I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 379: True Monarch Evergreen

After enduring the Heavenly Tribulation, Lan Changʼan’s robes had been completely reduced to ashes, crumbling into charred black powder.

Without hesitation, he changed into his signature white Daoist robe from the Great Qing.

As the lingering thunder dissipated, the countless cultivators watching from dozens of li away remained shaken by what they had just witnessed.

Lan Changʼan’s method of enduring the Nascent Soul Lightning Tribulation had been nothing short of astonishing. Many had felt an instinctive chill, subconsciously breaking into a cold sweat.

The average Core Formation cultivator would be lucky to be able to carry through the Heavenly Lightning Tribulation without being killed or seriously injured, how could they dare to be so arrogant as to take the initiative and actively confront tribulation lightning, allowing one’s body to endure a portion of its cleansing power?

That was something only seen in ancient legends of body cultivators.

Although cultivators who practiced both qi and body refinement were rare in the cultivation world, they did exist.

However, possessing both an Immortal Golden Dan and peak third-rank body refinement simultaneously?

That was something that had not been seen in the Central Region of Great Yuan for millennia.

Many Nascent Soul old monsters had cultivated their physical bodies to the third rank or higher, but that was usually after achieving their Nascent Soul breakthroughs.

With the overwhelming light of the tribulation and the suppressive Heavenly Tribulation aura, most Core Formation cultivators had not clearly seen how Lan Changʼan had endured the lightning, only forming vague speculations.

After all, he had used a Thunder-Dissolving Pearl, employed multiple magical treasures, and activated defensive talismans. He had not merely relied on brute force alone.

Following the Lightning Tribulation, a profound destructive-yet-rejuvenating energy manifested within the natural order of the world.

This post-tribulation rebirth energy helped the tribulation survivor recover both mana and injuries.

Lan Changʼan immediately seized this opportunity.

Circulating the Evergreen Technique, he rapidly healed—the recovery effects were now doubled due to the influence of the Heavenly Dao’s restoration energy.

His charred skin began to peel away and regenerate, revealing newly restored, fair, and unblemished flesh underneath.

Even the baldness he had for years began sprouting new black hair.

...

”An Immortal Golden Dan’s mana foundation is unimaginably vast, far surpassing my past life’s attempt. The first two tribulation stages have been much easier this time, and my preparations are flawless… now one last hurdle remains.”

Lan Changʼan quickly reined in his excitement, his mind returning to a state of calm clarity.

In the face of the Heavenly Dao’s might, one had to maintain reverence and humility.

His method of forming a Nascent Soul followed the ”Human Dao Nascent Soul” path, one of the most common mainstream methods in the cultivation world.

In contrast, the ”Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul” path found only in ancient legends was vastly more terrifying.

Those who pursued the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul method had to force their newly formed Nascent Soul out of their body, exposing it to direct tribulation lightning baptism alongside their physical form.

Lan Changʼan knew neither the method nor the secret treasures required to withstand such an ordeal.

He never even considered attempting it.

Having cultivated for three lifetimes, he sought only a stable and fulfilling advancement to the Nascent Soul stage, without any unrealistic greed.

Elsewhere, atop Zixia Peak, in a remote corner, Hu Angʼs expression remained gloomy and uncertain as he continued watching the dark tribulation clouds swirl overhead.

”This bastard… he passed the first two trials without a hitch. No nervous mistakes, no hesitation, as if he’s done this before… Is he also a reincarnated cultivator?”

His hands clenched tightly.

”If there’s anything that can still stop him… it would be the Heart Demon Tribulation...”

Among all Nascent Soul cultivators, the Heart Demon Tribulation was the most unpredictable. It was bizarre, unpredictable, and varied from person to person.

It did not discriminate between cultivators, whether one possessed Heavenly Spirit Roots, an Immortal Golden Dan, or inferior-grade roots with an ordinary True Dan, everyone faced equal danger.

Even experienced Nascent Soul True Monarchs, if forced to undergo the Heart Demon Tribulation again, could never guarantee a second success.

