I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 479: Watching From the Sidelines, Imperial Capital in Turmoil

Half a month later.

The mid-fourth rank Lord Earthrock officially emerged from seclusion.

Before this, representatives from the Great Yu Kingdom and nearby powers had already arrived to offer congratulations and present their gifts.

Lan Changʼan had no intention of holding a celebration, but he couldn’t stop the many factions that came of their own accord to offer goodwill and presents.

After centuries of accumulation, from killing enemies and seizing treasures, profiting off wars to fleecing the imperial court, Lan Changʼan no longer lacked spirit stones or common resources.

Ordinary rank-three or rank-four materials held little value or appeal for someone of his current level.

The potential threat posed by Yan Donglai made him wary of showing off, so he prioritized remaining dormant and growing stronger in secret.

And yet, the higher his status and strength, the more others tried to curry favor. Every time he advanced, nearby powers would voluntarily come forward with their tributes.

Even the neighboring Great Snake Mountain with previous enmity sent a Core Formation elder with a lavish gift.

On the very day the Earth Burrowing Rat emerged from seclusion…

An imperial court elder, True Monarch Red Sleeve paid a visit, presenting a congratulatory gift along with an invitation letter.

“We hope True Monarch Xiang will grace the imperial capital with your presence.”

“No need for you to take action. The imperial family will offer generous rewards regardless.”

True Monarch Red Sleeve was not flirtatious or overly polite this time. She went straight to the point, her demeanor solemn and proper.

After delivering the invitation, she departed immediately, returning swiftly to the imperial court.

“It seems the imperial family truly faces a troublesome crisis.”

Lan Changʼan watched her hasty departure, pondering silently and weighing the pros and cons.

…

True Monarch Red Sleeve’s visit carried an important message:

The Marquis Tianwu from the Jin Immortal Dynasty had already arrived in the Central Region Great Yuan and was about to visit the Great Yu imperial court.

In response, the imperial family offered heavy rewards to invite powerful Nascent Soul cultivators from the Central Region to come and lend their presence.

Even if there was a confrontation, it would be defensive in nature. The imperial family would not demand these visiting true monarchs to fight higher-ranked cultivators from the Jin Immortal Dynasty.

Their expectations for Lan Changʼan were even lower.

As long as he came to show support even without engaging in battle, he would receive a handsome reward.

The promised “appearance fee” was generous, including fourth-rank demon king blood and materials for refining puppets, resources Lan Changʼan currently needed.

The key point: he didn’t have to fight. Just showing up would earn him the reward.

“So even a top hegemonic force from the Central Region wants to borrow this Lan’s momentum?”

Lan Changʼan chuckled to himself, storing away the invitation.

He had already made up his mind.

He might as well go and see what kind of presence a top cultivator from the Jin Immortal Dynasty would have.

As a spectator, at the very least, he’d gain some experience and insight.

And there was another important reason behind his decision.

He entered his study in the cave-dwelling and took out a letter bearing deep-blue ocean patterns.

The sender of the letter was none other than Overturning Sea True Monarch, the great cultivator known throughout the coastal regions.

If other Great Yuan cultivators saw this, their jaws would likely drop.

A cultivator from the Central Region like Lan Changʼan actually maintained correspondence with one of Great Yuan’s Three Great Cultivators?

In fact, Lan Changʼan’s contacts extended beyond just Overturning Sea True Monarch.

He had also received a letter from Yellow Springs Ghost True Monarch, a major figure from the Northern Region’s Yellow Heaven Ghost Palace.

After the famed battle back then, when the “Twin Dragons of Great Yuan” became a legend, the Yellow Heaven Ghost Palace tried to win him over by offering an olive branch.

After all, the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects controlled most of the maritime trade routes and interests along the coast of Great Yuan, often clashing with the other two Great Cultivator powers.

At first, Lan Changʼan didn’t pay it much mind. Later, however, Yellow Springs Ghost True Monarch personally penned a letter.

As long as Lan Changʼan agreed to join, he would hold a position in the Northern Region second only to one, and above all others.

