I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 188

## Chapter 188: Heavenly Knowledge Prediction

The heartland of Liang Guo.

Amidst the clouds, a young筑基 (Zhu Ji) cultivator with an ordinary appearance was flying on a遁光 (Dun Guang) when it suddenly paused.

“Hm?”

Lu Chang’an felt a strange and inexplicable sensation, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Feng Guo battlefield. At that moment, he faintly sensed that the宝符 (Bao Fu) he had secretly given to Zhao Siyao years ago had been consumed and used.

For ordinary符箓 (Fu Lu), this was unheard of. However, Lu Chang’an’s 宝符 (Bao Fu) was different. He had nurtured it like a法宝 (Fa Bao), treating it as a treasure. 法宝 (Fa Bao) develops sentience after years of nurturing. While the 宝符 (Bao Fu) was not a法宝 (Fa Bao), it was made of extraordinary materials and thus shared a similar principle. Coupled with the unique power of the 长青功 (Chang Qing Gong), it had been cultivated for decades, so it was understandable that a certain level of spiritual connection had formed.

“That宝符 (Bao Fu) was activated, Zhao Dao-friend must be facing a great crisis. May she be able to safely overcome this ordeal…”

A few days ago, Song Wen-shu’s wedding had been inexplicably postponed, leading Lu Chang’an to suspect that something might have changed on the Feng Guo battlefield. Zhao Siyao activating the 宝符 (Bao Fu) confirmed his suspicions.

The 宝符 (Bao Fu) was made from a third-order灵木 (Ling Mu), and after decades of cultivation, if used properly, it could severely injure a typical 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator. However, killing them was unlikely.

The difficulty of killing compared to defeating is more than double. Unless the 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator was careless, or gravely injured, even a 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivator in their early stage would struggle to instantly kill them. Three 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivators working together could withstand a 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivator in their early stage. The power of a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator manipulating a 法宝 (Fa Bao) surpasses that of a near-third-order符箓 (Fu Lu).

Of course, Lu Chang’an was unaware that Zhang Tieshan’s short-term outburst of power was comparable to a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator. He had cooperated with Zhao Siyao to kill a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator who was not in their best state.

Lu Chang’an’s initial purpose in gifting the 宝符 (Bao Fu) was to give Zhao Siyao a greater chance of survival against a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator. As for 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivators? Their numbers were far fewer than 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivators. If she encountered one, she would have to rely on her own luck. Even Lu Chang’an, with a greater number of 宝符 (Bao Fu), wouldn’t dare say he could definitely escape a 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivator.

Same-level符箓 (Fu Lu) rarely posed a threat to same-level cultivators because the power of 法宝 (Fa Bao) surpassed that of same-level符箓 (Fu Lu). To truly escape, he would need the second incarnation of the 九印碑 (Jiu Yin Bei) to descend and, in conjunction with the 宝符 (Bao Fu), injure the 真丹 (Zhen Dan).

…

Over the years, as his strength, connections, and wealth had significantly increased, acquiring third-order灵木 (Ling Mu) was no longer impossible, unlike before. In recent years, the number of 宝符 (Bao Fu) crafted with third-order灵木 (Ling Mu) in his possession had increased, exceeding ten in total.

宝符 (Bao Fu) crafted with third-order灵木 (Ling Mu) could reach the initial stage of the third order, or even slightly surpass it, with relatively fast cultivation using 长青 (Chang Qing) power.

The speed of cultivation is also related to one’s cultivation base. When Lu Chang’an reached the middle stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji), his cultivation speed was nearly double that of the initial stage.

Currently, the strongest 宝符 (Bao Fu) in Lu Chang’an’s possession was crafted with a third-order “紫炫灵木 (Zi Xuan Ling Mu),” a mid-grade 灵木 (Ling Mu). It had been cultivated for the longest time, several decades, and its power was approaching the mid-stage of the third order.

The 宝符 (Bao Fu) he had given Zhao Siyao was the most potent one crafted with a third-order lower-grade灵木 (Ling Mu).

Theoretically speaking, as long as the cultivation time is long enough and the 法力 (Fa Li) is strong enough, even a second-order upper-grade宝符 (Bao Fu) can potentially reach the true third order. However, after the cultivated power exceeds the material’s limit, the improvement speed slows down significantly.

…

Several days later.

Liao Yuan Xian City, Tian Zhi Tower, fourth floor reception room.

“Fellow Daoist, what kind of information are you seeking?”

