I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 324

## Chapter 320: Truly Conservative

“Daoist Friend Jiang is revered as the number one loose cultivator in Liang Guo, what merit do I, Lu, have to fight against you? I never even considered competing for the title of the first.”

Lu Chang’an humbly declined, secretly thinking: What is this “Evergreen Legend,” and why is it exaggerating my abilities so much?

“True Immortal Changqing, you needn’t be so modest! I have some understanding of your true abilities, Lu.”

Jiang Yechen’s eyes were like cold stars. While eager for a fight, he was also curious about Lu Chang’an’s true strength.

Fifty years ago, when Lu Chang’an left Liang Guo, he was already a True Dan early-stage cultivator, and he possessed the Xuan Shui Gui, a Spirit Beast with a semi-step Golden Dan bloodline, a rare Earth Grade.

Some had said that Lu Chang’an was destined to be the next Huang Long Zhen Ren (Huang Long True Immortal, a legendary cultivator).

Now, the returning Lu Chang’an had reached the mid-stage of Jie Dan (Condensation Stage), making him a viable contender for the title of Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator. The “Evergreen Legend” hadn’t exaggerated.

“This is just a friendly sparring match, no lives will be lost. If True Immortal Lu is afraid even of this, then leave my Wu Ye Town with the name ‘Lu Turtle’!”

Jiang Yechen’s voice was sharp, taunting Lu Chang’an.

Lu Chang’an glanced at Shi Manrong.

The Shi Immortal did not try to dissuade him. Her clear eyes shifted slightly as she secretly observed the woman in the blue skirt outside the subworld.

Life was short, and with the current situation, her mood wasn’t good. Perhaps she wouldn’t mind Lu Chang’an taking a fall.

“As the host, Daoist Friend Jiang, since you insist so strongly, Lu can only make a fool of myself.”

Lu Chang’an sighed and reluctantly agreed. Wu Ye Town was Jiang Yechen’s territory, and he could have directly expelled Lu Chang’an.

“Manrong, please reinforce the formation.”

Jiang Yechen smiled, his voice softened slightly.

Shi Manrong waved her hand, taking out a formation order and flying it to the top of a dueling platform.

嗡!

The dueling platform was enveloped in the light of a third-order formation. From the outside, it only appeared to be a few dozen meters across, but inside, it was an area of about two or three li (approximately 0.8-1.2 kilometers) in circumference.

“Daoist Friend Lu, please rest assured, the details of our sparring match will not be publicized.”

Jiang Yechen knew that Lu Chang’an was rather low-key and had concealed some of his abilities. He took the initiative to make a promise.

“Daoist Friend Jiang is thoughtful.”

Lu Chang’an nodded and followed Jiang Yechen into the inner space of the dueling platform.

The Shi Immortal stayed outside to reinforce the formation, preventing outsiders from observing the match.

The woman in the blue skirt sat in a pavilion, her lips slightly pursed beneath her veil. She didn’t seem worried at all.

“Whether it’s just cultivators dueling, or with our Spirit Beasts included, I can accommodate you, Lu.”

Jiang Yechen spoke with a hint of arrogance, full of confidence. He reached out and patted the Spirit Beast pouch at his waist.

A fiery roar, accompanied by a trumpeting sound.

A fiery, horned horse with four flame-cloven hooves appeared in the air beside Jiang Yechen. The horse was three or four meters long, with a long, swaying tail.

“Third-order early-stage Spirit Beast, Ta Ye Ju (Step Flame Colt)!”

Lu Chang’an recognized the fiery horse, a top-tier riding Spirit Beast with a superior bloodline. It was known for its speed, mastery of fire magic, and formidable offensive capabilities.

Its growth rate also surpassed that of the Xuan Shui Gui (Mysterious Water Turtle).

If they were all healthy beast eggs or younglings, the Ta Ye Ju’s value would even surpass the Xuan Shui Gui.

“My magical power is mediocre. I will rely on my Spirit Beast.”

Lu Chang’an smiled and chose the second dueling method.

“Good!”

Jiang Yechen had anticipated this. The Xuan Shui Gui excelled in defense, and Lu Chang’an was a third-order Fu Shi (符师, Talisman Master), so the two of them combined would be a formidable opponent for a normal mid-stage Jie Dan cultivator.

Within the dueling space, the two stood apart, a hundred meters apart.

呼唰!

