The Martial Monk Faction's stronghold, Wuji Peak, is located in the central region of the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

From the mouth of the captured Shi Yali, Wuji Peak is described as the most central place on this continent, a location that can be used as a geographical coordinate.

Where is Night Charm Lake?

To the north of Wuji Peak, keep heading north, deep into the snow plains.

What about Sword Mountain Peak?

Also to the north of Wuji Peak, but slightly to the west. The distance is about a thousand kilometers, specific details are unclear.

The vastness of the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm makes one lose the sense of distance.

Most of the locations Lu Ran asked from the captive were described starting from Wuji Peak and then indicating approximate directions.

When Lu Ran finally saw Wuji Peak, he was visually shocked!

Such a majestic mountain indeed qualifies as a coordinate!

The towering peak stands out among the endless mountain ranges.

The surrounding relatively shorter peaks are still tall enough that clouds only swirl around halfway up.

The mountains and the towering peak that pierces the clouds together form the concept of "Wuji Peak."

"It really has to be a great sect, huh?"

Amidst the lush mountains, Lu Ran looked up from afar, clicking his tongue in admiration.

Yu Changsheng gazed west of the highest peak, observing the dense mist filled between the sky's cloud sea and the towering peaks.

He suggested, "Sect Leader, there must be someone advancing within Wuji Peak. Should we wait a few more days before visiting?"

Lu Ran thought for a moment, "It should be fine."

The Holy Spirit Mountain Realm does have its set of rules.

If you approach someone rashly during their advancement, it's akin to harboring malicious intents, intending to take advantage!

Even if you're genuinely not malicious, you can't explain it clearly.

However, this is the stronghold of the Martial Monk Faction, not some remote wilderness.

Lu Ran merely intended to inquire, not to intrude directly, so it should be okay?

Yu Changsheng advised, "Sect Leader, think twice."

This trip, the Ran Sect was here to recruit talents, not to provoke any conflict with any force.

Lu Ran, however, said, "No worries, I just plan to find the Martial Monk Faction's guards at the mountain's base and ask a few questions."

Seeing the Sect Leader's determination, Yu Changsheng couldn't persuade any further.

Actually, what Lu Ran really thought was, if He Qifeng wasn't doing well within Wuji Peak, they could take advantage of the thick mist, muddy the waters and fish for advantage.

Since visiting Sword Ridge Peak, Lu Ran had gained a deeper understanding of the evil in human nature within this realm.

Lu Ran had great confidence in his capability to gather intelligence!

When he inquired about He Qifeng's information, any subtle change in expression from the counterpart, Lu Ran felt confident enough to notice and analyze.

"Joining a sect is indeed necessary." Lu Ran moved forward, sighing again.

Now, a particular Martial Monk Believer is situating himself atop the most central mountain of the Holy Spirit Continent, clearly declaring to everyone, "I am advancing here."

Who dares to kill me?

Arrogance comes with having enough capital!

Having the entire sect's brothers as backup.

Think back to when Deng Yuxiang was advancing, Lu Ran had to take her to hide everywhere, painstakingly seeking a night's peace...

The result was they still ended up getting found by those women of the Sword One One Sect.

Chuh, truly heartbreaking!

The three members of the Ran Sect reached the mountaintop, only to witness a peculiar sight.

At the base of Wuji Peak, the forest had been completely cleared!

Like a peculiar perimeter barrier?

Anyone wishing to approach Wuji Peak would have to expose themselves.

Perhaps only top-level scouts like those from the Witch Crow Sect could silently sneak into the mountain?

"Cong Long, Evil Shadow, you two wait here." Lu Ran commanded.

"Sect Leader!" Yan Shuangzi immediately interjected.

"Follow the order." Lu Ran waved his hand, his figure flickering away.

Yan Shuangzi: "..."

Yu Changsheng looking at the silent woman, kindly offered comfort, "The Martial Monk Faction's skills are open and broad, no sinister moves, they can't harm the Sect Leader."

Yan Shuangzi remained silent, hiding the top half of her face under the bamboo hat's brim, ignoring Yu Changsheng.

Yu Changsheng, feeling unappreciated, shook his head.

At the base of the mountain, Lu Ran wore a green cassock and bamboo hat, his attire though concealing, was rather mysterious in style.

Yet his manner was righteous, striding openly out of the forest.

Lu Ran did not cross the wide "barrier," but stopped in the open area without tree cover, cupping his hands from a distance towards the mountain.

His intent to pay respects was very evident.

Within a dozen seconds, two Martial Monk Believers emerged from the opposite mountain forest.

They both wore bamboo hats woven from gray-yellow grass leaves, donned in golden-brown monk robes, holding wooden staffs in their hands.

The monk robes appeared quite worn, seemingly having been worn for a long time.

After a few more battles, probably they'd have to resort to grass garments and shoes.

"Young friend, your aura is indeed uncommon, but I fear you are not a disciple of our Martial Monk Faction." The elder of the two men spoke first.

"Baa~" Lu Ran bleated, introducing himself.

Immortal Sheep Divine Technique·Voice of Compassion.

And Lu Ran's bleat left the two across completely baffled!

"What the..." the younger man of the two blurted out.

