I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 429

## Chapter 424: Taking Charge of the Winds and Clouds, Emulating Chang Qing

The next day, Lu Chang An appeared, entering the Feng Guo cultivation world. The Nascent Soul cultivator’s aura triggered the sensing formation.

Within the Daoist Alliance, Lu Chang An didn’t worry about any schemes or ambushes from the Beast King Valley. The difficulty would be like entering the Beast King Valley’s territory and killing a Nascent Soul level powerhouse. Moreover, as a fourth-order divination master, with careful concealment, the outside world could hardly grasp his movements.

“Lu Zhen Jun.”

Accompanied by the roar of wind, Yin Yuan Hai, riding a wind-wheel artifact, arrived to greet him. Compared to his previous enthusiasm, Yin Yuan Hai’s expression was solemn, revealing no joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure.

After greeting each other, Lu Chang An boarded the wind-wheel and said in a low voice, “Lu is deeply saddened by your younger brother’s passing. This visit to Feng Guo is on behalf of Jin Yun Valley, to express condolences to Wu Ya Temple.”

“The funeral arrangements for Brother Si Tu have been made simple at Wu Ya Temple. Lu Zhen Jun needn’t attend personally, sending representatives from various sects to offer condolences will suffice.”

Unexpectedly, Yin Yuan Hai had no intention of taking Lu Chang An to Wu Ya Temple.

Lu Chang An thought to himself: this situation could either mean that Wu Ya Temple had some prejudice against him and didn’t welcome him, or that they were keeping things low-key to avoid attracting attention and attracting unwanted attention.

“Lu Zhen Jun has come at the right time. Not long ago, Master invited the Daoist Alliance high-level officials to the headquarters to discuss important matters.”

Yin Yuan Hai explained his purpose.

Lu Chang An nodded slightly. It seemed to be the second scenario.

It would be pointless to make a big deal out of Si Tu Lan’s death, fueling hatred and hostility. This would only raise expectations for the Daoist Alliance. If no concrete actions were taken, it would appear cowardly and incompetent.

Secondly, it would put Lu Chang An, the one involved, in an awkward position.

After all, nominally, Si Tu Lan was killed by the Beast King Valley in retaliation for his involvement.

Chu Tian Feng inviting the Daoist Alliance high-level officials was likely to discuss specific countermeasures and take practical actions. He didn’t plan to make a fuss over his disciple’s death and engage in word battles with the Beast King Valley.

On the way, Yin Yuan Hai solemnly added, “Master asked me to tell you: Si Tu Lan’s death has nothing to do with Lu Zhen Jun. It was a scheme by the Beast King Valley. When we reach the headquarters, Lu Zhen Jun doesn’t need to mention this matter again.”

“Alliance Master Chu is magnanimous. Lu is ashamed of himself.”

Lu Chang An bowed in apology, feeling relieved.

On his way here, he was still considering how to explain himself to Wu Ya Temple and Alliance Master Chu to ease the tension.

Unexpectedly, Alliance Master Chu had chosen to keep the funeral low-key and took the initiative to resolve the conflict.

This kind of calm handling, though seemingly simple, is difficult to achieve.

If it happened to one’s own children, it would be hard for any parent to remain calm. In the cultivation world, a centuries-long master-disciple relationship is sometimes deeper than the affection for one’s own children.

…

Upon reaching the Daoist Alliance headquarters, a golden moon-like rainbow Nascent Soul遁光 (Dun Guang – escape light) descended upon the Feng Guo territory.

“Palace Master Jin Yue has arrived.”

Yin Yuan Hai and Lu Chang An stood at the headquarters and waited.

Palace Master Jin Yue, adorned with a phoenix crown, landed before them. They exchanged simple greetings.

“Yin Dao You, please accept my condolences! Si Tu Lan, with his extraordinary talent and natural Dao body, died at the hands of the Beast King Valley, a significant loss to the Daoist Alliance.”

