Chapter 317: The Hidden Powerhouse

Chapter 317: The Hidden Powerhouse

Led by Senior Sister Cheng Rou, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi arrived at Luanxian Village.

As expected, in the living quarters of the Immortal Sheep followers, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi were surrounded once again."

The kind and enthusiastic aunties showered the two with concern, asking if they had rested well, if they were accustomed to the food, and if there was anything else they needed.

The warmth and care left a deep impression on Jiang Ruyi.

The group of Immortal Sheep followers had distinct characteristics.

Not only did they accept their fate, but they also had a hint of being 'altruists'.

Within such a tribe, if even one self-serving individual were to infiltrate, they would enjoy all the resources and advantages!

Fortunately, the first-generation follower, the Cheng brothers, were there to keep order.

Additionally, there was a military presence stationed here, and they maintained strict discipline.

Otherwise, without the need for dark forces to invade this mountain, those humans with ill intentions could have easily wiped out the Immortal Sheep Sect.

With Cheng Rou's help, the two escaped the crowd and entered a large mansion.

The vast space was empty, and on the right side, the doors of a grand hall were wide open.

"Jingxian Hall."

Jiang Ruyi looked up at the plaque and then lowered her gaze, seeing two elderly men kneeling deep within the hall.

"Grandpa, Great-Grandfather Three, Little Junior Brother is here," Cheng Rou quickly walked into the hall and approached the old men, speaking softly.

The two elders showed no reaction and continued their worship.

It wasn't until over ten seconds later that they opened their eyes and stood up simultaneously.

Such a tacit understanding amazed Lu Ran.

And when the two turned around, Lu Ran blinked in surprise.

Identical? Both elders wore white Daoist robes, with white hair and beards.

They were not very tall, around 165 cm, and both had their hair tied in bun-style topknots with wooden hairpins.

Their spirits were vigorous, and they exuded an air of immortality.

"Little Friend," both Cheng brothers said, clasping their fists in greeting.

Lu Ran also clasped his fists, addressing the elder on the left, "Grandpa Cheng Yi."

And then he addressed the other elder, "Grandpa Cheng Li."

The two exchanged glances and burst into laughter, "Hahahaha!"

"Huh?" Cheng Rou blinked her beautiful eyes, "Little Junior Brother is so amazing, even I sometimes can't tell them apart!"

Can't tell them apart? Then use your heart to feel.

Cheng Yi's inner strength was firm, and he even exuded a hint of dominance.

In Lu Ran's eyes, he wasn't just an old man with white hair; he was a Heaven-Splitting Halberd.

Cheng Li was graceful and carefree, as if he were above worldly matters.

In Lu Ran's eyes, he was a graceful and agile sword.

In this Jingxian Hall, where were the meek and obedient Immortal Sheep followers? One was a domineering halberdier, and the other was a carefree swordsman.

The commonality between them was that despite being in their sixties, both were vigorous and robust.

They both looked like formidable fighters.

"Second Brother, I lost. Haha!" Cheng Li turned to Cheng Yi and said with a smile.

Cheng Yi stroked his long beard and nodded repeatedly, "Good, good. Tomorrow's morning practice will be led by you.

I'll take Gugu up the mountain to play."

Cheng Li smiled and said, "Sure, sure."

Lu Ran: "..."

He always felt that beneath Senior Sister Cheng Rou's gentle exterior, there was a hint of mischief.

Who would call their daughter Gugu after seeing her? Even Grandpa Cheng was playing along, calling his great-granddaughter by that name.

"I'm afraid not, Grandpa," Cheng Rou quickly said.

"What's wrong?" Cheng Yi's expression turned displeased, "Is that good-for-nothing husband of yours going to take your daughter back again?"

Cheng Rou immediately shook her head, "No, no, it's Little Junior Brother!

He has brought good news to Grandpa and Great-Grandfather Three! It's..."

Cheng Rou really wanted to share the joy, but she stopped herself and looked at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran smiled and said, "You can tell me."

"Sure!" Cheng Rou revealed a happy smile and immediately shared the news.

Her joyful and excited expression, unable to contain her excitement, didn't seem like that of a mother of two children.

Instead, she resembled a clear-eyed female university student.

