I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 381: Visitors from the Eastern Region

After exiting seclusion, Lan Changʼan immediately made his way to Zixia Peak to pay a visit to True Monarch Purple Mist as a show of respect.

Sixty years ago, when he first arrived at Great Yuan, it was thanks to this woman’s acceptance and care that he was able to smoothly integrate into this cultivation realm, and both the master and pet had since ascended to the Nascent Soul stage.

Now that he had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, Lan Changʼan naturally had to properly express his gratitude and repay Purple Mist Fairy.

“True Monarch Xiang has an invitation.”

Hu Ang stood in front of the cave abode, bowing and raising his hand.

The maids within the dwelling greeted him with warm smiles and respectfully led the way. Only after Lan Changʼan entered the Supreme Elder’s bedchamber did they silently retreat.

Compared to their previous clandestine meetings, this visit was rather open and direct. Perhaps this was more aligned with Yunxia Sect’s interests.

“Dalong has finally emerged from seclusion!”

A gentle and charming voice rang out, filled with pleasant surprise and delight.

Through the half-open white gauze curtains, a faint, intoxicating fragrance drifted in the air.

Seated cross-legged on a jade bed was Purple Mist Fairy. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, accentuating her slender, graceful neck and waist as delicate as a tightened sash. Her flawless, snow-white figure was enveloped in a misty, violet haze, making her appear as if she were a celestial lotus blooming in a dreamlike pond.

Lan Changʼan’s heart skipped a beat. This female True Monarch was dressed in a sheer, violet gauze dress, accentuating her full, curvaceous figure. Her snow-white shoulders and arms, delicate as lotus roots, peeked through the thin fabric, while her long, slender legs lay half-concealed beneath the gauzy veil.

At this moment, Purple Mist Fairy exuded both an ethereal grace and an irresistible allure.

“Oh? What cultivation technique is Fairy Jiang practicing? It seems I have come at an inopportune time and disturbed your cultivation.”

Sensing something unusual, Lan Changʼan remarked with a half-smile.

“Hmph! Dalong has arrived just in time. To fully master this technique, the merging of Yin and Yang is required.”

Jiang Ziyan’s star-like purple eyes flickered as she pouted playfully.

“Then we shall have to engage in a proper Dao discussion.”

With righteous determination, Lan Changʼan stepped forward and entered the gauze-draped alcove, sitting closely with Purple Mist Fairy to discuss the profound mysteries of Yin and Yang.

Perhaps due to the incident with the previous wooden bed collapsing, this time, they had switched to a sturdier jade bed, more suitable for both cultivation and discussing the Dao.

The white curtains swayed lightly, carrying waves of fragrance. A delicate, snow-like foot was faintly visible, its arch taut and gracefully angled upward.

Purple Mist Fairy’s enchanting voice sang out melodiously, stirring one’s blood and igniting an unquenchable fighting spirit.

Even though this was not their first time, the Nascent Soul-stage fairy’s icy yet supple body, so exquisitely delicate and resilient, made Lan Changʼan unable to resist indulging, relishing in the experience.

Like a master dancer of the highest caliber, feats such as performing a perfect vertical split were mere trivialities.

To his surprise, Yunxia Sect, being an unorthodox cultivation sect, openly embraced Yin-Yang dual cultivation techniques and arts of enchantment as part of their normal inheritance.

In the past, as a lofty True Monarch, Purple Mist Fairy had maintained a sense of restraint and would never stoop to such ”vulgar” practices.

But this time, they truly engaged in a Dao discussion, practicing the Yin-Yang dual cultivation method in pursuit of a higher realm of unity between the soul and the flesh.

Lan Changʼan realized that now, after his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage and the full display of his true aura and presence, Purple Mist Fairy had finally opened her heart to him.

Perhaps, there was also a sense of urgency behind it.

This esteemed female True Monarch had entirely let go of her former pride and aloofness. Throughout their Dao discussion, she responded eagerly and seductively.

Before, their moments of intimacy had been purely physical, devoid of emotional connection.

At that time, Purple Mist Fairy had not truly admired or loved Xiang Dalong, she had merely acquiesced.

But now, he could feel her genuine affection and deep attachment.

Both in body and soul, she was utterly devoted to him, as obedient and affectionate as a docile kitten.

At least, during their discussion of the Dao, she was in such a state.

