I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 452: Eternal Evergreen, Listen with the Sea God’s Ears

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True Monarch Cyanwoodʼs heart trembled.

Why such a coincidence? The Dao title once used by this mysterious elder was the same as that of Lan Changʼan.

Was this statement implying a connection to Lan Changqing, or did he know that he had been defeated in the battle against Evergreen True Monarch?

In an instant, True Monarch Cyanwood guessed the identity of the ancient-robed elder.

The legendary great cultivator, Yan Donglai.

Recorded in “The Worldly Wonders” series of the Heaven Honoured Continent, he was the longest-living human cultivator since near ancient era.

To live into this era, he was truly an evergreen tree in the world of cultivation, a living fossil.

True Monarch Cyanwood’s heart pounded violently. He took a deep breath and respectfully raised his hand, saying:

“Senior Yan, please come in.”
The ancient-robed elder’s smile remained unchanged. He did not deny the title, and stepped into the cave-dwelling first.

Looking at Yan Donglai’s back, True Monarch Cyanwood’s thoughts raced.

At this moment, he could have erupted a secret technique, fled at all costs, and summoned the other Nascent Soul cultivators from the Blue River Immortal Market.

In the end, he did not do so.

Even if targeted by other Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, with his current strength and abilities, the chance of survival would still be slim.

...

Inside the cave-dwelling, the two sat down.

Yan Donglai was like a mentor, his eyes carrying a slight trace of appreciation.

Just now at the entrance, it had been a good opportunity for True Monarch Cyanwood to take a desperate gamble.

After learning his identity, True Monarch Cyanwood did not panic or lose composure; instead, he remained calm and received him with courtesy, an admirable trait.

“Not bad courage and resolve.”

“It’s a pity, little friend, that you once possessed the Yi-Wood Dao Body, but failed to break through the shackles and advance to mid-stage Nascent Soul. Otherwise, I might have considered taking you as a disciple.”

Yan Donglai’s tone held a sense of regret. Judging by his expression, it seemed to be genuine appreciation for talent.

True Monarch Cyanwood was secretly shocked. It was just their first meeting, and Yan Donglai already knew his past, that his original body had been a Yi-Wood Dao Body.

Yan Donglai’s art of divination had reached an unimaginable level, far surpassing the Heavenly Master behind Lan Changʼan and the master of the Seven Stars Temple.

“Dare I ask Master Yan, my aptitude is not poor, and I’ve cultivated diligently, why have I found it so hard to advance to mid-stage Nascent Soul? Is the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique I practice flawed?”

True Monarch Cyanwood sat obediently at the lower seat, like a disciple seeking instruction, sincerely asking for guidance.

If he had advanced to mid-stage Nascent Soul, how could he have suffered such a crushing defeat by Lan Changqing?

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, he faintly sensed the technique was incomplete, perhaps due to interference or intentional withholding by Yan Donglai.

“Even the version of the Evergreen Technique I practice may not be complete, let alone yours,” Yan Donglai said calmly and frankly.

“Then where does the Evergreen Technique come from?” asked True Monarch Cyanwood instinctively.

“No one knows which era it began in. A powerful cultivator once observed an ancient heaven opening tree and created the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique. That primordial tree, birthed from chaos, grew endlessly through countless ages, undying for all eternity. Its annual rings were so vast they even surpassed those of the legendary ancient immortals, it was also called the ‘Eternal Evergreen Tree.’”

“Eternal evergreen...”

True Monarch Cyanwood muttered softly. Just from hearing the origin legend of the Evergreen Technique, he faintly gained insight and sensed where his past cultivation had deviated.

“According to research, the Evergreen Technique was passed from the Fallen Immortal Realm to the human realm, originating from the shattered ‘Evergreen Dao Palace.’”

“To cultivate this technique, stillness is preferred over action. Comprehend the withering and blooming of the four seasons, the cycle of life and death, this leads to the Eternal Evergreen Dao Body.”

“Seek longevity, avoid shortening your lifespan; focus on health, not on deadly combat; form good karmic bonds to receive a good end, plant virtuous causes to gain virtuous results...”

“Seek not victory, cling not to delusions; keep your heart quiet and act without force. Sit and observe the tides of the cultivation world rise and fall, drawing insight from endless ages...”

Yan Donglai spoke meticulously, like a strict teacher imparting knowledge, with great patience.

True Monarch Cyanwood kept gaining realizations, his eyes faintly brimming with tears.

