I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 269

## Chapter 266: A Changed World

The northwestern region of Liang Guo was home to a mountain range, its peaks cloaked in white snow, exuding a fragrant aroma of plum blossoms. This was the Xue Mei Shan (Snow Plum Mountain) spirit vein.

After years of cultivation, Xue Mei Shan’s spirit vein had reached a grade two, upper-tier level. The Xue Mei Shan Li family, the local clan, boasted three Zhu Ji (Foundation Establishment) cultivators, not including their guest elders.

One night, the family head’s study was bathed in the warm glow of lights.

“The influence of the six demon sects is pressing upon us. The sect has been calling for reinforcements, summoning cultivators from across the land to the front lines. Alas, the world has barely known peace for a few years, and now it’s about to be thrown into chaos once more…”

Li Congren sighed, his brow furrowed with worry after reviewing several scrolls.

The war against the Jin Yang Zong (Golden Sun Sect) that forced them to relocate north had ended only a dozen years ago. The Xue Mei Shan Li family had steadily cultivated their development, but their progress had hit a bottleneck in recent years. Before they could overcome this obstacle, they were facing another chaotic upheaval – the demon invasion.

“My husband, you shouldn’t worry too much. The frontlines haven’t seen actual combat yet, and the conflict may not erupt for a while. Besides, Liang Guo is located behind the battleground, and Xue Mei Shan is in the northern part of Liang Guo…”

Li Congren’s wife, Wu Yue’e, her gaze gentle, refilled his teacup. Wu Yue’e had ordinary features and slightly dark skin, but her eyes were bright and her teeth were like snow. With her mid-stage Zhu Ji cultivation, she looked to be around thirty years old.

Li Congren mused, “The demon invasion has already impacted the rear, Xue Mei Shan needs to reinforce its defenses and minimize the number of cultivators venturing out alone.”

The sect had summoned a large number of cultivators, leaving the rearguard with insufficient enforcers. The areas near the border were already showing signs of chaos.

“My husband is right, prices have been skyrocketing lately, and those lurking thieves have become more active.”

“Once things get chaotic, I’m not sure if we can hold onto the Chang An Mine that we’ve worked so hard to develop for years.”

As she spoke, Wu Yue’e’s face reflected her anxieties. While her husband worried about the distant future, she was more concerned about the immediate challenges.

“The Chang An Mine… we’ll hold on to it if we can. If we can’t, we’ll sell our share at a discount to the Dong Men family.”

Li Congren’s face betrayed his reluctance, but he knew he had to make a decision. In the face of such adversity, in this chaotic world, sacrifices had to be made.

Li Congren’s strategy was to prioritize his people, willing to cut losses on assets if necessary. Holding onto the Chang An Mine would inevitably lead to casualties, perhaps even the loss of Zhu Ji cultivators. And with the demon invasion and the subsequent forced conscription of cultivators from all major families by the sect, things would only worsen.

“My husband, if that rumor is true… perhaps we won’t need to be so wary of the Dong Men family.”

A glimmer of hope flickered in Wu Yue’e’s bright eyes.

The Dong Men family, now one of the ten great families in Liang Guo, had migrated from the Jin Yang Zong during the northward relocation. They replaced the former Wan Jian Zhuo family.

The seven great families that once dominated Liang Guo, now only four remained, the other six families all hailed from Feng Guo. The spirit veins and training grounds in Liang Guo lacked the quantity and quality of those in Feng Guo, leading some Feng Guo sects and families to transplant their veins here.

A significant number of forces aligned with the Jin Yang Zong refused to relocate to Liang Guo, deeming it too barren. Thankfully, the Zhou family, known for their beast-taming skills, had been slightly supportive of the Xue Mei Shan Li family, giving them some room to maneuver against the Dong Men family.

“That rumor… it’s not confirmed yet. Some cultivators in Liang Guo doubt its veracity.”

Li Congren hesitated, his tone unconvinced.

