I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 374: Path to Nascent Soul (Part 1)

Within the cave abode on Zixia Peak, inside the Supreme Elder bedchamber.

Lan Changʼan gently placed the horizontally cradled Purple Mist Fairy onto the bed. Since she continued to cling tightly to him, he had no choice but to sit down at the edge of the bed.

Purple Mist Fairy’s personal maid withdrew with a deep bow, her gaze unwavering, as if she had received some kind of instruction.

Lan Changʼan gazed at Purple Mist Fairy, who had peacefully fallen into slumber, her delicate face tinged with a faint rosy hue. From the earlier signs he had observed, he had now deduced most of the truth.

Purple Mist Fairy’s poison was not as dire as imagined—it was not something that would leave her at the mercy of others.

While nourishing her body with his energy, Lan Changʼan once again analyzed the state of Jiang Ziyan’s condition.

”A medicinal property of yin and yang...”

Lan Changʼan speculated that Purple Mist Fairy had likely consumed a rare and extraordinarily potent pill, possibly the legendary Yin-Yang Life and Death Pill. Because of this, the residual toxins in her body were weak and had lost much of their potency.

Thus, they posed even less of a threat to Lan Changʼan, whose Evergreen Cultivation Technique granted him exceptional resistance to poison.

Of course, the Heavenly Centipede Nascent Soul Venom primarily targeted the Nascent Soul. At this moment, the majority of the deadly poison was concentrated in Purple Mist Fairy’s Nascent Soul spirit body.

If this dragged on for too long and the nascent soul poison seeped deeper, it could harm the very foundation of her Nascent Soul, affecting her future potential and drastically reducing her chances of advancing to the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

This consequence was even graver than the Nascent Soul outright leaving the body!

If not for Lan Changʼan, the scheme of those at Great Snake Mountain might have succeeded.

Through his bodyʼs healing and purification of residual toxins, Lan Changʼan allowed Jiang Ziyan to remain undistracted, so she could focus all her energy on dealing with the sinister poison within her Nascent Soul.

If her physical body and spiritual power could recover faster, it would, in turn, nourish her Nascent Soul, aiding in the quicker eradication of the nascent soul poison.

This was one of the reasons Jiang Ziyan chose to keep Lan Changʼan by her side.

With her insight, she was certain that when it came to comprehensive treatment and nourishment, no one in the sect could compare to Lan Changʼan.

”I wonder how well the Evergreen Technique can heal the soul or Nascent Soul?”

A thought surfaced in Lan Changʼan’s mind.

If it were purely Evergreen mana, its healing effect would not differ significantly from a powerful wood-attribute cultivation technique, meaning it might not be very effective.

As for the Evergreen secret spell that would consume lifespan, it was hard to say.

But Lan Changʼan had no intention of testing it.

From start to finish, he did not dare to recklessly probe Purple Mist Fairy’s Nascent Soul.

First, because the Nascent Soul was a taboo for Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

Second, because he feared being infected by the source of the Heavenly Centipede Nascent Soul Venom.

…

Three days later.

Purple Mist Fairy opened her light purple, star-like eyes. Her delicate, snow-white face had regained some of its former radiance.

After three days of recuperation, Jiang Ziyan’s internal injuries and poison had stabilized, and her spiritual power flowed smoothly once more.

”Senior Sister Jiang, you’re awake.”

Lan Changʼan, looking slightly weary, let out a breath of relief.

At this moment, the two of them were no longer in an embrace, and Lan Changʼan could finally sit comfortably.

However, his hand was still entwined with Purple Mist Fairy’s slender, icy-white fingers. The once cool and delicate sensation was something he had long since grown accustomed to.

During her unconscious state, Jiang Ziyan had clung to him instinctively, unwilling to let go.

Later, Lan Changʼan took the initiative to hold her hand instead, maintaining the state of warmth and nourishment. Only then did Jiang Ziyan release him and lie flat on the bed.

”Junior Brother, you’ve worked hard. If you hadn’t been by my side this time, I would not have escaped this calamity. At the very least, I would have had to abandon my physical body and force my Nascent Soul to leave its shell.”

