I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 368

## Chapter 364: Exotic Spirit Peacock

Several months later.

The position of the head of the Cloud Mist Sect underwent a change.

Hu, the former sect leader, had reached the end of his lifespan and had resigned, retiring within the sect.

Xue Feng, who had previously been stationed in Phoenix Cloud Immortal City, became the new sect leader, overseeing all sect matters.

Furthermore, there were various adjustments to the mid and high-level positions within the Cloud Mist Sect.

Those who paid attention could notice that many key positions within the sect had been entrusted to cultivators loyal to Zi Xia Zhen Jun, quietly and seamlessly transitioning.

This signified that the era of Yun Lan Zhen Jun holding power was about to become a thing of the past.

Lu Chang An remained completely detached from these events, observing the power shift of this Nascent Soul level sect with cold eyes.

Nascent Soul Zhen Jun were not sage-like immortals and also held personal interests. Lu Chang An understood and agreed with Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s actions, as they were beneficial for her to take control of the sect and suppress any potential instability.

Elder Xiang and Di Yan Jun, with their superior strength, were untroubled by this upheaval, remaining detached from the sect affairs.

Strength was the foundation of everything. Zi Xia Zhen Jun needed the apex battle prowess of a fourth-order sacred beast to maintain the sect’s power.

“It seems the chance of Yun Lan Zhen Jun returning after his Nascent Soul rebirth is slim. Even if he does come back, he won’t be able to shake Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s position.”

Lu Chang An surmised that Zi Xia Xian Zi had confirmed the specific condition of her Dao companion using the [Soul-binding Painting] she possessed, leading to these actions.

However, in the past five or six years, Zi Xia Zhen Jun had not shown the [Soul-binding Painting] of Yun Lan Zhen Jun to Lu Chang An again.

The Cloud Mist Sect still had cultivators searching for clues, but their efforts were significantly reduced compared to before.

…

Shortly after the transfer of the sect leadership.

Lu Chang An received a summons from Zi Xia Zhen Jun, requesting a meeting at the Grand Elder’s cave.

Purple Cloud Peak Cave.

Upon his arrival, Lu Chang An discovered two individuals in the main hall of the cave.

The leading figure was a white-haired old man with a haggard aura, the former sect leader Hu.

Lu Chang An noticed that Hu’s body was weakening, his cultivation base declining significantly, far from the peak prowess of a Jie Dan cultivator.

“Elder Xiang has arrived.”

Hu greeted with a bow, his wrinkled and aged face displaying a humble and amiable smile.

Behind Hu stood a handsome man in white, appearing to be in his twenties, a late-stage Zhu Ji cultivator.

“This is my descendant, Hu Ang, from the Hu family. He currently serves in the Xuan Feng Hall.”

Hu introduced proactively.

“Disciple greets Elder Xiang.”

Hu Ang lowered his gaze respectfully, his handsome features making him appear agreeable.

Lu Chang An nodded and exchanged a few polite words.

Hu had brought a Zhu Ji disciple to pay a visit to Zi Xia Zhen Jun. It was unclear what the reason was.

During their conversation, it was revealed that Hu Ang was a talented young member of the Hu family, with a top-grade spiritual root, who had recently achieved a great accomplishment.

The Xuan Feng Hall was a scouting and intelligence organization within the Cloud Mist Sect.

In the past two years, Hu Ang had demonstrated remarkable abilities. He had first discovered crucial information about the Big Serpent Mountain, thwarting a plot against the Cloud Mist Sect.

This information had saved the Cloud Mist Sect from substantial financial losses and casualties.

Secondly, six months ago, Hu Ang had apprehended three internal collaborators of opposing forces within the sect, one of whom was a False Jie Dan Zhen Jun who held the position of deputy hall leader in the Xuan Feng Hall, posing a significant threat.

These two achievements, reported by Hu, had drawn Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s attention, leading to plans for rewarding Hu Ang.

Knowing the reason, Lu Chang An didn’t take it to heart; it was a natural course of action.

Hu’s lifespan was nearing its end, and after stepping down, he would naturally need to make arrangements for his line, promoting a key figure for the future.

It wasn’t impossible that Hu Ang was truly exceptional.

However, achieving such significant accomplishments within two years could also be the result of Hu’s line’s machinations, not solely based on personal ability.

嗡!

A wisp of purple cloud descended upon the main seat of the hall, revealing a hazy and illusory, stunning figure.

“Greetings to the Grand Elder.”

