In the following period, Lu Ran continuously executed missions with He Qifeng.

At first, he was quite happy.

After all, having free labor to do the hard work while he reaped the rewards was ideal for him.

However, as time went by, He Qifeng's bad habits became apparent.

He had to compete over everything!

This gave Lu Ran a big headache.

He Qifeng was extremely stubborn, competitive to a fault, trying to surpass Lu Ran in everything!

Lu Ran suffered in silence, but he endured.

After all... Dead Souls were quite delicious.

These Martial Monk Believers had an explosive output!

With a single kick, they could unleash a golden dragon, and with a wave, they could call down a giant golden palm from the sky...

Carrying a momentum of unmatched destruction, they crazily destroyed the withered grove.

The Sea Realm Great Demons stationed in the forest naturally wouldn't allow the Human Clan to act so recklessly and occasionally appeared to fight.

Big Wind Hall was fearless!

The Evil Demon Clan didn't have Water Flow Armor, granting the Human Clan the possibility of surpassing their level in killing.

Even though the Evil Technique·Tree Face Demon Clan's defensive power was strong, the output of the Martial Monk Faction was even more explosive!

Don't underestimate He Qifeng for only bringing 5 deputies, among whom only 3 were Martial Monk Believers.

Yet, their momentum was astonishing!

Their chants of "Big Wind! Big Wind!" made Lu Ran's blood boil.

The members of Big Wind Hall were even more enthusiastic, under He Qifeng's leadership, engaging passionately with the Great Demons of the Sea Realm...

When necessary, Lu Ran and Yu Changsheng would also join the battle.

The strength of the Sea Realm·Tree Face Demons was indeed a bit over the top!

And Lu Ran and his Dawn Blade became the anchoring force for them.

No matter what skill the Sea Realm Great Demons used, whether whipping or piercing with branches, or stacking layers to create a defensive system, all the Tree Face Demons' skills were based on dry branches!

Lu Ran's Dawn Blade Domain·Blessed Cloud perfectly countered the withered branches!

With just a light touch of the radiant light on the Tree Face Demon, the branches would turn to dust.

Of course, everyone didn't act too recklessly.

He Qifeng was valiant and strong, not foolish.

If they encountered more than two Great Demons of the Sea Realm, she would decisively order a swift retreat.

In the days of fighting and fleeing together, the relationship between Ran Sect and Big Wind Hall quickly warmed up.

Lu Ran was also getting his fill of food.

He was certain, once he activated the Evil Sculpture·Tree Face Demon, it would upgrade fiercely, directly reaching the Sea Realm!

Lu Ran had tasted the sweetness and was reluctant to leave.

He Qifeng was equally unwilling for Lu Ran to leave!

She fully showcased her leadership charisma and command talents, gaining inner satisfaction through her comparisons with Lu Ran.

Thus, the two heavenly prides led their teams, engaging in battle for over half a month.

They had circled the edges of the "Five Hundred Miles of Withered Wood Forest" several times...

Until one night in mid-May, while both parties were resting in a cave, Lu Ran sensed someone calling him from the void.

No need to guess, it was naturally Deng Yuxiang!

Lu Ran had always kept the Evil Technique·Evil Recognition active, which meant he was continually mentally linked to the Evil Dog Evil Sculpture.

In other words, Yan Shuangzi and Lu Ran were always "connected by a microphone".

For Deng Yuxiang to communicate with Lu Ran, she needed to initiate a video chat or a voice call...

[What's wrong?] Lu Ran remained calm on the surface, but his voice transmission was impatient.

Could it be something happened?

This mission had indeed dragged on for quite some time.

[Xun Yifei just found me, saying he might advance soon.] Deng Yuxiang responded.

[Oh?] Lu Ran was overjoyed!

Out of the three in Ran Sect at the Sea Realm, Xun Yifei's realm was the lowest, currently at Sea Realm·Second Rank.

Yu Changsheng and Luo Ying were both at Sea Realm·Fourth Rank.

Honestly, Lu Ran had a pessimistic view on whether Xun Yifei could still grow.