Lan Changʼan thought about the scenes from the heart demon tribulation and couldnʼt help but test it out.

After a brief moment of shame and feigned resistance, this once-dignified female True Monarch completely submitted, willingly unlocking all manner of unspeakable positions.

The Otherworldly Heavenly Demons did not deceive me!

Lan Changʼanʼs Dao discussion with Fairy Jiang this time brought him unprecedented satisfaction.

…

One day and one night later.

After bathing, Lan Changʼan and Jiang Ziyan changed into fresh Daoist robes, lounging in a relaxed and lazy manner as they chatted idly.

“Now that Dalong has ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, merely holding the title of a guest elder seems somewhat beneath you. Would you be interested in serving as the Supreme Elder of our sect? You would oversee the sect’s teachings, the spiritual herb gardens, mineral resources, and other industries.”

Jiang Ziyan, now dressed in an elegant palace gown, nestled against Lan Changʼan’s chest and softly proposed the offer.

“I appreciate Ziyan’s kindness, but my pursuit lies in the Grand Dao of Immortality. I also cultivate puppet techniques and have no time to manage sect affairs.”

Lan Changʼan declined without hesitation, immediately sensing the probing intent behind Fairy Jiang’s words.

Before reaching the Nascent Soul stage, Xiang Dalong had always maintained the persona of a reclusive cultivator uninterested in power or authority.

Now, Purple Mist Fairy was subtly offering him a share of her authority.

If Xiang Dalong were to accept, it would contradict his previous persona, which might arouse True Monarch Purple Mist’s suspicion and wariness.

Lan Changʼan mused inwardly, this Fairy Jiang clearly placed great importance on sect authority.

It made sense. Back when True Monarch Yunlan was still alive, Purple Mist Fairy had limited influence within the sect. But after years of holding supreme power, she naturally wouldn’t want the sect’s orthodoxy to fall into the hands of outsiders.

Hearing Lan Changʼan’s resolute refusal, Purple Mist Fairy let out a small sigh of relief before breaking into a radiant smile, her pearly teeth gleaming.

She praised, “Dalong is truly above worldly fame and fortune, noble in character. But Yunxia Sect cannot afford to treat you unfairly.”

“I have decided to appoint you as the Honored Elder, granting you an even higher stipend and status, equivalent to that of the Nascent Soul-stage Honored Elders serving the imperial family.”

“Additionally, the fourth-rank spirit vein ‘Yunlan Peak’ shall be granted to you as your personal cave estate and Daoist abode.”

True Monarch Purple Mist’s sincerity in binding Lan Changʼan to the sect was evident.

Beyond the benefits of their Dao discussions, their past relationship ensured that he would be well-compensated.

Among the forces surrounding the Great Yu Kingdom, was there any faction that could offer better conditions than this?

“Yunlan Peak?”

Lan Changʼan hadn’t expected Purple Mist Fairy to be so generous, directly bestowing her former husband’s cultivation site upon him.

Yunxia Sect’s fourth-rank spirit vein had two main peaks: Yunlan Peak and Zixia Peak.

Yunlan Peak had once been True Monarch Yunlan’s Daoist abode, occupying the largest territory and possessing the best spiritual vein environment.

“Is this… appropriate?”

Lan Changʼan hesitated slightly.

“Dalong need not be concerned. Senior Brother Yunlan passed away many years ago. Leaving this fourth-rank cave estate vacant is a waste. I’m sure his spirit in the heavens would be pleased to see Yunxia Sect grow stronger.”

True Monarch Purple Mist’s expression was calm and composed.

She had never truly shared a Dao couple’s affection with True Monarch Yunlan. In fact, due to past events, resentment and estrangement had formed between them.

Thus, after so many years since True Monarch Yunlan’s death, she felt no psychological burden in reallocating his spiritual vein site to Lan Changʼan.

“Well, alright then.”

Lan Changʼan reluctantly agreed, though inwardly, he was elated.

A fourth-rank spirit vein cultivation site, this was the kind of residence that even his past-life self and his entire family had dreamed of obtaining.

Now, having ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, he could claim a major peak for himself without worrying about mundane affairs. What a life of leisure!

At the same time, Jiang Ziyan’s actions put Lan Changʼan on alert.

This female True Monarch placed great emphasis on cultivation and power, while emotions came second.

