The Last Immortal

Chapter Twenty-One

Both Xian Shan and Xian Zhu were shrewd individuals who had lived for tens of thousands of years. The moment Hua Shu spoke, they had already guessed eighty percent of her intentions. The Peacock Clan and the Eagle Clan had been fighting over the Paradise Grotto in the North Sea for tens of thousands of years. In the past, with Celestial Emperor Mu Guang keeping the peace, the two clans could still maintain a semblance of harmony on the surface. However, the current Celestial Emperor, Feng Ran, had a capricious temperament and disliked meddling in such dirty disputes over territory, so he had never intervened in the conflict between the two clans. As a result, their disputes had grown increasingly fierce over the past few decades, and in recent years, they had become as incompatible as fire and water. Originally, the Peacock Clan was more powerful than the Eagle Clan and had long suppressed them, occupying most of the Paradise Grotto in the North Sea. Unfortunately, the sons of the current Peacock King, Hua Mo, were all incompetent. Aside from his daughter Hua Shu, none of them were of any real use. In contrast, the Eagle Clan had produced many talented individuals over the past few millennia, and as their power grew, they naturally would not let their old enemy lying beside them go unchallenged. In recent years, most of the disputes had ended with the Eagle Clan emerging victorious.

The Eagle Clan excelled at aerial attacks and had always been formidable in long-range combat. Hua Shu’s visit to Great Marsh Mountain was likely to seek assistance from the mountain.

"Your Highness, you flatter us. Our ancestors of Great Marsh Mountain had some ties with the Peacock Clan. May I ask the purpose of your visit...?"

Hua Shu waved her hand, and Hong Que behind her stepped forward, carrying a wooden tray.

"Two esteemed uncles, Hua Shu knows that Great Marsh Mountain never involves itself in the conflicts among the Immortal Tribe factions. I truly have no intention of putting you in a difficult position. However, my father is advanced in years, and my elder brothers possess low Immortal Power. I alone cannot bear the burden and do not wish to see the Peacock Clan decline from now on. I would like to borrow the Sky-Shielding Umbrella of the old Divine Lord Dong Hua from you two esteemed uncles. As long as it can protect my clansmen through this crisis, once Hundred Birds Island recovers its strength, Hua Shu will personally return the Sky-Shielding Umbrella in one year. Esteemed Uncle Xian Shan, this is the sacred artifact of our Peacock Clan, the Feathered Phoenix Crown. Hua Shu is willing to offer it to Great Marsh Mountain in exchange for the Sky-Shielding Umbrella for one year."

Hua Shu opened the treasure box on the wooden tray, revealing the radiant Feathered Phoenix Crown, brimming with dense Immortal Power.

Legend had it that the Feathered Phoenix Crown was formed from the lifeblood and Inner Core of the strongest king in the history of the Peacock Clan before his death. It was a top-grade Immortal artifact and served as the crown of successive Peacock Kings. Although it could not compare to the Demigod artifact, the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, it was enough to demonstrate Hua Shu’s sincerity.

Gu Jin, standing nearby, was taken aback, never expecting Hua Shu to want to borrow the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to resist the Eagle Clan.

Exchanging a top-grade Immortal artifact for the use of the Sky-Shielding Umbrella for one year was not a loss for Great Marsh Mountain. Hua Shu had originally thought Xian Shan would agree without hesitation, but instead, he shook his head. "Your Highness, I cannot grant your request."

Hua Shu’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, revealing a hint of disappointment as she raised her voice slightly. "Esteemed Uncle, do you feel Hua Shu’s sincerity is insufficient? Hundred Birds Island has absolutely no intention of coveting the Sky-Shielding Umbrella. We only wish to..."

"Your Highness misunderstands," Xian Shan interrupted Hua Shu with a wave of his hand. "Before our master’s Ascension, he had already gifted the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to our junior brother Gu Jin. Now, this artifact is his personal Divine Artifact. I have no authority to decide on this matter. Please understand, Your Highness."

