"Sect Leader."

"Hmm?" Lu Ran opened his eyes and turned his head to look.

Only to see Yu Changsheng leading Bai Yanhui into the council hall.

Lu Ran's eyes lit up, "Elder Bai can move now."

Bai Yanhui had already bathed and changed into clean clothes; his spirit and demeanor were completely refreshed!

He was thin, draped in a white robe, with snow-white hair and a thick white beard, giving off an air of otherworldly grace and wisdom.

"Master Lu." Bai Yanhui followed the sound, cupped his hands, and saluted Lu Ran. "This old one is endlessly grateful!"

Lu Ran turned his gaze toward Yu Changsheng, smiling, "Mr. Cong Long truly lives up to the title of Sea Realm Great Doctor, with miraculous hands that bring the dying back to life."

Clearly, Lu Ran hadn't forgotten that certain people needed frequent praise.

Otherwise, some people could get sulky!

"Swoosh~"

Yu Changsheng elegantly unfolded a paper fan, nodding with a smile, "Under the Sect Leader's command, how could I not give my all?"

Lu Ran: "..."

Seriously, you're over thirty, and one compliment makes you this happy?

"You two, please sit," Lu Ran said as he spoke.

Yu Changsheng brought over two wooden chairs, allowing Bai Yanhui to sit down.

Bai Yanhui was filled with emotion, silently reflecting on the unpredictability of life.

Without the Sea Realm Doctor's aid, he would likely never have stood up again.

Such a debt of gratitude—how could it ever be repaid?

Not long ago, he was still a prisoner, locked away in a cavernous cage day after day.

Now, he had been rescued and had become an honored guest.

Such kindness—how could it be repaid?

"Elder Bai, what is your current realm?" Lu Ran asked.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, this old one is at Fifth Rank of the River Realm," Bai Yanhui replied earnestly.

"Oh." Lu Ran nodded slightly and continued, "Elder Bai, how long have you been in this world?"

"I don't remember," Bai Yanhui deliberated before saying, "This old one only recalls entering Holy Spirit Mountain in 1997."

"1997?" Lu Ran's lips twitched. He suddenly leaned back, looking at Deng Yuxiang's inverted face. "The two of us weren't even born yet, right?"

Deng Yuxiang stared at him, speechless. What kind of remark was that!

She gently pressed down with her hand, forcing his head to face forward.

Indeed, Lu Ran was born in 2001, and Deng Yuxiang in 1998.

Long before the duo's birth, this Elder Bai had already entered Holy Spirit Mountain, enduring endless suffering.

"Over twenty years, huh," Lu Ran sighed. "Now, it's already 2020 in the human world."

"So many years have passed," Bai Yanhui said lightly, offering no further comment.

Lu Ran asked again, "Elder Bai, how old are you this year?"

With the timeline provided, Bai Yanhui answered, "Seventy-six."

Seventy-six years old.

The descent of gods and demons had only occurred forty years ago.

This man had lived through two eras.

"It's said that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure," Lu Ran said, looking at the old man. "With Elder Bai joining the Ran Sect, our base of operations will have a more secure foundation."

Bai Yanhui spoke solemnly, "This old one will spare no effort and will not fail Sect Leader Lu's great kindness."

Lu Ran smiled and then asked, "Elder Bai, you've been in this realm for quite some time. Have you ever heard of Cheng Xin? He's an Immortal Sheep Believer."

Bai Yanhui furrowed his brows slightly, straining to recall, "Cheng Xin, Cheng Xin... Immortal Sheep Believer..."

Lu Ran's expression froze.

What does this mean?

There's hope?

Bai Yanhui suddenly said, "He's not very tall, wears a white Daoist robe, ties his hair in a bun, and specializes in a long spear..."

Lu Ran shot up—well, almost. He got halfway up before Deng Yuxiang pressed him back down.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Lu Ran nodded excitedly, ignoring everything else. "Where is he? Does Elder Bai have any news of him?"

Bai Yanhui strained to remember, slowly replying, "I once worked with Brother Cheng for some time, but he..."

Lu Ran immediately asked, "What?"

Bai Yanhui shook his head, "That was over ten years ago. This old one's memories are dim, but what I remember most is his gaze—

a steadfast gaze.

