I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 384: Secluded Cultivation Bitter Training

True Monarch Yunlan had fallen many years ago, as confirmed by the Soul-Imprint Portrait of Purple Mist Fairy.

Lan Changʼan had never doubted this over the years.

Now, after so much time had passed, Lan Changʼan once again performed a divination, facing far less resistance.

After all, the storm caused by the battle at the Ancient Nether Hall had long since subsided. There were no longer numerous Nascent Soul old monsters or the interference of various great powers obscuring the heavenly secrets.

”True Monarch Yunlanʼs fall was indeed suspicious.”

Sacrificing a small portion of his lifespan, Lan Changʼanʼs divination yielded new conclusions.

At the time of True Monarch Yunlan’s fall, a sliver of life remained… perhaps he had not completely perished!

Lan Changʼan grasped a general result from the divination.

However, the details were vague and riddled with possibilities, greatly reducing accuracy.

Even so, with the knowledge and experience of a Nascent Soul old monster, Lan Changʼan could make a basic judgment.

”After True Monarch Yunlan’s Nascent Soul exited his body, it was said he was gravely injured. But when it comes to seizing a body and rebuilding cultivation, it doesn’t necessarily have to be with a Nascent Soul spirit body. Even a remnant soul of a Nascent Soul cultivator has the possibility of seizing a body and starting anew, though choosing a weaker host would be highly dangerous. Seizing a Core Formation cultivator alone would be extremely risky.”

”Furthermore, a remnant soul could turn to ghost cultivation. In the Great Yuan, where the demonic path thrives, this is also a possibility.”

Lan Changʼan pondered for a moment but felt the possibility of True Monarch Yunlan turning to ghost cultivation was low.

Losing the Nascent Soul spirit body meant starting from scratch in ghost cultivation. In the future, the Ghost Infant Tribulation would be far more perilous than a normal Nascent Soul tribulation.

True Monarch Yunlan had no experience in ghost cultivation, making such a choice hardly worth the risk.

”If I were True Monarch Yunlan’s remnant soul, the best choice would be to walk the path of orthodox qi cultivation again. If the chosen body were a disciple of the Yunxia Sect’s lineage, the compatibility would be even higher. With previous experience to draw upon, the path to Nascent Soul would have a much greater success rate.”

Lan Changʼan largely confirmed this as the most likely scenario.

A remnant soul, weak and incomplete, would face significant risks when attempting to seize a body. If he lacked absolute dominance, there was a chance of failure, becoming nothing more than an experience pack for some child of destiny.

”True Monarch Yunlan’s Soul-Imprint Portrait has completely extinguished... This suggests that the body-seizing process may not have gone smoothly. In the end, it likely leaned toward fusion, minimizing the host’s resistance and resulting in an entirely new individual.”

Lan Changʼan’s gaze flickered.

If that was the case, then the host whom True Monarch Yunlan had taken over would no longer pose much of a threat.

Having lost his Nascent Soul Dao Fruit, the path of seizing and rebuilding would require passing through both the Core Formation and Nascent Soul bottlenecks again.

This process could not be expedited, it would only be faster than an ordinary cultivator’s progress, with fewer bottlenecks to overcome.

Unlike Nascent Soul-level body-seizing, where one could swiftly rebuild a physical body and restore peak cultivation, this path would be far slower.

With this knowledge in hand, tracking down True Monarch Yunlan’s new host was only a matter of time.

”Using the time of True Monarch Yunlan’s fall as a reference point, I will investigate the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Yunxia Sect and its neighboring factions. Priority will be given to those whose cultivation techniques align with Yunxia Sect’s Dao lineage. Any cultivator who has advanced unusually quickly will be a prime suspect.”

Lan Changʼan quickly devised an investigation plan.

He would start within the Yunxia Sect and expand outward, covering the surrounding factions and the entire Great Yu Kingdom.

Lan Changʼan had a strong intuition, True Monarch Yunlan had likely hidden within the Yunxia Sect.

On familiar ground, he would be like a fish in water.

This possibility sent a chill through Lan Changʼan’s heart, making his back tingle with cold sweat.

Did that mean that all this time when he had been intimate with Purple Mist Fairy and occupied Yunlan Peak’s fourth-rank cultivation field, he had been right under True Monarch Yunlan’s nose?

”O Brother Yunlan, you and I originally had no grudges.”

Lan Changʼan sighed, a trace of pity flashing in his eyes.

”If you had chosen to rebuild your cultivation discreetly and humbly, I might not have been inclined to kill you. But alas, you were unwilling to accept your fate, and you even leaked my confidential information.”

