I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 370

## Chapter 366: Holding Down the Fort

Lu Chang’an understood the subtle message behind Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s words. She mentioned the enemy’s suspected involvement of a Nascent Soul cultivator, a key point from the previous Teng Ling Mine conflict, and the reason for this conversation.

Throughout the cultivation world, Nascent Soul cultivators served as the ultimate deterrence. General conflicts of interest wouldn’t easily involve them. In the relatively stable order of Da Yu Country, this unspoken rule existed. Therefore, the Nascent Soul stage late-stage cultivators of major factions held significant positions with independent authority.

“In a few decades, perhaps our sect will overcome the gap in generations,” said Zi Xia Zhen Jun. “But currently, Nascent Soul cultivators are still scarce. Xue Feng Zong mainly handles sect affairs, coordinating both internal and external matters. ‘Hua Du Zhen Ren’, who ascended to the Nascent Soul stage a few years ago, also needs to oversee the higher-level Xian City…”

Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s face showed concern as she described the current situation.

“Are you suggesting that I, or Di Yan Jun, take charge of the Teng Ling Mine and deal with the trouble from the Ye family?” Lu Chang’an pondered.

Currently, he was the only Nascent Soul cultivator in the sect with free time. Moreover, Elder Xiang, as a third-order superior puppet master, was stronger on paper than the other two Nascent Soul cultivators.

Zi Xia Zhen Jun nodded. “Elder Xiang is the best candidate. This conversation is for discussion, not coercion.”

“If Elder Xiang is willing to oversee the mine, our sect will provide additional Spirit Stones, pills, and sect contributions as compensation. Additionally, the third-order high-quality ores from the Teng Ling Mine can be used as excellent puppet refinement materials, and the overseer can enjoy a certain share annually…”

Third-order high-quality ores? Lu Chang’an’s heart skipped a beat. His puppet army was lacking a foundation and desperately needed high-quality materials.

This kind of task, overseeing a Xian City or an industrial base, was originally part of his agreement when he became a guest elder. Compared to the dangerous and uncontrollable cultivation wars, overseeing a defensive mine was relatively risk-free for him.

First, Nascent Soul cultivators were unlikely to participate personally. Even if the opposing Nascent Soul cultivators acted against ethical norms, Lu Chang’an wouldn’t have to worry with his self-preservation abilities.

Second, the Teng Ling Mine was within the Yun Xia Zong’s territory, protected by formations and with sect support.

“Di Yan Jun doesn’t need to go. There’s no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” Zi Xia Zhen Jun added. “As a transformed divine beast, his presence might escalate the situation, break the unspoken rules, and attract the Ye family’s Nascent Soul cultivator.”

Lu Chang’an nodded slightly. Zi Xia Zhen Jun considered things meticulously. He was indeed the best choice.

“Don’t worry, Zi Xia Shi Jie. I will take good care of the Teng Ling Mine and protect the sect’s interests,” Lu Chang’an promised.

“With those words, I can focus on my cultivation, practice my abilities, and strengthen my magical treasures,” Zi Xia Xian Zi smiled, making all flowers dim in comparison, her beauty defying the mortal realm.

Lu Chang’an noticed that Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s cultivation was approaching the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage. After Yun Lan Zhen Jun’s death, Zi Xia Zhen Jun had access to more resources in the sect.

Currently, her goal was to become a veteran Nascent Soul cultivator. To achieve this standard, she needed to either improve her cultivation to the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, increasing her spiritual energy, or enhance her abilities and magical treasures, building up her strength.

Even among early Nascent Soul cultivators, there was a significant difference in strength. For example, a Nascent Soul cultivator aged 300-400 years was different from an old Nascent Soul monster aged 700-800 years. The latter typically had deeper foundations and stronger abilities.

“I wish you success in strengthening your spiritual energy and abilities.”

After a few more pleasantries, Lu Chang’an excused himself. Zi Xia Xian Zi, with a smile on her face and elegant manners, personally escorted Lu Chang’an outside his cave, treating him like a guest of honor.

…

Time was of the essence. Lu Chang’an set off the next day. Before leaving, he visited the fourth-order Spirit Vein’s underground palace and discussed some matters with Di Yan Jun.

After their conversation yesterday, Lu Chang’an understood the subtle arrangement by Zi Xia Zhen Jun. Elder Xiang’s presence at the Teng Ling Mine would put him to good use. Di Yan Jun’s guarding of the mountain gate was like a stabilizing force. This way, Zi Xia Xian Zi could focus on improving her strength, occasionally going out to purchase and trade within Da Yu Country.

