I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 221

## Chapter 218: Trading Secrets

Lu Changan flew for several miles, his spiritual sense sweeping the surroundings.

The previous battle had only lasted for a dozen breaths.

Only a few cultivators from Jin Yang Sect knew of his true strength in the short term.

Mu Jiu An and the others probably wouldn’t want to let outsiders know about this shameful incident.

Lu Changan didn’t want to confront the fake Dan Zhen Ren directly.

If he dragged it out for too long and revealed too much of his strength, it would easily attract the attention of Liang Guo’s high-level cultivators.

Of course, in this time of war, it was unrealistic to hide one’s cultivation and identity and travel discreetly.

Just getting past the sect’s patrol cultivators on the road was a difficult task.

If one’s identity was unknown and their cultivation was not outstanding, when faced with sect enforcement cultivators, they wouldn’t be able to explain themselves.

They could easily be labeled as “enemy spies” or be arrested as forced laborers.

Moreover, the robbery cultivators ambushed in various places were mostly bullies who preyed on the weak, picking soft targets.

In this special period, being low-key could sometimes lead to trouble.

Lu Changan’s ability to travel smoothly in the past few days stemmed from his late-stage Zhu Ji cultivation, as well as the reputation and connections he had accumulated in Liang Guo over the past hundred years.

The sect patrol cultivators he encountered on the road treated him with respect and didn’t dare to harass him.

So far, no robbery cultivators had dared to attack him.

…

After flying for dozens of miles, Lu Changan’s spiritual sense probed everywhere, and he landed in a remote and deserted mountain ravine.

He needed to quickly dispose of the suspicious items in the four storage pouches.

The storage pouches of the Feng Guo sect cultivators he had killed contained communication devices.

Lu Changan’s spiritual sense was powerful and his knowledge was vast. He quickly finished the inspection.

Among the spoils, things that caught his eye were a rudimentary magic weapon, a near-third-grade talisman, and even a Fu Bao that hadn’t been used yet.

Fu Bao were powerful, requiring some guidance of spiritual sense to activate. They were a bit slower to use than talismans.

He also obtained two to three thousand spirit stones.

Unbeknownst to him, Lu Changan’s accumulated spirit stones had surpassed the ten thousand mark.

Even ordinary early-stage Zhen Dan cultivators wouldn’t have so many spirit stones.

A considerable portion of these spirit stones came from his early war profiteering, as well as the profits from talismans and puppets.

Spirit stones were just cash flow, not a true measure of a cultivator’s worth.

Especially for someone like Lu Changan, who possessed precious treasures, a large number of high-quality talismans and puppets.

A short time passed.

Lu Changan’s gaze shifted towards the southwest.

“Finally arrived.”

A team of sect enforcement cultivators flew towards the bay where the Feng Guo cultivators had been exterminated.

The team consisted of five or six people, led by a late-stage Zhu Ji cultivator, while the others were early and mid-stage Zhu Ji.

Due to manpower shortages, the team included family cultivators who had been summoned.

Two of them held special magic weapons capable of sensing spirit energy fluctuations within a certain range.

If cultivators were fighting or flying in the vicinity, they could detect them.

Lu Changan was currently stationary and not flying, and thanks to the concealment ability of the Chang Qing Gong, he could avoid detection.

Liang Guo’s sect used this method to guard important checkpoints and monitor the movement of personnel from various cultivating factions.

Near the border, similar measures were in place to prevent cultivators from escaping to other countries. The consequences were severe if caught.

Of course, the border was too vast, with inevitable loopholes, and it was impossible to truly prevent it.

This was mainly aimed at smaller cultivating factions, making it difficult for them to migrate as a whole.

…

Lu Changan remotely sensed the enforcement team flying towards the bay near where the clan was exterminated.

Although it was outside the range of his spiritual sense, the flying movement and spirit energy fluctuations could be roughly judged.

“Could it be that the Feng Guo elite cultivators originally planned to ambush the sect’s enforcement cultivators?”

A thought flashed through Lu Changan’s mind.

The sect enforcement cultivators arriving from nearby were far inferior to Mu Jiu An and the other Jin Yang Sect cultivators.

Even at the same cultivation level, there was a certain gap in strength.

Of course, it made no difference to Lu Changan.

