[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign":3,"chapter-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-184":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},2270192,4432,"Chapter 184: Sword Immortal Slays Ghost, Spiritual Aura Takes Form","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-184",184,"\u003Cp>Three quarters of an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin and Cao Wei appeared in the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Jiang, Lord Cao, your humble servant has failed—please punish me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian slammed to his knees with a thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin glanced at Ning Zhongtian on the ground and spoke coolly: “Since you won, why punish you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Wei held the same attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pyrrhic victory is still a victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as you win, even if you’re Jiang Lin’s man, you won’t be blamed here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an army to have cohesion, it must follow rules—so long as you win, no matter how you win or how badly you win, you won’t be punished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, they had already heard Feng Yu’s report on the march—Ning Zhongtian’s performance in this battle could even be called exceptional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Ning Zhongtian’s outburst forcing the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost to flee, the Peace Guard’s losses would have been greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin stepped before Ning Zhongtian: “Get up. Kneeling to me does no good—kneel to someone else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian rose, his face beaming with flattery:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Jiang is mighty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier self-accusation was sincere; his current praise came straight from the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin remained unmoved, turning to Cao Wei: “General Cao, shall you handle this, or shall I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin meant killing the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost had merely caused chaos among the martial world, Jiang Lin wouldn’t have bothered to kill him personally—but now he dared openly ambush the Peace Guard’s army? That was a direct challenge to the authority of Annan Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we don’t kill the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost, reporting to General Xue later will earn me a well-worn flying shoe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin couldn’t afford that humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Wei’s eyes flickered with hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost wasn’t hard—the hard part was finding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t believe he could locate the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost in this vast mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, he finally spoke: “Please, Lord Jiang, take care of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin offered no mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely gave a sharp command: “Go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven small swords flew from his waist, zipping swiftly into the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demeanor of a Sword Immortal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian, watching this, drooled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin lightly tapped his toe and leapt onto the treetops thirty feet high—truly flying among the trees, like a celestial immortal descending from heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Wei gazed at Jiang Lin with a complex expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>had their positions not been opposed, he truly would have wanted to befriend Jiang Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad—there likely would be no such chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Different statuses meant no such fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many close friends and kin, because of factional politics, ended up cutting all ties, even pushing each other into endless abysses?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian bowed deeply to Cao Wei and said solemnly: “Lord Cao, we lost seventy-three soldiers in this battle—one platoon leader, seven squad leaders; two hundred fifteen wounded. Please, Lord Cao, grant them proper compensation—otherwise, morale will shatter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Wei glanced at Ning Zhongtian and smiled lightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Ning, our positions differ, but we’re both of the Peace Guard—I, Cao Wei, would never be so cold-hearted. Rest assured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Cao Wei’s promise,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian finally exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army returned to camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fallen soldiers, according to Yu Kingdom law, were each sent home for burial—like fallen leaves returning to their roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the military compensation mandated by law,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Wei used his former connections in the Ministry of War to grant each fallen soldier a “Brave Soldier” memorial archway—officially certified by the Ministry, granting tax exemptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This act instantly won the hearts of the Peace Guard soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His prestige soared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin returned, riding his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carried a blood-dripping head in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Rui rushed over upon hearing the news,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he happened to see Jiang Lin handing the head to Ning Zhongtian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui stared at the face of the man he’d seen just days ago and drew a sharp breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected Jiang Lin to kill the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost in just three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His killing skill was superb—his tracking ability was top-tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin remained expressionless: “Hang this head on Qinghe’s city wall. Take it down after ten days—then kick it around like a ball.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian’s mouth twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing a Twelve-Blood Disciple seemed no different to Jiang Lin than killing a dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the difference wasn’t that great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumor had it that seven years ago, Jiang Lin had already slain a fifth-rank Minor Master—his current realm was likely unfathomable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Lin seemed to recall something:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, that four-armed ghost ran fast—write up a report and post a bounty for him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a flicker of surprise—the sixth-rank Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost was dead, yet the seventh-rank Four-Armed Demon Ghost had escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luck truly was part of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui’s heart stirred slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four-Armed Demon Ghost?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four-Armed Demon Ghost had long been reduced to ashes—Jiang Lin, even as a Sword Immortal, could never have found him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he would never reveal this himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guessed the bounty for the Four-Armed Demon Ghost would remain posted for a long time, until everyone forgot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the crowd,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Zhen stood quietly at the very edge, watching Jiang Lin with wary eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cursed inwardly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Worthless!