This night, Lu Ran spoke of many things.

The thrilling journey that lasted for nine months was truly captivating, leaving He Yingcai on edge as she listened.

During the conversation, Lu Ran also inquired about Cheng Xin and Qin Yanzhi. Both Island Masters had not heard of them but agreed to ask around within the Thousand Boat Alliance.

Within the Thousand Boat Alliance, every sect had over a hundred believers, with even the Fourth-class God·Sword Lotus boasting over two hundred.

There was a chance someone might have heard something relevant.

Lu Ran also casually asked about Alliance Leader Yun Qianzhou of the Thousand Boat Alliance.

He Yingcai explained: Alliance Leader Yun is a Sea Realm·Fifth Rank Great Power!

It's said that he has been stuck at this realm for over a decade, but half a year ago, Yun Qianzhou seemed to have gained some enlightenment and has been in closed-door cultivation ever since.

For the past six months, Yun Qianzhou has completely shut himself off from the outside world, focusing solely on breaking through to the Heavenly Realm.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this that the people of Thunder Mountain have dared to act so presumptuously, constantly harassing and provoking the Thousand Boat Alliance.

It reeks of a step-by-step encroachment strategy!

The recent great battle was the most intense conflict between the two factions in recent years!

The Sword Lotus Sect, having been relentlessly pressured by the people from Thunder Mountain, finally couldn't bear it any longer and fought back.

Subsequently, the other three major sects within the Thousand Boat Alliance rallied in response, and a massive battle erupted more than ten kilometers southwest of Mist Rain Lake.

Both sides suffered significant losses!

On the Thousand Boat Alliance's side, two Sea Realm Island Masters from the Bi He and Sword Lotus sects were killed, while Thunder Mountain also lost a Sea Realm elder.

In the end, the battle concluded with Thunder Mountain's forces making spiteful threats before retreating in anger.

Tragically, the Thousand Boat Alliance could only watch as they left. Once the East Thunder disciples are determined to withdraw, it's incredibly challenging to stop them...

He Yingcai spoke at length, but one word from her account was keenly caught by Lu Ran.

After she finished speaking and silence settled in, Lu Ran finally spoke:

"Heavenly Realm?"

"The realm above the Sea Realm is called the Heavenly Realm."

"Who named it? Is it widely recognized?" Lu Ran continued to ask.

"This realm's name was coined by Alliance Leader Yun," He Yingcai glanced at the grey-robed elder beside her, "As for its specific origins..."

Grey Lotus Island Master spoke in a deep voice, "According to Alliance Leader Yun, he once had a comrade, a believer of Sword One.

This disciple of Sword One broke through the shackles of the Sea Realm and reached an even higher level of power.

Later, she soared into the sky and disappeared into the Cloud Sea, never to be seen again."

The Grey Lotus Island Master paused for a moment before continuing, "The 'Heavenly Realm' mentioned by Alliance Leader Yun likely stems from this.

With the Cloud Sea as the boundary, only by reaching the Heavenly Realm can one break through the invisible prisons of this world and survive to leave the Holy Spirit Mountain."

"Indeed," He Yingcai chimed in, "Alliance Leader Yun also referred to the world above the Cloud Sea as the 'Heavenly Realm.'"

"Impressive," Lu Ran couldn't help but marvel silently in his heart.

Divine·Sword One truly deserves to be the foremost among the Da Xia Gods, the ultimate number one under heaven!

The believers under their name match perfectly with the god's ethos, their strength leaving people speechless in awe.

However, ascending to the heavens isn't the only way.

Lu Ran mused quietly to himself.

His own River Realm·Fifth Rank Evil Spear Emperor stealthily climbed up along the Ten Thousand Blade Mountain, breaking through to the heavens...

Of course, that Evil Spear Emperor also vanished without a trace.

In fact, after that, Lu Ran summoned several other Evil Spear Emperors to investigate the Ten Thousand Blade Mountain, but they all met the same fate — none returned.

According to the theory that only those in the Heavenly Realm can withstand the invisible energy barrages and survive to ascend...

The world above the Cloud Sea must be terrifyingly strong!

With mere River Realm Evil Demons, even if they sneaked up there, they would stand no chance of survival.

Jiang Ruyi looked to the grey-robed elder and asked, "What was the name of that Sword One believer predecessor?"

