[Ruyi, what's going on?] Lu Ran lay on the bed, covering his head with a soft pillow, wrapping his ears.

As if this way, he could reduce the buzzing sound.

It was evident that Lu Ran was indeed in "disabled" mode, as his pain stemmed from inside his brain, not from external thunderous sounds.

[Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe has upgraded.] Jiang Ruyi seemed to understand Lu Ran's state, and her voice transmission was much louder.

[Magic Artifact upgrade?] Lu Ran was dazed for a while before coming to his senses.

Ran Sect soldiers have been stationed in the Sculpture Garden for a long time, and all this time, this is the first time a Divine Weapon or Magic Artifact has upgraded in the garden.

Is there enough energy?

Lu Ran forced himself to check briefly around the garden, and indeed noticed that energy was flowing toward the Stone Sculpture of Xian Mo.

[Take a rest, let's talk after the garden settles down.] Jiang Ruyi transmitted again, feeling the fluttering robe with some surprise.

After all, she had not actively led the upgrade of the Magic Artifact; everything happened naturally.

It's well known that there is a qualitative difference between Divine Weapons and Magic Artifacts.

The upgrade of a Divine Weapon requires the master's guidance, including the exercise of Divine Weapon Domain, which requires collaboration with the Master of Divine Weapon.

Magic Artifacts, on the other hand, are entirely different.

Whether it is upgrading or casting spells, including their existence status, they are more autonomous and independent.

Jiang Ruyi pondered temporarily, holding some calculation in her heart.

Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe is a very special Magic Artifact, once belonging to the Sect Master of Jingxian Sect in Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, Feng Zhihuan.

But to speak realistically: rather than saying this robe recognizes a master, it recognizes the position of "Sect Master."

It recognizes prestigious status!

After Feng Zhihuan was defeated, Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe seamlessly transitioned to follow the Lady of Ran Sect.

Jiang Ruyi knew very well that her existence perfectly matched the original intention of Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe's creation, fitting its value and self-positioning in existence.

In the past few days, her power has skyrocketed, transforming into an Evil God.

Just now, she discussed the next tasks with several soldiers.

All the Fake Gods were respectful to her; another Evil God, Mad Immortal, also followed her lead. Such scenes must have continually touched Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe.

Everything happened naturally.

Jiang Ruyi gently pinched the cuff with her fingertips and slowly closed her eyes.

The upgrade time of the Divine Weapon Magic Artifact was very short, lasting only ten minutes, and Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe stopped.

"Not bad," Jiang Ruyi encouraged.

The exquisite sleeve moved slightly, gently brushing against the back of the owner's hand.

Third-rank Magical Artifact, Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe!

"What abilities did you comprehend?" Jiang Ruyi asked with anticipation.

In the second rank, Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe had two abilities: one is that when all beings look down, anyone daring to offend (glance upon) heavenly dignity will have their soul scorched.

The second is discerning truth from falsehood, and loyalty from betrayal.

A person may disguise themselves, speak lies, or act against their heart, but the soul does not lie.

With these two abilities, Jiang Ruyi became Lu Ran's steadfast support.

Ran Sect has three thousand disciples; expecting all to be loyal is unrealistic, naturally, some have their own thoughts.

But lack of piety does not mean they will rebel.

Moreover, those Jianghai disciples are like insignificant ants in Jiang Ruyi's eyes, trivial.

It's the soldiers who inherited the Stone Sculpture that are Jiang Ruyi's main focus, and the results are quite impressive, all pass her scrutiny.

Jiang Ruyi was very satisfied.

Up to now, Lu Ran has done really well, the sect's rise was so fast and personnel quality was maintained.

Of course, there's also credit due to Sect Master Qiao.

The old members of the Cloud Sea Sect brought five at once, greatly boosting Ran Sect's strength, these people naturally are loyal followers of Qiao Wanjun, hence following Lu Ran...

Since the skills of Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe are so useful, Jiang Ruyi was certainly looking forward to its third skill.

Even Jiang Ruyi was surprised by the robe's response.

Soul Branding?

Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe can brand people's souls with a unique Phoenix Soul imprint, linking with the robe's heart thought, injecting the personal will of the Master of Magical Artifact.

Those who don't comply will suffer soul-burning pain, far surpassing heart-gutting and bone-gnawing.

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

Other Magic Artifact garments think about increasing defensive power, flying in the air and escaping on the ground with their owner.

Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe is indeed very special.

Its thoughts are on how to command all and dominate the world.

"How many brands can be made?" Jiang Ruyi asked.

[The number should be three.] Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe connected with Jiang Ruyi's heart thought.

"Three brands." Jiang Ruyi murmured, adding, "Can you forcibly brand, like on God Demon?"

[Master, Phoenix Soul branding is imposed on beings, but it requires some time...]

"How long?"

The originally high-spirited robe paused for a moment, then a voice full of apology came: [I don't know, it depends on the strength of the soul.]

"Souls indeed differ in strength," Jiang Ruyi mused.

In Da Xia's Divine Demon System, skills involving souls are very few, akin to an unexplored frontier to many.

True, Ran Sect soldiers have always used devouring enemy Dead Souls as a means to strengthen themselves.

But in essence, they devour the Holy Spirit Energy contained in souls, not the souls themselves.

In this aspect, Lord Immortal Sheep should be an expert.

Lord Wang Quan, who was exiled to the Demon Cave and imprisoned in the Bamboo Sea, should also be an expert.

[Souls indeed differ in strength, my burning of River Realm, Sea Realm, and Heavenly Realm people's souls varies in effect.] Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe responded truthfully.

"Hmm." Jiang Ruyi lightly nodded.

Need to find someone to experiment.

