I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 206

## Chapter 205: The War Spreads

The Jiang family, located in the southwest of Liang Guo, was the closest major cultivator family to the border of Feng Guo.

If the frontline battlefield collapsed, the Jiang family’s territory would inevitably become a local battleground!

“The Jiang family’s market and many businesses have been requisitioned by the sect to provide logistics for the frontlines. To defend their ancestral land, the Jiang family has paid a heavy price. Even Jiang Yechen, with whom they have a very bad relationship, has been invited back to the family.”

Shi Xianzi explained the current situation of the Jiang family. This was no longer an ordinary problem, but a disaster.

“Jiang Yechen severed ties with the family for so many years, yet he can return to help the family in this critical moment?”

Lu Changan said in surprise.

“Jiang Yechen’s relationship with the family’s upper echelon hasn’t truly eased. However, he has a younger brother in the family, and they are very close.”

“It is rumored that Jiang Yechen killed his adoptive mother and crippled his biological father’s cultivation, all related to his brother’s humiliation.”

Shi Xianzi said hesitantly, after all, it was just a rumor. Back then, Tengxing Trading House opposed Shen Bixing and Jiang Yechen being together, one reason being that they believed he was too extreme in his temperament.

Lu Changan thought to himself, Jiang Yechen was really unlucky. He lost his beloved woman, and now his family is facing a great disaster.

However, the misfortune of the Jiang family and Jiang Yechen was good news for Lu Changan and Shi Xianzi.

Jiang Yechen was in a bad state, lacking confidence, making it easier for him to agree to their request.

…

Half a month later.

“Brother Lu.”

Following a bell-like voice, a bright, pure and delicate girl in a yellow dress, arrived on Xiao Gui Feng riding a flying creature.

Qi Feng, responsible for guarding the mountain, sensed the faint spiritual pressure emanating from the girl in the yellow dress, which seemed even stronger than Grandpa Lu’s, and was shocked.

“A Feng! This is Miss Zhou, quickly open the formation.”

By the pond, Lan Rou reminded him.

Qi Feng quickly responded, taking out the formation token and allowing Zhou Qingxuan to enter.

Squeak!

An orange-yellow, purple-tinged rat demon, popped out from Zhou Qingxuan’s spirit beast pouch.

Squeak!

The rat demon was only the size of a small dog, with piercing eyes, glaring at the unfamiliar, sturdy man.

Hiss!

Qi Feng felt a blow to his mind, his face turning pale. The oppressive aura emanating from the rat demon was clearly at the peak of the second stage!

Qi Feng had never encountered such a powerful beast in his life.

“Not bad, a few months haven’t gone by, and not only has your cultivation increased, you’ve even learned ‘Shrink Technique’.”

Lu Changan appeared from a distance, observing the “miniature” Di Yan Shu, and nodded with a smile. Previously, the Di Yan Shu, as its cultivation increased, became larger than ordinary tigers and leopards.

This time, returning from the Zhou family of beast tamers, it had learned a demon beast technique. Shrink Technique was a universal spell, not easily mastered by second-stage demon beasts with low aptitude.

Whoosh!

The Di Yan Shu, leaving behind a trail of shadow, rubbed affectionately against Lu Changan’s pants, seeming to express its longing for the separation of a few months.

“I heard you’ve been living a luxurious life at the Zhou family. Did you make a few friends? You still know how to come back?”

Lu Changan smiled and patted its head, secretly probing it. There was nothing unusual about the Di Yan Shu, such as any hidden means left by the Zhou family of beast tamers.

After the baptism of the “Blood Spirit Pool”, the Di Yan Shu’s bloodline slightly improved, but it wasn’t obvious.

Now, the Di Yan Shu’s bloodline level was considered good, roughly at the level of the upper middle of the high-grade.

“Brother Lu, the Di Yan Shu ultimately chose to return on its own. For a beast, to have this kind of self-control is already very rare.”

Zhou Qingxuan covered her mouth and chuckled.

Then, she told him about the Di Yan Shu’s specific situation at the Zhou family. Even in the Zhou family’s beast garden, the Di Yan Shu’s strength was considered top-notch, and it was the king among rat demons.

The Di Yan Shu had originated from the Zhou family of beast tamers, so when it encountered its old familiar species, it felt a sense of familiarity. Those rat demons all flattered the Di Yan Shu, treating it very comfortably.

“By the way, did the Di Yan Shu leave any bloodline offspring at the Zhou family?”

Lu Changan’s mind was stirred. He had forgotten to tell it, or hadn’t taken it too seriously.

“Alas, our Zhou family wanted to breed it. However, we entertained it for so long, and it stubbornly didn’t get pregnant.”