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t care whether the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost or the Four-Armed Demon Ghost lived or died—he cared only about the spiritual aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual aura must not fall into anyone else’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wu Yun,” Gao Zhen’s eyes flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know whether the spiritual aura from the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost had ended up in Jiang Lin’s possession—he’d have to wait and investigate later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the spiritual aura in the Four-Armed Demon Ghost’s hands—he would claim it at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eleventh Senior Brother, blame yourself for taking what you shouldn’t have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he felt a flicker of relief—if Chou Ping hadn’t wanted to deny him credit, his identity might have been exposed by Jiang Lin, who would’ve pierced him through with a single sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misfortune may turn to blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Zhen turned silently and vanished into the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>=9+shu_ba\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He watched Li Rui push open the door and return home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard Lord Jiang killed the Ten-Thousand-Toxins Ghost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui nodded: “You’re well-informed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He: “It was Tang Hai from the Running Tiger Cavalry who told me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of Tang Hai,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he sighed—since being severed of one arm by Gao Zhen, though a divine physician had reattached it, his strength was a shadow of its former self, barely scraping the bottom of the ranked ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he wasn’t sent on this mission—he stayed behind in camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, this misfortune turned to fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eleven men from the Running Tiger Cavalry set out; only five returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fatality rate exceeded half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any army, this would be a devastating blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, the survivors were simply disbanded and reassigned to other companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only because Li Rui and Tan Hu were strong enough did the Running Tiger Cavalry barely retain its banner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tang Hai—I’ll go see him in a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew what madness had seized the four-armed demon ghost—it just slaughtered the Running Tiger Camp’s men, and by the time Li Rui intervened, the outcome was already sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Tang Hai had become an elder of the Running Tiger Cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui vaguely felt the four-armed demon ghost had targeted the Running Tiger Cavalry specifically, but since all the men were dead, there was no way to know the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, he had no chance to force the four-armed demon ghost to speak and reveal the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He said with a cheerful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui looked at Liang He with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Liang He was vastly different from his days at Tianyi Hall—he was well-liked in the Anning Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was very good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu was steady and highly gifted; he was a pillar of the sect. With him, the baseline would never be low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beyond that, they needed someone who could handle external affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t be that a seventy-year-old man like him had to show his face for every outside matter—sometimes prestige had to be cultivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Liang He was certainly unsuitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now he had grown increasingly adept—he was a promising prospect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve improved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Liang He didn’t know why his master had suddenly praised him, he was still delighted to hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhao and Yang Yong both returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five of them stood in a circle around the stove, steam rising in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, this hotpot is truly excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He hissed through his teeth as he dropped a slice of lamb into the boiling water, counted down five numbers, then immediately fished it out and dipped it into a sauce of sesame paste, peanut paste, and chopped chives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delicious~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Yang, where did you learn this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui asked, eating the otherworldly version of copper-pot hotpot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s meal had been Yang Yong’s idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yong grinned and replied: “I learned it from Old Li, a merchant from eastern town. He said he once traveled with a wealthy merchant from the capital, who loved this dish above all others—I don’t know if it’s authentic or not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it was a favorite of people from the capital, Liang He and the other two became even more enthusiastic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When those above favor something, those below will imitate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why courtesans always claimed their songs came from the capital—the capital was the center of the world, and everything there was considered nobler than in the outer provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, throughout Yu State, people took pride in emulating the capital’s customs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most common example was hunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the Zhu imperial family’s reverence for martial arts, how would those aristocratic playboys endure the cold wind and trudge through the mountains?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui finished the meal with a few more slices of leafy greens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daily diet must pay special attention to balancing meat and vegetables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rested for three quarters of an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked several laps around the courtyard until the bloated feeling in his stomach vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he return to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui sat cross-legged on the mat, drawing forth the Xuanqing Qi, which surged from his dantian into his meridians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yinglong, formed from the Dragon Soaring Through Nine Heavens Diagram, circled his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each circuit thickened and toughened his blood vessels slightly—a change too subtle to notice daily, but one that would become evident over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Yinglong completed its seventy-two circuits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immortal qi, previously absorbed into the dantian and utterly incompatible with the Xuanqing Qi, suddenly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xuanqing Qi slowly drifted toward the two halves of the small sphere formed by the Xuanqing Qi, rising from below to above, like an immortal ascending to heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immortal qi settled upon the upper half-sphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a pebble dropped into a lake, it stirred ripples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immortal qi fused directly with the nascent celestial form formed by the Xuanqing Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immortal qi acted like a catalyst, fully activating the celestial form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui’s eyes snapped open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he suddenly felt the celestial form within his dantian had become complete—in his past life’s terms, it had finally gained a soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final brushstroke of the dragon’s eye had been painted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Immortal Qi Takes Form!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1925,"2026-06-19T22:01:09.077Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d068013174a64323294d12fc0f6010529a5bc60b25f5791e8ac63f35e4d6d4ba","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-185","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-183",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-green-immortal-sovereign-cover.jpg"]