Lan Changʼan replied formally, expressing his gratitude but clearly stating he would remain neutral for now and not align with any of the three dominant powers.

Even though he refused, Yellow Springs Ghost True Monarch still kept the door open. If the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sect ever made things difficult for Lan Changʼan, he promised to intervene on his behalf.

Now, Lan Changʼan opened the Overturning Sea True Monarch’s letter. There was a key message inside:

“Only because of True Monarch Xiang’s sake did I agree to the imperial court’s invitation.”

This result surprised Lan Changʼan.

“Do I really carry that much weight?”

Certainly, during that conflict at Yunxia Sect, he had stopped Jing Wufeng and Overturning Sea from engaging in a deadly duel.

But Lan Changʼan knew very well, he had merely arrived at the right moment and provided an easy way out for both sides.

He suspected Overturning Sea’s willingness to appear this time probably had deeper motivations.

“If the sky collapses, the tall ones will hold it up.”

Lan Changʼan chuckled and stopped overthinking it.

Since Overturning Sea had “given him face” by agreeing to step in, it would indeed be unreasonable if Lan Changʼan didn’t at least show up.

He made up his mind:

He would attend, watch from the sidelines, but under no circumstance would he lift a finger.

Once the show was over and he’d collected his appearance fee, he’d return straight home.

This time, he was absolutely going to freeload.

…

Three days later.

While meditating in seclusion, Lan Changʼan suddenly sensed a ripple and looked toward the border of Great Yu Kingdom.

“They’ve arrived?”

He opened his eyes and made a few quick divinations, managing only to discern the general identity and cultivation level of the visitors.

Any deeper information was quickly obscured by a thick fog of fate, blocked by powerful and mysterious forces.

This level of interference was second only to when divining anything related to the Heavenly One Sect or Yan Donglai.

“A great cultivator from the Jin Immortal Dynasty… indeed extraordinary. Covered in the national fortune of the Immortal Dynasty itself.”

…

Great Yu Kingdom, Southeastern Border.

A howling wind tore through the skies, ripping apart the cloud layers overhead.

A “Mysterious Wind Beast” cloaked in bluish-grey astral winds, over ten zhang in length, raced into the Great Yu Kingdom with lightning speed.

The Mysterious Wind Beast resembled a fusion of dragon and lion, its back patterned like a qilin, and a pair of wide, scale-covered wings sprouted from its ribs. Each breath it drew in and out stirred the fierce astral currents of the heavens.

A normal Mysterious Wind Beast would be considered Earth-grade, but this one’s bloodline aura rivaled that of a Heaven-grade spirit beast. It had reached the mid-fourth rank in cultivation and its escape speed far surpassed that of ordinary mid-Nascent Soul cultivators.

If an average Nascent Soul True Monarch were to encounter it, they would likely be terrified,l survival would be slim.

“Lord Martial Marquis, we have arrived in Great Yu Kingdom.”

A red-haired military general, clad in black armor with crimson pupils, flew alongside in the clouds and bowed in midair as he reported.

Marquis Tianwu appeared around forty to fifty years old, with a rugged face and eyes that gleamed like cold iron. Three strands of neatly kept beard hung down to his chest. His posture was upright, clad in a ceremonial crane cloak embroidered with auspicious patterns, beneath which he wore a suit of Flowing Cloud Armor.

He radiated both the fierce might of a commanding general and the grace of a learned scholar.

On his left hip hung a Jade Military Talisman, carved with the patterns of a hundred fierce beasts;

Slung diagonally across his back was the long spear “Xuanli”, measuring over thirteen feet. It was carved from ten-thousand-year-old Black Ice Jade Marrow, the spear tip shaped like a spiral cone and gleaming with flowing bluish-white cold light.

“The grandeur of Great Yu Kingdom does carry a third of the bearing once possessed by the Immortal Dynasty ten thousand years ago… but alas, it’s a painted dragon with skin alone, lacking even half the spirit of the divine.”

