[{"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-968":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},2363096,4618,"Chapter 968: The Fisher","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-968",968,"\u003Cp>“Lu Xuedi, the sky is growing late; why not we move to Qinghedao for a chat?” He Yingcai spoke softly, then added, “Let me, as your senior, fulfill my duty as host.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the others conversed, the sun had already sunk beyond the distant hills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky had darkened; it was indeed time to find lodging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet faced with this sudden invitation, Lu Ran did not immediately accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He very much wanted to gather more intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thousand Boats Archipelago has countless sects and surely countless people—perhaps someone might know of Master Cheng or Qin Yan’s whereabouts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then again, barging into the heart of a faction’s territory could easily lead to being surrounded and killed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our side carries plenty of weapons!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Sacred Spirit Mountains, divine weapons and magical artifacts are priceless treasures, enough to make anyone envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, Lu Ran and He Yingcai were not familiar with each other—even though, well, she was genuinely kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai noticed Lu Ran’s hesitation and let out a light laugh: “Lu Xuedi, you’ve traveled far and wide over the past half-year—looks like you’ve suffered quite a bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai turned toward the island: “Then I’ll have my subordinates bring tea and snacks—I’ll entertain you right here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was Lu Ran who let out a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had lacked the courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai came alone, yet dared to face them single-handedly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And here he was, accompanied by all the soldiers of Ruanmen—how could he not set foot on Qinghedao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he was already within the Thousand Boats Alliance’s territory; chatting here or on the island made little difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned to Jiang Ruyi and suggested, “Shall we go onto the island?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly: “Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had her own judgment on everything He Yingcai had said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From start to finish, He Yingcai had been open and straightforward—this earned Jiang Ruyi’s deep admiration for the senior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please,” He Yingcai waved her slender hand, and the lotus leaf beneath her feet rapidly expanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This technique was the Azure Lotus Divine Art: Sky-Connecting Leaf!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its peak, the lotus leaf could grow to a hundred meters—truly magnificent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, He Yingcai only expanded it to ten meters—sufficient for several people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uniquely curved lotus leaf resembled a jade disc, dotted with dewdrops, carrying them forward across the clear lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran felt curious, knelt down, and stealthily touched it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite tender~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the way, the dew on the leaf appeared alongside the leaf itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though fundamentally composed of divine power and useless for hydrating humans, that didn’t stop one from tasting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered whether these “Jade Plate Pearls” were as sweet as the misty lake’s waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran held back, again and again, but ultimately didn’t taste it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm. Unbecoming of a master’s demeanor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing several oddly shaped islets, Lu Ran and the others arrived at Qinghedao, under He Yingcai’s domain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qinghedao,” Lu Ran murmured, surveying his surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The island was shaded by lush trees, the air filled with a fragrant, refreshing scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Island Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Island Master He!” Several voices called out, respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai asked: “Have you notified all the other islands?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged woman reported: “Most island masters are in seclusion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Withered Lotus Island Master sent some Mist Rain Tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Lotus Island Master sent two boxes of flower-and-fruit pastries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wind Lotus Island Master arranged for a master of celestial music to come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ashen Lotus Island Master personally came to visit—he’s waiting for you in the Council Hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm,” He Yingcai replied, instructing, “Our esteemed guests have arrived—hurry and prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” The group bowed and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai turned and gestured: “Please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Ran was now utterly bewildered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell have you dragged me into?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tea? Snacks? And a music troupe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No way!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Am I even in the Sacred Spirit Mountains?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Xuedi, please,” He Yingcai gestured ahead with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran looked at the Qinghedao Island Master and asked: “Do you all live this comfortably?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai smiled and shook her head: “Just finding joy amid hardship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran asked as they walked: “You even have a music troupe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai explained: “The Thousand Boats Alliance is dominated by the Heavenly Lu, Azure Lotus, Support Lotus, and Sword Lotus sects—but some outsiders seek refuge within us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Yun Qianzhou is kind-hearted and has taken in a portion of these outsider disciples.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s heart stirred slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So someone has already done what He Qifeng intended to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phrase “a portion” was carefully chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it mean the Thousand Boats Alliance only shelters a small number of outsider disciples, to preserve the dominance, factional balance, and resource allocation of the four main sects?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, the very nature of the Thousand Boats Alliance differs fundamentally from the Forbidden City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran pondered, then asked curiously: “How many people are in the Azure Lotus sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai replied: “The Azure Lotus has seven islands, each with fifteen to twenty people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our Qinghedao has eighteen Azure Lotus disciples.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite a few,” Lu Ran said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Sacred Spirit Mountains are vast—other regions surely have Azure Lotus disciples too; perhaps even the sect’s main base,” He Yingcai sighed softly. “Too bad I’ll probably never meet them in this lifetime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished, He Yingcai turned to Lu Ran: “Lu Xuedi, your footsteps have covered the Sacred Spirit Mountains—have you ever seen my sect’s stronghold?