The Old Gods

Chapter 898 Phoenix Soul Imprint
[Ruyi, what happened?] Lu Ran lay on the bed, covering the back of his head with a soft pillow and covering his ears.

It's as if this method can reduce the buzzing sound.

It's clear that Lu Ran is indeed in "mentally challenged" mode, since the source of his pain comes from inside his brain, not from the external noise.

[The Phoenix Robe has been upgraded.] Jiang Ruyi seemed to know Lu Ran's condition, and her voice transmission became much louder and more forceful.

[A magical artifact has been upgraded?] Lu Ran was stunned for a while before he realized what was happening.

The warriors of the Burning Gate have been stationed in the sculpture park for a long time, and this is the first time in all that time that divine weapons and magical artifacts have been upgraded in the park.

Is there enough energy?

Lu Ran forced himself to stay alert and quickly scanned the park. Sure enough, he sensed energy surging towards the Immortal Jasmine Stone Sculpture.

"Let's rest for a bit, and talk about it again once things settle down in the garden." Jiang Ruyi transmitted her voice again, feeling the fluttering robes and also somewhat surprised.

After all, she did not actively guide the magical artifact to advance; everything happened naturally.

As we all know, there is a qualitative difference between divine weapons and magical artifacts.

The advancement of a divine weapon requires the guidance of its master. This includes unleashing the divine weapon's domain, which also requires the master of the divine weapon to join forces with it.

The ritual implements are completely different.

Whether it's advancement, spellcasting, or even the state of existence, everything is more independent and autonomous.

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Ruyi had some ideas in mind.

The Phoenix Robe is a very special magical artifact, which once belonged to Feng Zhihuan, the sect leader of the Jingxian Sect in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

To be realistic: rather than saying this robe recognizes its master, it's more accurate to say it recognizes the position of "patriarch".

It's about recognizing someone's distinguished status and position!

After Feng Zhihuan was beheaded, the Phoenix Robe of Nine Heavens was almost seamlessly replaced, following the style of Lady Ranmen.

Jiang Ruyi was well aware that her existence perfectly aligned with the original intention behind the creation of the Phoenix Nine Heavens Robe, and was consistent with its value and self-positioning in the world.

In recent days, her strength has increased by leaps and bounds, and she has even transformed into an evil god.

Just now, she was discussing the upcoming mission with her soldiers.

All the false gods treated her with utmost respect, and another evil god, Mad Immortal, followed her every command. It is likely that such scenes constantly touched Phoenix Nine Heavens Robe.

Everything then happened naturally.

Jiang Ruyi gently twirled her sleeve with her fingertips and slowly closed her eyes.

The advancement time for divine weapons and magical artifacts is very short, only a little over ten minutes, and the Phoenix Robe stopped.

"Not bad," Jiang Ruyi said encouragingly.

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

Third-tier magical artifact: Phoenix Robe of Nine Heavens!
"What abilities have you mastered?" Jiang Ruyi asked with great anticipation.

At the second level, the Phoenix Robe has two abilities: First, all beings must bow their heads, and anyone who dares to offend (look at) the emperor's face will have their soul burned.

Second, it is essential to discern truth from falsehood and to distinguish between loyalty and treachery.

A person can pretend, speak lies, and act against their conscience, but the soul does not lie.

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

Of the three thousand disciples of the Burning Gate, it's unrealistic to say that they are all completely loyal; naturally, some of them have their own ideas.

However, lack of piety does not necessarily mean that one should rise up in rebellion.

Moreover, in Jiang Ruyi's eyes, those Jianghai disciples were like insignificant ants, utterly unimportant.

However, it was these soldiers who inherited the stone sculptures who were Jiang Ruyi's main focus, and the results were quite good; they were all acceptable to her.

Jiang Ruyi was very satisfied.

So far, Lu Ran has done a really good job. The sect is rising so fast, yet he has still managed to maintain the quality of his personnel.