There was also a subtle implication. With Lu Chang’an away from the sect, Zi Xia Zhen Jun could spend more time with Di Yan Shu, fostering a deeper relationship.

Lu Chang’an sighed. As a female Nascent Soul cultivator, leading a large sect, she couldn’t be naive and innocent; she also had strategy and ambition. In this world, truly brilliant women weren’t simple and naive, because wisdom was also part of their charm.

Half a day later, Lu Chang’an boarded the sect’s flying boat and reached the edge of Yun Xia Zong’s territory. Aside from him, there was a Nascent Soul cultivator, three Golden Core cultivators, and over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators on board.

“Elder Xiang, the Teng Ling Mine is below us,” said a graceful and elegant Qing Chang female cultivator named Xiu Yu Zhen Ren, a true Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator who accompanied him. She was Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s disciple, sent to assist Lu Chang’an.

Following her instructions, a low-lying range of hills came into view. It looked dull and grey from afar, lacking any majestic or beautiful scenery. However, this mountainous mining area generated considerable profit for Yun Xia Zong.

The sect’s base at Teng Ling Mine had castles and market towns outside. In addition to sect disciples, there were also members of the Tie family. The heart of the mountain range was considered the sect’s forbidden zone.

There was a patch of verdant bamboo forest there, mostly second-order spirit bamboos. Eight third-order spirit bamboos served as the formation’s foundation, along with countless second-order spirit bamboos, creating a large Wood Spirit Formation that gathered heaven and earth spiritual energy.

This formation not only gathered spiritual energy but also served as an illusionary formation with defensive capabilities.

“Thanks to the Wood Spirit Formation, the heaven and earth spiritual energy here barely reaches the level of a third-order medium-grade Spirit Vein. Luckily, the Wood Spirit energy is sufficient, and with the added Spirit Stones and pills, it doesn’t hinder cultivation,” said Lu Chang’an, his eyes fixed on the center of the bamboo forest formation.

There was a standalone bamboo wooden pavilion in the center, constructed from second-order superior spirit bamboos. It had a small courtyard in front and a garden behind, covering several acres. It had everything, including a pill room, a refining room, and so on.

“Hidden Bamboo Pavilion.” This bamboo wooden pavilion was the residence of the Teng Ling Mine’s overseer. The plaque above the door had three words inscribed on it.

There were also some scattered bamboo houses around the outskirts of the bamboo forest, where other Nascent Soul cultivators, including Golden Core cultivators, lived.

…

“Elder Xiang, Xiu Yu Zhen Ren, you arrived just in time. Yuan has finally breathed a sigh of relief.”

A flower-faced old man, dressed in a brown robe, emerged from the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion. He was a Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator, heavily injured and depleted of energy.

“Elder Yuan,” Lu Chang’an and Xiu Yu Zhen Ren greeted the overseer, Elder Yuan.

Without further ado, Lu Chang’an and Xiu Yu Zhen Ren inquired about the situation at Teng Ling Mine.

According to Elder Yuan, the third-order formation at the mine’s outer perimeter was breached. On the surface, it was the other branch of the Tie family, split from the original one, who had attacked. But in reality, another group of cultivators with superior strength had secretly helped them.

This group was most likely the Ye family, one of the four great families, backing them from the shadows. One mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator, with a single swing of his flying sword, had created a gap in the formation at a crucial moment.

After that, the Tie Ling Mine was robbed, and the losses were significant. The enemy was vastly superior in numbers, and Elder Yuan, fearing the mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator, had to rely on geographical advantages, defensively retreating without retaliating.

“Was the mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator a sword cultivator?” Lu Chang’an couldn’t help but ask.

A sword cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage was more difficult to deal with than a typical Nascent Soul cultivator.

“Possibly, but he only attacked once, so it’s difficult to be certain. After that, he seemed disdainful of taking action, otherwise Yuan might not be alive,” Elder Yuan said, still fearful as he recalled the event.

Lu Chang’an pondered. The Ye family’s action seemed more like a test, without going all out.

If the Ye family’s Nascent Soul cultivator had slaughtered recklessly, it would have gone against Da Yu Country’s rules and ethics, potentially escalating into a full-scale war between the two Nascent Soul factions. After all, the Ye family’s goal was mining interests, not a sect war.

If Yun Xia Zong sent a Nascent Soul powerhouse, and they still couldn’t defend the Teng Ling Mine, they would inevitably have to share some of the profits. Following convention, they would negotiate and re-allocate the profits of the Teng Ling Mine.