Anyone below late-stage Zhu Ji was like cutting melons and slaughtering chickens.

Unless they were sect geniuses, seeds for the Dan stage, like the legendary Tuo Ba Jin.

But this type of genius wouldn’t be sent on high-risk missions deep into enemy territory.

“Mu Jiu An and the others collected the bodies before they left. This team of sect enforcement cultivators shouldn’t be able to find anything on me. At least not in the short term.”

Lu Changan pondered, confirming that there were no omissions.

Half an hour later.

As the team returned, Lu Changan主动迎了过去.

“Could this be the Lu Fu Shi of Wu Qi Shan?”

Upon recognizing his identity, the sect enforcement cultivators lowered their guard slightly when they saw the late-stage Zhu Ji cultivator riding on a large turtle.

Late-stage Zhu Ji cultivators having second-grade spirit beast mounts was common, and these cultivators were used to it.

“It is I, Lu.”

Lu Changan stood up on the turtle’s back, returned a salute, and communicated with the leading late-stage Zhu Ji female cultivator.

Over the past hundred years, Lu Changan had visited Jin Yun Gu frequently and had met the leading female cultivator a couple of times, having seen her at Zhang Tie Shan’s Dan stage celebration.

Furthermore, his reputation as a turtle talisman master had spread throughout the surrounding area.

“Lu has urgent matters to attend to and needs to see Tian Feng Zhen Ren. I’m deeply sorry for being unable to help you all guard the territory of Liang Guo and capture enemy cultivators.”

“These two second-grade talismans are a small token of my gratitude.”

Lu Changan took out six talismans and handed them to the late-stage Zhu Ji female cultivator.

Five were mid-grade second-grade talismans, and one was a high-grade second-grade talisman, just one for each of them.

“Daoist Lu, you’re too kind!”

“Daoist Lu has made significant contributions by refining numerous talismans for the sect in the rear. This is no less important than fighting at the front lines.”

The five cultivators, including the late-stage Zhu Ji female cultivator, became much more friendly in their tone.

Lu Changan took the opportunity to inquire about Zhang Tie Shan’s situation.

“Zhen Ren Zhang is fighting on the front lines and hasn’t returned in over half a year. However, his direct disciple, ‘Yu Qing Hai,’ is currently at the mountain gate.”

“Daoist Sister Zhao? She’s been in seclusion preparing for her Dan stage breakthrough. Her disciple, Zhao Tan Er, is stationed at the front line, assisting with defense…”

Because Lu Changan’s identity was well-known and he was a good-natured person, the several Jin Yun Gu Zhu Ji cultivators, who had received a small gift, were very enthusiastic in their answers, without much restraint.

The late-stage Zhu Ji female cultivator even secretly transmitted a message to Lu Changan, saying that Zhen Ren Zhang would most likely return in two to three months.

This was because there was an unspoken rule among those sent to the front lines from Jin Yun Gu:

If one earned significant battle merits, they could be transferred back to the sect after a year, to guard the mountain gate or undertake tasks in the rear.

“This jade pendant can be worn by Daoist Lu. It serves as a form of identification within the vicinity of Jin Yun Gu.”

“Thank you, fellow cultivators.”

Lu Changan smiled, pleased with the conversation, and finally took his leave from the Jin Yun Gu enforcement team.

The intelligence he had obtained this time, along with the identification jade pendant, would be very useful to him.

He had cultivated connections and a small reputation in the Liang Guo cultivating world over the past hundred years. He also had a low-key and reliable persona, along with an outstanding appearance and temperament, which gave him an advantage in negotiations.

What if someone without a background, a mere Zhu Ji cultivator, wandered around like this?

Encountering this enforcement team, it would be fortunate not to be recruited by the sect.

…

A few days later, Lu Changan, holding the jade pendant, smoothly arrived at Jin Yun Gu.

“Lu Fu Shi.”

After reporting his arrival, a Zhu Ji youth, dressed in a snow-blue robe with sharp features, personally came out to greet him.

This was Yu Qing Hai, Zhang Tie Shan’s direct disciple.

Lu Changan noticed that Yu Qing Hai was more respectful towards him than he had been at Zhang Tie Shan’s Dan stage celebration.

“Qing Hai, it’s a special time now, so I won’t go into the mountain gate.”

Lu Changan smiled.

