I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 480: Great Cultivator Showdown, Secret Letter from Ancestor

Boom!

A sudden flash of lightning and rumble of thunder in the distance shattered the tense discomfort surrounding Old Monster Golden Kun.

Lan Changʼan turned his head to look.

Over a hundred li away, storm clouds churned and lightning flashed.

A low rumble, like the roar of a tsunami, rolled in.

The skies surrounding the imperial capital flickered between light and dark, black clouds tumbling as if heralding a great storm.

Most of the Nascent Soul True Monarchs present felt their breathing grow heavy under the immense spiritual pressure of a great cultivator, vast and deep as the ocean.

“He actually came…”

Even mighty figures like the Yu Emperor couldn’t help revealing joy on their faces.

Years ago, in the face of a potential crisis from the Jin Immortal Dynasty, the imperial family had jointly requested aid from the three great cultivators of Great Yuan via their own Nascent Soul cultivators.

Later, they sent another invitation upon receiving the Marquis Tianwu’s letter.

Yet the silence had been like a stone sinking into the sea, no response whatsoever.

Now, amid this unexpected joy, the Yu Emperor instinctively looked toward Xiang Dalong, recalling his earlier words: “Wait a little longer.”

Lan Changʼan remained expressionless, as relaxed and unconcerned as ever, as if detached from the situation.

He sensed an aura equal to his own.

The Marquis Tianwu’s expression turned solemn as he rose and stared in the direction from which the tsunami-like roar originated.

Moments later.

A towering figure, nine feet tall, stepped across the waves with hands clasped behind his back.

“Itʼs the Great Cultivator of Sea Suppressing Sect!”

The high-ranking cultivators of the Great Yu faction reacted in shock, recognizing the newcomer.

Atop the crest of the stormy sea-

The towering man wore a wide dragon-scale robe, bronze-toned muscles forming wave-like contours. His gray-white hair billowed down to his waist in the fierce wind.

As he drew closer, his rugged face came into view, marked by a dark red dragon claw scar.

His eyes were like those of a deep-sea Candle Dragon, so fierce that ghosts and gods would retreat, so intense that merely looking into them made one’s heart tremble.

“So it is the renowned Overturning Sea True Monarch, whose name shakes the coastal regions of the Heaven Honoured Continent.”

The Marquis Tianwu gazed at the figure walking upon the waves and cupped his hands in greeting.

The Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects controlled vital coastal trade routes, something the Jin Immortal Dynasty had long documented.

Among them, this Great Cultivator of Sea Suppressing Sect was a key figure of interest.

“I’ve long heard of the Marquis Tianwu’s campaigns across the central Heaven Honoured Continent.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s voice was deep and resonant. He raised his hands and met the gaze of the Marquis, returning the courtesy.

Thunder rumbled through the void.

Their unseen auras clashed briefly.

Overturning Sea True Monarch then withdrew his gaze and strode powerfully toward the imperial capital.

Just as the Yu Emperor and others were about to speak, Overturning Sea True Monarch’s gaze landed on Lan Changʼan, standing outside the capital. With a hint of a smile, he raised a hand and called out:

“True Monarch Xiang, it’s been a long time.”

“Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea.”

Lan Changʼan reluctantly stood and returned the gesture.

This Great Cultivator of the Sea Suppressing Sect, upon arriving at Great Yu’s imperial capital, formally greeted only the Marquis Tianwu and Lan Changʼan.

To others, whether imperial elites or the eager Old Monster Golden Kun, he gave no more than a nod.

Old Monster Golden Kun, bent in a respectful bow, froze awkwardly, bitterness rising in his heart, his unease growing.

…

“Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea, have you come to interfere in the feud between the Jin Immortal Dynasty and the Yu clan?”

The Marquis Tianwu remained composed, his voice steady as he spoke directly.

“Not at all! I have no interest in the grievance between the Jin Immortal Dynasty and the Great Yu Kingdom.”

Around Overturning Sea, winds and waves surged. His deep-blue eyes flickered with long-buried battle intent as he stared at the dynasty’s great cultivator:

“My hands are itching. I’d like to spar with a fellow great cultivator from the dynasty. May I have the honor?”

His words sent a jolt through the entire gathering.

Qi Xiuyuan and General Yuwen of the Jin Immortal Dynasty looked visibly displeased.

