I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 408: Demonic Sectʼs Jinglong, Rumors of a True Spirit

President Ling replied, ”Recently, there have been unusual movements by the demonic faction at the border. True Monarch Six Sun, as a senior member of the Righteous Dao Alliance, has come to Jing Kingdom to assist.”

Lan Changʼan understood. Geographically, the Liang Kingdom was located behind the three nations. Even though Jing Kingdom now had a Nascent Soul-level force, its scale and potential were still inferior to Liang Kingdom.

Liang Kingdom today was far stronger than it had been during the Flame Departing Palace era.

The Golden Sun Sect had once been the top sect of Feng Kingdom, boasting three Nascent Soul cultivators at its peak and occupying a mid-grade fourth-rank spiritual vein.

As the oldest force in the Righteous Dao Alliance, the Golden Sun Sect had brought significant resources and influence when it relocated to the Liang Kingdom, boosting the cultivation civilization there.

Shortly after Lan Changʼan left the Great Qing, the Golden Sun Sect had also produced a Nascent Soul cultivator, allowing the sect to maintain two Nascent Soul cultivators to this day.

Soon, two Nascent Soul cultivators with distinctly different auras came into view.

The blazing light belonged to a broad-shouldered, middle-aged man in golden robes. His hair and beard were like combed steel wires, his face square, and his eyes a fiery gold, radiating intense heat.

If not counting Master Lihuo, this was Lan Changʼanʼs first time seeing True Monarch Six Sun in person.

The other figure, riding a cloud of demonic energy, was a white-haired man who appeared to be in his thirties. He wore the sect masterʼs robe adorned with dark patterns, his eyebrows slanting like swords, his nose straight and prominent, and his narrow, dark eyes resembling a deep, cold pool.

Compared to the Liang Shaotian of one or two hundred years ago, this demonic sect master had lost some of his flamboyance, gaining instead a sense of weathered maturity.

Lan Changʼan had learned from intelligence reports that Liang Shaotian had fought a bitter battle decades ago, using a secret technique that drained his life force, causing his black hair to turn white overnight, with his eyebrows also turning gray.

”Is Your Excellency the True Monarch Lan mentioned in the frontline reports?” True Monarch Six Sunʼs fiery golden eyes flickered with a strange light, as if he held some suspicion and was probing Lan Changʼanʼs authenticity.

True Monarch Six Sun had heard of rumors about the ”Turtle Talisman Master” in his early years, but this was his first time meeting Lan Changʼan in person.

It was said that Lan Changʼan had fled nearly a hundred years ago.

He didnʼt expect him to reappear now as a Nascent Soul cultivator with a similar status.

While True Monarch Six Sun was scrutinizing and questioning, Sect Master Liang took a step forward, raising his wide sleeves in a respectful greeting.

”True Monarch Lanʼs return after achieving Nascent Soul is a great fortune for the Righteous Dao Alliance. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time.”

”Sect Master Liang, you flatter me. I achieved Nascent Soul late, and my spiritual power is shallow. In terms of seniority, I cannot compare to the two of you.”

Lan Changʼan clasped his hands in return.

The two men locked eyes, recalling their past encounters and conflicts, and a faint, imperceptible smile appeared on their faces.

Seeing Sect Master Liangʼs reaction as the two of them conversed naturally, True Monarch Six Sun couldnʼt help but glance sideways, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

It seemed that Lan Changʼan and Liang Shaotian had known each other for a long time, and there was some hidden relationship between them?

Although True Monarch Six Sun had achieved Nascent Soul a few hundred years earlier, he still held some wariness toward Liang Shaotian, who was considered a rare powerhouse among early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

”Welcome back, True Monarch Lan, to your homeland.”

With Liang Shaotianʼs endorsement, True Monarch Six Sun naturally couldnʼt afford to be haughty and stepped forward to greet Lan Changʼan.

”True Monarch Six Sun, I have long heard of your great name.”

Lan Changʼan nodded and returned the greeting.

Although this was their first meeting in reality, Lan Changʼan had a deep impression of this man.

Having transformed Master Lihuo into his fourth life, it felt as though he had lived through that life, and the memory of that crushing defeat was still vivid.