The three of them bowed in respect. In front of outsiders, Lu Chang An didn’t address her as “senior sister.”

The Nascent Soul-level spiritual light receded, revealing Zi Xia Zhen Jun with a phoenix hairpin adorning her head, wearing a purple long dress, her slender neck and snowy skin exposed, exuding a noble demeanor with a hint of nonchalant laziness.

Hu Ang knelt in deep respect, not daring to meet Zi Xia Xian Zi’s eyes that shone like stars, his gaze falling upon the graceful and beautiful purple dress, causing his heart to quicken slightly, unable to hide his admiration and awe.

“Rise.”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun raised her hand, casting a brief glance at Hu Ang. The latter’s handsome appearance and outstanding talent found favor in her eyes.

Lu Chang An and Hu took their seats.

Hu Ang remained standing respectfully, his eyes fixed ahead.

Zi Xia Xian Zi inquired about Hu’s health before turning to the main topic.

“Elder Xiang has been in this sect for decades, and I have never heard of you taking on a disciple or successor. Today, are you interested in taking Hu Ang as your disciple?”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s star-like eyes flickered, seemingly smiling as she looked at Lu Chang An.

“This young man possesses superior talent and ability. In the past two years, he has repeatedly accomplished great feats without relying on his family elders. He is a rare and promising seedling.”

Hearing Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s arrangement, Hu Ang, who was standing respectfully aside, showed a slight change in his expression.

Hu stroked his white beard, displaying a degree of interest.

According to the original plan, Hu Ang would not accept any reward from Zi Xia Zhen Jun, but instead, would become her disciple.

If he could latch onto the Grand Elder’s leg, with Hu Ang’s talent and abilities, combined with the Hu family’s influence, his future in the sect would be secure.

However, Zi Xia Xian Zi, as a female Zhen Jun, rarely accepted male disciples.

Jiang Hao Ran, a direct descendant of her brother, with his exceptional talent and outstanding appearance and divine perception, was a special case.

If Zi Xia Zhen Jun refused, then Elder Xiang was indeed an option.

Elder Xiang, with the backing of a fourth-order sacred beast, held a lofty position within the sect, second only to Zi Xia Zhen Jun, and possessed extraordinary puppetry skills.

Lu Chang An’s mind raced, quickly grasping the underlying reasons.

Hu had devoted his entire life to the sect, serving with great diligence and achieving significant contributions. Hu Ang was a well-regarded and outstanding disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect. Zi Xia Zhen Jun didn’t want to take on a disciple but couldn’t decline directly.

If Elder Xiang were to take on a disciple, it would fulfill Hu’s wishes while also facilitating the integration of the sect’s direct lineage with Elder Xiang’s line, strengthening Xiang Da Long’s sense of belonging.

The only thing that surprised Lu Chang An was that Hu Ang had achieved great accomplishments through his true abilities, with a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun vouching for him, suggesting that it wasn’t a fabrication.

“Hu Ang, I shall ask you two questions.”

Lu Chang An didn’t outright refuse, his expression serious, his gaze piercing, causing Hu Ang to feel a heavy pressure.

“Elder, please ask.” Hu Ang responded with difficulty.

“Are you truly sincere in your desire to become my disciple?”

“Disciple…”

The smile on Hu Ang’s face became unnatural.

His goal was to become Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s disciple, harboring genuine admiration for her. He had no interest in Elder Xiang.

“Do you have the aptitude for puppetry?”

Before Hu Ang could formulate a response, Lu Chang An pressed him with his second question.

“This… Disciple has never tried, so I should not have any outstanding talent for puppetry.”

Hu Ang realized that Elder Xiang didn’t want to take him on as a disciple, so he followed the flow and answered truthfully.

“Grand Elder, it’s evident that Hu Ang is not a suitable disciple for this Elder.”

Lu Chang An bowed, reporting to Zi Xia Zhen Jun.

“Very well, accepting a disciple and establishing a master-disciple relationship requires destiny, and one cannot force it.”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s plans were dashed, and she cast a deep gaze at Elder Xiang.

Over the years, she had attempted to further integrate Elder Xiang into the Cloud Mist Sect, fostering a stronger sense of belonging between him and Di Yan Jun, aiming to turn them into her own people, but it wasn’t as smooth as she had hoped.

While Elder Xiang had a good relationship with her, she always felt that he hadn’t truly integrated into the sect, more like an outsider observing a play.