An elderly 筑基 (Zhu Ji) cultivator with a thick head of white hair, his face full of smiles, greeted Lu Chang’an.

“I want to know the situation on the Feng Guo battlefield.”

Lu Chang’an, disguised as an ordinary young man, replied without hesitation.

“Oh, the Feng Guo battlefield? There are many more cultivators looking for information on this recently.”

The elderly cultivator exclaimed.

“The Feng Guo battlefield is a priority for our Tian Zhi Tower. We categorize the information into three tiers: 甲 (Jia), 乙 (Yi), and 丙 (Bing).”

“Oh, what are the differences between the three levels, and how much do they cost?”

“丙 (Bing)-level information costs six hundred灵石 (Ling Shi). It only provides the basic situation at the front line, including rumors, and the reliability is relatively low. This is the kind of information that mid-level cultivators from the major sects can obtain.”

“乙 (Yi)-level information costs fifteen hundred灵石 (Ling Shi). It’s the majority of frontline information that high-level sect officials can get.”

“甲 (Jia)-level information costs five thousand灵石 (Ling Shi). It’s more detailed than 乙 (Yi)-level information, and the biggest difference is that it reveals the approximate movements of the 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun), along with predictions about the future direction of the war.”

“Purchasing this 甲 (Jia)-level information requires taking a心魔之誓 (Xin Mo Zhi Shi) – a soul-binding oath – not to disclose it to outsiders.”

“甲 (Jia)-level information is that expensive?”

Lu Chang’an’s mind raced. He still decided to buy the 甲 (Jia)-level information because he had plenty of 灵石 (Ling Shi). Having lived through several lifetimes, he understood the importance of key upper-level information.

In the world of cultivating immortals, wars directly affected his safety and cultivation in this lifetime. The next few decades would be crucial for him, as he transitioned from 筑基 (Zhu Ji) to 结丹 (Jie Dan).

“It’s five thousand 灵石 (Ling Shi).”

The elderly cultivator smiled broadly, hiding his surprise. It was unusual for individual cultivators to buy 甲 (Jia)-level information. Typically, it was purchased by representatives of specific forces.

After paying the 灵石 (Ling Shi), Lu Chang’an received a special jade tube. According to the elderly cultivator, the information inside would automatically erase once Lu Chang’an finished reading it.

“Speaking of which, do you accept new members in Tian Zhi Tower?”

Before leaving, Lu Chang’an asked with a playful smile. Joining this top-tier intelligence organization that permeated multiple countries would be a huge benefit for someone who could live for a long time.

“Sorry, we have a system for cultivating members in Tian Zhi Tower. We don’t recruit members from outside. Unless they are high-risk informants, they are temporary members…”

The elderly cultivator smiled.

Lu Chang’an was just testing him. Even if Tian Zhi Tower agreed, he wouldn’t dare join. He once had a thought: He was curious about what information Tian Zhi Tower had on him, and whether he had any flaws. But he quickly discarded that thought.

Because there is demand, there is a market. Lu Chang’an was unambitious, not involved in any major interests, so not many cultivators cared about his information, and Tian Zhi Tower wouldn’t investigate him deeply. If he bought information about himself, it would be a pointless act, a self-inflicted annoyance.

…

Half an hour later.

Inside a bustling inn in Liao Yuan Xian City.

Lu Chang’an examined the jade tube containing the 甲 (Jia)-level information.

“Liang Guo’s sects suffered a crushing defeat at the front lines, ambushed by the ‘澹台 (Dan Tai) family’ in Feng Guo. Several 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivators died, more than a dozen 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivators perished, over a hundred 筑基 (Zhu Ji) cultivators were killed, and thousands of 炼气 (Lian Qi) cultivators perished…”

“The strategists behind this ambush were mainly the Jin Yang Zong, Ao Yue Valley, Xue Jian Valley, and the澹台 (Dan Tai) family.”

“The 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) of Chen Guo seems displeased with Liang Guo’s involvement in the war and their attempt to steal victory. Perhaps as part of a pre-arranged agreement, the ‘天罗 (Tian Luo) Zhen Jun’ of Chen Guo tacitly allowed a 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) from Jin Yang Zong who was being held in check to leave quietly.”

“The 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) of Liang Guo, ‘离火上人 (Li Huo Shang Ren),’ was ambushed by two 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) from Jin Yang Zong and Xue Jian Valley. He was severely injured, barely escaping death. It will take at least twenty years for him to fully recover.”