Lu Chang’an patted his Spirit Beast pouch. In an instant, a yellow sandstorm enveloped the entire dueling platform.

“Third-order mid-stage Spirit Beast!”

Jiang Yechen’s face changed. The protective aura around him was being rubbed by the rapidly rotating sand, emitting a piercing screech.

The vast yellow sand wind swirled, carrying with it the terrifying spiritual pressure of a powerful beast, transforming the dueling space into a desert wasteland in the blink of an eye.

The Ta Ye Ju cried out in alarm, trapped by the sand vortex, the flames on its body flickering and dying, its greatest strength, speed, rendered useless.

Jiang Yechen’s protective aura dimmed slightly, and parts of it were stained with the yellow sand, turning a muddy yellow.

“Interesting!”

Jiang Yechen remained composed. He formed hand seals, his night-blue Dan Li (Dan Force) erupted like smoke, obscuring the entire sky of the dueling space.

In an instant, the entire black-blue sky was filled with large star-like light orbs, radiating frost, brewing a forbidden wave of magical power.

呼! 轰轰!

Those icy star orbs exploded, releasing their frosty brilliance and icy aura, breaking through the thick sand and falling towards Lu Chang’an’s location. Not only did they relieve the pressure on the Ta Ye Ju, but they also launched a counterattack.

This wasn’t the end. Behind Jiang Yechen’s head, a crown-shaped treasure, a mix of gold and silver, emerged. It was like a ruler in the night sky.

“Lu Chang’an, let me experience your true strength!”

Jiang Yechen’s robes billowed, his light was like lightning. His Divine Consciousness and Dan Li suddenly increased by several times, exuding the oppressive aura of a mid-stage Jie Dan cultivator.

嗡!

The crown-shaped treasure emitted waves of light rings, adorned with gold and silver lines, sweeping through the yellow sandstorm, containing a force that could shake the very soul, and charging toward Lu Chang’an.

“This fellow’s Dan Li is not inferior to Huang Long Zhen Ren in his prime. His Spirit Beast is slightly weaker, but the treasure in his hands is of extraordinary origin and even more powerful.”

Lu Chang’an, a mid-stage Jie Dan cultivator, felt a slight pressure.

噗!

A giant rat demon, three meters long with well-developed muscles, blocked Lu Chang’an.

The rat demon was covered in orange-yellow fur, with a tuft of purple fur standing upright on its head. Its streamlined body was shaped like a giant leopard. A layer of crystalline yellow rock armor covered the Di Yan Shu’s (Earth Rock Rat) body. It stood still, taking the direct blow of Jiang Yechen’s crown-shaped treasure, completely ignoring the force that shook the soul.

嘭! 嗤嗤~

Amidst the ear-splitting screeching sound.

The waves of light, adorned with gold and silver lines, scraped away pieces of rock from the Earth Rock Rat’s body, but the creature remained unmoved, protecting its master without a scratch.

呼!

The Earth Rock Rat opened its mouth and spewed a ball of dark yellow, aura-filled demonic fire, which expanded in the wind with a loud roar, colliding with the crown-shaped treasure.

The light barrier on the outer wall of the dueling space flickered brightly and dimmed, and some parts of it almost shattered.

“This bloodline-mutated Earth Rock Rat, how could it have such strength, it’s at least comparable to an Earth Grade bloodline…”

Jiang Yechen grunted, the Dan Li and blood in his body churning.

The golden and silver crown treasure above his head dimmed, wrapped in a strange yin-sha (Yin Evil) aura, the treasure material slightly eroded. If it continued, the treasure’s quality would probably decline.

The Ta Ye Ju, on the other hand, cried out in pain, hit by the exploded dark yellow demonic fire, with a charred and corroded hole in its chest.

Jiang Yechen’s heart sank. The two Spirit Beasts were simply not on the same level. If they met head-on, the Ta Ye Ju wouldn’t last a few breaths.

At this moment, the Earth Rock Rat launched another spell, completing it with extraordinary speed.

The ground was covered with a layer of yellow-brown lines, resembling bizarre tentacles. At the same time, crystalline yellow stone pillars rose from the ground, piercing the sky.

Jiang Yechen instinctively dodged, but his feet felt like they were filled with mercury, heavy and immobile, a powerful pulling force emanating from the ground.

He relied on the power of the crown treasure, his Dan Li strong enough to forcibly break free from the earth-binding power.

The injured Ta Ye Ju, however, was unable to break free from the earth-binding spell, being firmly trapped by several thick stone pillars.

