The Old Gods

Chapter 957 Not Too Stupid
【Lord Immortal Sheep, are you there?】After thinking it over, Lu Ran decided to pray to the gods.

"Hmm." A voice rang out, putting Lu Ran at ease.

At this stage, all the gods reside in the Third Heaven, not in the mortal realm.

Lu Ran was also located in this world, so he did not need to approach the sacred mountain to communicate with the gods.

"This disciple has just killed the monk."

"Oh?" Even the ever-calm, even aloof, fairy sheep raised its voice at this moment.

Look at you, so naive and unsophisticated!
Lu Ran really wanted to retort, but well, he didn't dare.

I'm a bit of a coward.

"[This disciple just went to kill Dong Ting, intending to let the Faceless Jade Venerable clan in and throw the Heavenly Realm into chaos.]" Lu Ran reported. "[But no sooner had Dong Ting been killed than the martial monk and the Jade-Faced Serpent teleported over.]"

After the message was sent, the deity did not respond for a long time.

Lu Ran searched for the Jade-Faced Serpent's figure, waiting patiently for a long time, before finally asking, "[Immortal Sheep Lord?]"

【You've also won over Dongting.】

Yes, Dongting and Ziting Mopeng have been captured, and Ziting Lan has also been taken into the Divine Fire Demon Refining Cage by Xiao Yuanxi.

[Hehe.] The fairy sheep suddenly laughed, his laughter full of emotion.

He seemed somewhat relieved?

"You're getting ahead of yourself." Lu Ran suddenly blurted out.

The fairy sheep's laughter stopped abruptly.

I wonder if she's been holding it in.

Lu Ran continued: "The monk Jade-Faced Serpent suddenly descended, catching us completely off guard. We had no choice but to have the Evil Shadow Guardian take Jade-Faced Serpent away from the battlefield."

After we dealt with the monks and returned to search, the Jade-Faced Serpent was nowhere to be found.

Immortal Sheep asked, "How did you manage to defeat Dongting and the martial monk?"

[Silent Domain!] Lu Ran immediately responded, [After leaving the mortal realm, I went to challenge Nü Ying as planned, seized her divine weapon domain, and also recruited Nü Ying into the Ran Sect.]

Fairy Sheep: "."

In just a few simple sentences, the amount of information is astonishing, and it doesn't quite sound right.

They stole Nüying's divine weapon domain and even recruited her into the Burning Gate?

Little did the Immortal Sheep know that while Lu Ran might be good at nothing else, he was exceptionally skilled at taking advantage of others.

The last guy whose divine weapon he shattered, whose domain he seized, and who he then recruited into the Burning Gate was named Wu Xiao.

In comparison, the female Ying is still somewhat prestigious.

After all, he is a god.
At least she wasn't like Wu Xiao, who let Lu Ran do as he pleased, was devoted to him, and even entrusted her life to him.
Later, the disciple went to the Rouge Paper Divine Mountain, and with the help of the Rouge Paper People, together they conquered the Thunder Divine Mountain.

"You're only at the second level of the Heavenly Realm. Opening the Crimson Desolation Domain must have taken a toll on you," the Immortal Sheep inquired.

"This disciple has formed a pact of brotherhood with the paper doll, and can draw upon her energy," Lu Ran whispered in response.

【Ha.】The cold-blooded sheep let out a cold laugh.

Lu Ran felt a chill run down his spine.

Expecting a reprimand, he instead heard the deity coldly say: "The paper doll is quite adept at judging the situation."

"This disciple's strength is insufficient, and I desperately need divine power. Since the Burning Sect is in dire need of manpower, this disciple has formed a contract with her."

The fairy sheep replied, "Her abilities are quite good. Since she's willing to be bound to you, then use her."

Lu Ran breathed a sigh of relief and speculated, "[Yan Zhi's lifespan is nearing its end. After learning of your mystery and power, she probably wants to find a way to prolong her life here, which is why she's been so helpful.]"

The fairy sheep gave a casual reply, without saying much.

Lu Ran steered the conversation back on track, saying with some distress, "[Immortal Sheep, if I can't find the Jade-Faced Snake and keep quiet, you might be in danger!]"

Lu Ran, who was outside the battle, clearly witnessed the scene at Thunder God Mountain where first-class gods and demons came to support them.

After the two emerged from the teleportation array, the monk plummeted downwards, kicking out a golden dragon, while the Jade-Faced Snake flew into the air, transforming into a colossal python.

Then, the jade-faced snake exhaled a thick, immortal breath downwards.

The Jade-Faced Serpent clan, however, lacked the ability to see through the fog.

Logically speaking, the Jade-Faced Serpent might not have truly seen through the warriors of the Burning Gate; she simply wanted to corrupt all the villains.

Um.
Regardless, at least the Jade-Faced Serpent must have heard the monk's violent reaction and those repeated cries of "wicked disciple."