Of course, Sect Leader Qiao also deserves credit for this.

Five of Yunhai's former subordinates arrived at once, greatly strengthening the Ranmen's power. These people were naturally loyal to Qiao Wanjun, which is why they followed Lu Ran.
Since the Phoenix Robe's Nine Heavens technique is so useful, Jiang Ruyi is naturally looking forward to its third technique.

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

A mark on the soul?

The Phoenix Robe can imprint a unique Phoenix Soul mark on people's souls, connecting them with the robe's spirit and infusing it with the personal will of the artifact's owner.

Those who disobey will suffer the pain of having their souls burned, far worse than having their hearts ripped out and bones corroded.

Jiang Ruyi: "."

Other magical artifacts and clothing are all about how to increase defensive power and allow the owner to fly or escape into the earth.

The Phoenix Robe is truly unique.

She was thinking about how to rule the world and govern all living beings.

"How many brands are there?" Jiang Ruyi asked.

[The quantity should be three.] The Phoenix Robe and Jiang Ruyi's thoughts were connected.

“Three marks,” Jiang Ruyi muttered, then added, “Can we forcibly brand them, like gods or demons?”

[Master, the Phoenix Soul Imprint is imposed upon all living beings, but it takes time.]

"how long?"

The once spirited robes faltered for a moment, then a voice full of apology rang out: "I don't know; it depends on the strength of the soul."

“Souls also vary in strength.” Jiang Ruyi said thoughtfully.

In the Great Xia God and Demon System, there are very few techniques involving the soul, making it seem like an unknown territory to be explored.

Indeed, the warriors of the Burning Gate have always used the method of devouring the souls of their enemies to strengthen themselves.

But in essence, what they are consuming is the holy spirit contained within the soul, not the soul itself.

When it comes to this level, Lord Immortal Sheep should be an expert.

Lord Wangquan, who was banished to the Demon Cave and imprisoned in the Bamboo Forest, must also be an expert.

"Souls have varying degrees of strength. When I burn the souls of people from the River Realm, the Sea Realm, and the Heaven Realm, the effects differ," Phoenix Robe of Nine Heavens responded truthfully.

"Mm." Jiang Ruyi nodded gently.

We need to find someone to test this out.

After pondering for a long time, Jiang Ruyi naturally had a candidate in mind—Wuya. Among all the false gods in the garden, Wutianjiang's personality was quite special, especially after he left the martial monk faction and became Nuosha. He was no longer influenced by the personality of a god and returned to his true self.

Of course, this does not prevent Wutian from following the young master and working together on great undertakings.

After much deliberation, Jiang Ruyi abandoned this plan.

After all, Wuya's identity was special; he was a former subordinate of Yunhai.

Jiang Ruyi's sudden actions could easily alienate the disciples of the Cloud Sea Sect, especially since they originally followed Sect Master Qiao.
It's best to avoid mixing in any other purposes with this so-called experiment.

Using the most trusted confidants to test them is more likely to reveal the style of the Ranmen leadership.

Jiang Ruyi didn't care what others thought of her. After advancing to the Jiang Realm, she stopped caring about many things.

However, the Burning Gate is Lu Ran's life's work.

Being in the sculpture park, she also represents Lu Ran's will, so she should naturally act cautiously.

"Can the Phoenix Soul Mark be erased?" Jiang Ruyi suddenly asked.

"Yes." The ritual implement responded crisply and decisively.

While Jiang Ruyi was speaking, all the soldiers remained silent, listening intently. They were having a meeting before the magic weapon was upgraded when they unexpectedly encountered this scene.

"The Martial Emperor".

"Madam." Upon hearing the summons, Wu Xiao stepped forward.

"The Phoenix Robe has advanced to the third tier and has gained a new ability," Jiang Ruyi explained frankly, making it clear to the group of pseudo-gods.

Everyone maintained their composure well, but their hearts were in turmoil.

