I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 474: Hidden Perils of Demonic Peak, Token from the Outer Sea

Upon hearing the peacemaker Lan Chang'an's words, Jing Wufeng's face twitched slightly.

After witnessing Xiang Dalong withstand the attack of a Great Cultivator, he had already determined who the true killer of True Monarch Netherwater was!

He had originally planned to seize an opportunity to intervene and save the situation, thus making Old Xiang owe a favor.

But who would have expected Xiang Dalong not only to withstand the pressure without flinching, but also to cause the Great Cultivator of the Sea Suppressing Sect to take notice of him, shifting all the blame onto his back.

In the end, that fellow even managed to act as if he were in control, giving both Great Cultivators a graceful way to de-escalate the situation.

"Forget it."

Jing Wufeng sheathed the Voidless Blade and vanished into the high-altitude clouds.

The next moment, a breeze swirled as a figure in green silk robes appeared below, within the Yunxia Sect.

Lan Chang'an knew clearly that even if he teamed up with Jing Wufeng, there was no chance of killing Overturning Sea True Monarch.

Defeating and killing were two very different things.

Without three complete Nascent Soul cultivators of the same stage joining forces, how could one hope to slay a Great Cultivator?

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s magical power was simply too profound.

The practitioners of Dragon Whale Overturning Sea Art were theorized to contain twice the mana of others at the same level. It excelled in direct confrontations and was unafraid of group battles.

This man even had fourth-rank body refinement on the side. Who knew what other hidden methods he possessed? His survivability was immeasurable.

Besides, Lan Chang'an’s defense might meet the standard, but his offensive threat was far from that of a true Great Cultivator.

Whoosh-

Overturning Sea True Monarch, expressionless, silently stowed away his Sea Suppressing Halberd. The thousand-layered waves crashing above the Yunxia Sect dissipated along with it.

This Great Cultivator, in his own way, had shown some courtesy and accepted the offered de-escalation.

He swept his gaze across Jing Wufeng and Xiang Dalong, the once legendary "Twin Dragons of the Central Region" who had left their mark in Great Yuan.

A sense of dread rose in Overturning Sea True Monarch's heart. These two joining forces were enough to pressure him.

One had unmatched escape speed and strange, powerful attacks.

The other was like a tortoise shell, extremely tough and difficult to deal with.

Though Xiang Dalong’s threat didn’t equal Jing Wufeng’s, to be ranked equally as one of the Twin Dragons suggested a close bond, and who knew what else he might be hiding?

The Twin Dragons of the Central Region... they should now be called the Twin Dragons of Great Yuan!

…

Seeing the two Great Cultivators cease fighting, Lan Chang'an secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the situation remained within controllable bounds.

Today’s interception of a Great Cultivator was to turn passivity into initiative.

Sometimes, remaining passive and hiding one’s strength only allows hidden dangers to fester and grow.

The aftermath of killing True Monarch Netherwater would inevitably lead to entanglement with the Sea Suppressing Sect’s Great Cultivator.

Rather than reactively countering their every move, it was better to boldly display a portion of his strength.

Only then could he earn the proper attention of Great Cultivators and gain the right to sit down and negotiate.

Today’s battle only needed to demonstrate strong self-preservation and the ability to endure a Great Cultivator’s assault. That alone was enough to shake the name of the Yunxia Sect across Great Yuan.

If the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects developed caution, they would be forced to reconsider the direction of their investigation into True Monarch Netherwater’s killer.

…

“Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea, since you’ve come such a long way, why not step into our sect for a talk? There may be misunderstandings between Sea Suppressing Sect and us Twin Dragons that need to be clarified.”

Lan Chang'an spoke once more, raising his hand to formally invite the Sea Suppressing Sect Great Cultivator.

Upon hearing this, both Jing Wufeng and Jiang Ziyan displayed strange expressions.

Outside the protective formation, even the Twin Dragons might not be able to do much to Overturning Sea True Monarch.

But within the Yunxia Sect's main gate, with the sect-defending grand formation and all disciples' support, if Overturning Sea True Monarch entered alone, the risks and uncertainties would inevitably multiply.