Because the war was raging within the territory, major sects were on high alert, and it was not as convenient for outsiders to enter and leave.

This was also to prevent infiltration by enemy cultivators.

Lu Changan didn’t want to enter the mountain gate, fearing that he might be noticed by a certain Zhen Ren and be recruited by the sect.

At the welcome pavilion outside the mountain gate, the two sat down and chatted for a long time.

Lu Changan received confirmation from Yu Qing Hai that Zhang Tie Shan would return to Jin Yun Gu in two to three months.

“Qing Hai, after your master returns to Jin Yun Gu, please give him this letter.”

Before parting, Lu Changan left behind a sealed letter with a restriction.

The letter didn’t mention anything specific, only an invitation for Zhang Tie Shan to meet.

A top-grade Dan stage breakthrough secret technique was an absolute secret for a fake Dan Zhen Ren.

Involving such a private matter, if Zhang Tie Shan were to change his mind and trade within the sect, Lu Changan would be at a disadvantage.

Having been friends for over a hundred years, Lu Changan believed in Zhang Tie Shan’s character, believing him to be loyal and upright within the sect.

But it never hurt to be prepared for the worst.

If the deal fell through and he violated the other party’s taboos, Lu Changan could leave gracefully, avoiding being trapped in the heart of the sect.

…

Three months later.

On the peak of a towering, pillar-like mountain, thousands of miles from Jin Yun Gu.

A man in white robes, sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes, a smile playing on his lips.

From among the clouds came a loud, shrill cry.

A second-grade, top-tier golden eagle, carrying a man in a black robe with a calm demeanor and dark skin, slowly landed in front of the pillar-like mountain peak.

“It’s a rare honor for Daoist Tian Feng to come out personally.”

Lu Changan stood up and bowed.

Zhang Tie Shan’s Daoist name was Tian Feng, a respectful yet intimate address.

“Haha, Daoist Lu has summoned me, an unusual occurrence. Zhang will naturally attend your invitation.”

Zhang Tie Shan waved his sleeves, returning a bow. He sat down opposite Lu Changan without any pretense of being a fake Dan Zhen Ren.

“This place is indeed a place of magnificent scenery.”

Gazing at the surrounding mountain peaks and clouds, Zhang Tie Shan smiled and nodded secretly.

The place where Lu Changan had arranged to meet was on top of a solitary peak, unsuitable for ambushes.

After exchanging pleasantries for a moment.

Zhang Tie Shan congratulated Lu Changan on advancing to late-stage Zhu Ji.

With Zhang Tie Shan’s insight and cultivation, he could sense that Lu Changan’s spirit energy was pure and his foundation solid, exceeding that of most cultivators in Jin Yun Gu.

Lu Changan didn’t rush to mention the trade. Instead, he began by discussing the front line battlefield.

As a sect elder, Zhang Tie Shan held back some classified information about the war, but he didn’t conceal the overall situation.

His occasional subtle hints allowed Lu Changan to understand the cruelty of the battlefield and the severity of the situation.

Lu Changan’s personal judgment, along with intelligence from Tian Zhi Lou, didn’t paint a rosy picture for the Liang Guo cultivating world.

However, Zhang Tie Shan’s words carried a calm and unwavering conviction, indicating that he had not lost faith in this war against the invading enemy.

“Daoist Lu, you wouldn’t have summoned Zhang for the sole purpose of inquiring about the war situation, would you?”

Zhang Tie Shan said lightly.

“Haha, Lu has a trade he wishes to make with Daoist Tian Feng.”

Lu Changan chuckled and waved his sleeves.

Two third-grade gold-iron ore stones appeared between them.

Zhang Tie Shan’s eyes flickered, and he chuckled. “It seems that Daoist Lu has inquired about Zhang’s needs.”

Third-grade gold-iron ore was used for crafting magic weapons and was considered a precious material even for fake Dan Zhen Ren.

Lu Changan had naturally done his research before seeking out Zhang Tie Shan for a trade.

It was said that Zhang Tie Shan was always collecting high-grade gold-iron ore.

This might seem unusual to ordinary cultivators.

However, Zhang Tie Shan was a veteran weapon refiner, possessing exceptional refining talent, at least a near-third-grade weapon refiner, so this need was understandable.

“What is it that Daoist Lu wishes to trade.”