Today, observing True Monarch Six Sunʼs aura, Lan Changʼan could tell that he had been at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage for many years, with vast and powerful spiritual energy, his divine abilities likely having improved significantly.

Back then, Master Lihuo and True Monarch Six Sun had been evenly matched, but the former had been outmaneuvered.

”I just received news that True Monarch Lan defeated True Monarch Black Feather at the frontlines, destroying his physical body and spirit beast. I am truly impressed.”

Liang Shaotianʼs tone was full of admiration, and his mention of the event carried a hint of confirmation.

The details of the battle between the two True Monarchs were not necessarily accurate in the hastily obtained intelligence.

”Destroyed True Monarch Black Featherʼs physical body?”

True Monarch Six Sunʼs pupils contracted, and he couldnʼt help but show a look of astonishment.

He had come from the Liang Kingdom to assist and had received the intelligence slower than the local Sect Master Liang. He only knew that the ”Turtle Talisman Master” from Liang Kingdomʼs past had returned after achieving Nascent Soul.

The uncertain part of the intelligence suggested that the Evergreen True Monarch had clashed with True Monarch Black Feather and seemingly forced him to retreat.

As they approached the border of Jing Kingdom, True Monarch Six Sun had assumed that the demonic True Monarch had chosen to disengage rather than continue the fight, but the reports had exaggerated it into a defeat.

The overall strength of demonic True Monarchs generally surpassed that of the Righteous Dao Alliance. How could they be so easily defeated?

True Monarch Six Sun had fought True Monarch Black Feather before. The latterʼs mobility allowed him to come and go as he pleased, and True Monarch Six Sun had never gained the upper hand, often finding himself in a passive position.

...

”It was merely luck!”

Lan Changʼan did not deny the achievement and explained, ”I had just returned to the eastern region, and True Monarch Black Feather was arrogant and underestimated me, unaware of my capabilities. Thatʼs how he fell into my trap.”

He briefly recounted the battle, sticking to the conventional methods that were visible on the surface.

Even the fourth-rank poison he had used was a common variant.

Lan Changʼan knew that a fourth-rank low-grade poison wouldnʼt be enough to kill a Nascent Soul cultivator in the short term.

Once the enemy returned to the Beast King Valley, as a top-tier force in the Great Qing, they would surely have means to counteract the poison.

Some long-established forces in the Great Qing also stockpiled fourth-rank poisons, but the key was to breach the opponentʼs divine abilities, protective barriers, and infiltrate their body.

During his battle with True Monarch Black Feather, Lan Changʼan had controlled the spirit beast to lure the latter into close range for a rescue, used a wooden clone to distract him, and had Lord Earthrock launch a surprise attack, cracking his protective barrier.

Moreover, the common fourth-rank poisons in the region likely had corresponding antidotes prepared by hostile factions, making them less threatening.

The real threats were rare and exotic poisons, or those not native to the region.

”A demon king spirit beast... fourth-rank poison... I see.”

True Monarch Six Sun suddenly understood, feeling a pang of envy at Lan Changʼanʼs possession of a fourth-rank spirit beast.

At the same time, he keenly noticed that Sect Master Liang showed no surprise at Lan Changʼanʼs achievements, as if they were to be expected.

”The relationship between these two is not simple.”

True Monarch Six Sun felt a sense of wariness and dismissed the idea of trying to win over the Evergreen True Monarch.

Lan Changʼanʼs displayed strength surpassed that of an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul, equivalent to two Nascent Soul combatants. Having such a figure join the sect midway might not be a good thing.

At this level, the Golden Sun Sect had little in the way of sufficient opportunities or benefits to offer as an incentive.

Moreover, with Lan Changʼanʼs connections to Liang Shaotian and Zhang Tianfeng, it was unlikely he would choose the Golden Sun Sect.

True Monarch Six Sun felt a faint sense of unease. If Lan Changʼan joined the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect, it would be one thing, but if he joined the Jin Yun Valley, it could potentially affect the balance of power in Liang Kingdomʼs cultivation world.

...

”True Monarch Lan, since youʼre returning to the Liang Kingdom, why not stop by our sect as a guest on the way?”

