I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 428: Powerful Reinforcements from the Nether Spring, Saintess Marriage Alliance

Located on the front lines of the demonic path war, most True Monarchs from both factions distantly sensed each other’s presence, maintaining a mutual deterrence without engaging in close combat.

However, the cold and stern True Monarch in black robes with a feathered crown, upon sensing Lan Changʼan’s presence, darkened his expression and aggressively closed the distance.

”Turtle Lan! This lord thought you’d keep hiding in the rear of the Righteous Dao Alliance. Yet now, you dare to come to the front lines to sit and parade.”

Black Feather True Monarch traversed the sky, surrounded by swirling black winds and sinister flames, concealing the hatred in his heart.

Only when he approached within ten li of Lan Changʼan did he slow down, a mocking smile curling his thin lips.

Among the upper echelons of the Beast King Valley, there was a prevailing belief that given the temperament of the Evergreen True Monarch, he might not dare to fight to the death in the demonic war.

Due to the Evergreen True Monarch’s long-term seclusion and elusive movements, certain plans by the Beast King Valley and the Unseen Gate to target or retaliate against him had become impossible to execute.

Hearing the enemy True Monarch’s address, Lan Changʼan felt a flicker of displeasure.

Given his current lofty status in the Righteous Dao Alliance, no one dared to call him “Turtle Lan” to his face, a playful name from his early years.

”If not for Fellow Daoist Black Feather’s ‘generous support’ back then, Lan might not have had the confidence to personally intervene in the demonic path war.”
Lan Changʼan remained composed, a faint smile playing on his lips as he lightly stretched his arms behind him.

Whoosh—crack!

A pair of domineering black wings, several zhang in length, unfurled from his back, instantly stirring a roaring, icy black wind across the sky.

”Black Heaven Wings—!”

Black Feather True Monarch roared furiously, his eyes fixed on the familiar black-winged magical treasure, unable to conceal his frustration.

Black Heaven Wings was originally a flight treasure he had painstakingly refined at great cost, boasting peerless speed in the Eastern Region.

Twenty years ago, when the Evergreen True Monarch returned to the Eastern Region Great Qing, Black Feather True Monarch let his guard down and fell into a trap, resulting in the destruction of his physical body and the theft of his most powerful lifebound magical treasure.

After losing the Black Heaven Wings, even though Black Feather True Monarch reconstructed his Nascent Soul physical body, his overall strength was diminished by several levels, and his strategic position in the Beast King Valley declined accordingly.

”Heh, with these wings, even several ordinary Nascent Soul peers would struggle to deal with me. This is indeed the confidence Fellow Daoist Black Feather has given Lan.”

Lan Changʼan stood calmly, the wings on his back fully extended, summoning overwhelming wind pressure across dozens of li.

”You—!”

Black Feather True Monarch burned with rage, steadying himself against the powerful wind pressure, secretly shocked.

Not only had the Black Heaven Wings completely severed its connection with him as its original master, but it also seemed to have undergone special refinement, unleashing formidable power in Lan Changʼan’s hands.

However, without the corresponding bloodline and beast-controlling secret techniques, it should be impossible to fully unleash the Black Heaven Wings’ true speed and divine abilities.

”Lan Changqing! If you still wish to establish yourself in the Eastern Region of Great Qing and leave yourself a way out, hand over the Black Heaven Wings wisely. This lord is willing to pay a certain price to trade with you.”

”Otherwise! When the day comes that the Sacred Six Sects dominate the Eastern Region, and the Beast King Valley utterly annihilates the Righteous Dao Alliance, there will be a day of reckoning—with no room for negotiation!”

Black Feather True Monarch did not foolishly attempt to fight. Instead, he coldly transmitted this negotiation, laced with threats.

Lan Changʼan suppressed the killing intent in his heart, dismissing the thought of launching a sudden attack to eliminate his enemy.