Even the Nascent Soul True Monarchs on the Great Yu side were taken aback.

Lan Changʼan, too, was slightly surprised.

He had anticipated that Overturning Sea True Monarch might support Great Yu but hadn’t expected such a “forthright” approach.

“Since Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea seeks a battle, how could this Marquis decline?”

The Marquis Tianwu locked eyes with Overturning Sea, his tone suddenly frosty, his reply straightforward.

As a great cultivator of the Jin Immortal Dynasty, he believed he had shown proper courtesy and had not offended this coastal cultivator. Yet the other party initiated provocation.

Then let it be war.

It would also serve to show these backwater cultivators just what kind of strength the central lands of the Heaven Honoured Continent held.

Boom! Hummm!

Two vast spiritual senses and spiritual pressures clashed in midair, sending shockwaves that made even the gathered cultivators’ souls tremble.

Above the capital, a storm of spiritual energy erupted, the heavens and earth shifting into darkness and turbulence.

“Excellent! A fight between great cultivators, such a rare sight in the cultivation world.”

Lan Changʼan secretly applauded.

In the past, the Nine Seal Stele had only absorbed early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators; he had never witnessed a battle between top Nascent Soul great cultivators.

In Great Qing, where he was born this life, such a cultivator might appear once every few millennia.

Such an experience was too valuable to miss.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The two great cultivators blurred, using unfathomable divine movement techniques to soar into the upper skies, toward the sixth layer of the Nine Fiery Heavens.

Within mere breaths, they vanished from sight.

With that kind of flying speed, an ordinary Nascent Soul True Monarch wouldnʼt even be able to touch their tail.

It appeared the battle would take place in the terrifying Sixth Heaven, a place beyond the reach of most cultivators.

Lan Changʼan considered whether he should follow, though doing so might be seen as presumptuous.

Just then, a thread of spiritual sense descended from the clouds, along with Overturning Sea True Monarch’s deep voice:

“True Monarch Xiang, you may come observe the upcoming battle.”

Lan Changʼanʼs heart stirred.

He realized that this coastal powerhouse was offering him a small favor.

With no time to ponder it further, Lan Changʼan put away Lord Earthrock and unfurled the Black Heaven Wings on his back.

Black mist and wind swirled, the silhouette of his wings vanishing into the clouds as he sped off, almost matching the pace of the great cultivators.

Back at Great Yu’s imperial capital, the remaining Nascent Soul True Monarchs exchanged glances but ultimately refrained from following.

First, because they likely couldn’t catch up or endure the terrifying phenomena of the Sixth Heaven.

Second, because the two great cultivators had chosen to fight in private, not for public viewing.

…

Moments later.

Following the thread of spiritual sense, Lan Changʼan charged straight into the sixth layer of the Nine Fiery Heavens.

This heavenʼs gale-force winds could easily shred an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator’s physical body; the Solar Heavenfire here could melt a Nascent Soul spirit body; and on occasion, blazing meteors would rain down...

Let alone early-stage Nascent Souls, even mid-stage giants could hardly endure long in the sixth layer.

By the time Lan Changʼan arrived, the two great cultivators were already locked in combat.

Beneath the astral phenomena of the firmaments, their figures blurred amidst an unending roar.

Two clouds of magical power, each spanning over three li in diameter, surged with awe-inspiring might. Their collisions stirred the sixth layer into a tidal storm.

Boom!

Overturning Sea True Monarch spread his arms, gray hair billowing, surrounded by storming tsunamis. Above his head, massive dragon-whale phantoms surged across the skies, each a soul-shocking presence. Towering waves a hundred zhang tall crashed down toward the great cultivator of the Immortal Dynasty.

Marquis Tianwu remained calm and collected, his three refined whiskers floating in the air. With a single lift of his hand, ten thousand blades of cyan soldierly force burst forth, imbued with a deadly aura that could extinguish ghosts and gods alike.

The Jade Military Talisman on his waist shimmered as a murderous aura shot skyward. Hundreds of fierce, semi-illusory armored ghost soldiers formed ranks around him in a formidable formation.

Pupupupu!

The haunting dragon-whale shadows and colossal tidal waves were pierced through by the bladed qi.

The shattered torrents were effortlessly ground apart by the armored ghostly troops surrounding Marquis Tianwu.

The Tiance Martial Tactics!