The Grey Lotus Island Master shook his head, "I'm not sure. All of this occurred before Alliance Leader Yun founded the Thousand Boat Alliance.

Alliance Leader Yun is unwilling to share much about the past, only briefly mentioning it."

When he finished speaking, the Grey Lotus Island Master sighed deeply, lifting his gaze to the heavens: "Alliance Leader Yun told us..."

Lu Ran did not rush him, attentively listening.

"The heavens may just be the Human World."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi exchanged a glance.

The Grey Lotus Island Master stared at the starry sky. Tonight, there was no Cloud Sea veiling the heavens:

"At the very least, the heavens are closer to the Human World."

When these words fell, the lively bonfire banquet fell into a deep silence, with everyone remaining taciturn.

Only the melodious sound of a flute drifted through the tranquil night, carrying its beautiful tune into the vast darkness.

After a long while, the Grey Lotus Island Master retracted his gaze and turned to Lu Ran: "Master Lu, both you and your lady possess extraordinary talent.

One day, you will surely break free from the shackles and go see the Heavenly Realm."

"Island Master Grey Lotus already a High Rank Sea Realm practitioner? Or perhaps at the Sea Realm Peak?" Lu Ran lifted his tea cup and gestured toward the grey-robed elder, "I wish you success in stepping into the Heavenly Realm soon."

"Heh," the Grey Lotus Island Master let out a chuckle, his face lined with deep wrinkles that betrayed his age.

The grey-robed elder was indeed smiling, but an undertone of sorrow lingered beneath it.

As one who stands among the Yangyang Sea's finest, even potentially only a step away from the Heavenly Realm, he appeared...

resigned. He seemed to have long lost hope, doubting that he would ever achieve another breakthrough or survive the Holy Spirit Mountain.

The resolve of the heart erodes day by day.

Hope, after countless passing years, transforms gradually into despair.

For the Grey Lotus Island Master, simply maintaining his Mental Realm and stabilizing his cultivation might already be his limit.

"Thank you for your kind words, young friend." The grey-robed elder drained his cup of Smoke Rain Tea in one go.

Lu Ran too emptied his cup, having become much more accustomed to the tea's bitterness.

The flute's melodies floated through the air, while those seated at the table sat in silence for a long time.

At a nearby table, Yu Changsheng suddenly rose to his feet.

Lu Ran followed his gaze and saw Yu Changsheng holding a folding fan, bowing and cupping his hands toward him.

He asked curiously, "Mr. Conglong?"

Yu Changsheng had been thoroughly influenced by Deng Yuxiang.

In front of others, he truly brought great honor to their sect's leader.

With Lu Ran's tacit approval, Yu Changsheng took a step forward, standing slightly behind Lu Ran: "Just now, I've heard of the current situation of the Thousand Boat Alliance."

Though Yu Changsheng appeared as Lu Ran's subordinate, he was in fact a mighty Sea Realm·Fourth Rank expert!

The two Island Masters showed him due respect.

The Grey Lotus Island Master inquired, "What insights does this gentleman have?"

He Yingcai instructed a nearby attendant, "Go fetch a chair for the gentleman."

Yu Changsheng said, "Recently, Thunder Mountain has repeatedly targeted the Thousand Boat Alliance. I'm afraid it's not only because your alliance leader is in seclusion and the Thousand Boat Alliance currently lacks strong leadership.

More importantly, they may be worried that Alliance Leader Yun will truly make a breakthrough."

The Grey Lotus Island Master nodded quietly.

This analysis aligned with what the Thousand Boat Alliance had already deduced.

The Holy Spirit Mountain Realm was rife with trepidation.

Even if a Heavenly Realm expert doesn't seek to expand or conquer, their mere presence is enough to instill unease among others.

Yu Changsheng accepted the chair and sat down, then asked, "May I ask, during the last great battle, did Alliance Leader Yun appear?"

He Yingcai poured a cup of tea and handed it over, openly examining him: "He didn't appear; the alliance leader has been in seclusion all along."

Before this, Lu Ran had recounted his own story, thrilling He Yingcai with just nine months' worth of life-and-death experiences.

At this moment, Yu Changsheng achieved the same effect with nothing but his face.

"Hmm." Yu Changsheng turned his gaze to Lu Ran.

Lu Ran understood the look in his eyes and nodded slightly.

Yu Changsheng lightly shook the paper fan, contemplating aloud, "If Alliance Leader Yun had not sequestered himself so overtly, or if the news hadn't leaked out, everything could have been manageable.