Wha... What sound?

A sheep's bleat?

What in the world!!

The young Martial Monk disciple lifted the brim of his bamboo hat, revealing a face of bewilderment.

Little sheep... How did you end up in the Holy Spirit Mountain?

Lost your way?

"I am an Immortal Sheep Believer." Lu Ran looked at the young man, feeling reassured.

The other had a round face, appearing around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, unlike the calm older man beside him.

Thus, Lu Ran could better observe the other's expressions and gather information.

Although the elder maintained a calm façade, he also remained silent for quite a while.

Probably feeling turbulent within...

After some time, the elder asked, "What brings young friend to Wuji Peak?"

Oh?

Still willing for a peaceful dialogue?

Lu Ran looked at them, friendly, "Have you two ever heard of He Qifeng?"

"Hall Master He?" The younger round-faced man spoke again, scrutinizing Lu Ran.

This time, it was Lu Ran who was astonished.

Hall Master?

He Qifeng, impressive!

Having not been here long, and already securing a post within such a large sect?

Truly surprising.

Lu Ran further confirmed, "The He Qifeng I'm referring to is a woman, and should be your sect's only female disciple."

The elder asked, "You know our Hall Master He?"

"Yes!" Lu Ran nodded repeatedly, "Back in the Human World, I was acquainted with Hall Master He, we are on pretty good terms."

Lu Ran half-truthfully spoke, feeling relieved inwardly.

It appeared He Qifeng was doing quite well.

Compared to Yan Shuangzi!

It's simply worlds apart.

"Acquainted." The elder tasted the two words, then said, "Young friend, sadly, Hall Master He is on a mission."

"Oh... Where did she go? When will she return?"

The elder didn't specify where He Qifeng went, answered, "She should be returning soon."

Lu Ran discreetly swept his gaze over the young man's face, confirming he wasn't lying.

Seeing no anomalies, Lu Ran sighed, "Alright, I'll come back in a few days to visit."

The elder nodded, not intending to invite him to stay.

Seeing this, Lu Ran cupped his fists and turned to leave.

Just after taking a few steps, a voice came from behind, "Hey! Little Sheep!"

Lu Ran's heart sank!

He thought Wuji Peak wasn't like those scoundrels of Sword Ridge Peak, letting him leave safely.

Turns out it was all a façade.

They still intend to detain him?

Lu Ran managed his expression, turning back with a smile, "What is it?"

The round-faced young man loudly said, "If you're really on good terms with our Hall Master He, wanting to seek refuge, don't wander around aimlessly, you might end up dead outside.

Stay in the nearby mountains for a few days, wait diligently for her return."

Lu Ran: "..."

You might not believe it, but I didn't come to seek refuge with her.

I intend for her to seek refuge with me...

Unfortunately, in this world where strength rules, the identity of an Immortal Sheep Believer is synonymous with weakness.

Including earlier when Lu Ran exhibited the Divine Technique·Voice of Compassion, the two Martial Monk Believers noticeably relaxed.

A little lamb, what threat could it pose?

Lu Ran's straightforward bleating was also considered his unique way of signaling submission.

"Thank you, brother." Lu Ran looked at the round-faced young man, gratefully, "You're a good person."

"Damn, what misfortune!" The young man with the round face was displeased, muttering, "What are you saying?"

Lu Ran: "..."

Indeed, in this realm, the fate of good people tends to be miserable.

And death comes swiftly.

"Let me rephrase!" Lu Ran cupped his fists, loudly, "Brother! You're a bad person!"

The round-faced young man: ???

"Until we meet again!" Lu Ran turned and left.

"Ha ha." As Lu Ran departed, the elder looked at their fellow junior brother, "What, got caught in the little sheep's ploy?"

The Divine Technique·Voice of Compassion, indeed had some effect.

The young man with the round face shook his head, "If the little lamb was genuinely on good terms with Hall Master He, coming all the way here and not even meeting face to face, dies, we can't explain ourselves."

"What good terms." The elder snorted coldly, "We as Martial Monk Believers, how could we be on good terms with cowards from the Immortal Sheep Sect?"

The world already looked down on Immortal Sheep Believers, let alone the martial-focused Martial Monk Believers.

The younger, round-faced man felt a bit embarrassed, countering, "I think the little lamb has quite the aura.

Anyway, he was cast into the mountains by the Immortal Sheep."

The elder still dismissed it with disdain, "I reckon, like those two Biwu believers before, he came for Hall Master He's title of Da Xia's genius.

Plastering gold on his face, hoping to get a meeting.

Upon meeting, it'll be cries and kowtowing, all to acknowledge a master, seeking protection.

Hall Master He doesn't even know those two!"

"Genius." The round-faced young man, unwilling to argue with his senior brother, changed the topic, "At least Hall Master He brought glory to the sect by getting second place.

If I were still back home, I bet I could have made it too."

"What, you could've won first?" The elder teased.

"Who knows, ha-ha!" The round-faced young man laughed, then puzzlingly mused, "Wonder who came first?

Why wouldn't Hall Master He say?"

"Since it's not from our Martial Monk Faction, it must be a disciple of Sword One Qiang Xiu the Martial Artist, can't be any other believer..."

...

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