“Even if it’s true, it’s a faraway solution to a nearby problem. No one knows when that old man will return. Normal Zhen Dan cultivators usually take several years to consolidate their cultivation, refine their treasures, before venturing out.”

“Alas, you’re right, husband. Based on Lu Grandpa’s nature, it’s unlikely he’ll venture far without a decade or two.”

Wu Yue’e couldn’t help but chuckle wryly, letting go of her unrealistic hopes.

As for seeking assistance from Jing Guo?

Lu Grandpa wasn’t indebted to them in any way. Back then, he had used Xue Mei Shan Li family to sneak into Jing Guo to seek refuge. In return, Lu Chang An had given them talismans and puppets, a generous reward, even going so far as to let them profit from the deal.

Why was Lu Grandpa known for his good character and revered by all?

Because he never owed anyone anything. And towards his old friends and younger generations, he always offered help and guidance.

…

“Squeak, squeak, squeak!”

A crisp, urgent call came from a spirit rat.

Li Congren, his arm around Wu Yue’e, was about to retire to the main bedroom when he turned towards the entrance. A pale golden treasure-seeking rat, with smooth fur, rushed back from outside, its movements agitated. Its gem-like eyes reflected a tremor of fear, evoking pity in the hearts of the observers.

“Little Gold, what’s wrong?”

Wu Yue’e’s face revealed her confusion. The treasure-seeking rat was nearing late-stage second-tier in cultivation. Its keen sense of smell and powerful survival instincts made it a force to be reckoned with. Few creatures in the surrounding area posed a threat to it. This panicked state was unprecedented in the last few decades.

The creature remained jittery for about a dozen breaths. Its fear became increasingly evident, seeking refuge between Li Congren and his wife. Even so, it seemed to find no solace, its body trembling uncontrollably.

“Squeak!”

Suddenly, a melodious and joyful rat’s cry resonated in the room, seemingly out of thin air.

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e exchanged surprised glances, their expressions changing dramatically. A powerful rat demon had stealthily infiltrated the very heart of Xue Mei Shan, undetected.

Keep in mind that Li Congren had reached late-stage Zhu Ji cultivation and their clan had established defensive arrays that triggered alerts. A second-tier peak demon beast wouldn’t have been able to do this.

“Buzz!”

A yellowish-brown glow emanated from the floor, forming a robust rat demon with powerful muscles. The demon’s fur was a fiery orange, with a tuft of purple hair standing erect on its head. It had a streamlined body, resembling a leopard at first glance.

“Di Yan Shu (Earth Rock Rat)?”

“Lu Grandpa’s spirit pet?”

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e were momentarily stunned, exchanging glances filled with surprise and confusion. How could Lu Grandpa’s spirit rat appear alone in Xue Mei Shan Li family territory?

While they were still pondering, the treasure-seeking rat let out a plaintive squeak, its beautiful eyes filled with respect and flattery. It was held by the waist by the Di Yan Shu, as they both moved towards the entrance, taking one step back to look at the owners.

“Little Gold!”

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e felt a tinge of worry. They vividly recalled the time when Little Gold had been bullied by the Di Yan Shu.

“Squeak!”

A smirk played on the Di Yan Shu’s lips. Its brown-red eyes met Li Congren and Wu Yue’e’s gaze, conveying a “Don’t worry” message.

The moment those brown-red eyes locked, Li Congren and Wu Yue’e felt a chill travel from their feet to their heads, a chilling pressure they could hardly describe.

“Squeak, squeak!”

The treasure-seeking rat nodded its head, forcing a smile, obsequiously following the Di Yan Shu as it left, never looking back at its owners.

“This rat demon…”

Sweat trickled down their foreheads, causing Li Congren and Wu Yue’e to stare at each other. The overwhelming pressure they had felt just a moment ago felt like an illusion.

“Lu Grandpa’s spirit pet… thirty years ago, it was already at second-tier peak. Now its aura is profound and unpredictable, even more terrifying.”

