I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 380: Heavenly Demon Forbidden Methods

”Greetings, True Monarch Evergreen.”

Hu Ang stood on the outskirts of the gathered crowd, his posture humble as he bowed deeply.

Despite his forced smile and congratulatory words, he made no effort to approach any closer.

In truth, he didn’t dare.

His breath was shallow. His heart pounded.

While others cheered and admired, he remained in the shadows, hiding his trembling fear.

Lan Changʼan had effortlessly overcome all three tribulation stages, far exceeding his expectations.

The most terrifying part was the Heart Demon Tribulation, while it seemed long and grueling within the illusion, in reality, it had lasted less than half an hour.

To conquer it so quickly meant Lan Changʼan’s willpower was utterly unshakable, completely immune to the corruption of foreign demonic forces.

”It’s a good thing I always remained patient… I never exposed my true identity.”

Hu Ang felt a chill run down his spine.

Both Lan Changʼan and Lord Earthrock had now ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, two figures far beyond ordinary cultivators.

Their origins and backgrounds were clearly anything but simple.

”Before he formed his Nascent Soul, I thought I might still have a chance to maneuver… to turn the tides.”

”But now?”

Now, with Xiang Dalong and Lord Earthrock working together, they are undoubtedly outstanding among early Nascent Soul cultivators.

Even at his peak in his previous life, he would have had to retreat with no chance of victory.

Moreover, Jiang Ziyan standing at Lan Changʼan’s side, his carefully cultivated power within the sect had been completely overturned.

The key figures he once placed in power had been quietly replaced.

Now, watching Jiang Ziyan stand beside True Monarch Evergreen, her eyes filled with warmth and admiration, Hu Ang deeply concealed his jealousy.

He realized that relying solely on his own strength, it was impossible to take revenge and regain control of the sect.

After exchanging a few brief words with Purple Mist Fairy, Lan Changʼan turned to address the crowd.

”Fellow Daoists, I have just ascended to Nascent Soul and still need time to stabilize my foundation. I will host a proper gathering after my next seclusion.”

”We respectfully send off True Monarch Xiang!”

With admiration and envy in their eyes, the cultivators bowed as Lan Changʼan, accompanied by Lord Earthrock, returned to his underground palace.

Once they were alone, Lord Earthrock finally spoke.

”Congratulations, Master, on reaching the Nascent Soul Realm.”

Throughout the entire tribulation, Lord Earthrock had remained within the underground palace, quietly standing guard—its presence ensuring absolute security.

Lan Changʼan had also taken precautions beforehand, secretly arranging for Puppet Master Wei and the Exotic Spirit Peacock to be ready in case of unexpected attacks.

But in the end, it hadn’t been necessary.

With Yunxia Sect’s grand formation fully activated, any external interference had been completely shut out.

Lan Changʼan smiled.

”You’ve worked hard these past few years.”

As a reward, he took out a quasi-fourth-rank Essence Spirit Core he had previously seized and, and handed it to Lord Earthrock.

During their past travels, Lord Earthrock had disguised itself as a demonic dog, slaying enemies and paving the way for Lan Changʼan.

Even during the tribulation, it faithfully escorted him.

”Thank you, Master!”

Lord Earthrock’s face lit up with joy as it received the Scarlet Flame Serpentʼs core. It had long been eyeing this thing.

...

On the very day Lan Changʼan entered seclusion to stabilize his cultivation, Yunxia Sect erupted in celebration.

Every disciple received an extra 50% increase in monthly spirit stone stipends.

Meanwhile, at Qingluan Peak, Lan Changʼan’s former third-rank cave residence, an endless stream of visitors arrived.

While no one dared to disturb the newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, many sect elders and Core Formation cultivators flocked to one man instead, Xiao Qingshan.

It was no secret within the Yunxia Sect that Xiao Qingshan was the only personal confidant of True Monarch Evergreen.

Despite being only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, Xiao Qingshan was now receiving visits from high-rank Core Formation elders, all seeking to build goodwill.

At first, Xiao Qingshan was overwhelmed by the attention.

