Summit of the Old Gods-Chapter 1136 - 1059: Not Guided by Heaven

"The Spring of Oblivion Stone Sculpture is almost complete."

Lu Ran spoke slowly, and it was clear that he was trying to make his voice gentle.

However, he was a tomb after all, and he had long been building stone sculptures with dead souls, which made him exude a pronounced death energy from inside out, and his words felt like plunging into an icy cave.

"Hmm." Jiang Ruyi replied softly, still with her eyes closed, holding one of his hands and gently rubbing it against her cheek.

"Here, distribute these." Lu Ran took out two strings of Rebirth Money from his arms.

Reluctantly, Jiang Ruyi opened her eyes, and upon seeing the Copper Coins, she immediately understood what Lu Ran meant.

It seemed he thought the same way she did.

They both knew how brutal this battle would be.

Fortunately, Lu Ran’s abilities were unique, allowing him to cross the boundaries between life and death and bring the deceased back to the human world; thus, as long as the soldiers preserved their comrades’ dead souls, there was always hope.

"Okay." Jiang Ruyi received the Coins and suddenly felt her waist tighten.

Lu Ran pulled her into his arms, gazing at her cold and enchanting face for a long time, before the Blood Crystal Mask drifted aside.

He leaned in closer, gently imprinting a kiss on her tender lips:

"I’ll be back soon."

Jiang Ruyi, being wise and perceptive, understood the meaning behind the Copper Money, and also what that kiss and those words signified.

She had disturbed him.

It was time to leave.

As the arm around her waist loosened, Jiang Ruyi sensibly retreated, only mustering the courage to lift her eyes and look at the emperor-robed youth after several steps.

Yet he had already slightly lowered his head, closed his eyes.

That expressionless appearance exuded a poignant sense of coldness and detachment.

The recent tender kiss and soft whisper could not erase that invisible distance, making Jiang Ruyi’s heart fill with more bitterness as she hurriedly turned away, not daring to look at him anymore.

Now, there was yet another reason why she must win.

If he had enough time, he would eventually be able to withdraw all his auras like Lord Immortal Sheep.

As long as turmoil was quelled and peace reigned, he would surely calm down gradually, become warm again, returning to the person she once knew.

"Huff~"

The phoenix robe billowed, and the young empress’s gaze was firm as she flew straight up.

Meanwhile, in the palm of the Forgotten Spring Divine Sculpture, Lu Ran listened as the sound of her fluttering robe gradually faded away, only then did he enter the Spiritual World.

At the edge of the Divine Camp, Lu Ran’s figure appeared.

In front of him was a small female stone sculpture, only ten meters in size.

Graceful figure, blurred face.

An ancient long dress, like a waterfall cascading down, with exquisite hair ornaments between her long hair...

Stone Sculpture·Forgotten Spring!

With a casual wave of Lu Ran’s hand, the dead soul of a Forgotten Spring minion obediently flew over.

In the real world, Lu Ran still needed the Eyes of the Dual Death Realm to control the lingering dead souls, but ever since he became a tomb, in his own spiritual world, he could truly do as he pleased.

"Heh." Looking at the small Forgotten Spring Stone Sculpture in front of him, Lu Ran couldn’t help but chuckle.

A mere ten-meter stone sculpture cost him so much time and effort.

Creating a stone sculpture was far more difficult than nurturing one.

Hopefully, all this would be worth it.

A whole month and a half.

If he had used the time to nurture the Venerable Slayer Blade, perhaps it would have already advanced to the second rank, or even the third rank?

Lu Ran gradually flew forward, holding the dead soul in his hand, and pressed it against the partially formed stone sculpture.

"Buzz~"

The Forgotten Spring Stone Sculpture trembled slightly, as if thanking its master for granting her everything.

Life, energy, skills, consciousness...

Or perhaps this was just Lu Ran’s illusion, as an unactivated stone sculpture wouldn’t have so many mental activities.

But after all, this was the first stone sculpture Lu Ran had successfully created, there would always be some unique emotions tied to it.

As for the Faceless Stone Venerable, although it was the first stone sculpture Lu Ran started to create, its progress had been at a standstill.

Lu Ran reached out to the side once more.

One by one, the dead souls lined up obediently, being picked up by the young tomb and gently placed onto the stone sculpture, merging into the stone body.

Meanwhile, on the northern battlefield of the Heavenly Realm.

A faint frost mist enveloped the Sword One Divine Mountain, with beautiful cold silver petals drifting in the wind.

Without the intrusion of the Jade Venerable Clan, the Sword One Divine Mountain was cold and silent, yet also serene and beautiful.

However, amid this beautiful background of snowy mountains and silver flowers, there was a touch of brilliant gold and red.

At the mountain’s peak, Qiao Wanjun twirled a Rebirth Money between her fingers as she looked at the Phoenix Robe Empress in front of her, sensing the gravity in the latter’s heart.

"Aunt Qiao, I will communicate with you at any time, and according to the battlefield situation, I will ask you to go support a particular Divine Mountain." Jiang Ruyi slightly bowed, showing great respect, "I trouble you greatly."

Qiao Wanjun smiled and nodded: "In wartime, just call me Emperor Jun Tian."

The change in address was clear in its meaning.

Qiao Wanjun made it clear that she would place herself in the role of the Burning Gate’s Soldiers, and would absolutely obey the Lady of the Burning Gate’s orders.

"Alright, Emperor Jun Tian." Jiang Ruyi, looking at her beloved’s mother, spoke gently, "About Lord Jian Yi’s side..."

Qiao Wanjun pondered and said, "We agreed to hand over the Divine Position on the first day of the new year, but it’s just the beginning of the winter month now."

There are still two months left.