Indeed, the way he had cultivated the Evergreen Technique in the past was wrong, it did not align with the true intent of the ancient tree.

In the end, he had been too hasty.

He damaged his lifespan, forcefully nurtured spirit objects, delved into secret realms and caves, desperately boosting his combat power.

Unable to advance to mid-stage Nascent Soul, sensing the threat of Evergreen True Monarch, he grew greedy and couldn’t restrain himself, he sought out the other for a decisive battle.

But who could truly follow the ancient tree’s intent? Never anxious, always patient in loneliness?

This flawed techniqueʼs cultivation was slow and wasn’t outstanding in combat.

Had he used his Yi-Wood Dao Body to cultivate other wood-type techniques, perhaps he could have advanced to Nascent Soul earlier, by now even reaching mid-stage.

Unfortunately, once one cultivates the Evergreen Technique, there is no turning back.

If one attempts to switch paths midway, the longevity gained from the technique must be returned to the heavens and earth.

...

”Many thanks for Master Yan’s guidance. I am endlessly grateful.”

True Monarch Cyanwood rose and bowed deeply.

He continued, “In the Evergreen Battle, I lost to Lan Changqing, and I remain unwilling to accept that. That Lan Changqing is suspected to be the reincarnation of a great power, with a divine soul far surpassing others of the same realm. At the time, I even once thought he was your reincarnation, Master Yan.”

True Monarch Cyanwood knew that today, he might not escape this calamity.

His only chance of survival might lie in earning Yan Donglai’s appreciation and goodwill, perhaps even becoming his disciple.

Since he was unlucky enough to run into Yan Donglai in Heavenly River Province, he wasn’t going to let Lan Changqing have it easy either.

But unexpectedly, when Yan Donglai heard the intelligence that Lan Changqing might be a ”reincarnated great power,” he showed no reaction whatsoever.

Yan Donglai saw through Cyanwood’s intentions, and whatever shred of appreciation he had for this man instantly vanished.

He silently divined “Lan Changqing,” that other disciple of the Evergreen lineage, wondering if he might bring some surprises.

Yan Donglaiʼs expression shifted subtly, from a trace of surprise to a quiet laugh.

”A Nascent Soul cultivator who doesn’t belong to this era...”

Yan Donglai murmured to himself, his gaze deep and his face full of mirth.

Good brat!

He actually dared to impersonate his name, Yan Donglai.

Even the direct disciples of Deity Transformation holy lands wouldn’t dare to parade around using his name.

Yan Donglai’s smile faded. His eyes settled again on True Monarch Cyanwood, and he said leisurely:

”Little friend Cyanwood, do you have any unfulfilled wishes or regrets? I can help you fulfill them.”

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Cyanwood’s expression changed drastically, and his body froze.

Tears welled uncontrollably in his eyes, and his voice trembled:

”My only wish is—”

As he spoke, True Monarch Cyanwood secretly circulated his life’s cultivation, activating a forbidden secret technique to self-detonate.

A self-destruction strike at such close range, one from a Nascent Soul cultivator, would catch even a Great Cultivator off guard and could not simply be ignored.

Only by doing this could he create a fleeting chance for his nascent soul to escape and flee.

However, the instant he tried to circulate his power, his mind wavered for a split second.

Yan Donglai was already in front of him, like a strict elder. His palm landed lightly on the crown of Cyanwood’s head, as if offering a gentle reprimand.

In that moment, True Monarch Cyanwood’s internal power fell into disarray. His Evergreen Nascent Soul trembled instinctively, his consciousness bound in a chasm of despair.

He had no strength to resist.

No matter when True Monarch Cyanwood had chosen to resist, outside the cave or within it, the outcome had already been decided.

“Little friend Cyanwood, aside from your cultivation method being misaligned, your fortune and destiny also fall slightly short.”

Yan Donglaiʼs tone was gentle, his palm still resting atop Cyanwood’s head.

Swish!

A small green Nascent Soul, shaped like a ginseng fruit, floated out powerlessly from the crown of his head.

A thick aura of time’s passage enveloped the two of them.

True Monarch Cyanwood’s face, body, and even his Nascent Soul began to wither and age at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Within just a few breaths, True Monarch Cyanwood turned from a youthful man into a frail old one. His skin shriveled, covered with large black age spots.

At the very moment of death, True Monarch Cyanwood suddenly understood why, in such a vast region like Heavenly River Province, his “Evergreen Technique” never gave him any response.