Her current tenderness and attachment to him were, at best, half genuine and half feigned, a rational choice based on mutual benefit.

If he were to take this relationship too seriously and fall too deep, he would undoubtedly suffer a great loss in the future.

However… this type of high-status, ambitious True Monarch fairy, Lan Changʼan liked them.

The main advantage was the lack of emotional entanglements.

A fairy who had cultivated for hundreds of years possessed a mature mentality, she wouldn’t cling to him desperately or create endless drama.

To put it in terms from his past life, this was the ultimate quality partner.

Compared to the vulgar establishments of the mortal world, this was on an entirely different level.

Even if he had to flee someday, there would be no emotional baggage.

…

“Now that Dalong has ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, you are considered a significant figure in the cultivation world. Yet, you remain alone. Have you ever considered taking a Dao companion, someone to support each other, discuss the Dao, and pursue longevity together?”

Purple Mist Fairy’s star-like eyes flickered with light as she gazed at him expectantly.

Though her ambitions lay in the Grand Dao and managing the sect, Lan Changʼan’s image and detached nature made him an ideal Dao companion in her eyes.

Lan Changʼan, however, merely gave a faint smile and replied calmly:

“The cultivation world is ever-changing, and a mere early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is only barely standing above the clouds, with an unstable foundation. It may seem like a position of great prestige, but when faced with the catastrophic upheavals of the cultivation world, even Nascent Soul cultivators can be powerless, their status at risk of crumbling at any moment. How could I dare to lightly take a wife and bear children?”

“Only by achieving the status of a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, or even the legendary Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord, can one truly dominate the storms of the cultivation world and no longer be subject to the whims of others.”

Lan Changʼan spoke in a measured tone, sharing his perspective.

True Monarch Purple Mist was momentarily stunned. As a Nascent Soul cultivator herself, she understood this truth deeply and found it hard to refute.

Not all Nascent Soul cultivators were equal, there were clear distinctions in strength.

Yunxia Sect had existed for ten thousand years, and in its history, it had encountered a powerful mid-stage Nascent Soul enemy. That battle had nearly severed the sect’s lineage.

In recent centuries, the Yunxia Sect had chosen to align itself with the Great Yu Kingdom precisely because sheltering under a great tree provides cool shade.

The imperial family of the Great Yu Kingdom boasted more than one mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, and in the vast Central Region, they were considered a dominant force.

Purple Mist Fairy sighed lightly and smiled.

“Dalong’s ambitions are high, and your pursuit of freedom is admirable. Ziyan envies you greatly.”

Jiang Ziyan had come to understand that this man did not want to be bound by relationships, so she did not insist further.

She swiftly changed the topic and brought up another matter.

“By the way, as the newest Nascent Soul True Monarch of our sect, when do you plan to hold your Nascent Soul Ceremony?”

“Nascent Soul Ceremony? Let’s set it for half a year from now.”

Lan Changʼan did not refuse.

Though he preferred to keep a low profile, once he had reached the Nascent Soul stage, his very existence would inevitably influence the cultivation world’s balance of power. His name would spread across the Central Region, making it impossible to remain truly low-key.

The Nascent Soul Ceremony was an opportunity, to expand his network and amass wealth.

The consumption of resources on his cultivation path had been immense, whether it was refining the puppet army, creating the Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet, or gathering resources for his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

Following this, Lan Changʼan and Purple Mist Fairy began discussing the details of organizing the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

Purple Mist Fairy was quite generous, seventy percent of the ceremony’s congratulatory gifts would belong to Lan Changʼan.

The event itself, with all the necessary social interactions, was primarily a matter of sect diplomacy. Hosting such a grand gathering required rare wines, spirit fruits, and an enormous sum of spirit stones for hospitality.

By granting Lan Changʼan seventy percent of the gifts, Yunxia Sect itself would barely break even, or might even operate at a slight loss.

Of course, Yunxia Sect would not actually suffer a loss.

Through the prestige gained from hosting the ceremony, the sect’s reputation would soar, attracting more talented cultivators, as well as promising immortal seedlings.

…

During this visit to True Monarch Purple Mist, Lan Changʼan truly intended to express his gratitude and reciprocate, not simply as a form of repayment through intimate relations.

