I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 198

## Chapter 197: Soul Gu Attack

陆长安 destroyed the transmission talisman in his hand, his eyes flashing as he fell into a brief contemplation.

From the contents of the transmission talisman, it was clear that He Yuanwu and Zhou Qingxuan had been cooperating.

However, how could this woman have survived when even He Yuanwu, a seasoned False Dan True Immortal, had died without a trace?

This alone was quite remarkable.

“For this to happen, either He Yuanwu was being used as a pawn, or this woman’s true strength is extraordinary, comparable to a False Dan True Immortal.”

陆长安 deduced that both possibilities could exist.

Furthermore, Huang Long Zhenren only had one chance to strike, and his primary target was He Yuanwu. He didn’t specifically target her.

For a genius Beast Tamer like Zhou Qingxuan, it wasn’t impossible to have a Pre-Third Order spirit pet.

As for a Third Order spirit pet comparable to a True Dan, that was highly unlikely.

It wasn’t just the difficulty in controlling it and the risk of being devoured by it.

If she had such power, there would be no need for all this trouble, this hesitation, and these elaborate schemes.

“Zhou Qingxuan is asking for help now, meaning she’s not confident in dealing with the remaining Fu siblings. She claims to be seriously injured, which probably has a component of feigned weakness, trying to make me hesitate to come.”

“Could she be planning to make me another He Yuanwu?”

陆长安 allowed himself to speculate with malicious intent.

Based on the available information, Zhou Qingxuan’s strength was at most comparable to a False Dan True Immortal, and she might not be in good shape.

If I just went there for a visit, without any deeper collaboration, it wouldn’t be risky.

Assuming there weren’t any traps or ambushes.

As for the escaped Fu siblings, 陆长安 was interested in the main ingredient for the Condensation Crystal Pill, and the body of the petrified Earth Dragon Beast, sealed away.

After careful consideration, 陆长安 headed north for several miles.

He found a shady spot, closed his eyes, and merged his consciousness with the Second Life of the Nine Seal Monument.

With the Second Life’s enhancement, his powerful spiritual sense instantly spanned four or five miles, reaching a bamboo grove.

…

“There are no trap formations.”

In that bamboo grove, 陆长安 only found a temporary warning formation.

Inside the bamboo grove, a simple bamboo hut was built, where a delicate yellow-robed girl sat cross-legged, her complexion weak.

Zhou Qingxuan, whose face could be broken by a puff of air, had a finger-long scar, and blood stained her shoulder and dress.

“She’s indeed injured, and it’s not light.”

陆长安 retracted his spiritual sense, drawing a preliminary conclusion.

In the larger picture, Zhou Qingxuan wasn’t lying. She had a genuine need for aid and collaboration.

陆长安 glanced at the bamboo grove a few miles away, but didn’t go there.

He turned back to his previous hut and rejoined Shi Manyong and Ye Fei.

After a short wait, Shi Manyong helped Ye Fei break the False Dan True Immortal’s restriction.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed! Shi Xianzi and Lu Daoyou braved danger and risked your lives to save me. I am deeply grateful…”

Ye Fei struggled to his feet and bowed deeply.

Facing the intimidation of a True Immortal, even a blood brother might not dare to come and rescue them.

“For what happened today, I owe you two a favor.”

Ye Fei solemnly promised.

“Ye Daoyou, don’t be so polite. We only acted because we were certain that He Yuanwu was either dead or seriously injured…”

Then, 陆长安 explained the general situation.

However, Ye Fei knew that even with these objective conditions, 陆长安 and Shi Manyong’s actions were commendable.

陆长安 and Shi Manyong were even closer, rumored to be a couple.

If they had wanted to murder and steal, they could have blamed it on the deceased He Yuanwu. It would have been plausible and left no evidence.

Ye Fei had suffered a bit during his captivity, and his body was weak.

He took two pills and rested for a while.

In the night, the three of them boarded a flying boat and set off on their return journey.

“Ye Daoyou, during your captivity, did you find any other accomplices besides He Yuanwu?”

陆长安 asked.

“No. After He Yuanwu imprisoned me, he only interrogated me and didn’t give me any opportunity to contact the outside world.”

Ye Fei replied.

“It’s good that you’re back.”

Ye Fei’s experience was much luckier than that of the previous peak master of Xiaodan Peak.

He Yuanwu imprisoned him simply to spite Huanglong Mountain and prevent Fu Xuemei from getting effective treatment.

This strategy, although simple and violent, almost succeeded.

…

Ten miles away, in the bamboo grove hut.

Zhou Qingxuan, who had been sitting cross-legged in meditation, suddenly opened her eyes and detected the activation of the warning formation outside.

In the night, a faint “creak” could be heard, quickly fading away.

After a few breaths, a dark shadow flashed into the hut, revealing a small black sparrow, carrying a transmission talisman in its beak.

Zhou Qingxuan activated the talisman and heard a gentle, peaceful male voice:

“Thank you for your trust, Zhou Gu. However, Lu has been favored by Huanglong Mountain and has a cooperative relationship with the Zhou family. I am unwilling to interfere in your fight.”