Sect Master Liang suggested.

”That works.”

Lan Changʼan thought about it and realized it was indeed on the way.

He and Liang Shaotian had only crossed paths three times in the past, and each time, they had been wary of each other, their relationship was always delicate.

The first time was at the Mu familyʼs herb garden, where Lan Changʼan had pretended to be a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator from an era long past, successfully intimidating Liang Shaotian.

The second time, Liang Shaotian had displayed his demonic flames outside the Bamboo Leaf Mountain market town, locking eyes with Lan Changʼan.

The third time, Lan Changʼan had orchestrated the capture of the Peacock Saintess and, using his fourth life, disguised himself as a Nascent Soul senior with the Hundred Illusions Mask. In front of Liang Shaotian, he had instantly killed the five-colored peacock spirit beast, which had a Heavenly-grade bloodline.

”I still need to inspect the frontlines, so I wonʼt bother Sect Master Liang any further.”

True Monarch Six Sun, knowing that the two had catching up to do, tactfully excused himself.

Lan Changʼan invited Sect Master Liang to board the Profound Water Turtle, and they flew toward Liang Kingdom.

The Profound Water Turtle, over seven zhang wide, had plenty of space and could easily carry more than a dozen people.

Liang Shaotian sat down at a long table, glancing at the captured Zhu Yuting but not inquiring further.

Feeling Sect Master Liangʼs gaze, Zhu Yuting shivered like a lamb awaiting slaughter, her body icy cold.

The conversation between the two men was inaudible to her.

”Should I address you as Fellow Daoist Lan or Senior Yan?”

Sect Master Liang asked without any change in expression, subtly probing.

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, his horizons had broadened, and he had learned more secrets about the upper echelons of the cultivation world.

Having been fooled by Lan Changʼan more than once, Liang Shaotian had inevitably noticed some inconsistencies.

”We are both Nascent Souls, so we should address each other as peers. As for Senior Yan, thereʼs no need to mention him again.”

Since learning about the secrets surrounding Yan Donglai from Jing Wufeng and confirming that the legendary Great Cultivator wasnʼt completely dead and that there was still the ”Thousand-Year Evergreen Calamity” Lan Changʼan had become wary of even mentioning the name.

Yan Donglai, having lived for so long, was likely also skilled in divination, perhaps even more so than most. If he had already revived, mentioning or impersonating his name could carry certain risks.

”Was the ʼCyanwood True Monarchʼ who came to the eastern region of the Great Qing looking to cause trouble for Fellow Daoist Lan?”

Sect Master Liang continued.

”Correct.”

Lan Changʼan didnʼt deny it. This matter couldnʼt be hidden from those who paid attention, such as the Heavenly Master of Fengyuan Kingdom.

Liang Shaotian knew some of his secrets and had been particularly attentive. It wasnʼt surprising that he had connected the dots regarding the Evergreen Technique and guessed the Cyanwood True Monarchʼs intentions.

”Given Fellow Daoist Lanʼs temperament, daring to return to the Great Qing suggests you already have a strategy to deal with him.”

Liang Shaotian smiled faintly, exuding a chilling aura of cruelty reminiscent of a villain from the demonic path.

Lan Changʼan sighed, ”Itʼs not difficult to protect myself, but with an ally like Sect Master Liang, my chances of success would increase by twenty percent.”

After returning to the Great Qing, Lan Changʼan had used various intelligence clues to fully calculate the Cyanwood True Monarchʼs movements, though he had encountered significant interference from fate.

He had also simulated battles against the Cyanwood True Monarch.

The results showed that the Cyanwood True Monarch was also adept at positional battles.

His threatening sword formation, as long as one didnʼt engage in prolonged combat, could be mitigated by quickly creating distance during its setup, making it less dangerous than imagined.

A complete sword formation took time to set up, similar to Lan Changʼanʼs puppet battle formation, and was slower to activate than a single magical treasure.

If Lan Changʼan could improve his speed and movement techniques, he could even outmaneuver the Cyanwood True Monarch in combat.

This was the downside of revealing powerful techniques, especially to those skilled in divination.