Zhou Qingxuan said with a sigh. The Di Yan Shu had mutated bloodline, and its combat power was excellent. The Zhou family naturally wanted to breed and propagate the bloodline, but unfortunately, it was not successful.

“This is a little like…”

Zhou Qingxuan’s bright eyes flickered, realizing something, and she swallowed the rest of her sentence.

“Like what?”

Lu Changan stared at her impassively.

“Ah! Qingxuan means that the Di Yan Shu is self-taught, intelligent and extraordinary, with the demeanor of Brother Lu.”

Zhou Qingxuan’s clear eyes shimmered as she charmingly hooked her arm around Lu Changan’s.

…

Five days later.

Xiao Gui Feng, inside the subworld.

Zhou Qingxuan, in a snow-white gauze dress, tidied her messy hair. She looked at the man in white in front of her, with a hint of resentment and tenderness in her voice, saying:

“Brother Lu, Liang Guo has fallen into the mud of a cultivator war. In the next few years, the flames of war may spread across the country.”

“Our Zhou family of beast tamers, backed by the Black Mist Mountain range branch, is not far from ‘Jing Guo’, allowing us to retreat or advance. You really don’t want to consider…”

“No need to say more. I have my own plans.”

Lu Changan was resolute. From a rational point of view, joining the Zhou family of beast tamers was also a way out. The Zhou family was interested in his secret of cultivating spirit beasts.

Zhou Qingxuan was bound by Lu Changan, and she wanted to further strengthen their relationship. The best way was to have offspring with him, ensuring that she could feel more at ease.

However, neither Lu Changan nor the Di Yan Shu was willing to leave offspring for the Zhou family.

“In the next few years, the family will have to prepare for war and make arrangements for Qingxuan’s Core Formation. During this time, I’m afraid there won’t be many opportunities to interact with Brother Lu…”

Zhou Qingxuan pursed her lips and said cautiously.

“Don’t worry. As long as you abide by the heart demon oath, Lu will not break his promise.”

Lu Changan knew what the woman was worried about. Zhou Qingxuan feared that Lu Changan had a controlling nature and wouldn’t allow her to pursue Core Formation.

Once she successfully formed her core, especially if she achieved True Core, Zhou Qingxuan would have the ability to resist.

After receiving assurance, Zhou Qingxuan relaxed a little. Lu Changan was not stopping her from forming a core, indicating that he truly had no ill intentions.

“Brother Lu has saved Qingxuan’s life. If I am lucky enough to form a core in the future, Qingxuan will definitely repay you. Please take care of yourself, Brother Lu.”

Before leaving, tears welled up in Zhou Qingxuan’s eyes. She hugged Lu Changan tightly, reluctant to leave.

“Don’t worry, I won’t die.”

Lu Changan didn’t know how much of her feelings were genuine, but he genuinely didn’t want to die.

If Lu Changan died, the insect restriction in Zhou Qingxuan’s consciousness would erupt without his spells to stabilize it.

The insect restriction left by the Hundred Night Soul Gu was of a very high level, even a late-stage Core Formation master wouldn’t have much confidence in breaking it. Even if Zhou Qingxuan advanced to Core Formation, she wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.

Only when Lu Changan formed a core and acquired the corresponding methods would it be possible to break it.

The Black Mist Mountain range was not far from Wuqi Mountain. Lu Changan would extend the time of the restriction’s activation in the future. Zhou Qingxuan only needed to come once every year, or if Lu Changan was near the Zhou family of beast tamers, he could cast spells remotely to achieve the same effect.

…

“It is unlikely that this woman will advance to True Core.”

After Zhou Qingxuan left, Lu Changan’s eyes flickered as he fell into deep thought.

After the Hundred Night Soul Gu separated, Zhou Qingxuan’s consciousness had been injured, and she was also wounded by Huang Long Zhenren, affecting her core formation. The existence of the insect restriction was also a kind of psychological pressure.

It was like an invisible knife and axe, hanging over her head at all times.

“I wonder how far along is the Zhou family’s core formation plan?”

Lu Changan was a little curious. He hadn’t been greedy enough to force Zhou Qingxuan to hand over the materials for core formation. Moreover, most of them were provided by the Zhou family, not Zhou Qingxuan’s personal assets.

The Zhou family’s influence was not weak. It had a third-stage True Core-level spirit beast as its protector, even if it was approaching old age. There must be more than one near-third-stage spirit beast.

Lu Changan didn’t lack Condensing Crystal Pills. Only exquisite Condensing Crystal Pills, those affecting the quality of core formation, would hold a great temptation for him.

