I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 423: Demon Path Holds Back, Evergreen Takes a Concubine

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A few days later, Proud Moon Palace agreed to the Righteous Dao Alliance headquartersʼ transfer of Xia Wenyue.

Working at the headquarters involved the allocation of human resources from major factions, including supervision and inspections. This held many potential benefits for the involved sect.

Golden Moon True Monarch had previously voiced complaints, believing that Proud Moon Palace had too few cultivators holding key positions in the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters.

Thus, even though she sensed that there was an element of ”special care” from Lan Changʼan, Golden Moon True Monarch did not refuse this opportunity to place one of her own in the headquarters.

Proud Moon Palace, Golden Moon Hall.

”Wenyue, taking up a key position at the headquarters is an excellent opportunity for your training. As an elder of our palace, you must remember your mission, to strive for Proud Moon Palaceʼs interests. If you come across any significant information related to major benefits, find a way to report back to your master.”

Seated at the head of the hall, Golden Moon True Monarch wore a rare, amiable smile as she earnestly instructed her disciple.

”Your disciple obeys your command.”

Xia Wenyue remained composed, her demeanor cool and serene.
”If you can secure benefits for Proud Moon Palace and obtain important information, this master has a main ingredient for Nascent Soul formation, as well as a superior Nascent Soul spirit item, which will be awarded to you as a priority in the future.”

Golden Moon True Monarch smiled faintly, offering substantial rewards.

After all, they had a master-disciple relationship spanning over two hundred years, and their bond had been good in the early years. Under the temptation of Nascent Soul formation opportunities, she believed Xia Wenyue would not dare defy her authority.

”As for that turtle Lan, he is cunning and stingy, utterly insincere. Just play along with him on the surface, do not let yourself be deceived.”

Golden Moon True Monarch added another instruction.

During Lan Changʼanʼs last visit, he had only met with Xia Wenyue for half an hour. She didn’t believe he could exert much influence over her.

Back then, Lan Changʼan had swindled the Taiyin Jade Essence and then fled. Xia Wenyue, proud and disillusioned, had refused his request the last time.

Without overwhelming benefits, how could she possibly change her mind and lower herself to become a mere concubine?

…

Proud Moon Palaceʼs response was within Lan Changʼanʼs expectations.

He dispatched Lord Earthrock to secretly protect Fairy Xia on her journey, ensuring she wouldn’t meet the same fate as Situ Lan.

Xia Wenyue was younger than Situ Lan and had greater potential to reach Nascent Soul.

Since their last reunion, when he noticed a calamity looming over her, Lan Changʼan had not only given her life-preserving treasures but also advised her not to leave Proud Moon Palace unless necessary.

Otherwise, Xia Wenyue could also become a target for the Beast King Valley’s retaliatory assassinations, as she had once been a junior close to Lan Changʼan.

However, Xia Wenyue had been sidelined in Proud Moon Palace, receiving no support for Nascent Soul cultivation and rarely venturing out. In terms of value and influence, she couldn’t compare to Situ Lan, the disciple of the Righteous Dao Alliance leader.

The Lord Earthrock’s covert protection was ultimately unnecessary.

Xia Wenyue arrived at the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters without incident.

Recently, the Righteous Dao Alliance had been cracking down on demonic path infiltrators, forcing the covert spies of the Unseen Gate to lie low.

Though Lord Earthrock didn’t catch any assassins, it did notice suspicious watchers keeping tabs on Xia Wenyue’s movements.

Lan Changʼan ordered Lord Earthrock to maintain surveillance, hoping to capture and eliminate some high-ranking demonic path infiltrators in the future.

…

Outside the massive mountain city of the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters, a lotus throne with tricolored petals flew in on the wind, radiating the chilling aura of a peak late-stage Core Formation cultivator.

Seated atop the lotus throne was Fairy Xia, clad in a light blue misty dress, her raven hair cascading freely. Her snow-cold, picturesque face, with delicate brows, a jade-like nose, and cherry lips exuded a classical beauty that seemed detached from the mortal world.

”Thank you for making the journey, Fairy Xia.”