Lu Ran explained his analysis in detail, adding, "The traitors from the martial monk faction should be easy to identify, and it's also possible that the Jade-Faced Serpent saw other members of the Ran Clan before spewing its immortal breath."

The Immortal Sheep fell silent once again, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Lu Ran asked worriedly, "Recently, have the gods and demons started investigating the identities of human forces and begun to suspect you, disciple? What did you say to the gods and demons?"

The immortal sheep finally spoke, saying, "You seem to still not understand what the monk's death truly means."

Lu Ran replied sincerely, "Please enlighten me, Immortal Sheep."

The Immortal Sheep slowly said: "The Martial Monk is a first-class god, a core leader of the divine and demonic camp, and one of the most powerful gods and demons."

Lu Ran nodded slightly.

The immortal sheep's attitude changed slightly, and he said with emotion: "If you can take down Dongting, it means that you have the right to talk to the other leaders of gods and demons."

Taking down the monks is of even greater significance.

The gods and demons will finally wake up, realizing just how powerful you have become, and that all their schemes have failed.

【Yes!】Lu Ran nodded repeatedly.

Despite all the tactics employed by the God and Demon faction, including enticement, ambush, and threats, they ultimately failed to prevent the rise of the Burning Gate.

With the death of the monk, the divine and demonic faction will likely be filled with fear.

"Your early recruitment of Nüying and Yanzhiren, and the capture of the two sacred mountains, was indeed a good decision." Immortal Sheep was clearly in a good mood and praised Lu Ran.

Lu Ran felt a little embarrassed.

These two powerful leaders of the sacred mountain were indeed recruited by him personally, taking into account their divine and demonic nature and catering to their preferences, using various means to bring them into the formation.

However, Lu Ran humbly replied, "These were all decisions made jointly by the disciples of the Ran Sect."

Immortal Sheep ignored him and said directly: "With your current achievements, if you send an envoy to openly announce that Nüying and Yanzhiren have already pledged allegiance to you, you will be able to achieve great things."

Then let new monks and new Dongting descend upon the world.
What do you think the outcome will be?

Lu Ran frowned. This was a major decision, marking a shift in the future path of the Ranmen Sect.

Although the Burning Gate recruited teams from the two sacred mountains in order to open a door for gods and demons to surrender, however...
Lu Ran pondered, "[I've never been within the divine and demonic camp, so I truly don't know the extent of the martial monks' influence. But no matter how I look at it, once the news is announced, these two sacred mountains might attract a siege from both gods and demons, right?]"

"That's certainly a possibility," the Immortal Sheep suggested after a moment's thought. "You could attack Blood Dust Divine Mountain."

Blood Dust Divine Mountain?
Lu Ran blinked. This was the sacred mountain where the Immortal Sheep resided.

The immortal sheep slowly said, "I can trade one for one with any god or demon. If you defeat me, you'll have even more say."

Lu Ran's expression was somewhat strange.

Didn't I already win you over?
Therefore, I will use my hostile identity as a "human villain" to beat you until you howl.

And then we'll recruit you, this domineering sheep, into our ranks?

The immortal sheep's tone was sinister, sending chills down Lu Ran's spine: "[Dust Shadow and the Mirror of Evil are the gods' and demons' escape routes. Capture them and cut off their escape routes.]"

Force gods and demons to bow down to you!

Lu Ran's eyes lit up.

The escape route that Lord Immortal Sheep refers to should be the broader context of the invasion by the Faceless Jade Venerable.

The Burning Gate began its path of slaying gods on the night of the 15th of September, and it has been less than two and a half months since then.

In such a short time, the gods and demons may not have been able to change their mindset.

The death of this martial monk may awaken the gods and demons completely, but in any case, the Faceless Jade Venerable will always be a sharp blade hanging over the heads of the gods and demons!
Dust Shadow Flower and Mirror Demon perished, while new Dust Shadow Flowers and Mirror Demons appeared at the Burning Gate.
The gods and demons would naturally be willing to follow the Burning Gate in order to secure a way out for themselves!
Lu Ran pondered for a long time, his expression gradually becoming solemn: "[Lord Immortal Sheep, as far as I know, Blood Skull is guarding Blood Dust Divine Mountain.]"

The Dust Shadow Flower - Mirror Demon is such an important strategic tool that it will naturally be protected by a powerful god.

Blood Skull, the leader of the Great Xia Demons, is located on Blood Dust Divine Mountain!
[Just lure it out; if all else fails, you have the Silence Domain, don't you?]

"That's true." Although Lu Ran responded this way, he was still uneasy. "We have to silence both the Dust Shadow Flower and the Mirror Demon, and also the Blood Skull. I'm worried something might go wrong."

The leader of the Great Xia demons deserves absolute respect!
"Don't you still have me?"

【Huh?】Lu Ran was taken aback.

That sounds so domineering!
I suddenly feel so safe.
Is this the special feeling that Xiao Ruyi can only experience when she's nestled in my arms? *cough cough*

The immortal sheep snorted coldly: "Since I've chosen to pledge allegiance to a lowly human like you, I'll naturally have to do my part."

