I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 435

## Chapter 430:冥泉 Reinforcement, Saintess Marriage

In the frontlines of the demonic war, the Nascent Soul Zhen Jun from both sides mostly sensed each other’s presence, mutually restraining each other, generally avoiding close encounters.

However, the black-robed, crown-wearing Zhen Jun, upon sensing Lu Chang An’s presence, turned gloomy-faced and aggressively approached him.

“Lu Wu Gui! This seat thought you’d always be hiding in the rear of the Daoist Alliance, yet you have the gall to come to the frontlines to patrol and survey!”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun cut across the sky, his body surrounded by black wind and fierce flames, hiding his deep hatred.

He finally slowed down when he got within ten li of Lu Chang An. The Black Feather Zhen Jun’s thin lips curled up in mockery.

There was a prevailing view among the higher echelons of Beast King Valley: given the temperament of the Everlasting Green Zhen Jun, he wouldn’t dare to engage in life-or-death combat in the demonic war.

Because the Everlasting Green Zhen Jun had long remained reclusive and his whereabouts were unknown, Beast King Valley and Wu Jian Men couldn’t execute certain plans to target and retaliate against him.

Hearing the enemy Zhen Jun’s address, a hint of displeasure stirred in Lu Chang An’s heart.

With his current high standing in the Daoist Alliance, no one dared to directly call him by the old nickname, “Lu Wu Gui.”

“If it weren’t for Black Feather Daoist’s former ‘support,’ Lu would not have the confidence to personally intervene in the demonic war.”

Lu Chang An’s expression remained unchanged, a smile playing on his lips as he gently stretched his arms behind him.

Whoosh!

A pair of black wings, several zhang long, unfolded behind him, instantly stirring a swirling, icy black wind in the sky.

“Black Sky Wings!”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun roared, his eyes fixed on the familiar black feathered artifact, his emotions betraying his rage and frustration.

The [Black Sky Wings] was a flying treasure he had meticulously refined after paying a hefty price. It possessed an unparalleled speed that could awe the Eastern Region.

Twenty years ago, the Everlasting Green Zhen Jun returned to the Great Qing Eastern Region. The Black Feather Zhen Jun, underestimating him, was tricked by the man, resulting in the destruction of his physical form and the theft of his most powerful natal artifact.

After losing the [Black Sky Wings], even after the Black Feather Zhen Jun reconstructed his Nascent Soul body, his overall strength was reduced by severalfold, and his strategic position in Beast King Valley subsequently declined.

“Heh, with these wings, even a few Nascent Soul peers wouldn’t be able to catch me. This is naturally the confidence Black Feather Daoist has given to Lu.”

Lu Chang An remained calm and composed. The black wings behind him fully unfurled, and a pressure like a surging mountain surged outward for dozens of li.

“You!”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun was consumed by anger. He stabilized himself against the powerful pressure, secretly alarmed.

The [Black Sky Wings] not only completely lost its connection with him, its master, but it seemed to have undergone special refinement. It was now exhibiting remarkable power in Lu Chang An’s hands.

However, without the corresponding bloodline and beast-taming secret techniques, it would be difficult to unleash the true speed of the [Black Sky Wings].

“Lu Chang Qing! If you want to remain in the Great Qing Eastern Region, to have a path to retreat, then hand back the [Black Sky Wings] wisely. This seat is willing to pay a certain price to trade with you.”

“Otherwise! When the Six Great Saint Sects dominate the Eastern Region and Beast King Valley completely swallows the Daoist Alliance, there will be a reckoning, no room for negotiation.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun didn’t act rashly, instead, he coldly transmitted his proposal with a hint of threat.

Lu Chang An suppressed his killing intent, abandoning the thought of striking down the enemy swiftly.

They were currently at the frontlines, where both sides had numerous eyes and ears. If he were to quickly eliminate the demonic Zhen Jun, it would inevitably expose his abilities.

The Black Feather Zhen Jun had once been killed by him, and having learned a lesson, he would be on high alert.

Furthermore, his powerful divine sense perceived another unfamiliar Nascent Soul aura approaching behind the Black Feather Zhen Jun.

That Nascent Soul aura did not belong to Beast King Valley’s sect. It was even more profound and inscrutable, giving Lu Chang An a faint sense of pressure.

“Black Feather Daoist, don’t joke! The [Black Sky Wings] has become Lu’s most important life-saving artifact, it’s not for sale. If you want to reclaim these wings, we’ll see who has the upper hand on the battlefield.”

Currently, the demonic war had not truly restarted.