Marquis Tianwuʼs eyes were as cold as steel. Hundreds, thousands of ghost soldiers formed a battle formation that spanned several li. The clashing of arms rang out like a battlefield of ten thousand men.

Each strike he delivered carried the exterminating might of the military formation, capable of slaying demons and annihilating gods, turning the very heavens and earth upside down.

”What formidable killing power!”

Even tens of li away, Lan Changʼan felt a murderous aura like a mountain of bones and sea of corpses stabbing straight into his sea of consciousness.

Marquis Tianwu cultivated the Path of Warfare. His killing intent could not only destroy the flesh but also obliterate ghostly spiritual forms.

Before long, his military formation tore through the oceanic storm. Each ghostly soldier towering a zhang high charged Overturning Sea True Monarch with surging killing intent.

North Sea, Return to Ruins!

Overturning Sea True Monarch let out a thunderous “Hah!” as cyan whale tattoos rippled across his skin. His body suddenly grew to over twelve feet tall, emanating the terrifying might of a fourth-rank body-refinement cultivator.

Woom!

A murky-black tide condensed into dragon-whale runes, forming a deep vortex like a black hole that enveloped his towering figure.

Hundreds of those fearsome ghost soldiers were shredded by the swirling abyss around him.

Marquis Tianwu gave a calm smile and incanted a seal, activating the Jade Military Talisman.

The ghost soldiers that had been destroyed turned into wisps of cyan killing aura and returned to merge back into the formation before him.

Relying on the Jade Military Talisman and his battle formation, Marquis Tianwu maintained the upper hand.

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s face darkened. The dragon-claw scar on his rugged face took on a savage, ferocious gleam.

Raising one hand in a claw-like gesture, thunder cracked across the skies as waves and hurricanes surged.

Crash! Boom!

A halberd, its entire body a mix of cyan and black, coiled by an ancient dragon surfaced from the waves, churning up tens of thousands of towering breakers.

Embedded in its shaft was a deep-sea spirit pearl, gleaming like the eye of a blue dragon.

Wherever the blade of the halberd passed, sky and sea were cleaved apart and faint white rifts appeared in the void.

An ancient aura that seemed to reign over all seas spread through the Nine Fiery Heavens, pressing near the limits of the human world.

Crack!

A rupture opened in the heavenly tactic battle formation around Marquis Tianwu. Hundreds of ghostly armored soldiers were reduced to flickering shadows of killing intent.

“The Sea Suppressing Halberd!”

Nearby, Qi Xiuyuan and the black armored general who had crept close to observe the battle instinctively felt their hearts lurch, as if facing a primordial sea god.

The two had tracked Marquis Tianwu’s divine aura, pressing into the Nine Fiery Heavens to monitor the battle.

This not only helped them gain experience, but also ensured Lan Changʼan wouldn’t interfere in favor of Overturning Sea True Monarch.

…

“The Sea Suppressing Halberd! Well struck!”

The cyan aura of war around Marquis Tianwu surged. He seized the long spear slung across his back, Xuanli.

A weapon whose ancient divine aura rivaled the Sea Suppressor Halberd’s, Xuanli released a chilling force that tore through the Nine Fiery Heavens.

Schlick-

The spear tip summoned three thousand ice crystals. The shaft shimmered with the illusion of a hundred-zhang-long ice dragon coiling through the air, spreading glacial patterns dozens of li wide.

Lan Changʼan and Qi Xiuyuan, watching the battle, felt a terrifying and unnatural chill. Their consciousness slowed as if time itself was freezing.

At that moment, the Sea Suppressing Halberd, guided by the Overturning Sea True Monarch’s towering figure, cleaved down toward the crown of Marquis Tianwu’s head.

His twelve-foot-tall bronze body abruptly slowed, like a scene put into slow motion.

A layer of white crystalline frost formed over the dragon-scale robe on his body. The surrounding seas, too, were frozen by the force of the ice dragon.

The sky and sea turned white. An endless frozen ocean shimmered like crystal.

Clang!

Ancient divine weapons, the spear and the halberd clashed.

Marquis Tianwu gave a muffled grunt. The webbing of his hand gripping Xuanli nearly split, and his body was blasted back by the immense force of the dragon-whale.

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s towering body was briefly sealed in ice. Within the glacier, deep aquatic light shimmered.

About half a breath later, a delayed explosion split the heavens.

