[{"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-960":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},2363088,4618,"Chapter 960: Good Fortune Arrives?","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-960",960,"\u003Cp>The sun was high in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a quiet corner of Yunhai Residence, a large bedroom held a man and woman still fast asleep on their bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran emitted a muffled grunt and slowly opened his drowsy eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he finally remembered where he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a barren desert, not a dry, scorching cave on a wasteland mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Yunhai Cliff beneath azure skies and emerald seas, the serene and comfortable Yunhai Residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s taut nerves gradually relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The years of battle on Shengling Mountain had truly worn him down—soon they’d drive him mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned his head and saw a face of exquisite, breathtaking beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her peaceful, sleeping form was especially lovely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran even felt he was dreaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he and Jiang Ruyi had reunited nearly ten days ago, every time he opened his eyes and saw her, he still felt dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the mountain, he had endured every hardship Shengling Mountain inflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, heaven suddenly treated him so kindly—it made Lu Ran feel utterly unreal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm?” Lu Ran suddenly noticed her long eyelashes trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long, rhythmic breathing had also ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she awake, pretending to sleep?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran smiled, leaned forward, and kissed her soft lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.” Jiang Ruyi could no longer pretend; her cheeks flushed deeper, and after a long moment, she pulled away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She propped herself up on one arm, her long black hair sweeping over her shoulders and cascading down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your hair’s grown so long—it’s reached your waist.” Lu Ran’s fingers threaded through the black strands, smoothing them from top to bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yours has grown too.” Jiang Ruyi looked at Lu Ran, her tone gentle. “Shall I cut it for you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her surprise, Lu Ran blurted out: “This is the Shengling Mountain arc—Ran Shen Limited Edition skin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran also sat up, leaning against the headboard, joking: “The straw hat and rain cape are part of the skin too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve got dozens of white robes in my wardrobe—never worn a single one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi turned her gaze to the corner of the bedroom, where a large wardrobe stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shengling Mountain was a remote backwater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the furniture inside Yunhai Residence was surprisingly complete!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each wooden piece, though far from exquisite, was perfectly serviceable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These tables, chairs, beds, and wardrobes all came from “Xun Baba’s” hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike others struggling to survive in Shengling Mountain, Xun Yifei had a complete family, so Xun Baba’s “skill tree” had far more branches unlocked than anyone else’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi grew curious, slipped on her robe, and stepped off the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pale toes lightly touched the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A water-armored veil, thin and faint as a mist, nearly invisible to the naked eye, kept her jade feet spotless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stared, spellbound, at the ethereal, graceful figure, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi opened the wardrobe and indeed found many white robes, each styled differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran snapped back to reality and quickly explained: “I seized all these from Tian Tu Mountain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi thought for a moment and understood Lu Ran’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers brushed over the garments, finally selecting two large white robes, then turned to look at Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to wear them?” Lu Ran asked. “Should I take them to the shore and wash them first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robes were clean enough, but Lu Ran still wanted to wash them thoroughly before wearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi asked: “Don’t you have anything else to do today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran thought: “I’ll go find General Xun later—we’ll pick a site together, bring the Ghost General squad, and build a Feixian Palace inside the cliff.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then go ahead,” Jiang Ruyi said, studying the loose white robes, imagining them draped on Lu Ran. “I’ll go see the sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran hesitated, then suddenly said: “Evil Shadow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master.” Yan Shuangzi appeared silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s fingers tightened slightly on the robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Yan Shuangzi never left?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—she wouldn’t have disobeyed Lu Ran’s orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have returned after last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi pressed her lips together, soothing herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “Could you wash these two robes for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Yan Shuangzi rose and stepped toward Jiang Ruyi, reaching for the robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Ruyi was still dazed—Yan Shuangzi couldn’t take them. She whispered softly: “Madam?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?” Jiang Ruyi looked at the woman with sunken eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without meaning to, Jiang Ruyi’s gaze grew complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam, please give them to me.” Yan Shuangzi whispered her request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.” Jiang Ruyi’s voice was soft as she released the robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuangzi bowed slightly, then vanished in a flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi turned to Lu Ran, her expression reproachful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, however, wore an innocent look: “That Feixian Palace is dedicated to you—let’s pick the site together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi suddenly remembered something, her gaze darkening: “Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, Evil Shadow Protector had called him that too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But back then, Jiang Ruyi had been too flustered to think deeply about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it,” Lu Ran sighed, exasperated. “I’ve corrected her countless times—she’s stubborn as hell. In public, she at least calls me ‘Menzhu.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, even with others around, she can’t stop herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I forcibly changed her protector title—she originally insisted on calling herself ‘Evil Dog.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t change?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she changes her words, isn’t it just surface-level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi silently shook her head; she only knew the broad strokes of Yan Shuangzi’s story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this woman who had remade her Dao-heart, Jiang Ruyi grew even more curious. “You pick the site yourself. Go get Mengyan—I’ll wait for her in the study.