October 18th, the rain drizzled endlessly.

Beneath the gray and murky sky, led by the Grey Lotus Island Master, a crowd stood silently on the western bank of Mist Rain Lake, awaiting someone's return.

This reception party numbered nearly twenty people, with almost half of them being powerful Sea Realm Great Powers!

It was hard to imagine a group capable of destroying the heavens and earth calmly standing in the rain, waiting. Just who was worthy of such deference?

"Tap, tap..."

Rain droplets fell onto the vibrant green lotus leaves, producing a soft rhythmic sound, soothing to the ear.

He Yingcai stood beside Yu Changsheng, raising her jade-like hand to guide a large lotus leaf above their heads, sheltering them from the rain.

The man was dashing and debonair, the woman graceful and elegant.

They seemed like a perfectly matched pair, akin to celestial lovers.

But it was a pity the man was oblivious to romance, his head bowed as he studied a blade?

"Whoosh~"

The Black Ice Blade suddenly broke free from Yu Changsheng's hand, darting into the distant lush forest.

A flicker of delight crossed He Yingcai's eyes as she softly remarked, "Junior Lu has arrived."

"Mm, he's here." Yu Changsheng smiled, lifting his head slightly.

Underneath the brooding western sky, a few black crows flew in, their appearance carrying a subtle message.

After all, disciples of the Witch Crow Sect could conceal their presence!

If the visitors harbored ill intent, how could these exceptional scouts ever be visible?

"Caw~ Caw~"

Amid the drizzling rain, the black crows circled briefly before turning back to the forest.

After another while, a group of figures emerged from the woods.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was a mix of two distinct teams.

One group wore yellow-brown martial monk robes, exuding a crisp and valiant aura full of bravery.

The other donned bamboo hats and reed rain-coats, appearing as enigmatic martial wanderers.

The leaders of the two teams stood out, not only for their attire but as if they inhabited a completely different plane compared to the others.

The duo of Lu and Jiang were noteworthy enough, but alongside them walked a woman—

Her presence was outstanding, her body cloaked in a long golden-brown robe, clearly marking her as someone of significant status!

"This must be City Lord He." The Grey Lotus Island Master softly murmured.

From behind, He Yingcai's eyes expressed admiration as she whispered, "Yes, it's her, He Qifeng.

She is our Da Xia's second greatest prodigy, second to none."

Several other Island Masters silently observed, their hearts rippling slightly.

Second to none?

It was truly hard to fathom what kind of celestial being could possibly overshadow someone like He Qifeng.

What?

You're saying that Da Xia's most exceptional prodigy is the person by her side? Are you referring to Master Lu?

It feels... well, Master Lu doesn't seem imposing enough?

Da Xia has only four First-class Gods.

They are Sword One, Qiang Xiu, the Martial Monk, and the Martial Artist.

Otherwise known by the widely circulated rhyme: "One Immortal, One Saint, Two Martial Elites."

The disciples of these four schools naturally stand as the apex figures in the God and Demon World!

At this moment, He Qifeng did nothing, yet her overwhelming aura and commanding presence already made the disciples of the Bi He Sect feel vastly inferior.

Now that a disciple of a First-class God was present within the Thousand Boat Alliance, why fear the East Ting disciples anymore?

"Holy Spirit Mountain, a storm truly brews." The speaker was an elderly woman who appeared slightly hunched.

She supported herself with a cane, her hair whitening, her voice raspy and aged, grating on the ears.

Yu Changsheng had been within the Thousand Boat Alliance for over ten days now and naturally knew that this woman was one of the seven Island Masters of the Bi He Sect, the Withered Lotus Island Master.

She was aptly named.

Old and withering like a lotus flower nearing the end of its bloom.

A sight that brought a sense of lament.

The Golden Lotus Island Master was a tall and stately middle-aged man who spoke in a deep voice:

"After so many years, it's time for change."

The Wind Lotus Island Master, by contrast, was a stunning and charming woman who seemed aptly named as well, swaying beautifully like a lotus flower in the breeze.