Jin Yue Zhen Jun expressed her regret and sighed.

She turned to Lu Chang An, her phoenix eyes cold, and spoke directly, “Lu Zhen Jun, if you had listened to this Palace’s advice that day, the relationship between the two factions wouldn’t have become so tense. The demon sect, vindictive by nature, would never have let it go!”

Years ago, when Lu Chang An visited the Moon Palace, she had proposed a compromise:

The [Black Sky Wing] couldn’t be fully utilized in Lu Chang An’s hands. The Daoist Alliance could buy it with funds and return it to the Beast King Valley during negotiations to ease tensions between the two factions.

Now, it seemed like reality had proven the foresight of Jin Yue Zhen Jun’s suggestion.

“Since it has come to this, there’s no point in dwelling on it. My master has already made a decision – Si Tu Lan’s death has nothing to do with Lu Zhen Jun.”

Yin Yuan Hai, with an impassive expression, brushed aside the topic.

“Alas, Lu is too focused on personal interests, lacking Jin Yue Dao You’s broad perspective.”

“Should the Beast King Valley make even more excessive demands, this Palace believes that Jin Yue Dao You and the Moon Palace will stand up for the Daoist Alliance, make sacrifices, and contribute.”

Lu Chang An simply made a sarcastic remark and didn’t continue arguing with Jin Yue Zhen Jun. He was preparing to poach the Moon Palace’s corner, taking Xia Xian Zi as his concubine, so there was no need to engage in pointless debates with Jin Yue Zhen Jun.

…

They entered the grand hall of the mountain city headquarters.

Besides Chu Tian Feng, seated at the top, there were also two aging Nascent Soul masters who had lost their mountain gates.

“Alliance Master Chu, please accept my condolences.”

After exchanging greetings, they took their seats in the hall.

Chu Tian Feng’s expression was calm, devoid of sadness, only a hint of weary frost on his face.

Since Chu Tian Feng had already reached a verdict, Lu Chang An didn’t mention his “responsibility,” omitting the customary regretful apologies.

After waiting for half a day, the Six Yang Zhen Jun of the Jin Yang Zong and the Li Hai of the Xuan Yin Jiao arrived successively.

The Jing Guo only had one Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, stationed at the frontlines. Li Hai represented the Xuan Yin Jiao to express condolences. He had been invited midway to represent his master.

“Junior Li Hai, I pay my respects to Lu Zhen Jun.”

Li Hai, adopting a respectful posture, deliberately paid respects to Lu Chang An, addressing him as a junior.

Lu Chang An examined Li Hai.

He was now middle-aged, wearing a black robe, with a tall and sturdy physique and peak-level Jindan cultivation.

From his facial features, Lu Chang An vaguely recalled the ambitious Xuan Yin Jiao senior disciple from hundreds of years ago in the Liang Guo Qing Ming Secret Realm.

Li Hai, a Di Ling Gen (Earth Spirit Root) genius, was actually even more talented than his master. However, the Xuan Yin Jiao, with its many years of foundation, could not provide a second set of resources for achieving Nascent Soul in that era, causing him to miss the optimal age for advancement.

After all the high-level representatives were present, Chu Tian Feng finally got to the point, discussing the strategy to deal with the Beast King Valley.

It wasn’t just about Si Tu Lan’s death.

The demon sects had been making significant moves in recent years. The Ming Quan Zong had freed up resources to support other sects.

It was precisely at this juncture that the Beast King Valley launched a forceful counterattack.

“Si Tu Lan died at the hands of the ‘Absolute Shadow Zhen Jun,’ a new rising star in the Wu Jian Men of recent decades.”

“Absolute Shadow is exceptionally talented and excels at stealth and assassination. He cultivated a shadow technique that allows him to control shadows from a distance to assassinate, posing a threat to the Nascent Soul threshold. It’s hard for a lone Jindan cultivator to defend against such an attack.”