“Bishan Sect… Junior Sister Tian…”

In the moment his spirit perished, True Monarch Cyanwood uttered his final words.

”Many thanks for the gift, little friend Cyanwood.”

Yan Donglai’s complexion was full and glowing. His appearance, once that of a man in his seventies, now looked ten years younger.

His skin was smooth and radiant, he could be said to have the face of a child and the hair of a crane.

He organized Cyanwood’s remains and possessions, but did not take them for himself.

Staring at his smooth, ruddy palm, he felt no joy and sighed deeply.

Only he could sense the decay and ominous aura emanating from beneath his skin and flesh.

There is no medicine for regret in this world.

Ever since he devoured his first Evergreen Dao Fruit and gained a massive increase in lifespan and power, he had set foot on this path of no return.

…

Yan Donglai tidied his hair and robes meticulously, leaving no wrinkles or specks of dust.

Riding on a wisp of green cloud, he flew out of the Blue River Immortal Market, gazing into a certain direction.

”The place where two of Heavenly One’s nine disciples clash… just so happens to be Heavenly River Province, where I slumbered and resided?”

Yan Donglai pondered. Was this coincidence, or an intentional design by that person?

In the Heaven Honoured human realm, no one understood the “Heavenly One Divine Sovereign” better than he did.

Fortunately, Yan Donglai was not a Deity Transformation heavenly lord, and thus had no such worries or concerns.

He had once interacted with higher-ranking Heavenly One Divine Sovereigns of history and had formed good karma and some degree of friendship with them.

However, every generation of Heavenly One Divine Sovereign had different temperaments.

The current Heavenly One Divine Sovereign, and even the next, might not honor old ties.

Yan Donglai did some quick calculations. The current Heavenly One Divine Sovereign had about a hundred-plus years of lifespan remaining, at most no more than two hundred.

That meant the existing Deity Transformation heavenly lords in the world would soon face the terrifying darkness known as the ”Heavenly One Great Tribulation.”

At this thought, Yan Donglai found himself in unexpectedly good spirits, and even showed a rare expression of schadenfreude.

…

Heavenly River Province, in a secret valley of the Tongtian River branch.

Silvery wind and mist descended, transforming into a mysterious man in green silk robes, inner armor of ancient design, and pale blue eyes.

If Lan Changʼan were present, he would instantly recognize this person’s identity.

It was none other than the other of the Two Dragons from the Great Yuan Central Region back then, Jing Wufeng.

At this moment, Jing Wufeng no longer bore his previous carefree air. His expression was solemn.

”The second trial is nearing its end. I can’t keep avoiding battle any longer.”

”That woman is the reincarnation of a great power born with a Sacred Lotus Dao Body, not only does she cultivate at terrifying speed, but also possesses terrifying prowess in combat. If she reaches late Nascent Soul stage, this Heavenly One trial will be over.”

Jing Wufeng felt a headache and sighed over his bad luck.

In the Heavenly One Nine Disciples Trial, each participant was a monster. Fighting across the realm was their norm.

In the first trial, each disciple had a high-difficulty mission, comparable to the Great Yuan’s demon-sealing journey.

And yet, only one person was eliminated in that high-stakes first round!

In the second round, the eight remaining disciples would face off in pairs, the winners would return to the Heavenly One Sect and enter the final test.

There was also another rule: in the second round, whoever first reached late Nascent Soul stage would also qualify as a victor.

Jing Wufeng was unlucky. His opponent happened to be one of the top potential seeds of this Heavenly One trial.

That Sacred Lotus True Monarch, in both cultivation and combat arts, outclassed him in every way.

And this was after Jing Wufeng had achieved a high mission rating during the demon-sealing trial of the first round, earning him extra rewards upon returning to the sect, which greatly boosted his strength.

That reward was given because of unexpected risks in the demon-sealing mission, unforeseen variables from the Demonic Peak Realm.

Even so, in this hundred-year duel, Jing Wufeng was completely at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, he had learned the art of stealth, whether evading, enduring, or simply running, he silently developed them in secret.

If Sacred Lotus True Monarch focused on closed-door cultivation, Jing Wufeng would harass her with clever tricks; if she came to kill him, he’d fight while retreating, looking for chances to escape.

The rules of the trial allowed each contestant to sense the general location of their opponent. Making the opponent surrender, die, or lose the ability to resist counted as a win.