Lu Ran: "."

What human villain? I am a dignified disciple of the Immortal Sheep, okay?

The Immortal Sheep said calmly, "If anything goes wrong when we conquer the Divine Mountain, I'll turn it into a lamb and exchange it for the Blood Skull."

Lu Ran couldn't help but purse her lips, thinking that she was the expert at taking out plastic bags.

It seems there are still experts out there!
What does "I'll just exchange my blood and skull" mean?
That's the head of all demons in the Great Xia Dynasty! He's on par with the number one demon, Sword Master.

Could you please not make it sound so casual?
Lu Ran composed himself and asked in a deep voice, "Let's prepare for the worst. If we really need you to take action and activate Divine Magic: Sheep, how long will you be weakened?"

[I'm not sure. It's been too long since I've used it, and there are too many uncontrollable factors. I need to take into account my current state and the state of Blood Skull's existence; the consequences are hard to predict.]

Lord Immortal Sheep sighed softly, and finally said: "I may be weak for a year and a half, or perhaps three to five years, or even longer."

Lu Ran's excited heart gradually sank to the bottom.

As expected of a killer move that can exchange one for one!
It must not be used lightly.

Even if we assume that the Immortal Sheep's estimate of the duration of weakness was wrong, the fact that it was weak was undeniable, and its willingness to cover for Lu Ran was tantamount to entrusting its own life to Lu Ran.

What kind of trust is this?
The next question is, will Lord Immortal Sheep really do this, or is he just lying?
However, looking back on everything that had happened, Lu Ran found it hard to question President Yang.

He has received far too many acts of kindness.

To put it bluntly, even if Lu Ran were to work like a slave, or even if he were to commit suicide right now and give his life to Lord Immortal Sheep, he still wouldn't be able to repay Lord Immortal Sheep's immense kindness and virtue.

Between a human and a god, there is simply no fertile ground for doubt to arise.

Although he had no doubts, Lu Ran had a thirst for knowledge.

He remained silent for a long while before finally mustering his courage to speak: "The Paper Doll says you are not the Immortal Sheep she knows."

I have answered this question before.

"You are...you." Lu Ran hesitated for a moment, then speculated, "Are you the other deity who replaced the original deity, the Immortal Sheep, and continues to exist in the world wearing its shell?"

【Hehe.】The fairy sheep laughed again, its laughter a little hoarse.

"Is that so?" Lu Ran asked cautiously.

The deity's voice trailed off softly: "Not entirely foolish."

Lu Ran: "."

The immortal sheep spoke with a hint of amusement: "Once you unify the ranks of gods and demons, and have all the gods and demons bow down before you, I will tell you my origins. How about it?"

【Okay!】Lu Ran nodded emphatically.

The deity suddenly changed the subject: "Are you willing to accept all gods and demons?"

【Huh?】Lu Ran was a little confused.

The fairy sheep's tone turned slightly colder: "If the north wind were to beg you to surrender, what would you choose?"

Lu Ran immediately understood what the Immortal Sheep meant, and at the same time, he recalled the scene in the Great Xia Dynasty, North Wind City.

The harm that the north wind brought to Deng Yuxiang was a lifelong pain for Lu Ran.

Lord Immortal Sheep lost face in front of the world, and had to smile obsequiously at the North Wind and offer a great deal of apology in order to save the lives of Deng Yuxiang and Lu Ran.

"This disciple refuses to accept Beifeng's surrender!" Lu Ran's tone was extremely serious, each word ringing with conviction. "This disciple promised Lord Immortal Sheep that I would repay Beifeng a hundredfold for the apology you gave him that day!"

The immortal sheep responded with satisfaction: "It seems there are other places to go before you conquer Blood Dust Divine Mountain."

[Disciple understands!]

"The deity who came to the aid of the northern front is Jian Yi," the immortal sheep said again.

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran fell silent.

One martial monk had already caused the Ranmen Sect a great deal of trouble; if it weren't for Yanzhi's strong assistance, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

If Jianyi arrives on horseback while the Burning Gate members are fighting the North Wind...
Just as Lu Ran frowned, a hoarse voice suddenly echoed in his mind: "Your mother has a very ambiguous relationship with Jian Yi."

Lu Ran felt a slight stirring in his heart, having long since noticed that his mother was treating Jian Yi differently.

It should be understood that the pain inflicted on her by gods and demons is unimaginable to ordinary people.

Despite these circumstances, Mother always held Jianyi in the highest esteem!
"You first slew Dongting, then the martial monk; this is proof of your strength, and also a good invitation," Xianyang suggested. "Perhaps you could inform your mother and discuss it with her."

Lu Ran faced southwest, respectfully clasped his hands together, and bowed in greeting.
[Thank you for the guidance, Immortal Sheep!]

(End of this chapter)