Lan Chang'an’s invitation felt like a counterattack, a checkmate move.

If Overturning Sea True Monarch refused the invitation, it would suggest cowardice and damage the prestige of one of Great Yuan’s Three Great Cultivators.

If he accepted, then under the sect formation's support, the Twin Dragons' threat would be significantly magnified.

“Very well.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s eyes blazed like twin torches. His voice was deep and powerful as he agreed without hesitation.

His bronze-colored body shrank to a height of nine feet. Ash-gray hair flowed down to his waist as he slowly descended to the Yunxia Sect gate.

This marked the first time a Great Cultivator had personally visited the Yunxia Sect since its founding.

“To have the head cultivator of Sea Suppressing Sect grace our halls, our humble sect is honored beyond words.”

Purple Mist Fairy smiled gracefully, instructing the sect elders to welcome the guest with the highest ceremonial rites.

Perhaps to show their enthusiasm, Lan Chang'an and Jing Wufeng walked one to the left, the other to the right, escorting Overturning Sea True Monarch into the sect.

Overturning Sea True Monarch showed no fear, walking calmly between the Twin Dragons, his steps steady and unhurried.

Lan Chang'an and Jing Wufeng exchanged a glance, secretly feeling a trace of admiration for Overturning Sea True Monarch’s courage.

Only with such boldness could one perfect the Dragon Whale Overturning Sea Art to its pinnacle.

They could tell clearly, Overturning Sea True Monarch was not posturing. He was truly confident in his strength.

He had full belief that even if the Twin Dragons turned on him within Yunxia Sect, he could still leave unscathed.

Sea Suppressing Sect had inherited the old site and part of the legacy of the Deity Transformation sacred land, Tinghai Pavilion.

As the head cultivator of Sea Suppressing Sect, and the wealthiest Great Cultivator in Great Yuan, Overturning Sea True Monarch producing a Deity Transformation-grade life-preserving trump card wouldn’t be surprising at all.

Jing Wufeng silently reflected, All the living Nascent Soul Great Cultivators were once peerless prodigies in their youth, on par with the Heavenly One Sect’s Nine Disciples.

Late-stage Nascent Soul wasn’t their true limit but the shackles of the human realm. The lack of resources and spiritual veins lowered their ceiling.

Only those with great fortune could break those shackles and ascend to the Deity Transformation Realm.

A fifth-rank spiritual vein was one of the key conditions for achieving Deity Transformation.

After Tinghai Pavilion’s fall, the fifth-rank spiritual vein was split apart.

Even in a prosperous state like the Great Yuan, no fifth-rank vein existed today.

Only the super provinces and ancient sacred lands still held fifth-rank spiritual veins, where the chances of producing Great Cultivators were significantly higher.

Even if those sacred lands couldn’t produce Deity Transformation Heavenly Lords every generation, they had sect-defending spiritual treasures and fifth-rank grand formations, making them fearless even against Deity Transformation invaders.

…

Yunxia Sect Grand Hall.

Overturning Sea True Monarch, Lan Chang'an, and Jing Wufeng sat in a triangular arrangement.

At one point, Overturning Sea True Monarch nearly had the illusion that the two sitting across from him were actually the other two Great Cultivators of Great Yuan.

Those two old rivals were particularly troublesome.

The Sword Hermit of Heavenly Sword Pavilion was a late-stage sword cultivator, he was the Great Cultivator with the highest offensive capabilities in Great Yuan.

Yellow Springs Ghost True Monarch of Yellow Heaven Ghost Palace, a Ghost Dao cultivator, possessed an immensely powerful soul and was eerie and unpredictable.

The current Twin Dragons of Great Yuan might not be as cunning, but they were young and full of potential.

Jing Wufeng had reached late-stage Nascent Soul at an age younger than the other three Great Cultivators, and his background remained a mystery.

Though Xiang Dalong had only reached mid-stage Nascent Soul at a relatively later age, he could already take on a Great Cultivator head-on.

