Deng Yuxiang hated Tiantu Mountain to the core!

When she and Lu Ran first arrived, they were harshly taught a lesson by the people of Tiantu Mountain, led by Lady Luo.

If not for their formidable strength, the two of them would've met a gruesome end in the mountains on only the second day they entered Spirit Mountain!

Deng Yuxiang's hatred for Tiantu Mountain went far beyond that.

After that ambush, the two encountered the people of Tiantu Mountain again, this time led by Village Chief Luo Tiantu and a group of thugs.

Unlike last time, Luo Tiantu and Lady Kong, both Sea Realm Great Powers, had no interest in putting on a facade.

From the lofty Yangyang Sea, they condescendingly ordered Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang to surrender their Divine Weapons, and even sought to take their lives.

Deng Yuxiang would never forget the faces of those people.

Nor would she ever forget the feeling of utter helplessness.

On the battlefield, she was the first to retreat.

Though Deng Yuxiang was following Lu Ran's order, it was an humiliation she couldn't erase from her memory.

She wanted to protect Lu Ran, but...

She had become a burden.

For a Martial Artist as proud as she was, this humiliation became a knot in her heart.

Lu Ran had once promised her that they would return to face Tiantu Mountain once she ascended to the Sea Realm.

Now, the time had come!

"You should return to your seclusion room first and stabilize your realm," Lu Ran said softly.

Deng Yuxiang suddenly raised her hand, startling Lu Ran into full alertness!

There was no helping it—her newfound Sea Realm presence, even an inadvertent movement, carried an overwhelming pressure...

Deng Yuxiang's hand gently landed on Lu Ran's chest, her movements soft as she tidied his disheveled cloak. Her voice was equally soft:

"And then, we'll head to Tiantu Mountain?"

Lu Ran looked at the woman before him, her eyes steady and unwavering as they quietly met his gaze.

Before others, Deng Yuxiang was always respectful and deferential toward Lu Ran.

The Ran Sect's top protector led by example, showing everyone how to treat their Sect Master.

But at this moment...

While Deng Yuxiang's actions couldn't quite be called impudent, this level of closeness was a privilege they only allowed themselves in private.

In a way, it was a kind of spoiled familiarity, carrying a hint of urging.

"I thought impatience was my exclusive flaw," Lu Ran said with a faint smile.

Deng Yuxiang's fingers, which were adjusting Lu Ran's collar, paused ever so slightly.

She lifted her gaze and looked at him with a playful reproach in her eyes.

That one light glance sent Lu Ran's heart into a panic!

What a true Sea Realm Great Power!

So full of majesty!

And yet, the glance wasn't angry or stern—not even close to a glare...

Lu Ran froze entirely!

He steadied his mind and spoke gently, "It's already the end of June. Let's set the mission for early July. Your recent breakthrough has left everyone quite worn out; they need rest.

It's also a good opportunity for you to stabilize your realm and practice the Sea Realm Technique of the Night Charm Clan."

Deng Yuxiang, still considerate, averted her gaze, sparing Lu Ran any further embarrassment.

"You should return to the seclusion room first," Lu Ran said softly.

"Mm." Deng Yuxiang nodded lightly, brushed down Lu Ran's clothing one last time, and turned to leave.

Lu Ran watched her retreating figure and exhaled slightly.

It was clear—the impact of ascending realm levels significantly affected one's state of mind.

However, the shift from River to Sea Realm wasn't the most dramatic transformation for the Human Clan.

The true qualitative leap came when people progressed from River to the River Realm Second Rank...

[By the way, Evil Shadow also ascended to River Realm Second Rank during your breakthrough.]

[Oh?] Deng Yuxiang halted midstride and glanced back at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran nodded lightly and suggested, [If you have the time, you should congratulate her.]

[Alright.]

"Thank you, everyone," Lu Ran said, clasping his fists and scanning the group. "Take the next few days to rest well! We'll discuss our next mission at the beginning of July."

"Yes!"

"Yes..." The group echoed and dispersed one by one.

Yu Changsheng and Si Xianxian stayed behind.