Having grasped the truth, Lan Changʼan decided not to inform Purple Mist Fairy.

He would investigate in secret.

The actual operation would be carried out by the fourth-rank puppet under the control of Puppet Master Wei.

If Purple Mist Fairy learned of this, it might complicate matters.

Even if she no longer cared about their past relationship, Jiang Ziyan and True Monarch Yunlan had been senior and junior sect siblings for several hundred years.

...

A few days later.

Alchemist Le formally opened the pill furnace to refine the fourth-rank Life Extension Pill.

Since Lan Changʼan had commissioned him, he chose to trust him and did not supervise the entire process.

As a veteran fourth-rank alchemy grandmaster, Alchemist Le had refined and consumed a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill before, there was no need for him to be tempted by greed.

While the alchemy process was underway, Lan Changʼan took the opportunity to sort through the gifts he had received during the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

”As expected of a grand ceremony hosted by a Nascent Soul sect, this alone has saved me two or three decades of effort.”

Lan Changʼan’s face was beaming with satisfaction as he categorized the various gifts, selecting some useful materials for himself.

At the Nascent Soul Ceremony, though he had not received many fourth-rank gifts, the sheer volume made up for it.

The Core Formation and Nascent Soul factions who attended could not afford to present anything too shabby, given the occasion.

Especially within his own sect, the Core Formation elders had presented particularly lavish gifts in order to establish ties with the newly ascended True Monarch, some even went beyond the expected standard.

Additionally, the Core Formation-level factions affiliated with the Yunxia Sect had all contributed valuable gifts.

This Nascent Soul Ceremony had truly replenished Lan Changʼan’s resources immensely.

With the eventual sale and trade of these gifts, he would be able to further strengthen his Exotic Spirit Peacock, puppet army, and treasure talisman reserves.

...

Half a month later.

At Yunlan Sect’s cave abode, a brilliant beam of pill energy shot straight into the sky.

The pill energy piercing the heavens, a phenomenon that occurs when a fourth-rank spirit pill is successfully refined, drew the attention of many sect cultivators.

However, such an event happening at the main cave abode of a fourth-rank spiritual vein was reasonable and expected.

The outside cultivators speculated that True Monarch Xiang, as a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator, required a fourth-rank cultivation pill and had commissioned Alchemist Le to refine it.

Inside the cave abode, alchemy chamber.

The earth fire was extinguished, and the formation arrays were withdrawn.

”True Monarch Xiang, I have lived up to your expectations. This time, I successfully refined three fourth-rank Life Extension Pills.”

Alchemist Le’s wrinkled face showed signs of exhaustion.

Resting in his palm were three dark-green pills, exuding an aura of life essence and radiating a four-colored glow. Each pill bore thirteen naturally formed Dao patterns, brimming with the essence and profundities of heaven and earth.

”Alchemist Le, you have worked hard. Here is your payment.”

After inspecting the pills, Lan Changʼan was overjoyed and deeply satisfied.

His initial expectation had been to obtain two genuine pills and one with slight imperfections.

Lan Changʼan handed a storage pouch to Alchemist Le.

Inside the pouch, in addition to a large sum of high-grade spirit stones, there was also a jade slip.

Alchemist Le didnʼt pay much attention to the payment, helping Lan Changʼan refine pills was secondary; his main purpose was to build good karma.

”Oh?”

Upon checking the jade slip, Alchemist Le was slightly surprised.

It contained over a dozen high-level alchemy formulas, none of which had ever been seen in the Great Yuan Cultivation Realm. Some had similar effects to existing pills, but their ingredient ratios and refining techniques were entirely different.

These new pill formulas not only held immense value on their own but also served as subjects for research, contributing to alchemy advancements and enhancing sect inheritance.

”True Monarch Xiang, you are truly thoughtful.”

Alchemist Le sighed in appreciation, realizing that Lan Changʼan did not want to owe him a favor.

Before leaving, Alchemist Le made a suggestion:

”True Monarch Xiang, do you intend to trade any of your extra fourth-rank Life Extension Pills? I do have suitable channels for such a transaction.”

For cultivators, only the first Life Extension Pill of the same rank was effective.

”Out of the three Life Extension Pills, I will take one, and Lord Earthrock will take another.”

”That leaves only one for trade. However, I will only accept items that aid in advancing to Mid Nascent Soul, wood-attribute heavenly treasures, or mid-fourth-rank puppet refining materials in exchange.”

Lan Changʼan stated his terms clearly.

A fourth-rank Life Extension Pill could provoke deadly greed among Core Formation cultivators.

But for Nascent Soul True Monarchs, it was a strategic resource that could be safely traded.