Currently, they were on the front lines of the battlefield, with many eyes on both sides. If he were to swiftly slay a demonic path True Monarch, he would inevitably expose his trump cards.

Black Feather True Monarch, having once had his physical form destroyed by him, had learned his lesson and would be on high alert.

Moreover, his powerful spiritual sense detected another unfamiliar Nascent Soul aura approaching from behind Black Feather True Monarch.

That aura did not resemble the Beast King Valley’s style but was deeper and more enigmatic, exerting a faint pressure on Lan Changʼan.

”Fellow Daoist Black Feather, don’t be funny! The Black Heaven Wings has become Lan’s most crucial life-saving treasure, it is not for sale. If you wish to reclaim it, we’ll settle it on the battlefield in the days to come.”

At present, the demonic path war had not yet truly reignited.

Lan Changʼan had no issue with Black Feather True Monarch teaming up with other demonic path True Monarchs to target him on the battlefield.

After all, the fifth life of the Nine Seal Stele was already 75% lit.

With just two or three more Nascent Soul spiritual bodies as nourishment, it would be fully illuminated, and he would be able to master the three autonomous reincarnation methods hidden within the Nine Seal Stele.

…

As the two Nascent Soul cultivators confronted each other, a dim, yellowish Nascent Soul light silently flew over from the direction of the former Chen Kingdom within the Beast King Valley’s territory.

”True Monarch Fang.”

Black Feather True Monarch spoke warmly, showing respect as he cupped his hands in greeting.

”Fellow Daoist Black Feather.”

The yellowish light descended from above, revealing a man in flowing robes with tied-back hair, appearing to be in his early thirties.

His features were above average, with deep contours, and his aura seemed restrained.

The newcomer was also at the early Nascent Soul stage. Lan Changʼan did not retreat immediately, but a trace of surprise flickered in his heart.

This True Monarch Fang’s magical aura carried a hint of a familiar, even intimate, Dao rhythm.

This feeling did not stem from the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique but rather from…

”How intriguing.”

Lan Changʼan observed from afar, already forming a guess about this True Monarch Fang’s origins.

Not giving the two enemy True Monarchs a chance to converge, he flapped the Black Heaven Wings.

Whoosh—!

A massive black wind enveloped Lan Changʼan as he soared away at a speed surpassing that of ordinary early Nascent Soul cultivators, putting distance between himself and the two before returning to the Righteous Dao Alliance’s border.

”Oh? So that was the famed ‘Evergreen True Monarch’?”

After exchanging a few words with Black Feather True Monarch, True Monarch Fang remarked with interest.

”Indeed, that was him.”

Black Feather True Monarch’s cold eyes followed the direction where Lan Changʼan’s light had vanished.

”That man stole the Black Heaven Wings, and with its enhanced speed, he stands among the top early Nascent Soul cultivators, stronger than expected. Below the mid-Nascent Soul stage, there’s likely no cultivator who can match him. He is a major threat to our Sacred Sect!”

Black Feather True Monarch’s tone was bitter as he sighed heavily.

Glancing at the composed True Monarch Fang beside him, he flattered with a smile:

”Of course, a great hero like True Monarch Fang is naturally an exception. Iʼm sure you are capable of suppressing such a foe.”

Black Feather True Monarch’s words were not entirely empty praise.

This True Monarch Fang was indeed no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator.

He hailed from the Nether Spring Sect, the foremost of the Six Demonic Sects, and even within the leading sect, his status was extraordinary.

First, True Monarch Fang was the closed-door disciple of the Nether Spring Sect’s Grand Elder.

Second, among the current cultivators of the Six Demonic Sects, he was the youngest to reach the Nascent Soul stage, a true prodigy.

Rumors claimed that True Monarch Fang possessed fragments of ”past life wisdom,” making his cultivation path exceptionally smooth. His divine abilities far surpassed those of his peers, leading to speculation that he was the reincarnation of a mighty figure.

There were whispers that True Monarch Fang’s previous life was as a Nether Spring Sect cultivator, and one of considerable seniority.