Jing Wufeng took full advantage of the rules. His space-type movement abilities gave him high mobility, allowing him to endure until now, much to his opponent’s frustration.

Now that the trial was nearing its end, Jing Wufeng had fully developed his strength.

He laid down ambushes in this mountain valley, preparing to act boldly for once, no more evading, he was ready for a final showdown with that woman!

…

Great Qing, Eastern Region.

Liang Kingdom, Jin Yun Valley.

In the midst of secluded cultivation, Lan Changʼan suddenly felt a flicker of unease rise in his heart.

“This sensation…”

Lan Changʼan opened his eyes. The feeling of dread vanished in an instant.

This was the first time he had experienced such a sensation since the Demon Sealing Battle in the Great Yuan years ago.

He took out several divination artifacts and cast a reading to determine the fortune or misfortune.

In the end, everything appeared normal, no anomalies were detected.

That strange feeling just now seemed like nothing more than an illusion.

However, relying on his years of experience fleeing for his life, Lan Changʼan trusted the intuition of his own fourth-rank diviner’s instincts.

“I’ve cultivated for sixty years, and my cultivation and magical powers have risen to new heights. In all of Great Qing, who could truly pose a threat to this True Monarch?”

Lan Changʼan gave up on divination and turned to logical deduction.

Could it be one of the peak cultivators of the righteous or demonic paths? That human-faced flood dragon in the Black Fog Mountain Range?

Lan Changʼan quickly shook his head.

Such threats would only be real if he ventured outside alone.

But within Jin Yun Valley, protected by a fourth-rank grand formation and accompanied by another Nascent Soul powerhouse in the sect wielding a remnant spiritual treasure, even if a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator came personally, launching a direct assault would still be difficult.

After a moment of thought, Lan Changʼan took out the frozen corpse of True Monarch Cyanwood.

During his sixty years in seclusion, he had used the corpse occasionally as a medium to track and sense Cyanwood’s location.

If Cyanwood ever tried to sneak back, Lan Changʼan could detect him immediately.

“What… Cyanwood’s fate has completely vanished!”

Lan Changʼan was greatly shocked, and once again felt a deep sense of unease in his heart.

In truth, anything related to Cyanwood was now shrouded by a veil of destiny.

However, since Lan Changʼan possessed Cyanwood’s corpse, their karmic link was too strong to be fully concealed.

“If Cyanwood True Monarch had fallen to another cultivator or to some unknown danger, that would be one thing…”

Lan Changʼan now had reason to suspect that Cyanwood had encountered a “fellow disciple.”

Even though Cyanwood had lost his life-bound magical treasure, his ability to preserve his own life was still formidable, ordinary mid-Nascent Soul cultivators couldn’t bring him down.

It would require divine abilities approaching those of a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator to completely erase him, without even giving his Nascent Soul a chance to escape.

Lan Changʼan’s expression kept shifting. Even though the feeling of dread had disappeared and he couldn’t calculate the source of the crisis, he had already made up his mind.

…

Lan Changʼan rose and stopped cultivating.

His earlobes suddenly swelled a circle larger, twitching frequently, greatly enhancing his sensory perception.

At this moment, the slightest movements inside and outside Jin Yun Valley could not escape the perception of his Listening Sea Divine Ear.

“True Monarch Cyanwood was in faraway Heavenly River Province. Even if it were a Deity Transformation heavenly lord, there’s no way they could reach Great Qing so quickly.”

Lan Changʼan let out a breath of relief, and his ears soon returned to their normal size.

Over the past sixty years, he had enhanced his divine arts and successfully cultivated the Listening Sea Divine Ear from the Tinghai Pavilion.

This divine ability required rare parts of legendary sea beasts or sea monsters, combined with secret herbal formulas and years of refining to be completed.

Having roamed two vast regions, Lan Changʼan had amassed a considerable fortune. After many years of preparation, he finally gathered all the materials and refined the divine art to the minor mastery level.

For better effects and to reach higher tiers, the best place to cultivate it would be somewhere near a sea or ocean.

The Listening Sea Divine Ear greatly enhances auditory perception, including one’s sense of danger.

Combined with the intuition of a fourth-rank diviner, this allowed Lan Changʼan to catch wind of a threat from a distant land.

“Profound Water, we’re heading out.”

Lan Changʼan arrived at the secret underground palace beneath the Evergreen Peak’s main cultivation site.

There, a dark green giant turtle, over ten zhang long, was resting beside the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, absorbing cold water-attribute spiritual energy.