With a dramatic "swish," Yu Changsheng gracefully opened his folding fan, lightly fanning himself while smiling at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran felt his scalp tingle under the gaze.

"Mr. Conglong, why are you laughing?" Lu Ran eventually couldn't resist asking.

"Sect Master, you seem quite intimidated by Nightmare Guardian," Yu Changsheng commented with a smile.

Lu Ran immediately rolled his eyes.

"Hahaha!" Yu Changsheng let out a hearty laugh. "After a few more days, the aura of her Sea Realm breakthrough will fade, and things will get better."

"I hope so," Lu Ran replied indifferently.

Yu Changsheng, Xun Yifei, and Luo Ying were all Sea Realm, and higher ranked than Deng Yuxiang.

Lu Ran had already gotten used to interacting with these Sea Realm Great Powers, so naturally, he could adjust to Deng Yuxiang as well.

However, Lu Ran was keenly aware that Deng Yuxiang was different—she was the pride of all prides!

She was an unparalleled, razor-sharp blade!

Among the original three Seas of the Ran Sect, Yu Changsheng was elegant and unrestrained, Xun Yifei was weathered and composed, and Luo Ying was a gentle motherly figure.

They surpassed Deng Yuxiang in realm levels, but in sheer presence...

Deng Yuxiang's sharpness was unmatched.

Sigh...

Hopefully, life would get a bit easier, Lu Ran thought to himself.

"Sect Master, tell me about Tiantu Mountain?" Yu Changsheng suddenly inquired softly.

"Oh." Lu Ran nodded slightly and began narrating.

Si Xianxian, standing quietly to the side, listened carefully, her frustration growing as her grip tightened on her Black Luminous Stone Hammer—fondly nicknamed "Mad Mad Hammer."

The name had an amusing origin.

Si Xianxian had long lived under her mother's strict control, constantly being told what she could and couldn't do.

Her mother even insisted on naming the hammer "Mount Tai Hammer," hoping that her daughter would remain as calm and steady as Mount Tai.

Si Xianxian despised this name, and in an act of rebellion, privately renamed the hammer "Mad Hammer."

However, she once let the name slip in front of her mother, which resulted in a lengthy scolding.

Enraged, Si Xianxian stomped her feet and decided to go all out: Fine, it's not just "Mad Hammer" anymore—it's "Mad Mad Hammer!"

Keep scolding? Then it'll be called "Mad Mad Mad Hammer!"

Lu Ran still remembered how incredulous his expression had been when he first heard this story...

"Those vile scumbags are unbearable! They deserve death!" Si Xianxian cursed vehemently as she listened to Lu Ran's story, unable to restrain herself any longer.

Yu Changsheng: "..."

Lu Ran cautiously eyed Si Xianxian and spoke in an unusually gentle tone: "Calm down, I'm talking with Mr. Conglong here."

"Oh." Si Xianxian pouted, shifted her gaze to the Mad Mad Hammer, and ran her fingers over its engraved patterns.

Yu Changsheng lightly fanned himself with his paper fan. "No wonder Nightmare Guardian harbors such hatred. If that's the case, we should eradicate this thorn as soon as possible.

Avenging this grudge will not only provide closure but also aid her growth."

Lingering obsessions and past grudges can serve as an individual's driving force for growth.

Some obsessions, like overthrowing North Wind, were irrational to pursue prematurely.

But other goals, once achievable, must be pursued relentlessly!

"Mm." Lu Ran nodded in agreement and went on to describe Tiantu Mountain's general strengths to Yu Changsheng.

Though, these details were from half a year ago and might no longer be accurate—they could only be regarded as a reference.

Once finished, Lu Ran spoke again, "Mr. Conglong, please rest for now. Meanwhile, help me draft a revenge plan. In a couple of days, we'll reconvene in the Council Hall to discuss it."

"Understood!" Yu Changsheng replied softly before turning and leaving.

Lu Ran turned to Si Xianxian. "Sister Xian'er, did you need to speak with me?"

Si Xianxian raised her gaze to meet Lu Ran's. "Don't we need to have a proper chat about you looking down on me last time?"

