I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 382: The Nascent Soul Ceremony

Yunlan Peak, cultivation chamber.

Sitting cross-legged in the secluded cultivation chamber, Lan Changʼan formed intricate hand seals, his cyan Nascent Soul floating above his head, mirroring his gestures.

Puff!

A pale cyan flame burned in mid-air, refining a magical treasure, the Barbed Arrow.

Now that he had ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, Lan Changʼan could finally use Nascent Soul True Fire to re-refine his magical treasures, making them stronger and easier to control.

Among his arsenal, the Barbed Arrows remained his most lethal offensive weapon.

These arrows were directly linked to his spiritual sense, the stronger his spiritual sense, the faster they flew and the more devastating their soul-piercing effects became.

Fortunately, spiritual sense was one of Lan Changʼan’s greatest strengths. Despite being only at the early Nascent Soul stage, his spiritual sense was already on par with that of a peak early Nascent Soul cultivator.

If he were to fuse with the fourth life, his spiritual sense could even reach the mid-Nascent Soul level. At that point, a single Barbed Arrow would be deadly enough to overwhelm most early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

Having been nurtured the longest, the Barbed Arrows had long since become his primary life-bound magical treasure.

Half a month later, Lan Changʼan gradually refined the Dragonwood Staff and Thunder Whip.

Upon testing, the Dragonwood Staff proved to be quite compatible with his mana, showcasing considerable power and suitability for direct combat.

When fully activated, the Dragonwood Staff transformed into a hundred-zhang ancient tree, consuming substantial energy. Fortunately, Lan Changʼanʼs Evergreen Technique provided a long-lasting flow of qi.

In the future, he planned to enhance the staffʼs quality and power by adding dragon blood and dragon bones.

As for the braided rope Thunder Whip, it primarily focused on control and capturing enemies, rather than serving as a main weapon.

Finally, Lan Changʼan refined the top-grade fire magical treasure, the Purple Gourd, for the first time.

Top-grade magical treasures were challenging to wield for early Nascent Soul cultivators, and he hadnʼt refined it before.

Due to the fact that wood gives birth to fire, the Purple Gourdʼs compatibility was only slightly lower than wood-element treasures, making it incredibly powerful in combat.

However, because it did not share the same origin as his cultivation method, its consumption in battle was immense, making it only suitable for specific environments and occasional use.

The aforementioned magical treasures leaned towards offense.

Currently, Lan Changʼan lacked a proper defensive magical treasure. Previously, a superior-grade defensive treasure had been destroyed during the latter half of the heavenly lightning tribulation.

However, Lan Changʼan had many powerful puppets, so he didnʼt lack meat shields. Additionally, he had the puppet army formation, treasure talismans, and body refinement, providing strong self-preservation abilities that even mid-Nascent Soul cultivators couldnʼt overcome.

Suitable defensive magical treasures could be planned for the future and were not an immediate concern.

...

In a flash, nearly half a year had gone by.

Beyond refining his magical treasures, Lan Changʼan also carefully structured his cultivation plans, preparing himself for his long-term growth in the Nascent Soul realm.

For mobility, he already possessed the Wood Escape Technique, an essential high-grade escape art for wood-based Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, the path of Wood Escape has obvious strengths and weaknesses. It is incredibly powerful and unstoppable in mountainous and wilderness areas, like adding wings to a tiger, but its combat effectiveness in the air is quite average.

Fortunately, Lan Changʼan also had the Crimson Sun Blood-Escape Technique, a legacy technique from the fourth life.

This technique allowed for extreme escape speed at the cost of burning one’s blood essence and lifespan.

Since he was already at the fourth level of mastery, he could unleash speed that rivaled the fastest early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

But if he could reach the fifth level, his escape speed would surpass even mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, at the cost of a massive blood essence burn.

This was not an issue for him, his Evergreen Technique provided rapid recovery, his body refinement techniques gave him immense vitality, and he had ample lifespan to burn, so long as he didn’t overdo it.

Reaching the fifth level of the Crimson Sun Blood-Escape Technique was now one of his next major goals.

Beyond movement techniques, he also needed to refine his divine abilities and secret arts.

Lan Changʼan had always planned ahead, and even during his Core Formation stage, he had deliberately chosen techniques that could evolve into Nascent Soul-level arts.

”Withered Vine Hand” could devour the essence and blood of living beings, suppressing opponents and masking the Evergreen Techniqueʼs overly obvious persistent recovery.

”Illusory Leaf Flying Sword” excelled in offense, and its power was significantly influenced by the strength of oneʼs spiritual sense.

Lan Changʼan carefully selected divine abilities and secret techniques, always considering their compatibility.