Purple Mist Fairy gazed at the young man before her. Gone was the untouchable nobility of a Nascent Soul True Monarch. In her eyes now, there was the soft tenderness of an ordinary female cultivator.

”Senior Sister is too courteous. I acted in the moment to save myself as well. If the nascent soul poison had penetrated deeper, the consequences would have been severe. In that case, escaping with the Nascent Soul might have been the better outcome than having me become a burden to Senior Sister.”

Lan Changʼan attempted to withdraw his hand, but Jiang Ziyan did not let go.

Instead, their fingers interlocked more tightly. Their gazes met, their hands clasped together.

At this moment—

One lay on the sickbed, a soft smile on her lips; the other sat by the bedside, offering quiet comfort. Holding hands, their eyes occasionally met. They looked like a pair of young cultivators experiencing their first love.

Lan Changʼan could see Purple Mist Fairy’s unspoken feelings. Both of them understood without needing to say a word.

After experiencing life and death together, exposing numerous secrets and hidden strengths, Lan Changʼan could only go with the flow and accept the natural progression of their relationship.

Only in this way could they both feel at ease.

This emotional breakthrough gave Purple Mist Fairy a greater sense of security.

Lan Changʼan had already demonstrated a level of power capable of contending with Nascent Soul cultivators. Paired with the formidable Lord Earthrock, he possessed the strength to overturn Yunxia Sect and forcibly claim her as his own.

Even though Lan Changʼan had never shown the slightest hint of ambition, Purple Mist Fairy still felt the need to draw him closer, ensuring that he would not waver or be swayed by external forces.

Beyond that—

After spending a long time together, Jiang Ziyan had come to admire Xiang Dalong’s talent and character, though it was not the deep affection of true love.

As for Lan Changʼan, having spent decades in close company with this peerlessly stunning Nascent Soul True Monarch, he too had developed a sense of appreciation—not only an instinctive attraction to beauty but also a reverence and admiration for a noble female cultivator of a higher realm.

After all, despite experiencing three lifetimes, he had yet to step into the Nascent Soul stage, and his cultivation status remained beneath Jiang Ziyan’s.

Previously, Purple Mist Fairy had subtly or overtly attempted to draw him in, but this time, after their ordeal and the secrets that had been revealed, combined with the undeniable closeness of the past few days, Lan Changʼan—being a normal male cultivator—could no longer forcefully resist the natural deepening of their relationship.

The boundary between upper and lower realms had already begun to blur.

…

”With such divine abilities and the successful cultivation of a fourth-rank spirit beast, could it be that Dalong’s origins are not as simple as an ordinary cultivator from the outside? These years, Ziyan has been thoroughly deceived by you.”

Purple Mist True Monarch smiled charmingly, her beauty breathtakingly ethereal. Her tone carried a trace of feigned resentment as she exposed the false persona Lan Changʼan had crafted when he first joined the sect—that of an honest, unsophisticated hillbilly cultivator from the sticks.

”I must apologize for deceiving you, Ziyan. Your junior brother had his difficulties and was forced to conceal some truths.”

Lan Changʼan let out a ”bitter smile”, feigning an unspeakable burden.

He had already prepared himself—after revealing parts of his strength, it was necessary to disclose some of his past to ease this womanʼs concerns.

”If Dalong has secrets that cannot be spoken of, Ziyan will not pry further.”

Purple Mist Fairy lifted her elegant chin, her graceful figure reclining against Lan Changʼan’s embrace in a display of tender intimacy.

In this position, Lan Changʼan’s gaze naturally fell upon the exquisite curves of Purple Mist Fairy’s body—her graceful, well-proportioned form radiating an intoxicating allure.

In truth, during the past few days, they had already experienced many moments of close physical contact.

However, at that time, Lan Changʼan had maintained the mindset of a healer. Facing a high-ranking Nascent Soul Fairy, he dared not entertain any improper thoughts.