Falling Immortal Mountain had protected Cheng Rou so well that her life should have been carefree.

As his granddaughter spoke, Cheng Yi's expression became more and more astonished.

"This... this..." It took him a long while to regain his composure.

Cheng Yi clasped his fists and bowed to Lu Ran, his face filled with excitement, "I don't know how to thank you enough, Little Friend."

Cheng Yi had experienced great winds and waves in his life and should have had a calm state of mind.

But his situation was unique!

Cheng Yi had been stuck at the Fifth Stage of the River Realm for who knows how long.

Even he himself wasn't sure if it was due to insufficient understanding or a lack of determination in his Dao Heart.

Or perhaps his talent had reached its limit, and he couldn't progress any further.

If it was the latter, Lu Ran's request for a blessing would have been a great help to Cheng Yi.

To say it was a 'great kindness and virtue' would not be an exaggeration!

You should know that this path of ascension doesn't just enhance your strength.

When your cultivation reaches a certain level and you ascend again, your lifespan will increase!

Of course, it has only been forty years since the Deity's descent.

There is no precise data yet on how much lifespan can be gained in the River, Sea, or higher realms.

Moreover, in this extremely dangerous world, it's rare for followers to die of natural causes.

But regardless, giving an old body more vitality is a tangible benefit!

"Great kindness and virtue, the Cheng family will remember this!"

Cheng Li also clasped his fists, and his smile faded, his expression turning solemn.

Lu Ran immediately returned the gesture, "It's the Immortal Sheep Lord's grace."

Cheng Li's face lit up with a smile, and he nodded slightly, "Good, good!"

After speaking, the two turned and faced the Immortal Sheep sculpture, kneeling on the prayer mat.

Cheng Rou, standing beside them, also knelt down and expressed her gratitude.

Outside the hall, Lu Ran looked into the distance, gazing upon the towering sculpture of the Immortal Sheep Lord.

Jiang Ruyi stood behind Lu Ran, observing the grateful expressions of the Cheng family's three generations.

She, more than anyone, could empathize with them.

As believers, before the Deity, they had no rights to speak of.

You were but a servant, summoned and dismissed at will.

In a lifetime, receiving a word or two of divine communication was the greatest honor!

Within the same sect, this was even a qualification to boast about! Fellow disciples would surely respect you.

After all, you are a follower who has received the "Divine Proclamation"!

And someone like Lu Ran...

I really don't know what to say.

"Ruyi." Lu Ran gently held her hand.

Jiang Ruyi subconsciously tried to pull away, but Lu Ran gripped her hand tighter.

She looked up at the tall and majestic Divine Lord, hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head, no longer struggling.

Lu Ran: "You can ask Grandpa Cheng Li for some guidance on swordsmanship.

From what I've observed, his style seems to be graceful and free-flowing, which suits your style quite well."

Jiang Ruyi: ". . ."

During their first meeting, how could you tell what weapon the other person uses?

Actually, she could too.

After all, Jiang Ruyi is someone who has cultivated a Divine Weapon, and she possesses the corresponding qualities.

But from just one glance, you could also discern their combat style and swordsmanship?

Lu Ran's understanding of weaponry is indeed profound!

After all, he is the one who has opened the Divine Armament Domain.

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at his fiancee and gently squeezed her palm.

Soft and comfortable.

Jiang Ruyi lowered her head and said softly, "I'll listen to you."

This attitude of not daring to be disrespectful to the Divine Lord, yet unwilling to pull her hand away from Lu Ran, made her seem a bit awkward.

It was quite amusing~

Lu Ran took advantage of the situation, slipping his fingers through her slender fingers and interlocking them with hers.

Jiang Ruyi lowered her eyelashes, and her head drooped even lower.

Lu Ran spoke softly, "I didn't mean for you to undergo intensive training these days; I wanted you to take him as your teacher.

Initially, I was thinking of asking Mom to teach you, but now it seems unnecessary."

Lu Ran paused, then continued, "Grandpa Cheng Li is a first-generation disciple!

He is from the generation that followed Immortal Ram into battle!

His combat power and martial arts skills are surely beyond our imagination.