Marquis Tianwu stroked his beard as he gazed over the mountains and rivers in the distance, offering a calm and faint evaluation.

The Mysterious Wind Beast galloped across thousands of li.

Up ahead, two Nascent Soul light trails approached rapidly.

“Greetings, Lord Marquis!”

The arrivals, a man and a woman, were none other than Qi Xiuyuan and Luo Qianshui.

“Junior Brother Xiuyuan, thank you for coming ahead to prepare the way. What is the current situation in Great Yu Kingdom?”

Marquis Tianwu scanned the pair and let his gaze linger on Qi Xiuyuan.

They were both disciples of the Confucian Saint.

Among the seventy-two disciples of the Saint, their cultivation levels, ages, and backgrounds varied greatly.

Some were scions of noble families, others were from humble origins, ranging from the Foundation Establishment stage all the way up to the Nascent Soul stage.

The most accomplished among them had even reached the pseudo-Heavenly Lord realm.

Regardless of their background or cultivation, most of these disciples were destined for greatness.

“Reporting to Lord Marquis…”

Qi Xiuyuan answered respectfully, delivering a report on his findings and developments over the past two years within the Great Yu Kingdom.

Standing silently to the side Luo Qianshui, an incomparably elegant and peerless beauty, did not get a single opportunity to speak.

Marquis Tianwu didn’t spare her even a glance.

“Oh?”

Marquis Tianwu showed a faint trace of interest, his gaze turning in the direction of the Yunxia Sect.

Qi Xiuyuan’s report had placed significant focus on one of the Twin Dragons of Great Yuan: True Monarch Xiang Dalong.

After all, this cultivator was said to rival great cultivators and could potentially influence not just the fate of Great Yu Kingdom, but the entire central region.

Just recently, True Monarch Xiang’s spirit beast had advanced to mid-fourth rank, once again drawing attention.

“This man’s information has already been recorded in the Immortal Dynasty’s Intelligence Bureau. No need to dwell on it.”

Marquis Tianwu gave it a moment’s thought.

Xiang Dalong was suspected of cultivating the Evergreen Technique, and he harbored more secrets than the average cultivator. The fact that his rat spirit beast had reached mid-fourth rank did not surprise the marquis.

“Mister Qi, a mere Xiang Dalong is of no consequence to the Immortal Dynasty’s plans.”

The red-haired general in black armor escorting them spoke up with a trace of impatience.

Marquis Tianwu’s mission here concerned the Yu Clan.

Qi Xiuyuan’s report had placed far too much emphasis on Xiang Dalong, who had no direct connection to their objective, blurring the lines between what was essential and what was not.

Qi Xiuyuan glanced at the red-haired general with a troubled expression and then turned to Marquis Tianwu:

“Lord Marquis, have you come to Great Yuan with only General Yuwen? None of your elite troops or tiger generals?”

Having scouted the situation in Great Yu Kingdom ahead of time, Qi Xiuyuan had learned about the state of the imperial family, Yunxia Sect, and other forces. What he discovered painted a grim picture.

He had assumed Marquis Tianwu would arrive with overwhelming force.

But now, besides the late-Nascent Soul stage Marquis Tianwu himself, there was only the mid-Nascent Soul Qi Xiuyuan and peak mid-Nascent Soul General Yuwen.

As for Luo Qianshui, newly ascended to Nascent Soul, she wasn’t even counted among their true combatants.

It had to be noted that just the Yu Clan and Yunxia Sect alone possessed six mid-Nascent Soul combatants.

And now that Great Yu Kingdom had annexed the Great Luo Kingdom, they were backed by various noble clans, cultivation sects, and commercial alliances from the immortal cities.

“This marquis has not come to Great Yuan to wage war or lay siege, why would I need to bring an army? Were it not for General Yuwen’s insistence on coming, I would have arrived alone.”

Marquis Tianwu’s laughter was clear and hearty, his words filled with unwavering confidence.

Came alone?

Qi Xiuyuan and the others exchanged glances, finding it difficult to believe.