”At the Nascent Soul level, there are even more divine abilities and secret techniques to choose from. One could even cultivate legendary great divine abilities, such as the Second Nascent Soul. However, these great divine abilities often require top-notch heaven and earth treasures, which are extremely rare...”

Lan Changʼan had memories from three lifetimes as a Nascent Soul cultivator, and the Yunxia Sectʼs scripture library, except for the sectʼs foundational inheritance, was fully open to him.

In the Yunxia Sectʼs scripture library, there was a technique called ”Illusory Wood Doppelgänger,” which was highly compatible with Lan Changʼanʼs cultivation method.

This divine ability focused on body transformation, creating wood-element illusion doppelgängers during combat, allowing the main body to quickly separate and gain distance.

The main body and the wood-element doppelgängers could rapidly switch positions, greatly increasing flexibility.

When fully mastered, the Illusory Wood Doppelgänger could possess two to three-tenths of the main bodyʼs mana.

Truly powerful divine abilities and even forbidden techniques were recorded in the memories of the three Nascent Soul cultivators.

Especially True Monarch Shazhai, who was a descendant of the Deity Transformation Sect. Even if the inheritance was fragmented, the remaining parts were extraordinary.

”Undying Seal, Withering Extinction Divine Light, Seven Deadly Life and Death Curse... These powerful divine abilities and secret techniques do not require heaven and earth treasures, but they come at a cost to the cultivator, which can be considered.”

Many forbidden techniques typically cost lifespan, blood essence, and vital energy.

With the Evergreen Technique, Lan Changʼan had a long lifespan and strong healing abilities, allowing him to bear costs that most normal cultivators couldnʼt withstand.

Of course, these powerful divine abilities and secret techniques required many years of cultivation and were part of the foundation Lan Changʼan needed to accumulate before returning to Great Qing.

...

“True Monarch Xiang, the Nascent Soul Ceremony is about to begin.”

On this day, Lan Changʼan received a transmission talisman from his steward, Xiao Qingshan, signaling the start of the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

Ending his six-month closed-door cultivation, Lan Changʼan stepped out of his cave abode, standing atop Yunlan Peak.

With a mere thought, his Nascent Soul-stage spiritual sense extended outward, instantly enveloping a 150-li radius.

Below, the entire Yunxia Sect was bustling with activity. Flying boats, streaking escape lights, and massive spirit beasts carrying important guests poured in from all directions.

Countless cultivation clans, mid-tier sects, and merchant guilds under Yunxia Sect’s influence had all arrived to attend the grand occasion.

The Nascent Soul Ceremony was one of the most prestigious events in the cultivation world, an honor many middle and lower-ranking cultivators had never witnessed in their lifetime.

Even those arrogant Fake Dan elders and Foundation Establishment ancestors who lorded over minor regions had to lower their heads and smile humbly here, appearing harmless and respectful.

The ceremony was held on one of Yunxia Sect’s outer peaks, specifically arranged to accommodate the large crowd.

The most honored guests, mostly Core Formation cultivators, were seated at the mountain’s summit.

Representatives of mid and lower-tier forces, Foundation Establishment and Fake Dan cultivators, were stationed on the mid-mountain levels, far from the central stage.

As for those bold enough to use their spiritual sense or spiritual eye techniques to peek at the event? They wouldn’t even dare to try, no one wanted to offend a newly ascended Nascent Soul True Monarch.

“Elder of the Ziwei Xue Clan, here to pay respects, offering 300 catties of White Sand Silver.”

“Lord Cao of Giant Rock City, here to congratulate, offering 50 catties of Profound Essence Iron.”

“Ancestor Xiao of the Great Yu Xiao Clan, here to celebrate, offering…”

Not all Nascent Soul-level factions sent their own True Monarchs. In many cases, they dispatched Core Formation envoys with gifts instead.

Interestingly, many factions gifted raw materials for crafting artifacts and puppets, knowing that Lan Changʼan was a renowned puppet master.

All gifts were meticulously recorded, in the cultivation world such favors always required future reciprocation.

Sect Master Xuefeng and Hu Ang took charge of the ceremony’s proceedings:

Sect Master Xuefeng handled the overall coordination and hosted important guests, and Hu Ang was responsible for overseeing the logistics and general arrangements.

At this moment, Hu Ang approached with a report.

“True Monarch Xiang, a Nascent Soul cultivator has arrived.”

Lan Changʼan took the honored seat at the highest point of the ceremony and nodded.

“Understood. You may continue your duties.”

The first Nascent Soul guest to arrive was Xiao Weifeng, the oldest ancestor of the Xiao Clan.