“I heard that Ziyan has been planning to acquire a suitable personal magical treasure over the years. Coincidentally, I happen to have a top-grade treasure of the Wind and Cloud attribute.”

As Lan Changʼan spoke, he retrieved the Wind and Cloud Fan, a top-grade treasure he had kept in his collection for many years.

This treasure was once the ancestral artifact of the Heavenly Net Sect, passed down through generations.

Yunxia Sect also once had its own ancestral treasure. However, when True Monarch Yunlan ventured into the Ancient Nether Hall, he perished, and it was said that their ancestral treasure self-destructed in the process, regardless, it was never brought back.

The Top-Grade of Wind and Cloud!

True Monarch Purple Mist took the Wind and Cloud Fan, her eyes gleaming in amazement. The fan, no larger than a palm-leaf fan, appeared as light as white clouds yet concealed the terrifying power of natural calamities and storms.

For Lan Changʼan, this top-grade treasure did not align well with his wood-based cultivation techniques. But for Yunxia Sect’s techniques, it was a perfect match.

“This fan magical treasure… where did you obtain it, Dalong? Wasn’t it in the hands of True Monarch Jing Tian…?”

Jiang Ziyan’s eyes sparkled with joy, clearly surprised by this unexpected fortune.

According to her previous plans, crafting a customized top-grade magical treasure would have required an enormous amount of high-quality fourth-rank materials and the assistance of a fourth-rank artifact-forging grandmaster, it was an effort-consuming and costly endeavor.

Last time, Lan Changʼan had mentioned that a suitable Wind and Cloud magical treasure was in Jing Wufeng’s possession, and she had expected it would take a great deal of effort to obtain it.

“Ahem! I stumbled upon this treasure in my homeland’s province by pure chance.”

Lan Changʼan’s earlier excuse was now self-contradictory, but since he currently had no way to contact Jing Wufeng, he simply brushed it off.

He had decided to trade the Wind and Cloud Fan to Jiang Ziyan not only as a gesture of goodwill but also because it would benefit himself.

True Monarch Purple Mist was already at the peak of early-stage Nascent Soul. With this Wind and Cloud Fan, she would soon reach the ranks of veteran Nascent Soul cultivators, her power on par with True Monarch Red Serpent.

With his closest ally growing stronger, Lan Changʼan’s position within the Yunxia Sect would also become more secure.

“What would Dalong like in exchange? Ziyan doesn’t have any top-grade wood-type magical treasures.”

Jiang Ziyan cast him a deep look, choosing not to question the Wind and Cloud Fan’s origins.

At this point, she wasn’t even sure how many secrets Xiang Dalong was hiding from her.

But as long as it wasn’t something stolen from the Great Yuan Cultivation Realm, she didn’t mind even if it was stolen goods from another province, it wouldn’t affect her ability to refine and use it.

“A defensive wood-type treasure, fourth-rank wood-type materials, and high-quality materials for puppetry…”

Lan Changʼan listed the items he needed.

“Hmm… Yunxia Sect’s treasure vault happens to contain a powerful wood-element superior-grade magical treasure, an exceptionally rare piece.”

Jiang Ziyan retrieved a purple-green dragon-headed staff and handed it to Lan Changʼan.

“This treasure is called the Dragonwood Staff. It is a replica of the ancient magical treasure Coiling Dragon Staff. The body of the staff is crafted from indestructible ten-thousand-year iron birch wood, while the dragon head is forged from the toughest skull of a fourth-rank jiao dragon. Additionally, the staff was once tempered with the dragon’s blood.”

“In battle, this staff can transform into a towering hundred-zhang ancient tree, capable of overwhelming opponents in direct combat, provided one has sufficient mana. Moreover, it can unleash a Dragon Roar that shakes the soul, particularly effective against cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage.”

Listening to her explanation, Lan Changʼan took the Dragonwood Staff in hand and immediately felt its considerable weight.

In terms of wood-type materials, the staff was well-crafted and abundant.

If he were to nurture it long-term using his Evergreen Technique, its spiritual essence could be refined further, potentially improving its quality.

However, in terms of the dragon skull and jiao dragon blood, the materials used were somewhat lacking.

As a result, the Dragon Roar’s sonic attack, while effective against lower-realm cultivators, was rather weak against those in the Nascent Soul stage, making it more suitable for fighting weaker opponents or crowd control rather than high-level duels.