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lu Ran’s wounded look, Jiang Ruyi couldn’t help but smile slightly. “Go on. I’ll speak alone with Mengyan—and give her the Seven-Star Blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she stepped to the bedside, unusually taking the initiative to lean down, cradle his face in her hands, and kiss him gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine,” Lu Ran grumbled, hastily throwing on his robe before vanishing in a flicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his figure disappeared, Jiang Ruyi smiled helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between Yan Shuangzi and Lu Ran, both were as elusive as ghosts—she simply couldn’t get used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She steadied her mind, sat cross-legged behind the study desk, and stared at the overly ornate Seven-Star Blade, sinking into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knock knock knock~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front door of Yunhai Residence suddenly rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Study.” Jiang Ruyi spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Deng Yuxiang, as the inheritor of Yemo Xiesu, would hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, Deng Yuxiang entered the residence, turned right, and stood before the study door, bowing respectfully to the cold, seated woman: “Madam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuxiang-jie.” Jiang Ruyi lifted her eyelids, smiling at the visitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang’s brow twitched, barely perceptible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a term was rare coming from Jiang Ruyi’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised Deng Yuxiang even more was Jiang Ruyi’s next words: “In private, just call me Ruyi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a signal of reconciliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still from a position of superiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning of Lu Ran’s abilities and grand ambitions, Jiang Ruyi had clearly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran needed loyal allies—and more importantly, a united team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi generously set aside her resentment toward Deng Yuxiang, burying past grievances once and for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang clearly realized: the Lady of Luoshan had elevated her understanding and ambition to a new level—she was now ready to serve as the Lady of Ran Men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sit.” Jiang Ruyi invited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang stepped in and sat cross-legged before the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You protected him well,” Jiang Ruyi said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang removed her straw hat, remembering Jiang Ruyi’s earlier instruction in the mortal world: “Protect him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four blunt words had long haunted Deng Yu: You owe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu shook her head and whispered, “He’s the one who’s always protected me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as you’re alive, that’s enough.” Jiang Ruyi did not press further on the topic; she picked up the short knife from the table and handed it to the woman across from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Zhan Ye Dao has become a divine weapon. Cultivate another one.” Jiang Ruyi’s voice was soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Deng Yu took the Seven-Star Precious Knife, pinched its blade between two fingers, and gently stroked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi said softly, “Yu Xiang, tell me the story of what happened after you entered the mountains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: “Didn’t little Lu Ran tell you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi smiled. “You know him—he’s always afraid of worrying others, so he tells stories in the lightest possible way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to hear it from you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu smiled too, recalling Lu Ran’s face. “Alright, fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, on the northern cliff of the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, accompanied by Xun Yifei, the three members of Feixian Hall, and the ghost general squad led by Jing Hong, finally selected a location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s choose here,” Lu Ran said, standing amid the tall, lush forest, surveying the surroundings. “By the way, Xun, this Feixian Hall must be larger than the Council Chamber.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the future, stone statues will be enshrined inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xun Yifei nodded thoughtfully. “Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned to Song Yu and the others. “You four, follow Xun General’s orders these days and help build the grand hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone responded in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t disturb you further.” Lu Ran clapped Xun Yifei on the shoulder and vanished in a flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, he stood at the eastern sea cliff, gazing across the endless ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will something good happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran murmured to himself, feeling deeply hopeful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what Old Bai Yanhui had told him just now, when Lu Ran was assembling the construction team in the Council Chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran had been quite surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could something good possibly happen in a place like Shengling Mountain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t just surviving the day in peace already good news?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch.” Lu Ran clicked his tongue, sitting habitually on the cliff’s edge, his legs dangling over the precipice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi had clearly said she wanted to speak alone with Deng Yu—Lu Ran now had a home he couldn’t return to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He idly swung his legs, closed his eyes, and entered cultivation mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, Lu Ran faintly heard footsteps behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to see the Two Birds of the Western Wastes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry to disturb the Gate Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gate Master.” The two immediately halted and called out from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran smiled. “Are you two comfortable here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no reproach in Lu Ran’s tone, Gao Yunyan stepped forward at once. “I’ve been on Shengling Mountain for nearly two years, and I’ve never slept so peacefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the harsh desert of the northwest, Yunhai Cliff was paradise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Gao Yunyan’s sense of comfort likely referred more to her inner state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.” Lu Ran turned his gaze to the sea. “You two have been battered by sandstorms for so long—feel free to swim or bathe whenever you like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This stretch of sea is now under my control, and belongs to Ran Gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yunyan and Xue Fengchen exchanged a glance, each seeing shock in the other’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, when the two arrived at Yunhai Cliff yesterday and saw Lu Ran establishing his base by the sea, they had been utterly stunned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanjian Mountain was indeed extremely dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the sea was no less so!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hearing Lu Menzhu’s words and seeing his calm, effortless demeanor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sea… you’ve taken control of it?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two seem to have a lot to say to me?” Lu Ran suddenly spoke, still gazing at the sea without turning around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stepped forward; on the way, Gao Yunyan pinched Xue Fengchen’s arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen winced in pain, then came to stand a few meters behind Lu Ran, staring at the familiar back of the supreme leader of Tianjia, and said gravely:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gate Master, I have many questions—could you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran, unexpectedly agreeable, replied casually, “We’re brothers—ask away~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1974,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","dd2c063556f901209096fc7a8011234ea63fa3eeae06ddff1a8cc6b007e1037f","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-961","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-959",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]