"No, no, no!" Lu Ran waved his hands hurriedly. "I wasn't looking down on you—that was just a tactic to motivate you to train harder."

Si Xianxian didn't press the issue further, instead huffing indignantly: "You'd better take me along for this mission! I'm going to blow those scumbags to pieces!"

Lu Ran's expression turned odd. "You seem to be getting more and more volatile."

"Hmph." Si Xianxian sneered. "This breakthrough made things abundantly clear to me:

To progress at lightning speed, I just need to say screw it and let loose!"

Lu Ran: "..."

Si Xianxian exuded confidence. "In any case, I'm no longer Lie Tian's servant, nor am I under the gods' control anymore!

No matter how volatile I get, there's no external interference. I have full control over myself."

Lu Ran remained silent, withholding any judgment.

"What, you don't believe me?" Si Xianxian raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It's best if you're confident," Lu Ran said, patting her shoulder. "But be careful not to attack indiscriminately—be kind to your allies."

In June's ever-changing skies, Si Xianxian's expression shifted abruptly from her prior glare to a sweet smile. "Oh, young master~ How could I not be good to you!"

Lu Ran: "..."

"So that's settled—you're taking me on this mission!"

"We'll see how you perform," Lu Ran replied absentmindedly, his thoughts flashing to a few familiar faces.

Luo Tiantu, Lady Kong...

Deng Yuxiang was filled with hatred, and Lu Ran wasn't any different.

From intel gathered from previously captured members of the Tiantu Mountain faction, Lu Ran knew full well—they were a band of vile, murderous thieves.

They deserved nothing less than destruction.

It was time to end it!

Up until now, Lu Ran had mostly faced individuals or small squads from certain organizations.

This time marked his first battle of annihilation between factions since entering the mountains!

Lu Ran licked his lips; his gaze hardened with icy resolve.

Meanwhile, in the eastern-central part of the Holy Spirit Mountain Continent, within a dense forest...

A pair of men and women, dressed in intricate white robes and surrounded by floating Jade Tokens, soared through the woods.

Flanking them were no less than ten men and women in dark attire, acting as their escorts.

Another pair of men and women moved swiftly on foot, darting through the forest like shadows.

These two did not possess the surrounding Jade Tokens, yet both wielded Sky-piercing Halberds.

"Village Chief Luo, a wisp of Holy Spirit Energy has been detected nearby!" reported one of the dark-clad figures.

"Understood," Luo Tiantu responded, descending gracefully to the ground.

"Village Chief Luo!" came a resolute voice. It belonged to the halberd-wielding woman.

Luo Tiantu turned an impassive gaze toward her.

The majesty of the Yangyang Sea exuded unmistakable dominance!

Yet, the pair of halberd-wielders showed no sign of fear—not outwardly, at least.

"You've already taken several wisps of Holy Spirit Energy!"

A furious feminine voice rang out from behind Lady Kong.

The halberd-wielding woman cast a cold glance at the young maidservant who had dared to bark out her grievances, refusing to dignify her with a response. Instead, her focus returned to Luo Tiantu.

Such disdainful behavior only infuriated the young woman further!

"Please proceed," Luo Tiantu said with a slight nod.

The pair nodded in thanks. The man, surrounded by crackling lightning, dashed off toward the direction of the Holy Spirit Energy.

Behind Lady Kong, the young maidservant seethed with anger but dared not speak up again.

Lady Kong turned her gaze to the new maidservant by her side. "The two from Thunder Mountain were specifically invited by us. Since the rules were established beforehand, they must be followed."

Suppressing her frustration, the maidservant pursed her lips, unwilling to voice her inner fury.

But, in her heart, a storm of curses raged:

A single ambush was all it took to break your courage!

Sea Realm Great Powers? What a disgrace!

Every time we go out to gather resources, we have to hand some over to East Thunder believers. It's absurd! Are we mere runners tagging along for scraps?

You two were ambushed ages ago—

What, nearly half a year by now?

Who knows if that person is even alive anymore! Yet here you are, trembling like mice!

I can't believe I ended up serving such cowardly fools...

...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.