The other was already at Sea Realm·Second Rank, possibly having reached his innate ceiling, unable to make further progress in his lifetime.

To elevate the potential ceiling, Lu Ran knew of two methods.

One was a Divine Blessing.

The other was for Lu Ran to sign a contract with him, transforming Xun Yifei from a Human Clan member into a Divine Sculpture/Evil Sculpture.

Just like Deng Yuxiang, Yan Shuangzi!

The more they fused with the Evil Sculpture, the higher their cultivation potential and talent ceiling would be.

It seemed now that he had underestimated Xun Shenjiang.

Come to think of it, for those thrown into Holy Spirit Mountain, how could any be weak?

Each was hand-picked by the divine selection!

Most were powerful and extraordinarily gifted believers, potentially affecting the balance of the Human World, only then would they be thrown into this slaughterhouse.

[Yes, Xun Yifei asked me to inform you, and also suggested advancing at Mohaibay.]

[Hmm?]

[He said there are nine Mo Li guarding the waters, along with a Divine Weapon as protection, it should be fine and may prevent Cloud Sea Cliff from being attacked.]

After pondering for a moment, Lu Ran responded: [Have him first practice in the seclusion room to prepare, wait for my return before proceeding.]

[Yes!]

"What are you thinking?" Beside the campfire, came a female voice.

Then, a hand extended in front of Lu Ran, with several small tree fruits in the palm.

They looked like blueberries, but far less palatable.

"You eat it, it's too sour." Lu Ran waved his hand repeatedly.

Just thinking about the sour and astringent taste made Lu Ran's stomach churn.

"The renowned Master of Ran Sect, the famed Pride of Da Xia, can't handle a little sourness?" He Qifeng said with a teasing smile.

She stuffed all the small tree fruits into her mouth right in front of Lu Ran.

While chewing the sour fruits, He Qifeng looked at Lu Ran with amusement.

Lu Ran: "..."

Does everything have to be a competition?

"Hehe~" He Qifeng laughed even more brilliantly, running her slender fingers through the hair above her forehead.

To the uninformed, it might seem He Qifeng was tidying her hair or displaying charm.

But everyone in the cave knew she was just showing her at-ease expression, making sure Lu Ran could see her face.

Feeling smug~

Lu Ran rolled his eyes: "I'm a man, you wouldn't understand."

He Qifeng asked curiously: "Wouldn't understand what?"

Lu Ran smirked: "I can endure much bitterness, but a hint of sourness is intolerable."

"Haha!" He Qifeng burst into laughter, "A 19-year-old kid, claiming to be a man."

"Who cares about my age, I just naturally dislike it!" Lu Ran turned to look aside, "Right, Tianlong?"

Yin Tianlong: "..."

Over half a month, seeing the interactions between He Qifeng and Lu Ran, although feeling a bit sour, Yin Tianlong didn't harbor as much animosity towards Lu Ran.

Because Lu Ran had once chatted with him alone.

Lu Ran's exact words were: "I have a fiancée, I love her very much. Your Hall Master He is a career woman, indifferent to things like love and affection.

Rest assured, there's no chance between her and me!"

After Lu Ran's frankness, it made Yin Tianlong blush.

Besides the bitterness, Yin Tianlong felt a deeper sense of helplessness.

He also knew his hopes with Hall Master He were dim.

He Qifeng never had in mind romance, opening her eyes each day with a single focus on career...

"Hehe."

Beside them, two forty-something Martial Monk Believers also smiled pleasantly.

Their impression of Lu Ran was extremely favorable!

First, Lu Ran was tolerant, humble, and gentle, able to endure the stubbornly competitive Hall Master He.

He's simply a model Immortal Sheep Believer!

Second, Lu Ran was exceedingly strong, capable of backing up the team at crucial times.

Hmm... that wasn't very typical of an Immortal Sheep Believer, though.

Overall, where could such an excellent partner be found?

No wonder he was the Pride of Da Xia!

Such magnanimity, such grace...

