[{"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-973":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},2363101,4618,"Chapter 973: When the Task Is Done, He Flings His Robe and Leaves","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-973",973,"\u003Cp>A general’s incompetence dooms his entire army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Lingfeng lost her courage almost the moment battle began and fled in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ten-member squad she led scattered like sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As disaster struck, each teammate ran for their life; not a single effective resistance formed from start to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was also because the Ruan Sect members were too overwhelming—they slaughtered without mercy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle erupted instantly and ended just as swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All told, it probably lasted only a few dozen seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord, no enemies remain nearby!” Gao Yunyan called out loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop the sandstorm,” Lu Ran ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The swirling dust vanished instantly; only the Liusha River continued to flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, thin sand whips emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rose one after another from west to east, lashing up from the riverbed as if trying to turn the entire place upside down!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sky, Jiang Ruyi descended slowly, wrapped in the Yu Fu Array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dongting Sect had no flight techniques; fighting such believers from high above was undoubtedly safer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Snap! Snap! Snap!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each sand whip flipped up the corpses of Dongting disciples and located the lotus buds hidden in the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far from the battlefield, to the east, a large lotus bud was lifted to the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Liusha River vanished; the lush forest disappeared entirely; the ground retained its wavelike terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was magnificent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You take these two; I’ll absorb the rest into my pupils,” Lu Ran said, his horizontal pupils wide open as he seized Deng Yu’s wrist and reached toward the front-left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From high above, a cold voice rang out: “Lu Ran.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran looked up at the Immortal Jiang: “What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s gaze lingered on Lu Ran’s hand for a moment, then her thin lips parted: “Lotus Sword believers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh,” Lu Ran turned to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the delicate lotus bud, Lu Ran seemed to see a flock of ostriches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, silence reigned—the battle had clearly ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the lotus bud remained intact; those within dared not emerge, unwilling to face their fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran scanned the surroundings and collected the lingering souls of the fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excluding Fang Lingfeng, ten Dongting disciples left behind seven corpses; only three escaped alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having completed this, Lu Ran finally approached the lotus bud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the lotus remained tightly closed, Lu Ran was brazen—he teleported directly over: “You are safe now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words echoed inside the lotus bud, striking fear into all who heard them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are all the people from Jingting Mountain dead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So fast?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who exactly are these mysterious hooded, cloaked figures?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lotus Sword disciples turned pale, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason? Probably Deng Yu’s offhand remark: “These Lotus Sword believers are mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the cruel Sacred Spirit Mountains, the weak naturally assumed they would be captured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether to be killed or tortured, they did not know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Lotus Sword disciples did not know that Deng Yu said that merely to deceive the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great Nightmare wasn’t foolish—it wouldn’t reveal itself as reinforcements from the Thousand Boats Alliance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if some enemies escaped?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t that be handing them intelligence for free?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The facts proved Great Nightmare’s caution correct: several Dongting disciples had indeed escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come out. I am a guest of the Thousand Boats Alliance,” Lu Ran said again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple as it was, the words were like a sudden beam of light piercing an endless abyss!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, they kindled a glimmer of hope in several Lotus Sword disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Pei?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord, we—” Several spoke softly, their tone tentative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red-robed Lord Pei clenched his teeth silently and opened the lotus bud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delaying was meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their fate was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—you’re here as a guest of our Thousand Boats Alliance?” Lord Pei stared at Lu Ran, startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had expected to face a mysterious man in green cloak and bamboo hat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him stood a young man in a flowing white robe, dignified and imposing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High above, a noble, coldly beautiful woman in white robes gazed down upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such attire clearly signaled their superior status!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have old ties with the Green Lotus Island Lord and was invited here as reinforcement,” Lu Ran said gently, nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reinforcements?” Nearly twenty Lotus Sword disciples stirred in agitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great sorrow, then great joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One moment, they feared death—or a miserable survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next, their fate changed utterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, sir, for saving us!” Lord Pei bowed deeply, face filled with gratitude. “I am Pei Hong. May I ask your esteemed name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around Lord Pei, his disciples wore varied expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some seemed dazed, barely believing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were overwhelmed with relief; some even wept with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran introduced himself, then added: “Return home soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Lu’s great kindness, Pei Hong will never forget!” Pei Hong bowed deeply. “If you do not mind, please accompany me back to the island so I may properly—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I have another mission,” Lu Ran raised his hand to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, he was accustomed to the reverence shown by sea-level cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura and presence had been forged through countless such encounters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, Pei—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord,” Deng Yu stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the Lotus Sword disciples changed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly visible: deep dread in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was this terrifying sea-level cultivator who had boldly claimed them as his possessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The battlefield is cleared. Have them collect the corpses and bring the weapons back to Green Lotus Island,” Deng Yu suggested softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: [Any divine weapon embryos?