“This time, Wu Ya Temple discovered a traitor among its inner disciples. They found a Wu Jian Men base in Feng Guo territory, but the core personnel had already relocated. They only captured a fake Jindan cultivator and several Jindan members.”

Chu Tian Feng first revealed the inside story of this incident.

If the information hadn’t leaked, and if there hadn’t been a Wu Jian Men Nascent Soul Zhen Jun behind the scenes, Si Tu Lan, as Alliance Master Chu’s direct disciple, wouldn’t have been easily defeated by a few Jindan cultivators in a short time.

“Absolute Shadow Zhen Jun?”

Lu Chang An muttered the name, thinking of Xing Peng’s older cousin, the former Absolute Shadow Head.

In the battle with the former Shattered Sea Zhen Jun, the Wu Jian Men suffered heavy losses, and only the Absolute Shadow Head escaped.

Out of respect for Xing Peng’s last request, Lu Chang An had spared the unconscious Absolute Shadow Head.

At that time, Lu Chang An was only a late Jindan cultivator. He saw that the Absolute Shadow Head had extraordinary luck and was highly valued by the Wu Jian Men’s upper echelon, so he had some reservations.

Using the alias of the “Heavenly Daoist,” Lu Chang An gave the Absolute Shadow Head a healing pill and left behind the name.

Hundreds of years later, the former Absolute Shadow Head had indeed made remarkable achievements and was now a top-level figure in the Wu Jian Men.

…

In the hall, regarding countermeasures against the Beast King Valley, the pro-war faction and the pro-peace faction disagreed.

Six Yang Zhen Jun pondered, “Alliance Master Chu has identified the traitor and struck at the Wu Jian Men’s base, achieving some results. Over the next few years, the Daoist Alliance’s three countries should increase their efforts to thoroughly investigate and clean up the Wu Jian Men traitors and spies. After accumulating results, we will have an explanation to the outside world.”

“We’ve been constantly investigating Wu Jian Men spies and bases; how can we be so perfunctory? The demon sect violated the unspoken rules and used Nascent Soul power. We must retaliate in kind, at least make them pay a comparable price.”

Wei Zhen Jun, who once came from the Blood Sword Valley but whose mountain gate had been destroyed, frowned, his aged, orange-peel-like face showing displeasure.

Jin Yue Zhen Jun sneered, “The Beast King Valley’s counterattack is primarily about finding a justifiable excuse. A Nascent Soul elder was stripped of his 法身 (Fa Shen – Dao body), so it’s natural for the demon sect to take action. This Palace supports Six Yang Dao You’s strategy. It’s best not to escalate the conflict. We should avoid a cultivation war, at least to have an explanation to the outside world.”

“Li believes that the Beast King Valley’s counterattack is related to the demon sect’s overall strategy. Even without the Black Feather Zhen Jun incident, they would find other pretexts. This attack is probably a test of our bottom line, attempting to divide the Daoist Alliance internally.”

Li Hai, being a Jindan cultivator, was more tactful in his words.

Chu Tian Feng, with an impassive expression, occasionally showing thought, didn’t make a clear decision.

“Lu Zhen Jun, what are your suggestions?”

Alliance Master Chu’s deep and calm gaze fell upon Lu Chang An.

Lu Chang An’s presence was equivalent to two Nascent Soul powers, giving him significant influence in the Daoist Alliance.

“Lu suggests that the Daoist Alliance use this incident as an excuse to deploy troops on the border, mobilize high-level cultivators, and have Nascent Soul Zhen Jun stationed there. The Daoist Alliance should enter a state of semi-preparedness to put enough pressure on the Beast King Valley.”

Lu Chang An spoke calmly but shockingly.

Jin Yue Zhen Jun’s face turned cold, and she said in a deep voice, “Lu Zhen Jun, don’t joke around! Should we restart the cultivation war for the sake of so-called face and dignity, putting the millions of cultivators in the Daoist Alliance in danger?”

