I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 409: Return to Jin Yun, Leader of the Demon Sect

Lan Changʼan made no effort to conceal his cultivation or identity, sitting comfortably atop his Profound Water Turtle as it glided through the skies.

Upon crossing the border into the Liang Kingdom, the detection formations immediately alerted the patrolling cultivators. The overwhelming surging water spiritual pressure of a late third-rank spirit turtle deterred weaker cultivators from approaching, forcing them to report the intrusion to higher authorities.

”Esteemed senior, could you be the Evergreen Immortal from Jin Yun Valley a century ago?”

Moments later, three Core Formation cultivators approached on streaks of light, the strongest among them radiating the power of a late-stage Core Formation expert.

At the center of a fiery-red aura stood a middle-aged to elderly cultivator clad in ancient azure battle robes. His temples were streaked with silver, yet his eyes burned with vigor, his back straight as a spear.

”Indeed, itʼs this Lan!”

Lan Changʼan nodded faintly. As expected of his homeland, his identity had been recognized swiftly.

Among the three Core Formation cultivators, two men and a woman, only the elderly leader at the late Core Formation stage seemed vaguely familiar to him.

”This old man is Tuoba Jin, Grand Elder of the Liuyun Sect…”

The elderly cultivatorʼs sharp eyes flickered with golden light as he scrutinized Lan Changʼanʼs identity.

Boom!

Tuoba Jinʼs expression shifted abruptly as he sensed the unfathomable depth of the newcomerʼs mana—like an abyss or an endless sea. His probing technique was effortlessly dispersed by an invisible Nascent Soul-level force.

His eyes burned as if staring directly into the midday sun.

The three Core Formation cultivators gasped, their faces twisting in shock and disbelief.

The legendary ”Turtle Immortal,” a peculiar figure among the loose cultivators, had actually broken the shackles and ascended to the pinnacle of the cultivation world!

”We greet True Monarch Lan!”

”We pay our respects to the Evergreen True Monarch!”

Tuoba Jin and the other two Core Formation cultivators bowed deeply, their voices tinged with awe and uncertainty.

”You are Tuoba Jin?”

Lan Changʼanʼs gaze lingered on the elderly Core Formation cultivator.

Beneath the weathering of time—the softened edges of his features, the silver-streaked hair—he could still trace the shadow of the proud genius who had once challenged a Fake Dan expert as a Foundation Establishment cultivator before the gates of Huanglong Immortal City.

”In Liang Kingdomʼs cultivation world, there should only be one Core Formation cultivator named Tuoba Jin.”

Tuoba Jin felt a flicker of unease under the True Monarchʼs scrutiny. Could it be he had unknowingly offended this figure in the past? Back in his younger days, heʼd been too ambitious and arrogant for his own good—and had rubbed plenty of people the wrong way because of it.

The two belonged to the same generation, their ages were similar. Yet their paths had been worlds apart.

Before Core Formation, they had never crossed paths—Lan Changʼan had been a mere loose cultivator, while Tuoba Jin had been a sectʼs rising star.

Moreover, Tuoba Jin had formed his Core far earlier than Lan Changʼan.

”Heh, Fellow Daoist Tuoba doesnʼt need to be nervous. There is no enmity between us. It’s merely that this Lan once witnessed Fellow Daoist Tuoba’s battle against a Fake Dan expert in Huanglong Immortal City, back when I was but a wandering cultivator.”

Lan Changʼan smiled warmly, clarifying the matter.

”You flatter this old man, True Monarch. I dare not claim such admiration.”

Tuoba Jin exhaled inwardly in relief, his tone humble.

With no further ties to discuss, Lan Changʼan exchanged only a few pleasantries before steering his Profound Water Turtle toward the heart of Liang Kingdom.

...

”Fellow Daoist Tuoba…”

The other two Core Formation cultivators wore strange expressions as they watched the massive turtle and the lofty white-robed figure vanish into the distance.

Tuoba Jin’s heart churned with complex emotions. The loose cultivator he had once paid no mind to had over centuries of cultivation surpassed him, a former heavenly pride.

The Liuyun Sect, where Tuoba Jin served as Grand Elder, had once been Liang Kingdom’s second-greatest power during the era of the Flame Departing Sect, even surpassing Jin Yun Valley in strength and dominating the northern territories.

However, after the northern relocation of the Golden Sun Sect from the Feng Kingdom, the Liuyun Sect’s resources and territories were encroached upon.

Later, during the demonic war, Tuoba Jin had suffered severe injuries in battle while striving for military merits to exchange for Nascent Soul resources. The damage to his foundation had crippled his progress.

In terms of combat prowess and achievements, he had been far outshone by the likes of Liang Shaotian and Zhang Tianfeng of that era.

Not to mention Zhang Tianfeng, who was once Liangʼs number one Core Formation cultivator, there were other late Core Formation and Immortal Golden Dan cultivators within the Golden Sun Sect who were stronger than him.

