I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 367

## Chapter 363: Excess Dividend

Lu Chang An wasn’t surprised to hear that Jing Wu Feng had ascended to the Nascent Soul stage. After all, this man possessed a top-tier innate Dao body, exceptional talent, and extraordinary origins. He had already reached the peak of the Immortal Golden Core stage decades ago.

Upon learning of Jing Wu Feng’s whereabouts, Lu Chang An didn’t contact him proactively. Due to the agreement they made, Jing Wu Feng would come to him eventually if he intended to share the spoils.

Lu Chang An secretly kept an eye on Jing Wu Feng’s information and movements. This prodigy had made a name for himself in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, and his ascension to the Nascent Soul stage made him a notable figure attracting attention from various forces, including intelligence organizations.

Half a year later, Lu Chang An received new intel: Jing Wu Feng had reappeared in Yun Tian City, the premier celestial city of the Central Domain.

Jing Wu Feng didn’t stay in Yun Tian City long before vanishing again.

Two months later, he resurfaced in the territory of the “Eight-Forked Mountain” alliance, located south of the Great Yu Nation.

Eight-Forked Mountain was an alliance of demonic cultivators, hostile towards the Great Yu Nation. This animosity stemmed from the fact that part of Eight-Forked Mountain’s territory originally belonged to the Great Yu Nation during its peak period.

In this appearance, Jing Wu Feng, now a Nascent Soul True Monarch, engaged in his first battle.

Rumors spread about Jing Wu Feng being surrounded by two seasoned Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

However, the outcome of this battle astounded everyone.

Against two opponents, Jing Wu Feng not only emerged victorious but also critically injured a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator, almost leading to his demise.

This battle sent shockwaves through the surrounding cultivation territories.

Forces such as the Great Yu Nation, Eight-Forked Mountain, Great Luo Nation, and Ten Thousand Peak Mountain all began to pay close attention to Jing Wu Feng, gathering intelligence about him.

It was reported that this “Jing Tian True Monarch” possessed a formidable innate Dao body and his magical powers far surpassed those of his peers. He hadn’t relied on powerful external objects for his victory.

During this battle, Jing Tian True Monarch hadn’t revealed any signs of spirit treasures, dispelling certain rumors and speculations. This further intimidated his adversaries.

“He should be arriving soon…”

Lu Chang An deduced from Jing Wu Feng’s trajectory that he was heading towards the Great Yu Nation.

The Great Yu royal family seemed to have caught onto this and announced to the public that they had invited Jing Wu Feng to visit, but he didn’t respond.

…

Two days later, a powerful Nascent Soul-level遁光(Dun Guang) streaked like a silver rainbow towards the entrance of Yunxia Sect.

The Purple霞(Xia) Fairy, meditating in the fourth-order peak, immediately felt a change and was slightly moved.

The incoming aura was boundless, making it impossible for her to see through and causing a slight feeling of pressure.

“I am Jing Wu Feng, and I’ve come to visit Yunxia Sect.”

Jing Wu Feng, clad in a green silk robe, stood calmly in the air above Yunxia Sect. The silver wind clouds beneath his feet subsided, and the invisible spatial ripples disappeared.

“Jing Tian True Monarch? Why would he come to Yunxia Sect unannounced?”

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch’s face turned solemn. Naturally, she had heard of the name of this newly ascended Nascent Soul.

If the rumors of his exploits were true, Jing Tian True Monarch’s magical powers were undeniably among the best in the early Nascent Soul stage, even surpassing her Dao companion, Yun Lan True Monarch.

Purple霞(Xia) Fairy didn’t dare be negligent. As she flew out of her cave, she communicated with Lu Chang An through their divine senses.

“Sister Purple霞(Xia), Jing Tian True Monarch, back when he was a Core Formation cultivator, had a chance encounter with me. Before entering the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, he had me create a third-order top-grade傀儡(Kui Lei) for him. He owed me some spirit stones and materials.”