Enchanting but not vulgar, striking but not gaudy.

She gazed at the two prodigies approaching from Da Xia, her voice soft, "Da Xia has finally extended its reach into our Holy Spirit Mountain."

As her words fell, the reception team fell silent.

With the arrival of one prodigy after another on this mountain, these capable, ambitious, and well-reputed individuals wrapped in Da Xia's halo of influence would likely purify the corrupted and restore clarity to this world.

The facts lay plainly in view:

The top prodigy traveled far and wide, aiding those in distress, punishing evil, and promoting good.

Upon encountering the crisis at Mist Rain Lake, he immediately stepped forward, taking on the responsibility without hesitation!

The second prodigy had already established a Forbidden City, gathering displaced people while reforming the Wuji Peak Sect with righteous discipline.

Her grand vision had already been declared to the world.

In the past, if anyone had reported this to the Bi He Sect, the Sea Realm Island Masters might have scoffed and dismissed them outright!

Nonsense!

But now, the two prodigies of Da Xia stood steadfastly before them...

"The Grey Lotus Island Master Pang Yuan, on behalf of the Seven Islands of Bi He, welcomes your esteemed arrival." The Grey Lotus Island Master cupped his hands in greeting, his voice grand.

"A senior, such courtesy!" He Qifeng responded kindly, returning the gesture.

This small act of consideration visibly eased the hearts of many Bi He disciples.

After all, a Second-class God disciple from East Ting wouldn't even regard them as people—

But to expect such respect from a disciple of a First-class God? Unthinkable.

In many people's minds, He Qifeng's arrogance would have been unsurprising, even expected.

Yet now, City Lord He's polite gesture brought a collective sigh of relief.

The two sides exchanged pleasantries, introducing themselves to one another.

Withered Lotus, Cold Lotus, Grey Lotus, Golden Lotus, Green Lotus, Wind Lotus, Rain Lotus...

It was Lu Ran's first time meeting the other Island Masters, but the various Sea Realm Island Masters each possessed unique traits, making them rather memorable.

Take, for instance, the Wind Lotus Island Master.

Goodness~

This auntie is remarkably refined!

The White Snake Maiden?

Though their appearances differed, their temperaments bore a striking resemblance.

The Bi He Sect is truly a haven for beauties!

Lu Ran felt that this Wind Lotus Island Master would be better suited to joining his sect to cultivate in the Jade-faced Snake Clan's Evil Techniques for the rest of her days!

"Hmm?" Sensing something, Lu Ran turned to look.

Jiang Ruyi wore an almost-smiling expression as she quietly observed Lu Ran.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Lu Ran wrapped his arm around Jiang Fairy's slender waist and transmitted his thoughts: [I don't know why, but seeing the Wind Lotus Island Master makes me think of the Jade-faced Snake Clan.]

[Let go.] Jiang Ruyi lowered her head slightly. How could she concentrate on Lu Ran's explanation?

So many people were watching!

And not just regular people—these were powerful elders, uncles, aunts, grandfathers, and grandmothers from the Sea Realm...

You really have no sense of shame!

The Grey Lotus Island Master offered a benevolent smile, glancing at the pair of young lovers before speaking to He Qifeng:

"Hall Master He, we have already prepared a feast. May I invite everyone to move to the island, where we can fulfill our duties as hosts."

"Excellent!" The rotund Wine and Meat Immortal immediately perked up, his chubby face beaming, "Let's go, let's go!"

He Qifeng chuckled, nodding to the Grey Lotus Island Master, "Senior, please lead the way!"

"Please!" The Grey Lotus Island Master promptly summoned a verdant lotus leaf that landed gracefully upon the lake behind her.

The drizzling rain continued, the lake shrouded in a veil of cold mist.

Lu and Jiang boarded the large lotus leaf, accompanied by Yu Changsheng, as they "drifted" across the lake.