This was why major ancient sects placed great emphasis on temperament and mental fortitude when selecting disciples.

Whoosh! Hummm!

Above the heavens the gray tribulation clouds twisted and churned, forming an ominous abyssal vortex.

At its very center, a pitch-black void emerged like a demonic eye of the heavens, staring directly down at Lan Changʼan as he sat in meditation.

At that instant, Lan Changʼan’s Nascent Soul form shuddered violently.

A chilling sensation of invisible pressure descended upon him.

It was as though an indescribable, malevolent presence had locked onto his very soul.

”The Heart Demon Tribulation has begun!”

All the high-level cultivators observing from afar felt an uncontrollable sense of unease creeping over them.

Their souls trembled, their instincts screaming at them to remain still.

In the sky, the abyssal vortex twisted further, distorting the air around it.

A strange, whispering echo drifted forth—like an ancient, foreign demonic language, incomprehensible yet deeply unsettling.

Suddenly, a thick, cursed mist descended from the vortex, engulfing Lan Changʼan.

The eerie fog carried countless negative energies—chaotic waves of emotions, spectral wails, and sinister murmurs from unknown entities.

Within the heart demon tribulationʼs mist, Lan Changʼan sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, completely cut off from the outside world.

During the tribulation, outside cultivators were forbidden from approaching or interfering.

If any cultivator dared to intervene or attack, the heart demon tribulation would descend upon them as well.

...

Heart Demon World.

One thought can shatter mountains and rivers. In an instant, experience an entire lifetime of reincarnation.

Blood-soaked grudges, murderous schemes, lifeʼs regrets, terrifying enemies...

Lan Changʼan’s heart was as still as water. He faced countless illusions, indistinguishable from reality, resisting the temptations of foreign heavenly demons’ seductive whispers.

Having consumed the Superior Purity Pill beforehand and lit the sandalwood incense to calm his mind and repel evil spirits, these were merely aids, supportive but not critical.

The heart demon tribulation was largely reliant on one’s own mental state. External objects were often just a help; they were not the deciding factors.

If there were a major crack in oneʼs heart, even the best heart demon treasures would be useless.

In the world of heart demons, time flowed differently than in the external world.

Lan Changʼan had no idea how much time had passed. He had endured countless familiar figures and events, slowly immersing himself in them, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

...

Outside the Jin Yun Valley.

A cool mountain breeze swept across the valley, carrying with it a faint chill.

”Fellow Daoist Lan, let me see you off.”

”Alright.”

Lan Changʼan glanced at the white-clad female cultivator beside him, someone with whom he had shared an unspoken understanding for years.

Zhao Siyao wore a phoenix hairpin, her clear, intelligent gaze shining with a gentle light. The wind lifted the hem of her flowing white dress, outlining her graceful and elegant silhouette.

Lan Changʼan took a deep breath, unable to resist silently admiring her beautiful and refined face for a long moment.

”Fellow Daoist Lan? Is there something on my face?”

Zhao Siyao playfully feigned annoyance.

Under his intent gaze, she felt slightly uneasy, a soft blush blooming on her porcelain-like cheeks.

Yet, despite her flustered state, she did not avert her eyes.

Today, she had asked him to meet her with the intent of expressing her gratitude and laying her heart bare.

”Nothing. It’s just… I haven’t seen Fellow Daoist Zhao in a long time, and I feel a deep sense of familiarity.”

The two, dressed in matching white robes, looked like a heavenly couple, soaring side by side for hundreds of li, conversing for hours beneath the starry sky.

”Lan Changʼan, such a great favor, how do you want me to repay it?”

”If we speak of kindness, without your help all those years ago, I would never have successfully built my foundation. Back in Huanglong Immortal City, when I faced Fu Xuemei, you stood up for me. Even during my Foundation Establishment breakthrough, you watched over me, never leaving my side.”

”I heard that Fellow Daoist Lan and Fairy Shi have a rather… close relationship?”

Zhao Siyao’s tone was casual, yet her expression betrayed nothing.