“This staff suits me well.”

Lan Changʼan nodded in satisfaction and stored away the Dragonwood Staff.

Back in the day, he had hunted down a Corrupted Stoneheart Dragon, whose bloodline was even purer than that of an ordinary fourth-rank jiao dragon.

Lan Changʼan still had spare dragon bones and refined dragon blood in his possession.

These materials were perfect for enhancing the Dragonwood Staff, ensuring its future refinement and potential breakthrough in quality.

Besides the superior-grade wood-type staff, True Monarch Purple Mist also provided two additional fourth-rank materials—one of which was wood-type, while the other was suitable for crafting puppets.

“For the remaining balance, Ziyan will arrange for the sect to supplement it in the future.”

“That’s fine.”

Lan Changʼan was quite satisfied with this exchange—both sides got exactly what they needed.

As a newly ascended early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Lan Changʼan’s mana reserves were still inferior to those of old Nascent Soul veterans.

For now, the Dragonwood Staff was actually a better fit for him.

He still possessed the Purple Gourd, a top-grade magical treasure left behind by Master Lihuo, but it consumed an enormous amount of mana and as a fire-attribute treasure, it was not fully compatible with his techniques.

If he were to use an incompatible top-grade magical treasure in battle, as a mere early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he might run out of mana after just a few bombardments.

...

“Hu Ang, take True Monarch Xiang to Yunlan Peak to settle in.”

True Monarch Purple Mist handed a command token to Lan Changʼan before instructing Hu Ang to lead the way.

Previously, the abandoned Yunlan Peak had been under Hu Ang’s management.

Hu Ang was a capable and reliable disciple. True Monarch Purple Mist often entrusted him with various sect affairs, ensuring that he handled many mundane but important responsibilities.

“Understood, Master.”

Outside the cave abode, Hu Ang hesitated briefly after receiving the order.

“True Monarch Xiang, this way please.”

Forcing a smile onto his face, he led the way forward.

Yunlan Peak and Zixia Peak stood opposite each other across a stretch of land, both situated within the heart of the fourth-rank spiritual vein.

The underground palace of True Monarch Earthrock, however, lay on the outskirts, equidistant from both of the sect’s main peaks.

By cultivating at Yunlan Peak, Lan Changʼanʼs spiritual sense could keep a eye on Lord Earthrock’s underground palace anytime.

As he took a brief tour around Yunlan Peak, Lan Changʼan couldn’t help but feel impressed by the vastness of the estate and its extravagant grandeur.

Though called a peak dwelling, the abundance of water sources, dense spiritual energy, and hundreds of acres of fertile spiritual farmland meant that this estate could sustain an entire small cultivation clan on its own.

“Little Hu, you’ve worked hard.”

Feeling in a good mood, Lan Changʼan casually rewarded Hu Ang with two third-rank pills that he had no use for.

Since Lan Changʼan had ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, Hu Ang had become even more deferential and respectful, not out of hypocrisy, but because he truly understood the hierarchy of power.

Such obedient and capable juniors were hard to come by. No wonder True Monarch Purple Mist trusted him with so many tasks.

“It was no trouble at all. Thank you for your generous reward, True Monarch.”

Hu Ang dared not refuse, accepting the gift with a grateful expression before bowing and stepping away.

This pair of dogs!

As Hu Ang left the once-so-familiar Yunlan Peak, he was overwhelmed by a mix of resentment and sorrow.

That woman… she was truly heartless.

To so easily reallocate her former husband’s estate and resources to her new lover, how utterly cold-blooded!

...

After moving into Yunlan Peak, Lan Changʼan reconfigured the formation arrays and replaced all restrictive barriers to ensure full control over his domain.

True Monarch Purple Mist had mentioned that he could rename the peak, but Lan Changʼan couldn’t be bothered.

First, as an Honored Elder, he was still considered an outside cultivator and not a direct inheritor of Yunxia Sect’s Dao lineage.

Second, he had no intention of staying here permanently, once he had accumulated enough power, he planned to return to Great Qing.

The two spirit pets would remain in the underground palace, helping oversee the Xuanmu Vine Gourd growing there, it was a location far more hidden and secure.

Besides, with his Nascent Soul-level movement speed, he could reach the underground palace in moments whenever necessary.

...