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran answered honestly: “I haven’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sacred Spirit Mountains were simply too vast; though Lu Ran could claim he’d traveled north to the Snow Forest, west to the desert, east across the sea,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>if one laid out the full map of the Sacred Spirit Mountains, the paths he’d explored were merely lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take this southern journey: he’d advanced over a thousand kilometers—just one line. How many regions had he missed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, perhaps some sects still existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they walked and chatted, deep within the dense forest, they came upon a sizable wooden structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Qinghedao’s Council Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dimming light, a bonfire had been lit before the hall’s entrance; the doors stood wide open, and inside sat an old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared over sixty, dressed in gray robes, with short gray-white hair, leaning on a cane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qinghedao Island Master,” the old man smiled warmly, rising with his cane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great honor to have the Ashen Lotus Island Master visit! My apologies for not greeting you sooner!” He Yingcai immediately clasped her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you had esteemed guests arriving, so I came to join the festivities,” the Ashen Lotus Island Master studied the people beside He Yingcai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai introduced: “These two are my university classmates—now the Lord and Lady of Ruanmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ashen Lotus Island Master leaned on his cane, carefully observing Lu Jiang, his heart startled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a striking young man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Ashen Lotus Island Master,” Lu Ran inwardly recoiled—such overwhelming pressure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this old man a High-tier Sea Realm cultivator?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or even a Peak-tier Sea Realm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ashen Lotus Island Master’s gaze swept over the hooded figures behind them—seeing Conglong, Mengyan, and Yan Shenjiang—and his astonishment deepened:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Lu is truly young and accomplished—remarkable indeed…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your reverence flatters me,” Lu Ran began to politely deflect, but the old man suddenly lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where no one could see, the jade pendant hidden beneath the old man’s robes trembled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ashen Lotus Island Master slowly turned, finally gazing at the empty space behind the Council Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes seemed to pierce through the walls, out into the open air, and he murmured: “There’s another one hiding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?” He Yingcai turned to Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, right!” Lu Ran feigned sudden realization. “There is indeed one more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai’s expression held a hint of reproach—perhaps their conversation had lasted long enough to foster a touch of familiarity:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Xuedi, you’re not being honest, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I really forgot!” Lu Ran smiled apologetically. “She’s always appearing and disappearing—I never see her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When He Yingcai realized that Lu Ran had another guard hidden in the shadows, one who had never been detected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai grew even more curious about the power of the Burn Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more interested in Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she did not summon her guard out, showing Lu Ran great tolerance, and invited: “Come, let us begin the feast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was also curious about this banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the council hall, a bonfire stood high, flames leaping, sparks crackling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the bonfire sat several square wooden tables and chairs, each laden with tea and pastries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evening breeze swept through the forest, bringing the rustling sound of leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a relaxed atmosphere made Lu Ran feel it was surreal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At He Yingcai’s invitation, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi sat down with the Master of Grey Lotus Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai personally poured tea for them all, then lifted a cup and drained it in one gulp, teasing Lu Ran:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He breathed in the overwhelming fragrance of Rain Mist Tea—and was truly fooled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the clear tea entered his mouth, Lu Ran tasted only bitter bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So bitter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder it’s from Sacred Spirit Mountain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s helping me recall my life in the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here, eat this to settle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai pinched a flower-and-fruit pastry between her jade fingers, broke it into pieces, and handed some to Lu Jiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled at Lu Ran, then took a small bite herself, making Lu Ran feel slightly embarrassed—he immediately shoved a piece into his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This peculiar pastry was likely made from a blend of certain herb leaves and flower petals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, it smelled fragrant—but tasted what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So delicious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran blinked, instantly realizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t the flower-and-fruit pastry that was sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Rain Mist Tea that was unbearably bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu younger brother, tell me in detail about your adventures in Sacred Spirit Mountain?” He Yingcai asked with great interest, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Master of Grey Lotus Island sat quietly beside them, equally curious about this overly young newcomer’s origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Lu Ran blurted out: “This one’s got no mother—long story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran was happy to share his story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had observed carefully and naturally sensed He Yingcai’s strong interest in the Burn Sect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharing his experiences now was undoubtedly a perfect chance to strengthen his position and make this great sea-realm island master yearn for him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Green Lotus believers—these were the sworn enemies of the Thread Shadows. Who wouldn’t want them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran silently organized his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gentle evening breeze carried a melodious flute tune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned in surprise, gazing past the flickering bonfire, and saw a white-robed man holding a jade flute, eyes closed, playing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flute’s melody was graceful and delightful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet it left Lu Ran and the other Burn Sect warriors stunned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fishing Boats Sing at Dusk”?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tune… it’s practically cheating!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a daze, Lu Ran was transported back to the human realm of Great Xia, back to that dilapidated apartment building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even back to his childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time he watched the “News Broadcast” with his father, then the “Weather Forecast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t this tune… a bit cheating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Yun Qianzhou said Sacred Spirit Mountain is a place that devours hearts and erases humanity,” He Yingcai picked up the teapot and poured Lu Ran another cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She whispered: “The Lord advised us to drink tea and eat pastries daily—to remind ourselves we are still human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This tune is also meant to remind the members of the Qianzhou Alliance that we come from the same civilization, that we are blood brothers raised in Great Xia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Lord Yun Qianzhou…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d better meet him someday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such steadfastness, such thought and consideration—and he’s still a powerful Second-Rank God: Celestial Phoenix’s devotee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s exactly the kind of person we need to join the Burn Sect and overthrow the gods and demons together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran licked his lips, imagining the alliance lord dreaming grand dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, you eat a meal one bite at a time!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced slightly toward He Yingcai again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So you, too, must still hold onto your identity as a human, your humanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I really want that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t you all just come into my bowl?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2069,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6d06c826267f3c04a4bf1374d9b54ae2bffcff7989bb57636fed543d7e0ee8ea","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-969","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-967",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]