[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign":3,"chapter-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-156":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Eternal Green Immortal Sovereign",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2270164,4432,"Chapter 156","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-156",156,"\u003Cp>Benthu Camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He and a dozen others formed a circle, occasionally bursting into cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Li’s move is so unique—learn it well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Tan is truly a born giant—utterly dominant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group chattered among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center of the circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui tapped his feet lightly, leaping high at times, occasionally drawing his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu charged like a wild bull, swinging his two xuanhua battle-axes with a whistling roar, keeping all at bay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incredibly powerful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui dodged while secretly astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Tan Hu had suddenly decided to spar with Li Rui; since Li Rui joined Benthu Cavalry, he had only watched their training and never fought Tan Hu before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to resist Tan Hu’s request, Li Rui was also curious about the true strength of Tan Hu’s born giant physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he did not use the Immortal Dragon Dual Form—only the blade techniques of Changchun Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu grew increasingly frustrated: “Take this axe!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung his right axe vertically downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui darted like a swallow, effortlessly evading Tan Hu’s ferocious strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The axe missed, burying itself in the ground and leaving a deep crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu swung again; Li Rui dodged again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had exchanged over a hundred moves—this exact scene had repeated countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu’s born giant strength was brutal, but if he couldn’t land a hit, it was as good as nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without using true qi, Li Rui had no way to counter Tan Hu either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is a born giant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply put, it means being born with bones so hard they’re terrifying; as one grows, one’s strength and defense surpass peers by several times, making one virtually invincible at the same rank—limited to below sixth rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even seventh-rank martial artists who have condensed qi into form may still not be Tan Hu’s match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu dropped his axes in a huff: “Enough! Enough! If I can’t break your defense, what’s the point?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their strengths were clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu excelled in offense; Li Rui excelled in defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Li Rui could evade with his footwork—he couldn’t even touch him, so how could he fight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui chuckled: “Brother Tan, your vital energy is truly formidable—I can only dodge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was deliberately conceding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu shook his head: “In martial duels, only the outcome matters. If you can’t win, you can’t win—we’ll call it a draw.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Benthu Cavalry soldiers chimed in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, a draw.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui merely waved his hand lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no real desire to win or lose—he let Tan Hu and the others have their way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this fight still gave him much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least now he could further train his lightness skill; the Changchun Art excelled in endurance and was perfectly suited to the Yaozi Fanshen technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>when facing enemies, he could still maneuver without revealing the Dual Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Practice more basic attacks—the Dual Form is a finishing move, not to be used lightly; once used, it’s life or death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his realm grows,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>his lack of martial techniques becomes apparent—no martial artist survives on a single trick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Tan Hu—he trained in hardening arts and axe techniques, and together they multiplied his power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seeks immortality, true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he cannot neglect combat prowess—otherwise, he’ll be at a severe disadvantage in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With ample lifespan, he might as well fix his weaknesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sheathed his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He hurried over, proffering a towel like a sycophant: “Chief, wipe your sweat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui nodded, taking the towel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those around them secretly envied him—Liang He’s closeness to Patrol Commander Li was no secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they also knew Liang He had followed Li Rui since the day he was just a powerless chief of Tianyi Hall, all the way to becoming a Patrol Commander of Anning Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is a trusted confidant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a trusted confidant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From obscurity to fame, side by side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the timing is wrong, such an opportunity vanishes forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can only be called good fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Liang He had a good nature, was generous with his resources, and got along well with his brothers—so they were used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui was no fool—he saw it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But cultivating confidants\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>isn’t anything shameful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whom you cultivate doesn’t matter—better to cultivate someone with deeper bonds, someone you can trust in critical moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He called him “Chief,” but in his heart, he already saw Li Rui as his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Li Rui’s guidance, he’d still be that overlooked, sidelined disciple of Tianyi Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Choosing the right person matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui wiped his sweat, ready to ask how the Benthu Cavalry men planned to spend their newly earned military merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current resources, he certainly wouldn’t sink so low as to seize his subordinates’ resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, if any of them wanted a technique or elixir but lacked the military merit, he could help cover the difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu was responsible for brutal training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui, naturally, had to handle the soft approach—otherwise, resentment would fester over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Li, I want to exchange for a blade technique, but it costs two medium merits—I only have one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Hai spoke up first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui smiled faintly: “You’re the most shameless kid—fine, go tell the Quartermaster’s Office the extra one’s on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Tang Hai leading, the others lost their hesitation and voiced their needs one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui’s policy was simple: if you ask, and it’s within my ability, I’ll fulfill it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These soldiers were all merely ranked martial artists—none of their requests were beyond Li Rui’s reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, everyone was delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui was happy to win their loyalty—it wasn’t silver, just military merit from Anning Guard; he wasn’t worried they wouldn’t repay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could simply deduct it from their wages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui gave a sly, cunning smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loss?