If Lan Changʼan had revealed the soul-piercing power of the Barbed Arrow upon his arrival in the Great Qing, the Cyanwood True Monarch would likely have scoured the world for soul-defense treasures.

To Lan Changʼanʼs surprise, the Cyanwood True Monarch still hadnʼt advanced to the mid-stage Nascent Soul level.

The exact reason was unknown, but it might be related to the secrets of the Evergreen Technique or the legacy cultivation method left behind by Yan Donglai.

Thus, in his calculations, the threat posed by the Cyanwood True Monarch had significantly diminished and no longer constituted a calamity.

”This seatʼs help has only increased the chances of victory by twenty percent?”

Liang Shaotian fell silent for a moment.

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, he could no longer fight above his level as he had during the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages, even if it was just a minor realm.

Back then, he had been able to do so because of the powerful inheritance and opportunities he had obtained, granting him stronger divine abilities and rich combat experience, allowing him to surpass ordinary cultivators.

But at the Nascent Soul level, who didnʼt have a powerful inheritance, extraordinary background, or great opportunities?

Liang Shaotianʼs divine abilities and strength were only considered upper-tier among early-stage Nascent Souls, and against True Monarch Black Feather, who excelled in speed, he had been unable to gain the upper hand.

His white hair was the result of overexerting his life force during a battle where the Beast King Valleyʼs grand elder had joined the fray, adding another mid-stage Nascent Soul to the mix and drawing Alliance Leader Chu away.

Liang Shaotian and another early-stage Nascent Soul had teamed up to hold off the Beast King Valleyʼs sect master, but even just containing him had been immensely stressful.

...

The Xuan Yin Sect was located on the eastern border of the original Jing Kingdom, adjacent to the Black Fog Mountain Range.

Having been established for two to three hundred years, the Xuan Yin Sect had expanded its territory significantly through continuous development.

Due to its relatively shallow foundation, even with substantial resource investment and assistance from the Righteous Dao Allianceʼs formation masters, the sectʼs spiritual vein had only been cultivated to a quasi-fourth-rank level.

Fortunately, with only Liang Shaotian, an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, in the sect, supplementing spiritual stones and pills was sufficient for cultivation without major hindrances.

Because of this, Liang Shaotian had never considered inviting Lan Changʼan to join the Xuan Yin Sect.

”Greetings, Sect Master!”

”Respects to True Monarch Lan!”

When the Profound Water Turtle arrived, a group of Xuan Yin Sect cultivators stood outside the mountain gate to welcome them.

The sectʼs mountain gate was located in a deep valley, with architecture resembling dark-toned ancient castles, featuring sharp angles and an aggressive aesthetic.

”Sect Master Liang, youʼve managed the sect well. The Xuan Yin Sect is truly a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy.”

Lan Changʼanʼs gaze swept over the welcoming disciples. Although only a portion of them were present, there were already three True Dan cultivators among them.

”If weʼre talking about managing a sect, I canʼt compare to True Monarch Tianfeng of the Jin Yun Valley. Fortunately, our sect has some talented individuals in management, or else I wouldnʼt be able to handle it.”

Liang Shaotian wasnʼt one for false modesty and spoke frankly.

In the Xuan Yin Sect, he focused solely on improving his divine abilities and strength, leaving the management to capable disciples.

Lan Changʼan stored the Profound Water Turtle and followed Liang Shaotian into the Xuan Yin Sectʼs headquarters.

”Xueqing, come and serve tea.”

Liang Shaotian beckoned, calling over a girl dressed in a moon-white robe, her appearance pure and beautiful, like a serene painting.

The girl appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with a Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Lan Changʼan understood that this young girl who had caught Liang Shaotianʼs attention was likely no ordinary child.

”This is my grand disciple, ʼZhu Xueqing,ʼ a disciple of Li Hai. She possesses the Profound Yin Dao Body. Since my disciple Li Hai is away on a mission, Iʼve asked his disciple to entertain True Monarch Lan.”

Liang Shaotian introduced her via voice transmission.

”Xueqing pays her respects to True Monarch Lan.”

Zhu Xueqing bowed slightly, her eyes clear and pure, a rarity in the cultivation world.

She showed no fear of the Nascent Soul elder, even meeting Lan Changʼanʼs gaze directly and curiously observing him.