Lu Chang An sighed with a bitter smile as he responded with the truth.

When they met last time, Jing Wu Feng had been quite low-key and contacted him privately, not wanting to alert Yunxia Sect.

This time, however, he had come to visit openly.

On second thought, it was understandable.

Achieving the Nascent Soul stage and reaching the pinnacle of the cultivation world was naturally a time for exuberance.

If he were a Nascent Soul cultivator, he wouldn’t have had to sneak around when visiting Ao Yue Palace to see Xia Wen Yue.

Moreover, after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, Jing Wu Feng’s abilities had undergone a revolutionary transformation, surpassing those of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.

The strength he displayed was almost that of a mid-stage Nascent Soul. Combined with the unique abilities of his spatial Dao body, even a mid-stage Nascent Soul might not be able to defeat him.

At this level, Jing Wu Feng could roam freely within the vast Central Domain.

Looking at the grand scope of the Great Abyss, only a handful of existences, like the Three Great Cultivators, could pose a real threat to him.

“So, is Jing Tian True Monarch visiting to express gratitude and repay his debt to you?”

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch’s star-like eyes twinkled with surprise as she studied the bald, blue-robed Elder Xiang.

How could someone like Elder Xiang, who spent his days in seclusion, be acquainted with a Nascent Soul True Monarch of such formidable combat prowess?

“That seems to be the case. While our friendship isn’t deep, from our past interactions, I can say that Jing Tian True Monarch is quite reliable,” Lu Chang An nodded.

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch’s遁光(Dun Guang) swept under her feet, carrying Lu Chang An with her as they flew out of the entrance to greet Jing Tian True Monarch.

“I’ve heard of the beautiful name of Purple霞(Xia) Fairy for a long time. I’m deeply impressed.”

Jing Wu Feng smiled and bowed.

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch returned a slight bow and said, “I’ve recently heard of Jing Tian True Monarch’s name and am quite impressed.”

Jing Wu Feng’s light blue pupils swept over the graceful female True Monarch and then looked meaningfully at Lu Chang An.

Elder Xiang, with his formidable strength, his fourth-order傀儡(Kui Lei), and his transformed妖王(Yao Wang), was capable of suppressing ordinary Nascent Soul stage cultivators, yet he lived in seclusion in Yunxia Sect. Clearly, he had his own motives.

“Congratulations, Jing Tian True Monarch, upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage, who in the world doesn’t know your name.”

Lu Chang An was about to bow in deference.

“Hey, you’re being too formal, Daoist Xiang. We knew each other back in the Core Formation stage. The fact that I’ve reached the Nascent Soul stage is also thanks to your help,”

Jing Wu Feng waved his hand immediately, using his invisible magical energy to support Lu Chang An and request that they treat each other as equals.

Lu Chang An didn’t decline. With his fourth-order holy beast 灵宠(Ling Chong), he could essentially interact with ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators on equal footing.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lu Chang An accompanied the two True Monarchs to the main hall of Yunxia Sect, where they sat together and talked.

During their casual conversation, Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch didn’t forget to ask Jing Wu Feng about his Dao companion, Yun Lan.

After all, Jing Wu Feng was one of the high-level cultivators who had entered the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall.

“In the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, Jing Tian True Monarch and I had a chance encounter with Yun Lan True Monarch… The last time we saw each other, it was a fleeting glance. At that time, Yun Lan True Monarch was injured, but it wasn’t fatal.”

Jing Wu Feng had a nostalgic expression.

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch pressed for more details, eventually expressing her gratitude.

Several Nascent Soul cultivators, including Jing Wu Feng, had clashed with Yun Lan True Monarch over the treasures and opportunities within the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall.

More than one major force had been offended by Jing Wu Feng.

“The Demon Blade, Nan Gong Xiu… the Treasure Pagoda Hermit…”

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch silently repeated these two names in her mind.

Based on descriptions from several people who had been inside, she narrowed down her suspects to these two individuals, who had interacted with Yun Lan True Monarch before he was disfigured.