After more than half a month, the two Martial Monk Believers seemed somewhat smitten.

Lu Ran had built a good rapport with these Jiang Realm·Fifth Rank masters.

They had no inkling that Lu Ran had been gorging himself behind them!

If not for the deliciousness of the Dead Souls, Lu Ran would've long started a squabble with He Qifeng...

"By the way, what were you just thinking?" He Qifeng again turned to Lu Ran.

"Thinking that I've been out too long, I should head back." Lu Ran poked the campfire in front of him with a stick.

"Head back?" He Qifeng's reaction was big, her pitch rising noticeably.

Lu Ran acted helplessly: "You're here completing a mission, I've got a family business lying around."

Actually, he had considered a matter just now: whether to bring Xun Yifei over for an upgrade at Wuji Peak?

No one with a sense would dare cause trouble at the Martial Monk Faction's main base.

Yet, after mulling it over, Lu Ran refrained from acting rashly.

Despite He Qifeng having some say within Wuji Peak, she was still in an early development stage, possibly with variables.

"I suggest you move Ran Sect over." He Qifeng shifted her position to sit beside Lu Ran.

She bumped Lu Ran's shoulder with hers: "I'll pick a mountain next to Wuji Peak for you."

Once again, Lu Ran noticed the familiar look, the same as that of the paper man's gaze.

Fiery, full of longing.

Honestly, it was no wonder Yin Tianlong misunderstood...

Lu Ran glanced disdainfully at He Qifeng: "With your current state? Still want to protect me?"

He had figured out He Qifeng's temperament, knowing how to stimulate her fighting spirit.

Expecting a retort from He Qifeng, unexpectedly, she silently watched Lu Ran with pursed lips.

After a moment, without uttering a word, she clenched her hands and turned her head towards the campfire.

Lu Ran was initially stunned, then inwardly thought: Not good.

Oh no!

Did he speak too harshly, injuring her pride?

Lu Ran's voice softened slightly: "I habitually go against you; your development is impressive."

He Qifeng stared at the flickering flames, her pitch-black eyes reflecting an unusual luster in the fire.

"I will be capable of protecting you.

One day, I will provide you with enough security."

Lu Ran: "..."

Do you hear what you're saying?

Is this right?

Suddenly, He Qifeng turned to gaze directly at Lu Ran: "I'll make you willingly come to me."

Lu Ran pondered but still advised: "Haste leads to failure! If you wish to recruit believers from the Human Clan, you must be thorough in selection; there aren't many good people in Holy Spirit Mountain."

He Qifeng picked up a twig and poked the fire: "Then come assist me, help with the selection."

Lu Ran got up directly.

He Qifeng looked up at him, puzzled.

Lu Ran: "I'm heading back."

"Don't be silly." He Qifeng's expression turned grim, "If you dislike it, I won't say such things, but it's unsafe at this late hour."

"No worries." Lu Ran stepped over the small campfire, "Night is the best time for travel!"

He Qifeng: ???

"Cong Long, we're leaving."

Amidst the surprised gazes, Yu Changsheng stood up immediately, showing not a hint of doubt.

He Qifeng internally cursed herself for being impatient and impulsive, apologetically saying: "Lu Ran, I won't continue, please don't be upset."

"I'm not upset, the moonless and windy night is perfect for our journey!"

He Qifeng felt both anxious and frustrated: "Do you even make sense?"

Lu Ran gave a mysterious smile, stepping backward out of the cave: "A ghost must speak ghost talk~"

All this time, he kept his secrets well, people always thought Lu Ran was a "pure-blooded" Immortal Sheep Believer.

Little did they know, Lu Ran was rather complex.

Neither fully human nor fully ghost.

Sometimes divine, sometimes demonic.

"Lu Ran?" He Qifeng quickly reached the cave entrance.

"In a few days, I'll bring the Zen Stick to you." Lu Ran, without looking back, waved languidly as he walked out.

The elegant figure gradually blended into the dark night.

"He's really got style." Yin Tianlong, watching eagerly from the cave, thought sourly.

...

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