But now, he openly held this noble True Monarch in his arms, his hands resting on her cool, jade-like waist, feeling the supple elasticity beneath his fingers. The elegant fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose was intoxicating.

”The realm where I originated was indeed more backward than the Great Yuan. As a loose cultivator, I once joined a Foundation Establishment family and later a Core Formation sect. During that time, I had some fortunate encounters, acquiring a puppetry inheritance, which allowed my strength and foundation to surpass that of ordinary Core Formation cultivators…”

Purple Mist Fairy listened quietly, her dignified and stunning face tinged with a faint blush.

After years of solitude, both her body and heart were stirred by an unfamiliar warmth.

As a cultivator with heavenly spiritual roots, she had long ascended to the heights of Nascent Soul, her reputation renowned across the Central Region.

Yet, this was the first time she had indulged in such intimacy with a man of a lower cultivation realm, even allowing him to touch her at will.

”…In the end, I offended a Nascent Soul faction and was hunted by a True Monarch. Desperate, I fled into a forbidden zone, where I was fortunate enough to pass through a spatial rift, arriving unexpectedly in the Great Yuan. I can swear that I have no disloyalty toward Yunxia Sect. I only seek a stable place to cultivate and break through to the Nascent Soul stage.”

Lan Changʼan concealed many details, giving only a broad explanation that sounded reasonable.

”Dalong’s past is indeed extraordinary. No wonder your will is so strong. That day, when you faced pursuit by a Nascent Soul cultivator, you remained calm and composed.”

With many of her suspicions answered, Purple Mist Fairy felt much more at ease.

Indeed, over the past decades, Xiang Dalong had been fully devoted to cultivation, his sole goal being the Nascent Soul breakthrough, showing no interest in external affairs.

”Does Ziyan have any other doubts?”

After speaking for so long, Lan Changʼan’s throat was a little dry.

He held Purple Mist True Monarch’s slender waist with one hand while the other rested on her knee, confirming that the wound on her thigh had fully healed. Thanks to the Evergreen Technique and special medicinal salves, the skin had returned to its smooth, flawless state.

”Ziyan has just one last question.”

Purple Mist True Monarch’s starry eyes shimmered with curiosity as she asked:

”Judging by Dalong’s cultivation progress, you should be quite old. Yet, you are still striving with all your might to reach the Nascent Soul stage. Tell me, how confident are you in forming a Nascent Soul?”

Lan Changʼan pondered for a moment before answering:

”Truthfully, my opportunities and foundation are not inferior to the core disciples of Nascent Soul sects, my core is also of Half-Step Golden Dan quality. With my years of preparation, I believe I have a 30 to 40 percent chance of success.”

”Thirty to forty percent?”

Purple Mist Fairy mused. That was already a respectable probability, surpassing most Core Formation cultivators.

Even those with an Immortal Golden Dan, possessing superior techniques and resources, had only about a 50 percent chance of successfully forming a Nascent Soul.

Moreover, Lan Changʼan was not young—he had already lived for over 370 years.

From his candidness, it seemed that Xiang Dalong was finally being honest with her after their relationship had deepened.

...

After this heartfelt conversation, it felt as though they had truly opened their hearts to each other.

Their newly forged relationship seemed to grow even stronger.

In the following days, Lan Changʼan’s care for Purple Mist Fairy became even more effortless.

Jiang Ziyan spent half her time in deep meditation, focusing entirely on purging the nascent soul poison from her Nascent Soul. In the real world, she entrusted her physical body completely to Lan Changʼan’s care.

The other half of the time, they shared moments of warmth—engaging in deep conversations or discussing the Dao.

What gratified Purple Mist Fairy the most was that Lan Changʼan’s knowledge and insights were fully on par with her own as a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Their exchanges carried no sense of disparity; instead, they stimulated and enlightened each other.

As the sun and moon alternated in their quiet companionship—

Lan Changʼan became intimately familiar with Purple Mist True Monarch’s physical form. However, they had not yet reached the stage of complete openness.

”Although Ziyan has resisted the deep invasion of the nascent soul poison, completely eliminating it and restoring her full strength may take up to three years.”