If he advanced to the late stage, he would very likely become a top-tier Great Cultivator.

Purple Mist Fairy brought out the sect’s treasured fourth-rank spiritual tea. After some polite exchanges, she knowingly withdrew.

Jiang Ziyan quietly closed the hall doors.

Through the narrow gap, she cast one final glance at Xiang Dalong, who now sat opposite two Great Cultivators.

Her emotions were conflicted, and she felt a vague sense of loss.

Both were mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, how could there be such a vast difference between them?

…

Inside the grand hall, the three cultivators finished their tea in silence.

No one took the initiative to bring up the matter of True Monarch Netherwater.

Breaking the stillness, Overturning Sea True Monarch turned to the other two and spoke first:

“You two are clearly not native to Great Yuan, nor do you seem like loose cultivators. Where do you come from?”

This powerful cultivator cut straight to the point, probing their origins.

In the cultivation world, one’s background and affiliations were of vital importance.

This held especially true for foreign races from across the seas.

Those with powerful backing, be they sea beasts or clans, could stir up all manner of trouble and still not be easily dealt with by the human factions.

In contrast, rogue beasts or sea monsters with no support could be slain without consequence, no matter how peacefully they lived among humans.

“I hail from a small, unremarkable realm,” said Xiang, his tone humble.

“I once stumbled into a perilous land by mistake and was swallowed by a hidden spatial rift. That is how I ended up in the ancient battlefield of Great Yuan’s central region.”

This version of events had been shared openly before with Purple Mist Fairy.

The provinces of the Heaven Honoured Continent were not isolated; powerful cultivators could freely travel between them.

Cross-province teleportation arrays and spatial rifts allowed for movement and exchanges.

As a coastal state, Great Yuan often saw foreign cultivators passing through or even settling for extended periods. Xiang and Jing were hardly unique in that regard.

“I, too, come from a humble sect, not worth mentioning,” Jing Wufeng added modestly.

“My arrival in Great Yuan was much the same as Brother Xiang’s, through a spatial rift. We met and became acquainted in that ancient battlefield.”

“I see.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch appeared contemplative, faintly guessing at the origin of that so-called ‘humble sect.’

“Such fated encounter between you two, and the rise of the Twin Dragons legend… truly enviable.”

His tone wasn’t mere sentiment.

At the level of Great Cultivators, the heights were cold and lonely.

Even those who had known each other for years rarely formed genuine friendships. Differences in standing and interest ensured that relationships were mostly about balance and vigilance.

But Xiang Dalong and Jing Wufeng had known each other since the days of their humble beginnings, sharing life and death on the battlefield, fighting side by side and forging a bond of deep trust.

Even now, having reached such heights, their friendship remained unchanged.

“In that case, the two of you aren’t as the Black Sea Sect’s Grand Elder claimed, in possession of some secret teleportation route through Tinghai Pavilion?”

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s eyes gleamed, clearly only half-convinced by their explanation.

The death of True Monarch Netherwater had left behind more questions than answers.

“Tinghai Pavilion has long since been destroyed. Its remnants were divided among the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects. Even if a secret teleportation route ever existed, it would not justify True Monarch Netherwater’s pursuit of the two of us,” Jing Wufeng said coldly, his gaze distant.

Years ago, during the first trial of Heavenly One, he had journeyed to the Central Region’s Demon Sealing Abyss.

There, he was besieged by seven True Monarchs, including Netherwater and the Golden Kun Old Monster.

Fortunately, he and Xiang joined forces, fighting a runaway battle against the seven, slaying Netherwater’s true body and killing True Monarch Dominating Martial… It was that battle that birthed the legend of the Twin Dragons.

“If such a teleportation route does exist, it may be tied to… Forget it.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch shook his head with a sigh, leaving his sentence unfinished.

If Jing Wufeng truly came from that rumored small sect…

Then not just the ruined Tinghai Pavilion, even the so-called scared lands of Deity Transformation cultivators would be nothing sacred in his eyes.

A flicker of unease passed through Lan Chang'an’s heart.