“Could it be…”

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e couldn’t help but speculate.

Logically, a Di Yan Shu’s lifespan at the second-tier level was comparable to a human Zhu Ji cultivator. If its cultivation hadn’t advanced, it should be reaching old age by now. It wouldn’t be expected to be this vigorous and energetic.

“Could it be that this Di Yan Shu has already reached the level of a Jia Dan (False Core)?”

Considering the rumor about Lu Chang An, if it were true, then the Di Yan Shu reaching False Core level wouldn’t be surprising.

“The Di Yan Shu is in Xue Mei Shan, meaning Lu Grandpa should be nearby?”

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e’s faces lit up with anticipation. They eagerly awaited his arrival.

As the night wore on, they waited at the western gate of their clan’s territory. The wait felt agonizingly long.

Deep into the night, the figure they longed to see didn’t appear. Li Congren and Wu Yue’e’s unusual behavior attracted the attention of some members of their clan.

“Dad, Mom, is there a distinguished guest visiting Xue Mei Shan that requires both of you to wait up for him in the middle of the night?”

A round-faced middle-aged man, a late-stage Lian Qi (Qi Refinement) cultivator, expressed his confusion. He was Li Congren’s eldest son, a mediocre talent, who managed the clan’s treasury.

“Besides, what kind of guest visits at midnight…”

“Don’t ask!”

Li Congren scowled, reprimanding his son.

…

Northeast of Xue Mei Shan, there was a heavily guarded estate located within a deep mountain array, bordering a smaller branch of the Black Mist Mountain range. South of the estate lay a medium-sized market town.

The Zhou family, masters of beast-taming, held absolute dominance over this area.

As the night deepened, it was the second watch of the night. In the grand estate of the Zhou family, within the classical and elegant “boudoir” of Zhou Qing Xuan, the supreme elder, a soft, luminous glow of jewels illuminated the room.

The Zhou family’s esteemed elder, half-reclined on her bed, was blushing. Her hairpins were loose, her clothes askew. She was dressed in a pale yellow gown, a faint, sweet fragrance emanating from her body. Her silk covers revealed a smooth, delicate leg, its whiteness tinged with a hint of rosy warmth.

“Qing Xuan, are you sure you don’t want to get rid of the Hun Gu (Soul Gu) restriction in your mind?”

After a long pause, a gentle male voice sounded from the elder’s bed.

“If I remove the Soul Gu restriction, would our relationship be over? If that’s the case, Qing Xuan would rather remain under Lu Big Brother’s control forever. That way, Lu Big Brother can truly trust Qing Xuan.”

Zhou Qing Xuan, naked and reclining, was nestled in Lu Chang An’s arms, her eyes sparkling with mischief, a playful smile on her lips. Her beauty seemed unchanged, her eyes bright and lively, her delicate features were almost flawless. She was slightly more voluptuous than before, her curves like delicate ivory carvings.

“You are now the supreme elder of the Zhou family. You need to maintain your high standing, your dignity. How can you be a woman without status, subservient to Lu?”

Lu Chang An chuckled helplessly.

Years ago, due to the Hundred Nights Soul Gu, he had made an agreement with Zhou Qing Xuan. At that time, Lu Chang An’s cultivation was limited, making him wary of the Zhou family.

If he had killed Zhou Qing Xuan, the trail would be clear, making him a target of pursuit. To save her life, Zhou Qing Xuan made a soul oath, placing the restriction on her mind under Lu Chang An’s control.

During that period, their relationship was essentially master and servant. Zhou Qing Xuan, devoted to him, had provided him with countless resources. The Di Yan Shu had been allowed access to the Zhou family’s blood spirit pool, leading to a minor increase in its bloodline quality.

To give her a ray of hope, Lu Chang An had promised to try and help her remove the restriction in her mind once he achieved Zhen Dan.

The Soul Gu restriction was highly sophisticated. Lu Chang An had gained some understanding of the underlying principles from fragments of the more complete soul gu memory he had obtained, enough to know that removing it would be impossible before reaching Zhen Dan.