Fortunately, having experienced the change in treatment during Lord Earthrockʼs promotion to the fourth rank, Xiao Qingshan had seen the world and responded with neither arrogance nor servility.

With both Lord Earthrock and Lan Changʼan reaching Nascent Soul, the cultivators who regretted their past choices the most were undoubtedly Jade Plum Immortal and her disciple, Yi Shuzhen.

Jade Plum Immortal was once matched with Lan Changʼan by the former Sect Leader Hu, and initially, she sought to benefit from it. However, their relationship later grew cold.

Jade Plum Immortalʼs disciple, Yi Shuzhen, had a marriage arrangement with Xiao Qingshan in her early years. Upon seeing Xiao Qingshanʼs decline, she used the hardship card to peacefully part ways, dissolving the engagement.

These past events were no secret within the Yunxia Sect and would have gradually faded and been forgotten over time.

Now that Elder Xiang has advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, Xiao Qingshanʼs status has risen accordingly. Past events have been brought up again, turning into a laughingstock and subject to repeated ridicule.

In contrast, the former Sect Leader Hu, despite having passed away, had once arranged for a powerful female cultivator to become Xiao Qingshan’s concubine, forging strong ties between his bloodline and the new power.

It was a decision that had paid off immensely.

Inside a third-rank cave abode, Yi Shuzhen sat pale-faced, her elaborate makeup failing to conceal the despair in her eyes.

The news that Lan Changʼan had ascended to Nascent Soul hit her like a bolt of lightning, and she was so remorseful that her heart seemed to be dripping blood.

These days, she did not dare to go out.

Cultivators familiar with her in the circle used her as a laughingstock and conversation topic, openly and covertly mocking her for her short-sightedness and foolishness.

”Shuzhen, you have been stuck at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage for many years. I have arranged an external task for you, which will last ten years,” Jade Plum Immortal said coldly. Because of this female disciple, her own reputation was damaged, causing her to feel disgusted.

”Master, please give Shuzhen another chance! Even if I have to work like a horse or ox, I will serve by your side,” Yi Shuzhen pleaded, her face pale as she knelt down.

Once removed from the sectʼs inner circle and sent to an external location, her benefits and rewards would decrease, and the cultivation environment would be poor, making it nearly impossible for her to form a True Dan in this life, and even a Fake Dan would be an extravagant hope.

”Go!” Jade Plum Immortal impatiently dismissed Yi Shuzhen.

A few days ago, when Xiang Dalong advanced to the Nascent Soul stage and everyone gathered to congratulate him, she couldnʼt even get close to speak with him.

As for Yi Shuzhen, Xiao Qingshan had long since stopped paying attention to her. He was now enjoying the blessings of having multiple wives and concubines, and both of his current wives were more outstanding than Yi Shuzhen.

”Xueying, tomorrow you will accompany me to Qingluan Peak to pay a visit to Xiao Qingshan,” Jade Plum Immortal thought for a moment and then summoned her youngest and most beautiful new disciple.

...

Over the past few days, every major Core Formation faction within Yunxia Sect had begun selecting female disciples or clan daughters, intending to offer them as concubines to Xiao Qingshan.

Even one of Purple Mist Fairy’s grand disciples, a talented female cultivator under Immortal Xiuyu, had accompanied her master to pay respects to Xiao Qingshan.

The sectʼs high-ranking members had a keen sense of smell. Such actions by Immortal Xiuyu were likely to have been instructed by the Supreme Elder.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that with True Monarch Evergreen and True Monarch Lord Earthrock joining forces, their combined power was enough to suppress Purple Mist Fairy.

Though Purple Mist Fairy was still the sect’s strongest figure, she was now outnumbered at the highest level of power.

Thankfully, she and True Monarch Evergreen had long been intimately connected, their relationship well-established before his ascension.

Some Core Formation elders even secretly admired Purple Mist Fairy’s foresight, she had secured a relationship with Xiang Dalong before he even formed his Nascent Soul, ensuring that the sectʼs power balance remained intact.