Only two days after settling in, numerous elders, influential True Dan cultivators, and sect leaders came to visit.

Notable figures such as the late-stage Core Formation Sect Master Xuefeng, the prominent elder Huadu Immortal, and the Immortal Golden Dan Jiang Haoyuan all personally came to pay their respects.

Not only did they congratulate him on his Nascent Soul ascension, but they also used the excuse of a ‘housewarming celebration’ to bring him even more gifts.

Some cultivators, eager to ingratiate themselves with the new True Monarch, even presented two separate sets of gifts.

Lan Changʼan graciously accepted all offerings, refusing none.

He couldn’t help but reminisce about his early days in Liang Kingdom’s cultivation world, back when he cycled through multiple false identities, repeatedly breaking and reforming his True Dan, scamming numerous congratulatory gifts along the way.

Now, having achieved the status of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he had to maintain appearances, such tricks could no longer be played.

Moreover, after forming the Nascent Soul, there was no reversing the process, his old gift-farming could not be replicated.

...

As Lan Changʼan entertained Yunxia Sect’s upper echelons, news of the newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator “True Monarch Evergreen” had already spread throughout the cultivation world of the Great Yu Kingdom.

The identity of Xiang Dalong could no longer remain low-key, his rise had drawn the attention of major forces, triggering deeper investigations into his background.

Great Yu Imperial Clan, The Ancestral Pavilion Hall.

Within the secluded and austere Ancestral Pavilion Hall, the silence was profound, one could hear a pin drop.

A voice, ancient and distant, echoed from the depths of the hall as if speaking from another dimension:

“Xiang Dalong’s origins, have they still not been uncovered?”

A hunched elder in antique robes responded with deep reverence, his expression cautious despite his status as a Nascent Soul Elder of the imperial family.

“Clan Lord, years ago, His Majesty had already ordered an investigation. However, we found no trace of Xiang Dalong anywhere within the Great Yuan Cultivation Realm.”

The ancient voice remained silent for a moment before asking:

“Has True Monarch Iron Calculation divined any results?”

“No definitive answers yet. However, True Monarch Iron Calculation’s preliminary readings suggest that Xiang Dalong is a man of great fortune. Over the past few years, Yunxia Sect’s fortunes have steadily risen in tandem with his presence.”

The robed elder hesitated before adding:

“Recently, we received intelligence from a secret informant within Yunxia Sect. According to this source, Xiang Dalong is suspected to have originated outside the Great Yuan, infiltrating the Great Yu Kingdom with unknown intentions.”

“However, the credibility of this intelligence remains unverified.”

“...An Outsider?”

A brief silence filled the depths of the Ancestral Pavilion Hall.

After the robed elder respectfully withdrew, the ancient voice murmured in a low tone:

“Could he be from Fenghua Province…? The Great Jin Immortal Dynasty still refuses to let go of our lineage?”

...

On this day, Great Snake Mountain welcomed an unexpected visitor from the Eastern Region.

“Netherwater True Monarch, our last meeting was in the Ancient Nether Hall, wasn’t it?”

True Monarch Red Serpent greeted the guest with a warm smile.

The visitor was a female Nascent Soul cultivator with long hair cascading to her waist. Around her, dark, icy currents flowed in a ghostly, eerie manner, shrouding her cold yet alluring face in an ethereal mist.

Her presence alone commanded respect.

For Great Snake Mountain, treating a Nascent Soul cultivator from the “Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects” with the utmost reverence was a given.

After all, this alliance was the strongest faction in the Great Yuan.

It was said that they had inherited the territory of the ancient sect “Tinghai Pavilion”, dominating offshore trade and resources, exerting influence across the entire Eastern Region coastline.

Seated in the main hall, Netherwater True Monarch’s hair drifted like ink-black silk amidst the surrounding spectral water currents. Her hoarse yet melodious voice carried a unique charm.

“True Monarch Red Serpent, regarding the fourth-rank dragon blood you once acquired, have you confirmed its exact origins?”

Her question was calm but piercingly direct.

True Monarch Red Serpent’s expression remained steady as he responded with certainty:

“Eight or nine parts out of ten, I have.”

Then, he smiled subtly before adding:

“What’s more interesting is that the target of my suspicion happens to be someone with an unusual connection to the very man you’ve been tracking, Jing Wufeng.”