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the men cheered, praising Chief Li’s generosity, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the camp—many of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>=9+book_bar\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There walked Ning Zhongtian, beaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Li, Ah Hu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Ning Zhongtian, Li Rui and Tan Hu stepped forward together: “Chief Ning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Friendship aside, if you didn’t show proper respect to your superior in public, even if you escaped punishment, you’d be marked in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a basic mistake could never happen to Li Rui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian’s grin widened further:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say I broke my word—I’ve brought the reward I promised you boys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished speaking\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved to the men behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pretty young maid Li Rui had seen before stepped forward carrying a brocade box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Hu, you’re at a critical stage of Qi cultivation—I went out of my way to get this Qi-Condensation Pill. Don’t let my hopes for you go to waste.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu widened his tiger-like eyes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Ning, thanks!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui’s heart stirred slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always known Tan Hu’s combat power was brutal, but his realm was actually quite low—he hadn’t even reached the first stage of Qi Cultivation, the Sinew Strengthening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi-Condensation Pill was famous; Li Rui had naturally heard of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sixth-rank spiritual elixir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the supreme pill for helping martial artists cultivate Qi, each pill worth an astonishing sum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The price alone was bad enough, but the real problem was scarcity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the alchemist even completed the batch, wealthy families had already reserved them all—you couldn’t buy them even if you had the money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ning Zhongtian had to go through great trouble to get one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It showed how much he cared for Tan Hu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian turned to Li Rui: “Brother Li, see what good thing I’ve brought you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he clapped his hands three times—clap, clap, clap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clattering sound followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young soldier led out a towering, fully crimson steed, its muscles sharply defined, standing one zhang tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each breath it exhaled sent up a wisp of white mist; even from afar, its vigorous blood and qi were staggering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But its most unique feature was the small horn atop its head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui raised his eyebrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine horse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an old horseman, seeing such a horse made him unable to look away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian immediately knew he’d chosen well:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crimson steed was led to his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out to pat it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horse snorted, reared its hooves, and lunged to kick—Ning Zhongtian barely dodged, though his sleeve still bore a hoofprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian looked embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a fiery temper!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped aside a few paces to put distance between himself and the horse, then said: “Brother Li, this horse is something I specially sought from Annan Town, bred personally by the town’s Stable Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Stable Master was an official unique to Annan Town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the guard battalions didn’t have one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just from the title, you knew he was dedicated to breeding horses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a horse handler to become an official, registered with the imperial court, he must have extraordinary skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like those who breed demons, the Stable Master could crossbreed and tame demonic beasts into warhorses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagine a cavalry unit composed of martial artists riding such steeds—terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crimson Dragon Horse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui stepped forward slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This horse was no ordinary beast—just from that kick, it was clear it had nearly landed on Ning Zhongtian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was Ning Zhongtian?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sixth-rank expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most seventh-rank martial artists couldn’t even scratch his sleeve with sword or axe—even if he’d been caught off guard, that was still impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This horse is worth half a seventh-rank!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just now, when the soldier led it, it was calm—but the moment Ning Zhongtian touched it, it attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other horses were bullies to the weak and cowards before the strong; this one? It feared no authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui was about to step closer when Ning Zhongtian kindly warned: “Brother Li, this horse is dangerous—be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, Li Rui was the weakest among seventh-rank martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His repeated achievements came from brains and cunning, not strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He genuinely feared Li Rui might get kicked and lie bedridden for weeks—that would be a comedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui smiled lightly: “Chief Ning, I know my limits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under everyone’s watchful eyes,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui walked slowly to the Crimson Dragon Horse’s front, not rushing to approach, but murmuring softly—as if speaking to the horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He understands horse speech?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ning Zhongtian’s expression grew increasingly strange, Li Rui slowly raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike before, the Crimson Dragon Horse now became utterly docile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui finally smiled in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian hurried forward, curious: “Brother Li, what did you just say to the horse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui smiled faintly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told it—if it doesn’t behave, I’ll chop it up and stew it for meat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1787,"2026-06-19T22:01:09.077Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5d82904b953665473c93d3f5ceab7c78e176f07d5e3d46db00337d57a10bd072","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-157","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-155",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-green-immortal-sovereign-cover.jpg"]