He already had one genuine Condensing Crystal Pill and a material share for Condensing Crystal Pills, reaching over 80%. This material originally came from Brother Zhuo, the “Night Fisherman”.

It was originally 70% of the materials, and the rest were very scarce. Over the years, Lu Changan had gathered one or two missing parts, reaching over 80% of the total share.

The most critical main medicine, “Seven-Heart Profound Moon Flower”, was also obtained from Huang Long Zhenren. After their trade, there was no news about it.

Lu Changan didn’t necessarily have to get the Seven-Heart Profound Moon Flower. His material share was high, containing some rare auxiliary medicines. In the future, he could cooperate with others to refine pills or trade Condensing Crystal Pills directly.

Trading Condensing Crystal Pills with people at the late Core Formation stage was risky. However, if it was a False Core master, it would be more secure.

…

Six months later.

A wave of ninth-stage Qi Refinement spiritual power surged from the top of Xiao Gui Feng.

“He broke through!”

Inside a wooden house built separately on the mountain, Qi Feng sat cross-legged and practiced, his face filled with joy. Before coming to Wuqi Mountain, he had been stagnating at the eighth stage of Qi Refinement for years.

In the past year, his life had been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. He was wanted by the sect and hunted, escaped death by a hair’s breadth, and then became the guardian of Xiao Gui Feng.

Enjoying the excellent second-stage spiritual vein cultivation ground, receiving guidance and rewards from a late-stage Core Formation master, he thrived like a fish in water. With his solid foundation, he made a breakthrough to the ninth stage of Qi Refinement, surpassing his expectations.

“This boy’s aptitude is ordinary, just close to a mid-grade spiritual root, but his mind and will are okay, and he still has potential.”

In the talisman room of the subworld, Lu Changan noticed Qi Feng’s breakthrough. He felt a sense of relief when he thought that among his adopted father’s descendants, there was one decent seedling.

In the talisman room. Lu Changan turned his attention back, holding an ancient, gray talisman pen, dipped in red spiritual ink, and sketched effortlessly on a near-third-stage talisman paper.

After a long time, the intricate talisman network on the talisman paper shone with spiritual light, connecting throughout. A powerful spiritual pressure flashed, causing Core Formation cultivators to be terrified.

A near-third-stage talisman was successfully drawn. For Lu Changan’s current cultivation and consciousness, drawing a near-third-stage talisman had a high success rate, but the materials were not as plentiful.

As for third-stage talismans, Lu Changan’s consciousness and spiritual power were lacking, especially his spiritual power.

Two years ago, he bought a third-stage, mid-grade spirit wood at an auction, and he had not yet used it for crafting, occasionally nurturing it with spiritual power.

Lu Changan had speculated: with his current state, he could at most refine third-stage, low-grade treasure talismans or talismans, which were unstable and somewhat wasteful.

He had more than ten treasure talismans that reached the level of third-stage low-grade, so he didn’t lack them. Therefore, Lu Changan planned to wait a few years, until his state was better and conditions were ripe before attempting them.

For example, the near-third-stage talisman pen he was currently using could be replaced with a third-stage talisman pen, which would increase his chances of success.

…

“Grandpa Lu, an ancestor of the Zheng family is visiting.”

Three days later, Qi Feng, who had stabilized his cultivation, entered the subworld to report.

“Let them in.”

Lu Changan’s consciousness swept towards the outer gate, saying indifferently. Over the years, the Zheng family had served as his eyes and ears, running errands for him, collecting materials, and occasionally dealing with shady matters.

“Zheng Wu (Sheng), greets Master Lu.”

Zheng Cengong’s face was old, his skin was dark, and his body was not as sturdy as before, somewhat stooped. The middle-aged scholar behind him was Zheng Sheng, the newly born Core Formation ancestor of the Zheng family of Tiexing Manor. He was an elegant and handsome man, and served as the grand elder.

Zheng Sheng, a Core Formation early-stage cultivator, was a second-stage talisman master, and he had met Lu Changan once or twice. This was the Core Formation successor nurtured by Zheng Cengong with painstaking effort.

“Zheng Daoist, have you made your decision?”

Lu Changan asked.

“Zheng was involved in many fights and skirmishes when he was young, with many hidden ailments on his body, leaving him with only twenty to thirty years of life. As long as I can reduce the losses for the family, this old life is enough to pay back the favor, even if I die on the battlefield.”

Zheng Cengong’s mouth stretched into a smile. Perhaps because of his old face, the smile no longer looked as ferocious as it did in his younger days.

“Then I wish Zheng Daoist a glorious achievement at the frontlines, defending the Liang Guo cultivator world against foreign enemies and securing the future for your descendants.”