The frozen ocean-spanning a hundred li shattered.

Countless ice chunks turned into a monstrous tsunami. Amid thunder and lightning, the twelve-foot-tall Overturning Sea True Monarch broke through the ice and reappeared.

His chest heaved. On the bronze muscles etched with sea-wave lines were small frostbitten wounds.

Yet with the circulation of a deep-blue glow, those minor injuries visibly began to heal.

Witnessing this, the formerly dominant Marquis Tianwu grew visibly solemn.

“Again!”

Overturning Sea True Monarch, like a stabilizing needle in the vast sea, radiated rising battle intent and boundless heroic spirit.

Gripping the Sea Suppressing Halberd in his dragon-like hand, he cleaved out a cyan-black arc that split the skies.

Marquis Tianwu countered with Xuanli, each strike carrying the murderous aura of his military formation. The ice dragon froze all under heaven.

Boom! Crack!

The ocean froze again and again, turning to glacier only to explode, as dragon-whale cries summoned sky-high waves.

Before long, they had exchanged over a hundred blows, their battle deadlocked.

Marquis Tianwu had yet to show any injuries, at least on the surface and still held the edge.

…

“Heh, as expected, Lord Marquis Tianwu effortlessly suppressed the outer province Nascent Soul great cultivator.”

Qi Xiuyuan chuckled with ease, clearly unsurprised.

General Yuwen’s eyes gleamed with awe, his voice soft with reverence, “Overturning Sea True Monarch’s battle intent is formidable, his magical power vast and boundless like the sea. He even dual cultivated fourth-rank body-refining on the side, minor flesh wounds are nothing to him. In a prolonged battle, the outcome remains uncertain…”

Lan Changʼan mused inwardly: “The Xuanli Spear wielded by Marquis Tianwu possesses ice attributes, which gives it a slight edge against the water-element Sea Suppressing Halberd.”

Moreover, the Jade Military Talisman that fuels his formation augments his offensive capabilities significantly.

In terms of magical treasures, the Overturning Sea True Monarch is at a disadvantage.

Yet Lan Changʼan showed no sign of concern about Overturning Seaʼs defeat.

The Dragon Whale Overturning Sea Art boasts an immense mana reservoir twice that of his peers and excels in direct confrontation and attrition battle.

Marquis Tianwu may be unmatched in his aggressive assault, but if he cannot win swiftly, the tide will inevitably turn in Overturning True Monarch’s favor.

And sure enough as time wore on, the Overturning Sea True Monarch’s momentum only surged. His gray hair whipped in the wind and the Sea Suppressing Halberd conjured nine ink-black dragon whale shadows with every swing.

The longer he fought, the fiercer he grew. Wave upon wave, an endless tide.

Marquis Tianwu’s Xuanli Spear gradually struggled to suppress the overwhelming tsunamis conjured by the Overturning Sea, and the battle entered a deadlock.

Their divine abilities and magical treasures clashed with unrelenting force, each shockwave washing over the trio watching from afar.

The astral phenomena near the sixth heaven grew increasingly violent, Qi Xiuyuan and General Yuwen could no longer bear the pressure and retreated hundreds of li.

They could only watch the battle from a distance, unable to see the more specific details of the fight.

“That kid…”

Qi Xiuyuan noticed Lan Changʼan still calmly observing from a much closer distance.

Shrouded in a pale green protective shield, Lan Changʼan remained unmoved.

His spiritual sense was razor-sharp, and his Evergreen essence endlessly regenerated, dispersing incoming attacks and softening their force.

Even the sixth heaven’s ferocious astral winds and solar flames, which penetrated most defenses, were effortlessly blocked by his fourth-rank overlord body, unable to harm him in the slightest.

Rarely did one witness such a high-level battle. Lan Changʼan knew this was a valuable learning opportunity, and he treasured every moment.

The two watchers exchanged glances, moved in spite of themselves.

Especially Qi Xiuyuan, his old face flushed slightly in embarrassment.

Without even relying on the fourth-rank puppet formation, Xiang Dalong’s performance in the Nine Fiery Heavens already surpassed theirs.

And should he choose to intervene using that puppet formation, he could very well turn the tide and help the Overturning Sea True Monarch defeat Marquis Tianwu.

Both men felt a flicker of unease at the thought.

