In late September, Evil Shadow and Mad Immortal both emerged from seclusion.

The cultivation realms of these two protectors had advanced to the River Realm Third Rank and Second Rank, respectively.

The Ran Sect was steadily developing.

Over the span of more than half a month, Feixian Hall was finally completed. Given its considerable size, it wasn't suitable to hide it deep in the mountains, so the hall was built within the mountain itself.

On the surface, a massive "skylight" was created to allow for ventilation and daylight to illuminate the interior.

The light fell upon two enormous stone statues.

Indeed, at the heart of the hall stood two towering "faceless stone sculptures" reaching seven meters in height.

Though the stone sculptures' faces weren't fully carved and only outlined, everyone knew whom Feixian Hall was honoring.

The Master of Ran Sect and the Sect Leader's Lady!

These two stone sculptures were crafted by Xiong Xiong, the Vice Hall Master of Demon Control Hall.

No one in Ran Sect had expected that Hall Master Xiong would be so skilled at sculpting. No wonder he's a Shanwei believer who works with stones.

In Xiong Xiong's own words, sculpting little objects was initially just a hobby to pass the time, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be immensely useful one day—a great honor indeed!

Xiong Xiong, together with Shi Yong and Shi Biao, labored for over half a month and delivered two masterpieces.

The statue of the Sect Leader's Lady featured flowing long skirts, capturing an ethereal aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the Master's stone sculpture appeared majestic and dignified—not the "Holy Spirit Mountain Chapter · Ran Shen Classic Skin" form, but instead garbed in a broad robe, standing proudly.

Ever since Jiang Ruyi emerged from seclusion more than half a month ago, Lu Ran had donned the white robe she had selected for him.

The design for the Sect Master's sculpture was also jointly confirmed and finalized by Jiang Ruyi and Xiong Xiong.

Lu Ran himself didn't have much of an opinion on the matter; in truth, he only wanted one sculpture in the hall—Jiang Ruyi's.

After all, Feixian Hall essentially worshipped Jiang Ruyi.

But Jiang Ruyi's words completely broadened Lu Ran's perspective.

She said, "Since it's the 'Feixian' Hall, then not only you, but the Ran Sect's four protectors, eight divine generals, and the rest of the ranks should all have sculptures here."

Her statement perfectly aligned with Lu Ran's ambitions.

To overthrow the rule of the God Demons and eradicate the calamities of the Human World, Lu Ran couldn't accomplish this alone.

Of course, he needed to train the Ran Sect members to ascend to immortality together.

This was what Lu Ran had been practicing all along—recruiting like-minded companions and meticulously nurturing the warriors of Ran Sect.

What Lu Ran didn't expect was that after the completion of Feixian Hall, Deng Yuxiang and the others became frequent visitors.

Big Nightmare seemed to have relocated her practice site to the hall.

She often knelt before Lu Ran's statue, staying there all day.

Luo Ying, the Divine General, would also visit often. Once, when Lu Ran went to see the old Mr. Bai Yanhui, he accidentally saw Luo Ying softly praying to the Sect Master's sculpture.

Praying for the healthy growth of children...

Lu Ran was utterly startled!

It was undeniable that Lu Ran indeed served as the spiritual anchor and pillar of his followers.

But for Luo Ying, a Divine General of the Sea Realm Fourth Rank, to pray and seek blessings...

Lu Ran nearly cried out loud!

Luo Ying, the Sea Realm Fourth Rank slayer! Are you kidding me?

It's supposed to be *me* begging for *your* blessings...

Evidently, the environment greatly influences people.

During such a uniquely chaotic era, the education and beliefs instilled in people since childhood were all about revering gods, praying to them, and seeking their protection.

Just like how people expected to marry and bear children by eighteen, or even earlier—a norm shaped by rules and societal perceptions.

It was as commonplace and functional as eating and drinking water.

However, after arriving at Holy Spirit Mountain, the surroundings completely changed.

People buried their bewilderment deep within their hearts.

And then, Lu Ran appeared!

He brought the capacity to rival, even overthrow, deities into their lives.

No doubt, over the past nine months, some had been silently praying to him.