嘶嘶!

The Ta Ye Ju, squeezed in the gap between the stone pillars, couldn’t move, letting out a painful howl.

Jiang Yechen, anxious to rescue his Spirit Beast, prepared to do so.

嗖!

The Earth Rock Rat, in a blur, suddenly disappeared.

A gloomy wind came from the side.

咔!

Jiang Yechen’s protective aura shattered, ripped apart by the Earth Rock Rat’s claw as it got close.

“This mutated rat demon, it’s so fast!”

Jiang Yechen’s heart skipped a beat. He used a long-handled banner, summoning a dazzling blue-green wind mist.

With a “嘭”, he pushed the Earth Rock Rat back.

The next moment.

Jiang Yechen’s figure flickered, transforming into several purple-robed illusory figures, the light scattering.

His true body vanished into the night.

This was Jiang Yechen’s unique Body Movement technique, capable of traversing Liang Guo’s cultivation world, even among late-stage Jie Dan cultivators.

Lu Chang’an thought to himself: No wonder this guy could become Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator. His Divine Consciousness, Dan Li, treasure techniques, all surpass those of most cultivators at the same level.

Unfortunately, his opponent was the Earth Rock Rat, whose true level was comparable to a late-stage Jie Dan cultivator!

吱!

A yellow-brown aura appeared, the Earth Rock Rat stood above the trapped Ta Ye Ju, intercepting Jiang Yechen who was trying to rescue his Spirit Beast.

The Earth Rock Rat pressed forward again, its thick claws gleaming with a metallic sharpness, forcing Jiang Yechen to use his treasure for protection, retreating as he fought.

It was only because Jiang Yechen was skilled in Body Movement techniques, otherwise, if a Daoist cultivator at the same level was approached by a demon beast, it would be a very dangerous situation.

“This rat demon’s Dan Li and Divine Consciousness are no less than a peak mid-stage Jie Dan cultivator. And it fights cunningly, having learned many powerful techniques and fighting skills.”

Jiang Yechen, dealing with the Earth Rock Rat’s pursuit and attacks, felt a sense of pressure that made him sweat.

He glanced at the man in white behind him, who had not moved at all from beginning to end.

Jiang Yechen actually had a secret plan, to prevent Lu Chang’an from interfering.

Lu Chang’an’s strength relied on his Spirit Beast and external objects. As long as he took down Lu Chang’an, there was a chance to turn the tide and achieve victory in the duel.

This was the experience gained from facing Beast King Valley beast tamers on the battlefield of the demonic path.

…

Outside the formation space, the Shi Immortal looked surprised, unprepared.

She had considered that Lu Chang’an’s true strength might exceed expectations. She had seen Lu Chang’an’s fighting techniques during their time in the ancient ruins years ago.

But she hadn’t imagined that Lu Chang’an didn’t even need to make a move. Just relying on one Spirit Beast was enough to suppress Jiang Yechen and the Ta Ye Ju.

It was hard to imagine that the Earth Rock Rat, which had been diligently working in Xiao Gui Feng (Little Turtle Peak) all those years, possessed such terrifying power, at least the strength of a Jie Dan cultivator.

In Liang Guo’s cultivation world, people knew that True Immortal Changqing had a Xuan Shui Gui, hence the nicknames “Turtle Talisman Master” and “Turtle True Immortal.”

Who would have thought that True Immortal Changqing’s strongest Spirit Beast was not the Xuan Shui Gui, but the seemingly insignificant rat demon!

“True Immortal Lu, why don’t you make a move?”

Inside the formation space, Jiang Yechen used all his Dan Li and techniques, but he couldn’t do anything to the Earth Rock Rat. At best, he could only exchange blows.

He tried to bypass the front and attack Lu Chang’an, but the Earth Rock Rat saw through it and precisely intercepted him, launching a frantic counterattack, leaving him in a state of utter disgrace.

In this situation, Jiang Yechen had no chance.

“My hidden injuries haven’t healed yet. It’s not appropriate for me to use my Dan Li recklessly.”

The man in white, Lu Chang’an, stood with his hands behind his back, calm and composed, never making a move.

In a duel between peers, if he were to suppress Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator, it would expose his Golden Dan Dan Li.

The Earth Rock Rat was suppressing its cultivation at the mid-stage of Jie Dan, more than enough to deal with Jiang Yechen.

