I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 333: Taiyin Jade Essence

Lan Changʼan could easily discern that Xia Wenyue harbored an unspoken difficulty.

Given that Ice Moon Fortress had a Nascent Soul True Monarch overseeing it, he had secretly used a puppet clone to send a message and arrange to meet Xia Wenyue in private.

Unexpectedly, Xia Wenyue had brought along a “little tail.” Fortunately, Lan Changʼan had anticipated potential disruptions from the Nascent Soul True Monarch and had set up a fourth-rank illusion array in advance. He trapped Senior Sister Nalan within it, severing her connection to the outside world.

“How have you been faring in Proud Moon Palace all these years?”

Lan Changʼan didn’t bluntly demand the Taiyin Jade Essence but instead spoke in a relaxed tone, first catching up with her.

Sitting cross-legged on a lotus platform, Xia Wenyue calmed her emotions. Her gaze was tranquil, her expression serene:

“Thanks to Master Lan’s assistance, Wenyue’s cultivation in Proud Moon Palace has gone smoothly. My master and senior sister have taken good care of me. However, in those early decades, I often reminisced about... the days at the Xia family in Qingsha Bay.”

The word “reminisce” felt foreign and distant to Xia Wenyue.

In those early decades, the person she missed the most was none other than Master Lan. As a young girl, she’d often written letters to Jin Yun Valley, pouring her feelings into them.

But Lan Changʼan had almost never responded.

Later, she came to understand that Lan Changʼan had intentionally distanced himself from her, ensuring that others wouldn’t connect him to any ulterior motives.

As she matured and gained more experience, she came to understand many things—including Lan Changʼan’s meticulous calculations back then. He had even made her swear a heart demon oath as part of their agreement.

Thankfully, Lan Changʼan had always acted with integrity and had not deceived her emotionally during her youth.

Lan Changʼan had been her benefactor, saving her life and protecting the Xie Family of Qingsha Bay. These were undeniable truths.

From a purely transactional perspective, the agreement they had made back then was fair and just, with no deception involved. Lan Changʼan owed her nothing.

However, Lan Changʼan’s cold indifference and evasiveness during those years, as well as the truths she had since uncovered, had stripped away the halo of admiration she once held for him.

“A few years ago, my master tried to arrange for me to form a Dao companion bond with a Core Formation cultivator from her clan’s descendants. That man’s greedy and vulgar gaze... was utterly repulsive.”

“Fortunately, there was Situ Lan!”

“He shouldered a great deal of pressure for Wenyue. At times, my ability to move freely, refuse other suitors, and avoid unnecessary trouble was all thanks to using Situ as a pretense.”

On the Autumnwind Isle within the fourth-rank illusion formation, Xia Wenyue recounted her experiences over the years.

Over the past century, a persistent and dashing figure, like a gentle sun, had gradually attempted to melt the ice in her heart.

“Situ Lan? On my way here, I heard about this Situ Immortal of Endless Palace—a true gentleman admired by many. Word has it that he and Fairy Xia are considered a match made in heaven and are likely to form a Dao companion bond soon?”

Lan Changʼan smiled faintly, showing no hesitation in bringing up the man directly.

If Xia Wenyue had been moved by Situ Lan, obtaining the Taiyin Jade Essence would inevitably involve dealing with him.

Situ Lan was a peak Core Formation cultivator, a genius born with an innate Dao physique, and a personal disciple of the Alliance Leader Chu. He was just a hairʼs breadth away from forming a truly perfected, Immortal Golden Dan.

Moreover, Situ Lan was a descendant of Chu Tianfeng’s maternal lineage.

“Dao companions? That is still far off,” Xia Wenyue replied, shaking her head. Yet, a faint warmth flickered in her clear autumn-like eyes.

“Situ has pursued me for over a hundred years. He is a true gentleman, flawless in his conduct. Not only is he not detestable, but he exudes a sense of warmth and reliability. Just like someone from... back then...”