That same day, Alchemist Le and his granddaughter Le Qingni bid their farewells and departed.

Le Qingni, however, felt a bit disappointed.

When she had accompanied her grandfather to Yunxia Sect for the previous alchemy session, Xiang Dalong had personally accompanied her throughout, chatting over tea and discussing Dao.

This time, however, True Monarch Xiang merely had his steward, Xiao Qingshan, take her on a brief tour of the sect.

...

Inside the secluded chamber.

Lan Changʼan swallowed the first fourth-rank Life Extension Pill, closing his eyes as he immersed himself in the experience.

It felt as though he had lived through an entire lifetime in an instant.

During this period, the aura of the Evergreen Technique surrounding him became even more profound, as if the wheels of time were flowing through his body.

”An additional one hundred and twenty years of lifespan!”

Lan Changʼan opened his eyes, sensing the increase in his lifespan, and couldnʼt help but be overjoyed.

Ordinary cultivators would typically gain sixty years from consuming a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill.

His effect was doubled.

Not only that, but because the lifespan gain was so significant, Lan Changʼan felt his Evergreen mana undergo a qualitative enhancement.

If he had to quantify it, his mana had increased by approximately five percent.

Without hesitation, he took the second fourth-rank Life Extension Pill.

”Another ninety-six years of lifespan!”

The effectiveness had diminished compared to the first, but it was still impressive, and his Evergreen True Essence was further strengthened.

The combined effects of the two pills exceeded his expectations.

An additional two hundred years of lifespan, along with a significant boost in mana, was something that any Nascent Soul True Monarch would rejoice over.

Yet, despite his joy, Lan Changʼan also felt a trace of regret.

”Unfortunately, fourth-rank longevity fruits are extremely rare in this world. That peak third-rank longevity fruit I obtained back then was considered a sectʼs core inheritance treasure.”

Moreover, the Evergreen Technique had an inherent danger, cultivators of this technique could devour each other’s Dao Fruits.

Lan Changʼan’s excitement gradually faded as he calmed down.

He couldnʼt shake the feeling that his Nascent Soul spirit body was like a tempting longevity fruit, destined to become a feast for some big shot in the future.

...

Three months later, Lan Changʼan reached 381 years of age.

As he continued his cultivation, Puppet Master Wei completed a thorough investigation of Yunxia Sect.

Among the Foundation Establishment cultivators present at the time of True Monarch Yunlan’s fall, there were around four to five individuals who had progressed at an abnormally fast rate.

After a detailed review, all five had reasonable explanations for their rapid cultivation:

Some had built a strong foundation over the years before breaking through.

Some had gained fortuitous encounters while traveling outside.

Some had killed and plundered, amassing great wealth overnight.

Some had received strong support from their sects or clans.

Some had accomplished major sect missions, earning generous rewards.

Among them, two had reached Core Formation, including Hu Ang, who had a Half-Step Golden Dan.

When analyzing the results, Lan Changʼan noted that Hu Ang’s cultivation speed was indeed astonishing. However, considering all the factors contributing to his rise, everything seemed logically sound.

Hu Ang hailed from the Hu Family where the former Sect Master Hu was from, making his background quite distinguished.

He was also extremely capable, excelling in sect missions, engaging in battles outside, and occasionally seizing small fortuitous opportunities.

Thus, his rapid rise was well-documented, appearing to be a case of gradual accumulation and eventual breakthrough, completely reasonable.

”Only twenty years into Core Formation, yet already approaching the peak of the early stage... His speed is no less than an Immortal Golden Dan earth spirit root cultivator.”

Although Hu Ang’s progress seemed reasonable on the surface, Lan Changʼan still marked him as a prime suspect.

When doubts arise, past details often reveal flaws.

First, as a male disciple, Hu Ang had managed to earn the Purple Mist Fairy’s favor and complete trust, which was already unusual.

Second, his breadth of knowledge far exceeded that of his peers, he displayed expertise in multiple fields, making him appear exceptionally well-versed.

Such individuals were rare among Core Formation cultivators.

Given the timing of his rise, Lan Changʼan found him highly suspicious.

After a targeted divination, the chances of Hu Ang being True Monarch Yunlan’s new host exceeded 70%, while the other four individuals had probabilities of only around 10% each.

”So, it’s you, that gatekeeping disciple from before!”

Lan Changʼan chuckled, feeling completely at ease.

Now that his target was confirmed, there was no need to worry.

Hu Ang had yet to grow into a real threat. To reach Nascent Soul, he would need at least a century.

At present, he posed no danger at all, instead, he could even be used to Lan Changʼan’s advantage.