Lan Changʼan’s eyes flickered.

”There’s nothing between us! We lived as neighbors for years in Wuqi Mountain, nothing more than compatible acquaintances.”

Without thinking, he instinctively denied it, his tone resolute.

Zhao Siyao bit her lower lip, the smile on her face slowly freezing before it gave way to disappointment.

”Lan Changʼan… you’ve changed too much. You’re no longer as open and honest as before. You’ve become… a stranger.”

”Siyao, wait-”

Before Lan Changʼan could react, she turned away without hesitation and flew off into the night.

A few decades later.

In the Fengyuan Kingdom, Lan Changʼan sat in meditation.

Suddenly, a foreboding sensation struck him.

His eyes snapped open, gazing toward the direction of the Righteous Dao Alliance, the battlefield against the Demonic Dao.

”No… Siyao’s fate is nearing its end.”

After performing a divination with all his might, his expression drastically changed.

Without hesitation, he soared into the sky, traversing endless deserts toward the Demonic Dao battlefield.

Along the way, he slaughtered countless Demonic cultivators before finally seeing a familiar white-clad figure plummet from the sky.

Several black-feathered needles had pierced through Zhao Siyao’s chest, abdomen, and legs.

Her once graceful and elegant form was now bloodied and mangled, her lifeless body suspended midair, dying a miserable death.

”Hahaha… Turtle Immortal! You’re too late!”

A shrill, mocking laughter rang out, Black Crow Immortal sneered at him.

”Turtle Lan! This Saintess has been waiting for you!”

A regal, devastatingly beautiful figure stepped forward—Peacock Saintess, flanked by a fourth-rank beast king sealed off his escape.

Lan Changʼan stood frozen in midair.

His gaze locked onto Zhao Siyao, who lay on the verge of death.

Despite her agonizing injuries, she still managed a faint smile, her dimmed eyes meeting his.

The emotions within her wavered between complex contradictions, grief, resignation, regret… longing.

”Fellow Daoist Zhao, no need to see me off. May you reach Core Formation soon.”

”Fellow Daoist Lan, the road of cultivation is long… May your immortal path remain evergreen.”

...

”No, thatʼs not right! Fellow Daoist Zhao passed away a hundred years ago!”

Lan Changʼan’s entire body shuddered violently.

He suddenly snapped out of the illusion, breaking free from the Heart Demon Trial.

Whoosh!

He exhaled deeply, releasing a long breath of turbid air, finally pulling himself out of the overwhelmingly immersive emotions.

”Heart demons are insidious and ever-present. As long as there is even a single flaw in one’s past, they will find a way to exploit it.”

”It seems that my state of mind is not completely flawless. There are still some unresolved regrets.”

Lan Changʼan contemplated for a moment.

People were not sages, and nothing in the world was perfect.

Even the most powerful immortals had experienced setbacks, regrets, and unfulfilled desires.

If one obsessed over perfection, that very obsession would become an inner demon, a magnified flaw leading to their downfall.

In this life, his connection with Zhao Siyao had always been deeper than mere friendship.

They had shared an unspoken bond, one that transcended ordinary companionship.

Yet, in the end, they had left things unfinished.

Even now, deep in his heart, he still felt a lingering sense of guilt.

”Fellow Daoist Zhao… may we meet again in the next life. May your immortal path remain evergreen.”

Many years ago, Lan Changʼan had left a reincarnation imprint on Zhao Siyao.

According to past experiences, those who had deep karmic ties with him, whether friends or rivals, would eventually be drawn together again by the Nine Seal Stele’s reincarnation laws.

Especially Li Erqing and Zhao Siyao, both of whom had received a reincarnation imprint.

As long as time continues to flow, there will eventually be a chance for a reunion.

Thinking of this, Lan Changʼan’s heart eased, his emotions settling into a calm acceptance, smoothly resolving a hidden heart knot that had lingered deep within him.

...

”Lan Changʼan, no matter how well you hide, the moment you return to Great Qing, you will never escape this True Monarchʼs grasp.”