A warm, masculine voice echoed from the mountain city as Lan Changʼan stood with his hands behind his back, waiting atop the headquarters’ gate.

He examined Xia Wenyue. Though her icy, aloof demeanor remained, the frozen, heart-sealing coldness in her aura had already melted away.

Due to her innate Dao physique and her cultivation of cold-attribute techniques, Xia Wenyue’s temperament was inevitably affected. She could never return to the quiet, gentle girl she once was.

”Greetings, True Monarch Lan.”

Under the public gaze, Xia Wenyue bowed gracefully from her lotus throne.

Her head slightly lowered, her ice-clear eyes glimpsed the Evergreen True Monarch, who had personally come to welcome her. A long-lost warmth flickered in her heart.

Given Lan Changʼan’s current status, his public welcome demonstrated his regard and sincerity.

”Come with me.”

Lan Changʼan escorted Xia Wenyue into the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters, accompanying her through the onboarding procedures.

Now that Fairy Xia was here, Lan Changʼan didn’t mind showing his favor openly. He wasn’t afraid of Golden Moon True Monarch trying to drive a hard bargain later.

Once she was in his hands, he had already won.

Xia Wenyue’s position at the headquarters was as an elder in the Supervision Hall, consistent with Proud Moon Palace’s notification, no deception there.

However, since the cultivation war had yet to begin, Xia Wenyue was assigned an additional role: assistant to a senior member of the Righteous Dao Alliance, Elder Lan.

”Assistant” here meant precisely that, a helper.

At the headquarters, Lan Changʼan didn’t actually handle specific administrative matters.

Thus, until the war began, Xia Wenyue essentially served as his personal secretary.

…

”Mister Lan, should this concubine return to her own residence first?”

After processing her entry, Xia Wenyue asked softly.

”No rush. As this True Monarch’s assistant, Fairy Xia should first familiarize herself with the estate.”

Lan Changʼan stated firmly, leaving no room for refusal.

”Mm.”

Fairy Xia lowered her head, her fair cheeks tinged with pink. Though she had mentally prepared herself, the reality still flustered her.

Upon arriving at the estate of the Righteous Dao Alliance elder, Lan Changʼan gently lifted Fairy Xia’s snow-white chin, studying her flawless, ice-cold face. He nodded in satisfaction.

”After leaving Proud Moon Palace, the calamity looming over Wenyue has indeed diminished significantly.”

Feeling the warmth of his fingers brushing her skin, Xia Wenyue’s blush deepened, though she remained half-skeptical of his words.

She secretly muttered: Divination and face reading, I’ve never heard of it involving physical contact.

”Mister Lan, the heart demon illusion from last time benefited me greatly. Over these years, Wenyue has shattered her icy heart and rebuilt her Dao heart, feeling her mental horizons broaden.”

Xia Wenyue, accustomed to her aloof pride, instinctively pushed Lan Changʼan’s hand away, speaking with a hint of newfound confidence.

She quickly realized her mistake.

Given the vast disparity in their status, as a concubine, her duty was to serve her husband well. How could she refuse his advances?

Her husband’s initiative was an honor for a concubine.

”This concubine is not yet accustomed to her role. Please forgive me, Mister Lan.”

She bit her lip lightly and spoke softly.

”Haha! No need to force a change! This True Monarch admires Fairy Xia’s proud, solitary nature. If not for that, your first time back then wouldn’t have been mine to claim.”

Lan Changʼan laughed heartily, showing no displeasure.

Instead, he grasped Fairy Xia’s jade-like hand and pulled gently, drawing her lotus-like fragrance and soft warmth into his embrace.

”Mister Lan, please restrain yourself. Do not act so rudely.”

As if comprehending something, Xia Wenyue decided to be herself again. Her brows furrowed slightly as she chided him honestly.

”Pa!”

A crisp sound rang out.

Xia Wenyue shuddered, caught off guard, and let out a delicate moan.

”You...”

Her face flushed crimson in an instant. Her clear eyes widened with shock, a mix of indescribable shame and disbelief.