“Feng Guo launched psychological warfare, spreading rumors that ‘离火上人 (Li Huo Shang Ren)’ of Liang Guo had died, or perhaps his physical body was destroyed, with his元婴 (Nascent Soul) narrowly escaping. This is intended to create panic.”

Reading this, Lu Chang’an was startled. He didn’t expect that the Supreme Elder of Li Huo Gong would almost die in this recent battle. If he had bought a lower-level information tier, he wouldn’t have been able to accurately determine the real situation regarding ‘离火上人 (Li Huo Shang Ren).’ Misled by vague information and rumors, he might have made a wrong decision, such as risking leaving Liang Guo.

“The shift in the situation is mainly due to the stance of the 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) of Chen Guo. The sects of Feng Guo may have also offered benefits, reaching some kind of secret agreement.”

Lu Chang’an pondered.

Fortunately, the strongest Nascent Soul Zhen Jun of Yan Guo, “楚天封 (Chu Tian Feng),” had no interest in Liang Guo. This contemporary prodigy at the mid-stage of 元婴 (Nascent Soul) mainly wanted to occupy a fourth-order mid-grade灵脉 (Ling Mai) and secure a道场 (Dao Chang) befitting his status and cultivation base. Otherwise, the 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) of Li Huo Gong might not have made it back.

The intelligence also provided information about the fourth expedition of Liang Guo’s sects. This expedition was not an invasion at all. They were actually going to a neighboring country to “rescue” the defeated Liang Guo army.

“No wonder Song Wen-shu delayed his wedding.”

Lu Chang’an understood the whole situation. The Supreme Elder of Li Huo Gong almost died, and high-level 真丹 (Zhen Dan) cultivators were killed. After such a huge event, even core disciples couldn’t enjoy privileges when there were calls for reinforcements.

…

This 甲 (Jia)-level intelligence also included Tian Zhi Tower’s prediction about the future course of the war.

“Liang Guo’s sects suffered a crushing defeat, incurring huge losses. Since the 元婴真君 (Nascent Soul Zhen Jun) is severely injured, they will likely be unable to invade Feng Guo and will probably retreat to their homeland.”

“The war between Yan Guo, Feng Guo, and Chen Guo may enter a new phase, and negotiations may not be out of the question.”

“Liang Guo may be drawn into the battlefield within the next ten years.”

“If the ‘魔道六宗 (Mo Dao Liu Zong),’ one of the largest alliances in the Great Qing Cultivation world, continues its eastward expansion, this possibility will double!”

Upon seeing Tian Zhi Tower’s predictions, Lu Chang’an was slightly shaken. Initially, he thought the information was too expensive, but now it seemed worth it.

The truth behind many of the war’s internal details wouldn’t be revealed in 乙 (Yi)-level or 丙 (Bing)-level intelligence.

“Ten years? By then, I will have advanced to the late stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji), my strength will have increased significantly. Even if I have to leave my homeland and flee to another country, I will be much safer.”

Lu Chang’an felt a little more reassured.

He would turn 134 years old in two months. He had taken about twelve years each to reach the first two stages of the middle stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji). However, reaching the late stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji) from the middle stage required more accumulation and might take 14-15 years. He expected to attempt to break through to the late stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji) after reaching the age of 140.

…

After obtaining the intelligence, Lu Chang’an didn’t leave Liao Yuan Xian City immediately. He stayed in the city for two months, gathering materials.

This time, he was primarily collecting third-order灵砂 (Ling Sha), as well as materials for second-order top-tier傀儡 (Kui Lei) and near-third-order傀儡 (Kui Lei).

Lu Chang’an’s “炼体资质 (Lian Ti Zi Zhi)” (body refinement aptitude) far surpassed his 灵根天赋 (Ling Gen Tian Fu) (spiritual root talent). Years ago, he had already reached the peak of the sixth layer of the 《云砂炼体诀 (Yun Sha Lian Ti Jue)》. This body refinement technique was not very advanced and didn’t involve third-order body refinement inheritances. The highest, seventh layer, could only refine one’s body to the near-third-order level.

Even this near-third-order level of body refinement was more difficult than the usual process of a cultivator condensing a 假丹 (Jia Dan). As for true 结丹 (Jie Dan)-level body refinement, it was even harder than achieving a 真丹 (Zhen Dan).

Lu Chang’an wasn’t ambitious. He first aimed to cultivate the 《云砂炼体诀 (Yun Sha Lian Ti Jue)》 to the seventh layer, achieving the physical strength of a 假丹 (Jia Dan)-level妖兽 (Yao Shou). At that point, he would be more confident when facing threats like 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivators.

