[{"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-961":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},2363089,4618,"Chapter 961: Good Fortune Keeps Coming","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-961",961,"\u003Cp>At the sea cliff, Lu Ran and Gao Yunyan spoke for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though both had prepared themselves mentally, after hearing of Lu Ran’s abilities, they remained silently stunned, unable to speak for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sea wind blew, brushing Lu Ran’s hair past his ears, flaring sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran closed his eyes and savored it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, Gao Yunyan said sleeping inside Yunhai Cliff was comfortable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hah,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how comfortable you are, can it compare to me pulling out a plastic bag?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Mu,” Xue Fengchen’s expression grew even more solemn, “what of your future?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve hit the point.” Lu Ran lifted his head, slowly opening his eyes to gaze at the churning sea of clouds above, “The gods and demons have ruled and enslaved us for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran felt even more comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just pull it out and be done with it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gulps.” Xue Fengchen’s Adam’s apple convulsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Feng’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At your service!” Xue Fengchen turned to Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me,” Lu Ran asked, “what is the purpose of our existence in this world?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen fell silent, not answering immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “Were we, the human race, born merely to be exploited, oppressed, and enslaved by the gods?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xue Fengchen answered sharply: “Of course not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yunyan’s voice rang strong and clear: “Nor should we be!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded in agreement: “In the past, you had no choice. In this man-eating Holy Spirit Mountain, you could only cling to Tianhuang Mountain for fleeting safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, you two have followed me—your fates have changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We must not only survive within this Holy Spirit Mountain—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran tilted his head, staring at the cloud sea above: “You must follow me and pierce a hole through the heavens!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen’s tiger-like eyes gleamed; he instinctively turned to look at the woman beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found Gao Yunyan’s eyes equally blazing, fixed tightly on Lu Ran’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed she had already sunk into some emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw nothing else but Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran finally turned his head, his gaze encompassing the two generals, Feng and Yan: “This path will be arduous, thick with thorns; we may be shattered to pieces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whir!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s words cut off abruptly; his eyes sharpened as he looked at Gao Yunyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her black hair streamed wildly, her large hoop earrings swaying violently—a terrifying energy surge erupted from within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout it all, her burning gaze never left Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world never lacks those bold enough to fight and strive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What they lack is capital, opportunity, or a guide to lead them through the fog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi filled every gap in Gao Yunyan’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just one month, Gao Yunyan’s heart realm ascended two great tiers!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, bound by her environment and circumstances, she had no choice but to flatter, suppress herself, and linger in Tianhuang Mountain among villains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s arrival offered Gao Yunyan a completely new path to survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yunyan seized the chance and finally escaped the mire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how perilous the road ahead, no matter if she perished along the way, she and Xue Fengchen resolutely turned from darkness to light, obeying their hearts and following Lady Luo Xian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first transformation of her heart realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, having joined Ruan Men, standing behind Lu Ran, witnessing his terrifying power capable of shaking the foundations of gods and demons, hearing her leader’s ambition to overturn heaven and earth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From striving to cultivate merely for better survival, to barely clinging to life;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To striving to cultivate to overthrow the divine tyranny, to achieve immortal glory, to be remembered through eternity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the second transformation of her heart realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At age thirty, Gao Yunyan, at the fifth stage of Jiang Realm, shattered through the barrier into Hai Realm with two giant leaps!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huuu!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen’s face twisted in shock; he stepped back two paces, shielding his eyes as he stared at his awe-inspiring companion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah!” Lu Ran burst into laughter once he realized, “Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I understand why Bai Lao said something auspicious would happen today at Yunhai Cliff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s because Ruan Men is about to gain another mighty Hai Realm master!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang, Yu Changsheng, Xun Yifei, Luo Ying…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counting Gao Yunyan, I now have five Hai Realm masters under my command!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the Holy Spirit Mountain, can’t Ruan Men now rank among the mid-tier sects?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Awesome~!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How terrifying are the disciples of Hai Realm from the Western Wastes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Sect of the Western Wastes, a second-tier god sect, possesses Hai Realm-level techniques—when its disciples cast spells, they shake mountains and tear the earth apart!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s a real, genuine earthquake, with destruction beyond measure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran immediately summoned the ancient bronze mirror, then transformed it into a standing mirror: “Behind the mirror lies the meditation chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>General Yan, please!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran did not hesitate—he directly granted her the title of General.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Lord Mu!” Gao Yunyan’s voice rang clear, her eyes bright; she strode confidently into the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the woman vanished, Lu Ran dispersed the teleportation mirror and turned to Xue Fengchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Lu Ran wore a sorrowful expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Poor Feng’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran added: “But don’t be discouraged—General Yan is probably older than you? It’s natural she’s ahead in cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen grimaced: “Six years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A woman three years older brings golden bricks,” Lu Ran chuckled, “You’ve not just grabbed one—you’ve grabbed two!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen twitched his lips awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t you, a rising new god, be a bit more solemn and dignified?