True Monarch Cyanwood stood tall in midair, his presence commanding and oppressive.

Vast waves of Evergreen Mana surged around him, and several powerful magical treasures locked down the white-robed cultivator below, trapping him in a hopeless predicament.

”This Cyanwood True Monarch… he has been hiding his strength all this time. He has already devoured two Evergreen Dao Fruits, and his mana and divine abilities are overwhelmingly powerful.”

Lan Changʼan’s face was pale, his body heavily wounded, and he had no strength left to resist.

Whether in terms of raw power, divine abilities, or hidden trump cards, Cyanwood True Monarch completely outmatched him.

They exchanged several more blows.

Lan Changʼan was finally captured.

”Hahaha! Another Evergreen Dao Fruit! My lifespan and mana have skyrocketed, soon, I shall reign supreme over Great Qing!”

Cyanwood True Monarch laughed maniacally.

As he devoured Lan Changʼan’s Evergreen Dao Fruit, his cultivation immediately ascended to the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm.

”I refuse to believe it!”

”After countless preparations, lifetimes of accumulation, and cultivating the same Evergreen Technique, how could I possibly fall behind?!”

”With my temperament, if I lacked the power to protect myself, why would I ever return to Great Qing so easily?”

Even as his body was torn apart, Lan Changʼan muttered coldly.

Cyanwood True Monarchʼs expression suddenly twisted in rage.

”You…!”

Crack!

The scene shattered like a broken illusion.

Lan Changʼan smiled faintly.

Though he was wary of Cyanwood True Monarch, he had no deep-seated fear or psychological trauma regarding him.

Once he advanced to Nascent Soul, there would no longer be a fundamental difference in their power.

With the cards he had accumulated over several lifetimes, who would emerge victorious was still undecided.

...

Whoosh!

In the underground palace, the ominous Heart Demon Mist that had engulfed Lan Changʼan instantly dissipated.

Auspicious radiant clouds surrounded him, and divine omens descended from the heavens.

”The Heart Demon Tribulation… is finally over.”

Feeling the vast, surging mana of his newly formed Nascent Soul, Lan Changʼan’s heart swelled with immense pride.

”Congratulations, Elder Xiang, on ascending to the Nascent Soul Realm!”

”Greetings, True Monarch!”

His newly formed Nascent Soul presence radiated an irresistible pressure, compelling the surrounding cultivators to bow in reverence.

”Dalong…”

Purple Mist Fairy’s gaze softened with affection and admiration, her heart utterly captivated.

Under the reverent gazes of the crowd, Lan Changʼan and Jiang Ziyan left hand in hand, returning to Zixia Peak’s cave abode.

For the first time, this once aloof and noble Purple Mist Fairy fully yielded to him, completely and unreservedly.

In the past, there had been certain intimate gestures she had refused to indulge in.

Now, she let go of all inhibitions…

Despite the temptations of comfort, Lan Changʼan did not indulge in decadence.

After ascending to Nascent Soul, he maintained a low profile, focusing entirely on cultivation.

As long as he did not provoke other Nascent Soul cultivators, he could safely grow stronger.

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

Decades had gone by.

By the time Lan Changʼan reached over 400 years old, he had successfully refined powerful magical treasures and divine abilities.

One day, he set out to fulfill an agreement with Jing Wufeng, traveling together to a forbidden region in the Central Domain to complete the demon-sealing mission.

”Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xiang, on becoming a Nascent Soul True Monarch.”

Jing Wufeng greeted him with a smile.

”It was merely a Human Dao Nascent Soul breakthrough. It’s nothing worth mentioning.”

Lan Changʼan responded humbly.

Jing Wufeng chuckled.

”Fellow Daoist Xiang, you don’t need to be so modest. Across all of Tianyuan Continent, throughout the entire human realm, ninety-nine percent of Nascent Soul cultivators are Human Dao Nascent Souls.”

Lan Changʼan’s eyes flickered.