Perhaps through the Nether Spring Sect’s mysterious treasure and some karmic connection, he had been guided back to the sect in this life to cultivate anew.

In recent years, the Nether Spring Sect’s reinforcements had primarily been deployed to the more fiercely contested Seven Kingdoms Alliance region.

The situation on the Beast King Valley’s side had been relatively stable, with the original plan being to gradually assimilate the Righteous Dao Alliance, perhaps even achieving a bloodless transition of power.

However, with the emergence of three Nascent Soul-level combatants, Lan Changʼan, the Lord Earthrock, and the Fairy Xia, the war faction of the Righteous Dao Alliance gained overwhelming initiative, applying pressure at the border.

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

At the Beast King Valley’s request, the Nether Spring Sect finally dispatched reinforcements, including several high-level cultivators.

Though only one Nascent Soul True Monarch was sent, the leading True Monarch Fang held a special status, which demonstrated sincerity.

”Fellow Daoist Black Feather, you flatter me. If the Evergreen True Monarch possesses the means described in the Unseen Gate’s intelligence, this Fang may not be his match.”

True Monarch Fang immediately waved his hand in refusal.

Whether out of modesty or honesty, he was not swayed by Black Feather True Monarch’s flattery.

Following his master’s orders to assist the Beast King Valley, True Monarch Fang’s primary goals were training, gaining experience, and securing merits and benefits.

He had no interest in helping Black Feather True Monarch seek revenge or engaging in life-and-death battles with powerful Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

…

Black Feather True Monarch and True Monarch Fang exchanged a few casual words before returning to the territory controlled by the Beast King Valley.

Before long, the two separated to oversee different defensive regions.

”This monarch doesnʼt have a competitive heart. Without enough benefits, it’s hard to persuade him to join forces against that Turtle Lan.”

Black Feather True Monarch sighed inwardly, feeling regretful.

Earlier, when he had sensed the Evergreen True Monarch’s aura, True Monarch Fang happened to be nearby. He had hoped to provoke a conflict and drag True Monarch Fang into the fray.

If he were truly alone, he wouldn’t dare get close to Lan Changʼan, the risk was too great.

If True Monarch Fang were to develop a grudge against Lan Changʼan, that would be the ideal scenario.

True Monarch Fang’s own strength was unfathomable, and his master was none other than the Grand Elder of the Nether Spring Sect, the foremost leader of the demonic path.

Unfortunately, Turtle Lan reacted swiftly, fleeing the moment True Monarch Fang approached, leaving no opportunity for confrontation.

A short while later, Black Feather True Monarch returned to a key frontline stronghold in the northern part of the former Feng Kingdom that was now under the Beast King Valley’s control.

”Greetings, True Monarch!”

”Respects to Elder Black Feather!”

Along the way, cultivators from the Beast King Valley in the immortal city and stronghold bowed deeply, with those of lower cultivation even prostrating themselves.

Black Feather True Monarch ignored them, arriving at a third-rank cave dwelling within the stronghold.

”Is Immortal Pei here?”

Black Feather True Monarch descended before the cave-dwelling and asked casually.

”R—replying to the True Monarch, my master is in secluded cultivation today and is not receiving guests.”

A Fake Dan female cultivator guarding the cave entrance stammered nervously.

”This lord has urgent matters to discuss with Immortal Pei.”

Black Feather True Monarch strode into the cave dwelling as if it were his own.

The female steward and the other attendant cultivators dared not stop him, trembling in silence.

Black Feather True Monarch chuckled, sweeping the cave with his spiritual sense and spotting a stunningly beautiful woman in colorful robes within the garden.

It was none other than the former Peacock Saintess, Pei Shuyuan.

Hearing the voice behind her, Pei Shuyuan did not turn around, her expression devoid of any emotion.

The Peacock Saintess had maintained her youthful appearance, looking to be in her late twenties. Her tall, graceful figure was draped in luxurious, multicolored robes, preserving the noble elegance of her past.