A burning pain spread from the plump curves of her backside.

”Fairy Xia’s greatest heart demon is none other than me. Once you overcome this hurdle with me, passing the heart demon illusion will be effortless.”

Holding Xia Wenyue by the waist and hips, Lan Changʼan smirked. Leaning close to her crimson, translucent earlobe, he whispered:

”Have you studied the Yin-Yang Dual Cauldron Method I gave you the other day?”

At the mention of the dual cultivation method, Xia Wenyue recalled its explicit details. Her heart fluttered with a mix of embarrassment and indignation.

But as a concubine, this was to be expected.

Moreover, when her cultivation was still low, the dual cultivation method would help her achieve completeness in energy, essence, and spirit.

”Yes, this concubine has already...”

Before she could finish her shy reply, her body stiffened abruptly. Her thighs trembled, and with a soft whimper, she melted into Lan Changʼan’s arms.

Unlike their rushed encounter a century ago, Lan Changʼan took his time this time.

Cupping her flawless face at close range, he savored her sweet, cool lips, her pearly white teeth, and the refreshing lotus fragrance from her delicate nose as she breathed…

The two floated mid-air, locked in an embrace.

The glow of a barrier enveloped the room, sealing away the night’s amorous scenes.

On the paper window, the silhouette of a classical, ethereal fairy was outlined.

As she danced, her immortal robes and silk ribbons scattered like petals, a poignant beauty unfolding. Her cloud-like hair cascaded like willow branches, her icy, proud curves undulating in the dance—now twisting, now rising, now falling—a hazy, dreamlike vision.

…

The next morning.

Lan Changʼan opened his eyes, stretching lazily with a refreshed spirit.

The previously chaotic room had been tidied to immaculate perfection, with not even a trace of lingering scent.

”This woman actually has some cleanliness obsession?”

Lan Changʼan chuckled, glancing at the beauty nearby.

Fairy Xia had changed into a plain white dress, seated cross-legged on her lotus throne, surrounded by icy lotus-like manifestations. Her solemn cultivation posture resembled that of a dignified, immortal lotus fairy.

Recalling last nightʼs ”Dao discussion,” Lan Changʼan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

The two had practiced the Yin-Yang Dual Cauldron Method together, merging spirit and flesh in countless intricate and eye-opening postures that had left Fairy Xia both astonished and overwhelmed!

At the peak of their shared ecstasy, Lan Changʼan and Xia Wenyue had briefly opened their hearts to each other, entering a state of spiritual communion. They gained deep mutual understanding and trust.

”Last night, this concubine benefited greatly. My stagnant cultivation has grown purer, and my mental horizons have expanded further. Mister Lan did not deceive me, this concubine feels undeserving.”

Xia Wenyueʼs complexion was rosy, her spirit vibrant as she spoke of her progress.

”You are this True Monarch’s concubine. It is only right that you receive such benefits.”

Lan Changʼan stepped onto the lotus throne, embracing the freshly bathed, immaculate Fairy Xia from behind.

Today, Xia Wenyue dressed more conservatively, her crossed legs revealing only slender, snow-white calves and jade-like lotus feet.

Perhaps due to last night’s unrestrained activities, faint blue bruises marred her calves and feet.

Lan Changʼan tenderly lifted one of her delicate feet, massaging it with healing energy.

Fairy Xia’s cool, snow-like face showed a trace of pleading. ”Husband… could you spare this concubine a few days of rest…?”

True Monarch Lan’s physique was simply too formidable. Even with her innate Dao physique, last night had been both blissful and torturous, she had nearly been shattered by his vigor.

Any accidental skin abrasions had been effortlessly healed by his wood-attribute cultivation arts.

Theoretically, if True Monarch Lan remained unsatisfied, his exceptional healing skills could keep her in a state of endless surrender.

”Wishful thinking! Letting you act as the main cauldron for the Yin-Yang Dual Cauldron Method while I, at a higher cultivation realm, nourish you in reverse, this consumes my vital essence. Such a privilege is limited to one or two sessions before your Nascent Soul breakthrough.”