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of nonsense is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s smile deepened, his tone full of wistful admiration: “Not just two golden bricks—you’ve grabbed a Hai Realm master too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, you really are a lucky fellow...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heroic Xue Fengchen blushed slightly and offered his congratulations: “Congratulations, Lord Mu, on gaining another General.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That remark made Lu Ran glow with pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright then, Feng’er!” Lu Ran adopted a magnanimous air, “We’re both prodigies of the same generation—I’ll give you another month!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the next thirty days, if you also ascend to Hai Realm, I’ll grant you the title of General too—how’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen bowed deeply: “I shall do my utmost!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was not pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man was young, full of vigor—why couldn’t he even speak with full confidence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran paused, then suddenly asked: “Do you still remember He Qifeng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen certainly knew the second greatest prodigy of Daya, but he didn’t understand why Lu Ran suddenly mentioned that female war god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “She advanced to Jiang Realm later than you, and not long ago, she ascended to Hai Realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen exclaimed in surprise: “He Qifeng is in this realm too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded: “She’s not just Hai Realm—she’s now a city lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh... the causality seems reversed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because He Qifeng built a city and took her first bold step toward grand ambitions, her Dao heart shone brilliantly, allowing her to ascend to Hai Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, none of that matters!” Lu Ran hurriedly said, “The point is, she advanced to Jiang Realm after you—and now she’s already in Hai Realm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen nodded firmly, bowing: “I will give my all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran finally nodded in satisfaction: “Good! Go to the Council Hall and report to Nightmare Guardian—she’ll assign you a task.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, he must guard Yunhai Cliff and protect General Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” Xue Fengchen departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in the study of Yunhai Residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang and Deng also sensed the energy within Yunhai Cliff growing denser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang suddenly tilted her head slightly, receiving a voice transmission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, she looked across the desk: “Ruyi, Gao Yunyan of the Western Wastes just received guidance from Little Lu Ran—she’s broken through her bottleneck and is ascending now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inspired by Lu Ran?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi admired inwardly and smiled, shaking her head: “Gao Yunyan is a Peak River Realm cultivator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right,” Deng Yuxiang’s face lit up with a smile. “I need to arrange the mountain defense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ahead,” Jiang Ruyi nodded gently. “You’ve worked hard, Yuxiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s my duty,” Deng Yuxiang said, echoing Chang Sheng’s usual phrase, picked up the Seven-Star Treasure Blade, and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi knelt behind her desk, sensing a faint sound, and turned to look at the divine weapon—Radiant Blade—hanging on the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shhh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran suddenly appeared at the door, stepped in, and caught the flying Radiant Blade: “Liangye, you too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hum!” The Liangye Sword also flew down from the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Over the next few days, the mist over Yunhai Cliff will be thick. I need you to patrol,” Lu Ran explained briefly, releasing the pair of sword and blade. “Go. The Radiant Blade will guide you through the patrol routes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine sword and blade hummed, flying out of the study one after the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned to the cold, aloof immortal lady behind the desk, bent down, reached out, and scooped her up in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m about to have my fifth Sea Realm powerhouse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kisses, hugs, spinning around~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Chifeng sensed this, hurried over, and spun in circles with the master and mistress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So happy~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~” Jiang Ruyi, touched by his joy, let out a soft laugh. “I feel I’m about to hit a cultivation bottleneck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Lu Ran froze. “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Jiang Ruyi really be recovering this well?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes. She had once received the true blessing of a deity—her body was naturally divine, her talent far surpassing peers at the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she had bound herself to the false deity’s stone statue, becoming an heir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more crucially, it was her absolute mental stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran even felt that, in some ways, she was more resolute than he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I lie to you?” Jiang Ruyi gave him a light, reproachful glance. “That morning after I tore up the contract, I told you—I’d return to Stage Four soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah!” Lu Ran burst into laughter. “No wonder Bai Lao!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a Peak River Realm grand spellmaster!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s Yunhai Cliff has been nothing but good fortune!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re holding me—why are you thinking of someone else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it’s an old man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here, Xiao Chifeng,” Lu Ran set down the jade beauty in his arms, grabbed Xiao Chifeng with one hand, and activated the teleportation mirror. “Behind the mirror is Chamber One, right at the mountain’s center.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take the Chifeng Pattern Gourd and go train inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what about guarding Yunhai Cliff—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not your concern!” Lu Ran cut her off. “When Yan Jiangjiang ascends to the Sea Realm, in five to ten days, the energy in heaven and earth will be incredibly dense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a tremendous blessing—seize this opportunity!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm,” Jiang Ruyi complied, taking the treasure gourd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just before stepping through the floor mirror, she turned back, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lu Ran’s joyful expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice, usually cold and distant, was tender:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait for my good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-mm!” Lu Ran nodded eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the immortal figure vanish, Lu Ran felt as if clouds had parted and the sun had risen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Living here at Shengling Mountain,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was becoming more and more promising!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1865,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ec93fe9bd0dbe1ee7eb8e7f671a4929c29e45172cf8472ac15051d91a391bb35","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-962","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-960",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]