Lu Chang An pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully:

“This Elder, despite not having a master-disciple bond with the Hu family, can still cultivate friendship. If Hu Dao You doesn’t mind my Peak’s Xiao Steward, he can form a marital union with a Hu family woman.”

“Excellent!”

Hu’s face lit up with joy, readily agreeing.

Back then, when Di Yan Shu had ascended to become a transformed demon king, he had considered this idea.

Unfortunately, Xiao Qing Shan, with his strong affection for his Dao companion, Si Lu, was quite devoted and didn’t have any intention of taking concubines.

Now, with Elder Xiang making the decision, the matter was simple.

Under the witness of Zi Xia Zhen Jun, Lu Chang An and Hu reached a verbal marriage agreement.

Hu selected a Hu family granddaughter with decent talent and outstanding beauty to become Xiao Qing Shan’s secondary Dao companion.

As for the wishes of the parties involved, Lu Chang An and Hu didn’t inquire.

In Lu Chang An’s view, allowing Xiao Qing Shan to take additional concubines would be beneficial for cultivating the [Dragon Phoenix Double Tripod Technique], for his own good.

This marriage could also slightly alleviate Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s doubts.

…

“Today, this Zhen Jun will make an exception and accept Hu Ang as a registered disciple, making it a double celebration.”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun, after weighing the options, ultimately agreed to take on Hu Ang as a disciple.

Even as a registered disciple, this was an exceptional case.

Hu Ang, with his top-grade spiritual root, had a faster cultivation speed than those with the same talent, and his abilities were outstanding.

Besides the reward for his achievements and Hu’s plea, Zi Xia Zhen Jun also found this young man quite agreeable.

“Disciple Hu Ang, greets Master.”

Hu Ang, his expression shocked, filled with overwhelming joy, immediately performed a kowtow.

Lu Chang An offered timely congratulations, “Grand Elder gaining such a talented disciple is a cause for celebration.”

“Hu Ang, you are a registered male disciple, and it’s not suitable for you to reside on Purple Cloud Peak permanently. If you can achieve the True Dan stage in the future, this Zhen Jun promises to formally take you as my disciple.”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun encouraged him.

Every additional True Dan cultivator would serve as a strong pillar for the Cloud Mist Sect.

“Thank you for Master’s grace.”

Hu Ang kowtowed three times, his forehead bruised, expressing his gratitude and sincerity.

Witnessing this scene, Zi Xia Zhen Jun smiled faintly, finding this young man likable.

After the simple master-disciple ceremony, Lu Chang An and Hu left the fourth-order main peak.

Hu Ang, his heart filled with excitement, clenched his fists and took a deep breath.

“The first step in my return to the sect has been successfully completed.”

“Indeed, Zi Yan and Xiang Da Long haven’t noticed any flaws! As long as I follow the plan, everything I lost in the past will be reclaimed, one by one.”

Beneath Hu Ang’s seemingly agitated emotions, his heart remained calm.

He looked back at the familiar Purple Cloud Peak.

There, the figure that haunted his dreams, his beloved Dao companion from the past.

Now, with a new identity, he began to rise again in this familiar sect, step by step returning to his peak, reuniting with his former Dao companion.

Purple Cloud Peak, Cave Palace.

Zi Xia Zhen Jun sat quietly for a long time, her expression gloomy, and she retrieved a gray and white portrait.

The portrait depicted a man in a feathered robe, with a dim and extinguished divine perception, resembling a death portrait.

Three years ago, she had confirmed her Dao companion’s demise. The soul lamp of Yun Lan Zhen Jun in the sect’s ancestral hall had long been swapped.

The reason for not announcing Yun Lan Zhen Jun’s death was to maintain stability within the sect.

This would keep the opposing forces, as well as Elder Xiang and his favored pets, on their toes.

If the identity of the deceased was confirmed, external major forces and Nascent Soul elders might perceive her, a female Zhen Jun, as easy prey, potentially colluding with Elder Xiang, threatening the sect’s foundation.

…

After returning to Qingluan Peak, Lu Chang An declared that he was going into seclusion.

Next, he and Wei Kui Shi collaborated to comprehensively implement the refined Exotic Spirit Puppet scheme.

A year later.

Qingluan Peak, Underground Secret Hall.

A five-colored peacock, with a wingspan of several meters, stood majestically in the air, its vibrant feathers lifelike and beautiful, suspended by silken threads.

Lu Chang An and the Qing Jia Puppet stood on either side, lifting the peacock’s two outstretched toes high, carefully stitching its lower limbs with precision.