After thinking for a long time, Jiang Ruyi naturally had someone in mind—Wuya.

Among all the Fake Gods in the garden, Wu General's personality is quite unique, especially after leaving the Martial Monk Faction and becoming Nuoshua, he is less influenced by the divine nature, returning more to his true self.

Of course, this doesn't interfere with Wu General's following the Young Master to achieve great ambitions.

Jiang Ruyi, after careful consideration, abandoned this plan.

After all, Wuya has a special identity, as a former member of the Cloud Sea.

If Jiang Ruyi suddenly acts like this, it will easily chill the hearts of the disciples of the Cloud Sea Sect, moreover, they originally followed Sect Leader Qiao...

This so-called experiment is better off without other purposes mixed in.

Using the most trusted individuals for the test can better showcase the leadership style of the Ran Sect.

Jiang Ruyi does not care how others perceive her; since she advanced to the River Realm, she has cared little for many things.

However, the Ran Sect is Lu Ran's blood, sweat, and tears.

Located inside the Sculpture Garden, she represents Lu Ran's will, so naturally she must act cautiously.

"Can the phoenix soul branding be erased?" Jiang Ruyi suddenly asked.

[It can.] The Magic Artifact's response was crisp and clear.

As Jiang Ruyi communicated, all the officers remained silent, listening intently. Before the Magic Artifact had leveled up, they were in a meeting and did not expect to witness this scene.

"Martial Emperor."

"Lady." Upon hearing the summons, Wu Xiao stepped forward a few paces.

"The Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe has advanced to the third rank and has comprehended a new ability..." Jiang Ruyi openly explained, the Fake Gods were clear and understanding.

Their expressions were well-managed, but inside, their hearts were in turmoil.

To this day, there are truly few things that can shock them.

After all, their Sect Master even created his own Divine Demon Stone Sculpture lineup, what else could open their eyes?

There is something!

Anything involving the soul is incredibly mysterious, yet Lady's noble Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe has delved deeply into this path.

From slightly burning the souls of all living beings, to distinguishing the true and false through souls, and now to soul branding...

"I'll test it." Jiang Ruyi stated.

"Yes." Wu Xiao, without a moment of hesitation, responded in a deep voice.

Jiang Ruyi satisfiedly nodded, activating the Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe to cast the spell.

"Whew~~~"

The phoenix robe fluttered, rustling in the wind.

The essence of the Phoenix Dignity of Nine Heavens Robe remains that luxurious garment with a red base and golden patterns.

But as its master transforms into a Stone Sculpture, the robe too transforms into a Pure Energy Body, finally becoming a large stone robe, its color gray.

Now, this garment again radiates a dazzling golden glow.

"Caw~~~"

The phoenix's call resounded, celestial power majestic.

A golden phoenix phantom emerged from the robe, flying towards Wu Xiao's brow.

"Ugh." Wu Xiao's face turned grim, his massive body swaying side to side.

At the same time, inside the Luoxian Residence, Lu Ran received a transmission from the Evil God.

[Timing?] Lu Ran snickered, lightly tapping his forehead, [Alright then, who was calling just now? Was it a bird?]

While asking, Lu Ran climbed out of bed, looking at the clock hanging on the wall.

Nine twenty-eight.

Lu Ran stared at the second hand and quickly heard Jiang Ruyi's voice again: [How long?]

"Two minutes fifty-five seconds." Lu Ran appeared directly within the Sculpture Garden, floating before Jiang Ruyi, "What's going on?"

"Around three minutes." Jiang Ruyi raised her hand, lightly supporting the diminutive Human Clan with her fingertips.

As Lord Xian Mo recounted, Lu Ran felt utterly bewildered!

This! So! Strong?

Those branded by the soul branding, if they dare defy the will of the Master of Magical Artifact, the artifact can burn their souls, causing them heart-rending and bone-eroding pain?

My goodness! This... this?

Jiang Ruyi slightly raised her fingertip, placing the small Human Clan before her eyes: "Shall I brand you too?"

Lu Ran couldn't help but shiver, his form dispersing into nothing.

Jiang Ruyi watched the fleeing figure on her fingertip, her lips curling ever so slightly.

Hm, quick runner indeed.

Behind her, the Mad Immortal Stone Sculpture, also an Evil God, shivered.

This is too terrifying!

No escape here...

Can't reject such branding? Or is Martial Emperor simply too obedient, and never resisted?

As she speculated, Si Xianxian suddenly widened her eyes.

Because Jiang Ruyi slowly turned around, looking over.

"Ru... Lady." Si Xianxian stammered, seemingly realizing something.

Jiang Ruyi softly initiated: "For those from the Heavenly Realm, it takes three minutes to brand their soul, now let's test the Divine Soul."

In a flash of wit, Si Xianxian blurted: "Lady! Shall I go bring the Ghostly Eyes Ghost over for you, alright?"

"It is different from us." Jiang Ruyi shook her head.

Si Xianxian's face turned bitter.

A composed man like Wu Xiao swayed in pain; she dared not imagine what kind of pain she would endure.

"Everyone disperse." Jiang Ruyi suddenly turned her head, addressing the crowd.

All the officers gradually departed.

Until only the two Evil Gods remained, Jiang Ruyi's expression softened slightly, and she said softly: "Let's give it a try. I agreed to your previous request."

Si Xianxian's eyes instantly lit up: "Really?"

Jiang Ruyi teasingly glared at Si Xianxian, saying nothing further, as her dignified phoenix robe rustled, a golden phoenix shadow flew out, burrowing into Si Xianxian's brow.

[Lu Ran, help time it.]

[Mm, okay~] Someone promptly responded, extremely obedient.

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

...

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