Fortunately, Lan Changʼan remained a spectator and didn’t resort to such underhanded tactics.

…

Half an hour later.

The clash of vast magical energies and terrifying spiritual pressure in the skies finally subsided.

“The Overturning Sea True Monarchʼs battling talent is truly admirable,” said Marquis Tianwu, his tone carrying sincere respect.

“The means of the Immortal Dynastyʼs marquisʼ truly live up to their reputation. This humble one is honored.”

The two great cultivators exchanged glances across the void, withdrawing their vast magical powers and descending from the sixth layer of the heavens.

Marquis Tianwu rejoined Qi Xiuyuan and General Yuwen.

Overturning Sea True Monarch shrank back to a height of nine feet and landed beside Lan Changʼan.

Lan Changʼan expressed his gratitude: “Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea’s valor in battle was awe-inspiring, this Xiang has gained much from the experience.”

“It was but a friendly exchange, not a battle of life and death.”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch’s voice was calm, as though the fight had been a mere sparring match.

Lan Changʼan was mildly stunned. He’d heard that to truly master the Dragon Whale Overturning Sea Art, one must endure countless bloody duels with sea beasts and draconic creatures.

“That battle just now, what is your assessment, True Monarch Xiang?”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch smiled faintly, curious to hear the opinion of one of Great Yuan’s Twin Dragons.

“Xiang wouldn’t dare…”

Lan Changʼan showed a trace of modest surprise.

An ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator wasn’t usually qualified to comment on the battle of great cultivators.

“Please speak freely. I won’t take offense.”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch gestured magnanimously.

Lan Changʼan considered for a moment, then replied, “Marquis Tianwu’s path lies in the art of war. His killing prowess is unmatched. He inherited the legacy of the Confucian Saint of Immortal Dynasty, giving him a clear edge in divine abilities and magical treasures. On land, he does hold a slight upper hand.”

“However…”

Lan Changʼan’s voice shifted, now resolute. “In prolonged combat, Fellow Daoist Overturning Seaʼs unyielding will and vast mana reserves will gradually turn the tables.”

“And if the battle were fought at sea, I believe Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea would suppress him completely.”

“Well said!”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch’s eyes gleamed, and he let out a hearty laugh.

Clearly, Lan Changʼan’s evaluation pleased him greatly.

Taking advantage of the great cultivator’s good mood, Lan Changʼan asked, “Fellow Daoistʼs Sea Suppressing Halberd is awe-inspiring, surpassing most pseudo-spiritual treasures. But it seems… different from a true spiritual treasure?”

“Indeed. It’s not a true spiritual treasure, nor a mere imitation. It’s a remnant of an ancient divine weapon found near the coastal region. Later, the ancestor of the Sea Suppressing Sect invited Daoist Tianshu to repair it.”

“Its quality is slightly superior to a first tribulation spiritual treasure, but since it never developed an artifact spirit nor underwent a tribulation, it can’t be classified as a true spiritual treasure. Only those with matching cultivation attributes can use it effectively and minimize magical power consumption.”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch made no effort to hide the halberd’s origins and properties.

It was a rare type of ancient weapon, its materials were of the highest grade, but the crafting process was cruder than that of spiritual treasures.

In someone like Lan Changʼan’s hands, whose techniques didn’t align, using the halberd would drain more mana than even a pseudo-spiritual treasure.

Lan nodded thoughtfully. In the current age of cultivation, forging a true spiritual treasure was almost impossible.

First, fifth-rank materials had all but vanished. Second, fifth-rank artifact refiners were nearly extinct.

Most spiritual treasures today were relics of ancient times. New ones were exceedingly rare.

The Overturning Sea True Monarch glanced at him, casually adding, “It’s said that in the past ten thousand years, the legendary great cultivator Yan Donglai may have been a fifth-rank artifact refiner, capable of forging true spiritual treasures.”

Lan Changʼan’s heart stirred.

He looked at the True Monarch with newfound understanding, this was a generous tip.

This piece of information was incredibly valuable.

It elevated Yan Donglai’s status in his mind once more.

A fifth-rank artifact refiner, alive for over ten thousand years… it meant that Yan Donglai likely possessed not one, but multiple spiritual treasures.

“Where did Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea learn of this?” Lan Changʼan asked, his tone turning solemn.