The restriction he planted on Xing Peng in Jing Guo incorporated some of the Soul Gu restriction principles.

Now, Lu Chang An was back in Liang Guo.

His first stop was supposed to be the Xue Mei Shan Li family, the nearest one. But since it was late at night, it wasn’t an appropriate time to visit.

His true relationship with Zhou Qing Xuan was shrouded in secrecy, making the late hours perfect for a private conversation. Lu Chang An planned to go to the Xue Mei Shan Li family at dawn.

He had intended to try and remove the Soul Gu restriction, severing his karmic connection with Zhou Qing Xuan.

However, she had changed her mind after confirming his Zhen Dan cultivation.

She seemed eager to maintain their current arrangement.

“Lu Big Brother, could your words mean that you’re willing to give Qing Xuan a place by your side?”

Zhou Qing Xuan’s eyes shimmered with a captivating allure. Her voice was tinged with longing and a hint of expectation as she spoke.

“Lu is more interested in breaking the Soul Gu restriction.”

Lu Chang An stood up, pulling on his clothes, and said with a light smile.

“Lu Big Brother, even if you don’t want to give Qing Xuan a position by your side, can you at least be a guest at the Zhou family openly once it’s day?”

Zhou Qing Xuan’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her smooth body enveloping Lu Chang An from behind as she pleaded.

“I’m going to the Xue Mei Shan Li family tomorrow.”

Lu Chang An politely declined.

He wanted to avoid getting too entangled with the Zhou family. They were one of the ten great families in Liang Guo, not your average cultivation force.

Besides, Zhou Qing Xuan was cunning and volatile. If his first stop in Liang Guo was a visit to her, she would surely make a fuss.

“Don’t say anything. Your Zhou family still has a three-tier Great Demon, a legacy of your lineage, so you don’t need Lu to be a guest.”

Lu Chang An waved his hand, refusing her repeated pleas.

Zhou Qing Xuan’s eyes welled up with tears, her face clouded with distress.

Lu Chang An remained unmoved. They were both over a hundred years old, he wouldn’t be swayed by such tactics.

“Lu Big Brother, if tomorrow isn’t for Qing Xuan, then tonight, with the long night still half-gone, Qing Xuan will welcome you.”

Seeing Lu Chang An was about to leave, Zhou Qing Xuan pursed her lips, gently pulling him towards the nearby bathroom to soak in a bath.

As the night progressed into the third watch, Lu Chang An and Zhou Qing Xuan had bathed and changed. He was dressed in a white long robe, while she was in a pale yellow gown, both impeccable and pristine.

“Zhou Dao You, Lu will ask one last time. Do you really not want to get rid of the Soul Gu restriction in your mind?”

“No need, Lu Big Brother. You explained the method to stabilize the restriction before you left for Jing Guo. I’m used to it. It’s not a matter of life and death.”

Zhou Qing Xuan’s dimples appeared, her voice as sweet as honey.

“Alright.”

As the words left his lips, Lu Chang An vanished from the room.

Zhou Qing Xuan was stunned for a moment before her face contorted in anger, her chest heaving.

She had pampered Lu Chang An endlessly that night, showering him with every indulgence. They had even enjoyed a romantic interlude.

Yet, this man, this stone heart, refused to make any promises.

“It’s fine. After tonight, at least my life is safe.”

Zhou Qing Xuan sighed quietly.

She knew Lu Chang An better than most. He was no ordinary Zhen Dan cultivator.

He had thwarted the Hundred Nights Soul Gu, and his reputation as an elder Zhen Dan cultivator suggested his origins were extraordinary.

Zhou Qing Xuan was afraid. If the restriction were removed, she would only have the soul oath left, making Lu Chang An suspicious.

And he might be inclined to kill her.

…

The night concealed Lu Chang An’s journey. He flew into the Nine罡 Sky (Ji Gang Tian), quickly leaving the Zhou family’s territory.