Now, it seems Thunder Mountain's repeated provocations under the guise of 'borrowing people' are mere tests."

The flickering firelight rendered Yu Changsheng's obsidian eyes ever-changing, shifting between light and shadow.

He Yingcai looked at that impeccably handsome face: "What do you mean, sir..."

Yu Changsheng folded the fan and spoke in a steady tone: "The scale of the last battle was immense, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

Yet, Alliance Leader Yun still did not appear. I suspect Thunder Mountain has already gotten the answer they were probing for.

Next, Thunder Mountain is likely to launch a full-blown assault on the Thousand Boat Alliance."

The Grey Lotus Island Master's face darkened.

Yu Changsheng continued, "Both Thunder Mountain and the Thousand Boat Alliance lost Sea Realm Great Powers, and the enmity runs deep, making reconciliation nearly impossible.

Thunder Mountain will not allow the appearance of a Heavenly Realm expert from the Thousand Boat Alliance. They're very likely to strike preemptively."

The casual words from Yu Changsheng weighed heavily on everyone present.

He Yingcai gazed at Yu Changsheng, a bitter smile appearing on her face: "Your insight is impressive, sir. The alliance has discussed this as well, but we are powerless to change the situation."

Yu Changsheng stayed silent, keeping the rest of his thoughts to himself.

Jiang Ruyi's cold, clear voice suddenly broke the quiet: "I once thought you, He Island Master, were straightforward and upright. Now it seems your invitation to us holds other intentions."

He Yingcai's expression carried a trace of regret: "My original intent was merely to reminisce. It's true I had a small ulterior motive, hoping to ask if my junior could lend us a hand.

If you two are unwilling to wade into these muddy waters, I won't force you.

Stay and rest well tonight, and tomorrow morning I'll see you off the island."

Lu Ran had remained silent all the while, his mind racing with thoughts!

This was an opportunity to strengthen relations with the Thousand Boat Alliance, and even a chance to form a bond with the potential Heavenly Realm Great Power·Yun Qianzhou!

At the same time, it was also an opportunity to eliminate a threat.

The conduct of Thunder Mountain was plain to see. Some people's nature is deeply ingrained, inherently malevolent, and steeped in sin.

Cleansing them would be the wisest solution!

He Qifeng, with her Forbidden City and her backing from Wuji Peak, was tirelessly working toward improving the survival environment in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm.

If future entrants to the mountain could be directly influenced by this positive atmosphere, this realm could potentially undergo true change.

Otherwise, disciples like the Phoenix and Swallow Generals from East Thunder would inevitably fall prey to dependence on their sects after entering the mountain. They'd then sink into the mire, unable to escape corruption — a truly sorrowful fate.

The Thousand Boat Alliance had no shortage of Sea Realm Great Powers and was reasonably strong!

They were certainly capable of putting up a fight!

From a realistic standpoint, if they could seize this opportunity to inflict a heavy blow on Thunder Mountain — or even completely destroy it...

"Hoo~" Lu Ran picked up his tea cup, blowing gently on it.

Then, in this mission, could he cultivate the Fake God·East Thunder statue to an unprecedented level?

Could it even reach the Heavenly Realm?!

"Tired, junior?" He Yingcai observed the unusually silent Lu Ran, sighing inwardly.

However, she maintained her graceful demeanor outwardly, with a slight smile: "Let's end tonight's banquet here. Shall I take you to your rest?"

Lu Ran suddenly spoke: "Senior, you're not planning to try persuading me further?"

"Oh?" He Yingcai's bright eyes widened slightly as she looked at Lu Ran.

The Grey Lotus Island Master also suppressed his excitement, turning his attention to Lu Ran.

Although Master Lu was only at the River Realm, his team was impressively robust, boasting three Sea Realm Great Powers from different sects!

The Grey Lotus Island Master had every reason to believe that the Ran Sect harbored additional Great Powers within its ranks!

If He Yingcai truly had the leverage to bring Master Lu on as reinforcements, it would undoubtedly strengthen the Thousand Boat Alliance's survival chances immensely!

"Junior... would you be willing to assist the Thousand Boat Alliance?" He Yingcai's voice softened as a sliver of anticipation crept into her tone.

Lu Ran's face lit up with a slight smile: "I have a friend whose surname is also He..."

...

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