"So that’s how it is." Hua Shu was momentarily stunned, then paused briefly, a flicker of joy quickly passing through her eyes as she turned to look at Gu Jin beside her. "Immortal Lord Gu Jin, may I borrow the Sky-Shielding Umbrella for my clan? In one year, Hua Shu will definitely return it intact."

Hua Shu looked at Gu Jin with hopeful anticipation, not blinking. However, Gu Jin’s expression showed hesitation. It wasn’t that he was unwilling to part with the Divine Artifact, but the Sky-Shielding Umbrella was the only thing Dong Hua had left him before his Ascension. Handing it over to Hua Shu—how could he face Dong Hua’s earnest instructions and deep affection for his disciple before his Ascension?While Gu Jin was hesitating, a lazy voice broke the silence in the hall.

"Princess Hua Shu, the Sky-Shielding Umbrella cannot be lent by our Great Marsh Mountain."

Gu Jin paused, naturally recognizing whose voice it was, a trace of helplessness flickering in his eyes.

Everyone turned to look. Ayin, holding Qing Yi's hand, slowly walked in from outside the hall. Though her appearance and age still seemed youthful, she steadily made her way to stand beside Xian Shan and Xian Zhu, calmly meeting Hua Shu's sharp gaze.

Anyone who could stand beside the leaders of Great Marsh Mountain was certainly no ordinary figure, yet no one had ever heard of such a person in Great Marsh Mountain. Hua Shu looked puzzled and asked, "Uncle Xian Shan, forgive my poor eyesight, but may I ask who this immortal friend is..."

"Princess, this is Ayin, a nominal disciple our master took before his Ascension. She is A Jin's junior sister," Xian Shan explained, stroking his beard, quite pleased with Ayin's interruption.

Gu Jin was about to embark on a journey to find Feng Yin's soul, venturing into dangerous and treacherous places across the Three Realms. Naturally, Xian Shan hoped the Sky-Shielding Umbrella would remain with Gu Jin to protect him fully. However, given his seniority and age, it was inappropriate for him to refuse Hua Shu and admonish Gu Jin in such a setting.

Hua Shu was taken aback. She had never expected that Dong Hua, who had refused to take disciples for tens of thousands of years, would quietly accept another female disciple before his Ascension. Even if it was only a nominal title, once bestowed, the various clans of the Immortal Realm would have to show respect to Great Marsh Mountain and extend their care to Lady Ayin.

Hua Shu felt somewhat awkward. She and Gu Jin were old acquaintances, allowing them to interact as equals, but she had no connection whatsoever with this Ayin. Given her status, was she supposed to address this young girl as "senior"?

"Your Highness, since you and my senior brother are peers, you may simply call me Ayin," Ayin said with a bright smile, noticing Gu Jin about to speak up and save Hua Shu from embarrassment, not allowing him to owe her any favors.

Hua Shu nodded and smiled. "I see Ayin is much younger than I am, and I was just thinking such a young lady shouldn't be addressed as older by me. Ayin, may I ask what the Sky-Shielding Umbrella has to do with you..."

Hua Shu asked slowly, but her words carried an implied meaning. Ayin raised an eyebrow. "The Sky-Shielding Umbrella was gifted to my senior brother by our master. It has nothing to do with me."

Having received her answer, Hua Shu's eyes grew more solemn. In her view, Ayin was young and had low Immortal Power. Though she was Dong Hua's nominal disciple, she held no rank or merit. Yet she dared to obstruct Gu Jin from lending the Sky-Shielding Umbrella—utterly unreasonable and absurd.

