[{"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-982":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},2363110,4618,"Chapter 982: What Dares He Not?","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-982",982,"\u003Cp>Ten kilometers southeast of Smoke Rain Lake, amid dense forest, lay a moderately sized lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area around the lake was heavily guarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighteen imposing soldiers, mostly wielding battle halberds, stood scattered throughout the trees, silently keeping watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating on the lake’s surface was a burly man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His short hair was wild, his beard thick, his body naked, revealing sun-browned skin as he proudly displayed his muscular frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paid no mind to the occasional glances or admiration from onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the icy lake water, he lay on his back, eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if... sleeping?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh,” came a woman’s sigh from the forest, “when will this ever end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shh! Lower your voice!” a man holding a halberd warned in a hushed tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though their post was far from the lake, in this silent environment, even the faintest sound stood out sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since the Lord of the Tiger Whisker Hall was unpredictable and could crush anyone’s skull at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just in the Tiger Whisker Hall—even within Thunderclap Mountain, no one dared provoke the Lord of the Tiger Whisker Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you ask me, just send a group of slaves to guard it. They won’t fight, won’t retreat—why are we stuck here wasting time?” the woman said, clearly disgruntled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she turned her head toward the lake and saw again that revolting exhibitionist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ve shamed the noble image of our Thunderclap disciples!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man beside her whispered, “Say less. The Thousand Boats Alliance isn’t made of mud—sending slaves here is just sending them to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How are we supposed to carry out the hunting mission?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hunting?” the woman muttered under her breath, “Those cowardly turtles of the Thousand Boats Alliance wouldn’t dare show their faces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man went on, “Besides, the slaves are busy building the Lord Lü’s sleeping quarters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s all because of the sleeping quarters,” the woman scoffed. “Third Madam really knows how to enjoy herself—just opens her mouth, and her subordinates have to build palaces day and night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman muttered softly, her eyes filled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, deep in the distant forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell?” Lu Ran stood behind a massive tree, half his face exposed, gazing from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was wrapped in a transparent veil of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea Shark Sect’s forbidden art: Sea Shark Concealment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the ocean, this technique could hide one’s form and suppress one’s aura completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on land, its effect was far weaker—people could still see Lu Ran’s bodily outline with the naked eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the sky had just begun to lighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that the light drizzle and misty haze, and it was truly difficult for the enemy to detect Lu Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【What’s going on?】 Jiang Ruyi sent a query.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Hah.】 Lu Ran laughed bitterly, 【The two Wuya followers reported to me that someone came to the lake and was snoring on its surface—I didn’t believe them.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Lu Ran believed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy... is he really this relaxed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stripped off every stitch of clothing and left his halberd on the lakeshore?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention this place is only ten kilometers from Smoke Rain Lake—just one thing: you’re a Thunderclap disciple, a pure land creature, and you dare float on a lake and sleep?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can’t fly, you can’t swim—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you really not consider the Thousand Boats Alliance human at all?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder you’re one of the top Thunderclap disciples—you’ve become this arrogant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Everyone!】 Lu Ran leaned against the tree, watching his hidden teammates behind each trunk, 【I’ll strike first—I’ll send the enemy leader flying into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Get ready—when you hear the commotion, attack immediately!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Guardian and the Phoenix and Swallow Generals couldn’t hear Lu Ran’s telepathic message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But through Jiang Ruyi and Deng Yu’s quiet relay, the others nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【32】 Lu Ran counted down silently, leaping upward, lifting himself half-air with a gust of wind, standing behind the tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment the countdown ended, he looked down from above, observing the clear water beneath the naked man, and his body suddenly flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Lu Ran plunged into the water, becoming completely invisible with the aid of the Sea Shark Concealment technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoosh!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran had already raised his right hand—he unleashed a violent gust of wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night Phantom Forbidden Art: Night Wind Strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A furious wind howled, lifting the lake water and the man sprawled on it, hurling him high into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s there?!” The Tiger Whisker Hall Lord snapped open his eyes, his copper-bell eyes wide with shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question was instinctive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His next roar, however, revealed his formidable adaptability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Thunderclap Sect’s powerful divine art: Thunderclap Roar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Capable of rupturing enemy eardrums and rendering all beings dizzy on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Ran... was immune to mental techniques!