Among them, the “Demon Blade” Nan Gong Xiu had fought Yun Lan True Monarch over precious materials and opportunities.

The Treasure Pagoda Hermit, a Nascent Soul stage hermit cultivator, had been a friend of Yun Lan True Monarch for hundreds of years.

After the events in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, Nan Gong Xiu, a wanted man from the Southern Domain’s Sword Pavilion, vanished without a trace. The Treasure Pagoda Hermit, even more, left the Central Domain and reportedly went to the eastern coastal region.

Half an hour later,

Jing Wu Feng mentioned that he wanted to visit Lu Chang An’s residence for a half-day to repay his previous debts.

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch didn’t participate further and watched as the two disappeared, her face filled with contemplation.

She sensed that Jing Tian True Monarch wasn’t interested in her or Yunxia Sect. He was primarily after Elder Xiang.

With Jing Tian True Monarch’s reputation and strength, even ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarchs would show him respect.

A Core Formation cultivator, even with a fourth-order灵宠(Ling Chong), wouldn’t warrant such attention from Jing Tian True Monarch, who would personally visit him.

This situation could only mean one of two things: either their friendship was genuinely strong, or Elder Xiang possessed some unknown abilities or secrets that held appeal for Jing Tian True Monarch.

Elder Xiang had rarely left Yunxia Sect since joining. He hadn’t had many opportunities to form connections.

Furthermore, she recalled Di Yan Jun’s constant deference and respect towards Elder Xiang.

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch couldn’t help but have a hunch.

For the first time, she felt a curious about the honest and simple Elder Xiang, including his past.

…

Qingluan Peak’s cave mansion.

Jing Wu Feng was the second Nascent Soul True Monarch to visit Lu Chang An.

The first was the蕭(Xiao) family’s ancestor, due to the connection of Xiao Qing Shan.

In the inner chamber of the cave mansion, Lu Chang An dismissed his servants and had a private conversation with Jing Wu Feng.

The original玄木葫藤(Xue Mu Hu Luo) had been moved several years ago to the bottom of the fourth-order spirit vein where Di Yan Jun resided. This provided a better growth environment and was guarded by the fourth-order妖王(Yao Wang).

“Daoist Jing, it’s been years. To think that you would eventually reach the Nascent Soul stage in the territory of the Dan Dao Alliance. It was unexpected,”

Lu Chang An expressed surprise.

As far as he knew, Jing Wu Feng had connections in Yun Tian City and had originally entered the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall with the Nascent Soul cultivators from Yun Tian City.

“Sigh, the situation within the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall was complex. The temptations and allure of opportunities were everywhere. It’s hard to explain in a short time. Daoist Xiang can think of it as ‘an uneven division of spoils.'”

“After leaving the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, I had to settle for the next best thing. I changed my appearance and reached the Nascent Soul stage in the relatively neutral Dan Dao Alliance. To accomplish this, I had to pay the price of several thousand-year-old medicinal herbs, including a lost ancient medicine formula from the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall. This is how I secured a fourth-order spirit vein to support my breakthrough.”

Jing Wu Feng lamented his struggles and recalled his experiences before reaching the Nascent Soul stage. A hint of unnatural and complex emotions flickered across his face.

To expedite his breakthrough and survive the crisis, he had befriended a fourth-order丹师(Dan Shi)’s granddaughter and managed to win her over.

Fortunately, everything was fine after he ascended to the Nascent Soul stage.

The old Nascent Soul monster from Yun Tian City, who had coveted his wealth in the past, now treated him like an old friend and stopped spreading negative rumors about him.

“I’ve come here to return the borrowed傀儡(Kui Lei) and the agreed-upon share of the spoils.”

Jing Wu Feng first produced a heavily damaged傀儡(Kui Lei).

Lu Chang An examined the charred and deformed assassin傀儡(Kui Lei), missing limbs and nearly ruined, with a hint of helplessness.