“Six months ago, Situ nearly lost his life protecting me. In the face of such a man, who has pursued me tirelessly for a century, if I were to claim I felt no stirrings at all, I’d be lying to myself.”

As she spoke, Xia Wenyue raised her slender finger, conjuring an icy mirror before her.

Within the mirror appeared the image of a tall and handsome man with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and dressed in a robe of silken brocade.

“Truly a dragon among men,” Lan Changʼan said with a slight nod of approval.

There was no denying that in terms of lineage, talent, and overall ability, Situ Lan was exceptional.

Noticing Lan Changʼan’s composed expression, Xia Wenyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“So, is this the reason you’re preparing to breach our agreement?”

Lan Changʼan’s smile vanished, replaced by an icy sharpness.

What did Situ Lan’s heartfelt sincerity and tireless efforts have to do with him?

Lan Changʼan had come for what was rightfully his.

“Master Lan, you misunderstand!”

Xia Wenyue’s expression changed slightly, and she hastily explained:

“Wenyue has no intention of breaking our agreement. I merely wish to discuss whether we could replace the Taiyin Jade Essence with another form of transaction.”

“No.”

Lan Changʼan shook his head, his refusal firm and unequivocal.

“Unless Fairy Xia can offer an Infant Transformation Pill or a top-tier Nascent Soul-forming spirit item.”

Lan Changʼan was not unreasonable. However, Xia Wenyue would have to provide something of equal value.

The Taiyin Jade Essence was worth at least half an Infant Transformation Pill in terms of effectiveness.

Moreover, its unique properties allowed for benefits that were unattainable through Infant Transformation Pills. The elixir’s rarity and versatility made it even more valuable.

After all, even if one had multiple Infant Transformation Pills, they couldn’t stack their effects. A cultivator could only use one.

“This... Wenyue is merely at the mid-stage of Core Formation. How could I possibly possess treasures for a Nascent Soul breakthrough?”

Xia Wenyue’s voice grew weaker as she presented her offer:

“Wenyue is willing to pledge a favor and offer my accumulated wealth from one to two centuries to offset the value of the Taiyin Jade Essence.”

Hearing this, Lan Changʼan chuckled softly and shook his head.

Indeed, if Xia Wenyue eventually became a Core Formation Great Cultivator or even a Nascent Soul True Monarch in Proud Moon Palace’s leadership, her favor would hold significant weight.

However, with the ongoing demonic path war, there were too many uncertainties. Whether Xia Wenyue could achieve such heights was far from guaranteed.

Even if she succeeded in reaching the Nascent Soul stage, it would be a long time in the future—useless to Lan Changʼan’s current efforts to form his own Nascent Soul.

Given his current strength, Lan Changʼan could already contend with ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarchs and protect himself with ease. A future Nascent Soul favor would not mean much in the present.

...

”Master Lan, at your current age and cultivation level, staying in the mid-stage of Core Formation makes the pursuit of the Taiyin Jade Essence meaningless—it’s practically a waste.”

Xia Wenyue’s gaze turned icy as she spoke bluntly.

Lan Changʼan was over three hundred years old and still at the mid-stage of Core Formation. At this age, his potential was clearly limited, making the prospect of forming a Nascent Soul an impossible dream.

The geniuses Xia Wenyue knew in Feng Kingdom had all reached mid-stage Core Formation—or even late stage—well before they turned two hundred.

“Who says it’s meaningless?”

Lan Changʼan’s face was devoid of expression as the magical power within him suddenly surged, climbing rapidly.

The cultivation base he had deliberately suppressed for years in Jin Yun Valley—mid-stage Core Formation—rose to late-stage Core Formation in an instant.

“A late-stage Core Formation Great Cultivator!”

Xia Wenyue couldn’t hide her astonishment, realizing she had underestimated him.

Her perspective had shifted since joining Proud Moon Palace, where the cultivators she encountered were far more remarkable. The Lan Changʼan she had once admired and revered back then had only been an insignificant low-tier Core Formation cultivator.