It had the realm of a Jie Dan cultivator. Even with its Dan Li limited, it could make Jiang Yechen feel restricted and uncomfortable everywhere.

“Daoist Friend Jiang, the hundred breaths are up. Since the outcome is still uncertain, why don’t we call it a draw?”

Lu Chang’an smiled and recalled the Earth Rock Rat, ending the sparring match.

Jiang Yechen’s hair was dishevelled, his breath ragged. He looked at Lu Chang’an with a grim face, his expression turning pale.

He was unhappy, unable to accept the harsh reality.

Lu Chang’an not making a move was a way to save face for him.

With his mid-stage Jie Dan cultivation and his status as a third-order Fu Shi, if he had teamed up with the Earth Rock Rat, he could have defeated Jiang Yechen within a hundred breaths.

Being able to control and tame such a powerful third-order demon beast, Lu Chang’an’s true strength and abilities were probably even more profound!

After a moment of silence, a bitter smile spread across Jiang Yechen’s lips. His voice was hoarse and dry:

“Daoist Friend Lu, I admit defeat in this battle. I have nothing to say. From now on, the title of Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator will belong to you.”

“Haha, Lu has long since moved to Feng Yuan Guo (Feng Yuan Country). I am not settling in Liang Guo either, so the title doesn’t apply to me. Daoist Friend Jiang’s strength is comparable to Huang Long Zhen Ren in his prime. The title of Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator is well-deserved.”

Lu Chang’an bowed with a smile, making a gesture of concession.

He had no grudges or conflicts of interest with Jiang Yechen. A little deterrence was enough. There was no need to go to war or to humiliate him.

Many times, overwhelming karma and hatred could be triggered by an unintentional humiliation or blow, igniting the fighting spirit and potential of a lucky child.

Leaving him some face, the connections of this first loose cultivator in Liang Guo could perhaps be useful to Lu Chang’an in the future.

“Daoist Friend Lu is unattached to fame and fortune, noble and upright! ‘Evergreen Legend’ and ‘Mysterious Turtle Travels’ are indeed true to their names.”

Jiang Yechen bowed and returned the gesture with respect, accepting Lu Chang’an’s kindness.

Looking at the calm and detached man in white, he felt both awe and admiration.

Lu Chang’an’s strength clearly outmatched his, yet he was not arrogant or impatient, giving him a way out.

No wonder this man could get along well in every country in the cultivation world, with a wide network of contacts, and almost no enemies.

The description in “Evergreen Legend” was truly conservative!

What did it mean to have the chance to compete for the position of Liang Guo’s first loose cultivator? He had already surpassed that level.

Inside the formation space, the two chatted for a while.

“About today’s battle, I hope Daoist Friend Jiang will keep it a secret.”

Lu Chang’an instructed.

Actually, the strength he had revealed today was only the tip of the iceberg.

Even if the Earth Rock Rat’s strength was leaked, it was nothing major. At most, it would expose his “True Immortal Xiang” (True Immortal Item) identity in Jing Guo (Jing Country) in the past.

And the True Immortal Han Yu from that time, according to his life expectancy, should have already passed away.

In her heart, she had the figure of the old man in the straw cloak. That was enough.

“True Immortal Lu, please be at ease. I have made a heart demon oath to myself about today’s battle. I will not disclose anything to the outside world.”

Jiang Yechen took the initiative to swear an oath, avoiding being blamed and suffering unnecessary disaster if the news leaked later.

He was not like Lu Chang’an, a lone wolf.

Now that he had built up his forces, he couldn’t possibly offend this unfathomable True Immortal Changqing.

…

In the side chamber of the subworld.

Lu Chang’an finally had the chance to talk to the Shi Immortal privately.

“Congratulations, True Immortal Lu, on taking the former first Immortal of Liang Guo as your own. Although this one is old and withered, I am still delighted for you.”

Shi Manrong said with a smile.

At this moment, when she thought about the true identity of the woman in the blue skirt, she felt less sad or bitter.

“Shi Immortal, you flatter me! Lu and Immortal Ni Yue (Ni Yue Immortal) are not companions, but simply share a higher spiritual pursuit.”

“As for our friendship, it is certainly not as deep as it was back then.”

Lu Chang’an thought to himself, the Shi Immortal was still open-minded.

They had met again so calmly.

No jealousy, no trouble, no emotional entanglements, even a congratulatory remark.

The saying goes, “There’s nothing better than dumplings,” and it’s true.