Thanks to his steward Xiao Qingshan, Lan Changʼan had already built a strong cooperative relationship with the Xiao Clan. Their businesses often traded cultivation resources with the Yunxia Sect.

Notably, the Xiao Clan specialized in rare wood-based materials, possessing ancient spiritual trees that had been cultivated for generations.

Since Lan Changʼan had to upgrade his wood-based magical treasures and refine spirit talismans in the future, maintaining this alliance was crucial.

Ancestor Xiao’s gift was a generous quasi-fourth-rank spirit wood, an incredibly valuable cultivation resource.

Shortly after, another distinguished guest arrived, someone Lan Changʼan had expected.

“Grandmaster Le of the Alchemy Dao Alliance, here to celebrate…”

Seeing the familiar alchemist elder, Lan Changʼan wasn’t surprised.

After all, he still owed Alchemist Le one promised favor.

“True Monarch Xiang’s successful Nascent Soul ascension, old me already foresaw it. Congratulations, congratulations!”

Alchemist Le beamed with delight, his complexion radiant with satisfaction.

Lan Changʼan’s breakthrough meant that his past investment had paid off handsomely. Even his granddaughter and disciples, who had once questioned his judgment, now had no complaints.

“Qingni greets True Monarch Xiang, wishing you eternal prosperity in the Great Dao.”

Alchemist Le’s granddaughter Le Qingni had accompanied him. She performed a graceful curtsy, her demeanor elegant and composed.

She had carefully dressed for the occasion, wearing a flowing white palace gown, exuding an aura of refinement and dignity.

Originally, Alchemist Le had planned to attend alone.

Yet, for some unknown reason, Le Qingni had insisted on accompanying him, seizing the chance to witness the event firsthand.

At first, Alchemist Le had been puzzled by her insistence.

But now, seeing Lan Changʼan’s imposing figure, his white robes pristine as snow, exuding the unshakable aura of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he immediately understood.

Casting a subtle glance at his granddaughter, he sighed inwardly but said nothing.

Technically, Le Qingni was single, but in reality, she was already closely involved with Chu Yang, practically his Dao companion in all but name.

He didn’t bother exposing the matter.

Lan Changʼan nodded politely and offered a few words in greeting.

“Fairy Le, you must be tired from the journey.”

Le Qingni smiled gracefully.

“Not at all! In fact, after witnessing your tribulation breakthrough last time, I’ve gained many insights.”

Her eyes gleamed with genuine curiosity as she attempted to continue the conversation.

However, Lan Changʼan, now fully immersed in the responsibilities of hosting the event, could only exchange a few pleasantries before excusing himself to greet the next batch of guests.

Le Qingni’s eyes flickered with a hint of disappointment, but she maintained her composure.

...

A booming voice resonated across the mountaintop, announcing the arrival of two distinguished guests:

“True Monarch Iron Calculation and Princess Ziwei of the Great Yu Imperial Clan have arrived to offer their congratulations!”

In the cultivation world, even the way a guest’s arrival was announced carried significance.

The louder the proclamation, the higher the status of the guest, or the greater the value of their congratulatory gift.

As the supreme rulers of the Great Yu Kingdom, the imperial family naturally commanded unrivaled prestige, standing above all the surrounding sects and cultivation clans.

“True Monarch Iron Calculation?”

Lan Changʼan’s brows slightly furrowed. He had heard of this name before and did not dare to be careless.

He rose from his seat, preparing to personally welcome this esteemed guest.

Among the seated guests, many representatives of powerful factions were visibly taken aback.

“The imperial familyʼs reclusive Nascent Soul cultivator, a fourth-rank divination grandmaster, True Monarch Iron Calculation, is personally attending this ceremony?”

This was highly unusual.

True Monarch Iron Calculation was a shadowy figure, rarely making public appearances. His presence here was a clear signal that the imperial family was taking this matter seriously.

The guest in question soon came into view.

He was a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a simple blue scholar’s robe, a square cap on his head, and wooden clogs on his feet—a rather unassuming appearance for a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

However, his frail physique was evident. Every few moments, he let out a faint cough, revealing signs of a longstanding illness.

Yet, when his eyes fell upon Lan Changʼan, they gleamed with an unnatural light, exuding an aura of mystical insight as if they could see through destiny itself.

Before Lan Changʼan could speak, True Monarch Purple Mist had already arrived at his side, smiling gracefully as she joined him in welcoming the royal delegation.

“Iʼve heard for a long time that True Monarch Iron Calculation with his golden tongue can calculate without fail.”

Lan Changʼan subtly exhaled in relief.