In a country as filled with prodigies as Feng Kingdom, Lan Changʼan’s abilities had seemed utterly ordinary, even among her suitors.

Yet she knew well how challenging the late stage of Core Formation was to achieve.

Even among the many talented cultivators of Proud Moon Palace, those who had formed strong True Dan foundations often struggled to break past this threshold.

Take her own Senior Sister Nalan, for example—she had yet to overcome this barrier.

What Xia Wenyue didn’t know was that Lan Changʼan was still holding back.

If he revealed his Immortal Golden Dan, it would likely leave even the lofty and composed Fairy Xuanbing in stunned disbelief.

Xia Wenyue pursed her lips and remained silent for a moment.

Given the current circumstances, what excuse could she offer to persuade Lan Changʼan to give up on the Taiyin Jade Essence?

“Fairy Xia, you are neither married nor have a Dao companion. Why not hand over the Taiyin Jade Essence to me?”

Lan Changʼan’s tone was calm, almost dismissive.

Xia Wenyue responded with a bitter expression:

“If it were as simple as handing it over, I wouldn’t hesitate—I would have given it to you directly.”

“However, the Taiyin Jade Essence is tied to a woman’s innate essence. To pass it on to a male cultivator, the process requires... the closest form of intimacy.”

Lan Changʼan’s expression didn’t shift, but inwardly, he recalled fragments of what he had read in ancient texts about the elixir.

The process of transferring the Taiyin Jade Essence required the active cooperation of the woman possessing it, especially if she had an innate Dao physique like Xia Wenyue.

Forcefully taking her primordial yin wouldn’t yield the same results, as it would disrupt the harmony required for the elixir to manifest its full benefits.

Additionally, there were claims that the Taiyin Jade Essence couldn’t exist outside the body for long—its essence would rapidly dissipate.

The most effective method of obtaining the elixir was through yin-yang fusion, where the harmony of both sides maximized its potency.

At the very least, even a shared intimate kiss—passing the elixir orally—would yield decent results, though far less effective than full integration.

“I see,” Lan Changʼan murmured, falling into thought.

Piecing together the puzzle and considering Situ Lan, he quickly understood Xia Wenyue’s hesitation.

Despite the drastic changes in her temperament—becoming the cold and aloof Fairy Xuanbing—her core values had not shifted. She was still a traditional and virtuous woman.

Xia Wenyue wasn’t opposed to the idea of giving away the Taiyin Jade Essence because of its value, but because of the purity and chastity it represented to her.

She wished to preserve her body’s sanctity for someone she deemed most important in her future.

Lan Changʼan didn’t see anything wrong with this mindset. In fact, he admired it to some degree.

But at this moment, this sentiment clashed with his own interests, obstructing his path to forming a Nascent Soul.

Even with her heart demon oath in place, forcing this matter would only complicate things.

In all his lifetimes, Lan Changʼan had never once violated a woman’s will, always adhering to the principle of mutual consent.

After weighing the situation, an idea came to mind—a solution that might satisfy both sides.

...

“Fairy Xia, are you truly certain that you love Situ Lan?” Lan Changʼan asked, his tone calm but probing.

Xia Wenyue hesitated for a moment before responding, “Wenyue cannot say for sure. I can confirm that I’ve been moved by him, and we share mutual goodwill. But as for true love? I don’t think I’ve reached that point yet. It requires more time and deeper understanding.”

Her words were honest. She had only been gradually touched by Situ Lan’s sincerity in recent years. They had shared no intimate moments and lacked the deep bond of genuine familiarity.

“Wenyue, you’ve yet to distinguish between being moved, having goodwill, and experiencing true love. Consider this—if Situ Lan truly loves you, would he care about something as trivial as a mere portion of Taiyin Jade Essence?”

Lan Changʼan’s tone was heavy with implication, each word deliberate.

Xia Wenyue nodded subtly. If Situ Lan sought her solely for the sake of the Taiyin Jade Essence, his affections would undoubtedly be insincere.

