[{"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-980":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},2363108,4618,"Chapter 980: Rainy Night Conspiracy","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-980",980,"\u003Cp>The banquet ended as evening fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A light, continuous rain still fell, mist veiling the Mist Rain Lake with a unique ambiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran stood at the entrance of the banquet hall; the cold wind blew against him, sharpening his clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ssshh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the nearby woods came the rustling of leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned his head and glimpsed two slender silhouettes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hid behind the shrubs, wearing long yellow and green robes, each holding an antique oil-paper umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!” The woman in yellow caught Lu Ran’s gaze and let out a soft cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly raised her small hand to cover her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The torches at the banquet hall’s entrance illuminated Lu Ran’s face, highlighting his dark eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick, let’s go!” The woman in yellow, eyes wide with panic, tugged her companion away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faintly, Lu Ran could still hear their whispered voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you see him? What’s the First Disciple like? Isn’t he handsome?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… he’s okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little flirt, your face is red! ‘Okay’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heyyy~ you’re the little flirt!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe~” Their bell-like laughter faded, vanishing into the misty rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never thought you Pinyin disciples were like this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where is the elegance and quiet grace promised by the Pinyin sect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shall we go, younger brother?” He Yingcai unfurled a lotus leaf to shield Lu Jiang from the drizzle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go.” Lu Ran nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bidding farewell to the island masters who had seen them off, he boarded He Yingcai’s emerald lotus leaf and drifted westward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the banquet ended, the two island masters of the Sky Phoenix Sect had warmly invited Lu Ran to reside on Bright Moon Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Lu Ran still intended to go to He Yingcai’s Qinghedao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, Qinghedao was relatively closer to shore; if enemy activity were detected, it would serve as the frontline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, Lu Ran felt a certain irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood the Thousand Boats Alliance’s purpose, understood why everyone wanted to defend the islands to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But understanding did not mean he supported it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If war was inevitable, they should strike first!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why be so passive, endlessly defending?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thousand Boats Alliance is no longer the era when the Four Sects huddled together in retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You have Wu Jifeng’s Great Wind Hall to hold the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You have allies like our Ran Men—powerful, fiercely aggressive—yet you still refuse to change your mindset and advance boldly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingting Mountain dares to harass so recklessly because it sees you auxiliary sects as soft and easy to bully!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother,” He Yingcai spoke softly atop the green lotus leaf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s mood naturally affected the atmosphere around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having drunk more fruit wine than usual, alcohol had slightly amplified his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be angry,” He Yingcai said gently, her eyes carrying a hint of apology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hard to imagine a Sea Realm island master speaking to a River Realm cultivator in such a tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet He Yingcai was no exception; during the banquet, all Sea Realm island masters had treated Lu Ran with humility and courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi’s cool, naturally hanging jade hand slipped beneath Lu Ran’s wide sleeve, gently clasping his palm, offering silent comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~” Lu Ran exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai’s voice grew even softer: “When we return to the island, I’ll brew you some Mist Rain Tea to ward off the chill and sober you up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s face twisted in dismay, reverting from the stern master of Ran Men back to a 19-year-old boy: “No, thanks. You might as well just give me a cup of lake water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least that’s sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai: “.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, they returned to Qinghedao, and Lu Ran went back to the small forest courtyard where he had stayed before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After closing the hall’s door, everyone inside was trusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only He Yingcai, the island master of Qinghedao, was not yet a member of Ran Men. She had intended to leave when she saw the internal meeting beginning, but Lu Ran stopped her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All gathered around the large square table, and Lu Ran spoke directly: “You’ve all attended the banquet. What are your thoughts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu sat directly opposite, quietly sipping tea; the Feng and Yan Generals seated to his right remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi sat beside Lu Ran, her gaze sweeping over the officers, finally settling on Yu Changsheng and He Yingcai seated to his left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, when Lu Ran had taken charge and seated He Yingcai beside Yu Changsheng, she had felt something odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when Jiang Ruyi, in her role as the master’s lady, swept her gaze over the officers, He Yingcai felt a strange illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she being absorbed into Ran Men?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As island master of Qinghedao, He Yingcai was led within the Thousand Boats Alliance, but they were allies—each still fundamentally belonging to their own sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in this room, He Yingcai suddenly felt like a subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi truly had the bearing of leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough.” Receiving his lady’s glance, Yu Changsheng cleared his throat. “For the past ten days, Jingting Mountain has not launched a full-scale assault—only appeared around the Mist Rain Lake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re likely gathering intelligence, constantly monitoring the Thousand Boats Alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran sighed: “They could launch a major invasion at any moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yu Changsheng shook his head: “According to reports from all islands, the frequency of Jingting Mountain’s patrols is far lower than expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps we’ve misunderstood their true strategy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?” Lu Ran asked, puzzled. “How so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng paused, then said: “The last major battle between the Thousand Boats Alliance and Jingting Mountain revealed each side’s strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingting Mountain held the upper hand, but the Thousand Boats Alliance was far from defenseless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome was clear: Jingting Mountain lost a Sea Realm adept.