“Leaving the Soul Gu restriction in her mind is actually a good thing.”

Lu Chang An pondered.

First, leaving the Soul Gu restriction would allow for the possibility of attracting a Soul Gu in the future.

Lu Chang An’s Jiu Yin Bei (Nine Seal Stele) greatly desired this kind of sustenance. It could effortlessly vanquish the Hundred Nights Soul Gu and wasn’t afraid of soul possession. Zhou Qing Xuan would make an excellent bait.

Second, he could study the Soul Gu restriction in Zhou Qing Xuan’s mind during their casual conversations, helping him improve his unique restriction techniques.

Third, keeping the Soul Gu restriction in place would make him feel more secure about her.

In reality, even if he had the ability to remove the restriction, he wouldn’t have done it in one go. Not until after he rebuilt his core, at the very least.

After an hour, the outline of Xue Mei Shan, shrouded in snow, came into Lu Chang An’s view.

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e, standing by the gate of their clan’s territory, looked exhausted. They had stood there all night.

Suddenly, they felt an unusual surge of spiritual energy and looked up.

Against the backdrop of the rising morning sun, a dark blue turtle emerged from the waves, breaking through the air.

A man, clad in white, his demeanor as serene as the waters, sat on its broad back.

“Lu Grandpa!”

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e were taken aback. Joy surged through them.

“Greetings, Lu Grandpa!”

“Congratulations, Lu Grandpa, you have achieved the status of Zhen Dan Grandmaster, and have returned to the land of Liang Guo.”

The couple, along with their direct descendants, approached him to pay their respects.

Li Congren and Wu Yue’e bowed deeply, while the rest of their descendants prostrated themselves before him.

Li Congren was Lu Chang An’s grandson’s generation.

His descendants could even call Lu Chang An, “Grand Ancestor.”

“You don’t need to stand on ceremony!”

Lu Chang An waved his hand, making no effort to hide his Zhen Dan power.

He remained seated on the turtle, nodding kindly.

“A mere Zhen Dan cultivator, not worthy of the title of Grandmaster. The path of cultivation requires humility and pragmatism. Don’t indulge in such ostentatious titles.”

“We will heed Lu Grandpa’s (Zhen Ren) teachings!”

The Xue Mei Shan Li family cultivators, feeling the immense power of the Zhen Dan Zhen Ren, responded in unison.

Li Congren’s face flushed. He was the one who had used the term “Grandmaster.”

He wasn’t intentionally flattering him.

From the perspective of lower-level cultivators, Zhen Dan cultivators were true Zhen Dan Zhen Ren, those who had reached the ranks of high-level cultivators, capable of destroying mountains and cities with a single gesture.

…

Accompanied by Li Congren and other core members of the Li family, Lu Chang An took his seat at the head of the hall.

Lu Chang An cast a brief glance at Li Congren.

Thirty years had passed, and he had reached late-stage Zhu Ji cultivation. He looked like a middle-aged man. His facial features resembled Li Er Gou’s, but his features were more refined.

Through their conversation, Lu Chang An learned about the Xue Mei Shan Li family’s current situation.

The Xue Mei Shan Li family had three Zhu Ji cultivators. Aside from Li Congren and his wife, there was Li Congren’s nephew, who had reached Zhu Ji a dozen years ago.

They also had a late-stage Zhu Ji guest elder, a sworn brother of Li Congren, and the brother of Li Congren’s wife, Wu Yue’e.

“Why aren’t the other two Zhu Ji cultivators here?”

Lu Chang An casually inquired.

“They are stationed at the Chang An Mine,” Li Congren replied.

“Chang An Mine?” Lu Chang An raised his eyebrows, glancing at the couple.

Li Congren answered awkwardly, “The Chang An Mine was opened by us ten years ago. It contains many first-tier and second-tier ores, but they are unevenly distributed, making it difficult to extract…”

Wu Yue’e, with a respectful demeanor, added, “At the beginning of the Chang An Mine’s development, it attracted the attention of some surrounding forces. To ensure the safe extraction of the ore, we named it ‘Chang An’, meaning lasting peace.”