After healing her injuries, Lan Changʼan withdrew his fingers and scoffed.

Fairy Xia flushed with embarrassment, lowering her head.

So that’s why it aids cultivation… but such opportunities are limited, she mused inwardly.

…

”Enough. Starting today, this True Monarch will temper you further in the Heavenly Demon Illusion.”

Lan Changʼan adopted a serious tone.

”At your command, husband.”

Fairy Xia closed her eyes in anticipation.

This kind of opportunity, to experience a weakened version of the Heart Demon Tribulation was exceedingly rare in the cultivation world.

Within the Righteous Dao Alliance, Xia Wenyue had never heard of any Nascent Soul True Monarch capable of such a feat.

”Begin!”

Lan Changʼan’s pupils darkened, twisting like abysses as he activated the Heavenly Demon Secret Art. A single finger pressed against Xia Wenyue’s glabella.

Boom!

Fairy Xia’s consciousness swayed briefly, her eyes glazing over momentarily before reflecting the myriad colors of life’s reincarnation.

Lan Changʼan sat behind her, embracing her as he too closed his eyes.

Before long, Lan Changʼan’s spiritual and mental energy began depleting rapidly.

Fairy Xia’s face occasionally flickered with emotions, though not as intensely as last time, certainly not to the point of losing composure.

Then, at a certain moment—

”Sever!”

Lan Changʼan’s divine soul trembled slightly as a cold, clear voice shattered the illusion.

”Hypocritical turtle Lan! How dare you disturb this cultivator’s Dao heart!”

Fairy Xia’s frosty face sharpened as her clear autumn eyes snapped open, radiating icy determination.

The moment she spoke, a tingling warmth spread across her chest as a cold male voice whispered in her ear:

”What did you just call this True Monarch? Say it again.”

”M-Mister Lan! Please let me explain, this was a special scenario in the Heart Demon Illusion, where my master’s way of addressing you appeared!”

Fairy Xia, her cheeks alternating between red and pale, hurriedly tried to explain, though her words stumbled in her fluster.

Smack!

Her seated posture collapsed as that familiar, stinging sensation struck again.

Compared to the first time, the shame had lessened. After the pain faded, an accelerated heartbeat and a strange comfort lingered.

”Let this be the last time.”

After accepting her punishment, Fairy Xia felt a wave of relief, knowing Mister Lan wouldn’t hold it against her further.

Lan Changʼan helped her sit upright again, praising her:

”Not bad. Your performance in the Heart Demon Illusion this time was much improved.”

”However, this was only a weakened simulation. A true Heart Demon Tribulation is far more real—insidious, penetrating the deepest corners of one’s soul.”

Xia Wenyue’s performance had exceeded Lan Changʼan’s expectations.

The main reason was that her greatest heart knot had been resolved.

Last night’s spiritual communion, where they had bared their hearts to each other, had also played a significant role.

In the previous Heart Demon Illusion, Lan Changʼan realized he was Fairy Xia’s greatest heart demon.

After all, he was the most influential figure in Xia Wenyue’s entire cultivation journey.

Now, that issue had been settled. Xia Wenyue had fulfilled her long-held wish—reuniting with Mister Lan she admired, sharing intimacy, and even securing her status as his concubine.

Of course, Lan Changʼan wasn’t her only emotional vulnerability.

In her Heavenly Demon Illusion, Situ Lan and her master, Golden Moon True Monarch, had also appeared.

Regarding Situ Lan’s death, Fairy Xia harbored a sliver of guilt, though not much.

She had no lingering attachments to him, so no significant heart barrier formed.

Lan Changʼan deduced the reason: Xia Wenyue had never invested much in Situ Lan, emotionally or otherwise.

Thus, no strong bonds or obsessions remained.

In contrast, Xia Wenyue had given too much for Lan Changʼan, her youthful infatuation, unrequited longing, and a century of waiting.

Just as she had begun to fade those old emotions…

Lan Changʼan reappeared, taking her most precious treasure, the Taiyin Jade Essence, and her innocence.

”No major issue. We can simulate targeted scenarios in the future.”