Perhaps sensing their unease, Marquis Tianwu remained composed and firmly declared:

“Even if all the great cultivators of Yuan Province gather, the outcome will not change. For this marquis’s mission, not a single soldier or blade is needed!”

...

Half a day later.

The capital of the Great Yu Kingdom. The fourth-rank grand formation activated.

The entire imperial city was enveloped in a shimmering golden barrier patterned with intricate runes.

Above the imperial palace, eight golden auspicious clouds circled and hovered in protective formation. Strands of golden dragon qi flowed along the perimeter of the formation, accompanied by faintly audible, soul-shaking dragon roars.

Great Yu Kingdom had officially entered a wartime alert state, activating all defensive protocols.

From atop the golden clouds overhead, the immense auras of four mid-Nascent Soul cultivators soared like heavenly pillars, piercing the firmament.

These four included the Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin, along with Old Monster Golden Kun and Cloud Thunder True Monarch, both mid-Nascent Soul powerhouses.

Cloud Thunder True Monarch was a former high elder of the fallen Great Luo Kingdom. He had once fought against Lan Changʼan and Lord Earthrock.

After the Great Luo Kingdom was annexed, the Great Yu imperial family placated Cloud Thunder’s sect Profound Sky Palace, granting them substantial autonomy.

With his interests preserved and lacking the strength to oppose Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin, Cloud Thunder True Monarch ultimately accepted the offer to integrate into the Great Yu Kingdom.

In addition to these four mid-stage Nascent Soul heavyweights, the imperial capital also housed at least a dozen early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, including True Monarch Iron Calculation and True Monarch Red Sleeve.

Most of these early Nascent Soul cultivators hailed from the imperial family or the few remaining noble clans.

Facing this assembly of Great Yu Nascent Souls, ten li outside the imperial capital, atop a dense cloud layer,

“This Marquis has traveled countless miles from the Jin Immortal Dynasty, only to be denied entry at your gates. Is this how the Yu Clan treats its guests?”

Riding his Mysterious Wind Beast, Marquis Tianwu spoke in a voice like rolling thunderclouds, direct and forceful, laced with indignation.

At his side stood Qi Xiuyuan and General Yuwen, positioned left and right.

The delegation from the Jin Immortal Dynasty numbered only three, vastly outnumbered by the many Nascent Soul cultivators of the Great Yu Kingdom.

Qi Xiuyuan felt increasingly uneasy.

Both Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin wielded national treasures, dragon artifacts, their aura and pressure greatly surpassed his own.

In a real confrontation, Qi Xiuyuan doubted he could match either of them.

He could perhaps hold off Old Monster Golden Kun, at best.

General Yuwen’s expression was grave. Faced with nearly twenty Nascent Soul experts radiating oppressive spiritual pressure, even his breathing grew heavy.

In stark contrast, Marquis Tianwu remained unshaken, his gaze calm and inscrutable, eyes flickering with hidden brilliance.

Faced with the full might of the Great Yu Nascent Soul force, he addressed them like a commanding lord inspecting his troops, his voice ringing out like a mighty bell.

Within the golden barrier, Emperor Yu furrowed his brows. He exchanged a brief glance with Yu Yuanjin, their spiritual senses quietly linking.

Marquis Tianwu had submitted his visitation request in advance and was only now arriving in person.

However, how could the Yu imperial family dare to allow a Great Cultivator from the Immortal Dynasty into their capital?

Not only did they dare not, they had already activated the fourth-rank grand formation and summoned their Nascent Soul experts, pushing the city’s defensive power to the level of a superior-grade fourth-rank formation.

True Monarch Iron Calculation had calculated this beforehand: as long as the formation was active and no one left the city, even if Marquis Tianwu brought an elite military formation, he would be unable to breach the defenses.

“Our Yu Clan’s imperial capital welcomes only guests of goodwill. If Lord Marquis has come with other intentions, why not speak plainly?”

Emperor Yu took a step forward.

The purple-gold dragon-embroidered imperial robe around him flapped in the wind. Streams of dragon fortune qi coiled around his body. His square-jawed face remained stern and unsmiling, radiating natural authority without anger.