“We can attempt to activate it.”

After a moment, Wei Kui Shi glanced at Lu Chang An, whose forehead was glistening with sweat.

To train Lu Chang An’s puppetry skills, the final steps were entrusted to him, with Wei Kui Shi assisting and guiding him from the sidelines.

“Okay.”

Lu Chang An opened the abdominal pouch of the five-colored peacock and embedded eight meticulously refined high-level puppet crystals.

呼! 啪!

The Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet in mid-air opened its sapphire-blue eyes, its wings fluttering, and a five-colored stream of light circled its body.

A powerful spiritual pressure surged within the secret hall, radiating an aura of ancient bloodline.

This aura was similar to that of the five-colored peacock with its supreme bloodline from the past, but even more powerful, yet appearing violent, disordered, and impure.

咔嚓!

As the Exotic Spirit Peacock vibrated its wings, several five-colored blades flickered in the air, effortlessly severing the third-order silkworm thread that bound its noble body.

The five-colored blades didn’t stop, vaguely forming a small, dazzling storm, radiating a dangerous aura, capable of annihilating a late-stage Jie Dan cultivator.

“Stop.”

Lu Chang An executed a puppet control technique, and the Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet in mid-air retracted its spiritual light, gracefully spreading its tail feathers in a majestic display, flying back and forth within the secret hall.

“Not bad, this puppet’s quality is close to a fourth-order puppet, surpassing even what this old man achieved in ancient Tianta Immortal City.”

Wei Kui Shi expressed his appreciation, reaching out to touch the tough feathers of the Exotic Spirit Peacock. Every inch of its material was designed or crafted by him.

“I wonder how much of the five-colored peacock’s five-colored break-through prohibition spiritual light this puppet inherits.”

Lu Chang An altered the hand gesture.

The five-colored Exotic Spirit Peacock let out a clear cry, opening its beak and spewing a beam of five-colored light.

咻!

Where the five-colored beam passed, the air distorted, wavering between light and darkness, aiming straight for the prohibition formation on the wall where the secret chamber was located.

Lu Chang An had preemptively launched two third-order, mid-grade gold light defensive talismans, but the five-colored beam effortlessly brushed them away, instantly causing them to dim and vanish.

唔嗡!

Then, the prohibition formation on the wall, exceeding the third-order limit, shook violently and rapidly dimmed, ultimately unable to withstand the five-colored beam, leaving a scorched and smooth hole, about a foot deep.

The power of the five-colored beam dissipated and vanished at this moment.

“The five-colored spiritual light’s effect surpasses the previous third-order, top-grade five-colored peacock. However, it should not be as potent as a fourth-order five-colored peacock. Otherwise, it could easily erase a Nascent Soul’s initial stage spiritual light prohibition formation.”

Lu Chang An deduced a preliminary conclusion based on his observations.

Two days later.

Lu Chang An and Wei Kui Shi conducted a comprehensive inspection of the five-colored peacock, ensuring that there were no major flaws. Any minor issues could be optimized and adjusted later.

During this time, the five-colored peacock engaged in a brief battle with Di Yan Jun within a fourth-order illusion formation, but was suppressed and couldn’t gain any advantage.

Lu Chang An had assessed the Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet, concluding that its overall strength was superior to his previous, nearly fourth-order Qing Jia Puppet.

It might prove to be a decent deterrent against Nascent Soul cultivators who relied on their magic treasures, spiritual light, and talisman formations.

The downside was that the Exotic Spirit Peacock’s five-colored spiritual light was ultimately a fake, not reaching its ideal potency.

This was also related to the experience of crafting Exotic Spirit Puppets, as the artistry wasn’t perfect.

The high mobility advantage of the five-colored peacock, however, was inherited.

The materials used for the Exotic Spirit Peacock were of good quality, including the fourth-order dragon skeleton. When flying at full speed, its velocity was comparable to a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun.

Of course, this level of powerful puppet, including the Qing Jia Puppet, required a terrifying amount of consumption, demanding high-level puppet crystals.

The high-level puppet crystals Lu Chang An used cost over ten thousand spirit stones per piece. It wasn’t just a matter of financial resources, but also required the smelting of divine perception and puppetry power.

In a battle, it was equivalent to continuously burning spirit stones.

The cost-effectiveness of combat was very low, far less practical than a fourth-order spiritual pet.

Therefore, even if a high-level puppet fell into the hands of a low-level cultivator, they might not be able to afford the expenses.

(End of Chapter)

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