The Overturning Sea True Monarch replied coolly, “To the top factions of the Heaven Honoured Continent, it’s no secret. Besides, our sect’s founder once crossed paths with Senior Yan.”

…

The two great cultivators returned one after another to the Imperial Capital.

The upper echelons of the imperial family appeared visibly tense as they eyed the two great cultivators.

Unfortunately, both the Marquis Tianwu and the Overturning Sea True Monarch wore expressionless faces, betraying no hint of their thoughts.

Seeing that neither appeared injured, Emperor Yu and his officials quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

The great cultivators of the Jin Immortal Dynasty were powerful beyond measure, and the Marquis Tianwu had long been famed across the lands. As cultivators of the Great Yuan, they had worried the Overturning Sea True Monarch might be defeated.

The Marquis Tianwu glanced back at the descending figures of the Overturning Sea True Monarch and Lan Changʼan.

Their duel had left this immortal dynasty great cultivator with complicated feelings.

He had originally believed that, in a ground-based fight, he could suppress the Overturning Sea True Monarch and assert the might of the Immortal Dynasty.

But things had not gone according to plan.

He was well aware of the True Monarch’s capabilities, within the ocean his techniques and divine powers would be greatly amplified.

If empowered by the might of the sea, the Sea Suppressing Halberd would become far more formidable, rivaling even a true water-elemental spiritual treasure.

Only within the sea could the Overturning Sea True Monarch fight at full power.

That earlier challenge from the Overturning Sea True Monarch had been a clear warning:

The Great Yuan is not the territory of the Jin Immortal Dynasty. Don’t overextend your reach.

“The Yu Clan, know that I’ve reached an understanding with Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea. Our visit bears no coercion toward the Great Yu Kingdom,” said the Marquis Tianwu with a faint smile.

After that bout, his tone had clearly softened.

But he still carried himself with calm confidence and a smile of certainty.

The two leading members of the imperial family exchanged a glance.

Their eyes swept over the Overturning Sea True Monarch and Lan Changʼan, and a sense of reassurance settled in their hearts.

With so many powerful cultivators from the Great Yuan present, it seemed unlikely the Marquis could stir up any serious trouble.

At the very least, he wouldnʼt be able to use forceful methods.

“Very well! Since Marquis Tianwu has shown his sincerity, We welcome our honored guest from the Immortal Dynasty to come within the palace for a discussion,” said Emperor Yu with a nod.

With the Overturning Sea True Monarch and Lan Changʼan standing guard, the imperial family felt not the slightest fear toward the Marquis Tianwu.

“There’s no need. I shall enter alone,” the Marquis replied calmly, storing his long spear Xuanli into his spatial ring.

“Lord Marquis…” General Yuwen and Qi Xiuyuan started to voice their concerns but were silenced by a wave of his hand.

Accompanied by Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin, the Marquis entered the palace.

His unshaken composure made the Overturning Sea True Monarch furrow his brow slightly.

The oceanic great cultivator did not interfere with internal affairs. He flew to the clouds above the palace and vanished from sight, though his powerful aura still remained.

...

Lan Changʼan remained outside the palace, not having left.

He lingered only to collect his “appearance fee.”

According to the previous agreement with the imperial family, he merely had to show up, no fighting required and he’d be handsomely rewarded.

This trip was essentially a free pass to spectate and collect rewards.

“Fellow Daoist Xiang, won’t you come in and rest for a bit?”

True Monarch Red Sleeve approached with a bright smile, handing him a storage pouch.

Lan Changʼan swept it with his spiritual sense, confirming it held fourth-rank body-refinement elixirs and precious puppet-refining materials. He smiled in satisfaction.

The imperial family was refreshingly straightforward, they already paid him in advance?

Lan Changʼan mused: Did I undervalue my own name? Was my appearance worth more than I asked for?

“Fellow Daoist Xiang, about that clash between the two great cultivators earlier…”

Red Sleeveʼs spiritual sense transmitted her question.

Only three people had witnessed the fight clearly, and Lan Changʼan was one of them.

The imperial family had their guesses but hoped to get a more accurate account from him.

Lan Changʼan merely smiled, giving no reply.

The True Monarch had kindly allowed him to observe the fight, how could he leak details to outsiders?

That bout had taught Lan Changʼan something new, back during their clash in the Yunxia Sect, the Overturning Sea True Monarch hadn’t been serious.