I know your combat style leans towards long-range spellcasting, but I also want you to systematically study swordsmanship."

As Lu Ran spoke, he had mixed feelings.

If one day, you lose the Jade Talisman Divine Art, or there's a gap period...

If you have powerful swordsmanship, you can also protect yourself.

Of course, Lu Ran was thinking of the worst-case scenario!

He would do his best to ensure a seamless transition for Jiang Ruyi after she leaves the Jade Talisman Sect, avoiding a "helpless" gap period.

Well,

It's better to be prepared for the worst.

Having a skill to rely on is never a bad thing.

Jiang Ruyi nodded, "I understand."

Lu Ran: "I'll help you make the arrangements.

After I leave, you can frequently visit Falling Immortal Mountain, and it would be best if you could receive Grandpa Cheng Li's true teachings."

As they spoke, Lu Ran felt his palm tighten.

Listening to Lu Ran's gentle words, Jiang Ruyi forgot her concerns and held his hand tightly.

It was as if...

The tighter she held, the longer he would delay his departure.

"Lu Little Friend, Jiang Little Friend."

The three of them walked out of the Jingxian Hall, looking at the silent pair.

Cheng Li was still smiling, as if he hadn't noticed the atmosphere between the two:

"What a heavenly couple, truly enviable to others."

"Hehe~" Lu Ran laughed, "If you two have time, why don't you come back to Falling Immortal Residence with me now?"

"Okay." Cheng Yi nodded immediately.

Divine blessings are a big deal, so they couldn't be delayed.

Not to mention going to receive blessings now,

If you asked Cheng Yi to wait at the mountain residence's entrance for ten or twenty years, he wouldn't complain.

As they walked out, Lu Ran remembered something and turned to Cheng Li, "Oh, I forgot to congratulate Grandpa Cheng Li on his successful seclusion.

I'm sure your strength has improved significantly, right?"

Cheng Li: "Congratulations to you too."

Lu Ran smiled, indeed, it was a mutual congratulation!

He probed, "Yesterday, Grandpa Cheng Yi said you were stronger than him. Could it be that Grandpa Cheng Li has advanced to the Sea Realm?"

"Hehe." Cheng Li stroked his long beard and smiled at Lu Ran, "This old man entered the Sea Realm more than a decade ago."

Lu Ran couldn't help but smile.

Wow!

"Hehe~" Cheng Rou looked at her little junior brother's shocked expression and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Cheng Yi glanced at his granddaughter, and Cheng Rou immediately became obedient, hiding her smile.

Lu Ran calmed his emotions. Since he didn't get a clear answer after asking twice, he didn't want to press further.

He changed the topic, "Grandpa Cheng Yi, Grandpa Cheng Li, my fiancee cultivates the sword.

Her foundation isn't very solid, and after joining the Jade Talisman Sect, she's been throwing talismans every day."

How could the two elders not understand Lu Ran's intention? Cheng Yi had just turned to his third brother when Cheng Li spoke up:

"Rest assured, Little Friend Lu, I'm also a sword cultivator, and I'm willing to offer some guidance."

"Is that so?" Lu Ran expressed his gratitude, "Thank you so much."

Cheng Li continued to smile, "As the Mountain Lord has requested, Cheng Li will not refuse!"

The change in address also clarified their relationship.

Lu Ran smiled at the elder, "Grandpa Cheng Li, if you don't mind, please accept her as your disciple.

My fiancee wants to excel in swordsmanship and receive your true teachings."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Li understood.

This wasn't about learning a few moves to assist the Jade Talisman Divine Art in combat.

But to major in swordsmanship?

Cheng Li pondered for a moment and said, "Yes!

I will do my best and teach her diligently."

Jiang Ruyi listened quietly, her heart stirred with emotion.

The Falling Immortal Mountain Master was indeed as impressive as the Sword Heaven City Lord and the Northwind City Lord, not just in name.

Cheng Li is a Sea Realm powerhouse!

He is a being that mortals should revere and worship!

During their casual conversation, Cheng Li had been smiling and addressing them as "Little Friends."

But when Lu Ran made his earnest request,

Cheng Li became highly respectful.

Thanks to tungtai and Locrian for their generous rewards!

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end