heng, I won't sleep!

Lu Ran's figure flickered, appearing at the sea cliff.

The moon shone bright, stars sparse, wind gentle, sea vast.

He closed his eyes, letting the salty sea breeze brush his face, and gradually, his agitation faded.

After a long while, Lu Ran shook his head and smiled.

His impatience—still uncorrected, after all.

There was nothing to be done.

The temptation of personally cultivating a Sea Realm cultivator was simply too great.

Yet "spiritual illumination" didn't come on demand—even when you were perfectly prepared, you still had to wait for the right moment.

"Splish-splash~"

Lu Ran opened his eyes, listening to the waves crash against the rocks, gazing far into the night horizon.

Then let Nightmare and Mad Immortal have ample time to gain insight within the cliff!

I'll lead a small team out to sea—to seek Immortal Isles, gather spiritual energy, nurture divine sculptures—without neglecting either.

If they suddenly enter breakthrough mode, we've got the Evil Art: Mirror Flower, Moon Reflection—just a few teleports back, and we're there.

Lu Ran pondered inwardly, calling in his mind: 【Evil Shadow, go fetch Master Conglong.】

【Yes.】

Lu Ran sat down, dangling his legs over the cliff's edge, swaying lazily.

Moments later, Yu Changsheng arrived behind him, half-asleep: "Sect Master."

"Sorry to disturb your rest," Lu Ran didn't turn.

Yu Changsheng's gaze was distant, yet his words contradicted his expression: "No, no.

If the Sect Master summoned me in the dead of night, it must be something important!"

"Nothing major," Lu Ran lowered his head, watching the spray leap from the sea rocks. "I've debated with Nightmare for days.

Haven't seen you in a while. Missed you."

Yu Changsheng:???

Lu Ran suddenly turned, looking up at the man: "Don't you miss me?"

Yu Changsheng's lips twitched awkwardly.

For a moment, he didn't know how to answer.

"Hehe~" Lu Ran grinned. "I plan to set sail tomorrow. What do you think?"

Yu Changsheng finally exhaled in relief, though his eyes held a hint of wounded reproach: "The Sect Master is finally leaving the sea."

"Yes," Lu Ran nodded lightly. "Find the Nijing Demon, gather Holy Spirit Qi, and also search the distant seas for the Merfolk."

"Merfolk," Yu Changsheng mused.

Lu Ran nodded gently: "I intend to infiltrate their ranks, plug my own weaknesses, and never fear water techniques again.

I'll also be able to summon the Merfolk to assist the Mo Li clan, solidifying our control over this sea."

"Excellent!" Yu Changsheng nodded immediately.

Lu Ran hummed, continuing: "Nightmare and Mad Immortal are both striving for insight and breakthroughs. They need guardians.

Who do you think I should take with me?"

Yu Changsheng paused, then said: "Most of our people aren't skilled in sea combat. I suggest you take me and Xun."

Lu Ran nodded inwardly.

Yu Changsheng added: "Evil Shadow, who has always followed you, must stay behind."

The Evil Dog Art: Evil Awareness was essential for Yan Shuangzi's survival and combat.

Yet the Merfolk possess the Sound Technique: Merfolk Song!

It's excruciatingly piercing!

Physically, it causes unbearable headaches; spiritually, it induces panic, confusion, and paralysis.

Someone like Yan Shuangzi venturing into the open sea would be in grave danger.

"Hm?" Lu Ran frowned slightly, sensing a flicker of malevolent energy.

Clearly, Yan Shuangzi was deeply displeased with Yu Changsheng's words.

Yu Changsheng seemed unaware, standing motionless.

"Tamp down the hostility," Lu Ran said.

The cliff area instantly returned to normal—the sea breeze blew calmly, the atmosphere serene once more.

Lu Ran was stunned.

Yan Shuangzi, Yan Shuangzi—you really dare?

You, a beginner Sea Realm cultivator, dare treat Yu Changsheng, a Sea Realm Stage Four, like that?

Hmm… you've got a bit of my flair!

A few months ago, when I faced Jian Yi and Yu Fu of the Sea Realm, I charged straight at them too~

"How about you stay here at Yunhai Cliff too," Lu Ran suddenly said.

Yu Changsheng spoke softly: "Sect Master, I know you care for your guardians' safety, but our guard forces are strong, with the Luo Shen General stationed here.

If trouble arises, you can open the bronze mirror several times—we'll be back in no time."

Lu Ran nodded inwardly—great minds think alike.

Yu Changsheng intensified his tone: "Sect Master, your safety is paramount."

"Alright. Go rest, Master. We depart at dawn," Lu Ran readily agreed.