Lan Changʼanʼs youthful appearance left her unable to hide her surprise.

”A great teacher produces a brilliant student. What a fine piece of jade.”

Lan Changʼan praised, finding it hard to believe that this girl, who resembled moonlight on fresh snow, possessed the Profound Yin Dao Body.

Liang Shaotian had likely brought her here to make an impression on Lan Changʼan.

...

Upon entering the demon sectʼs headquarters, Lan Changʼan faintly sensed something and glanced toward a corridor entrance but saw nothing.

As a guest in the Xuan Yin Sect, it wouldnʼt be appropriate to openly scan the area with his spiritual sense.

At the corner of the corridor.

”True Monarch Lan? Itʼs really him...”

A burly old man with a wheat-colored complexion held his breath, suppressing his spiritual power and spiritual sense, daring only to glance out of the corner of his eye.

Unexpectedly, the Evergreen True Monarch had still sensed him.

Xiang Jinglong was startled, recalling his past attempt to freeload at Wuqi Mountain and extort Lan Changʼan, which had fortunately failed.

During his time in the Liang Kingdom, he had been inexplicably framed and hunted by the Flame Departing Palace. Later, he joined the Xuan Yin Sect and enjoyed a period of stability.

But then, in Jing Kingdom, he had been framed again, suspected of being the ”Xiang Immortal” who had killed Huxiao Immortal.

At that time, Xiang Jinglongʼs investigation had led him to the Snow Fox Merchant Association, where he discovered its connection to the ”Turtle Immortal,” who had achieved True Dan.

As a result, Sect Master Liang had ordered him to cease any investigation related to Lan Changʼan.

In the decade or two after Lan Changʼanʼs disappearance, the Unseen Gate had suddenly elevated their assessment of the ”Xiang Immortal,” considering him a significant potential threat.

Xiang Jinglongʼs reputation in the demonic faction had grown inexplicably.

He felt that, from a certain point onward, his life had always been overshadowed by an unseen mastermind from behind the scenes.

Now, seeing Lan Changʼan return as a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Xiang Jinglong finally confirmed his suspicions.

The trajectory of his framed life aligned too perfectly with the growth path of this True Monarch Lan, making it far more than a coincidence.

”After taking so many falls for True Monarch Lan, surely he wouldn’t silence me for good...right?”

Having confirmed the truth, Xiang Jinglong was filled with dread.

At this moment, any desire to uncover the true culprit had vanished.

He felt hopeless and terrified, worried that True Monarch Lan might target him and that he would bear even greater karmic blame in his twilight years.

...

Xuan Yin Sect Main Hall.

Liang Shaotian and Lan Changʼan took their seats as host and guest, while Zhu Xueqing stood nearby like a maid, ready to serve.

At this moment, after some calculations, Lan Changʼan confirmed the identity of the person who had been secretly peeping, it was someone with a karmic connection to him.

”Why havenʼt I seen Protector Xiang of your sect?”

Lan Changʼan asked casually.

”Protector Xiang has served the Xuan Yin Sect with great dedication, but he is now quite old. Even after taking Life Extension Pills, his remaining lifespan is limited. He is currently enjoying his retirement within the sect and guarding important areas, so we didnʼt disturb him.”

”Oh, I see.”

Lan Changʼan did the math. Xiang Jinglong was older than him, so it made sense that his lifespan was running out.

”Protector Xiangʼs youngest son is celebrating his tenth birthday today. Xueqing just attended the celebration.”

Zhu Xueqing added from the side.

”I forgot about that.”

Liang Shaotian chuckled and immediately instructed, ”Xueqing, after this, bring a birthday gift on my behalf.”

It turned out that Xiang Jinglong had had a son late in life, and the boy possessed a decent high-grade spiritual root.

This youngest son was Xiang Jinglongʼs hope for the future, a seedling he was nurturing with great care.

As one of the loyal founding elders of the Xuan Yin Sect, the sect also invested more resources into his son.

”Xueqing thanks the Sect Master for his kindness on behalf of ʼShaolong(Young Dragon)ʼ”

Zhu Xueqing accepted the task.

Shaolong?