“One wrong move, and you’ll lose any chance of retreat, perhaps plunging into the abyss and becoming the eternal sinner of the Daoist Alliance nations!”

“Ahem! Jin Yue Dao You, you are exaggerating. Lu’s suggestion isn’t about simply retaliating for Si Tu Lan’s death.”

Lu Chang An couldn’t help but feel embarrassed; he didn’t expect Jin Yue Zhen Jun to be so sharp-tongued.

However, these Nascent Soul Zhen Jun in the hall did hold the fate of countless cultivators, countless lives in this realm.

The other Zhen Jun, while a bit surprised, showed signs of contemplation.

Jin Yue Zhen Jun also came to her senses, her expression softening slightly.

“Lu Zhen Jun’s idea is in line with this Palace’s thinking.”

Chu Tian Feng’s face showed approval, and he finally stated his stance:

“If the Daoist Alliance remains complacent and doesn’t put pressure on the enemy, the Beast King Valley might send one or two Nascent Soul, including fourth-order Beast King war machines, to support the Blood Spirit Gate and the Phantom Demon Palace. If that happens, the Seven Nation Alliance will be attacked on multiple fronts, and the situation will inevitably collapse!”

“Once the Seven Nation Alliance falls, the Daoist Alliance will be next. At that time, we’ll completely lose our bargaining power and become fish on a chopping block.”

Hearing this, everyone present was startled.

Even the pro-peace faction didn’t want to see such a terrible situation where they had no leverage and were at the mercy of others.

“Lu Zhen Jun’s method is feasible. It can demonstrate our forceful counterattack stance and put pressure on the Beast King Valley, preventing them from supporting the demon forces on the Seven Nation Alliance side.”

Six Yang Zhen Jun’s voice was deep. As a pro-peace faction member, he also chose to agree.

With Chu Tian Feng, Lu Chang An, and Six Yang Zhen Jun expressing their opinions, the other cultivators had no choice but to agree.

Soon after, the Daoist Alliance would mobilize major factions to enter a state of semi-preparedness.

This was the first time Lu Chang An participated in a major decision-making meeting of the Daoist Alliance, becoming a chess player at the peak, pushing and influencing the fate of this cultivation realm.

…

Over the next half-day, the elders present discussed the mobilization of personnel and resources for the state of readiness.

This involved complex interests. They could only set a rough outline at the beginning, and subsequent discussions would be required to coordinate various cultivation factions.

After the meeting, the representatives of various factions left the Daoist Alliance headquarters.

Lu Chang An chose to stay behind.

As a Daoist Alliance elder, even if he stayed in the headquarters to cultivate during wartime, it wouldn’t be inappropriate.

“Alliance Master Chu, I might stay at the Daoist Alliance headquarters for a while to cultivate.”

Lu Chang An smiled.

Chu Tian Feng was somewhat surprised.

He had assumed that Lu Chang An had something important to discuss but didn’t expect him to actually stay for a while.

After all, Alliance Master Chu’s direct disciple had died because of Lu Chang An. At this point, their relationship was a bit delicate, so they should avoid contact.

“Lu is staying at the Daoist Alliance headquarters for two reasons.”

Lu Chang An said calmly and confidently:

“First, I’m willing to help the Daoist Alliance find the Wu Jian Men or Beast King Valley spies and bases. We should at least find the late Jindan high-level officials, enough to retaliate against the demon sect’s counterattack.”

“The Wu Jian Men is good at infiltration and hiding. Are you sure you can accomplish this, Lu Zhen Jun?”

Chu Tian Feng stood with his hands behind his back, his figure as tall and straight as a peak, his demeanor noble. Now, a hint of joy appeared on his impassive face.

“I should have a fifty to sixty percent chance.”

Lu Chang An smiled easily.

As long as the Daoist Alliance provides him with sufficient intelligence, finding a demon sect official below the Nascent Soul level would be a simple matter for a fourth-order divination master.

The key is that the Beast King Valley and the Wu Jian Men would never imagine that Lu Chang An possesses fourth-order divination skills.