"Ayin, I know I am being presumptuous, but my clan has no intention of coveting the Divine Artifact," Hua Shu said. Given her temperament, offering such an explanation to a Female Immortal Lord with low Immortal Power was unprecedented. She then turned her gaze to Gu Jin. "Immortal Lord Gu Jin, Hundred Birds Island is now caught between fortune and disaster. My clansmen have suffered heavy casualties, and I alone am powerless to turn the tide. That is why I have come to Great Marsh Mountain to borrow the Divine Artifact to protect my people. I beg Immortal Lord Gu Jin, for the sake of our past acquaintance, to grant me this small favor. If the Sky-Shielding Umbrella can help my clan overcome this crisis, my Peacock Clan will repay your kindness a hundredfold in the future."

Hua Shu bowed slightly toward Gu Jin, her expression sincere and pleading.

After all, Hua Shu was the woman Gu Jin had longed for over a decade, and she had once shown him kindness. Now, she was pleading for the safety of her Peacock Clan. Unable to bear refusing her, Gu Jin was about to agree."Princess." Having spent day and night with Gu Jin, Ayin understood his temperament well. She spoke again, cutting him off, her expression unwavering. "Ayin knows that Your Highness must have come to Great Marsh Mountain to borrow the Sky-Shielding Umbrella due to urgent circumstances. However, the umbrella was left by our master for my senior brother to protect his life. It represents our master's heartfelt care and protection. If senior brother were to lend it to Your Highness, how would he explain it to our master when they meet again in the Ancient Realm?"

Seeing Hua Shu's face already showing anger, Ayin raised her eyes slightly and suddenly spoke: "It is not that I intend to obstruct you, but does Your Highness still remember what happened on Phoenix Tree Island back then?"

Hua Shu's expression changed abruptly. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly. She glanced at Gu Jin before turning her gaze to Ayin, a faint trace of shock and coldness flashing in her eyes. "Too many things happened on Phoenix Tree Island back then. Which one are you referring to, Lady Ayin?"

Due to her great surprise, her address for Ayin suddenly turned cold.

Hua Shu understood clearly in her heart that the threat from the entire Eagle Clan was far less terrifying than the wrath of the Phoenix Clan and Celestial Emperor Feng Ran. If the Phoenix Clan were to learn that it was she who had instigated Gu Jin to retrieve the Fire Phoenix Jade back then, it would spell true disaster for Hundred Birds Island.

Gu Jin's expression also shifted. He couldn't be sure whether Ayin had overheard his mutterings while she was unconscious in the Forbidden Valley back then, and he grew somewhat anxious. If his two senior brothers were to learn the truth about Feng Yin's soul scattering, they would likely harbor no more affection for Hua Shu.

"Ayin!" Gu Jin called out in a low voice, unusually solemn.

"Naturally, it concerns the matter of the Little Phoenix Lord's soul scattering completely." Ayin noticed the panic in Hua Shu's eyes and did not miss the seriousness on Gu Jin's face. She also straightened her expression and replied, "Princess, back then, my senior brother mistakenly trespassed into the ancient phoenix forest, causing the Little Phoenix Lord's soul to scatter across the Three Realms. He committed a grave mistake and was confined to the valley by the Celestial Emperor and our master. Only after our master attained divinity was he able to leave and regain his freedom. This matter is known throughout the Three Realms. Now that my senior brother has emerged, he naturally must search for the Little Phoenix Lord's soul fragments to give an account to the Phoenix Clan and the Celestial Emperor. The journey to find soul fragments scattered across the Three Realms and Four Seas is arduous and fraught with danger. The Sky-Shielding Umbrella can ensure his safety along the way. I ask Your Highness to understand the protective intentions our master held for senior brother before his ascension and not to put my senior brother in a difficult position."

Ayin clasped her hands in salute toward Hua Shu, her brow also grave. As soon as she spoke these words, both Hua Shu and Gu Jin fell silent, unable to respond further.

Hua Shu remained silent because Ayin's mention of the Feng Yin incident from back then stirred unease in her heart, fearing the truth might be exposed. Gu Jin remained silent out of consideration for Dong Hua's love for his disciple, unwilling to cause his two senior brothers further worry and disappointment.