“Also, we sold a third of our share to the Zhou family at a low price, securing their protection against the Dong Men family’s covetousness.”

“The Dong Men family, are they the family that migrated from Feng Guo?”

Lu Chang An, though he hadn’t returned for a long time, had a general grasp of the current situation in Liang Guo.

Compared to the thirty years since he left, Liang Guo had undergone a profound transformation, a complete change.

The Li Huo Gong (Fire Palace), which had ruled Liang Guo, had been overthrown. The Jin Yang Zong now controlled this cultivation region.

The cultivation forces in Liang Guo had undergone a major reshuffle, from top to bottom.

The four sects that had once stood alongside the Nascent Soul (Nascent Soul) power had become six.

The seven great families had become ten.

The cities, markets, and small families scattered throughout Liang Guo had changed hands.

At the same time, Liang Guo’s cultivation world had gained many transplanted or reinforced spirit vein locations, boosting its overall strength considerably.

Lu Chang An, back in his homeland, felt a sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness.

While the geographical landscape remained largely unchanged, he heard so many unfamiliar names of forces and individuals.

“Yes, the Dong Men family migrated from Feng Guo. They have three Jia Dan Zhen Ren (False Core True Immortals) leading the way, and over a dozen Zhu Ji cultivators. Some of their clan members are core disciples of the Jin Yang Zong, or hold positions…”

Li Congren spoke cautiously, providing details about the Dong Men family.

Lu Chang An nodded, understanding the situation.

The demon invasion was imminent, leading to a larger-scale war. War materials had skyrocketed in price.

The Xue Mei Shan Li family’s Chang An Mine had become a highly coveted prize, with its profits multiplied several times over. It was a hot potato, to be sure.

Even with the Zhou family’s protection, the Dong Men family wouldn’t give up this lucrative target easily.

…

At midday, the Xue Mei Shan Li family hosted a banquet in honor of Lu Chang An. They used the most exquisite ingredients they could find, hoping to satisfy the first Zhen Dan guest they had ever hosted.

Lu Chang An planned to stay overnight at Xue Mei Shan and visit Jin Yun Valley the following day.

This, even though he didn’t do much, was a subtle deterrent to the Xue Mei Shan Li family’s enemies.

Li Congren, the family head, accompanied Lu Chang An throughout the day, sharing information about old acquaintances.

Li Er Qing, for example, was still in good health, fulfilling his lifelong promise to the Mu family, guarding Fei Yue Hu (Jade Moon Lake).

Li Congren said that his grandfather, Li Er Qing, had visited Xue Mei Shan only twice in the past few decades.

In the afternoon, Lu Chang An was enjoying the view from Xue Mei Shan’s snowy peaks when he finally spotted the Di Yan Shu.

The Di Yan Shu and the treasure-seeking rat were nestled by a tree in the snow, basking in the sun.

The Di Yan Shu looked relaxed and invigorated, its fur shiny and vibrant.

The beautiful treasure-seeking rat, however, seemed to be wilting. Its blood was weak, and its eyes were filled with dark circles.

It looked thinner, as if it had lost weight overnight.

Just as it had settled down to rest, the Di Yan Shu picked up the treasure-seeking rat and took it into the forest.

“Squeak, squeak…”

The treasure-seeking rat let out a feeble squeak, its voice quickly lost in the forest.

Li Congren, the treasure-seeking rat’s owner, couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry.

He had many offspring, but only one treasure-seeking rat. Over the years, it had been of great help, ensuring the clan’s prosperity and his personal cultivation progress.

Lu Chang An was about to ask the Di Yan Shu to show a little restraint.

Suddenly, a Zhen Dan-level aura came rushing in from the southeast of Xue Mei Shan.

(End of Chapter)

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