During one of their moments together, Purple Mist Fairy finally disclosed her true condition.

This was far better than Lan Changʼan had anticipated.

For one, Purple Mist Fairy had been well-prepared, possessing the Yin-Yang Life and Death Pill, which had safeguarded her Nascent Soul’s essence. Additionally, in the detoxification process, she had used numerous precious materials and secret medicines.

Secondly, Lan Changʼan’s Evergreen Technique had significantly accelerated her physical recovery, allowing her to focus entirely on battling the poison.

”Ziyan, since you’re no longer in immediate danger, for the next three years, I will visit Zixia Peak once every seven days. This will not affect your foundation.”

”Ever since I returned, I have yet to spend time with Lord Earthrock.”

Seizing the opportunity, Lan Changʼan finally found an excuse to escape Purple Mist Fairy’s increasing attachment and attempts to keep him close.

He still had his own cultivation to focus on.

He needed to prepare for his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

Spending three whole years tending to Purple Mist Fairy day and night—even if many admirers would kill for such an opportunity—was not something he could afford.

…

”Elder Xiang, please take care.”

The maid knelt and saluted with deep reverence, treating him with the same respect once reserved for Yunlan True Monarch, as she watched him depart.

Walking out of the cave abode, Lan Changʼan stepped let out a subtle breath of relief.

Yet, his lips still carried the lingering moist fragrance of their parting moment.

Earlier, during their farewell, Purple Mist Fairy had been reluctant to let go, as if afraid that once her grasp loosened, this pillar of support would vanish forever.

On the bed of the Nascent Soul True Monarch, the two had indulged in a long, passionate kiss before Lan Changʼan was finally able to leave.

”E-Elder Xiang…”

Just as he was reminiscing over the lingering taste, a hesitant male voice interrupted his thoughts.

Lan Changʼan turned and saw Hu Ang—his head lowered, his expression cautious, as if treading on thin ice.

”Little Hu, you’ve been waiting outside all this time?”

Lan Changʼan raised a brow, glancing at him with a meaningful look.

Previously, Hu Ang had personally witnessed him carrying the noble and untouchable Purple Mist Fairy into the cave abode, only to emerge after a full seven days.

This matter concerns the Supreme Elder’s private affairs—if word were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar. Standing guard outside the cave abode, he found himself in an undeniably perilous situation.

”Master instructed this disciple to guard the door.”

Hu Ang answered honestly.

At this moment, facing Xiang Dalong, who was basking in the spring breeze of success, he dared not even entertain the slightest ill intent.

”Alright, go get some rest.”

Lan Changʼan waved a hand dismissively.

Hu Ang, as a clever man, understood the unspoken command and left as if granted amnesty.

Lan Changʼan had no interest in controlling rumors.

After all—Purple Mist Fairy had let him carry her in full view of others.

That alone was intentional.

The Supreme Elder was injured, and Lan Changʼan had personally cared for her for seven days and nights, completely barring other cultivators from visiting.

Under such circumstances, there was no way to suppress speculation or stop others from gossiping.

If anything, Purple Mist True Monarch likely wanted their relationship to become public knowledge, solidifying their bond and tying Lan Changʼan to Yunxia Sect.

After all, Yunlan True Monarch had perished years ago, and the single Purple Mist Fairy rekindling romance carried no moral burden.

From the perspective of high-ranking cultivators, it was perfectly reasonable for her to form an alliance with Xiang Dalong to strengthen the sectʼs position.

...

Leaving Zixia Peak, Lan Changʼan arrived at the underground palace of the fourth-rank spirit vein, where Lord Earthrock resided.

The Lord Earthrock transformed into a giant rat-like demon beast the size of a large hound, and scurried up to Lan Changʼan, rubbing affectionately against his side.

Sniff. Sniff.

Suddenly, it froze.

A moment later, drool dripped from the corners of its mouth.

”You little thing, your nose is sharp as ever.”

Lan Changʼan chuckled.

He reached into his storage pouch and retrieved a massive corpse—the remains of a quasi-fourth-rank demon beast, the Scarlet Flame Serpent.

