Lu Ran carefully searched and managed to seize the souls of 16 Sea Merfolk.

Among them, 11 were River Realm souls, and 5 were Jiang Realm souls.

Lu Ran's mind buzzed as the Evil Sculptures within the Sculpture Garden continued to grow in scale.

Mist Realm... Stream Realm... River Realm!

River Realm First Rank... Second Rank...

Before reaching the Jiang Realm, the statues' progression was extremely fast, instantly providing feedback to Lu Ran.

Finally, the Sea Merfolk Evil Sculptures settled down into stillness.

Lu Ran returned to the sea surface, secretly marvelling: These guys really had treasures to offer; their souls were permeated with so much Holy Spirit Energy?!

"River Realm Third Rank." Lu Ran murmured to himself, his heart stirring with excitement.

Apart from the Jiang Realm ultimate skill of the Sea Merfolk Clan, he had equipped himself with all six other techniques!

"Congratulations, Sect Master?"

Yu Changsheng stood on the sea surface a few meters away, tentatively speaking.

Xun Yifei, meanwhile, remained underwater, guarding everyone from beneath. Occasionally, he lifted his gaze to check on Lu Ran's state.

At that moment, he saw Lu Ran's face light up with a smile and watched as Lu Ran nodded gently toward Yu Changsheng beside him.

Suddenly, Xun Yifei's eyes sharpened!

Lu Ran extended one hand sideways, and at his fingertips, tiny droplets of water continuously shot outward.

"Splish splish splosh..."

As the water droplets fell into the sea, each exploded into a cascade.

Sea Merfolk Evil Technique·Thousand Drops of the Sea Merfolk!

"Perfect for fishing, huh." Lu Ran withdrew his Divine Technique and shook his damp hands.

Soon after, an unusual layer of water curtain abruptly enveloped his body.

Sea Merfolk Evil Technique·Sea Merfolk Concealment!

This deceptive skill allowed Lu Ran to blend seamlessly into the ocean, cloaking himself within its depths.

However, at this moment, he was still on the surface of the sea.

Thus, Lu Ran hadn't truly become invisible; both Yu Changsheng and Xun Yifei could still discern his silhouette with the naked eye.

"Interesting, huh?" Lu Ran disengaged the Sea Merfolk Concealment, his face visibly excited.

Yu Changsheng nodded with mild approval, smiling.

"Let me show you something even more fun!"

Lu Ran unleashed a surge of Divine Power, rapidly growing a graceful fish tail from his waist.

Over two meters long!

The sleek fish tail shimmered in pure silver, resembling a magnificent flowing gown that sparkled with ethereal radiance.

Evil Technique·Sea Mermaid Tail!

Yu Changsheng: "..."

Xun Yifei: "..."

Under the watchful eyes of two Sea Realm experts, Lu Ran transformed fluidly.

Whether beautiful or not, that was debatable.

At the very least, he had fully turned into a merfolk!

This exceptionally ornate fish tail came equipped with impressive functionality!

To note, the Sea Merfolk Clan weren't inherently born with underwater breathing capabilities.

Before reaching Stream Realm Third Rank, the Sea Merfolk needed to surface periodically to breathe, much like dolphins or whales.

Once their abilities advanced to Stream Realm Third Rank and they acquired the Evil Technique·Sea Mermaid Tail, they'd gain the ability to dive deep into the sea.

This energy-fashioned fish tail seamlessly fused with the merfolk's natural tail, granting the clan underwater survival capabilities and enhancing their agility to navigate the ocean freely.

Lu Ran didn't have a natural fish tail.

Although physically incompatible with this technique, it didn't matter much.

At this instant, Lu Ran's legs were wrapped within the glamorous fish tail, and through naked eye observation, his lower body seemed to have vanished entirely.

"Splash!"

Lu Ran dismissed the dark gauze enfolding him and dove straight into the sea.

"Blub blub blub~"

Lu Ran released a series of bubbles from his mouth, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy.

He finally experienced the sensation of swimming!