”Ninety-nine percent? So that means… there are still cultivators who have successfully achieved a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul?”

Jing Wufeng nodded.

”Yes, though such cases are exceedingly rare. The practice of Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul formation has been passed down since ancient times. Today, most Deity Transformation Sacred Lands still possess the methods to achieve it, but almost no one dares to attempt it.”

Lan Changʼan’s thoughts stirred.

”So there’s more to this…?”

Lan Changʼan vaguely realized that the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul Formation was similar to the Immortal Golden Dan, potentially offering some benefits.

”A Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul receives the direct blessing of the Heavenly Dao upon passing tribulation, allowing deeper comprehension of the Great Dao. It grants at least a sixty percent chance of reaching the Deity Transformation stage.”

”So… does that mean failing to achieve a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul means one can never become a Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord?”

Lan Changʼan’s brows furrowed.

”Not necessarily,” Jing Wufeng replied thoughtfully.

”A Human Dao Nascent Soul still has a small chance of ascending, it’s just significantly harder.”

He continued:

”In the ancient era, Human Dao Nascent Soul cultivators had a much easier time advancing to the Deity Transformation Realm. But in today’s world, the spiritual energy has declined, resources are far scarcer than in ancient times, and so progressing to Deity Transformation Realm has become nearly impossible.”

”It’s not just about reaching Deity Transformation Realm, Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul also determines one’s future potential. Almost every cultivator who has ever reached Void Refinement, Integration, or even Mahayana in the upper realms are all basically Heavenly Dao Nascent Souls.”

Hearing this, Lan Changʼan fell into deep silence.

”So in this life… am I doomed to remain stuck at the Nascent Soul stage?”

He hesitated for a long moment before asking:

”Does your sect possess a method for achieving a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul?”

Jing Wufeng nodded without hesitation.

”Yes. Among the top forces in the Heaven Honoured Continent, the method for achieving Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul is not a secret.”

Later, Lan Changʼan acquired a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul method from Jing Wufeng through an exchange.

After studying it, he came to a conclusion,

”If I had spent another one to two hundred years focusing on strengthening my divine soul… I would have had a thirty percent chance of forming a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul.”

As centuries passed, Lan Changʼan reached the late-stage Nascent Soul realm, traveling across the Heaven Honoured Continent in pursuit of opportunities.

However, no matter what he did, upon reaching the peak of Nascent Soul, his cultivation had nowhere left to grow.

The Human Dao Nascent Soul was a fundamental limitation that he could not overcome.

For two thousand years, Lan Changʼan remained an undisputed legendary Great Cultivator, strong enough to survive even encounters with Deity Transformation Heavenly Lords.

Yet despite his endless patience and countless opportunities, he ultimately failed to break into the Deity Transformation stage.

In the end, with no other options, he sought out a spatial rift, attempting to forcefully ascend to the Upper Realms.

But fortune was not on his side.

During the process of crossing realms, he was caught in a devastating spatial storm.

He perished.

”Sigh…”

Just before his soul was completely obliterated, Lan Changʼan let out a deep sigh—

Regret filled his heart.

”If only… I had not rushed my Nascent Soul advancement all those years ago…”

”If only I had used my long lifespan to prepare for a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, I wouldn’t have met this fate today.”

”Wait… why am I feeling regret?”

His thoughts sharpened.

”Wasn’t forming a Human Dao Nascent Soul always part of my original plan? I never expected anything beyond that.”

”Even if I don’t reach Deity Transformation Realm in this lifetime… I possess the Nine Seal Stele. As long as I light up the fifth life, I can even control and customize the fifth life on my own!”

A realization struck him.

Lan Changʼan let out a chuckle, shaking his head.

At that moment, the entire scene shattered into nothingness.

...

”A Trial Within a Trial!”

Seated in meditation, Lan Changʼan abruptly snapped back to reality.

He opened his eyes, his gaze flickering with understanding.

For a brief moment, he felt a lingering sense of fear.

”The Heart Demon Tribulation… even with my reinforced state of mind, there was still risk involved.”