He now realized, the True Monarch was among the strongest even in the late Nascent Soul stage.

That wasn’t to say the Marquis was any weaker.

To Lan Changʼan personally, the Marquis posed the greater threat.

His attacks were lethal, and the divine weapon Xuanli could freeze the world. Its control powers were especially dangerous to Lan Changʼan.

Among cultivators, divine powers often countered one another in unpredictable ways.

...

After the time it takes to sip a cup of tea.

Within a side hall of the Great Yu imperial palace.

The Marquis Tianwu sat calmly across from Emperor Yu, Yu Yuanjin, and the Iron Calculation True Monarch.

Outside the hall, seven or eight Nascent Soul experts like Old Monster Golden Kun and True Monarch Cloud Thunder stood ready.

“Marquis Tianwu, speak plainly. If the Immortal Dynasty intends to punish us or to subjugate the Yu Clan, then spare us the polite talk.”

Emperor Yu sat at the head seat, speaking with forceful confidence.

The Yu Clan’s forebears had carved out a cultivation ground within the Great Yuan. With power and resources in their hands, free from subjugation, how could they ever desire servitude again?

The imperial family had always maintained respectful distance from the Jin Immortal Dynasty and wanted no entanglements.

Unfortunately, the mighty Jin Immortal Dynasty had risen in full force, completely unifying the central lands of Fenghua and expanding its territories by a vast margin.

They even had spare resources to hunt down traitors like the branch line of the exiled Carefree King.

“Heh, young scion of the Yu Clan, don’t be so quick to shut the door.”

The Marquis stroked his beard with a smile, confidence evident on his face.

His gaze scanned the hall’s formation and restrictions, solid and secure.

Then he opened his palm, revealing a broken piece of jade etched with green patterns.

“This is…”

Emperor Yu’s eyes tightened, locking onto the familiar half of jade.

“Could the other half be in the hands of your Yu Clan?”

Seeing his reaction, the Marquis smiled even wider.

After a brief pause, Emperor Yu produced a matching broken jade from his own storage.

The shapes matched perfectly, the two halves formed a complete whole.

“This was left by our clan’s ancestral great cultivator,” Emperor Yu said solemnly. “How did the other half come into your possession?”

Legend held that the complete green-patterned jade was the key to unlocking a powerful inheritance left by their ancestor.

“Descendant of the Yu Clan, assemble the token,” the Marquis said, offering his piece freely.

Emperor Yu, Yu Yuanjin, and Iron Calculation exchanged wary glances.

After ensuring no traps or curses lingered on it, Emperor Yu took a deep breath and joined the two halves together.

Clink!

The pieces clicked together like magnets. Jade dragon patterns surfaced, casting a golden glow.

Once merged, the jade was flawless with no cracks, and no blemishes.

Buzz-

A beam of light lit up from the center.

In the air above, the image of a silver-haired man appeared, an awe-inspiring figure. Though only a phantom, his aura carried the commanding presence of a great cultivator who once stood above all.

“Ancestor!”

The three imperials gasped and knelt in reverence.

The man’s features matched exactly those found in their clanʼs ancestral records.

“Descendants of the Yu Clan, bloodline of Carefree King, I leave behind this sealed letter. Burn it after reading.”

The phantom’s ancient gaze seemed to pierce through the ages as it swept across the kneeling trio.

Moments later, like a flickering candle, the figure vanished.

Crack!

The green jade shattered, revealing a bronze ring and a sealed letter.

Emperor Yu picked up the ring, instantly feeling a connection through his bloodline. The seal unlocked on its own.

Inside the ring, his spiritual sense found treasures that made his eyes brighten with joy.

Yu Yuanjin didn’t fight over the ring but instead unfurled the letter curiously.

Even the Iron Calculation True Monarch leaned in to read.

But upon scanning its contents, Yu Yuanjin’s face changed dramatically. He muttered, “This… how could this be…”

Cough! Cough…!

Iron Calculation’s expression was horrified. His frail body staggered and coughed up blood uncontrollably.

His vision went dark.

Their reactions made Emperor Yu turn toward the letter.

Halfway through reading, the emperor’s entire body trembled. His face contorted in disbelief, even fury.

“This… impossible!”

“I refuse to believe it!”

The contents of the ancestral letter shattered the lifelong beliefs of Emperor Yuʼs trio, utterly and completely.

(Chapter End)