Up until now, Lu Ran had been using the Mo Li Evil Technique·Dance of the Mo Li. Whether soaring in the air or diving into the ocean, it always felt like he was in a weightless environment.

Barely perceiving gravity in the skies and unable to sense buoyancy underwater.

But now...

Lu Ran tentatively moved his legs, and his long fish tail undulated up and down simultaneously, supporting his forward motion.

"Wow!" Lu Ran praised inwardly.

As he swam onward, he repeatedly turned his head to admire his splendid fish tail.

My goodness~

Who could possibly resist this?

Lu Ran played with reckless joy—his silvery fish tail, as if alive, ensured he could stay submerged indefinitely.

Yu Changsheng's expression turned a shade peculiar as he watched Lu Ran swim a full circle around him beneath the sea.

It suddenly dawned on him that their mysterious and powerful Sect Master was only 19 years old this year...

Lu Ran's movements grew increasingly adept, swimming faster and faster!

"Sputter!"

Lu Ran suddenly emerged from the water, leaping high into the air, his fish tail scattering shimmering droplets.

He carved a stunning arc in midair before plunging back into the ocean.

Yu Changsheng observed the scene and couldn't help but chuckle quietly.

Lu Ran's overall appearance was certainly somewhat comical.

A fisherman's bamboo raincoat and hat juxtaposed against the elegant silvery tail below—a fusion of completely mismatched aesthetics.

In that very moment, Yu Changsheng's eyes revealed a hint of amazement.

As Lu Ran dove underwater, he activated Evil Technique·Sea Merfolk Concealment.

Lu Ran transformed into a droplet of water, melting silently into the ocean itself, vanishing without a trace.

Two words: seamless~

Underwater, Xun Yifei, who had been observing quietly all along, showed faint traces of gentle affection.

Perhaps Lu Ran's display of childlike innocence had stirred memories in this young father's heart.

Xun Yifei understood deeply that his children could gain access to Divine Technique or Evil Technique by offering reverence to Lu Ran.

If his son and daughter could possess such a beautiful fish tail...

They too would find boundless joy, wouldn't they?

Xun Yifei mused quietly, only to realize later that he'd lost sight of Lu Ran entirely.

"Splash!"

After quite a while, Lu Ran resurfaced, revealing his true self.

His upper body hovered above the water, while his fish tail swayed gently beneath the waves. "Let's keep moving. All the Evil Demons we encounter along the way—leave none alive!"

"Understood." Yu Changsheng immediately dived underwater.

Lu Ran gestured toward Xun Yifei, and the three-man team resumed their triangular formation, heading east.

Kill as they travel.

The vast ocean truly belonged to both the Mo Li and the Sea Merfolk.

The farther they strayed from land, the more frequently the Sea Merfolk clans surfaced.

Fortunately, Lu Ran had two Sea Realm experts as his guardians, ensuring the journey was thrilling but safe; he gorged himself in carefree delight!

Unconsciously, the Sea Merfolk Evil Sculptures advanced to River Realm·Fifth Rank.

At this rank, the sculptures' progression slowed, unable to upgrade further within a short time. Lu Ran could only endure the relentless vibrations of the statues.

"Ugh." Lu Ran massaged his temples, feeling somewhat helpless.

In this state, his Perception Techniques were nearly useless.

Once the sculptures reached Jiang Realm and could produce Evil Demon minions, Lu Ran thought he might create some Sea Merfolk to serve as escorts for the team.

Wait!

Lu Ran had an epiphany.

Once he could produce Evil Demon minions, he wouldn't have to endure the hardships of traveling!

He could have the Sea Merfolk carry him forward!

The Mo Li Clan were slower swimmers, but the Sea Merfolk Clan were swift and wouldn't hinder speed.

It was what Lu Ran thought—and precisely what he did!

When the Sea Merfolk Evil Sculptures ascended to Jiang Realm, Lu Ran immediately halted their journey. Under the protection of Yu Changsheng and Xun Yifei, Lu Ran successfully created several River Realm·Fifth Rank Sea Merfolk.