Facing a Nascent Soul divination master alone was a suffocating experience, not because of direct combat prowess, but due to the unpredictable power of fate-reading techniques.

Having True Monarch Purple Mist, an experienced Nascent Soul cultivator, share the responsibility of entertaining him helped alleviate some of the pressure.

After all, every Nascent Soul cultivator possessed a strong fate of their own, creating a natural resistance to divination arts.

Alongside True Monarch Iron Calculation, a beautiful woman dressed in imperial robes stepped forward.

“Congratulations to True Monarch Xiang. Ziwei offers her respects.”

Her tone was calm and composed, befitting a royal noblewoman.

Yet, the moment she laid eyes on Lan Changʼan, a flicker of surprise flashed across her gaze, accompanied by a hint of complicated emotions.

She quickly lowered her gaze and offered a respectful bow.

On the surface, she maintained an elegant and dignified demeanor, but deep down, her thoughts were in turmoil.

Years ago, when Xiang Dalong had still been a Core Formation cultivator, the imperial family had considered arranging a marriage between him and Princess Ziwei, intending to tie him to the imperial clan.

At the time, though she had not outright refused, she had harbored doubts.

As a princess, she had been raised among refined and prestigious cultivators, and back then, Xiang Dalong had seemed too rough, too unfitting for her taste.

But today…

The man before her had ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, standing atop the cultivation world, his status and influence far exceeding ordinary Nascent Soul elders.

Lan Changʼan acknowledged her greeting with a slight nod.

“Princess Ziwei need not be so formal.”

He and True Monarch Purple Mist stood side by side, a flawless Dao couple, welcoming the royal delegation with grace and ease.

While True Monarch Iron Calculation remained mostly silent, his subtle gaze never left Lan Changʼan, observing his every move and word.

Lan Changʼan felt an inexplicable unease, as if this seemingly frail old man had already seen through a part of his secrets.

However, the ceremony was vast and lively, giving Lan Changʼan plenty of opportunities to excuse himself and mingle with other guests.

Compared to the last grand transformation ceremony of the Earth Burrowing Rat, Lan Changʼan was now the main focus, and no faction attempted to recruit him anymore.

Upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage, few factions can truly tempt or promise anything significant.

Moreover, Lan Changʼan has a strong bond with Purple Mist Fairy, a friendship spanning sixty years, which outsiders cannot shake.

...

By midday, most of the major guests had arrived.

Nascent Soul ceremonies often lasted several days, so late arrivals were not uncommon.

It was just that most of the representatives of the forces paid attention to etiquette and wouldnʼt come too late.

Just then—

“True Monarch Red Serpent of Great Snake Mountain has arrived to offer his congratulations!”

No one was particularly surprised.

But then—

“Netherwater True Monarch of the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects has arrived to offer congratulations!”

Instantly, the entire gathering turned their heads.

“The Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects? From the Eastern Region? Since when did Yunxia Sect have such connections?”

This was no ordinary sect.

The Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects were considered the strongest cultivation alliance in the Eastern Region, controlling vast coastal territories and marine resources.

Even among the great sects of the Great Yuan cultivation realm, their influence was immense.

”Netherwater True Monarch? Why would she visit my Nascent Soul Ceremony?”

Lan Changʼan’s heart tensed slightly.

Turning to True Monarch Purple Mist, he found that she was equally puzzled, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.

Obviously, the Netherwater True Monarch belonged to the uninvited guests!

”It really is her!”

As Lan Changʼan focused his gaze, he immediately recognized her.

Netherwater True Monarch—a woman dressed in a flowing black-blue Daoist robe, surrounded by a veil of eerie, dark water currents.

Her long black hair fluttered in the spectral mist, and her cold, strikingly beautiful face was partially obscured—but her piercing, deep-black eyes gleamed like twin obsidian pearls, even through the shadowy water aura.

He remembered her well. Back then, when he had disguised his identity and was in the space formation with Jing Wufeng, helping him hunt down the Corrupted Stoneheart Dragon. At the time, Netherwater True Monarch had been watching from the shadows.

She had not intervened, but rather used a clever time-delay tactic, waiting until the battle was over before rushing to raid the demonic dragon’s lair.

By the time Lan Changʼan had arrived, the entire hoard had been looted clean, and he had no idea what treasures she had taken.

Back then, he had been certain that his identity remained hidden, thanks to his elaborate disguises and the illusionary array shielding him.

However, Jing Wufeng’s cover had not been as secure.

What worried Lan Changʼan was not just this unexpected visit, but rather Netherwater True Monarch’s past.

She had once been among those who hunted down remnants of Tinghai Pavilion.