About thirty years ago, this Profound Water Turtle passed its transformation tribulation and entered the ranks of fourth-rank demon kings.

The Profound Water Turtle excelled in defense and had mimicked Lan Changʼan’s method of using its shell to absorb heavenly lightning during tribulation.

This turtle’s temperament was simple and honest. Unlike human cultivators, it lacked complex desires, making its inner demon tribulation much easier to overcome.

With the support of Spirit Incense and Heavenly Demon Secret Art for pre-conditioning, the turtle passed the heart demon tribulation smoothly.

Thus, Lan Changʼan gained another fourth-rank spirit beast, alarming nearby sects and major powers.

Both the Righteous Dao Alliance and Beast King Valley no longer doubted that Lan Changʼan was hiding some beast-taming secret. Otherwise, the fact that two spirit beasts had advanced to the fourth rank, such an astonishing success rate was simply too terrifying.

Yet, with Lan Changʼan’s status and strength in the cultivation world, no one dared covet his secrets.

Though the Profound Water Turtle had reached the fourth rank, it had not taken on a human form. It retained its massive turtle form, just even larger than before.

Such cases were not rare in the cultivation world.

Certain unique species or divine beasts with powerful bloodlines could remain in their beast form even at fourth rank or five.

“Master, are we going far?”

A deep, steady voice sounded from the enormous turtle.

“Yes. First to the Proud Moon Palace of the Feng Kingdom, to meet up with Lord Earthrock.”

Lan Changʼan waved his hand, retrieving the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, which connected directly to the earth’s veins.

Before departing, he instructed Profound Water Monarch to deploy Mysterious Netherwater to repeatedly scour the surrounding area, leaving no traces or residual aura.

Once everything was in order, Lan Changʼan tidied up his cave residence, mounted the enormous Profound Water Turtle, and rode the winds and waves away.

“Evergreen True Monarch has emerged from seclusion!”

“A fourth-rank spirit turtle mount, what a grand spectacle!”

All throughout Jin Yun Valley, many cultivators watched in awe, admiration shining in their eyes.

With such a grand display, no one imagined that this Evergreen True Monarch, a name that shook the Great Qing cultivation world, was once again… quietly fleeing.

Even Zhang Tianfeng was alerted. He stepped out of his cave abode and looked up at the handsome white-robed man atop the massive turtle, his eyes tinged with envy.

“Take care, Fellow Daoist Zhang! If fate allows me to return to Jin Yun Valley one day, I hope we can drink and chat again.”

Lan Changʼan left a voice transmission with that line before riding the wind away atop his turtle.

“Fellow Daoist Lan, you’re…”

Zhang Tianfeng was taken aback. He had wanted to ask why or discuss some matters, but Lan Changʼan clearly refused to say another word.

It was as if speaking even a few more lines would invite unimaginable danger.

…

The fourth-rank Profound Turtle entered the Feng Kingdom, approaching the Proud Moon Palace.

From a distance, Lan Changʼan sensed a violent surge and spike in earth fiend demonic energy.

“Master, is Lord Earthrock attempting a breakthrough to mid-fourth rank?” Profound Water Monarch asked in its deep, muffled voice.

“Hm. And he failed again.”

Lan Changʼan remained composed, arriving above the clouds over Proud Moon Palace.

As expected, the intense surge of earth-fiend demonic energy touched the threshold of mid-fourth rank before quickly losing momentum and falling back.

This marked the second time in sixty years that Lord Earthrock had attempted the breakthrough, and once again, he had failed.

“Your humble servant has disappointed you, Master.”

In the spiritual vein dojo of Proud Moon Palace, Lord Earthrock appeared pale and dejected.

It turned into a yellow earthen glow and flew up into the clouds, not daring to meet Lan Changʼan’s gaze.

“No need to force it. Becoming a fourth-rank demon king is already a great honor for your kin.” Lan Changʼan smiled and beckoned it over to sit atop the turtleʼs shell.

He circulated his Evergreen mana and gently stroked the fur on Lord Earthrock’s head, dissolving the internal backlash from the failed advancement.

As he tended to Lord Earthrock’s injuries, a figure in a moon-white palace gown ascended into the clouds, it was Xia Wenyue.

“You’re leaving so soon? Not even stopping by for a bit?” Xia Wenyue’s elegant brows knit slightly, her cool tone tinged with faint reproach.