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah?! Ambush! Enemy—Western Desert worshipers?” The previously silent lake area erupted into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Phoenix and Swallow Generals charged forward simultaneously, summoning a terrifying sandstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the persistent drizzle, the two Western Desert generals swiftly turned the lake area into a swirling dust storm, robbing the Thunderclap disciples of visibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Lu Men’s side, each displayed their unique arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Phoenix and Swallow Generals moved through the dust like omniscient gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footing the earth, they unleashed terrifying waves of sand, utterly unfazed by any of Thunderclap’s lightning techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pop~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The odd sound of fish blowing bubbles signaled Yu Changsheng summoning a pale golden little fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pale golden threads purified and sensed all things within the domain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, when Lu Men ambushed Ling Feng Hall, only Lu Ran had used the Jade Face Snake Forbidden Art: Immortal Realm to purify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, with Yu Changsheng present, the Thunderclap disciples’ battle roars posed far less threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, the Nightmare and Shadow Guardians remained cautious, not rushing into battle immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ruyi flew into the sky at once, protecting herself while hurling two Sandflow Talismans to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth churned, rivers of sand flowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yuxiang pinpointed the enemy by sound and fired thirty-two Night Phantom Blades from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuangzi, the farthest from the lake, stood at the edge of the Prayer Carp’s purification zone, adjusting the rank of the Forbidden Art: Evil Perception, gripping tightly the divine weapon: Evil Moon Crescent Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a group of extremely fast-moving foes, her divine weapon’s domain was a perfect killing tool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Men’s generals each displayed their arts—Master Lu was no less formidable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And... was Master Lu even arguing with the Tiger Whisker Hall Lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah!” The Tiger Whisker Hall Lord glared fiercely, bellowing, “You dare?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do I dare not?” came a cold, young voice from the thick dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A phantom hammer shadow was flung skyward, striking the Tiger Whisker Hall Lord’s overly muscular body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh!” The Tiger Whisker Hall Lord grunted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though naked, the instant he was attacked, a Thunderclap Armor materialized over his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet after the hammer’s impact, a crisp “crack-crack” rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea Sect’s defensive divine art—Thunderclap Armor—was this weak? Just one hammer blow, and the armor began to shatter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little brat!” The Tiger Whisker Hall Lord, hearing the youth’s voice, roared in fury, raising his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath thick clouds, beneath the drizzle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of divine power surged wildly, rapidly coalescing into a monstrous halberd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The halberd was forged entirely of pure energy, crackling with terrifying lightning that hissed continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderclap Sect’s Jiang Jing’s ultimate technique: Thunderclap Divine Halberd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, the entire Thousand Boats Alliance “awoke!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Roar!!” From within the thick dust, a phantom great serpent descended from the sky, howling as it pierced through the Tiger Whisker Hall Lord’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, the Tiger Whisker Hall Lord had been blasted skyward by the hammer—his upward momentum had been fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the Immortal Heaven Serpent surged forward, piercing his body and pinning him midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaahhh!” The Tiger Whisker Hall Lord screamed in rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ignored everything else, raising both hands high, pouring all his strength into the technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to drive the Thunderclap Divine Halberd down, destroying everything!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yaa!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that very moment, Lu Ran appeared out of nowhere, materializing beside the Tiger Whisker Hall Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran’s scream was piercingly shrill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the song of the merfolk from the depths of the sea!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound waves, spreading forward like a loudspeaker, completely enveloped the enemy’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiger Beard Hall Master: !!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His copper-bell eyes bulged outward, as if about to pop out of their sockets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Aaaah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiger Beard Hall Master’s eyes cracked open in agony, enduring wave after wave of spiritual assault, screaming loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone knows, any divine art of the grand technique type requires absolute focus to cast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the casting preparation, even the slightest mistake could render all effort useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little brat! Give me—Aaaah! Die!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiger Beard Hall Master, truly worthy of the vast sea!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His spiritual strength is genuinely high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he was indeed mentally dazed, even his eyes slightly rolled back—he should not have been capable of casting, yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the Thunderbolt Divine Spear high in the heavens already taken shape?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding~ Ding~ Ding~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the eleventh hour, a string of Night Phantom Blades surged forward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single blade shattered Tiger Beard Hall Master’s wildly unstable Thunderbolt Armor; the next two blades pierced his equally unstable Water Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long succession of Night Phantom Blades, like a serpent, pierced through his back, pierced through his heart, and burst out from his chest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaa!!” Tiger Beard Hall Master arched his waist, his body forming a bridge as he shot upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell are you yelling at?!” Lu Ran was both shocked and furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rarely did he curse so bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was truly enraged and startled by the insult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Men Dao Method, Third Form: Shuo Star!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Ran gripped the Eight Wilderness Blade, and facing the sea realm powerhouse with no defensive armor, he swung his blade down!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ssshh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His massive head was severed clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiger Beard Hall Master’s eyes still rolled back, blood gushing profusely from his severed neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the edge of the battle, Deng Yu’s slender fingers pinched the brim of her wide hat, mist swirling beneath her feet as she flew backward through the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trailing hem of her large raincoat fluttered forward, snapping loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant she broke free from the sandstorm, she looked up at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the gray haze, endless purple lightning scattered, and the grand Thunderbolt Divine Spear vanished without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.” Deng Yu’s gaze was icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In your next life,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>keep your mouth clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She closed her eyes, listening intently to everything within the dust, one hand reaching forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty-two Night Phantom Blades plunged once more into the thick sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1789,"2026-06-21T06:13:01.220Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a450e129e09c21012910ac02b3a483ee5bca40eab142b2f4a0f386f213e80534","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-983","at-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-chapter-981",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fat-the-summit-of-the-old-gods-cover.jpg"]