”They say this True Monarch Lan had only an average Core quality and slow cultivation speed. How did he manage to ascend to Nascent Soul in the end?”

The female Core Formation cultivator’s eyes gleamed, guessing there was some extraordinary opportunity.

”Perhaps, like True Monarch Tianfeng, he dissolved and reformed his Core. After all, in the history of our surrounding cultivation worlds for tens of thousands of years, there has never been a recorded case of a mid or low-tier True Dan successfully forming a Nascent Soul.”

”True Monarch Tianfeng admitted to reforming his Core. Given True Monarch Lan’s close ties to him, it’s likely he underwent a similar process.”

The three Core Formation cultivators couldn’t help but discuss the newly returned Nascent Soul expert, their voices tinged with envy and bitterness.

Without the guidance of a Nascent Soul elder, dissolving one’s Core was perilous. One had to ensure success in reforming it, all while expending vast resources again.

Lan Changʼan’s ascension undoubtedly involved hidden opportunities, perhaps rare treasures like Yin Yang Water.

Yet, those who reached Nascent Soul were almost always blessed with extraordinary fortune.

At this level, most no longer feared others uncovering their secrets.

...

After crossing Liang Kingdom’s borders, Lan Changʼan traveled without pause, meeting no further obstacles.

By midday, the Profound Water Turtle treading upon rippling water energy approached Jin Yun Valley.

”A fourth-rank spiritual vein, as expected. Old Zhang must have his own methods for nurturing spiritual veins. The support of the Righteous Dao Alliance alone wouldn’t have been enough.”

From afar, Lan Changʼan sensed the vibrant spiritual energy radiating from the mountain range where Jin Yun Valley stood. The sect’s aura was flourishing, no less prosperous than the Yunxia Sect’s.

Jin Yun Valley’s foundation and history surpassed even the Xuan Yin Sect’s. When Lan Changʼan had left, it had already been a major power with a peak third-rank spiritual vein.

Two hundred li away.

From Jin Yun Valley’s fourth-rank main peak, a golden streak of Nascent Soul-level light shot forth, dazzling like a soaring dragon, its momentum overwhelming.

”The Supreme Elder has emerged from seclusion!”

It was Zhang Tianfeng who had personally come forth to greet Lan Changʼan after sensing his arrival.

Lan Changʼan patted the turtle’s shell, and the Profound Water Turtle’s water ripples intensified, speeding up slightly.

At the sect’s entrance, Jin Yun Valley’s high-ranking Immortals and numerous disciples turned their attention to the approaching giant turtle.

The dark-green turtle, spanning seven zhang wide, resembled a floating mountain, riding the winds and waves as it advanced, its spiritual pressure crashing like tidal waves.

”A late third-rank Profound Water Turtle as a mount!”

”What extravagance! Which high-ranking person is this?”

The white-robed man standing atop the turtle was handsome and refined, his tied-back hair streaked with strands of silver.

Facing the Nascent Soul-level sect with its fourth-rank spiritual vein, he stood with hands behind his back, a faint smile on his lips, exuding an air of transcendent grace honed by centuries of trials.

”Surprisingly, itʼs him! The turt—”

”The Evergreen Immortal vanished for nearly a century. How… how dare he return now?”

Among Jin Yun Valley’s elders, the older-generation Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators immediately recognized the newcomer.

Their eyes widened in shock, some scowling, others seething with indignation.

To these veterans, the Evergreen Immortal was an unforgettable figure.

Every time Liang Kingdom or the sect faced crisis, this man would vanish without a trace, only to reappear later with excuses like ”carrying out a special mission.”

”Hmph! After disappearing for nearly a century, the Evergreen Immortal still has the face to return.”

”Let’s see what excuses he has this time!”

”Now that Jin Yun Valley stands at its peak of glory, he’s surely here to leech off the Supreme Elder’s favor and worm his way back into the sect.”

Several Core Formation elders sneered, exchanging glances before flying out to meet him.

”Master, why did you say ‘return’ again?”

A newly promoted Foundation Establishment disciple, unfamiliar with the past, turned to his elder in confusion.

...

As heated discussions spread through the sect, turbulent dark waters churned in the clouds above.

The legendary cultivator, both praised and scorned in Liang Kingdom’s cultivation world, brought his Profound Water Turtle to a halt above the sect’s entrance.

Supreme Elder Zhang Tianfeng stepped forward on a cushion of clouds, cupping his hands with a smile.

”True Monarch Lan’s return to Liang Kingdom is a joyous occasion. This Zhang just recently received word from the Righteous Dao Alliance’s border scouts…”

Zhang Tieshan’s appearance had changed little since his Core Formation days—his face slightly darkened by time, his broad frame wrapped in black robes, standing tall like an unshakable mountain. His presence exuded authority and steadiness.

”Haha! Fellow Daoist Zhang has managed Jin Yun Valley so well that it has ascended to a Nascent Soul-level power. As a guest elder of this sect, this Lan is honored to be a part of it!”