It was no wonder Hu Ang had been so cautious and obedient, always showing utmost respect and never revealing a hint of hostility.

Even with his identity exposed, Lan Changʼan was in no hurry to act.

Moving forward, Hu Ang would be monitored in secret by Lord Earthrock and a fourth-rank puppet, with every move falling under Lan Changʼan’s watchful eyes.

Lan Changʼan needed to ensure that Hu Ang’s demise would not arouse suspicion from True Monarch Purple Mist.

As True Monarch Purple Mist’s direct disciple, Hu Ang was heavily relied upon and well-protected, serving as an assistant to the Supreme Elder and handling internal affairs, rarely leaving the sect.

To eliminate him without a trace, only a Nascent Soul cultivator from within the sect could do the job.

”The future is long; as a Nascent Soul True Monarch who has taken over and rebuilt, even if he dies, he must demonstrate his value…”

Lan Changʼan’s thoughts raced, quickly forming a plan.

Hu Ang as an internal spy was no longer a real threat. In fact, he now held potential value.

The true dangers were rival Nascent Soul cultivators, such as Netherwater True Monarch and the Great Snake Mountain.

Netherwater True Monarch was a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator with formidable backing, someone Lan Changʼan could not yet contend with.

Even if Lan Changʼan used his full strength, he could perhaps defeat a mid-stage Nascent Soul opponent, but killing one was nearly impossible.

However, Great Snake Mountain was different, its Nascent Soul cultivators were only at the early stage, leaving room for maneuvering.

Moreover, Great Snake Mountain had already made multiple provocative moves, including targeting Lord Earthrock, posing a direct threat, disrupting Lan Changʼan’s plans during the Nascent Soul gathering, and conspiring with Netherwater True Monarch, bringing further trouble.

Before, when Lan Changʼan had yet to ascend to Nascent Soul, he could only endure.

But now, as a True Monarch, he would not allow himself to be passively manipulated, he would seize the initiative and eliminate these threats.

”First, let this True Monarch go into seclusion for ten years to master a few divine abilities…”

Lan Changʼan was not reckless. Having just stepped into Nascent Soul, and without many divine means, it would be foolish to immediately challenge veteran Nascent Soul experts.

Furthermore, his divination indicated that traveling in the next ten years would be ill-advised, the omens were very uncertain.

...

Before entering closed-door cultivation, Lan Changʼan visited Zixia Peak, informing Purple Mist Fairy of his plans.

Jiang Ziyan, having been through the same experience, completely understood his decision.

To cultivate powerful divine secret techniques, ten years was barely sufficient.

For three days, Lan Changʼan indulged in the gentle comforts of Purple Mist Fairy’s abode, relaxing both body and mind.

Afterward, he returned to Yunlan Peak and entered seclusion.

Sigh!

Hearing that True Monarch Evergreen had gone into seclusion, Hu Ang finally let out a long sigh of relief.

For some reason, ever since the Nascent Soul Ceremony, he had felt a constant sense of unease.

That secret transmission he had sent back then… now felt less secure than he had originally thought.

However, watching someone else claim his former Dao companion and cave abode was an unbearable humiliation.

Even as a Nascent Soul cultivator with firm willpower, such disgrace was agonizing.

Without external assistance, it would take him at least a century to advance to Nascent Soul.

And in the Great Yu Kingdom, only the imperial family had the power to influence the fate of Nascent Soul cultivators.

”I was a little too impatient last time. But my death is already confirmed, unless that Xiang Dalong is a divination grandmaster, there’s no way he could have locked onto my existence.”

Hu Ang refused to believe that Xiang Dalong as a puppet master could also be proficient in the way of divination at the same time.

...

Two years later.

While in secluded cultivation, Lan Changʼan sensed a subtle reaction from a long-established spirit beast contract.

Deep underground, within the cultivation grounds…

The forces of heaven and earth’s water essence surged violently, mixed with an overwhelming chill of earthly fiendish energy.

A seven-zhang-wide dark-green tortoise emerged.

Its deep green eyes exhaled black mist, its low growls resembling the rumbling of a stormy drum.

Whoosh!

Above the large underground pool, numerous suspended droplets of profound dark water gleamed like jet-black pearls, emitting a pressure that would unnerve even late-stage Core Formation cultivators.

”The old tortoise has finally reached late-stage third rank.”

Nearby, Lord Earthrock, appearing lazy and indifferent, subtly concealed the breakthrough phenomenon with the cave abode’s formation arrays.

However, as he watched the mutated Profound Water Turtle advance to late third rank, a faint sense of unease crept into his heart…