Lu Chang An did not mind the Black Feather Zhen Jun, together with other demonic Zhen Jun, attacking him in the demonic war.

After all, the fifth reincarnation of the [Nine Seal Stele] had already been lit by seventy-five percent.

With two or three more Nascent Soul spirit-body nutrients, it could be completely lit, unlocking the three self-directed reincarnation methods of the Nine Seal Stele.

…

While the two Nascent Soul cultivators confronted each other, a dim and yellowish Nascent Soul遁光, abnormally quiet, flew towards the Beast King Valley’s territory, from the direction of the former Chen Kingdom.

“Fang Zhen Jun.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun, his tone gentle and respectful, bowed to the figure.

“Black Feather Daoist.”

The yellowish遁光 fell from above, revealing a man with flowing robes and bound hair, seemingly in his thirties.

His features were handsome and his facial contours deep, his aura was reserved.

The newcomer was also a Nascent Soul at the initial stage. Lu Chang An, although not immediately hiding, felt a twinge of surprise in his heart.

There was a hint of familiarity and kinship in this Fang Zhen Jun’s mana aura.

This feeling was not from the Ancient Wood Everlasting Green Technique, but…

“Interesting.”

Lu Chang An observed from afar, making guesses about Fang Zhen Jun’s origins.

Not giving the enemy Zhen Jun a chance to meet and approach,

Whoosh!

The [Black Sky Wings] flapped, a massive black wind enveloped Lu Chang An, and with a speed that surpassed even Nascent Soul at the initial stage, he distanced himself from Black Feather and the other, returning to the border of the Daoist Alliance.

“Oh? So that was the legendary ‘Everlasting Green Zhen Jun’?”

After exchanging a few words with the Black Feather Zhen Jun, Fang Zhen Jun remarked with interest.

“That is he.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun’s cold eyes stared at the direction where Lu Chang An’s遁光 had disappeared.

“This man stole the [Black Sky Wings]. With the added speed, he’s considered top-notch among those at the initial Nascent Soul stage, even stronger than expected. Below Nascent Soul at the intermediate stage, probably no cultivator can match him, he’s truly a menace to our Saint Sect!”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun’s tone was filled with sorrow, he sighed.

Glancing at the calm and composed Fang Zhen Jun, he complimented with a smile:

“Of course, a peerless talent like Fang Zhen Jun is an exception. I imagine you’d be able to subdue this fellow.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun’s words, although flattery, were not entirely false.

This Fang Zhen Jun was indeed no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator.

He hailed from the “冥泉宗,” the leader of the six demonic sects, and was a special figure even within the demonic sect’s main sect.

Firstly, Fang Zhen Jun was the closed disciple of the Grand Elder of the 冥泉宗.

Secondly, he was the youngest cultivator to ascend to Nascent Soul among all existing cultivators in the Six Demonic Sects. He was undoubtedly a prodigious talent.

It was rumored that Fang Zhen Jun possessed some “前世宿慧” (past life wisdom), his path to cultivation was exceptionally smooth, and his abilities far surpassed his peers. He was suspected to be a reincarnation of a great being.

There were whispers that Fang Zhen Jun’s past life was a 冥泉宗 cultivator with a high status.

Perhaps through some mysterious treasure of the 冥泉宗, due to some karmic connection, he was brought back to the sect to cultivate in this lifetime.

In recent years, the 冥泉宗’s support had primarily been focused on the seven-nation alliance region where the war was more intense.

The situation in Beast King Valley’s territory was relatively stable. The original plan was to gradually assimilate the Daoist Alliance, even through peaceful means.

But with the successive appearances of Lu Chang An, the Earth Rock Lord, and Summer Fairy, the three Nascent Soul combatants, the Daoist Alliance’s pro-war faction gained a decisive advantage and began exerting pressure on the border.

The demonic war seemed on the verge of restarting, and Beast King Valley no longer held a significant advantage in terms of top-tier combat power.

At Beast King Valley’s request, the 冥泉宗 finally sent some reinforcements, including several high-ranking cultivators.

Although only one Nascent Soul Zhen Jun arrived, the leader, Fang Zhen Jun, was a special figure, and his arrival showed their sincerity.

“Black Feather Daoist, you flatter me! If the Everlasting Green Zhen Jun possesses the abilities described in Wu Jian Men’s intelligence, I fear I would not be his match.”

Fang Zhen Jun quickly waved his hand.

Whether he was being humble or speaking the truth, he wasn’t swayed by the Black Feather Zhen Jun’s flattery.

Following his master’s orders, he came to assist Beast King Valley. Fang Zhen Jun’s main objective was to gain experience, enhance his reputation, and secure some battlefield merits and benefits.