Whoosh!

The Heart Demon Mist that had enveloped him finally dissipated completely.

Above him, the stormy, overcast sky cleared, revealing a vast ocean of golden sunlight.

The once dense, oppressive tribulation clouds rapidly dispersed, as the calamitous energy faded like a receding tide.

In their place, five-colored auspicious clouds bloomed across the sky, forming an enormous radiant cloudscape above the underground palace.

A mysterious resonance echoed from within the swirling celestial clouds, carrying the sound of the Great Dao itself.

A wave of invisible Dao insight descended.

Within his body, Lan Changʼan’s Nascent Soul spirit body resonated in harmony, receiving a profound Dao enlightenment.

”Ahh! How dare you!”

Just as the tribulation clouds and Heavenly Dao’s will withdrew, an otherworldly demonic voice shrieked in fury within his mind.

”Reincarnation Laws?! What… what is this-”

Before the voice could finish, it was suddenly cut off completely.

Deep within Lan Changʼan’s soul, the Nine Seal Stele trembled with a faint humming vibration.

”What just happened?”

Lan Changʼan felt the change.

The Nine Seal Stele… had just absorbed something.

A momentary sense of satisfaction emanated from it.

However, since he was still in the middle of absorbing the Dao insights from his tribulation, and wasn’t in immediate danger, he chose not to investigate right away.

What he did not know was that during his tribulation, the Nine Seal Stele had been restricted by the overwhelming Heavenly Dao suppression.

Thus, when the Otherworldly Demon attempted to invade his mind, the monument had remained inactive.

But the moment he overcame the tribulation and the Heavenly Dao’s restrictions vanished, the Otherworldly Demon which was about to leave with it, was suddenly devoured by the Nine Seal Stele.

...

After a short period of enlightenment, Lan Changʼan refocused his mind, circulating his Nascent Soul mana, and inspecting his newly formed Nascent Soul spirit body.

The moment he examined it, his expression changed subtly.

Within his dantian, his three-inch-tall cyan Nascent Soul bore his own likeness, only appearing more youthful and refined.

At first glance, it looked oddly familiar.

It resembled the legendary Child-shaped Ginseng Fruit from the stories of Journey to the West, like the ones that grew in Grandmaster Zhenyuan’s Temple.

However, having already formed the Immortal Golden Dan in his past, Lan Changʼan wasnʼt surprised it was in a fruit-like shape.

”Unlike back when I formed my Immortal Golden Dan, I did not receive any hidden revelations related to the secrets of the Evergreen Technique.”

”Perhaps… because I did not achieve a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul?”

He carefully analyzed his situation.

At this moment, his Nascent Soul and mana were still unstable.

As he focused inward, he suddenly felt a mysterious sensation—

A vague connection pointing eastward, toward the coastal regions of the Eastern Region or even beyond the sea.

”It seems that another Evergreen Technique practitioner exists in that direction… but they are very, very far away.”

Lan Changʼan stabilized his mana, using a Concealment Technique to suppress this distant resonance.

Soon, the connection faded away completely.

…

As the tribulation clouds dispersed, revealing a clear sky, many high-ranking cultivators drew closer to investigate.

”Did he succeed in forming his Nascent Soul?”

”It has been two hundred years since our sect last produced a Nascent Soul True Monarch!”

The sight of auspicious celestial omens filled the cultivators of the Yunxia Sect with excitement and pride.

Some let out cries of astonishment, others offered praises, while many watched with reverence and admiration.

At the same time, there were those who felt jealousy, but they dared not show it.

No one wanted to risk being sensed by a newly ascended Nascent Soul True Monarch.

At this moment, all eyes were fixed on the area where the tribulation had just taken place.

From Zixia Peak, Purple Mist Fairy was the first to sweep the area with her spiritual sense.

She saw a tall, white-robed figure slowly rising to his feet.

His long black hair flowed freely, his posture majestic and upright, exuding an air of noble elegance.

His deep, ink-black eyes carried a profound and boundless depth.