Now with Feixian Hall established and the vast stone sculptures erected, it all felt natural for the believers—their perspectives and habits regained a sense of familiarity.

Some things simply unfolded naturally.

What truly caught Lu Ran off guard occurred late on the night of the third day of October.

Without warning, his mind buzzed with electricity!

In the God Demon Sculpture Garden, the Pseudo-God · Jade Talisman Stone Sculpture of Sea Realm Third Rank had unexpectedly leveled up!

Level! Up!

"Uh." In the small courtyard of Cloud Sea Residence, Lu Ran was sitting at a stone table, diligently cultivating when he suddenly let out a muffled groan.

He paused, then his mouth immediately formed an "O" shape.

This isn't possible!

This sculpture at Sea Realm Third Rank...

It... It just started vibrating?

"Lu Ran." A cool female voice suddenly called out from inside the house.

On the bed, Jiang Ruyi's body began to tremble lightly.

She opened her sleepy eyes, which now carried traces of surprise. Her delicate hand trembled as she raised it.

Lu Ran, hearing the call, instinctively started to step into the house, only to halt abruptly.

Because it wasn't just Jiang Ruyi inside; Si Xianxian was in there too!

This was the reason why Lu Ran had been banished from his home, forced to spend the night outdoors.

When Lu Ran left Luoxian Mountain, a certain little maid had been sleeping with the Lady and had grown entirely accustomed to it.

Now that Jiang Ruyi had joined him at Holy Spirit Mountain, Si Xianxian had begged and pleaded for days and finally won herself a night's stay.

Lu Ran could only pitifully cultivate in the courtyard...

It was truly unbearable~

Lu Ran immediately transmitted his voice: [Don't worry, the Pseudo-God Stone Sculpture is leveling up. Each time this happens, the fusion between the stone sculpture and humans is further strengthened and becomes more seamless.

This will greatly benefit you, increasing your talent limit and enhancing your cultivation aptitude.]

[Mm.] Jiang Ruyi softly replied.

Mad Immortal and Nightmare had already informed her of these phenomena.

On the bed, Si Xianxian, who had been sleeping curled up and clinging to Jiang Ruyi's arm, also woke up upon sensing the unusual situation.

Seeing Jiang Ruyi's condition, Si Xianxian's eyes immediately lit up: "Your stone sculpture leveled up?"

Jiang Ruyi nodded faintly and sat up: "I should head to the seclusion room..."

"What seclusion room!" Si Xianxian quickly hugged her, "You're not in good condition right now. What if bad people attack Cloud Sea Cliff?

Stay with me. Sister Xian'er will protect you!"

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

The Jiang Fairy inside the bedroom was speechless, while Lu Ran in the courtyard was filled with emotion.

Luo Tiantu and Lady Kong truly knew how to reap Holy Spirit Energy!

No matter how many people practiced or prayed in Feixian Hall daily, Lu Ran's Pseudo-God stone sculpture only absorbed the Power of Faith from Song Yu, Zhang Zhenghu, and An Xian.

The energy they provided was incredibly scarce!

Yet the trio's sincere devotion triggered the leveling process in the Sea Realm Third Rank sculpture!

This...?

Therefore, ever since Lu Ran captured the souls of Luo Tiantu and Lady Kong, the Jade Talisman sculpture, though fixed at Sea Realm Third Rank, must have been lacking only a sliver of energy to upgrade to Fourth Rank.

It could only be this!

And that was why the relatively weak Feixian Hall could bring such incredible surprises and fortune for Jiang Ruyi.

"Score one for us..." Lu Ran whispered softly.

In any case, it was far better for the stone sculpture to level up here at Cloud Sea Cliff than during a sudden expedition.

The vibrating Pseudo-God Sculpture had a significant impact on both Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi's state.

Tomorrow, he would slaughter an Evil Dog for Feixian Hall and give the soldiers a feast!

A proper reward!

Lu Ran exhaled deeply, resting his head on his arms atop the stone table, letting his mind drift into emptiness.

As the stars and moon shifted in the sky, the sun rose red over the sea.

The Pseudo-God Sculpture finally ceased its expansion, clearing Lu Ran's mind entirely.

