[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign":3,"chapter-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-158":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},2270166,4432,"Chapter 158: The Old Immortal","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-158",158,"\u003Cp>The Immortal Inquiry Tower\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does this name sound so familiar? I’ve heard it before—ah, Li Rui!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist rose and chuckled: “You must be Master Ning of the Heaven’s Alliance. I’ve long heard of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian felt deeply honored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist’s aura was no weaker than Jiang Lin’s—undoubtedly a supreme expert. He, a mere alliance leader, had no right to claim such reverence; it was merely the other’s courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had enough self-awareness to know that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly bowed and clasped his fists: “Master, you flatter me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had exchanged greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin did not rush to speak but gestured downward: “Sit first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ning Zhongtian could only find a seat near Jiang Lin, but not between the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Jiang Lin continue: “Master, you’ve spent years seeking immortal traces—have you found anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist’s name was Zhang Gu, an Elder of the Immortal Inquiry Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Immortal Inquiry Tower was a hidden sect, it was by no means completely cut off from the outside world; it simply interacted with individuals of such high status that ordinary people could never reach that level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin had only learned of the Immortal Inquiry Tower by chance, through an encounter with this old Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two had become close friends across generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, they were friends across generations—the old Daoist had once, while drunk, admitted he was already over one hundred and thirty years old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were separated by at least three generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist sighed: “The path to immortality is hard to find. I search daily—just as a way to refine my heart in the mortal world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin asked curiously: “Master, the last time we met was four years ago. Your visit today is truly unexpected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist chuckled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few days ago, I felt a divine omen, so I scattered some rice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sixty-eight sign: Purple paths, red dust, heroes buried. Cultivating Qi, aspiring to cross the immortal heavens. Advantage lies southeast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I traveled, I reached the Anning Prefecture, and then remembered—you serve in Anning Prefecture. So I came here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gleam flashed in Jiang Lin’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist’s rice-scattering and sixty-eight sign were, in fact, the Daoist Rice Divination Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend says it was created by Master Lu of the Daoist tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When passing a land god or city god temple, one may grasp three handfuls of rice: the first handful counts as hundreds, then divide by ten and take the remainder—for example, if you grasp 164 grains, the remainder is four, meaning four hundred; the second handful counts as tens, the third as units. After totaling, if the number exceeds 384, subtract 384 to get the divination sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone can scatter rice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key lies in interpreting the sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Daoists of profound cultivation can discern heavenly truths from these three handfuls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin laughed: “Master Zhang, I suspect you’re just thirsty and came here to beg me for wine. If your logic holds, then I must be your immortal connection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist merely laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divination reveals only a broad direction; the specific opportunity still depends on personal destiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, after so many divinations, he would have found his immortal connection long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, since the Immortal Inquiry Tower’s founding, seventy-three generations have passed—and still no one has truly attained immortality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s merely an obsession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he had met an expert in immortal studies, Jiang Lin decided to ask earnestly: “There is one matter I hope you can clarify.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist: “Brother Jiang, speak freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you heard of the Ghost Ming  Sect’s immortal treasure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard a little.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, this was Zhang the old Daoist’s modesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only the treasure—he knew of the immortal techniques as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Jiang Lin handed the immortal treasure to the Dragon Court’s master, the imperial court gathered all great Daoists to study and decipher its secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was not present, but his senior brother—the current master of the Immortal Inquiry Tower—was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon returning,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said only four words: “Not Dao, but Technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not Dao, but Technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin murmured the words the old Daoist had spoken about the Immortal Inquiry Tower’s master’s judgment on the treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Countless seekers pursue immortality. The Ghost Ming  Sect is merely one among them. This so-called immortal technique likely follows some esoteric path—it has nothing to do with the Dao. But all conclusions are premature; further study and contemplation are needed to know the truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the emperor pleased to have obtained the immortal treasure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did he truly believe he had gained the chance for immortality?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you ask which sect seeks immortality most intensely, it is undoubtedly the imperial court. In fact, the court discovers some self-proclaimed “immortal treasure” every few years and sends them all to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau for individual study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Imperial Astronomical Bureau cannot understand them, they seek out great Daoists across the land for joint study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the court’s actions alone, it is clear the Dragon Court’s master does not truly believe the Ghost Ming  Sect has acquired any real immortal technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely follows the principle: better to kill a thousand than let one escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, the Ghost Ming  Sect was already showing signs of rising—so troops were dispatched to suppress it; on the other, he sought more information about immortal techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two benefits in one move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if the Ghost Ming  Sect truly possessed an immortal technique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin recalled the expression on the Grand Eunuch’s face when he handed over the treasure, and smiled lightly: “Master, you are right. I was clinging to illusions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, Brother Jiang—you are the clearest and most lucid mind I have ever met. Even if I said nothing, you would have figured it out soon enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spent his life seeking immortality, over a hundred years, yet had only a handful of friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin, at only forty, had already become his confidant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he saw the faint aura of immortality on Jiang Lin—not the kind of aura one speaks of, but the spiritual essence of a clear, uncluttered heart, close to the Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two discussed the mysteries of the Dao for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian nearly fell asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it not been for his superior’s presence, he would have had to force himself to stay awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, the conversation finally turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist looked at the drowsy Ning Zhongtian and chuckled: “Master Ning, do you have a Thundering Tiger Cavalry under your command?