During the morning, the Ran Sect gathered in the Council Hall, and Lu Ran outlined the objectives for the upcoming mission.

This time heading south, Lu Ran planned to travel light and keep things simple.

After all, the goal was merely to explore the map and return within a month.

"General Luoshen." From the main seat, Lu Ran looked at his young mother, "You've accompanied me on so many journeys over the years. This time, take a break and stay home."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yifei felt a wave of relief.

As the Sect Master summoned his wife, Xun Yifei maintained a calm exterior, but inwardly, he was groaning in despair.

He was haunted by the memories of being dominated by his children—his son crying during the day, his daughter wailing at night, and both of them sobbing together while looking for their mother...

What a relief!

The Sect Master was offering him a lifeline.

Yet unexpectedly, Luo Ying spoke up: "Sect Master, I've been resting at home for over a month, I can accompany you on this mission."

Xun Yifei: "..."

Don't do this, Mama!

Papa can't take it anymore!

"No need." Lu Ran chuckled and looked at the Phoenix and Swallow Generals, "We should give the new Divine Generals a chance to shine."

Gao Yunyan immediately nodded.

Xue Fengchen also wanted to nod, but unfortunately, he was still at the Jiang Realm·Fifth Rank and not qualified to be called a "Divine General."

"Phew..." Hearing Lu Ran's words, Xun Yifei let out a huge sigh of relief.

His emotions were like a roller coaster~

As a Sea Realm powerhouse, Xun Yifei's emotions naturally influenced the surrounding atmosphere.

He had always hidden his feelings well, but perhaps due to truly relaxing, his emotions unintentionally leaked.

Lu Ran immediately turned his head, giving Xun the Divine General an ambiguous smile.

The other members in the Council Hall had mixed reactions, with most trying to maintain neutral expressions—after all, Xun the Divine General was no ordinary figure and was not someone to be jested with.

Luo Ying, however, turned her head, glaring at her husband.

Xun Yifei felt a bit awkward and promptly volunteered, "Sect Master, allow me to accompany you on this mission."

Lu Ran smiled and said, "No need. You and your spouse balance family and career. While I'm gone, focus on leading the sect and protecting Cloud Sea Cliff."

"Understood!"

"Understood," the couple responded promptly.

Lu Ran turned to Yu Changsheng: "Mr. Cong Long, accompany me this time."

Yu Changsheng: "..."

Luo Ying accompanies you everywhere, without fail.

But every mission, you always drag me along as well!

Lu Ran flashed a smile, "Having Mr. Cong Long by my side gives me peace of mind."

Yu Changsheng suddenly felt comforted, his face softened with a smile, and he nodded with satisfaction: "It's my honor."

Just then, Lu Ran caught sight of a piercing gaze sweeping across him.

Lu Ran's heart twitched!

No doubt about it—it had to be the glare of the Big Nightmare!

In front of outsiders, Deng Yuxiang always upheld the Sect Master's dignity, but that didn't stop her from casually shooting Lu Ran a meaningful look.

Beside the main chair, Jiang Ruyi suddenly spoke up: "Let the Nightmare Guardian accompany us south as well."

Deng Yuxiang turned to the Sect Master's wife and nodded respectfully: "Understood."

"Alright, that's settled!" Lu Ran announced, dismissing the meeting.

Si Xianxian pouted unhappily.

Earlier this morning, Lu and Jiang had vetoed Si Xianxian's suggestion. Though Sister Xian'er was only at Jiang Realm Second Rank, her explosive output was capable of even killing Sea Realm enemies—still, the duo hoped she would focus on her cultivation.

As the Ran Sect members left one by one, the Evil Shadow Guardian suddenly emerged, half-kneeling beside a chair, blocking Lu Ran's path.

The Evil Shadow remained silent,

but the air was thick with stubborn determination.

One Nightmare, one Evil Shadow—they truly made a perfect pair of best friends~

Lu Ran sighed helplessly, "Haven't you been following me all along anyway?"

Yan Shuangzi didn't argue, merely tilted her face upward to "glance" at Lu Ran before vanishing.

Lu Ran felt a bit awkward.

Only now did it hit him—during the last trip to the northwest desert, he hadn't brought Miss Yan Shuangzi along...

Jiang Ruyi's face carried a faint smile, clearly enjoying the scene.

She naturally hoped that every warrior following Lu Ran would share Yan Shuangzi's unwavering loyalty.

"What's got you so happy?" Lu Ran asked, puzzled.

"Let's go prepare." Jiang Ruyi reached out to adjust Lu Ran's collar, "This time, wear the white robe for the mission."

Lu Ran shrugged indifferently.

Jiang Ruyi seemed particularly fond of seeing Lu Ran donned in a flowing white robe.

Her arrival marked a turning point, bringing subtle yet significant transformations to Lu Ran.

The biggest change was her arrival with troops, enabling him to establish Feixian Hall and fully embark on recruiting believers.

A smaller change was the addition of a second Holy Spirit Mountain outfit for Lu Ran.

No longer the mysterious figure clad in a bamboo hat and bamboo clothes, the wandering vagabond...

He now embodied the grandeur, standing tall as the statue within Feixian Hall, draped in an elegant white robe.

Majestic, dignified, awe-inspiring.

...

As midday approached, Lu and Jiang—accompanied by the Nightmare Guardian, Mr. Cong Long, and the Evil Shadow Guardian, as well as the Phoenix and Swallow Generals—set off on their southern journey.