“If the Yu Clan will not permit this Marquis entry,”

Marquis Tianwu replied calmly, “Then let your leading figure come out for a discussion.”

Step outside for a discussion?

Emperor Yu’s expression flickered slightly.

He couldn’t ascertain the Immortal Dynasty’s true purpose. Facing a cultivator as profound as Marquis Tianwu, to meet alone outside the protection of the formation carried enormous risk.

“Your Majesty must not place yourself in danger! This could be a scheme devised by the Great Cultivators of the Immortal Dynasty!”

True Monarch Red Sleeve called out sternly, glaring at the three outsiders beyond the city.

Several imperial family elders echoed her warning, urging against reckless action.

Only True Monarch Iron Calculation remained silent, frowning deeply in contemplation.

“Sigh…”

Marquis Tianwu shook his head gently and sighed:

“The bloodline of the ‘Carefree King’ has endured trials along the coasts of Yuan Province for tens of thousands of years. Yet how much boldness and resolve remains today?”

At these words, not only Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin, but several imperial core members’ expressions darkened and shifted rapidly.

“As expected of Lord Marquis Tianwu! With a single declaration, you cow the Yu Clan’s guilty bloodline. These petty descendants dare neither to receive their guest nor to step forth to meet them!”

Qi Xiuyuan felt a surge of relief, clapping his hands with a smile.

It wasn’t mere flattery, there was genuine admiration in his tone.

This boldness alone was enough for Marquis Tianwu to stand above the Nascent Soul great cultivators of these backwater regions.

...

Within the imperial city’s grand formation.

The two camps stood at a stark impasse, locked in brief silence.

The Yu imperial family wore ashen expressions, caught between advancing or retreating.

Though it was undignified, all the Nascent Soul cultivators on Great Yu’s side could understand.

Caution was no mistake.

The very name of the Jin Immortal Dynasty inspired dread across the continent!

Even Fenghua Province, located at the very heart of the Heaven Honoured Continent, had been completely brought under the dynasty’s control, and was now gradually encroaching upon and devouring neighboring territories, expanding its dominion.

Fenghua Province was a superstate, rich in resources. After expansion, its territory now nearly rivaled the size of ten Great Yuans.

Just as silence blanketed both camps-

Whoooosh-

In the far horizon, dust swirled into the sky and dark clouds surged. A vast and terrifying aura of earthly demonic qi surged toward the imperial capital.

“That demonic aura…could it be?”

One of the high-ranking cultivators of the imperial faction revealed a gleam of joy, turning to look.

Before long, a giant rat king the size of a small hill appeared in sight.

Its entire body was covered in sinewy, rock-like muscles that radiated raw power. Brown fur, like steel needles, bristled across its form. Atop its skull, a patch of violet-gold fur glimmered, which showed off the rat kingʼs demeanor.

Atop the rat king’s head sat Lan Changʼan, clad in a dark robe and heavy cloak, with a lazy, nonchalant expression. A few streaks of silver mingled in his black hair, which draped loosely around him, lending him a wild, unruly air.

This scene caught the Yu imperial clan off guard for a moment.

“True Monarch Xiang has finally arrived.”

The imperial cultivators visibly relaxed, chuckling quietly.

Lan Changʼan’s arrival greatly alleviated the pressure on the Great Yu imperial family.

Until now, they hadn’t dared to step outside the city or leave the safety of the formation.

But now, seeing Lan Changʼan approach, Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin stepped out, riding golden clouds to personally welcome him.

Behind them, the two other mid-Nascent Soul cultivators, Old Monster Golden Kun and Cloud Thunder True Monarch followed close behind.

“Your Majesty Yu, fellow Daoists, no need to be so formal. You’ll embarrass me…”

Lan Changʼan waved his hand dismissively.

He thought to himself: I just came to watch the show and earn an appearance fee. Do you have to make such a grand display?

Two hundred years ago, the Yu Emperor had stood high above all others, proud and aloof over the central region. He certainly hadn’t been this earnest back then.