As for puppetry, he was initially ready to refine second-order top-tier傀儡 (Kui Lei), but he lacked practice. As for near-third-order傀儡 (Kui Lei), their combat power matched that of a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator, so he might have to wait until he reached the late stage of 筑基 (Zhu Ji) before trying to refine them.

At this time, the main factors limiting his progress in puppetry were the lack of high-grade materials and the fragmented inheritance. The puppet inheritance that Sang Kui-shi had given him was limited to the second-order top-tier.

“Unfortunately, third-order puppet inheritance is even rarer than third-order丹师 (Dan Shi) inheritance.”

Over the years, Lu Chang’an had been watching for such inheritance at auctions in nearby Xian cities. He might only find them at large auctions, if he was lucky.

After two months, he hadn’t made much progress collecting materials. He was able to acquire some materials for second-order top-tier傀儡 (Kui Lei) through the channels of Teng Xing Trading Company. But near-third-order傀儡 (Kui Lei) involved third-order materials, and he had barely collected anything.

He was most concerned about third-order灵砂 (Ling Sha). He had only acquired a small amount, which wasn’t enough to cultivate the 《云砂炼体诀 (Yun Sha Lian Ti Jue)》 to the seventh layer.

“I wonder if Shen Bi-xin can help?”

Lu Chang’an pondered. If it were any other time, he would have preferred to collect materials slowly. For a 筑基 (Zhu Ji) cultivator in the middle stage to collect a large amount of third-order materials would be unusual. Even though many body refinement schools used灵砂石 (Ling Sha Shi), it was impossible to tell what it was specifically being used for. But now, he had intelligence predicting that the war might spread to Liang Guo’s territory. To protect himself, he might need to speed up the process.

Teng Xing Trading Company was different from Huang Long Shan. Their highest cultivation base was a 假丹 (Jia Dan) cultivator, so they wouldn’t be a threat to Lu Chang’an.

…

The day before he left Liao Yuan Xian City.

Lu Chang’an visited Shen Bi-xin at the Teng Xing Trading Company headquarters, under his real identity. Originally, she should have married Song Wen-shu at this time, but now she was still unmarried.

“The young lady rarely sees guests these days. Why would she personally receive a 筑基 (Zhu Ji) male cultivator?”

As Lu Chang’an entered a side hall in Teng Xing Trading Company’s headquarters, two maids looked at him with curious gazes.

“Lu Dao-friend has come in person. This is rare, I’m quite surprised,”

Shen Bi-xin, in a long skirt that trailed on the ground, graceful and beautiful, stood up and bowed. Except for her slightly pale complexion, she was still the same elegant and bookish lady she used to be, with her flower-like face and graceful demeanor.

“Miss Shen, you’re too polite. I should be the one feeling honored.”

Lu Chang’an responded politely. He understood that given Shen Bi-xin’s current status and fiancee identity, she would have to go out of her way to receive a 筑基 (Zhu Ji) cultivator like him. She must have remembered the favor he had done for her.

But in public, Lu Chang’an had only helped with her treatment and had received his rightful compensation. Afterward, she had gifted him a Teng Xing Trading Company VIP token, which had been quite helpful to him. It could be seen as repaying the favor.

“This visit is about a certain 假丹 (Jia Dan) senior. I’m trying to purchase some materials for them…”

After a few pleasantries, Lu Chang’an got to the point.

“Many of these materials are third-order, which makes them quite difficult to find.”

Shen Bi-xin pondered.

“I’ll use the high-level connections of the trading company, along with Song Lang’s network. I should be able to collect them all within half a year.”

After Shen Bi-xin and Song Wen-shu got engaged, Teng Xing Trading Company’s influence in Liao Yuan Xian City had significantly increased. In the past, they wouldn’t have been able to move this fast. Even so, it would still take a lot of effort for Shen Bi-xin to accomplish this.

“Thank you for taking the trouble, Miss Shen. If this is successful, I will owe you a favor.”

Lu Chang’an understood her intentions and made a promise. Owed her a favor, but his body refinement would reach the near-third-order level. It wouldn’t be a bad deal.

But if the war came, he might not have a chance to repay her.

“That’s exactly what I was waiting for Lu Dao-friend to say.”

Shen Bi-xin’s cheeks dimpled, her beautiful eyes shone brightly, and her expression was one of pure satisfaction.

Update 9 was very late, it will be out after midnight.

(End of Chapter)

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