“If he minds it, grows dissatisfied, or even turns hostile, then it would prove that his so-called devotion was but a façade, his true intentions hidden beneath a calculated exterior. How frightening would that be?”

“How, then, would you determine whether his feelings are genuine or false?” Lan Changʼan asked, his voice laced with quiet conviction.

Hearing this, Xia Wenyue fell silent, lost in thought. His reasoning made sense.

It was akin to her own realization about Lan Changʼan—having seen through his calculated schemes from the past, her admiration for him had evaporated.

But at least Lan Changʼan had always been forthright. He had laid the terms of their transaction bare, without deception or concealment.

If, however, she encountered someone who hid their venomous intentions behind a carefully constructed mask, the consequences would be devastating.

“…but…”

Xia Wenyue faltered, wavering under the weight of her lingering inner struggle. She couldn’t quite cross the final threshold in her heart.

“Wenyue, both you and I are cultivators. We mustn’t allow ourselves to be shackled by worldly concepts,” Lan Changʼan continued, his tone patient yet firm.

“You need to understand—someone who truly loves you would willingly accept everything about your past. Your humble origins, your struggles, your humiliations—they would not care about the so-called veil of chastity.”

His words were carefully calculated, drawing upon the progressive philosophies of gender and agency from his life on Earth.

“If he truly loves you, he would cherish who you are as a person, not the elevated status of the Fairy Xuanbing or your innate Dao physique.”

Xia Wenyue contemplated his words, her eyes flickering with understanding. A moment later, clarity bloomed in her expression, her gaze growing radiant.

In that instant, it was as though she had opened her meridians, opening the door to a new world, enduring the infusion of new thinking and new ideas to cleanse her.

“Hmm?”

Seeing Xia Wenyueʼs reaction, such a quick “epiphany”, Lan Changʼan could not help but be stunned.

He hadn’t expected what was essentially a rhetorical argument—one that many men would struggle to accept—to resonate so deeply and naturally with Xia Wenyue.

It seemed this line of ideology seemed to be naturally easy for women to empathize with, regardless of the world.

Moreover, the cultivation world lacked the societal pressures of marriage, dowries, or familial obligations. For someone like Xia Wenyue, a Core Formation cultivator with a high vantage point, accepting such a mindset came far more easily.

“Thank you, Master Lan, for your guidance. It was my own attachment to rigid traditions that clouded my judgment before,” Xia Wenyue said. Her voice carried a newfound respect as she stood gracefully, her lithe figure bowing in a refined salute.

Despite Situ Lan’s persistent pursuit, Xia Wenyue now felt a twinge of doubt.

Not because she was inherently suspicious by nature, but because almost every cultivator who sought to approach her had one thing in common: their covetous desire for her Taiyin Jade Essence.

Even the lofty Nascent Soul True Monarch of Proud Moon Palace, her master, Golden Moon True Monarch, had schemes of their own.

Though she was moved by Situ Lan and had developed some goodwill toward him, she couldn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of ulterior motives.

Lan Changʼan’s “new perspective” had freed her from the constraints of her past beliefs, granting her a clear path forward.

Now, she had a plan.

By giving away the Taiyin Jade Essence, she could accomplish two things:

For one, fulfill her long-standing agreement with Lan Changʼan, repaying his kindness and dissolving the heart demon oath’s lingering burden.

For two, it would test Situ Lan’s sincerity.

If Situ Lan cared about her gift of the elixir, it would reveal that his interest was no different from that of the other suitors—focused solely on her unique treasure.

Xia Wenyue finished her bow and gracefully returned to her lotus platform, closing her beautiful autumn-like eyes without saying another word.

Lan Changʼan observed the silent, meditative Xia Wenyue as the cool autumn breeze swept across the island.

Sitting atop the lotus platform, clad in a moon-white palace robe, the ethereal beauty radiated a serene yet aloof aura. Her long, waterfall-like hair cascaded down her back, and her snow-like complexion framed exquisitely delicate features—arched brows, a fine nose, and cherry lips.