It seemed Overturning Sea True Monarch knew far more about the deeper truths behind Tinghai Pavilion’s destruction.

“May I ask Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea, what exactly is this secret teleportation route? What kind of fortune or mystery is it tied to?” Lan Chang'an asked, his tone lightly curious.

Any ambitious cultivator would naturally show interest in opportunities and secrets.

Showing no interest at all might only arouse more suspicion.

Jing Wufeng also revealed a flicker of intrigue.

Seeing their reactions, Overturning Sea True Monarch’s doubts eased slightly.

“It was once the highest of Tinghai Pavilion’s secrets. They held a segment of the Xiantian Vine. That vine had already produced the first Xuantian fruit, becoming the primary vine. Due to the uniqueness of Xuantian relics, all other auxiliary vines lost their potential.”

“When this secret was leaked, it triggered a siege by the realm’s most powerful forces, and that led to Tinghai Pavilion’s demise.”

This information was no great secret among the top powers of the Heaven Honoured Continent.

Lan Chang'an’s gaze deepened. “So you believe the Tinghai Pavilion may have hidden that main vine gourd before their fall?”

“Hard to say. Xuantian relics veil themselves from heavenly divination, it is nearly impossible to predict their fate.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch shook his head.

“Too much time has passed, and many versions circulate: some say it was seized and hidden by a Deity Transformation sacred land or a powerful wandering cultivator; others say Tinghai Pavilion laid contingency plans and relocated it in advance; some claim it was picked up by a lucky loose cultivator; and there are others that say it was destroyed in the chaos…”

Speaking of the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, the Great Cultivator remained calm, without the slightest hint of greed or longing.

Even at its peak, Tinghai Pavilion could not protect the vine gourd.

For the Sea Suppressing Sect to involve itself in such a taboo would only invite disaster.

Were it not for the Twin Dragons’ curiosity, he wouldn’t have brought it up at all.

…

“Have the two of you ever ventured into the Demon Sealing Abyss within the ancient battlefield?” Overturning Sea suddenly asked, changing the subject.

“We have,” they nodded.

The image of the undying giant demon sealed within that abyss was still vivid in their minds, the creature’s body restrained by the spiritual treasure Eight-Dragon Lock had given the two of them a deep impression.

The cross-realm divine intent of a Holy Sovereign from the Demonic Peak Realm had once manifested in the monster’s eye.

When it flared, even sealed, the roar of the demon’s head had sent shockwaves through their souls, causing blood to pour from their orifices.

Lan Chang'an later speculated that the undying demon might be akin to the war machines of Beast King Valley, its physical body perhaps comparable to the Void Refinement stage. The Heaven Honoured human realm had no power to kill it and could only to seal it.

“Since you’ve been there, you must understand the enormous threat that Demon Sealing Abyss poses to the people of Great Yuan. It’s been projected that, within the next few centuries, it could become one of the Demonic Peak Realm’s main invasion points.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s face turned solemn.

Great Yuan, despite its strategic location, had this gaping threat lying in wait.

As one of the three leaders of Great Yuan, this was a crisis he had no choice but to prepare for.

Hearing the meaning behind the words, Lan Chang'an bowed with respectful admiration.

“Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea’s concern for the people of Great Yuan is truly admirable.”

“I may be only half a native of this land, but in the face of the Demonic Peak Realm’s looming threat, we cultivators must not fall into petty strife and internal discord.”

“If that day does come, I will do all that I can.”

Overturning Sea True Monarch’s expression eased, and for the first time, he smiled.

He had brought up the matter precisely because the Twin Dragons had reached the level of Great Cultivators.

Jing Wufeng also spoke with gravity:

“If the Demonic Peak Realm truly invades, it will touch the fate of every cultivator in this realm. Should that day come, I will slay as many demons as I must.”

Had the invasion come a few centuries earlier, the Heavenly One trials would have been directly centered around it.

From what he knew, the highest powers of the human realm and Heavenly One Sect’s retainers were already keeping a close eye on potential invasion points.

Lan Chang'an thought back to the Moon Demon Priestess he’d encountered in Kun Province.