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

”Shuyuan, earlier while patrolling the frontlines, this lord encountered that Turtle Lan.”

Black Feather True Monarch approached and spoke in a low voice.

Pei Shuyuan turned her head, and her long-dormant eyes flickered with a cold, moonlit glow.

It was as though only that name could stir ripples in the otherwise meaningless stillness of her remaining years.

Back then, she had been schemed against by Lan Changʼan, suffering severe damage to her Dao foundation and losing her lifebound spirit beast, the Five-Colored Peacock.

Her cultivation had been forever stuck at the late Core Formation stage, unable to advance further. She had long since lost the halo of her status as a saintess.

After listening to Black Feather True Monarch’s account, Pei Shuyuan pondered and said:

”Even that Turtle Lan has arrived at the frontlines to oversee operations. It seems the Righteous Dao Alliance has made up its mind, refusing to submit peacefully and wanting to restart the cultivation war.”

”Shuyuan, since that Turtle Lan insists on participating in the war, we have a chance for revenge. However, with the Black Heaven Wings, he’s become even more formidable. Now, he’s even harder to suppress.”

”Unless you and I join forces and find the perfect opportunity on the battlefield, there might be a way to scheme against him...”

Black Feather True Monarch’s voice gradually softened as he took hold of the fair, jade-like hand of the beauty before him.

Pei Shuyuan’s arm stiffened, and she instinctively tried to pull away but failed.

The man before her exuded an aggressive aura, his gaze filled with a covetous heat that made her uncomfortable.

Back when he was still at the Core Formation stage, Black Feather True Monarch had long admired the Peacock Saintess, yearning for her but never attaining her.

In terms of talent and lineage, the Black Feather True Monarch of that time had even felt somewhat inferior in her presence.

Had the saintess not fallen from grace, even after his ascension to the Nascent Soul stage, she would have remained beyond his reach.

In recent years, Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch had not opposed the marriage proposed by Black Feather True Monarch.

However, Pei Shuyuan had yet to make a final decision.

Now, Black Feather True Monarch noticed that Pei Shuyuan no longer reacted with the same intense disgust and resistance to his advances as before.

”Heh, the once-proud peacock will finally become this lord’s woman...”

Black Feather True Monarch inwardly rejoiced as he reached for Pei Shuyuan’s slender waist.

Marrying the granddaughter of Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch was not just about fulfilling an old, unattained desire.

More importantly, only by allying with this long-established elder within the sect could he have a chance at revenge in the demonic war and reclaim his lifebound treasure, the Black Heaven Wings.

Whoosh!

A surge of colorful light erupted from Pei Shuyuan, repelling Black Feather True Monarch’s encroaching hand.

”You—!”

Black Feather True Monarch couldn’t help but flare up in anger. As a dignified True Monarch, repeatedly rejected by a lower-realm female cultivator, his patience had reached its limit.

Pei Shuyuan wore a sorrowful expression and sighed softly:

”Senior Brother Black Feather, you are not yet Shuyuan’s husband. As a True Monarch, why must you be so rough and impatient?”

Hearing the saintess’s softened tone, Black Feather True Monarch was overjoyed, his anger and dissatisfaction instantly melting away.

”Shuyuan, you’ve finally come around. Our two families share a common enemy, joining forces benefits us both.”

Black Feather True Monarch clapped his hands and laughed, no longer making physical advances toward Pei Shuyuan.

Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch’s cultivation and divine abilities were far superior to his, and his lineage within the sect held far greater resources, connections, and influence.

However, Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch had one fatal flaw:

His lifespan was running out, and his lineage had yet to nurture a new Nascent Soul cultivator.

If he could enter a Dao companionship with Pei Shuyuan, the benefits to Black Feather True Monarch would be immense. In the future, he might even be able to consolidate the resources and influence of Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch’s lineage.

…

Half a day later.