Since Lan Changʼan and Purple Mist Fairy were not officially Dao companions, True Monarch Evergreen was, by technicality, ”single”.

However, out of respect for Purple Mist Fairy, the sect’s leadership refrained from directly offering him concubines to forge closer ties.

Instead, they turned to Xiao Qingshan as the next best target.

If they couldn’t approach the master, they would approach the closest confidant.

Now, Xiao Qingshan found himself facing an overwhelming array of temptations, not just beautiful women, but also vast resources, rare treasures, and even offers of sponsorship to help him break through to Core Formation.

Some powerful Core Formation cultivators subtly hinted that they would support his future cultivation, in exchange for loyalty.

Even his two wives, Si Lu and Hu Lirong, became targets of political maneuvering, receiving covert offers and friendly gestures.

However, Xiao Qingshan remained clear-headed.

He accepted only simple congratulatory gifts and rejected any bribes, including political marriages and concubine offerings.

For those he couldn’t offend directly, he simply delayed his response, stating that he would consult True Monarch Evergreen once his seclusion ended.

”True Monarch Xiang… Immortal Lan.”

That morning, Xiao Qingshan awoke from his meditation, recalling the white-robed man who appeared in his dreams, resembling the newly advanced True Monarch Xiang.

Recently, his dreams had progressed, revealing that the identity of the white-robed man was known to others as ”Immortal Lan.”

He vaguely remembered that Immortal Lan once called him ”Ergou,” which made him feel a deep sense of affection.

”Could it be that there truly is such a thing as reincarnation in this world?”

Xiao Qingshan vaguely felt that the newly advanced True Monarch Xiang might have some connection to the white-robed man in his dreams.

When interacting with Elder Xiang, he was approachable and familiar, giving Xiao Qingshan a sense of unconditional trust.

His Dao companion, Si Lu, once wondered why Elder Xiang had specifically chosen him as his sole confidant. In this world, there are no unprovoked acts of kindness.

...

Meanwhile, deep within the Underground Palace, Lan Changʼan focused on consolidating his breakthrough.

Compared to his Core Formation stage, his mana and spiritual sense had undergone a complete transformation.

Due to the accumulation of his several lives, his divine soul had always been extraordinarily strong.

Now, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, his spiritual sense already rivaled that of a peak early-stage Nascent Soul expert.

If he were to fuse with his fourth life, his spiritual sense would likely surpass even mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

He continued his self-examination,

”My lifespan has increased by 900 years… I now have a total of 2018 years.”

Feeling the vast stretch of time ahead of him, Lan Changʼan felt an overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction.

For most Nascent Soul cultivators, the theoretical lifespan was 1,200 years, though many lived only around 1,000 years.

Typically, breaking through to Nascent Soul granted an increase of 600 years, with certain high-grade Wood Element cultivation techniques adding an additional 10–20%.

But because he practiced the Evergreen Technique, his lifespan exceeded his peers by 50%, granting him an additional 900 years.

”Right, the Nine Seal Stele seems to have absorbed something.” Lan Changʼan recalled something, during his Heart Demon Tribulation, he had heard the furious roars of an Otherworldly Heavenly Demon.

His consciousness sank into the Nine Seal Stele, searching for any changes.

The first four recorded lives remained unchanged:

The first life: The elegant young scholar.

The second life: The white-bearded elder.

The third life: His current incarnation, Lan Changʼan.

The fourth life: The mysterious purple-robed Daoist.

Everything appeared as it had before, except for the fifth life’s frame.

Previously, the fifth life’s seal had been 30% illuminated, powered by the three Nascent Soul spirit bodies he had devoured.

But now, It had reached 50% illumination.

”This additional 20%… Could it be from the Otherworldly Heavenly Demon?”

A realization struck him.

He had previously learned from the Nine Seal Stele that devouring one Deity Transformation cultivator would fully illuminate the fifth life.

Alternatively, it could be achieved by absorbing ten Nascent Soul spirits.