The possibility of both sides’ Nascent Soul cultivators participating personally was still minuscule. From Lu Chang’an’s perspective in his previous life, Nascent Soul cultivators were like nuclear deterrence, balancing each other. A typical conflict of interest wouldn’t trigger a confrontation at that level.

With lifespans exceeding a thousand years, those old monsters were generally afraid of death. Unless it involved the survival of their lineage or a treasure like the Ancient Void Hall, crucial for their further cultivation, they wouldn’t fight.

…

On the clouds, two hundred miles away.

“Elder Ye’s plan is flawless. The Nascent Soul cultivator overseeing the Teng Ling Mine is indeed that Elder Xiang,” said a short, stout, black-skinned old man, complimenting with a flattering smile.

The black-skinned old man was a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator, the leader of the Tie family’s breakaway faction, supported by the Ye family, named Tie Dan Xin.

The middle-aged scholar-like Elder Ye, wearing a scholar’s cap and holding a feather fan, smiled.

“That’s true, but this Elder Xiang isn’t easy to deal with. Just the title of third-order superior puppet master is enough to cause trouble.”

“Haha! Since Elder Ye has planned this far, he must have ways to deal with him. Moreover, your noble family’s sword dao genius from the Southern Region’s ‘Celestial Sword Pavilion’ is no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator,” Tie Dan Xin laughed heartily, appearing quite convinced.

“Ye Fan Chen? Oh, that kid is missing again,” said Elder Ye, looking around, unable to see him, his brows furrowed.

Although Ye Fan Chen was surnamed Ye, he wasn’t from the main branch of the Ye family. He came from a minor branch.

Who would have imagined that Ye Fan Chen, with his average aptitude, had such extraordinary talent in the sword dao? While traveling outside, he was accepted as a disciple by an elder from the Celestial Sword Pavilion.

The Celestial Sword Pavilion was the dominant force in the Southern Region. Its headmaster was one of the three greatest cultivators in the Great Abyss.

Ye Fan Chen, returning home discreetly, was approached by the main branch of the Ye family, who were willing to support his further cultivation, promising him a beautiful wife and a famous sword.

“Elder Ye, perhaps he’s comprehending the sword dao…” said Tie Dan Xin with a beaming smile.

“What are you calling me for, Elder?” A lazy voice came from the Nine罡 Heaven above them.

“Fan Chen, Yun Xia Zong’s guest elder, Xiang Da Long, just arrived at the Teng Ling Mine. Do you think you can handle him?” asked Elder Ye, his face serious.

A vaguely discernible figure of a man with handsome brows, carrying two swords on his back, appeared in the howling winds of the Nine罡 Heaven.

“That third-order superior puppet master? I don’t know.” Ye Fan Chen shook his head, telling the truth.

A third-order superior puppet master who was also a Nascent Soul cultivator, who knew how many third-order puppets he possessed? If he had three third-order superior puppets, it would be a two-on-one fight.

“If you don’t need to deal with his puppet abilities…” said Elder Ye with a smile.

“Then I’ll handle it,” Ye Fan Chen said without hesitation.

He came from the Great Abyss’s top sword cultivation force. During his external journeys and missions, he had found that Nascent Soul cultivators at the same level were no match for him. Even the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Ye family in Da Yu Country couldn’t withstand him for half a moment.

…

Several days later, Hidden Bamboo Pavilion.

Lu Chang’an completed the handover with Elder Yuan, who returned to the sect to recover. Lu Chang’an became the chief administrator of the Teng Ling Mine. Xiu Yu Zhen Ren was his assistant. There was also an old man guarding the mountain, a true Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator.

Xiu Yu Zhen Ren, as Zi Xia Zhen Jun’s disciple, had a special status. Aside from assisting Lu Chang’an, she also had a supervisory role.

Xiu Yu Zhen Ren initially thought that the austere Elder Xiang would be more conservative, at most maintaining the status quo. Unexpectedly, after Lu Chang’an took charge, he initiated a “purge and purification” action that lasted for half a month.

On the first day of the action, Lu Chang’an’s puppets exposed an inner traitor among the servant disciples. This servant disciple was actually a disguised Golden Core cultivator. Caught red-handed, he couldn’t deny it and was immediately captured.

This was just the first step of Elder Xiang’s swift action. In the subsequent investigations, two more inner traitors were uncovered, coming from different surrounding forces.