Jade Talisman Sculpture, Sea Realm Fourth Rank!

Wonderful!

"Ugh ah~" Lu Ran stretched violently, finally relaxing again, then slumped back over the stone table.

Speaking of which, being a believer and constantly strengthening the body came with an unexpected perk.

No numbness in the arms!

Back when Lu Ran was in school, if he napped at his desk for even a little while, his arm would go completely numb...

*"Pfft... haha~"*

Not long after, a chuckle suddenly interrupted him.

Lu Ran lifted his head, spotting a certain maid's mischievous face staring at him.

At this moment, Si Xianxian had regained the sharpness she had exhibited in the Human World, no longer the weepy mess she'd been when she first arrived in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

She gracefully stepped forward with a playful smile: "Here I was worrying about how hard you'd worked guarding all night, but turns out, you were lazily sleeping instead?"

Lu Ran: ???

Rebellion!

This wicked maid was rebelling!

Si Xianxian sat across from him at the stone table, looking completely refreshed, clearly having had a good rest: "Ruyi promised I could sleep with her tonight, too."

"Huh?" Lu Ran slapped the table and stood up, "No way! Absolutely not!"

"Hahaha~" Si Xianxian burst into a fit of laughter, her body bending forward with mirth. She showed no sign of ladylike demeanor. "Look at how frightened you are!"

Lu Ran: "..."

"What's going on?" Jiang Ruyi walked out from the house.

She wore an oversized white robe, not only exuding an ethereal aura but also carrying a hint of relaxed nonchalance.

It was a sight to behold.

*"Look."* Si Xianxian pouted and gestured toward Lu Ran. *"The stingy man is mad."*

Jiang Ruyi smiled gently, her face bearing a hint of apology.

The saying "a crying child gets candy" rang true.

Jiang Ruyi only had one or two close friends and was willing to indulge Sister Xian'er.

In fact, she had long realized that Lu Ran, Sister Xian'er, and a few others helped her preserve one essential quality:

Being someone capable of feeling emotions.

*"Si Xianxian!"* Lu Ran gritted his teeth.

*"Hehe~"* Si Xianxian covered her mouth and chuckled.

Who told you to kick me like a stray dog on the street, stomp on me again and again?

Mad Immortal never forgets vengeance, morning to night!

Just wait; there's more to come~

Jiang Ruyi entered the courtyard, cutting off the pair's squabble, and took a seat at the stone table. "This leveling up of the stone sculptures has indeed benefited me greatly.

So, will I and Sister Xian'er both eventually turn into stone?"

Lu Ran ignored the smug maid, thought for a moment, then responded, "To be precise, it'd be pure energy bodies."

All Gods and Demons, those exalted entities above all, are energy bodies.

*"Mm."* Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly.

"Oh, by the way, I plan to head south and explore." Lu Ran suddenly said.

*"South?"* Si Xianxian asked curiously.

"I've been staying at home since returning at the end of August, and more than a month has passed." Lu Ran nodded and continued. "Before my next level-up, I want to explore the southern maps.

I'll return to Cloud Sea Cliff within a month to begin preparations for leveling up."

Jiang Ruyi inquired, "Isn't it better to cultivate here in the safety of the cliff?"

Lu Ran reached out, playing with his fiancée's slender, jade-like fingers. "Everything has settled within the cliff, and the timing feels right.

You also know the situation with the Eight Desolates Annihilation Blade—it can't be delayed for too long.

I want to take it south and test my luck."

Jiang Ruyi seemed to be in thought, her dark eyes looking straight at Lu Ran. "Will I be part of your southern expedition?"

Lu Ran grinned: "Of course, you will be!"

Si Xianxian, staring at their joined hands, immediately interjected, "I want to go too! I want to go too!"

*"Hmph."* Lu Ran snorted coldly.

Si Xianxian panicked instantly. "Master!"

Hearing the term "Master," Lu Ran felt a surge of exasperation. He wanted to stomp his foot and start yelling.

Here you were, sleeping comfortably in the master bedroom's big bed while I stood guard outside all night?

That "Master" you're calling me—doesn't your conscience ache?

...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.