Like a celestial ice lotus in bloom, her elegance was untouchable, exuding a transcendent charm that deterred any sense of impropriety.

The silence stretched on, bordering on awkward.

“Fairy Xia, have you made your decision?” Lan Changʼan finally broke the quiet.

“Master Lan, as a late-stage Core Formation Great Cultivator, surely you wouldn’t demand that I abase myself, would you?”

Xia Wenyue’s tone remained cold, yet her frosty expression was tinged with a faint blush. Her words carried a mixture of indignation and subtle embarrassment.

“Ah, I see now, I was the one caught off guard,” Lan Changʼan sighed, shaking his head.

To his surprise, Xia Wenyue seemed to be taking action far more decisively than he had expected.

He hesitated no longer, stepping onto the lotus platform and approaching her.

Despite her composed exterior, Xia Wenyue’s breathing quickened slightly, her heart betraying a faint trace of unease.

After confirming there were no traps in her behavior or the surroundings, Lan Changʼan gently pulled Xia Wenyue into his embrace.

The Fairy Xuanbing remained motionless, her eyes closed, her expression calm and cold. Her only reaction was a slight blush on her face as her breathing quickened faintly.

It was clear she held no romantic feelings toward him. For her, this was purely a matter of fulfilling their agreement—nothing more, nothing less.

Seeing her detached demeanor, Lan Changʼan couldn’t help but compare her to another woman he had once known—one who was full of warmth and tender affection.

Lan Chagnʼan secretly sighed, it couldnʼt compare to Fairy Ni Yueʼs flavorful thoughtfulness.

“For the Taiyin Jade Essence, so be it,” Lan Changʼan murmured to himself.

The two figures on the lotus platform drew closer, their outlines merging in the moonlit haze.

…

The illusionary space surrounding Autumnwind Isle underwent a striking transformation, shifting from day into night.

A resplendent full moon ascended into the sky, casting its silver glow over the enchanting scene.

”Junior Sister!”

Within the desert-like maze where she was trapped, Senior Sister Nalan looked up at the luminous moon rising in the darkness. A sinking feeling churned within her chest.

No matter how many techniques she employed, how many treasures she summoned, or how loudly she called out, she could neither escape the illusion nor locate her junior sister Xia Wenyue.

“The illusion array here… Even if it’s not fourth-rank, it’s not far off.”

Her voice was tinged with frustration and resignation as she tried in vain to establish contact with the outside world. The illusion’s intricate layers severed every attempt she made to communicate.

In the heart of Ice Moon Fortress, within a crystalline palace exuding an icy chill, a woman clad in a golden robe adorned with intricate patterns abruptly opened her eyes.

The fierce sharpness in her phoenix-like gaze was matched only by its cold, calculating edge. Her crown, styled with phoenix motifs, glimmered with ethereal light, and her regal beauty was enhanced by the cinnabar mark on her forehead.

This was none other than the current palace master of Proud Moon Palace—Golden Moon True Monarch, a Nascent Soul cultivator of unparalleled authority.

Through the power of her Immortal Golden Dan, Golden Moon True Monarch had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage. Her talent surpassed that of her predecessor, and she had fully mastered Proud Moon Palace’s ultimate cultivation art, the Golden Moon Dominion Technique.

This domineering and cold metallic-element cultivation technique not only granted her unparalleled strength but also subtly influenced her personality, sharpening her already formidable demeanor.

Suddenly, Golden Moon True Monarch’s expression darkened.

“Something’s wrong! Wenyue’s chastity mark has been broken!”

Her fingers moved in rapid, precise motions as she performed a spell to confirm her suspicions. Moments later, her face grew even colder.

Years ago, during a critical period of Xia Wenyue’s recovery, Golden Moon True Monarch had secretly implanted a faint trace of her power within this disciple. This wasn’t a restrictive technique but rather a subtle mark to monitor Wenyue’s purity.