Half an hour later.

With Lord Earthrock’s assistance, Lan Changʼan had fully processed the Scarlet Flame Serpent’s body.

A quasi-fourth-rank serpent with an earth-grade bloodline—its serpent skin, venom sac, gallbladder, and core were all priceless materials.

The vast amounts of serpent meat and blood were lavishly gifted to Lord Earthrock as snacks.

Over the years, Lord Earthrock had been fully supported by Yunxia Sect. As its master, Lan Changʼan had rarely needed to worry about its provisions.

Of course, as the sect’s guardian sacred beast, Lord Earthrock had an obligation to defend the sect in return.

Still, the demon rat’s gaze lingered on the half-refined Scarlet Flame Serpent Essence Spirit Core, visibly eager.

For a fourth-rank being like itself, the serpent’s Essence Spirit Core was an invaluable supplement that could accelerate its cultivation.

However, Lan Changʼan did not agree to give it away.

This core could be a valuable bargaining chip in the future, or it could be refined into rare elixirs.

Lord Earthrock had grown too accustomed to comfort in Yunxia Sect, enjoying the steady supply of resources without effort.

It had lost the wild and diligent spirit it once had.

This Essence Spirit Core would not be given to it so easily.

”Oh right, take some of the serpent meat and blood to the Great Turtle as well.”

Lan Changʼan instructed.

Lord Earthrock acknowledged the command and carried a portion of the serpent’s meat and blood into the lower depths of the underground palace.

Deep within the underground palace lay a heavily warded chamber.

Inside, a Profound Water Turtle stood guard beside the Xuanmu Vine Gourd.

Compared to when they first left Great Qing, the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, now nourished by the fourth-rank spirit vein, had grown stronger and more vibrant over the decades.

Ever since consuming a large amount of Innate Turbid Qi, the Profound Water Turtle’s bloodline had evolved significantly, breaking past its natural limitations.

It had ascended into the heavenly-grade bloodline, shattering the constraints of the Profound Water Turtle species.

Now, its cultivation was nearing the late-third-rank stage.

Lan Changʼan examined the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, noting its steady and gradual growth.

It was much like his own Evergreen Technique—advancing at a measured but unstoppable pace.

…

The next day, Lan Changʼan returned to his Qingluan Peak cave abode, taking the opportunity to guide Xiao Qingshan in his cultivation.

As Lan Changʼan’s only trusted aide within the sect and the chief steward of his cave residence, Xiao Qingshan enjoyed the same level of treatment and resources as a core disciple of Yunxia Sect.

With an extraordinary dual Yin-Yang spiritual aptitude, coupled with the Dragon Phoenix Dual Cauldron Technique bestowed upon him by Lan Changʼan, his cultivation talent was comparable to that of a high-grade spiritual root, and his actual cultivation speed was no weaker than core disciples.

Over the years, Xiao Qingshan had grown increasingly familiar and close to Lan Changʼan.

On one occasion, he dreamed of a white-robed figure, but in the end, he could not break through the mystery of the womb and recall his past lifeʼs identity as ”Li Erqing.”

Lan Changʼan occasionally observed Xiao Qingshan’s cultivation progress, hoping that when the latter eventually advanced to Core Formation, there might be new insights into the secrets of reincarnation.

After handling various affairs for several days, Lan Changʼan resumed his dedicated cultivation, occasionally using new materials to refine and enhance his quasi-fourth-rank puppet.

”At this stage, I’ve gathered nearly all the resources needed for my Nascent Soul breakthrough. There are only a few areas left for enhancement.”

Lan Changʼan felt calm and content.

With ample longevity and most of his resources secured, he had little to worry about.

The remaining minor enhancements could be categorized into two aspects:

For one, superior Nascent Soul spirit items.

The more, the better.

Different types of Nascent Soul spirit items, derived from various heavenly treasures, could provide stacking benefits.

However, this was a perfectionist pursuit, not a decisive factor, so there was no need to force it.

And secondly, Heart Tribulation treasures.