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian immediately agreed: “Master, yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist had spoken one sentence, and Ning Zhongtian already guessed the coming plot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On this journey, I brought three disciples. Had it not been for the righteous intervention of your Thundering Tiger Cavalry, this old man would now be alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Zhang the old Daoist genuinely bowed and clasped his fists in a formal salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>=9+ Shu _ Ba\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected—he came to thank me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian quickly bowed in return, and as he lowered his head, a faint smile curled his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui had already informed him of this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when he heard the old Daoist came from the Immortal Inquiry Tower, he had already prepared himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being bowed to by a revered hermit master like this would give him plenty to boast about—enough to drink more wine at any gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very useful indeed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin’s lips also curled upward unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Anning Guard had saved the Immortal Inquiry Tower’s disciples; as their superior, he too could deepen his connection with the Immortal Inquiry Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Immortal Inquiry Tower was a hidden sect, seemingly powerless,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, it was the opposite of what the world believed: its master was a great scholar of immortal studies, wildly admired by nobles in the capital—even the emperor had personally sought his counsel on the Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This favor was not insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang the old Daoist straightened up: “Master Ning, I have one more request, though it is an imposition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian glanced at Jiang Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instantly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted his chest: “Master, speak freely. Whatever I can do, I will spare no effort to fulfill it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Jiang Lin’s nod, he had no worries—only needed to show his attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang asked, “I wonder if there’s a Li official in the Tiger Patrol?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you referring to the patrol supervisor, Li Rui?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang nodded. “Yes, that’s likely him. I came seeking immortals and planned to stay a few days in Anning Prefecture, but my two disciples were frightened—I thought to temporarily lodge them at Anning Guard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I humbly request, my lord, that you arrange for my two disciples to stay at Li’s residence, as thanks for saving their lives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian’s expression turned strange. What kind of request was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just him—even Jiang Lin was taken aback by Master Zhang’s request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Jiang Lin vaguely felt Master Zhang had come for the vinegar, not the dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, he himself was the bonus dumpling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian couldn’t make sense of the situation and turned to look at Jiang Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin cleared his throat. “My lord, it’s just a couple more chopsticks. I recall Li Rui’s residence has many empty rooms—let them stay, as long as they don’t mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, “Of course, this still depends on Li Rui’s consent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang smiled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Naturally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li residence’s stable had always been for show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Li Rui had been promoted to patrol supervisor and was assigned a horse, the horse belonged to the government and was kept under joint supervision at the Anning Guard’s Horse Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhao had habitually kept the stable spotless, but it had always remained empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the stable finally had an owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, this Red Dragon Horse is truly extraordinary—its sweat is a deep crimson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhao nearly drooled on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui glanced at his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhao got more excited over a good horse than over a beautiful girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of his disciple’s still-unsettled marriage, Li Rui silently shook his head and concluded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Destined to be alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, watching Wang Zhao’s eyes gleam, Li Rui felt a flicker of thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps I could train Xiao Zhao to become a stable master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether he cultivates or not isn’t essential—respecting one’s interests matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui had always been open-minded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the master and disciple stood before the stable, studying the Red Dragon Horse—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy knock came at the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, someone’s here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhao spoke, but his eyes never left the Red Dragon Horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui rolled his eyes, didn’t expect Wang Zhao to open the door, and walked toward it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he called out, he pushed the gate open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the two gates parted slightly, Li Rui caught sight of the person standing beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides Ning Zhongtian, three others stood behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man, one woman—and Li Rui recognized them both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yao Xue?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1906,"2026-06-19T22:01:09.077Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b2a841aa070a2eeea26c4189930166a072d19ac723d57ca52f7318687869b0eb","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-159","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-157",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-green-immortal-sovereign-cover.jpg"]