"Enough, Ayin. Princess Hua Shu is merely concerned for her clansmen and spoke somewhat hastily in her anxiety. How could she possibly put Great Marsh Mountain and your senior brother in a difficult position? Step back now."

Beside them, Xian Shan casually reprimanded Ayin and then turned a kindly gaze toward Hua Shu. "Princess, Ayin is still young and speaks without restraint. She meant no offense to Your Highness or Hundred Birds Island. I hope Your Highness will not take it to heart."

Having lived for tens of thousands of years, Xian Shan had seen all kinds of situations. With two placating remarks, he diffused the tense atmosphere in the hall.

"Uncle, you are too kind. It was Hua Shu who came seeking help from Great Marsh Mountain. Lady Ayin is not at fault." Hua Shu bowed to Xian Shan and Xian Zhu, her tone tinged with regret. "Since the Sky-Shielding Umbrella was gifted by the venerable High Lord Dong Hua to Immortal Lord Gu Jin for protection before his ascension, it would be forcing an unreasonable request if Hua Shu were to insist further.""Princess, you speak too gravely. Although Great Marsh Mountain cannot lend the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to assist you, it is not without a way for the princess to avoid the crisis facing the Peacock Clan."

"Oh? Uncle, please speak plainly." Hua Shu perked up and asked.

"The conflict between Hundred Birds Island and the Eagle Clan over thousands of years has also been a struggle for the Paradise Grotto of the North Sea. If His Majesty Hua Mo is willing to cede a corner of that land, the Eagle Clan, having received goodwill, would likely be willing to set aside their long-standing grievances and coexist peacefully with the Peacock Clan." Xian Shan stroked his white beard, offering well-intentioned advice.

Both the Peacock Clan and the Eagle Clan reside in the North Sea. In the past, the Peacock Clan was powerful, and successive Peacock Kings were rigid and domineering, several times pushing the Eagle Clan to the brink of extinction. The current Eagle Clan leader is strong and formidable, and his constant challenges to Hundred Birds Island are merely to secure more of the Paradise Grotto to sustain his descendants. The Peacock Clan has long been accustomed to acting arrogantly, which is why, now that they face a crisis, the various Immortal Tribes stand by and watch, offering no assistance.

Upon hearing Xian Shan's words, Hua Shu's expression showed a hint of embarrassment. If the Peacock King were willing to yield the Paradise Grotto, how could there have been this millennia-long deadly conflict? Moreover, if they were to yield weakly, how would the Peacock Clan establish its authority among the Immortal Tribes in the future? Everyone would only see Hundred Birds Island as easy to bully.

Truth be told, Hua Shu perfectly inherited her father's disposition, harboring a deep-seated passion for power.

"Uncle, major clan affairs have always been decided by my father. Hua Shu will convey your advice to him." Hua Shu showed no trace of emotion on her face as she thanked Xian Shan.

Xian Shan was well aware of Hundred Birds Island's habitual ways; he was merely showing extra leniency toward Hua Shu for Gu Jin's sake.

"Princess, you have traveled thousands of miles and must be weary. A Jin, take the princess to rest and attend to her on behalf of your senior brother and me."

Gu Jin responded solemnly and led Hua Shu out of the hall.

"Ayin, you stay."

Xian Shan's calm voice came from behind. Gu Jin sighed and escorted Hua Shu out to rest.

The next day, Hua Shu bid farewell to Xian Shan and Xian Zhu, leading her dozen or so peacocks back to Hundred Birds Island, making no further mention of borrowing the Sky-Shielding Umbrella.

Ayin, having offended Gu Jin's beloved and caused her to return empty-handed, felt somewhat guilty and uneasy seeing Gu Jin unusually silent these past few days. Yet, believing she was not truly at fault, she could not bring herself to make amends. Soon, the day arrived for the two of them to set out in search of Feng Yin's soul.