The two chatted about some old times.

“Daoist Friend Ye, he has also passed away for a few decades…”

Lu Chang’an sighed.

Ye Fei was the peak master Lu Chang’an had chosen back then. His talent, cultivation level, and background were all inferior to Jiang Yechen at that time.

Decades ago, Ye Fei failed his Jie Dan and died.

In the years before his Jie Dan, Ye Fei had left Wu Qi Shan (Wu Qi Mountain) to go to the front lines during the demonic war to earn merit and exchange for the materials for Ning Jing Dan (Condensation Crystal Pill).

Failing to Jie Dan carries the risk of death. That’s why the method of “Hua Dan” (Transforming Dan, referring to changing the quality of a Dan) is very unpopular in the cultivation world. Because even if you try again to Condense a Dan, the risk still exists.

“I see that Shi Immortal’s life expectancy is less than ten years. Have you taken any third-order Longevity Pills?”

Lu Chang’an inquired.

“No! Third-order Longevity Pills are even rarer than Condensation Crystal Pills, they are hard to come by. In Liang Guo, even if they occasionally appear, they are either divided up by large forces or they make outrageous demands…”

Shi Manrong mentioned this with a hint of sadness.

Even with a fake Dan (fake Golden Dan) cultivation, if she could live a few more years, it wouldn’t make much difference.

However, her adopted son, Shi Xiao Chuan, was not yet twenty years old, and she had a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, wanting to accompany him for a few more years.

She learned that she needed a third-order Longevity Pill, and some forces in Wu Ye Town were asking for an exorbitant price, with very harsh conditions.

Perhaps they weren’t serious, just trying to take advantage of the situation.

The third-order Longevity Pill that Lu Chang’an had obtained in Liang Guo back then was acquired through a trade with a genuine Condensation Crystal Pill, showing its strategic value.

At the time, during the war, the value of third-order Longevity Pills had declined.

“If Shi Immortal doesn’t mind, Lu has a low-quality third-order Longevity Pill, with a slight flaw, but it should be able to extend life for twenty years.”

Lu Chang’an took out a jade bottle, inside which was the Longevity Pill he hadn’t taken from the three he had refined. It was a low-quality one.

“What does True Immortal Lu wish to trade for it?”

Shi Manrong showed interest. Being able to accompany Xiao Chuan for twenty more years was enough to fulfill her wish.

“No need! Lu has taken a third-order Longevity Pill. This one is a gift to Shi Immortal, as an apology for leaving without saying goodbye all those years ago.”

Lu Chang’an generously handed the Longevity Pill to Shi Manrong.

Different levels of existence, different abilities, and different things done. There is no comparison.

Even though it was a low-quality pill, the value of this Longevity Pill far exceeded a Zhu Ji Dan (Foundation Establishment Pill).

Two hundred years ago, in the Qi Refinement stage, Lu Chang’an himself had struggled to get a Foundation Establishment Pill, so he naturally didn’t have much to spare for gifts.

Shi Manrong was moved and solemnly accepted this hard-earned third-order Longevity Pill.

Lu Chang’an may have treated her as a passing visitor in his life, no longer the intimate relationship they once had, but he was a man who remembered the past and would not let down any of his old friends.

True Immortal Changqing, from the time he started striving for Foundation Establishment, was destined to leave his mark on the cultivation world of Liang Guo.

Even if his cultivation and life story ended there.

Even though she was just a fleeting lover in the life of this legendary figure, Shi Manrong did not regret it.

Even without the legendary aura, Lu Chang’an’s appearance, temperament, personality, and way of speaking were enough to attract most female cultivators.

“Shi Immortal, if you feel uncomfortable about this, then please tell Lu about the detailed information about exploring the ruins.”

Lu Chang’an smiled and suggested.

“Okay.”

Shi Manrong organized her thoughts and began to explain the more detailed information about the ancient ruins, answering Lu Chang’an’s meticulous questions.

After the ancient ruins were controlled by Jin Yang Zong (Golden Sun Sect) and other forces, she was invited to the ruins to help with exploration and development. She gained very little during her time there.

Now, the ruins had already been looted and explored by Liang Guo’s sects, and there were no longer many valuable objects.

In recent years, the sects had stopped paying much attention to it, using it for disciple training, treasure hunting, and archaeological research.

Disciples of the Jin Yang Zong faction paid spirit stones to enter the ruins to explore.

(End of chapter)

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