Lu Changan did not try to dissuade him. He sensed Zheng Cengong’s determination to die. This might be the best choice for the Zheng family, and for Zheng Cengong himself.

Just three months ago, the Liang Guo army at the frontlines suffered a crushing defeat, and the Feng Guo cultivator forces broke through the southern border. The Feng Guo cultivator army, led by Jin Yang Zong, officially entered Liang Guo territory.

The Jiang family, one of the seven great families, had its ancestral land captured, suffering heavy losses. If they hadn’t evacuated in time, they would have been wiped out.

The Jiang family’s ancestral land has now become an important base for the Feng Guo cultivators.

The flames of war reached deep into Liang Guo, impacting the fate of every cultivator force.

Liang Guo sects increased their recruitment efforts. Families like the Zheng family, with Core Formation cultivators, had to either send a Core Formation cultivator or a larger number of late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, including talisman masters, pill masters, and other skilled individuals, to the frontlines to support them.

Zheng Cengong, as a Core Formation cultivator, if he personally went to the frontlines, fewer of his family’s cultivators would need to go. Otherwise, the deaths of a large number of young and strong cultivators would shake the foundation of the family.

“Master Lu, this is recent intelligence gathered about the war.”

Zheng Sheng, the grand elder of the Zheng family, respectfully handed Lu Changan a jade tube. In the past, Zheng Cengong would personally handle this kind of matter.

Lu Changan took the jade tube and examined the information inside. The Zheng family was just one of his channels for obtaining intelligence. Only at critical junctures would he visit Tianzhi Tower.

“In this war, have the Nascent Soul True Masters of Liang Guo clashed yet?”

“No. It’s only heard that the Li Huo Master faced off against the Nascent Soul True Master of Jin Yang Zong. Both sides showed some restraint.”

Zheng Sheng replied. Lu Changan nodded slightly. If the Nascent Soul True Masters had fought, the sheer power and commotion would be difficult to conceal.

Years ago, he learned from the Tier A intelligence from Tianzhi Tower that the Li Huo Palace’s Nascent Soul True Master was severely injured and almost died. It would take at least twenty years to recover.

Judging by the timeline, the Li Huo Master’s injuries had not healed yet, and he was not in his prime. The Nascent Soul True Master of Jin Yang Zong had not been reported to be seriously injured and was in better condition, but they did not take advantage of the situation.

Lu Changan vaguely sensed that Jin Yang Zong wanted to achieve its strategic goals while preserving its strength as much as possible, to deal with future variables.

…

Half an hour later, Lu Changan made a deal with the two Core Formation cultivators of the Zheng family. He sold some second-stage talismans, including a second-stage, low-grade puppet.

Before leaving, Zheng Cengong requested Lu Changan to look after the Zheng family in the future. Lu Changan, a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, was considered a great cultivator of the same level, and he had a powerful network in Jinyun Valley.

The Zheng family saw Lu Changan as their protector, respectfully obeying his commands. Lu Changan could only silently apologize, his help for the Zheng family might stop there.

Zheng Cengong’s fate reminded Lu Changan of the Mu family of Fei Yue Lake. The Mu family had more young and strong cultivators, and they sent some to the frontlines.

Li Erqing was also drafted, but luckily he did not go to the frontline battlefield. Instead, he assisted in restoring order in the rear of the battlefield, clearing out enemy country’s cultivator scouts. This was because the sect had connections and helped him out.

…

A few days later.

A sound transmission talisman flew over from Xiaopan Feng. Lu Changan took the sound transmission talisman and smiled as he heard the voice inside.

“Jiang Yechen was seriously injured at the frontlines and managed to escape back?”

The current Jiang family had lost its ancestral land, and its members had either fled or died. This time, Jiang Yechen’s tone was much softer. He asked his family members to send a message, saying that he would take the initiative to visit Wuqi Mountain and talk sincerely.

Thinking about this fellow’s previous outrageous demands, Lu Changan seemed to see a young man who had been beaten by society.

Some readers said that they hadn’t reached Core Formation after hundreds of thousands of words. Actually, there’s no big problem with the word count. Although the mid-Core Formation stage is indeed dragging on a bit, the book was initially conceived to reach Ascension at most, just eight or nine realms. Based on the current progress, at most, it will be around 3 million words, not counting the fact that the content might be repeated as the story progresses, so we can speed up the pace.

Generally speaking, it’s considered conscientious for a Mortal Cultivation story to reach the Nascent Soul stage, let alone a Longevity Cultivation story. You can check out the author’s list of works. Regardless of how well they performed, none of them had fewer than 2 million words.

(End of Chapter)

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