Four Rivers and Three Seas—such an elite squad seemed destined to fulfill this mission successfully.

Moreover, among the "Four Rivers" was Lu Ran, whose strength was unfathomable!

However, not long after setting off, Yu Changsheng called out, "Sect Master."

"Mr. Cong Long?" Lu Ran turned to him.

"If we continue south along the coastline, we may deviate from our purpose and fail to gather enough intelligence," Yu Changsheng pointed out.

"Hmm, you're right," Lu Ran nodded.

Most divine believers and Evil Demon factions were land-based creatures—hardly any willingly approached the perilous sea.

Following Yu Changsheng's advice, the squad gradually veered away from the coastline, journeying steeply through mountains toward the south-west.

Occasionally, Lu Ran would cast Evil Technique·Mirror Flower Moon to leap from one mountain peak to another.

By dusk the next day, the squad had traveled more than a thousand kilometers.

This was despite Lu Ran deliberately pacing the journey to prioritize exploration.

If he frequently used Evil Technique·Mirror Flower Moon, several thousand kilometers would be easy to cover!

Along the way, there were plenty of wandering demons and evildoers, but mostly individuals or small groups—not a stronghold of any particular Evil Demon faction.

Lu Ran could clearly sense that the farther south they ventured, the terrain became progressively lower, and rivers and lakes became increasingly abundant.

"Whoa?"

On a mountaintop, as Lu Ran stepped out from the mirrored portal, he was stunned by the scenery illuminated by the sunset!

Where on earth did I end up?

Is this still Holy Spirit Mountain?

Lu Ran gazed southward, noting a sudden shift in the terrain—a massive lake appeared before his eyes.

The lake was astonishingly vast, dotted with countless islands of varied shapes and sizes.

These islands were scattered like stars across the water.

The islands were lush with greenery, some connected by narrow paths that looked man-made, yet appeared as if carved by nature's uncanny artistry.

Ripples glistened on the lake's surface as the sunset bathed its clear waters in shimmering brilliance, creating an enchanting view.

"I never imagined there would be such an Immortal Realm hidden just over a thousand kilometers from our Cloud Sea Cliff." Lu Ran's gaze grew increasingly absorbed, filled with admiration.

Though he had interrogated countless criminals and gathered significant information since entering the mountains, no one had ever mentioned this place.

Unfortunately, the weather was clear today.

If it were a rainy and misty day, with the islands shrouded in a dreamy haze, how picturesque would that be?

"Sect Master, do not let the beauty of the scenery deceive you; this place is likely exceptionally dangerous," Yu Changsheng softly reminded him.

Lu Ran turned and smiled at the handsome Yu Changsheng, "The more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it tends to be, right?"

Yu Changsheng's expression turned slightly peculiar.

Ran Sect's team had no shortage of beauties.

Whether it was the icy Jiang Fairy or the radiant Big Nightmare, both were top-tier individuals in their fields.

But somehow, Yu Changsheng felt like the Sect Master might actually be talking about him...

"Mr. Changsheng is correct." Jiang Ruyi nodded slightly, "Such a treasure trove, if not occupied by the Evil Demon faction, is likely under the control of a Human Clan force."

"Let's go check it out!" Lu Ran ordered decisively, brimming with enthusiasm.

In the past, encountering such an Immortal Realm, Lu Ran might have turned around and left.

He wouldn't dare to approach.

But now, things were different.

Four Rivers and Three Seas—Lu Ran had the confidence to explore.

The Phoenix and Swallow Generals paved the way with axes, the Nightmare Guardian and Mr. Cong Long guarded the rear, while the Evil Shadow stayed on the fringes of the squad, collecting intelligence and remaining unseen.

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi walked leisurely through the thick forests toward the lakeshore.

"Sniff~"

Lu Ran flared his nostrils.

No sound, no smell, no life.

"That's strange—are there no people here?" Lu Ran crouched by the lake, observing the crystal-clear water and cupping a handful in his hands.

Could it be that the Evil Demons or Human Clan forces were hiding on islands far from the shore?

Lu Ran pondered while his mischievous side emerged.

He dipped his tongue into the lake water, confirming it was fresh water with a hint of sweetness.

Ah~

How delightful!

This forest, this lake, this wondrous cluster of islands—if no other forces are present, could Ran Sect perhaps utilize it... hmm?

Suddenly, Lu Ran's eyes sharpened!

On a remote island far from the shore, near the edge of the forest, he spotted something—was that a figure moving?

Only Lu Ran's exceptional eyesight allowed him to discern the individual.

"Rustle~"

On the island, a thicket of dense bushes subtly swayed.

A man dressed in grass clothing and grass shoes was retreating into the island depths under the signal of several others.

The man ran along a secluded path and entered a thick forest until he reached a modest, elegant structure:

"Island Master He! Island Master He!"

"What is it?" From behind the bamboo fence, came a young woman's voice.

"A group has appeared near the northern shore—they're observing the islands!"

As the man spoke, a young woman opened the bamboo gate.

She appeared to be about twenty-three or twenty-four, slender and graceful, dressed in an ancient-styled green gown, exuding understated elegance.

The woman resembled a lotus blooming amid the serene lake, captivatingly beautiful.

But at this moment, her delicate features were clouded with frost, her eyes harboring a trace of anger:

"Could it be people from Thunder Mountain again?"

...

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