He had no interest in seeking revenge for the Black Feather Zhen Jun, nor did he want to engage in life-or-death combat with a powerful Nascent Soul Zhen Jun.

…

After a brief chat, the Black Feather Zhen Jun and Fang Zhen Jun returned to Beast King Valley’s territory.

Shortly after, they separated, each taking charge of different defensive areas.

“This man has no ambition to strive for superiority. Without sufficient benefits, it’s impossible to persuade him to join me in dealing with Lu Wu Gui.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun sighed in regret, contemplating.

Earlier, he had sensed the Everlasting Green Zhen Jun’s aura and Fang Zhen Jun was not far away. Therefore, he wanted to create a conflict and drag Fang Zhen Jun into it.

If he was truly alone, he would not dare to approach Lu Chang An and take such a risk.

If Fang Zhen Jun and Lu Chang An developed a grudge, it would be ideal.

Fang Zhen Jun himself possessed unpredictable abilities, and his master was the Grand Elder of the 冥泉宗, the leader of the demonic sect.

Unfortunately, Lu Wu Gui reacted with lightning speed, escaping the moment Fang Zhen Jun arrived to meet him, leaving no opportunity.

Moments later, the Black Feather Zhen Jun returned to Beast King Valley’s territory, a frontline stronghold in the northern part of the former Feng Kingdom.

“Greetings, Zhen Jun.”

“Greetings, Black Feather Elder.”

Along the way, the Beast King Valley cultivators in the fortified city respectfully bowed to him. Those with lower cultivation even prostrated themselves.

The Black Feather Zhen Jun ignored them, heading towards a third-order cave mansion within the frontline stronghold.

“Is Pei Zhen Ren present?”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun arrived at the cave mansion’s entrance, casually asking.

“Re-returning Zhen Jun, the master is in seclusion, she is not receiving guests today.”

The female Fake Dan cultivator at the cave mansion’s entrance stuttered, carefully responding.

“This seat has urgent matters to discuss with Pei Zhen Ren.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun, paying no attention to others, directly entered the cave mansion.

The female housekeeper and the servants dared not stop him, remaining silent.

The Black Feather Zhen Jun laughed and scanned the cave mansion with his divine sense. He discovered a stunningly beautiful, brightly-dressed female cultivator in the garden.

It was the former Peacock Saintess, Pei Shu Yuan.

Hearing the voice behind her, Pei Shu Yuan didn’t turn around, her expression void of any emotions.

The Peacock Saintess was good at maintaining her appearance, seemingly in her late twenties. Her figure was tall and slender, dressed in a magnificent, multicolored霓裳, retaining her former breathtaking beauty and nobility.

At first glance, she resembled a proud five-colored peacock.

“Shu Yuan, I encountered Lu Wu Gui while patrolling the frontlines.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun approached, whispering.

Pei Shu Yuan turned her head, her eyes, long dormant, glimmered with a cold, moon-like light.

Only that name could stir up a ripple in her meaningless, death-like existence.

Back then, she was tricked by Lu Chang An, her Dao foundation was severely injured, and she lost her natal spirit-beast, the five-colored peacock.

Her cultivation was forever stuck at the late Golden Core stage, unable to progress further, and she had long lost the halo of her Saintess status.

After listening to the Black Feather Zhen Jun’s account, Pei Shu Yuan pondered:

“Even Lu Wu Gui has arrived at the frontlines, it seems the Daoist Alliance is determined to defy peaceful submission and wants to restart the demonic war.”

“Shu Yuan, since Lu Wu Gui is involved in the demonic war, we have a chance for revenge. However, this man has obtained the [Black Sky Wings], he’s like a tiger with wings, making him even harder to control.”

“Unless, we join forces on the battlefield and find an opportune moment, we may have a chance to scheme…”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun’s voice softened, and he gently took her hand, its skin as white as jade.

Pei Shu Yuan’s arm stiffened, she instinctively struggled, but didn’t break free.

The man’s presence was aggressive, his hot and greedy gaze made her uncomfortable.

The Black Feather Zhen Jun, when he was still a 結丹期 cultivator, had been enamored with the former Peacock Saintess for a long time, but he couldn’t have her.

In terms of talent and family background, the Black Feather Zhen Jun felt somewhat inferior to the Peacock Saintess back then.

Even after he ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, he was still out of her reach, if not for the Saintess’s untimely downfall.

In recent years, the Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun had not opposed the Black Feather Zhen Jun’s mention of marriage.

However, Pei Shu Yuan had been hesitant to make a final decision.