Lan Changʼan completed a general patrol of the frontlines.

The region under his oversight bordered the former Chen Kingdom, located in the western part of Feng Kingdom.

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

Within their own faction, the True Monarchs had emergency communication methods. If an unexpected situation arose, neighboring True Monarchs could quickly reinforce each other.

At the same time, the Righteous Dao Alliance’s fourth-rank grand formation could detect and track enemy Nascent Soul-level movement and mana fluctuations.

Under such circumstances, the chances of enemy Nascent Souls successfully ambushing with superior numbers were extremely low.

The same principle applied to the opposing Beast King Valley forces.

While patrolling the border, Lan Changʼan detected scouts, spies, and disguised avian or beast sentinels from the Beast King Valley’s side.

Lan Changʼan did not take direct action.

”According to the unwritten rules of sect warfare in the cultivation world, Nascent Soul True Monarchs balance each other out. Unless under special circumstances, they do not directly attack mid- or low-level cultivators.”

”Of course, if one side has a far greater number of Nascent Soul cultivators than the other, tipping the balance, then itʼs a different story.”

Though Lan Changʼan did not act personally, he dispatched Lord Earthrock to secretly investigate and eliminate threats underground along the frontlines.

In the days that followed, he simply delegated the patrol duties to Lord Earthrock.

…

Half a month later.

Lan Changʼan temporarily settled in the frontline stronghold ”Snow Moon Fort.”

This place originally belonged to the territory of the Proud Moon Palace and was not on the border of Feng Kingdom. However, as the demonic path war evolved, this immortal city had become a frontline stronghold.

On this day, a cold, icy rainbow arrived at Snow Moon Fort, accompanied by the spiritual pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

”Greetings, True Monarch Xuanbing.”

The newcomer was a beautiful woman in a moon-white palace dress, her dark hair tied high, her waist slender like a lotus, ethereal and transcendent, resembling a celestial lotus fairy from a painted palace.

”Husband.”

Fairy Xia arrived in front of the cave-dwelling, holding hands with Lan Changʼan like an immortal couple.

The two entered the cave-dwelling and spent some intimate time together before Lan Changʼan spoke:

”Wenyue, from now on, the two of us will oversee the frontline regions near Chen Kingdom. With each other for support, I’ll feel more at ease.”

Regarding this matter, Lan Changʼan had discussed it with Alliance Leader Chu and obtained his approval.

Aside from mutual support, Lan Changʼan could more conveniently cultivate the Dragon Phoenix Dual Cauldron Technique with Fairy Xia to advance their cultivation.

Xia Wenyue essentially took over the area originally guarded by her master, ”True Monarch Golden Moon,” which was also part of the Proud Moon Palaceʼs responsibilities.

Lan Changʼan did not trust True Monarch Golden Moon. It was best to have someone he trusted guarding nearby, someone reliable in critical moments.

Aside from Xia Wenyue, Zhang Tianfeng and Sect Leader Liang were Nascent Soul cultivators within the alliance whom Lan Changʼan trusted.

”Husband, has the Beast King Valley shown any unusual movements recently?”

Fairy Xia would soon be overseeing and patrolling adjacent regions, so she proactively inquired about the situation.

”The Beast King Valley isn’t fully prepared for all-out war yet and is currently exercising restraint. Many of the war beasts used in cultivation conflicts have short lifespans. After decades, restarting the war requires breeding them in advance, including the fourth-rank beast king war machines.”

Lan Changʼan obtained this general intelligence through the Righteous Dao Allianceʼs information channels, including spies embedded within the Beast King Valleyʼs side.

Over the past few decades, the two factions had engaged in trade and mutual infiltration, making spies at the mid-to-low levels unavoidable.

”By the way, you must be cautious with the powerful reinforcement from the Nether Spring Sect, ʼTrue Monarch Fang.ʼ However, the frontline region he oversees mainly borders mine, so it’s not a major issue.”

Lan Changʼan added a few more reminders.