And it was precisely True Monarch Shazhai, whose soul had been devoured by the Nine Seal Stele, who had fled to the Central Region from the Eastern Region, barely escaping their pursuit.

It was highly likely that Netherwater True Monarch was still seeking clues about Tinghai Pavilion’s lost relics and hidden treasures.

“True Monarch Xiang, my friend has traveled a great distance and decided to join the festivities uninvited. You wouldn’t mind, would you?”

True Monarch Red Serpent laughed boldly as he and Netherwater True Monarch landed at the summit.

Lan Changʼan maintained a calm demeanor, offering a polite nod.

“Of course not. All guests are welcome.”

Naturally, Lan Changʼan couldnʼt refuse. If he appeared guilty, it would only arouse Netherwater True Monarchʼs suspicion.

Offending Netherwater True Monarch alone wasnʼt worrisome, but the Sixteen Sea-Suppressing Sects behind her and the Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, which Nascent Soul wasnʼt wary of them?

...

“True Monarch Xiang, I came uninvited. Please accept this bottle of Netherworld Heavy Water as a token of apology.”

Netherwater True Monarch’s aura was unfathomable, her voice hoarse and icy, carrying an oddly forbidding allure.

As she approached gracefully, her pale, slender finger lightly tapped the air.

Whoosh!

Black water rippled as a small, white jade bottle shot directly toward Lan Changʼan’s honored seat.

“Netherwater True Monarch is too polite.”

Lan Changʼan smiled faintly.

A high-quality fourth-rank heavy water like this was beneficial for his mutated Profound Water Turtle’s cultivation.

However—

Just as his palm made contact with the bottle, his expression suddenly changed.

Boom!

A terrifying weight pressed down on his arm, sending shockwaves through his body.

The seemingly small jade bottle felt as if it carried ten towering mountains, unleashing an overwhelming force upon impact.

Lan Changʼan staggered slightly, his fingers trembling under the crushing pressure.

“Is this woman intentionally causing trouble, or is she testing the waters?”

His thoughts raced as he rapidly activated his body-refining techniques, summoning Nascent Soul mana into his palm to stabilize his grip.

Crack!

The excessive force caused the bottle to shatter instantly.

Boom!

A surge of frigid, oppressive heavy water erupted like a collapsed reservoir, filling the hall with dark, swirling energy.

The sheer weight and impact of the Netherworld Heavy Water was enough to seriously injure an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Lan Changʼan’s face flushed slightly, but he reacted swiftly.

He channeled his Evergreen Technique, unleashing a torrent of vast, wood-based mana to counteract the raging heavy water.

With his immense body-refining strength, he managed to compress and contain the surging liquid, preventing it from spreading further.

After a few moments of intense exertion, he successfully sealed the Netherworld Heavy Water into a new containment vessel, setting up multiple restrictive seals before storing it within his spatial ring.

At last, he managed to not make a fool of himself.

True Monarch Purple Mist, standing beside him, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In the cultivation world, it was not unheard of for new Nascent Soul cultivators to be tested or even openly challenged during their ceremonies.

This time, the challenge had been subtle yet dangerous.

Had Lan Changʼan failed to properly contain the Netherworld Heavy Water, he would have suffered humiliation in front of the entire assembly.

Now, however, he had managed to maintain his composure, keeping the situation under control without embarrassment.

But his expression darkened as he looked toward their unexpected guest.

True Monarch Purple Mist’s expression grew cold as she locked eyes with Netherwater, her gaze carrying a sharp edge.

The tension in the air was palpable.

“Hehe… It was merely a small token of goodwill. I seem to have forgotten to apply the proper containment seals. I hope True Monarch Xiang won’t take offense.”

Netherwater True Monarch’s voice was calm and unhurried, her demeanor elegant yet eerie, as though she had done nothing wrong.

With a faint flick of her sleeve, the deep, murky water currents surrounding her instantly receded, revealing her pale, bloodless yet strikingly beautiful face.

At the same time, a terrifying surge of mana pulsed from her body, filling the hall with an immense, suffocating presence.

Mid Nascent Soul!

The revelation sent shockwaves through the gathered guests.

Even Lan Changʼan and True Monarch Purple Mist felt a slight shift in their expressions.

Nearby, Ancestor Xiao Weifeng, Alchemist Le, and other prominent guests visibly stiffened, their gazes filled with concern and caution.

Netherwater True Monarch had not bothered to conceal her cultivation level, instead, she had deliberately allowed her overwhelming presence to wash over the hall, as if silently declaring her authority.

Among the guests, only True Monarch Red Serpent, who came along, had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.