If Wenyue ever lost her virginity—or even experienced significant emotional or physical intimacy—Golden Moon True Monarch would sense it immediately.

Not even Xia Wenyue herself was aware of this secret measure.

Now, however, the mark had only sluggishly reacted after the event, providing Golden Moon True Monarch with delayed confirmation.

“Situ Lan! You hypocrite! You despicable bastard! You must’ve used some underhanded means to force her—”

Golden Moon True Monarch’s fury erupted, her face turning ashen with rage.

She knew Xia Wenyue’s character well—her disciple was disciplined, reserved, and virtuous. Her relationship with Situ Lan had only ever reached the level of goodwill; it had never gone any further.

For such a situation to arise, Situ Lan must have resorted to unspeakable methods, violating Xia Wenyue’s will and, in turn, jeopardizing Proud Moon Palace’s valuable asset.

BOOM!

A streak of golden light shot into the sky, tearing through the clouds above Ice Moon Fortress like a piercing sword.

...

Feng Kingdom, Endless Palace.

On the main peak of the third-rank superior-grade spirit vein, Situ Lan sat cross-legged, quietly tending to his injuries.

Suddenly, his eyelid twitched, and an inexplicable sense of unease surged through him.

Moments later, the steward of his residence hurried over and handed him an urgent jade transmission slip.

“Uncle-Master Situ, this message requires your immediate attention.”

Situ Lan activated the jade slip and quickly skimmed its contents. His usually calm expression turned dark.

“Wenyue coming to visit me? Nalan Qing also followed, but both disappeared midway?”

Situ Lan’s brows furrowed deeply, and a bad premonition gnawed at him.

His innate Dao physique granted him extraordinary sensitivity and intuition, and his instincts now screamed of danger.

“Wenyue, please… let nothing happen to you!”

Unable to suppress his mounting anxiety, Situ Lan finally stood up, his usual composure cracking under the weight of his worries.

“Uncle-Master Situ, your injuries haven’t fully healed—” the steward called out anxiously.

But before the steward could finish, Situ Lan had already disappeared from his residence, his figure reappearing in the skies above the mountain.

The clear, resonant hum of a sword echoed as he summoned his flying sword and stepped onto it.

Without hesitation, Situ Lan streaked through the air, heading straight toward Ice Moon Fortress.

…

The illusionary space of Autumnwind Isle dimmed as night descended.

A translucent white veil draped down from the top of the lotus platform, gently swaying. Behind it, a graceful silhouette emerged—an ice-cold beauty with peerless elegance, like a divine lotus maiden. Her form moved rhythmically within the rising tides, a vision of serene yet commanding dignity.

Around the lotus platform, scattered belongings told the tale of an intimate encounter. A moon-white palace robe, inner garments, jade hairpins, silken ribbons, and embroidered shoes lay strewn about. The lingering scent of her light, refreshing fragrance filled the air, intoxicating yet soothing to the senses.

At a certain moment, a slender, jade-like leg stepped through the drifting veil. Its flawless, milky skin trembled slightly as it touched the ground, betraying the owner’s weakened state.

“Fairy Xia, after such a profound experience, you must rest and avoid disturbing your qi and blood,” Lan Changʼan said in a soft, reassuring tone. With gentle movements, he supported Xia Wenyue, whose body was still weak and pliant.

Though her cheeks were still flushed with residual warmth, Xia Wenyue turned her head away, her cold eyes brimming with frost. Her voice was sharp and biting:

“If Master Lan hasn’t had enough, you may continue. Tonight, Wenyue belongs to you entirely. Consider it repayment for the debt I owe you from the past.”

Her words were harsh, yet as she spoke, a suppressed groan escaped her lips. Pain flashed across her face, and cold sweat beaded her forehead. Her body trembled as she collapsed into Lan Changʼan’s arms, utterly drained.

She bit her lip, fighting back a tide of emotions—shame, frustration, and humiliation. She had never expected Lan Changʼan to possess such vigor.