With every gesture and movement, he radiated an imperial, commanding presence—like an ancient, towering tree, standing tall amidst the vast heavens and earth.

”This… is Elder Xiang?”

”True Monarch Xiang?”

The cultivators who recognized him were momentarily stunned.

Something didn’t match their expectations.

The person before them certainly had the bearing of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

However, the Elder Xiang they remembered was a bald-headed, quiet man, reserved and serious.

Now, the person standing before them was a stunningly handsome, refined figure, his entire demeanor was worlds apart from before.

”Cough… his facial features haven’t changed much. This should still be True Monarch Xiang.”

”Indeed. Advancing to Nascent Soul represents a profound transformation, a rebirth in both lifespan and essence. It’s only natural that his aura has changed.”

After exchanging glances, the cultivators quickly found a reasonable explanation for what they were seeing.

”Dalong?”

A gentle voice sounded from afar.

Purple Mist Fairy hovered in midair, staring in astonishment at Lan Changʼan’s transformed appearance.

Her star-like eyes shimmered with unprecedented brilliance, reflecting the emotions in her heart.

With Jiang Ziyanʼs intelligence, she immediately realized that this was Xiang Dalongʼs true appearance.

”Dalong, how many more things have you been hiding from me? If I had known earlier...”

Instead of feeling displeased about being deceived, Purple Mist Fairy felt a surge of joy in her heart.

This joy even surpassed Lan Changʼanʼs success in forming his Nascent Soul.

”Perfectly content, completely at ease.”

These words perfectly described the state of her heart at that moment.

...

”Congratulations, True Monarch Xiang!”

”Congratulations, Senior Xiang, on forming your Nascent Soul!”

One after another, Sect Master Xuefeng, Chu Yang, Le Qingni, Jade Plum Immortal, and other high-ranking cultivators stepped forward to offer their respects.

For Chu Yang and Le Qingni, their emotions were particularly complicated.

A mere month ago, they had gotten along as Fellow Daoists. Now, they had to lower their heads and refer to him as Senior Xiang, True Monarch Xiang.

A difference of one step, a world of difference.

Upon ascending to the Nascent Soul Realm, one becomes a prominent figure capable of commanding the wind and rain in any part of the cultivation world.

”This… this is what a newly ascended Nascent Soul True Monarch should look like.”

Le Qingni felt a pang of admiration and gracefully bowed. When her gaze briefly met his, she felt a slight tremor in her heart.

A memory surfaced in her mind, a memory of a bald-headed, ordinary-looking man whom she had interacted with a year ago, a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

The bald man who had a poor reputation before had now become the perfect figure she could never hope to attain in her heart.

”Fellow Daoists, there is no need to be polite.”

Lan Changʼan raised his hand, gesturing for them to dispense with the pleasantries.

Despite the exhilaration of his breakthrough, he also felt a tinge of regret.

None of his old friends from the Liang Kingdom nor even his former enemies had been there to witness this moment.

”True Monarch Xiang”…

How could it sound as good as True Monarch Lan?

”Does True Monarch Xiang Have a Dao Title?”

Purple Mist Fairy gracefully approached, her gaze shimmering with a deep understanding of his emotions.

Lan Changʼan’s eyes flickered with reminiscence.

”Long ago, after forming my Core, I once used the Dao title… ʼEvergreenʼ.”

Purple Mist True Monarch’s eyes brightened.

”Evergreen? True Monarch Evergreen… it suits you well, given your cultivation path.”

The name ”Evergreen” was common among wood-element cultivators.

However, Nascent Soul cultivators were rare in the cultivation world.

Within the Great Yu Kingdom, as well as the Central Region, no other Nascent Soul had taken this title.

”Greetings, True Monarch Evergreen!”

Upon hearing this, all the Core Formation cultivators present bowed in unison.

Soon, the name ”True Monarch Evergreen” would spread across the entire Central Region of Great Yuan.

All the major cultivation forces would hear of this newly ascended Nascent Soul powerhouse.