Lan Changʼan was momentarily stunned and couldnʼt help but ask, ”What is Xiang Jinglongʼs youngest sonʼs name?”

Liang Shaotian looked slightly embarrassed. ”His youngest son is named Xiang Shaolong.”

In the Xuan Yin Sect, Xiang Jinglong was known for flattering his superiors, especially Sect Master Liang, who in his youth had been notoriously thin-skinned about his face.

Coupled with his loyalty and hard work, Xiang Jinglong had earned the sect masterʼs favor, receiving top-tier body cultivation techniques and enjoying good treatment.

To highlight his close relationship with the sect master, Xiang Jinglong had named his youngest son ”Shaolong.”

The character ”Shao” could be associated with the sect masterʼs name, while also referring to the youngest son, a double meaning that left Liang Shaotian no grounds to reprimand him.

Xiang Jinglong, with his thick skin, had even wanted Xiang Shaolong to recognize the sect master as his godfather, but Liang Shaotian had refused.

”This Lan and Protector Xiang were acquaintances in the past. Since today is the tenth birthday of his youngest son Xiang Shaolong, I will also send a birthday gift.”

After some thought, Lan Changʼan took out a spirit shell glowing with a deep blue light from his spatial ring.

Liang Shaotian glanced at it and noticed that the spirit shell was a valuable third-rank treasure that had some sort of beneficial effects for cultivation and didnʼt seem to be a product of Great Qing.

He had an odd expression on his face, as he had the impression that Lan Changʼan and Xiang Jinglong had no real friendship and had even been at odds at one point.

Liang Shaotian didnʼt ask further and had his grand disciple accept the birthday gift, expressing gratitude.

...

Two hours later.

Lan Changʼan politely declined Liang Shaotianʼs invitation to dinner and left the Xuan Yin Sect.

Liang Shaotian had suggested having Xiang Jinglong come personally to thank him, but Lan Changʼan refused.

The reason Lan Changʼan had given such a valuable birthday gift was to reassure Xiang Jinglong that he wouldnʼt cause him any trouble.

Back in the lower and middle ranks of the cultivation world, Xiang Jinglong had taken the fall for Lan Changʼan, buying him time to cultivate and grow in peace.

Now that they were on the same side, past grievances were insignificant.

Having borne this karmic burden, Lan Changʼan couldnʼt leave without giving something in return, hence the spirit shell treasure for Xiang Shaolong.

Lan Changʼan rode the Profound Water Turtle and left the Xuan Yin Sect.

As he crossed the border of Jing Kingdom, Lan Changʼan glanced toward the Black Fog Mountain Range to the north of the Xuan Yin Sect, a hint of wariness in his eyes.

During his conversation with Sect Master Liang, he had learned a secret about the Great Qing.

It was said that within the Black Fog Mountain Range, which stretched across the Great Qing, there existed a quasi-true spirit bloodline creature known as the ”Human-Faced Jiao Dragon.”

This Human-Faced Jiao Dragon had lived for an extremely long time. Although it hadnʼt reached the late fourth-rank level, rumors suggested that the leaders of the Six Demonic Sects and the Ten Xuan Sects were wary of it and dared not expand their influence into the depths of the Black Fog Mountain Range.

Fortunately, the Human-Faced Jiao Dragon had reportedly reached an agreement with the leaders of the Great Qingʼs central region many years ago, agreeing to coexist peacefully with human cultivators.

As long as human cultivators didnʼt provoke it, the Human-Faced Jiao Dragon wouldnʼt attack.

”The cultivation world is full of wonders. Even though the Great Qing has no Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, itʼs unwise to be too high-profile. Otherwise, powerful and mysterious beings might take notice prematurely...”

Lan Changʼan mused to himself. Returning to the Great Qing and playing with a steady hand had been the right move.

A few days later.

Lan Changʼan, riding the Profound Water Turtle, crossed the wastelands and natural barriers between the two countries and finally arrived in Liang Kingdomʼs cultivation world, a place he hadnʼt seen in nearly a century.

New novel thatʼs equally as fun^^ Five Immortal Sects, TLed by yours truly, me(some peeps thought otherwise lol) and the same consistency, just under a different name!