Regardless of whether they were early, mid, or late Nascent Soul cultivators, each one counted as a single unit toward unlocking the next life.

Yet the Otherworldly Heavenly Demon, it had contributed the equivalent of two Nascent Soul spirits.

Although not as good as a Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord, it was beyond a Nascent Soul cultivator.

This was the third thing Lan Changʼan knew that could illuminate the Nine Seal Stele, following the Hundred Abodes Soul Gu and Nascent Soul spirit bodies.

”In that case, by absorbing five more Nascent Soul spirit bodies, the fifth life can be fully illuminated.”

Lan Changʼan felt hopeful.

In past lives, his deaths and reincarnations were entirely passive, with no room for self-operation.

However, even after advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, capturing and absorbing Nascent Soul spirit bodies would not be easy.

With a fourth-rank puppet and a demon king, Lan Changʼan could easily defeat early Nascent Soul cultivators.

Killing their physical bodies wasnʼt difficult.

Capturing Nascent Soul spiritual bodies, however, was challenging.

The main issue was that Lan Changʼan lacked the means to prevent Nascent Soul spirits from escaping.

Such means often required special heaven and earth treasures to cultivate divine abilities or magical treasures.

Back then, Pagoda True Monarch and True Monarch Red Serpent ambushed Purple Mist Fairy, not intending to kill her but forcing her to self-destruct and abandon her physical body.

Veteran Nascent Souls lacked these means, and naturally, Lan Changʼan, as a newly advanced Nascent Soul, did not possess them either.

Another way was to have such powerful divine abilities that Nascent Soul spirits had no chance to escape. This would require at least a mid-Nascent Soul level.

When reaching the level of a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, one could easily achieve this without relying on external items.

One reason for the high status of Nascent Soul Great Cultivators was that they could break the norm of ordinary True Monarchs being difficult to kill.

As a newly advanced Nascent Soul, Lan Changʼanʼs current strengths and weaknesses were evident.

The strength was strong self-preservation ability and numerous allies, making it difficult for mid-Nascent Soul cultivators to threaten his life.

The weakness was insufficient offensive power.

Thus, capturing and killing Nascent Soul peers was not easy.

Of the three Nascent Soul spiritual bodies he previously obtained:

One was a lucky find.

The second was because his low cultivation misled them, giving the Nine Seal Stele the opportunity to absorb the spirit body.

Among them, the heavily injured Nascent Soul cultivator Master Lihuo who tried to possess him was almost a free gift.

The other two Nascent Souls were absorbed when Lan Changʼan had the initial power to contend with Nascent Souls, and the targets were not in their peak state.

If Lan Changʼan were a Nascent Soul cultivator, True Monarchs of the same level would certainly be on guard, and such opportunities would be rare.

…

With curiosity, Lan Changʼan cautiously approached the newly illuminated area of the fifth life.

”As expected, itʼs an Otherworldly Heavenly Demon. The memory fragments are bizarre and completely different from the main world.”

It was even more difficult for Lan Changʼan to sort through the demonʼs memory information, and it wouldnʼt have been feasible at all if he hadnʼt been promoted to the Nascent Soul stage.

A month later, Lan Changʼanʼs cultivation level stabilized, and he obtained some information from the area illuminated by the Otherworldly Heavenly Demon.

The Otherworldly Heavenly Demons come from another dimensional world, which is said to be the dark, opposing side of the main world, feeding on the various negative emotions of living beings.

The true bodies of Otherworldly Heavenly Demons generally do not enter the human realm but instead invade cultivatorsʼ minds with their special demonic thoughts.

During tribulations, influenced by the rules of heaven and earth, the power of the Otherworldly Heavenly Demonʼs thoughts can exploit the opportunity, forming a heart demon tribulation to prevent cultivators from defying the natural way.

”Great Selfless Heavenly Demon, Long Jia.”

From the fragmented demon memories, Lan Changʼan learned its true name, which seemed to be somewhat known in various realms.

The Nine Seal Stele had not devoured its true body but rather the invading ”Long Jia” demonic thought avatar, which held only some of its memories and abilities.