Currently, the Black Feather Zhen Jun noticed that Pei Shu Yuan was no longer overly disgusted or resistant to his approach.

“Humph, the once-proud peacock will eventually become this seat’s woman…”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun secretly rejoiced, reaching for Pei Shu Yuan’s waist.

Marrying the Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun’s granddaughter was not just about fulfilling his unfulfilled desire.

More importantly, by joining forces with this senior Nascent Soul elder within the sect, he would have the opportunity to seek revenge in the demonic war and reclaim his natal artifact, the [Black Sky Wings].

Bang!

Pei Shu Yuan shimmered with multicolored light, deflecting the “claw” that the Black Feather Zhen Jun reached for her waist.

“You…”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun couldn’t help but feel anger. A dignified Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, repeatedly rejected by a lower realm female cultivator, his patience had reached its limit.

Pei Shu Yuan looked sorrowful, sighing softly:

“Black Feather senior, you are not yet Shu Yuan’s husband. A dignified Zhen Jun, why be so rude and impatient?”

Hearing the Saintess’s softened words.

The Black Feather Zhen Jun was overjoyed, the anger and dissatisfaction in his heart instantly vanished.

“Shu Yuan, you’ve finally come to your senses. We share a common enemy, we can benefit from each other.”

The Black Feather Zhen Jun laughed in delight, no longer touching Pei Shu Yuan.

The Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun’s cultivation and abilities were far superior to his, his lineage also held more resources, connections, and influence within the sect than his.

However, the Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun had a fatal flaw:

His lifespan was not long, and his lineage had not cultivated any new Nascent Soul cultivators.

If he could marry Pei Shu Yuan, it would be highly beneficial for the Black Feather Zhen Jun. In the future, he might even be able to consolidate the resources and influence of the Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun’s lineage.

…

Half a day later.

Lu Chang An finished his brief tour of the frontlines.

The area he was responsible for defending partially bordered the former Chen Kingdom, located in the west of the Feng Kingdom.

It included several fortified cities, frontline strongholds, and a number of outposts.

The Nascent Soul Zhen Jun within their side’s陣营 had emergency communication methods. If an unexpected situation arose, the neighboring Zhen Jun could arrive quickly.

Meanwhile, the Daoist Alliance’s fourth-order formation could also sense and detect enemy Nascent Soul遁光 and mana aura.

Under such circumstances, the enemy Nascent Soul would have a very low success rate in attempting a multi-to-one ambush.

The opposing Beast King Valley forces had similar capabilities.

During his border inspection, Lu Chang An discovered Beast King Valley’s scouts, spies, and even disguised bird-beasts acting as eyes and ears.

Lu Chang An did not directly intervene.

“According to the unspoken rules of sect warfare in the cultivation world, Nascent Soul Zhen Jun should mutually restrain and exchange pieces. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, they should not directly attack cultivators of lower ranks.”

“Of course, if the number of Nascent Soul cultivators on both sides is imbalanced, one side significantly outnumbers the other, and there are no pieces to be exchanged, that’s a different story.”

Although Lu Chang An did not personally take action, he dispatched the Earth Rock Lord to secretly investigate and assassinate beneath the surface of the frontline defense area.

From then on, he simply entrusted the patrol task to the Earth Rock Lord.

…

Half a month later.

Lu Chang An temporarily settled in the frontline stronghold, “Ice Moon Fort.”

This place was originally within the territory of the Proud Moon Palace, not on the border of the Feng Kingdom. With the evolution of the demonic war, this fortified city became a frontline stronghold.

On this day, a cold, white-blue虹光, accompanied by the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator, arrived at Ice Moon Fort.

“Greetings,玄冰 Zhen Jun.”

The newcomer was a beautiful woman in a moon-white palace skirt, her dark hair was high-tied, her waist slender and graceful, ethereal and elegant, like a blue lotus fairy from a painting.

“Husband.”

Summer Fairy arrived in front of the cave mansion and stood side-by-side with Lu Chang An, like a pair of divine lovers.

The two entered the cave mansion, exchanging a few affectionate moments before Lu Chang An spoke:

“Wen Yue, from now on, we’ll both be responsible for the frontline area near Chen Kingdom. It’s reassuring to have someone to watch over each other.”

Lu Chang An had discussed this with Chu Alliance Leader and received his approval.

Besides mutual support, Lu Chang An could also practice the [Dragon Phoenix Double Cauldron Technique] with Summer Fairy more conveniently, accelerating their cultivation progress.

Xia Wen Yue took over the area that was originally defended by her master, the “Golden Moon Zhen Jun,” a responsibility that belonged to the Proud Moon Palace.