“Not this time. I have urgent matters, must leave at once.”

Lan Changʼan kept it brief.

On his journey here, he’d pondered the sudden premonition of danger.

If the threat came from Yan Donglai, then everything made sense.

He even silently thanked Jing Wufeng for revealing the coming “Thousand-Year Great Tribulation.” The pieces quickly connected, and he dared not delay.

“Husband…”

Xia Wenyue had a vague feeling about what was happening, Lan Changʼan was fleeing again, and who knew how many years it would be before he returned.

Seeing her hesitation, torn between words, Lan Changʼan smiled and gently reassured her, “Wenyue, Proud Moon Palace needs you. Take good care of the sect.”

Back then, when she had just advanced to Nascent Soul, she had gratefully asked him, “Husband, when you run away next time, can you take this concubine with you?”

But times had changed.

Now, Xia Wenyue was deeply tied to Proud Moon Palace. Her years here far outweighed her time with Lan Changʼan.

“Husband, Wenyue will always wait here for your return.”

Xia Wenyue finally composed herself and gave a solemn promise.

“Good.”

Lan Changʼan waved his hand. Without sentiment or delay, he flew off on the fourth-rank turtle’s back, breaking through the skies.

Truthfully, he had no intention of bringing Fairy Xia along.

After all, in the distant Great Yuan region, another stunning and intimately connected Nascent Soul cultivator awaited him.

…

Several days later.

Lan Changʼan arrived at the Seven Kingdoms Alliance at top speed.

At present, the Alliance was also enjoying a ceasefire and a period of recuperation.

In the depths of the Forbidden Abyss of Qi Kingdom.

Lan Changʼan returned to the long-lost stalactite cavern where the Tinghai Pavilion’s teleportation array was located.

He waved his array flag, activating the water-based grand formation.

Buzz!

A twisted, deep-blue vortex lit up. Four dense, profound water pearls anchored the formation, absorbing underground river moisture and earth fiend miasma.

After a careful inspection, Lan Changʼan confirmed the teleportation array and spatial channel were intact.

The green-armored puppet body housing Puppet Master Wei’s soul entered the vortex first, traversing the dimensional path toward the Great Yuan domain.

Next was Lord Earthrock, stepping into the teleportation channel as well.

Lan Changʼan secretly thought if Lord Earthrock had reached mid-fourth rank, using this space channel might have been riskier.

After a pause, he gritted his teeth, pulled out several fourth-rank talismans, and placed timed activation seals on the surrounding cave walls.

Once everything was ready, Lan Changʼan cast a long, deep look at Great Qing.

The last time he returned to Great Qing, he was 412.

Now, as he prepared to leave again, he is 513, exactly a century later.

He had a hunch that this departure would last even longer.

At the very least, until he reached late Nascent Soul, he would have no sense of security when facing Yan Donglai.

In truth, Lan Changʼan still had matters left undone in Great Qing.

He had planned to reach the peak of early Nascent Soul, then help destroy one or two of Beast King Valley’s Nascent Soul cultivators to secure the future of the Righteous Dao Alliance.

The Beast King Valleyʼs Grand Elder, whose natal Heavenly Silkworm expended its once-in-a-century ”cocoon rebirth,” was now at his weakest.

During this phase, Lan Changʼan, alongside Chu Tianfeng and Zhang Tianfeng, had a real shot at eliminating him for good.

Alas, ever since the end of the war against the demonic path, that old fox never left seclusion, staying in a semi-sealed hibernation.

Never giving Lan Changʼan a chance, there was nothing he could do about it.

As for Ten Thousand Crane True Monarch, his lifespan was already nearing its limit. There was no need for Lan Changʼan to intervene.

He had even more ambitious plans, such as targeting the other half of Faceless from Unseen Gate.

But plans couldn’t keep up with changes.

With Cyanwood True Monarch dead and the looming danger of Yan Donglai, Lan Changʼan dared not linger in Great Qing any longer.

“Farewell, Great Qing…”

Lan Changʼan made up his mind to not return until he became a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Without further hesitation, he stepped into the Tinghai Pavilion teleportation array. His figure was swallowed by the deep blue vortex.

Moments later.

BOOM!

The fourth-rank talismans placed around the array activated in sequence. Thunderous flames erupted, turning the surrounding stone into scorched powder. The four sea-suppressing orbs anchoring the formation exploded, triggering a colossal tidal surge and spatial distortion that obliterated the teleportation site entirely.