After brief instruction, Lu Ran commanded the Merfolk to scatter, positioning themselves around their three-man team.

From then on, their Perception range expanded, and the group's safety improved.

Lu Ran specifically kept one Sea Merfolk close—not riding atop it, but letting it hold his hand to lead him forward.

It was indeed quite effortless~

Also, these guys were unbelievably handsome!

Broad chests, perfectly sculpted muscles—truly a feast for the eyes.

Luckily, Lu Ran was straight...

And yet, when Lu Ran removed the Sea Merfolk's silver eye mask to reveal a pair of flawless, crystalline silver eyes, he couldn't help but feel momentarily dazed!

Quickly, he reattached the uniquely shaped mask to the Sea Merfolk.

Dammit!

Those eyes really deserved to be hidden.

Truly demonic!

...

As the sun set in the west, nightfall descended.

With the Ran Sect team venturing farther, the strength of Evil Demon clans they encountered grew wildly stronger!

Lu Ran's Sea Merfolk guards dwindled steadily, leaving only two behind.

In this Far Sea Region, River Realm Evil Demons were proving insufficient.

"Ya!" Lu Ran suddenly called out, releasing a sonic wave.

Mist-grade Evil Technique·Sea Merfolk Song!

Yu Changsheng and Xun Yifei immediately responded to his signal. Following Lu Ran's lead, all three, along with two Sea Merfolk, swam upward rapidly.

"Splash!"

Waves burst forth.

Lu Ran canceled the fish tail and conjured a black cloud beneath his feet, standing tall on the sea surface.

"Sect Master?" Yu Changsheng was surrounded by faint golden gauze, illuminating the night.

Lu Ran looked skyward and said, "Let's travel through the air. The ocean is perilous, and we've been fighting all day… Hmm?"

Lu Ran paused mid-sentence, suddenly soaring upward, with his gaze fixed toward the distance.

Xun Yifei activated his clear-water eyes, following Lu Ran's line of sight. Through the dense night, he could faintly distinguish an island amidst the vast sea.

"I see an island!" Lu Ran exclaimed, excited.

Yu Changsheng quickly responded, "Sect Master, we must remain cautious. Let's investigate first before deciding whether to land."

"Sure." Lu Ran pulled out the Fiery Phoenix Patterned Gourd and began guzzling its contents.

"Gulp gulp gulp… burp~"

Lu Ran wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and summoned an Ancient Bronze Mirror with his other.

As the Fallen Mirror took shape, several hundred meters ahead of the island, a Fallen Mirror quietly activated.

The group—three humans and two demons—entered the mirror in sequence. Yu Changsheng dismissed his golden gauze, lest any adversary detect their presence.

Lu Ran flew through the dark night, circling the island carefully for reconnaissance.

The island wasn't particularly large, though it was densely forested.

After searching extensively, Lu Ran failed to detect traces of Holy Spirit Energy. Just as he was lamenting the missed opportunity, his figure froze abruptly!

What was that?

Lu Ran's eyes widened slightly, spotting a beautiful woman sound asleep beneath a tall tree.

Willow-shaped brows, a cherry-like mouth.

A thin gold bracelet on her wrist, golden earrings gracefully swaying on her earlobes.

The deep green low-cut gown she wore only further accentuated her alluring beauty...

This wasn't the Golden Branch and Jade Leaf Evil Mirror Demon herself, was it?

"Gulp." Lu Ran's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

Little temptress, I finally found you!

Lu Ran cautiously unsheathed the Eight Desolates Annihilation Blade, his heart screaming internally:

Please, Evil Mirror Demon!

Please tell me you've pillaged the Holy Spirit Energy from over ten, maybe dozens of islands.

Please, let this one strike elevate my Jiang Realm Second Rank Evil Mirror Demon sculpture straight to the Sea Realm!

Come,

Bring all the resources you've gathered in your lifetime and surrender them to the embrace of the Evil Demon Lord...

"Swish!"

Lu Ran suddenly thrust the blade forward, his figure darting like a flash!

Ran Sect Blade Technique Third Form·Shuo Star!

...

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