"Yes." Yu Changsheng bowed and turned to leave—but after a few steps, he stopped. "Sect Master, get some sleep too.

Once you leave, who knows how long until you rest peacefully again."

Lu Ran casually flopped backward, gazing at the night sky: "I'll sleep here tonight."

Watching Lu Ran's carefree demeanor, Yu Changsheng smiled silently.

A few months ago, Lu Ran had stood here, quietly grieving, missing home.

Now…

Whether Lu Ran still missed home or not, he certainly looked carefree on the surface.

Perhaps this is what growth truly is.

The night passed in silence. At dawn the next day,

Lu Ran arranged all affairs within the cliff, instructed Nightmare and Mad Immortal to focus deeply on their insights, then, amid the farewell of his troops, activated an ancient bronze mirror.

The captive had said there were many islands at sea; the island where Nijing Demons appeared? Just sail east.

Lu Ran faced the rising sun and activated the Evil Art: Mirror Flower, Moon Reflection.

After leaving the sea area controlled by the nine great fish, the trio prepared to dive into the ocean.

This journey wasn't just about finding islands—it was a killing expedition!

Mo Li, the Fisherman, Merfolk—all aquatic demons, Lu Ran wanted them all!

"Xun!" Lu Ran stepped out of the teleportation mirror, facing the Shenjiang of the Sect. "We're entering the sea now. Any advice?"

Xun Yifei was a sea combat expert—asking him was always wise.

Xun Yifei hovered in midair, his divine weapon in hand: "Since the Sect Master wishes to slay as many demons as possible, once we enter the sea, we advance in a triangular formation.

I lead the front, you and Conglong flank me behind, deploying your techniques to maximize our sensory range."

"Good!" Lu Ran immediately nodded.

Xun Yifei pointed his divine weapon downward and plunged straight into the sea.

Now, Lu Ran knew the name of this three-pronged, double-edged blade—Feipu Liuquan.

This name matched its divine weapon domain's effect perfectly!

"Plop!"

"Plop." The trio plunged into the sea and quickly formed a formation.

Xun Yifei led the way, clearing the path for the team.

Lu Ran immediately released countless illusory Xiao Mo Li.

Yu Changsheng summoned the Qiyu Li, and since they needed to move quickly, he held the pale golden Long Li close to his chest.

Golden rain fell vertically through the sea.

Though called rain, these were in fact slender beams shaped like raindrops—this perception technique remained unaffected by the environment.

Lu Ran and Yu Changsheng were both wrapped in delicate, flowing veils—one black, one gold—positioned behind and to either side, following Xun Yifei.

After traveling for a long while, they saw no signs of demonic presence.

In this vast ocean, finding a demonic tribe was no easy task.

"Gurgle~"

Bored, Lu Ran released a small bubble.

Honestly, Lu Ran had no real sense of movement through water.

The black veil curled in beautiful spiral patterns around his body; he floated as if in outer space, weightless, with no sensation of swimming.

He felt no suffocation—the black veil provided all conditions necessary for survival.

Just as Lu Ran was about to signal the other two to ascend and check their direction, he suddenly sensed that one of the illusory Xiao Mo Li had touched something.

Lu Ran whirled his head toward the lower right.

There was nothing there.

Nothing?

What the hell!

Your own Xiao Mo Li touched you—get out now!

"Whoosh!"

Without hesitation, Lu Ran thrust out his hand and unleashed "White Dragon Probing the Sea."

Well, actually, it was the Jade Face Snake Technique: Immortal Heaven Python!

An illusory white-scaled giant python shot forth, roaring toward the lower right.

"Hum!"

Energy churned, water rippled violently.

Lu Ran's eyes narrowed instantly!

The enemy he had sensed had clearly dodged—but beyond the perception range of the countless Mo Li, his own eyes caught another figure revealed by the python's strike!

The opponent was a handsome young man with long silver-white hair.

A pair of wing-like silver eye patches covered his eyes, giving him an air of mystery.

His upper body was bare, muscular and toned; his lower half was a silver-white fish tail!

The long tail resembled a shimmering, luminous silver gown, swaying gracefully as he moved through the sea.

Not a disciple of Shenming Yanqing.

But a demonic being of the Hai Jiao clan—capable of hiding invisibly in water.

"Damn!" Lu Ran's heart tightened.

When had these bastards caught up?

He didn't know how many were hiding nearby.

Lu Ran quickly shut off the demonic technique: Evil Perception, plunging his vision into darkness.

Dark?

Dark or not—shut it!

If they started singing the Hai Jiao Song, he'd be pinned to death right here in this sea!

(End of Chapter)