They might think that Lu Chang An has extraordinary luck, protected by the Heavenly Master’s Heavenly Dao, or possesses a treasure that can conceal divination.

“These are some of the related intelligence the Daoist Alliance has gathered.”

Chu Tian Feng, trusting Lu Chang An, took out a jade slip, engraved with confidential information, and gave it to him.

“I also have a small matter that needs Alliance Master Chu’s help…”

Lu Chang An then mentioned his plan to take a concubine.

“Now that we are entering a state of preparation for war, it shouldn’t be difficult to arrange for Xia Wen Yue to take a position in the Daoist Alliance headquarters. However, if Jin Yue Dao You finds out later, it might cause friction.”

After listening to Lu Chang An’s specific (freeloading) plan, Chu Tian Feng was stunned, his face twitching slightly.

Lu Chang An could have openly taken a concubine by paying a price.

Of course, he also understood that Lu Chang An was at odds with Jin Yue Zhen Jun and didn’t want to please her.

“Haha, if the Daoist Alliance has hope of producing another Nascent Soul cultivator, they can’t be completely aligned with the pro-peace faction and Jin Yue Zhen Jun, entirely leaning towards the Moon Palace, can they?”

Lu Chang An laughed lightly.

“Lu Zhen Jun, are you suggesting…?”

Chu Tian Feng, moved, expressed surprise for the first time, his sharp gaze fixed on Lu Chang An.

Lu Chang An nodded, confirming his guess.

“If that’s the case, Chu will definitely cooperate!”

Chu Tian Feng was delighted and immediately agreed to the plan.

As the Daoist Alliance’s leader, Chu Tian Feng was deeply anxious about the lack of top-tier combat power within the faction.

Out of master-disciple affection, he gave Si Tu Lan a chance, but the latter also needed to prepare some resources for achieving Nascent Soul.

Si Tu Lan failed, and the resources he had prepared for achieving Nascent Soul were taken by the Wu Jian Men.

Chu Tian Feng, heartbroken and depressed, had to remain composed and impartial in his judgment.

Lu Chang An’s current actions were like sending charcoal in snowy weather.

The Beast King Valley had found a pretext to kill off a budding Nascent Soul in the Daoist Alliance. If they could quickly cultivate a new Nascent Soul, it would be the strongest slap in the face.

Lu Chang An also confirmed that Chu Tian Feng had the character to tolerate others and was willing to support talents from other sects, so he revealed his plan to him.

…

Half a month later.

The Daoist Alliance had entered a state of preparedness, with major factions in the three countries in a state of panic and chaos.

Some lower-level cultivators who didn’t know the truth fled.

As a result, they were caught by the prepared Daoist Alliance law enforcement cultivators.

The fake wartime mobilization had indeed exposed some problems, all within Lu Chang An’s expectations.

The captured fleeing cultivators were naturally severely punished.

Some of the fleeing cultivators tried to argue, shouting:

“We are not fleeing; we are emulating ‘Chang Qing Zhen Jun,’ first protecting ourselves and then repaying our homeland when our cultivation is strong in the future!”

These words were immediately echoed by others:

“Yes! We are only weak, but we will keep our determination and will to fight the demons for the future.”

Slap! Slap!

The Jindan Zhen Jun of the law enforcement team slapped several of them:

“You dare to slander ‘Chang Qing Zhen Jun,’ your crime is aggravated!”

“Ah?!”

The few fleeing cultivators who used Chang Qing Zhen Jun as a shield were stunned.

Chang Qing Zhen Jun could do the same thing, but they couldn’t?

Just mentioning it, not only did it not earn them forgiveness, but they even faced a more severe punishment?

“Humph! Ignorant brats, you dare to imitate Chang Qing’s legend?”

The Jindan cultivator of the law enforcement team sneered sarcastically.

“Don’t you bother to find out where this strategy that caught you fleeing came from?”

…

(End of Chapter)

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