This entire scene fell into the eyes of the three from the Immortal Dynasty.

Qi Xiuyuan’s expression darkened.

Lan Changʼan’s arrival instantly bolstered the Yu Clan’s confidence.

The famed True Monarch Xiang, according to rumor, could even match a Great Cultivator.

Even if those claims were somewhat exaggerated, now that he had a mid-fourth-rank demon king under his command, it was like adding wings to a tiger, likely not far off from the rumors.

“True Monarch Xiang, what is the meaning of this? Are you intending to oppose the Immortal Dynasty?”

Qi Xiuyuan’s voice carried a tinge of suppressed anger.

When he first arrived in Great Yu Kingdom, his top priority was to win over Xiang Dalong, the greatest unpredictable variable.

At the time, Xiang Dalong had refused the dynasty’s offer, expressing a neutral stance.

Now, he openly stood on the side of the Yu Clan. Qi Xiuyuan was visibly displeased.

“Master Qi, youʼre quite mistaken. As a cultivator of Great Yu Kingdom, I naturally care about my country’s affairs. What’s wrong with coming to have a look?”

“If that counts as opposing the Jin Immortal Dynasty… then by that logic, does that mean all of Great Yu, all of Great Yuan, all of the Heaven Honoured Human Realm wants to oppose you?”

Lan Changʼan had no intention of humoring this person.

He immediately slapped on a big-label accusation, causing Qi Xiuyuan’s face to shift rapidly.

“It’s fine.”

Marquis Tianwu smiled gently, raising a hand to stop the now green-faced Qi Xiuyuan.

“The name of True Monarch Xiang, I heard of it back in the Immortal Dynasty. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the rumors.”

Riding atop the Mysterious Wind Beast, Marquis Tianwu finally stood up and offered a slight salute to Lan Changʼan.

Lan Changʼan did not dare to show disrespect. Standing on the rat king’s head, he returned the courtesy toward this Great Cultivator of the immortal dynasty.

Across the distance of several li, the two men appraised each other.

The Marquis’s late-Nascent Soul spiritual sense, carrying immense pressure that warped the surrounding space, swept toward Lan Changʼan.

Yet Lan Changʼan stood firm like an unmoving hill. His expression remained completely serene.

Marquis Tianwu was silently astonished, he had underestimated this so-called True Monarch Xiang.

When facing the divine pressure of a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, some powerful Nascent Soul giants could maintain a calm exterior but their spirit would still be roiled within, unable to truly withstand it.

Whether one was faking composure or not, a Great Cultivator could see it at a glance.

But Lan Changʼan was different. He truly withstood the spiritual sense’s pressure without a single ripple of emotion, maintaining total harmony between inner and outer state.

Lan had cultivated the “Thousand Machines Divine Transformation Art Art” to the eighth layer. His spiritual sense, even in normal conditions, had reached the threshold of late-Nascent Soul.

Naturally, a casual probing by a Great Cultivator’s spiritual sense wouldn’t shake him.

“True Monarch Xiang is a sect cultivator of Great Yu Kingdom. Whether he observes from the sidelines or fully supports the Yu Clan, it is all within reason. None of it constitutes hostility toward the Jin Immortal Dynasty. This Marquis holds only admiration, not the slightest resentment.”

Marquis Tianwu stroked his beard and smiled, his tone frank, his eyes gleaming with concealed appreciation.

“Then all is well.”

Lan Changʼan plopped himself back onto the rat king’s head.

He had anticipated this, as a heavyweight capable of influencing the balance in Great Yu Kingdom, as long as he didn’t actively strike down anyone, the Immortal Dynasty wouldn’t dare make trouble by offending him without cause.

...

“Fellow Daoist Yu, tensions are high on both sides right now, what’s the reason?”

Lan Changʼan did not enter the imperial city’s grand formation. His eyes, puzzled, turned toward Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin.

Yu Yuanjin gave a brief account of the situation.

Lan Changʼan followed his words with a glance toward Old Monster Golden Kun and Cloud Thunder True Monarch.