Jiang Ruyi pressed her lips together, organizing her words: "Emperor Jun Tian, this matter was also agreed upon by Lu Ran, and I will not break the agreement between you.

But at this crossroad of survival, I hope you can ask Lord Jian Yi to help the Ran Sect overcome this crisis."

Qiao Wanjun naturally wouldn’t refuse this order and nodded immediately, "Alright."

Jiang Ruyi handed over her Magic Artifact--Immortal Binding Whip for easier communication between them and said, "You should pray to the lord now, the Jade Venerable army is pressing close and will soon attack the Divine Mountain."

Qiao Wanjun took the magic whip and suddenly said, "The ancients said: Strike while the iron is hot, exhaust the efforts at the second attempt, and finish at the third."

This was to comfort the young leader of the Ran Sect, but also to state a fact.

If the Ran Sect could withstand this wave of attack from the Jade Venerable, the scales of victory would surely tilt.

"Yes, I understand." Jiang Ruyi turned to look at Elder Lu Yuan beside her.

This was, of course, a Heavenly Realm minion, and under the lady’s instructions, an Other Shore Flower bloomed in his old palm, and they left together with the Lady of Burning Gate.

Qiao Wanjun then raised her head, gazing up at the Sword One Divine Mountain that towered towards the sky, and put her hands together in a respectful kneel:

"Lord Jian Yi, disciple begs you to protect us once more."

[She’s Ranran’s wife.] Cold words imprinted into her mind.

"Yes." Hearing this address, Qiao Wanjun couldn’t help but bow her head and smile a little.

Since that long talk at the Immortal Scenic Garden, where Lu Ran told Jian Yi about "mayfly," Lord Jian Yi had also followed Qiao Wanjun in calling him "Ranran."

[A very beautiful girl.] Jian Yi said lightly.

Qiao Wanjun nodded silently.

[What is Ranran doing?]

"He... he has his own task." Qiao Wanjun didn’t mind revealing the truth to Lord Jian Yi, switching to a sound transmission, [He’s crafting his own Forgotten Spring Divine Sculpture.]

[Oh?] Jian Yi was rarely surprised and pondered, [Does he think the Forgotten Spring can help him uproot the Faceless Jade Venerable?]

Qiao Wanjun remained silent for a moment, then said softly: [One must try.]

[Mm, one must try...] Jian Yi sighed softly, speaking slowly, [I will help you this time, it will repay Ranran’s kindness.]

Qiao Wanjun didn’t expect it to go so smoothly; does anyone on the verge of death care about many things?

Lu Ran just said a few words, talked about a mayfly’s day-long life, and expounded on his understanding of life and existence; does this count as human kindness?

To the confused Jian Yi, perhaps it does.

Meanwhile, on the Nightmare Divine Mountain further north of the Sword One Divine Mountain.

A group of gods and demons respectfully bowed their heads, facing the Lady of Burning Gate who descended on the mountain peak.

Jiang Ruyi stood in front of the Nightmare Guardian and inquired, "How is Emperor Lu’s situation?"

Deng Yuxiang’s words were powerful and firm, "Already prepared! For nearly a month and a half, Emperor Lu hasn’t stopped for a moment, progressing rapidly, ready to emerge at any time!"

"Good." Jiang Ruyi nodded with satisfaction, casually clasping her hand.

From her waist flew out a long sword made of Blood Crystal, the hilt obediently fell into its master’s palm.

This was a Second-Class Divine Weapon-Blood Flame Sword, originally the Divine Weapon of the Sect Master of the Pear Garden Sect in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, captured by Lu Ran and gifted to the lady; unfortunately, it never made much progress.

"You will hand this Blood Flame Sword over to him." Jiang Ruyi instructed softly, "In this battle, Emperor Lu will temporarily fall under your command, jointly protecting the three northeastern mountains.

But if necessary, I will personally issue orders for him to support other areas."

"Yes." Deng Yuxiang immediately took the Divine Sword.

Jiang Ruyi felt slightly more confident, naturally letting her hand that hung by her waist clutch a small money bag.

Through the exquisite money bag, she held the small "toy soldier" inside.

That soldier is a First-class Evil God with Double Divine Position, and her loyal servant— the Fire Evil Monk!

Jiang Ruyi slowly turned, gazing at the distant dim sky, as images flashed through her mind.

Jian Yi, Emperor Jun Tian, Emperor Lu, Fire Evil Monk...

Come on, Jade Venerable.

Let’s see if you can truly destroy us.

"Lady." Deng Yuxiang stepped forward, lowering his voice, "Lu Ran right now..."

"He will come." Jiang Ruyi interrupted him directly, "What we have to do is to protect the foundation he built before he arrives."

Deng Yuxiang nodded silently.

On the Divine Mountain Peak, no one spoke anymore.

An oppressive atmosphere enveloped this space.

Twenty kilometers down the mountain, teleportation arrays continuously unfolded, and Jade Venerable minions appeared in swarms.

Clearly, the Evil Shadow Guardian was still running around on the front lines, doing her utmost to dismantle the White Jade City Wall on Jade Venerable’s army’s path to the Divine Mountain.

"Elder Bai." Jiang Ruyi suddenly spoke, breaking the silence at the peak of the mountain.

"Lady." Bai Yanhui immediately stepped forward.

"How is the Mental Realm?" With Jiang Ruyi’s words, many gods and demons turned their attention to the Pseudo God Stone Sculpture.

Bai Yanhui replied, "I don’t know, it’s been a long time since I used the Heart Sense Curse."

"Hm?" Jiang Ruyi slightly turned her head, glancing back with the corner of her eye.

Bai Yanhui’s face was solemn, his voice deep, "Since this battle is inevitable, why trouble yourself, Lady? I believe that victory or doom ultimately depends on us.

And not on fate!"

...