This assassin傀儡(Kui Lei) was the strongest third-order top-grade傀儡(Kui Lei) besides the fourth-order one. He had accumulated years of affection for it as he honed his傀儡(Kui Lei) skills.

Fortunately, the傀儡(Kui Lei)’s core components were salvaged, and they could still be reused.

“Don’t worry, Daoist Xiang. As I promised, I’ll compensate for the damages to the傀儡(Kui Lei).”

Jing Wu Feng apologetically pulled out two storage pouches.

Lu Chang An scanned one of the bulging storage pouches with his divine sense.

It contained materials for refining artifacts and傀儡(Kui Lei), at least third-order top-grade, and some even reached the level of pre-fourth-order. They were enough to reforge a third-order top-grade傀儡(Kui Lei).

The other storage pouch contained the spoils from the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall.

“Fourth-order Moon桐(Tong) Wood… Purple幽(You) Ore… 玄晶(Xuan Jing) Marrow…”

Lu Chang An’s eyelids twitched as he saw the spoils within the storage pouch.

They exceeded his expectations. The six or seven precious materials were all at least fourth-order, and almost half were fourth-order mid-grade.

Moon桐(Tong) Wood was a fourth-order mid-grade, centuries-old, and a rare spirit wood in the cultivation world. It could be used in formations, as the core of artifacts, or as a material for talismans.

Purple幽(You) Ore was a fourth-order mid-grade, containing some soul-cultivation properties. It could be used to enhance the power of钉头箭(Ding Tou Jian) (nail-headed arrows).

玄晶(Xuan Jing) Marrow was a fourth-order mid-grade, a rare artifact refining material. It could enhance the quality and power of artifacts or be used to craft傀儡(Kui Lei).

These three most valuable materials, aside from the dozens of pounds of Purple幽(You) Ore, were more plentiful in quantity.

“Daoist Xiang, you didn’t have to fight for your life in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, yet you’ve received such rewards. It surpasses what some Nascent Soul old monsters have obtained,”

Jing Wu Feng observed Lu Chang An’s expression and sighed.

When he entered the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, although he wasn’t afraid of Nascent Soul True Monarchs, it wasn’t practical for him to pose a significant threat unless it was through an ambush.

Thanks to this third-order top-grade傀儡(Kui Lei) that was a perfect match for his abilities, it had helped him, in the midst of chaos, to kill off troublesome Nascent Soul old monsters through underhanded means.

“As long as the spoils fulfill the agreed-upon tenth of the share, Daoist Jing, your conscience should be clear.”

Lu Chang An put away the storage pouches and said calmly.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Jing Wu Feng’s face faltered slightly, and he remained silent for a moment.

He then said with a bitter laugh, “To be honest, the tenth share I promised is still slightly short. I used it to reach the Nascent Soul stage, cultivate my magical powers, and forge the artifacts that protect me. My hands are currently tight…”

“I understand. After all, Daoist Jing, you went through life and death in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, and after coming out, you had to recuperate and evade your enemies. It was unavoidable.”

Lu Chang An was merely probing and smiled. “I’m not a greedy person. The rewards you gave me have already fulfilled my expectations. This can be considered as fulfilling the agreed-upon share.”

Jing Wu Feng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, admiring Elder Xiang’s understanding and his ability to know when to push and when to stop.

He actually regretted not setting an upper limit for the tenth share he promised.

No one outside had anticipated that the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall would be extraordinary this time.

“I specially traded for a fourth-order Blood Dragon Fruit in Yun Tian City. It’s the treasure core material of a body-refinement holy medicine, and even consuming it raw can enhance body-refinement cultivation.”

“Consider this my compensation.”

Jing Wu Feng spoke earnestly and handed over a sealed jade box.

Lu Chang An took the box and explored it with his divine sense. He discovered a dragon-scaled, blood-red fruit sealed inside, brimming with vast celestial blood essence.

This fruit’s value far surpassed that of ordinary fourth-order spirit fruits, second only to the 化婴(Hua Ying) Fruit (Transforming Infant Fruit).