Lan Changʼan stroked his chin in contemplation.

For example, to address that sliver of guilt toward Situ Lan, they could simulate the Heart Demon Illusion in Situ Lan’s memorial hall.

As for her fear and reverence toward Golden Moon True Monarch, that was even easier to resolve, whether in reality or illusion.

Only by facing tribulations harsher than the Heart Demon could one shatter the darkness within.

The Heavenly Demon Illusion consumed considerable spiritual and mental energy. Lan Changʼan couldn’t overuse it, needing time to recover between sessions.

Moreover, the stronger the target’s will to resist, the greater the consumption.

If the target’s willpower was indomitable, capable of instantly shattering the illusion, the backlash could even injure the caster.

…

Over the next two months.

In addition to tempering and ”disciplining” Fairy Xia, Lan Changʼan also devoted some effort to targeting the infiltrating forces of the Unseen Gate.

Alliance Leader Chu provided ample intelligence, along with the suspicious figures recently monitored by Lord Earthrock.

Leveraging his fourth-rank divination skills and sufficient leads, Lan Changʼan uncovered multiple Unseen Gate strongholds across the three nations of the Righteous Dao Alliance.

The exposed traitors, big and small, numbered nearly a hundred.

To prevent leaks and ensure operational reliability, each action was carried out solely by the Lord Earthrock, without notifying other members of the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters.

In just two months.

Several True Dan cultivators from the demonic faction, including a high-ranking Core Formation late-stage ”big fish,” were either eliminated or captured by the Lord Earthrock.

Notably, one of the Unseen Gateʼs hideouts was located in Nightless City.

As a sanctuary for loose cultivators, Nightless City was a melting pot of refugees and shady characters, so this discovery didn’t surprise Lan Changʼan.

However, Nightless City fell within the Golden Sun Sectʼs sphere of influence.

The exposure of an Unseen Gate outpost there gave the Golden Sun Sect faction an excuse to intervene in investigations.

This placed immense pressure on Jiang Yechen, the cityʼs overseer.

If the investigation proved that Nightless City had harbored Unseen Gate infiltrators, the implications would be severe, a scandal of monumental proportions.

…

During the same period.

The Righteous Dao Alliance amassed a large number of troops at the border, deploying more high-level cultivators to key positions.

The Beast King Valley expressed extreme dissatisfaction, issuing threats and accusing the Righteous Dao Alliance of playing with fire, violating the peace and trade agreement, and reigniting the cultivation war.

Caught off guard, the Beast King Valley hastily mobilized its own forces, rushing Core Formation and Nascent Soul experts to the frontlines overnight.

Tensions escalated rapidly, as if an unprecedented showdown were imminent.

Yet, contrary to expectations, the Beast King Valley exercised restraint, refraining from further escalation.

Both factions entered a state of military readiness, but neither launched an attack.

This outcome disappointed some peace advocates, who had expected the Beast King Valley to retaliate fiercely.

When the Righteous Dao Alliance stood prepared and unafraid of war, the Beast King Valley unexpectedly adopted a cautious, conciliatory stance.

Lan Changʼanʼs spirit beast continued dismantling Unseen Gate outposts and exposing traitors. The demonic faction, caught off guard, remained silent—not even resorting to their usual rhetoric.

Both sides had infiltrators in each otherʼs ranks, though the Unseen Gateʼs professionalism had previously dominated the Righteous Dao Allianceʼs efforts.

Even in peacetime, exposed spies had no one to blame but their own incompetence.

The Beast King Valleyʼs reaction aligned with Lan Changʼanʼs predictions.

Through peaceful trade, the Beast King Valley had been steadily draining the Righteous Dao Alliance, fostering internal division.

Under such favorable conditions, they were unwilling to pay the price of a head-on clash with a desperate Righteous Dao Alliance.

Hence, their surprising restraint—even concessions.

…

Once the frontline situation stabilized.

News spread from the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters:

Evergreen True Monarch had officially announced taking Fairy Xia of Proud Moon Palace as his concubine.

The revelation sent shockwaves through both factions, sparking heated discussions and widespread attention.