Aside from purging inner agents, Lu Chang’an also issued an order: no living insects or birds, let alone larger creatures, were allowed to be seen in the heart of the Teng Ling Mine. Anyone who saw them would be killed without mercy.

The reason was that Lu Chang’an’s spiritual sense detected strange insects and birds entering the Tie Ling Mountain, controlled by cultivators skilled in beast control. For this, Lu Chang’an punished the enforcement cultivators at the mine as a warning.

“External security requires internal stability!” Lu Chang’an implemented his ideology from top to bottom.

First, he turned the Teng Ling Mine into an impregnable fortress, stabilizing the internal situation.

Under this slogan, after eliminating inner agents, Lu Chang’an began auditing the accounts, investigating corruption and embezzlement at the mine. The mine’s middle and upper-level cultivators were terrified.

With such a large and lucrative cake, how many of the incumbents had never embezzled?

Fortunately, Lu Chang’an stopped there. He only targeted two key figures, handing them over to the sect’s Enforcement Hall as a warning, without further investigation. Otherwise, some factions within Yun Xia Zong would have been implicated.

“Elder Xiang is indeed skilled. In just half a month, he has established immense authority at the Teng Ling Mine.” Xiu Yu Zhen Ren witnessed this and silently nodded.

People fear power, not virtue. The same applies to cultivators. The title of Nascent Soul cultivator may be respected, but if someone is a good Samaritan or an ascetic, the cultivators under them will be slack and lack execution.

…

One day, Lu Chang’an received the Tie family’s clan leader at the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion. This branch of the Tie family, affiliated with Yun Xia Zong, had been suppressed to a certain extent. The clan leader, with the highest cultivation, was only a Golden Core cultivator.

The Teng Ling Mine was originally discovered by the Tie family, but the massive profits from the high-grade third-order spirit ore were beyond the control of a normal family. If it had been an evil force, they might have wiped out the entire family.

Although Yun Xia Zong didn’t do that, they made the Tie family a puppet-like affiliated family.

“Thank you, Elder Xiang, for your mercy.”

“This is a heartfelt offering from me, representing the cultivators of the mine.”

The Tie family’s clan leader, Tie Jing, was a black-skinned, bald, strong man skilled in rough processing and ore smelting.

He then respectfully placed a storage bag on the table.

“Be self-disciplined and reflect in the future. Don’t repeat this!” Lu Chang’an glanced at it and waved him away.

Tie Jing, as if pardoned, bowed deeply and left the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion.

Swish! Lu Chang’an retrieved the storage bag, checked it, and smiled.

The storage bag was full, containing many third-order high-quality ores, suitable for crafting puppets. Tie Jing, a mere Golden Core cultivator, even with a share of the mine’s profits, wouldn’t have such resources.

This offering wasn’t from Tie Jing alone, but from the collective interests of several factions representing the entire mine.

“Tsk tsk, overseeing the mine is a lucrative job.”

“Zi Xia Shi Jie arranged this as a kind of reward, allowing this Zhen Ren to work hard.”

Lu Chang’an accepted this generous offering with a clear conscience, significantly speeding up the progress of his puppet army’s materials.

As for thoroughly eradicating corruption? That was unrealistic. Even with his superior status and overwhelming power in the mine, Lu Chang’an didn’t want to do something that would be more trouble than it was worth.

Who knew if the forces behind these interest groups involved the sect leader, the Grand Elder, or even descendants of previous Nascent Soul cultivators?

Lu Chang’an accepted the bribe, knowing that Xiu Yu Zhen Ren might not be unaware. But he wasn’t worried. First, Xiu Yu Zhen Ren also received an offering. Second, he wasn’t afraid of Zi Xia Zhen Jun knowing. Leaving some flaws for superiors wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

…

After the purge and rectification, Lu Chang’an established his authority at the Teng Ling Mine.

Lu Chang’an didn’t touch the confiscated stolen money from the typical embezzlers. He used this money to strengthen the mine’s formations, improve safety for everyone, and gain positive feedback.

To Lu Chang’an’s surprise, the Ye family, along with their supported breakaway branch of the Tie family, didn’t take any action, allowing him to carry out his reforms.

It seemed that the Ye family was somewhat wary of Xiang Da Long’s name and had chosen to wait and see.

“Indeed, he’s a puppet master. His spiritual sense is strong, and his senses are sharp. We left traces within the Tie Ling Mine, but in just half a month, nine out of ten have been eliminated…”

Hundreds of miles away in the clouds, Elder Ye smiled, still confident.

(End of Chapter)

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