Lu Chang An’s dual cultivation of body-refinement had already reached the peak of the late third-order stage.

Reaching the fourth-order in body-refinement presented a formidable hurdle. Lu Chang An had practically reached a point of no return.

His talent, opportunities, and celestial environment all served as constraints.

If he were to follow the conventional path of cultivation, it would take him hundreds of years to achieve fourth-order body-refinement.

The difficulty of advancement was even greater than reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

In the current celestial environment, body-refinement was more challenging than cultivating Qi. This became even more apparent at higher levels.

In the Dao of cultivation, one could occasionally hear tales of Ascensions. However, in the Dao of body-refinement, those who reached the fifth-order were unheard of in the history of the Tian Yan Continent.

This fourth-order Blood Dragon Fruit gave Lu Chang An a glimmer of hope for the future.

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, he could plan for opportunities to advance to fourth-order body-refinement.

…

“Daoist Jing, you’re thoughtful. This harvest has exceeded my expectations. I’m content,”

Lu Chang An immediately expressed his gratitude.

The two shared a smile, bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion.

They then conversed in a more relaxed atmosphere, like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.

During this time, Lu Chang An was curious about certain details that had occurred in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall.

“Daoist Jing, have you seen that rumored伪灵宝(Wei Ling Bao) (fake spirit treasure)?”

Lu Chang An’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

“That fake spirit treasure leaned towards demonic cultivation. I saw it from afar, but it made my heart tremble with unease. How dare I get close?”

“However, those Nascent Soul old monsters were mostly clueless about the true nature of spirit treasures, and their scramble for it was laughable. Sadly, my magical powers were weak at the time, and my abilities weren’t enough. Otherwise, I might have had a chance to compete.”

Jing Wu Feng sighed with regret.

“I heard rumors outside that Daoist Jing has clues related to spirit treasures?”

Lu Chang An couldn’t help but probe.

“That’s not true! Demonic spirit treasures don’t align with my cultivation methods. Even if I had obtained it, it would have been more trouble than it was worth for an early-stage Nascent Soul.”

Jing Wu Feng shook his head in denial.

“Elder Xiang, you wouldn’t believe such rumors, would you?”

“Hmm, those of us who cultivate don’t believe or spread rumors.”

Lu Chang An smiled and didn’t delve deeper into the matter.

If Jing Wu Feng had truly obtained a spirit treasure, knowing too much wouldn’t be a good thing.

Once a spirit treasure reached this level, it represented terrifying deterrence. There was no distinction between righteous and demonic paths.

As the sun began to set, Jing Wu Feng offered his farewell.

Before departing, he left these meaningful words:

“Daoist Xiang, we are both outsiders in this cultivation territory of Yuan Zhou. We must work together and watch each other’s backs.”

Lu Chang An’s eyes flickered as he watched Jing Wu Feng’s retreating figure.

The truth was that he had confessed to Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch about his origin from beyond the Great Abyss when he joined Yunxia Sect. His reasoning back then had been borrowed from Jing Wu Feng.

It was understandable that Jing Wu Feng had now revealed this point.

The two had cooperated many times, so Jing Wu Feng would naturally pay close attention to his information. Furthermore, he possessed various extraordinary skills.

Tracing back to the origin, the identity of Xiang Da Long first appeared around the forbidden territories of the Central Domain. He had no background elsewhere in the Great Abyss.

…

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch didn’t attempt to retain or recruit Jing Tian True Monarch.

Yunxia Sect had already recruited Elder Xiang and Di Yan Jun. It couldn’t accommodate this great Buddha.

With Jing Tian True Monarch’s reputation and achievements, even ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators would feel threatened if they encountered him alone.

“This man is connected to the spirit treasure clue and has attracted the attention of several Nascent Soul True Monarchs from the Central Domain. Be careful in your interactions with him, junior brother,”

Purple霞(Xia) True Monarch specifically reminded Lu Chang An.