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran nodded thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thousand Boats Alliance was a bone worth eating—but hard to chew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng turned to He Yingcai: “What is Jingting Mountain’s true objective?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai thought a moment, then answered: “To prevent the Thousand Boats Alliance from producing a Heaven Realm cultivator?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!” Yu Changsheng nodded approvingly. “We’ve always assumed Jingting Mountain wanted to fully devour the Thousand Boats Alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the two factions have coexisted for over a decade in peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real trigger for conflict was Yun Qianzhou’s impending advancement—it threatened Jingting Mountain’s very foundation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those in the room nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long-standing coexistence of Jingting Mountain and the Thousand Boats Alliance was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng said gravely: “I believe the Jingting Mountain squads appearing near the Mist Rain Lake are primarily reconnaissance units—watching for when Yun Qianzhou begins his advancement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi, pouring tea for Lu Ran, said: “So Master Conglong believes Jingting Mountain will strike to disrupt Yun Qianzhou’s advancement?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng looked at the master’s lady: “Isn’t that Jingting Mountain’s only goal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consider it from another angle: if they launched a full assault on the Thousand Boats Alliance, Jingting Mountain would suffer devastating losses—likely not worth the cost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai watched Yu Changsheng as he thought deeply, analyzing the situation, her beautiful eyes gleaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng continued: “Once Yun Qianzhou enters advancement mode, their disruption would be permanent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cruel,” Lu Ran murmured, lifting his teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you interrupt someone preparing to break through a bottleneck, they may rise again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when someone has already entered advancement mode, summoning the mist of heaven and earth, and you forcibly sever their process—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s truly crushing them into the abyss, leaving no hope of return!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed cruel,” He Yingcai lowered her eyes, a trace of sorrow crossing her brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu’s voice was cold, blunt: “Though the Four Sects’ defenses are strong, I doubt the Thousand Boats Alliance can protect Yun Qianzhou from disturbance on the day of his advancement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destroying the Thousand Boats Alliance and disrupting Yun Qianzhou’s advancement are entirely different matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jingting Cultivators, as second-class divine disciples, possess full mastery of River and Sea Realm techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their River Realm technique summons massive thunder spears with devastating power!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their Sea Realm technique is even more terrifying!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingting disciples can summon dark clouds and call down thunderous retribution, like heavenly calamity!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pinyin sect’s River Realm technique—Heavenly Net Umbrella—is indeed powerful and wide-ranging in defense—but can it withstand their relentless bombardment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yu deeply doubted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yingcai looked again at Yu Changsheng, her voice soft: “Master Conglong, do you have a way to break this deadlock?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng unfurled his paper fan and spoke with startling words: “Since Jingting Mountain is only conducting reconnaissance and has no intention of a full-scale invasion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then let’s force them to invade!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Force them?” Everyone turned to Yu Changsheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng confirmed: “Aren’t there the Thunderbolt Squad patrolling near Mist Rain Lake? We can go eliminate them—one squad that comes, we wipe out one squad!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the Gate Master destroyed the Lingfeng Hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran pondered for a long while, then sighed: “Master Conglong has an excellent strategy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, we can continuously weaken the enemy’s strength and prepare for the great decisive battle ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can also forcibly drag the Thunderbolt Mountain into the conflict, forcing them into a state of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You send a small squad to investigate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’ll never come back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don’t want to remain blind and wish to gain intelligence at the earliest moment, you’ll have no choice but to send a large force here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come? If you come, we’ll start the war!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent.” Deng Yu’s eyes gleamed with approval—this proposal clearly suited her temperament. “How could we let the enemy have their way, lurking in the shadows?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.” He Yingcai shook his head with a bitter smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Conglong’s move isn’t just about forcing Thunderbolt Mountain to launch a major invasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s also forcing the Thousand Boats Alliance to take the initiative and fight back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Master Conglong’s analysis is correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderbolt Mountain has eighteen Sea Realm experts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All they need to do is arrive at this location the moment the Alliance Leader ascends, unleashing constant River Realm and Sea Realm techniques—they should achieve their goal easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we’re certain to be disturbed, why not bring this war forward, before Yun Qianzhou breaks through?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Changsheng gently fanned his paper fan, smiling at Lu Ran: “Madam He and her Great Wind Hall cannot initiate an invasion of other factions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So let’s make the Great Wind Hall the one being invaded as soon as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Gate Master didn’t go to such lengths to bring them here just so these monks could eat cured meat and drink fruit wine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran turned back to Yu Changsheng, a faint smile appearing on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You understand me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1773,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5bcdda8ee75b97aadb0ac309d3d5b4e980032863369cce3a1def7cdb2fb96276","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-981","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-979",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]