Priestess Piao had likely been a key piece in the Demonic Peak Realm’s long-term scheme within this world.

Before leaving Kun Province, he’d taken the liberty to report her, though what became of it remained unknown.

...

Half an hour later.

Two formidable auras at the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm rapidly closed in on the Yunxia Sect.

At the forefront, a square-faced middle-aged man clad in a Dragon-Embroidered Imperial Robe exuded an aura of imperial dragon fate, his presence eclipsed most of the central region’s giants.

Beside him was a Nascent Soul sword cultivator in an azure python-patterned robe, his stance upright and imposing. At his waist hung the Azure Dragon Sword, its sharp, piercing sword intent surging toward the heavens.

These two arrivals were none other than the most prominent figures of the imperial family:

Emperor Yu and Tianyuan Sword Monarch.

By the time they arrived at Yunxia Sect, all signs of battle had already subsided.

“Imperial Brother! New intel just came in, Xiang Dalong withstood a hundred strikes from a great cultivator without defeat!”

“One of the Twin Dragons, Jing Wufeng, arrived shortly after and forced the Overturning Sea True Monarch to reveal his Sea Suppressing Halberd. His true cultivation remains unknown.”

Yu Yuanjin retrieved a confidential message talisman, his expression visibly shaken, his voice slightly trembling.

This mid-stage Nascent Soul sword cultivator instinctively gripped the hilt of his Azure Dragon Sword, the joints of his fingers turning faintly white.

The two imperial giants exchanged looks, unable to hide their disbelief, seeking to confirm the authenticity of this intelligence.

Together, the two of them were unafraid of any great cultivator within Great Yu’s borders.

However, one of the Twin Dragons alone had already managed to contend with such a powerful foe, this was far beyond their expectations.

Did that not mean that, if both Twin Dragons joined forces, even Great Yuan would be forced to yield before them? Even great cultivators would have to show restraint?

At that moment, the Overturning Sea True Monarch flew out from Yunxia Sect.

Lan Chang'an and Jing Wufeng saw him off from afar, the Twin Dragons of years past stood reunited once more.

The three exchanged respectful cupped-fist salutes before parting ways.

It was clear now that the Overturning Sea True Monarch and the Twin Dragons had reached an agreement.

Judging from their manner of interaction, it was clear they treated each other as equals.

Emperor Yu and Yu Yuanjin dared not be lax and quickly went forward to greet him.

They had earlier received word that an important figure from the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects would visit the imperial court, but they never imagined it would be the Overturning Sea True Monarch himself.

“Fellow Daoist Overturning Sea,” they greeted.

Their tone was poised and respectful, outwardly composed but inwardly solemn.

“Pardon me, fellow Daoists. My matters here are settled. This seat won’t trouble the imperial court with my presence.”

The Overturning Sea True Monarch returned the salute simply, his tone calm and indifferent.

Emperor Yu tried to send a voice transmission, extending a cordial invitation to visit the palace but was politely refused.

The two imperial powerhouses could only sigh inwardly, watching as the Overturning Sea True Monarch strode away upon the waves, his towering silhouette fading into the distance.

Their aim had been to build rapport with the three great cultivators of Great Yuan, to better prepare against future pressure from the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty.

…

At the gates of Yunxia Sect.

After seeing off the Overturning Sea True Monarch, a weight finally lifted from Lan Chang'an’s heart.

During the earlier high-level meeting, the Overturning Sea True Monarch had not once brought up the grudge over the death of Netherwater True Monarch.

This was a matter of power and standing.

If Netherwater repeatedly provoked other great cultivators and was slain by the likes of the Yellow Springs Ghost or the Heavenly Sword Hermit, the Overturning Sea True Monarch would have no grounds for complaint.

When strength and status are equal, then rules and reasoning apply.

But lacking that power or backing, the Sixteen Sects would simply protect their own and eliminate the source of trouble to preserve their prestige.

“Your Majesty Emperor Yu, why not come down and join us for a while?”