After learning about True Monarch Fang’s background, Lan Changʼan became wary of him and understood Black Feather True Monarch’s malicious intent that day.

...

Three days later.

Fairy Xia left Snow Moon Fort to patrol the adjacent frontline regions.

Lan Changʼan pondered for a moment before taking out various divination artifacts, letting them float around him as he performed a brief divination.

”I must not alert that old monster from the Beast King Valley.”

Lan Changʼan stopped before going too deep, faintly sensing the invisible resistance of fourth-rank divination fate and ceasing further deductions.

With the Heavenly Master’s remote enhancement, his current divination power theoretically surpassed that of the Beast King Valley’s Grand Elder.

But it still hadn’t exceeded by an entire level.

Now that he was personally at the frontline, the threads of fate and karma were closer. If he delved too deeply into divination related to the demonic war, he risked being detected.

Fourth-rank divination mastery was one of Lan Changʼan’s hidden skills.

As long as the Beast King Valley or True Monarch Cyanwood remained unaware, he would essentially be invincible in this war and its schemes.

Through this divination, Lan Changʼan once again confirmed his conclusion.

”Provoke the cultivation war, take advantage of the chaos to gather nourishment for the Nine Seal Stele, the sooner, the better.”

Currently, the Nether Spring Sect’s reinforcements were mainly focused on the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, which faced greater pressure.

Even the Beast King Valley had sent some reinforcements to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s territory.

Meanwhile, the Beast King Valley, the Righteous Dao Alliance’s opponent, was not yet prepared for all-out war.

At this moment, Lan Changʼan needed an opportunity, a suitable entry point.

There were many excuses for war.

But the Righteous Dao Alliance excelled at defense. Taking the initiative to attack risked being picked off one by one.

With ordinary conflict excuses, the Beast King Valley might exercise restraint and not actively start a full-scale war.

Fortunately, Lan Changʼan soon stumbled upon an opportunity.

...

That evening.

The Lord Earthrock returned from patrol and a quick hunt, bringing Lan Changʼan the latest intelligence.

Roaming the frontline, the Lord Earthrock had devoured many demonic path scouts, providing its master with up-to-date information.

”The Peacock Saintess and Black Feather True Monarch are getting married soon? Is this information reliable?”

One piece of news excited Lan Changʼan, feeling like a gift from the heavens just when he needed it.

He had never forgotten the Peacock Saintess’s pursuit and grudge from back then, keeping it noted in his records.

If it were just the Peacock Saintess, this entry point would be far from sufficient.

Killing or capturing Pei Shuyuan wouldn’t mean much, just another hostage or prisoner.

However, the marriage between the Peacock Saintess and Black Feather True Monarch represented a political alliance between two Nascent Soul factions within the Beast King Valley, making it extraordinarily significant.

Moreover, Lan Changʼan could guess with his eyes closed: once Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch and Black Feather True Monarch joined forces deeply, they would inevitably target him, their enemy.

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

The Lord Earthrock declared confidently:

”Black Feather True Monarch announced the wedding date last night and is currently preparing for it. Given the tension between the two factions and the imminent demonic war, this couple stationed at the frontline won’t hold the wedding deep in demonic territory. Instead, they’ve chosen to hold it in an immortal city stronghold near the frontline.”

Author Note;

”Update after Qingming Festival.

Recently, my condition hasn’t been great, and I’ve hit a creative block. The plot might be progressing too fast, and I’m struggling to keep up with the details.

There are some matters to handle during Qingming, so I’ll take the opportunity to adjust my state.”

___

So this will probably be the last chapter for a while, since weʼve caught up to the raws.

Iʼll give it a week or so and by then if thereʼs still no updates, Iʼll start releasing the advanced chapters. Praying this doesn’t turn into another indefinite hiatus... even a subpar ending would be better than nothing smh

If you need to reach me, feel free to hit me up on the Fenrir Discord.

Alright then, until next time, stay safe!