“If your injuries are truly severe and you have any difficulties, please come to Wuqi Mountain.”

After listening to the contents of the talisman, Zhou Qingxuan furrowed her brows, her eyes like cold stars.

“Lu Chang’an, you have disappointed me greatly! I sincerely sought cooperation. This once-in-a-hundred-years opportunity, you didn’t even know how to grasp it.”

Zhou Qingxuan gritted her teeth, filled with resentment and unwillingness.

For her, the biggest uncertain threat of Huanglong Mountain, “Huang Long Zhenren”, had perished.

However, her own strength was also compromised.

Facing the seriously injured Fu Xuemei, who was retreating alone, her chances of victory were slim.

“The final move of Huang Long Zhenren was truly vicious. If I can’t obtain the legacy of Huanglong Mountain and the Earth Dragon Beast’s inner core, this body of mine will likely be unable to reach True Dan…”

Zhou Qingxuan murmured softly, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

…

Late at night, in the subworld of Xiao Gui Feng.

陆长安 opened his eyes, his brow furrowed, and walked outside the cave.

“Cough, cough! Lu Daoyou, I have something important to discuss…”

The familiar yellow-robed girl, pale and coughing blood, came to Xiao Gui Feng to knock on the door.

“Zhou Gu, who hurt you so badly?”

Lu Chang’an asked in surprise.

He really didn’t expect Zhou Qingxuan to come directly to his door.

The servant girl Lanrou supported Zhou Qingxuan inside.

Xiao Gui Feng had a Pre-Third Order formation, which was Lu Chang’an’s own territory.

Here, he didn’t mind negotiating with Zhou Qingxuan.

“It’s nothing, just my internal injuries acting up.”

Zhou Qingxuan forced a smile, channeling her magical power, and her face regained some color.

Entering the subworld, 陆长安 dismissed the servant girl.

At Zhou Qingxuan’s request, he went to a secret room and set up a restriction.

Zhou Qingxuan took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, and said:

“Fu Xuemei, the True Dan successor of Huanglong Mountain, is severely injured. In order to deal with me, she has exhausted her last lifeline, a Third Order talisman.”

“This Fu Zhenren carries the heavy treasures of Huanglong Mountain, including the dying, sealed Earth Dragon Beast, and even the chance to form a True Dan!”

“Due to her severe injuries and having her brother with her, Fu Xuemei’s retreat speed is not fast. I have a beast-taming secret art that allows me to remotely sense the Earth Dragon Beast’s aura.”

Without any pleasantries, Zhou Qingxuan got straight to the point, making the situation clear.

陆长安 sensed the urgency in her heart, that she genuinely wanted to cooperate with him, at least she wasn’t specifically trying to harm him.

“The legacy of Huanglong Mountain, the chance to form a True Dan? For such enormous benefits, why wouldn’t Zhou Gu cooperate with your own clan, but instead seek out Lu, an outsider?”

陆长安 raised a point of suspicion.

“It’s too late. The Zhou family is several days away from Wuqi Mountain. Moreover, my clan’s ancestors refused to get involved in the conflict of Huanglong Mountain beforehand, fearing being entangled in it.”

“You’re acting on your own, Zhou Gu?”

“Correct.” Zhou Qingxuan nodded: “To increase my chances of success, Qingxuan chose to cooperate with He Yuanwu. I only seek the remains and inner core of the Earth Dragon Beast, other benefits can be given to my collaborator?”

“Oh? Then why did He Yuanwu die while you escaped unscathed?”

Lu Chang’an asked directly.

“I didn’t escape unscathed. My Pre-Third Order spirit pet is severely injured and unconscious. My wounds, though not fatal, have shaken the foundation of my dantian.”

“Lu Daoyou, if you don’t believe me, you can examine my body.”

As she spoke, Zhou Qingxuan’s eyelashes fluttered, her appearance was pitiful and endearing.

“Let’s just say I believe your costs.”

Lu Chang’an shook his head, not interested in checking her body.

It was already extraordinary that Zhou Qingxuan returned alive, and her injuries weren’t that serious. It wasn’t necessary to have physical contact.

“As the pursuer, how did you encounter Huang Long Zhenren?”

“I was tracking the Earth Dragon Beast. Before, the Earth Dragon Beast was probably in the hands of Huang Long Zhenren, together with the Fu siblings.

“Later, perhaps Huang Long Zhenren noticed something and handed the Earth Dragon Beast to Fu Xuemei. That Zhenren eventually ambushed us from behind…”

Zhou Qingxuan’s expression was bitter and filled with fear.

Lu Chang’an was surprised. He didn’t expect the legendary Huang Long Zhenren to be so cunning in his final moments.

Come to think of it, Huang Long Zhenren only had one chance to strike.

If he had attacked openly and fairly, he might not have achieved such good results.

He had killed the traitor He Yuanwu, seriously injured Zhou Qingxuan, and even damaged her foundation.