Brother Cheng, though an Immortal Sheep Believer, was not like the rest of us. He had aspirations and would not hide away, merely to survive."

Bai Yanhui paused, then continued, "In the end, he left us to venture out alone, and we've heard nothing since."

The small flicker of anticipation in Lu Ran's heart was extinguished again.

Bai Yanhui asked, "Sect Leader Lu, do you know Cheng Xin?"

"Ah, he's a great senior of my sect," Lu Ran replied helplessly.

Bai Yanhui seemed to hear something unbelievable. His expression remained composed as he asked, "Sect Leader Lu is also an Immortal Sheep Disciple?"

Lu Ran, still steeped in his loss, softly murmured, "Mhm."

Bai Yanhui: ?

A Nine-class God·Immortal Sheep Believer?

At present, Bai Yanhui still wasn't aware of the Ran Sect's full strength, but for them to crush Tiantu Mountain, they must be extraordinarily powerful!

In just this room, there were already two members from the Yangyang Sea!

This fact alone confirmed it.

Even though Bai Yanhui was blind, he could clearly sense the pressure of strong warriors.

And these two Sea Realm Great Powers were both immensely respectful to the young sect leader, Lu Ran. Bai Yanhui naturally inferred that Lu Ran must be a First-class God Believer.

Of course, even as a First-class God Believer, earning the heartfelt support of Sea Realm Great Powers was no small feat.

Thus, Bai Yanhui privately speculated many things, attributing Lu Ran's influence to strong leadership qualities, charisma, and more.

But what he never imagined—

Lu Ran really was a First-class God Believer.

The last of the Nine Classes ranking!

Bai Yanhui couldn't help but think again of Cheng Xin—that extraordinary and singular Immortal Sheep Disciple.

This Immortal Sheep Sect...

What kind of reputation do they even have?

"Wow!" Si Xianxian suddenly burst in, pointing at Bai Yanhui seated there. "A... Caster?"

Lu Ran's brow raised slightly.

Without Si Xianxian's reminder, he genuinely hadn't considered it!

The image of the Divine Caster was precisely that of a thin old man with snow-white hair and beard, draped in an oversized white robe, exuding an air of transcendence!

There truly was some resemblance between Bai Yanhui and the Divine Caster!

Alas, Elder Bai had been cruelly gouged of his eyes, leaving his eye sockets hollow.

Furthermore, the actual Caster always carried a white talisman paper, inscribed with black symbols, resembling chaotic ghostly scribbles.

It was said to be a magic artifact!

Although, this rumor remained unverified.

"Young friend, you jest," Bai Yanhui didn't know who had arrived but still offered a word of caution, "Such remarks should not be made lightly."

"Tch~" Si Xianxian pouted her lips, clearly lacking reverence for the gods.

Bai Yanhui remained composed, though mentally, he was calculating.

You can tell much by understanding a fraction!

The newcomer's attitude toward the gods was so flippant, yet no one reprimanded or stopped her. From this, Bai Yanhui deduced that Ran Sect members were not blindly loyal worshippers but instead a rather clear-headed group.

Si Xianxian then turned her focus on Lu Ran. One look, and she was utterly astonished!

Lu Ran reclined like a lord, basking in comfort, while the terrifying Big Nightmare gently massaged his head.

This...?

If it were Deng Yuxiang doing this, there wouldn't be much to say about it.

Si Xianxian thought she was overthinking things. After all, everyone was well aware of the relationship between Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang.

Besides, the two had entered this world together and spent so much time in solitude. If they wanted to take things further, it would've happened long ago.

Someone like Lu Ran, if he wanted to do anything, external observers wouldn't be able to stop it.

Si Xianxian already knew that Lu Ran had a Sculpture Garden in his possession, and she was well aware of the dominators under his command!

Tethering Silk Shadow, Evil Mirror Demon...

Each one more alluring than the last!

Si Xianxian had to admit to herself that even someone as stunning as her had to step back when it came to competing with the Yan Paperman in looks and charm.

From this perspective, Lu Ran could almost set up a chastity monument...

He shouldn't have joined the Immortal Sheep Sect; instead, he should've become a Martial Monk Believer. He would've surely excelled on that path!

Other Martial Monk Believers, no matter how much they cultivated, could at best become monks.

But Lu Ran...