This demonic thought avatar specialized in a heart demon secret technique, particularly effective against those with significant flaws in their state of mind or those whose soul was weaker than its own.

Against those with strong willpower and higher cultivation, it was useless.

”So itʼs a technique for bullying the weak? But this True Monarch likes it!”

Lan Changʼan, with his strong spiritual sense, could attempt to cultivate this heart demon secret technique in the future.

Theoretically, Nascent Soul cultivators with strong divine souls could also cultivate this heart demon secret technique with some modifications and localization.

In fact, certain soul secret techniques that affect the mind in the demonic sectsʼ inheritances originate from demons.

”Otherworldly Heavenly Demons not only possess intelligence but can also be considered knowledgeable. No wonder many scenarios in the heart demon world were logically coherent.”

Lan Changʼan recalled some information from the heart demon tribulation scenes and speculated that they were seventy percent true and thirty percent false.

Only when logically coherent with a majority of true information could it seamlessly blend fiction with reality.

”Huh! The scenes in the heart demon world did not include the Nine Seal Stele, nor the Xuanmu Vine Gourd.”

Lan Changʼan keenly noticed this.

Perhaps the Xuantian treasureʼs inherent ability to shield against heavenly calculations prevented the heart demon from obtaining and evolving the corresponding memory information.

It was also related to power.

The so-called ”Long Jia” Great Selfless Heavenly Demon that invaded was just a demonic thought avatar, with a level at most between Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation.

...

After stabilizing his cultivation, the surging emotions of Lan Changʼan becoming a Nascent Soul True Monarch calmed down.

Looking ahead, there were still many things he needed to do.

First, as a newly advanced Nascent Soul, he needed to cultivate a signature divine ability and forge a powerful, compatible magical treasure to strengthen his offensive capabilities.

During the heavenly lightning tribulation, Lan Changʼanʼs three Barbed Arrows had improved in quality and were considered top-notch among superior-grade magical treasures.

However, the Barbed Arrows belonged to the category of sinister and secretive magic treasures best suited for sneak attacks, not direct confrontations, and lacked the ability to restrain opponents.

Lan Changʼan planned to create conventional magical treasures for direct combat and defense, preferably wood-based.

Second, the follow-up cultivation method for the ”Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique.”

In his previous life, Lan Changʼan had obtained only the upper volume of the Evergreen Technique, lacking the cultivation chapters for the Nascent Soul stage and beyond.

Without the follow-up method, Lan Changʼan could only accumulate mana, making his cultivation progress slow and difficult to advance beyond the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Fortunately, Lan Changʼan had two clues for the follow-up cultivation chapters of the Evergreen Technique.

”Besides Great Kun from my previous life, the ʼTrue Monarch Cyanwoodʼ who also cultivates the Evergreen Technique might have the follow-up method.”

Given this situation, Lan Changʼan formulated a plan for the next few decades.

”In the vast and resource-rich Great Yuan, Iʼll accumulate more experience. Once my strength reaches its peak, Iʼll use the spatial passage to return to Great Qing.”

Lan Changʼan had control of the array passage, allowing him to come and go freely.

He might even have the opportunity to profit from both human realms.

The premise was that he needed to repair the array passage, aiming to make it capable of transporting Nascent Soul cultivators.

Although the Great Qing was somewhat backward, it had one advantage: safety.

Due to the environmental influence, the Great Qing couldnʼt produce great cultivators.

Returning to his homeland, Lan Changʼan could live freely, not invincible, but with no one capable of single-handedly killing him.

In contrast, the Great Yuan cultivation world had not only the Three Great Cultivators but also a relatively large number of mid-Nascent Soul cultivators.

Based on True Monarch Shazhaiʼs memories, if Lan Changʼan were to face them alone, it would be a life-or-death situation with no chance of victory.

”Small temple, strong winds; shallow pool, many turtles.”

”If I can obtain the follow-up method for the Evergreen Technique, it would be a good choice to hide in Great Qing until mid-Nascent Soul stage, and then take revenge and bully the weak.”