Logically, a mid-stage Core Formation female cultivator should have been able to endure, even for her first time. Yet, within less than half an hour, she had been overwhelmed, brought to tears as she softly pleaded for mercy.

“There’s no need for more. I’ve already obtained what I came for. I wouldn’t subject Fairy Xia to further suffering,” Lan Changʼan said, his tone calm and detached.

Sitting cross-legged, he began refining the Taiyin Jade Essence he had just obtained. His Immortal Golden Dan emitted a faint light, surrounded by a misty, jade-like liquid.

A profound and mysterious Lunar Yin Energy was being absorbed into the Golden Core. The sensation reminded him of the Innate Turbid Qi emitted by the withering of the Xuantian Fruit.

However, the energy within the Taiyin Jade Essence was fundamentally different—it provided a potent and pure boost to male cultivators, especially those preparing for Nascent Soul breakthrough.

As Xia Wenyue silently adjusted her qi, she glanced at the white-robed man beside her. His expression was serene, focused entirely on his cultivation. Her emotions churned with complexity.

In her younger years, when she had admired him, he had seemed utterly indifferent to her feelings.

Now that her affection for him had faded and she had begun to develop feelings for someone else, fate had played its cruel joke—leading her to give her most precious first experience to Lan Changʼan.

Eh?

As Lan Changʼan meditated, absorbing the Taiyin Jade Essence, an ominous sensation stirred within him.

“What? How did they find us so quickly!”

His heightened senses detected a powerful Nascent Soul aura rapidly approaching from hundreds of li away.

Lan Changʼan’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he stood up and quickly donned his robes.

Using a mental command, he ordered the Earth Burrowing Rat guarding the perimeter to begin dismantling the fourth-rank illusion array. He prepared for an immediate retreat.

The formation, while formidable, lacked a dedicated spiritual vein to sustain it and was powered primarily by spirit stones. Against a Nascent Soul True Monarch, it wouldn’t hold for long.

“What’s wrong, Master Lan?” Xia Wenyue asked, enduring her pain as she clung to his arm and hastily dressed herself.

“A Nascent Soul True Monarch is approaching at great speed. Judging by the cold, metallic spiritual energy radiating from them, it must be your master—the palace lord of Proud Moon Palace,” Lan Changʼan replied grimly.

“How could it be such a coincidence?” Xia Wenyue’s face paled.

Her voice trembled as she muttered, “Could it be that Master… left some sort of mark on me?”

Her heart sank as realization dawned. The timing was too precise—her master must have sensed the changes in her body and come immediately.

She glanced at Lan Changʼan, her face filled with worry. Knowing her master’s domineering nature, if Golden Moon True Monarch discovered the truth, she would undoubtedly kill Lan Changʼan on the spot.

“Wenyue…” Lan Changʼan started, intending to bid her farewell and escape.

But Xia Wenyue gripped his arm tightly, her gaze resolute.

“Master Lan, my master has already locked onto you. You cannot escape. But please, leave this to me. I’ll plead with her and explain everything. I promise you’ll leave unharmed.”

Her determination was unwavering. If Lan Changʼan fled on his own, he would undoubtedly be hunted down and killed.

Lan Changʼan looked into her tear-filled eyes and briefly hesitated. Was this all part of some elaborate trap?

If he wished, he could easily push Xia Wenyue away with a surge of power, even injuring her severely in the process.

But as he quietly calculated the threads of cause and effect, he found no evidence that Xia Wenyue had schemed against him.

Had this been a plot, Xia Wenyue wouldn’t have willingly given up something so precious to her.

“How bold of you, Xia Wenyue! To dare commit to such a private arrangement without permission—”

A cold, ethereal voice echoed from above, sending chills down their spines.

Buzz!

A brilliant, golden full moon appeared in the sky, spreading its radiant light over the area. Its glow covered miles, replacing the now-dismantled fourth-rank illusion formation.