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu: [None. Only fifty-odd Spirit Pearl fragments.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran snorted: [They’re filthy rich, aren’t they?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After communicating with Great Nightmare, Lu Ran turned to look at Lord Pei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Hong immediately said: “Lord Lu, please proceed with your mission. We’ll deliver the spoils to Green Lotus Island right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all!” Pei Hong hurried to say. “May Lord Lu complete your mission safely and return to the island soon—then I shall come personally to thank you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran smiled and nodded, then turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way his robes fluttered was exceedingly graceful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others’ reactions were unknown, but Jiang Ruyi, hovering in midair, watched him intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go, Ruyi,” Lu Ran called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm,” Jiang Ruyi replied, floating down gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of Lord Pei and the others, the Ruan Sect members faded into the forest, disappearing from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Green Lotus Island Lord actually knows such a powerful organization…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Lu is so young!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Lu seems only at River Level—why do those two sea-level cultivators serve him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop talking nonsense! Clear the battlefield—we must return quickly; this place isn’t safe!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lotus Sword disciples whispered among themselves, unaware that Lu Ran had already left far behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he gazed at the tall figure ahead and called: “Feng’er!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord?” Xue Fengchen halted and turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran smiled: “You’ve got to step up your game! Look at General Yan slaughtering everywhere—how mighty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen’s face turned slightly red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the recent battle, he had contributed and used Drifting Sands and the Wild Desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, in terms of scale, effectiveness, or battlefield results, his performance ranked lowest in the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we pulled up a tactical statistics sheet, Xue Fengchen would be at the very bottom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the lowest-ranked Evil Shadow Guardian in the unit could crush him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran said again: “When will you advance to the Sea Realm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen murmured: “I will strive harder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at what they’ve done to the poor kid!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Wilderness General at the peak of the River Realm couldn’t even speak up~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran wasn’t mocking his comrade—he wanted to push him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially after seeing Gao Yunyan’s combat power, he longed for Ruan Men to gain another Western Wilderness Divine General!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem,” Gao Yunyan stepped forward, draped an arm over Xue Fengchen’s shoulder, and gave it a gentle shake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was comfort—and encouragement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll teach you a phrase,” Lu Ran remembered something and said. “I have a brother in the mortal world. Every time I ask him when he’ll advance, he always replies the same thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned curious eyes toward Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi couldn’t help smiling—she already knew what he’d say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, Lu Ran blurted out: “Almost there! Almost there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s psychological suggestion!” Lu Ran looked at him. “Feng’er, when will you become the boundless sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Fengchen fell silent for a moment, then replied in a low, resolute voice: “Almost there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Lu Ran nodded repeatedly, satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a gaze settled upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned to see Deng Yu Xiang giving him a light glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew perfectly well that the “brother in the mortal world” Lu Ran mentioned was her useless younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder how Deng Yutang is doing now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has he entered the River Realm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or is he still stuck at some high stage of the River Realm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nightmare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give me a soul. We’ll interrogate it as we move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Deng Yu Xiang raised her hand and lightly shook her wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran lifted a cluster of black mist, and instantly, the terrified face of a man appeared within the Soul Prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran never showed mercy to enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh! Aaaah!” As Lu Ran summoned the faint soul flame, the captive screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the piercing background noise, Lu Ran said: “Our tactical execution this time was excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drifting Sands blinded their vision; Flowing Sands altered the terrain—it was practically a grave made for the Dongting Sect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just a pity…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu Xiang looked at the tormented soul and comforted Lu Ran: “Just bad luck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “Let’s think hard—can we optimize the tactic further?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi suddenly said: “Do you remember how you killed Peng the Elder of Tianhuang Mountain back at Ten Thousand Swords Mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran raised an eyebrow slightly: “From above?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Dongting Sect can’t fly either. Once airborne, with no foothold, they lose all speed—you can pick them off at will.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Jiang Ruyi furrowed her brow slightly, as if the wailing soul was too noisy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran extinguished the soul fire, and silence finally fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered the tactic for a long while, then turned to the soul in the prison and asked coldly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many Sea Realm cultivators are there in Jingting Mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1711,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","444b77776384534519ecc06e034dc67d8bed97425f68d0840943bcdab8dc0966","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-974","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-972",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]