In the distance, the rolling mountains loomed faintly through the mist, resembling an ethereal ink painting.

Back in the Human World of Da Xia, Lu Ran had never truly experienced the charm of a "smoky, rainy Jiangnan."

Unexpectedly, within the tainted and corrupted Holy Spirit Mountain, he had encountered such breathtaking scenery.

"Thunder Mountain has truly sinned." Lu Ran remarked emotionally.

To dare stretch their malevolent claws here, to sully this slice of paradise?

Yu Changsheng turned to Lu Ran and said softly, "In these past few days, I have met with the various Island Masters and even attended a meeting of the Thousand Boat Alliance."

Lu Ran nodded lightly, waiting for him to continue.

Yu Changsheng sighed, "I was thinking that since conflict is inevitable, it's best if we seize the initiative and strike first."

Then, shaking his head, he added, "But the Thousand Boat Alliance factions are still more inclined toward defense.

On one hand, they rely on the advantage of their terrain; on the other, they wish to protect the Hierarch, hoping for Alliance Leader Yun to exit seclusion."

Lu Ran remained silent.

The Alliance's decision largely stemmed from their strength—or rather, its absence. Their outlook also reflected the temperaments of the disciples from each faction.

The four main factions—Sky Phoenix, Bi He, Chenghua, and Sword Lotus—were never inclined to aggression.

Their divine techniques also revealed much about their philosophies.

Not that their techniques lacked offensive capabilities, but the core of these factions leaned heavily toward healing, support, control, and defense...

"There's no need to lament, my friend," Lu Ran offered after some thought.

Yu Changsheng replied, "Oh? Does the Sect Master have confidence in persuading them to change their approach?"

Lu Ran shook his head decisively, "Not at all."

Yu Changsheng: "..."

Lu Ran: "Big Wind Hall is here as an ally. During their stay in the Thousand Boat Alliance, they can help fend off external threats, but they will never take the initiative to attack."

Yu Changsheng was somewhat exasperated.

So this was the "no need to lament" he mentioned?

Lu Ran continued, "In the words of Qifeng, without faith, a person cannot stand; without credibility, an enterprise cannot thrive.

Both Wuji Peak and the Forbidden City under Big Wind Hall have established rules and principles, and they must abide by them strictly."

Yu Changsheng nodded lightly.

From the perspective of long-term development, Wuji Peak's reputation indeed needed to remain solid.

"I'm sorry, Junior, for letting you down on behalf of the Thousand Boat Alliance." Guiding the lotus leaf ahead, He Yingcai wore a look of guilt.

After all, it was her invitation that brought him here.

Lu Ran had given everything, even leveraging tremendous personal favors to gather disciples from First-class Gods!

But the Island Masters within the Alliance merely wanted to rely on the natural advantages of this place and hold their ground at all costs.

They also fantasized about a day when their leader could ascend to the Heavenly Realm.

If that came to pass, all their troubles would be resolved.

Traditionally, ascendants to the Heavenly Realm would "soar," leaving behind this world of suffering.

But Yun Qianzhou was benevolent and kind!

Everyone harbored hopes of collective pleading—relying on years of camaraderie and heartfelt tears—to move the Hierarch to remain in this world.

"It's fine," Lu Ran said casually, "The Thousand Boat Alliance, Wuji Peak, and the Ran Sect merely have differing philosophies and objectives."

He Yingcai nodded slightly, her gaze drifting briefly to Yu Changsheng's face.

How perceptive was Lu Ran?

Since their first encounter, he had noticed He Yingcai's faint but constant attention toward Yu Changsheng.

The glance she gave just now didn't seem like an ordinary one—it felt as if she was particularly concerned about Yu Changsheng's reaction?

For a Sea Realm Island Master—especially one from the Bi He Sect—this level of concern was quite unusual... hm.

Lu Ran slightly arched a brow, looking at the elegant lady atop the green lotus leaf before casually inquiring:

"Senior Sister, do you have a boyfriend?"

He Yingcai: "..."

...

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