Zhang Tie Shan withdrew his gaze and said calmly.

Lu Changan looked directly at him, his lips moving, transmitting a voice message.

“I want your Dan stage breakthrough secret technique, Daoist Tian Feng.”

As these words left his mouth, Lu Changan felt an overwhelming spiritual pressure descend, and the surrounding wind instantly froze.

A flash of cold light appeared in Zhang Tie Shan’s eyes.

Their eyes met, and a long silence ensued.

Lu Changan remained calm and unfazed by the fake Dan Zhen Ren’s spiritual pressure, even releasing his own spiritual sense, comparable to that of a fake Dan cultivator.

Involving a Dan stage breakthrough secret technique, a major transaction like this, Lu Changan naturally needed to display some of his strength.

Whether the deal went through or not, he was going to leave the Liang Guo cultivating world, and he had fewer qualms than before.

…

“How did Daoist Lu know?”

The spiritual pressure on Zhang Tie Shan slowly dissipated.

“A guess.” Lu Changan smiled warmly. “My intuition tells me that Brother Zhang’s achievements shouldn’t be limited to fake Dan.”

Zhang Tie Shan shook his head. “Two third-grade iron ores are not enough.”

“Moreover, even if Daoist Lu obtains the Dan stage breakthrough secret technique, without a high-level cultivator to protect you, the risk of shattering your Dan and turning it into liquid is extremely high.”

“That’s not something for Daoist Zhang to worry about. Even if there’s only a one or two percent chance, it’s better than having no hope for the Dan stage.”

Lu Changan could sense Zhang Tie Shan’s probe.

He thought to himself, Don’t you also lack a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun to protect you?

“Add this magic weapon, primarily made of gold-iron materials, and it should satisfy Daoist Zhang’s appetite, wouldn’t you say?”

Lu Changan was prepared and took out a black jade ruler.

This jade ruler magic weapon was a spoil from killing Tan Zhen Ren and was considered a decent quality among low-grade magic weapons.

Anyway, Tan Zhen Ren was a sect criminal, and the jade ruler magic weapon, as a spoil, didn’t count as stolen goods.

Zhang Tie Shan looked at the jade ruler magic weapon, his eyes gleaming slightly, as if he was interested.

In the end, he shook his head and sighed. “Zhang wants something else from Daoist Lu.”

“Oh? What does Daoist Zhang want?”

Lu Changan felt a strange sensation in his heart.

“Five Elements Spiritual Soil.” Zhang Tie Shan looked directly at him.

“How did Daoist Zhang know?”

This time, it was Lu Changan’s turn to be surprised, his eyes sharp.

Zhang Tie Shan actually knew that he had Five Elements Soil?

Most of Lu Changan’s Five Elements Soil was stored in a large porcelain vat used for cultivating the Xuan Mu Hu Luo, wrapped in You Ying Shi-crafted insulation material and protected by several high-level restrictions.

Additionally, two jars of Five Elements Soil were stored separately, with a layer of conventional restrictions.

The former was tightly sealed, and even a Dan stage cultivator’s spiritual sense would overlook it.

If it were detected by spiritual sense and triggered the restrictions, Lu Changan would be able to sense it, but there was no response.

This suggests that the latter had a higher chance of exposure.

“Daoist Lu, don’t overthink it. Zhang possesses a special talent that allows me to sense the materials needed for weapon refinement. I have no ill intentions.”

Zhang Tie Shan quickly explained.

Lu Changan’s gaze brought him an inexplicable sense of danger.

“How precious is Five Elements Soil? As a sect weapon refiner, Brother Zhang should know this very well!”

Lu Changan’s face turned unpleasant, and his tone became forceful.

In his previous life, he had never seen Five Elements Soil, so he didn’t know the specific value equivalent of Five Elements Soil.

“This… actually, Zhang only needs a small amount of Five Elements Soil.”

Zhang Tie Shan seemed to lack confidence and spoke in a negotiating tone.

“If Daoist Lu agrees to the trade, Zhang has a top-grade Dan stage breakthrough secret technique. Even without a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun to protect you, it can give a fake Dan cultivator a guaranteed success rate of over thirty percent.”

21st didn’t update, taking a day off. Didn’t sleep well last night, new map, still need to flesh out some background settings.

(End of chapter)

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