Of course, this was also the opportunity he gained by coming to Xiao Gui Feng to make a deal with Lu Chang’an.

…

“Lu Daoyou, have you considered my offer? Any further delay, and when Fu Xuemei recovers some magical power, you’ll miss out on a once-in-a-hundred-years opportunity.”

Zhou Qingxuan smiled with pursed lips, her cheeks radiant.

That clear and innocent face was as captivating as the story she told.

“Zhou Gu, Xiao Gui Feng does not keep guests overnight.”

Lu Chang’an got up and said.

“Lu Daoyou, I don’t insist on cooperation. But alas, my injuries are serious, and I hope Lu Daoyou can treat me and speed up my recovery.”

Zhou Qingxuan pleaded softly.

“My medical skills are mediocre. Your injuries are not fatal, go to Xiaodan Peak and find Ye Yaoshi tomorrow morning.”

Lu Chang’an declined.

He was a talisman master, not a doctor. He couldn’t stray from his path.

Healing the sick and saving lives sounded great, but it was easy to accumulate karmic debts.

“I don’t trust anyone else, and the situation is urgent, we can’t afford to have other complications.”

“You could treat Fu Xuemei, why not me? You and I have known each other and collaborated for so many years, and the consultation fee won’t be less…”

Zhou Qingxuan seemed to be on the verge of tears, biting her pink lips.

In terms of familiarity, Zhou Qingxuan was closer to Lu Chang’an.

“Is it because Fu Zhenren is more beautiful and has a higher cultivation level than me.”

“That was a special situation.”

Lu Chang’an didn’t want to explain further and directly waved her away.

Zhou Qingxuan looked resentful and unwillingly walked out.

Just as she reached the door of the secret room, the yellow-robed girl, with her back to Lu Chang’an, suddenly collapsed.

“You…”

Lu Chang’an was speechless, suspecting she was deliberately trying to extort him.

Looking down, he saw blood oozing from Zhou Qingxuan’s mouth, cold sweat on her forehead, as if she had fainted.

“Zhou Gu, are you alright?”

Lu Chang’an was half-hearted and prepared to check her condition.

He leaned down, hesitated for a moment, remembering something.

“Cough!”

Zhou Qingxuan coughed again.

*Pfft!*

Her pink lips opened, and she actually sprayed a blue blood arrow directly at Lu Chang’an’s face.

Lu Chang’an’s heart tightened, feeling a slight sense of danger. The power contained in that blood arrow was beyond the ordinary Building Foundation Late Stage.

The secret room was narrow.

He activated his protective magical shield, narrowly dodging the main part of the blood arrow. A few blood droplets splashed down, and with a “sizzle”, the protective shield was corroded and shattered.

“Zhou Qingxuan!”

Lu Chang’an rebuked, grabbing a pile of talismans in his hand.

Just as he stabilized himself, he noticed Zhou Qingxuan’s strange expression, her eyes glowing with a bluish-green light.

*Boom!*

Lu Chang’an’s spirit was shocked. Then, a bone-chilling coldness spread through his mind.

A transparent, crystal-clear, bluish-green worm, with countless compound eyes, spread its long tentacle-like appendages, and burrowed into his mind space.

“Hee hee hee… This body full of vitality, why don’t we share it together.”

“Century Soul Gu!”

Lu Chang’an could not help but cry out, immediately channeling his spiritual sense to defend his mind space.

He quickly calmed down. He now faced two choices.

First, use his past life’s spiritual sense techniques to fight back.

The Century Soul Gu belonged to a type of Soul Dao insect. Ordinary spells had little effect on it.

However, this insect’s bloodline level was beyond imagination. It was at least a Heavenly Grade. The Soul Dao pressure it emitted made Lu Chang’an’s mind space tremble.

His past life’s spiritual sense techniques might not be effective.

The second choice was to let the Second Life of the Nine Seal Monument, at the Peak of Forming a True Dan, descend. In terms of soul, it should have no problem suppressing it.

“Hee hee… Let me explore the secrets of your heart.”

The bluish-green, semi-transparent worm in his vision expanded, giving a sense of overwhelming invasion.

Lu Chang’an’s thoughts raced as he prepared to unleash his trump card.

Deep within his mind, the dormant Nine Seal Monument, which had been silent for countless years, hummed with a tremor.

*Buzz!*

The ancient, dark, mysterious monument glowed with a grayish-white light. In a flash, it swept away the bluish-green worm that was invading the surface of his mind space.

“No—”

The Century Soul Gu’s voice was cut off, and it disappeared from Lu Chang’an’s mind space.

“That’s it?”

Lu Chang’an was stunned, caught off guard by this outcome.

He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that it was the Nine Seal Monument that had intervened.

Lu Chang’an was thrilled. This unusual situation had never occurred in the previous two lives of the Nine Seal Monument.

He entered the Nine Seal Monument with his mind, and immediately noticed a new change!

Update on the 24th night delayed to the next day. Due to insomnia, I have to catch up on sleep. I expect to start writing at midnight.

(End of chapter)

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