These days, there are very few things that can truly shock people.

After all, their sect leader has even created his own team of gods and demons to create stone sculptures. What else could possibly broaden everyone's horizons?

some!

The realm of the soul is mostly mysterious, yet the lady's noble Phoenix Robe has cultivated this very path.

From mildly burning the souls of all beings, to using the soul to distinguish truth from falsehood, and now to the branding of the soul.
"I'll give it a try," Jiang Ruyi said.

"Yes." Wu Xiao replied without the slightest hesitation.

Jiang Ruyi nodded in satisfaction and urged the Phoenix Robe to cast a spell.

"Whoo~~~"

The phoenix robe fluttered and rustled.

The original form of the Phoenix Nine Heavens Robe was still that magnificent red garment with gold patterns.

But as its master turned into a stone sculpture, the Phoenix Robe also transformed into a pure energy body, eventually becoming a huge stone robe with a dark gray color.

Now, this garment is once again radiating a dazzling golden light.

"唳~~~"

The phoenix's cry was melodious, and the heavens' might was overwhelming.

A golden phoenix phantom flew out from the robe and rushed towards Wu Xiao's brow.

"Uh." Wu Xiao's face was grim, and his massive body swayed from side to side.

At the same time, Lu Ran, inside Luo Xian Ju, received a telepathic message from the Evil God.

[Timer?] Lu Ran grinned, lightly tapping his head. [Alright, who was that chirping just now? Was it a bird?]

As he asked the question, Lu Ran got out of bed and looked at the clock on the wall.

9:28.

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

"Two minutes and fifty-five seconds." Lu Ran appeared directly in the sculpture park, floating in front of Jiang Ruyi. "What exactly happened?"

"About three minutes." Jiang Ruyi raised her hand, her fingertips gently supporting the tiny human.

As Lady Xianmo recounted her story, Lu Ran was completely distraught!

Is this really that strong?
If a person whose soul has been branded dares to disobey the will of the master of the magical artifact, the artifact can burn their soul and make them suffer excruciating pain.
Holy crap! What is this?
Jiang Ruyi slightly raised her finger, holding the tiny human in front of her eyes: "Shall I brand one for you too?"

Lu Ran couldn't help but shiver, and his figure disintegrated and disappeared.

Jiang Ruyi looked at the person who had fled in panic from her fingertips, and couldn't help but smile slightly.

Hmph, you're quick on your feet.

To the side and behind, the mad immortal stone statue, also an evil god, shivered.

That's terrifying!
They're not giving us a way out!
Could they not refuse this brand? Or was Emperor Wu too obedient, never resisting?
While pondering, Si Xianxian suddenly opened her eyes wide.

Because Jiang Ruyi slowly turned around and looked over.

“Madam,” Si Xianxian stammered, as if she had realized something.

Jiang Ruyi spoke softly: "It takes three minutes to brand the soul of a Heavenly Realm person. Now let's try the divine soul."

Si Xianxian had a sudden inspiration: "Madam! I'll go and bring the Ghost Eye over to you, okay?"

“It’s different from us.” Jiang Ruyi shook her head.

Si Xianxian looked distressed.

Even a composed man like Wu Xiao was swaying in pain; she couldn't imagine what kind of pain she would have to endure.

"Everyone, disperse," Jiang Ruyi suddenly turned to the crowd and said.

The soldiers all left.

When only two evil gods remained, Jiang Ruyi's expression softened slightly, and she said softly, "Let's give it a try. I granted your request last time."

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

Jiang Ruyi glared at Si Xianxian reproachfully, then said nothing more. Her noble phoenix robe fluttered in the wind, and a golden phoenix shadow flew out and entered Si Xianxian's brow.

[Lu Ran, please help with the timing.]

【Okay, sure~】The person responded immediately, being incredibly obedient.

Jiang Ruyi: "."

(End of this chapter)