“Thank you for your advice, senior sister. I’ll keep my distance from him,”

Lu Chang An understood Purple霞(Xia) Fairy’s good intentions.

Jing Tian True Monarch’s visit brought both advantages and disadvantages for Lu Chang An.

The good news was that he had gained a powerful True Monarch friend, which would make other forces more hesitant to target him.

The bad news was that he had become entangled to some degree and attracted the attention of more forces and powerful figures.

Did Jing Tian True Monarch not understand this?

Lu Chang An speculated that Jing Wu Feng had likely done this intentionally. By drawing him onto the same side, it would be more beneficial for the future Demon Sealing mission.

“If this man obtained the fake spirit treasure, the future is uncertain.”

Lu Chang An suspected that Jing Wu Feng might have obtained the fake spirit treasure.

This man, in the Ancient幽影石(You Ying Shi) Hall, was essentially an underestimated Nascent Soul True Monarch. Although his strength wasn’t outstanding, he excelled at hiding and stealing with his spatial abilities.

A Jing Tian True Monarch possessing the fake spirit treasure could theoretically kill ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators with ease and would also pose a significant threat to Lu Chang An.

However, based on the memories of the Listen to the Sea Pavilion’s successor, the “刹海(Sha Hai) True Monarch,” the fake spirit treasure consumed immense resources. Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle to control it. Even a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator couldn’t utilize it freely.

Listen to the Sea’s records mentioned a time when three Nascent Soul True Monarchs worked together to control the fake spirit treasure and confront an external enemy.

Based on this, Lu Chang An deduced that an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, even if he controlled the fake spirit treasure, could only unleash one attack at a time before his entire magical energy was depleted. It would also drain his vital essence and blood.

Although Jing Wu Feng possessed a thousand-year-old靈乳(Ling Ru) (spiritual milk), it wouldn’t only consume his magical energy and blood. It would also burden his Nascent Soul divine sense by several times.

Therefore, even if Jing Wu Feng controlled the fake spirit treasure and could kill Lu Chang An to silence him while he was at the sect, the risk was still high. He would also have to consider the aftermath.

“Before reaching the Nascent Soul stage, it’s best to avoid meeting Jing Wu Feng privately.”

Lu Chang An decided that, even with their past cooperation and trust, he couldn’t put himself in danger.

…

That night, in the secret chamber of the cave mansion, Lu Chang An summoned the fourth-order 青甲(Qing Jia)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Blue Armor傀儡(Kui Lei)) and together, they appraised the newly acquired pile of fourth-order materials.

“Great! Most of these materials can be used to create異靈(Yi Ling)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Strange Spirit傀儡(Kui Lei)) or strengthen my puppet body.”

The two balls of ghost fire in the 青甲(Qing Jia)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Blue Armor傀儡(Kui Lei))’s eye sockets flickered with excited flames.

“I’ll keep the Moon桐(Tong) Wood and Purple幽(You) Stone for myself. The other materials can be used as傀儡(Kui Lei) materials.”

Lu Chang An exchanged thoughts with Wei Kui Shi for a moment.

Even if they used all of these materials, it wouldn’t significantly improve the 青甲(Qing Jia)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Blue Armor傀儡(Kui Lei)). Moreover, Wei Kui Shi didn’t have any experience in crafting fourth-order mid-grade materials.

However, they had more than enough materials for crafting 異靈(Yi Ling)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Strange Spirit傀儡(Kui Lei)), even exceeding their expectations.

“Combined with the previous dragon bones, dragon tendons, and other fourth-order core materials, we have enough to create the core materials for the 異靈(Yi Ling)孔雀(Kong Que)傀儡(Kui Lei) (Strange Spirit Peacock傀儡(Kui Lei)). It’s even better than we anticipated. We can start implementing the planned crafting process ahead of schedule.”

Wei Kui Shi was already eager. With the materials available, they had a higher margin for error and didn’t need to be overly meticulous about the details.

(End of Chapter)

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