Old Monster Golden Kun appeared slightly guilty. He gave a shallow bow and clasped fists in greeting.

Lan Changʼan naturally recognized Old Monster Golden Kun.

Two hundred years ago, when he was still at the Core Formation stage, he had accompanied Fairy Purple Mist to participate in the Nascent Soul Exchange Gathering in Cloudsky City, where he had first seen Golden Kun.

Later, when Lan Changʼan advanced to the Nascent Soul stage and fought the Seven True Monarchs within the forbidden zone of the Central Region, they had crossed paths again.

At the time, Golden Kun had already been an established mid-Nascent Soul cultivator, and his metal-element magic treasures and divine abilities had countered Lan Changʼan’s techniques, putting considerable pressure on him.

Lan Changʼan had only taken a single strike from him at a distance and had no desire to continue fighting, he simply wasn’t a match.

But now, today faced with Golden Kun’s half-flattering salute, Lan Changʼan acted as if he hadn’t even seen it, giving him no face at all.

“So that’s how it is.”

Lan Changʼan turned back to Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin, now understanding the situation at hand.

Emperor Yu then asked, “True Monarch Xiang, do you have any suggestions?”

Lan Changʼan muttered inwardly: You imperial folks have a fourth-rank formation and so many powerful Nascent Soul cultivators, why be so wary of one Marquis Tianwu, even if he is late-stage?

It’s not like he’s a Deity Transformation Lord, with a boundary of a whole realm between you.

When the number of Nascent Soul cultivators piles up, even a Great Cultivator can’t hold off a group beatdown.

“So what if Marquis Tianwu comes in?”

Lan Changʼan replied bluntly.

Emperor Yu nearly rolled his eyes. This Xiang Dalong speaks so lightly, is he mocking the imperial clan for lacking courage?

And even now, this bastard hasn’t set a single foot inside the capital.

Lan Changʼan had no stake in the fight, so of course he could make casual comments and enjoy the show without consequence.

If a real fight broke out, he as someone who was only here to collect his appearance fee would absolutely refuse to get involved.

“Just wait a little longer.”

Lan Changʼan stopped teasing the emperor and finally gave some genuine advice.

...

Emperor Yu and his followers, standing atop golden clouds, no longer retreated into the capital to turtle up.

Lan Changʼan’s arrival had given the imperial clan enough morale to hold their ground with some dignity.

“Fellow Daoist Golden Kun, how old are you now? Sprouting all that gray hair already. I still remember your golden curls back in the day, they were quite unforgettable.”

Lan Changʼan spoke with a half-smile, his gaze landing on Old Monster Golden Kun.

Golden Kun’s head still appeared full of curly golden locks.

But in truth, he had already grown a head full of withered yellow aging hair, which he concealed using secret materials and techniques just to maintain the majestic image of a golden-maned lion.

Such disguises could fool ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, but Lan Changʼan saw through it at a glance.

“You’ve made a joke of me, True Monarch Xiang. This old man is over nine hundred years old now,”

Old Monster Golden Kun chuckled awkwardly after being publicly exposed and ridiculed.

Lan Changʼan narrowed his eyes and observed him closely, seeing that the old monster had likely taken many lifespan-extending elixirs, and had a hundred or two years of life left at most.

He silently sighed in disappointment.

Why isn’t this old freak getting angry? Or at least showing some resentment or hidden killing intent?

If he had, I could’ve had the perfect excuse to strike him down when he’s weak and old, then swallow his Nascent Soul without guilt.

A long-lived mid-Nascent Soul cultivator like this… I could even consider refining him into one of the life seals of the Nine Seal Stele to bolster my soul-based trump cards.

Lan Changʼan’s gaze grew colder.

Old Monster Golden Kun, under that stare began to feel uneasy, his heart raced with inexplicable fear.

This Nascent Soul old monster, who had cultivated for nearly a thousand years, now felt like a lamb awaiting slaughter, filled with the chilling dread of being skinned and eaten alive.