With infinite patience, he could truly become a Buddha~

Si Xianxian was lost in these idle thoughts when she suddenly heard Deng Yuxiang teasing him, "Your maid is here. Want her to take over?"

Lu Ran looked taken aback.

His head was already buzzing, and now it buzzed even more hearing those words!

Deng Yuxiang's lips curved slightly upward as she glanced at Si Xianxian's ever-changing expression, clearly understanding what was running through her mind.

Si Xianxian felt unnerved under the scrutiny but couldn't lash out.

She chose to ignore Deng Yuxiang entirely, walking quickly toward Lu Ran with a concerned look:

"What's wrong with you?"

"Headache."

Si Xianxian's eyes glinted, her tone measured as she shifted to private telepathy: [Divine Sculpture advancing?]

Lu Ran gave a slight nod.

Si Xianxian glanced at Deng Yuxiang's position, clearly eager: "Then, let me...?"

"Don't you dare!" Lu Ran was startled, quickly raising his hands to refuse. "You don't know your own strength. You'll crush my skull."

Si Xianxian immediately rolled her eyes.

Ingrate, who'd want to serve you anyway!

"Just sit, would you?" Lu Ran said offhandedly before glancing across the table, "Elder Bai, have you ever heard of Qin Yanzhi?"

He gave a brief description, but this time, he didn't get the answer he was looking for.

Lu Ran could only sigh inwardly, then pivoted, "Let's plan our strategy. Elder Bai, having contended with Tiantu Mountain for so long, do you have any recommendations?"

Bai Yanhui spoke methodically, "Luo Tiantu possesses a high cultivation, immense strength, but at his core, he is a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong.

We can focus on exploiting this weakness."

"Oh?" Yu Changsheng, who had remained silent, now seemed interested.

Exploiting personality to crush an opponent?

Intriguing.

Bai Yanhui nodded, "Luo Tiantu is petty and cowardly, and when faced with a life-threatening assault, he will likely abandon his allies to save himself."

Yu Changsheng asked, "What makes you so certain?"

Bai Yanhui spoke in a deep voice, "When Sinless Valley dealt a significant blow to Tiantu Mountain, it was precisely because we set a trap and launched an overwhelming attack that frightened Luo Tiantu.

Luo Tiantu's immediate response revealed his true nature.

In his desperation to flee, he activated the Electric Shackles Talisman, leaving his comrades in peril."

Lu Ran and Yu Changsheng exchanged glances.

Bai Yanhui continued, "Sinless Valley was thus able to slaughter many of Tiantu Mountain's elites.

Later, when Tiantu Mountain captured us, Luo Tiantu, despite having the opportunity to enslave more Weak God Disciples and increase their overall strength, insisted on executing us instead..."

Yu Changsheng mused, "A desperate grab to save face."

"Precisely!" Bai Yanhui, suppressing his sorrow, said soberly, "When executing captives, his methods were unusually brutal!

On one hand, to vent anger; on the other, likely to reassert his authority amongst his people and compensate for his prior disgrace."

Bai Yanhui turned toward Lu Ran, "Sect Leader Lu, our forces are strong, boasting several Sea Realm Great Powers!

If we ambush Luo Tiantu on his return journey with a lethal strike upfront..."

Yu Changsheng pondered aloud, "Luo Tiantu might panic, abandon his squad, and flee?

Or perhaps he might even destabilize his formation and help us take down his own group?"

Bai Yanhui's voice rasped, "Human nature is hard to change! Luo Tiantu is middle-aged; both his personality and combat habits are deeply ingrained.

As long as we launch an unexpected and sufficiently deadly attack, Luo Tiantu's instincts are unlikely to change."

"Elder Bai's words ring true," Yu Changsheng agreed.

Lu Ran watched as the two continued their tactical discussion and suddenly realized—

He'd recruited another strategist!

This strategist was also once a leader in his own right!

Lu Ran didn't yet know Bai Yanhui's specific achievements during the past twenty-some years,

but surviving alone was already a monumental feat!

In his most recent feat, Bai Yanhui had led a group of Weak God Disciples, constantly at odds with Tiantu Mountain's forces. Even when pushed to the brink, he had orchestrated a last-minute counterstrike, taking down several powerful disciples...

Lu Ran's inner joy swelled.

Ran Sect, what a treasure they've picked up!

...

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