Lu Chang An was not reassured about the Golden Moon Zhen Jun. It was best if he had trusted individuals guarding the nearby areas. Only then could he be confident in crucial moments.

Besides Xia Wen Yue, Zhang Tian Feng and Liang Sect Master were also Nascent Soul cultivators that Lu Chang An trusted within the alliance.

“Husband, has there been any recent activity from Beast King Valley?”

夏仙子 would soon be patrolling the neighboring area, so she proactively inquired about the situation.

“Beast King Valley is not fully prepared for an all-out war. Currently, they’re showing restraint. Many of the war beasts used in the demonic war have short lifespans. After decades, restarting the war requires them to cultivate them in advance, including the war machines, the ‘fourth-order Beast King.'”

Lu Chang An obtained information through the Daoist Alliance’s intelligence channels, including those who had infiltrated Beast King Valley.

Over the past few decades, both sides had engaged in trade and infiltrated each other, making it impossible to avoid lower-level informants.

“By the way, the reinforcement from the 冥泉宗, ‘Fang Zhen Jun,’ Wen Yue should be cautious. However, he’s mainly responsible for the frontline area bordering mine, so it’s not a big issue.”

Lu Chang An added a few words of caution.

Knowing the source of Fang Zhen Jun’s information, Lu Chang An was wary of him, understanding the Black Feather Zhen Jun’s malicious intent that day.

…

Three days later.

夏仙子 left Ice Moon Fort and went to patrol the neighboring frontline areas.

Lu Chang An pondered for a moment, taking out several divination artifacts, floating around him, performing some divination calculations.

“Don’t alarm that old bastard from Beast King Valley.”

Lu Chang An stopped there, faintly sensing the invisible resistance of the fourth-order divination天机, preventing further calculation.

With the celestial master’s remote blessing, his divination power was theoretically superior to that of the Grand Elder of Beast King Valley.

But he was still ultimately restricted by a level.

Upon arriving at the frontlines, cause and effect became more interconnected. If he delved deeper into calculations related to the demonic war, he might be detected.

Fourth-order divination grandmaster, this was Lu Chang An’s hidden skill.

As long as Beast King Valley or the Green Wood Zhen Jun didn’t know, he would essentially be invincible in this war and game.

This divination further validated his conclusions.

“Provoke the demonic war, seize the opportunity to acquire nutrients for the [Nine Seal Stele], the sooner the better.”

Currently, the 冥泉宗’s reinforcements were primarily in the seven-nation alliance region, where the pressure was higher.

Beast King Valley also had a small number of reinforcements in the seven-nation alliance region.

While Beast King Valley, the Daoist Alliance’s opponent, was not yet fully prepared for all-out war.

Right now, Lu Chang An needed a chance, a suitable entry point.

There were many justifications for starting the war.

However, the Daoist Alliance was good at defending, and a proactive attack could easily lead to them being defeated one by one.

For ordinary conflicts, Beast King Valley might choose to restrain themselves, they wouldn’t proactively initiate an all-out war.

Fortunately, Lu Chang An soon found an opportunity.

…

That evening.

The Earth Rock Lord, who had been patrolling and enjoying a feast, returned and brought Lu Chang An the latest intelligence.

The Earth Rock Lord had devoured many demonic scouts on the frontline, providing his master with the latest information.

“The Peacock Saintess and the Black Feather Zhen Jun are getting married soon? This is accurate?”

One piece of information particularly excited Lu Chang An, it was like finding a pillow in the midst of a nap.

Lu Chang An had never forgotten the grudge he had with the Peacock Saintess from their past pursuit.

If it were just the Peacock Saintess, this entry point would not be enough.

Eliminating or capturing Pei Shu Yuan wouldn’t mean much, it would simply be another hostage or prisoner.

However, the Peacock Saintess’s marriage to the Black Feather Zhen Jun, a political marriage between two major Nascent Soul factions within Beast King Valley, carried significant weight.

Moreover, Lu Chang An could tell with certainty: once the Ten Thousand Cranes Zhen Jun and the Black Feather Zhen Jun deeply united, they would definitely target him, their enemy.

“Master, rest assured, the information is accurate!”

The Earth Rock Lord confidently said:

“Last night, the Black Feather Zhen Jun announced the wedding date to the outside world. They are currently preparing for the wedding. Since the two sides are on a war footing, with the demonic war imminent. The two ‘immortal lovers’ guarding the frontline are not getting married in the demonic rear area, but rather in a fortified city near the frontlines, where they can easily hold the ceremony.”

(End of Chapter)

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