The Superior Purity Pill he currently possessed was not the best protective item for enduring the Heart Tribulation.

However, the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique provided a natural boost to mental resilience.

Through its gradual and steady cultivation, accumulated over long years of tranquility, his heart and mind had been fortified.

This granted him a higher chance of overcoming the Heart Tribulation than most cultivators of the same level.

Additionally, Lan Changʼan possessed the memories of the fourth life Master Lihuo who had successfully formed a Nascent Soul.

On top of that, he also carried the experiences of Heavenly Net Ancestor and True Monarch Shazhai.

Although these latter two could not be fully converted into direct enlightenment, they still served as valuable references.

”Once Jiang Ziyan fully expels the nascent soul poison, I will embark on my journey to the Alchemy Dao Alliance, to refine the Infant Transformation Pill.”

Lan Changʼan swiftly finalized the last phase of his Path to Nascent Soul.

...

Three years later.

Time flew by in the blink of an eye.

The incident involving Purple Mist Fairy’s ambush three years ago had caused little stir within the Great Yu Kingdom.

The forces behind Great Snake Mountain had acted briefly and left no direct evidence.

Moreover, with no high-level cultivators testifying, the matter eventually faded away without consequence.

By law, Nascent Soul cultivators were prohibited from killing each other without cause in the Great Yu Kingdom.

But in the shadows, if there was no ironclad proof and no casualties, the kingdom would turn a blind eye.

Furthermore, Purple Mist Fairy had rejected a political marriage with the imperial family.

Thus, the Great Yu Imperial Family had no reason to grant Yunxia Sect any special favor or protection.

...

Unknowingly, Lan Changʼan had reached the age of 373.

He had only seven years left before he reached the pinnacle of Core Formation.

For the past three years, he had visited Purple Mist Cave Abode every seven days, growing increasingly close to Jiang Ziyan.

At times, they shared intimate moments, at times, they discussed the Dao.

Yet, despite their deepening bond, Lan Changʼan never crossed the final boundary.

As a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Purple Mist Fairy possessed her own noble pride.

She would not take the initiative to push for the final step, as doing so would diminish her status.

Likewise, Lan Changʼan knew that once he reached Nascent Soul, he would not remain in the Great Yuan forever.

Settling down in Yunxia Sect for the rest of his life was never part of his plan.

If his relationship with Purple Mist Fairy evolved into a Dao Companion bond, severing those ties later would become difficult.

Jiang Ziyan, being highly intelligent, could easily sense his reservations.

Three years ago, during their journey back from Cloudsky City, Lan Changʼan had already revealed his intentions—after reaching Nascent Soul, he would return to his homeland.

As for whether he would ever return to Yunxia Sect afterward… only the heavens could tell.

...

Main Peak cave abode, cultivation chamber.

Whoosh!

Lan Changʼan withdrew from Evergreen Technique meditation, the timeless aura of the years fading from his surroundings.

The verdant life force that had filled the air gradually dissipated.

Before him, a freshly cultivated fourth-rank Longevity Fruit hovered in midair.

”With this fourth-rank Longevity Fruit, Alchemist Le can refine a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill—not only for my own use, but also as a valuable trade item to further supplement my Nascent Soul resources.”

Lan Changʼan smiled as he carefully sealed the fruit inside a jade box.

Over the past three years, he had sacrificed years of his lifespan to cultivate and accelerate the growth of a top-grade third-rank Longevity Fruit, pushing it into the fourth rank.

Based on his previous estimates, consuming a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill could extend his lifespan by over a century.

”Everything is in place.”

Lan Changʼan let out a deep breath, and then rose from his meditation chamber.

With only seven years remaining, he would now embark on the final leg of his journey to Nascent Soul.

The path ahead included wandering travels and pill refinement, both of which would take considerable time.

Before leaving, he would first seek permission from Purple Mist Fairy to formally notify her of his departure.

Since this journey would keep him away from the sect for a long period, he would bring Lord Earthrock along, as well as the Profound Water Turtle and Xuanmu Vine Gourd.