Lan Chang'an turned his gaze toward the newly arrived Emperor Yu and company, a faint smile on his lips.

Earlier, he hadn’t been certain of the imperial family’s stance.

A great cultivator had personally entered Great Yu and visited the imperial court.

If they joined hands, it would pose a major threat to both Yunxia Sect and himself.

Thus, in a flash of instinct and reason, Lan Chang'an made what appeared to be a bold but calculated move, he intercepted the Overturning Sea True Monarch first.

Now, thinking back on the great cultivator’s demeanor…

Lan Chang'an couldn’t help but ponder: Had the Overturning Sea True Monarch passed through Yunxia Sect deliberately, testing his resolve?

Perhaps the visit to Great Yu was merely meant as a warning.

If Xiang Dalong had proven weak or spineless, the warning might have turned into something far more severe.

“If True Monarchs Xiang and Jing have already resolved the situation and reached an accord with the great cultivator, there is no need for the imperial court to get involved,”

Emperor Yu declined Lan Chang'an’s invitation.

The power now wielded by the Twin Dragons was unfathomable. Even a great cultivator might not gain the upper hand against them together.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall.

Emperor Yu had no interest in visiting Yunxia Sect only to appear beneath the Twin Dragons.

Especially Xiang Dalong, who had once toyed with him during the Great Yu war campaign, extorting and deceiving the imperial court for vast amounts of resources.

Without the court’s support, how could Xiang Dalong have smoothly ascended to the fourth rank of body cultivation and forged a fourth-rank puppet formation?

At this thought, Emperor Yu felt a twinge in his chest, his mood became complex, and departed without lingering a moment longer.

…

Yunlan Peak, Main Hall of the Cave Residence.

“Little Mo, why don't you come out and greet your godfather?”

Jing Wufeng laughed as he swept his sleeve.

Whoosh!

A majestic Inkwater Qilin, with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer, and hooves like a horse, appeared in the great hall riding atop waves of black water. Its dark scales shimmered with a subtle sheen.

Powerful water spirit energy and the divine pressure of the Qilin bloodline filled the cavern.

In the shadows, Profound Water Monarch couldn’t help but shudder involuntarily.

The Qilin’s obsidian-colored eyes sparkled with curiosity as it studied Lan Chang'an, a faint, indistinct thread of familiarity stirring within it.

Back when it was still in its egg, Lan Chang'an had expended some of his lifespan to nurture it with the Evergreen secret spell.

The only other to receive such treatment was the Profound Water Turtle.

The difference was that the turtle had been a weak hatchling, while the Inkwater Qilin had always been a high-grade spirit beast egg.

“Godfather,”

The Qilin tapped its hooves and cheerfully circled Lan Chang'an, its voice slightly childlike.

“The Qilin Sacred Beast, mighty and courageous!”

Lan Chang'an couldn’t help but praise it, stroking the Qilin’s head. The beast showed no resistance.

There was no denying it, a Qilin was a magnificent creature.

No wonder Jing Wufeng had been relentlessly hunted by the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects upon revealing it.

The beast was simply too eye-catching, too good at drawing hatred.

Like the Profound Water Turtle, the Qilin had yet to take human form.

No one knew what kind of supreme spiritual materials Jing Wufeng had used, but the Qilin’s bloodline had evolved beyond the heavenly grade, reaching quasi-true spirit status.

Seeing how affectionate the Qilin was with Lan Chang'an, Jing Wufeng showed a hint of surprise.

This Ink Qilin had been wild since birth, only obedient to him and always cold to other cultivators.

Back then, having received Lan Chang'an’s nurturing grace…

Jing Wufeng had joked that once the Qilin hatched and awakened its sentience, it should recognize Lan Chang'an as its godfather.

And today, the Ink Qilin had obediently done just that.

Had it not been for this beast, Jing Wufeng wouldn’t have narrowly triumphed over True Monarch Sacred Lotus, or passed the second round of the Heavenly One Trial.

That debt, Jing Wufeng would never forget.

Which was why, in their first private meeting, he immediately had the Qilin recognize its godfather.

...

“On my return to Great Yuan, I passed by the Outer Sea and brought you some sea treasures along the way,” said Jing Wufeng, producing a prepared storage pouch.

“You're far too kind, Brother Jing.”

Lan Chang'an accepted the weighty pouch. Within were high-grade deep-sea spirit ores and parts of sea beasts of the demon king rank, even rare space-attributed materials and spirit items.

These top-tier resources were perfect for refining and upgrading his fourth-rank puppet formation.

Clearly, Jing Wufeng had taken care to prepare exactly what a fourth-rank Puppet Master would need, it was a very attentive gesture.

“Hm? This jade pendant…”

Within the pouch, Lan Chang'an noticed something unusual, a crescent-shaped jade pendant glowing faintly with a silvery moonlight.

“Ahem… That’s a token from a high-ranking member of the Starmoon Palace,”

Jing Wufeng said, his expression a touch unnatural before he casually explained.

While in the Outer Sea, he had been fortunate enough to enter the Lunar Mirage Realm and gain an unexpected opportunity.

During that time, he cooperated with a handsome scholar from the Starmoon Palace, who was ambushed by a mysterious cultivator.

At the critical moment, Jing Wufeng stepped in and saved her life, earning both gratitude and goodwill.

Before parting, the scholar gifted him the crescent jade pendant, saying that should he ever need help in the Outer Sea, he could present the token at Starmoon Palace.

“Why not keep this token for yourself?”

Lan Chang'an gently ran his fingers over the pendant. Its material was strange and impenetrable, clearly a rare and valuable item.

“I doubt I’ll be able to return to the Outer Sea anytime soon,”

Jing Wufeng shook his head.

“On the other hand, Brother Xian, you cultivate the body and forge fourth-rank puppets. You’re more likely to operate near the coast of Great Yuan and might have use for it.”

He thought to himself: If Junior Sister Lian saw this token, she’d skin me alive.

If he triumphed in the Heavenly One Trials, the token would be useless. If he lost and became bound in servitude, it’d be even more so.

Better to treat it as a goodwill gift to Xiang Dalong.

Ahem…

Naturally, he wouldn't confess that he'd gained the token while posing as someone from the Xiang surname, winning the favor of a Starmoon Palace beauty by concealing his cultivation and true strength in a classic "tiger in sheep's clothing" routine.

“Fellow Daoist Jing is considerate.”

Lan Chang'an had long heard of Starmoon Palace's name. This token could indeed prove valuable for his future plans.

To further his fourth-rank body refinement, he would eventually require the blood essence of a dragon descendent among the Outer Sea’s demon kings.

And for ascending to the late Nascent Soul stage, the resources and environment in Great Yuan simply wouldn't suffice.

The Outer Sea or greater provinces offered higher chances of success.

Moreover, it would be easier to avoid Yan Donglai’s thousand-year tribulation there.

And Zhao Siyao’s reincarnated immortal fate… also pointed to the Outer Sea.

…

“Brother Jing, after disappearing for over a century, I doubt you came back to Great Yuan just to catch up with me?”

After a moment of small talk, Lan Chang'an smiled knowingly.

Jing Wufeng’s reappearance with late Nascent Soul cultivation only confirmed his suspicions. Both likely knew each other’s true identities, only the trial rules kept them from speaking it aloud.

Likewise, Jing Wufeng was aware Lan Chang'an cultivated the Evergreen Technique. They understood each other's foundations.

“Brother Xiang, you speak straightforwardly, very much to my liking!”

Jing Wufeng laughed heartily.

Then he suddenly stood up, gave a deep cupped-fist salute, and said solemnly:

“Your strength and fortune are both extraordinary. You once helped me complete the Demon-Sealing task; your kindness allowed Little Qilin Mo to reach fourth rank, earning me high praise from my sect and a massive leap in cultivation.”

“On this visit, if Brother Xiang can once again help this Jing rise to another level, I swear a heavy reward in return! Even the pseudo-spiritual treasure Sky-Cleaving Axe, it can be gifted to Brother Xiang in the future!”