Lan Chang’an clapped his hand on Zhang’s shoulder in congratulation.

The Jin Yun Valley cultivators watching the scene gaped in astonishment.

Supreme Elder Zhang, a True Monarch, was treating the returning ”Turtle Immortal” as equals, warmly talking to each other.

And that shameless turtle-riding immortal even had the audacity to shamelessly clap the Grand Elder’s shoulder like an old friend!

”Hmm?”

The Core Formation elders who had come out to greet them suddenly paled, their expressions twisting as if they had seen a ghost.

Lan Changʼan had not actively concealed his cultivation, but riding the turtle instead of flying himself meant he wasn’t flaunting his Nascent Soul-level spiritual pressure. Still, high-level cultivators nearby could easily discern his realm.

”W-We greet True Monarch Lan…”

The previously indignant Core Formation elders forced stiff smiles, swallowing the righteous reprimands they had prepared.

”Fellow Immortals, it’s been a while.”

Lan Changʼan remained unperturbed, greeting both old and new faces with familiarity.

Nearly a century had passed since his departure, and while some of the Core Formation experts had been replaced, many remained.

The sight of these old-timers choking back their frustration put Lan Chang’an in an excellent mood, he was laughing inside.

If only they knew the weight of being Jin Yun Valley’s ”Lucky Star,” the silent contributions I made for this sect.

But Lan Changʼan was too lazy to bother with them.

”Dare I ask where Elder Lan has been these past hundred years?”

The question came from a black-bearded elder—Core Formation mid-stage, now the sect’s Law Enforcement Elder. Lan Changʼan vaguely remembered him.

Had Lan Changʼan still been a mere Immortal, this Elder Miao would have sneered, ”Dare I ask Immortal Lan, what ‘secret mission’ kept you occupied for a century?”

”A long story,” Lan Changʼan sighed. ”Back then, I was merely an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, unskilled in combat. Yet the Beast King Valley’s Monarch Ten Thousand Crane and the Peacock Saintess coveted my Profound Water Turtle and beast-taming secrets, even using a traitor to lure me into an ambush.”

”At the time, the Beast King Valley was too powerful. To avoid dragging Jin Yun Valley into the demonic war and suffering greater losses, I had no choice but to flee the Righteous Dao Alliance and seek opportunities elsewhere…”

”Before leaving, I informed Fellow Daoist Zhang.”

He paused, glancing at Zhang Tianfeng.

”This is true. Staying would have endangered both Elder Lan and the sect.”

Zhang Tianfeng nodded in confirmation.

Lan Changʼan’s successful ascension to Nascent Soul proved the wisdom of his decision, leaving no room for criticism.

In Liang Kingdom’s ten-thousand-year history, only Zhang Tianfeng had ever reached Nascent Soul from a non-Nascent Soul faction, and even that was during the chaos of war.

It showed just how rigid the cultivation world’s hierarchy was, and how difficult it was for ordinary cultivators to reach the peak.

”Later, by sheer luck, I achieved Nascent Soul. With the threat of Monarch Ten Thousand Crane and the Peacock Saintess neutralized, the time was right to return.”

”This woman, Zhu Yuting, was once a traitor within Jin Yun Valley. I’ve captured her and will hand her over to the Law Enforcement Hall for judgment.”

With that, Lan Changʼan produced the bound woman from behind the turtle.

”It is indeed that traitor, the demonic spy!”

Elder Miao confirmed her identity before bowing apologetically to Lan Changʼan.

Hearing the True Monarch’s explanation, the Core Formation elders’ expressions softened.

The Evergreen Immortal’s choice had been rational, protecting himself while sparing the sect.

Had he stayed in the Liang Kingdom, competing for resources amid external threats, he would never have reached such heights.

...

After handing Zhu Yuting over, Lan Changʼan entered Jin Yun Valley with Zhang Tieshan.

As a Nascent Soul power, the sect had expanded. The former Grand Elder’s mountain had become a fourth-rank spiritual vein ground.

The Great Sun Peak where Lan Changʼan once cultivated still stood, though it now belonged to another elder.

”Where is Tan’er?”

Lan Changʼan scanned the sect with his spiritual sense before asking.

Zhao Tan’er, Zhao Siyao’s only female disciple and an immortal seedling of the Zhao bloodline, had always been treated like a daughter.

”Elder Zhao is stationed at Liang Kingdom’s southeastern border on a Righteous Dao Alliance assignment.”

Lan Changʼan nodded, silently calculating.

The southeastern border lay near Wangyue Immortal City and Heng Kingdom.

Coincidentally, Jiang Yechen and Fairy Shi’s ”Nightless Town,” a refuge for loose cultivators, was in that general area.

”There’s an unoccupied peak in the fourth-rank spiritual vein zone. If Fellow Daoist Lan waits a few days, the sect will prepare a cave abode to your specifications.”

”No rush.”

Lan Changʼan followed Zhang Tianfeng to his own estate, Sky Maple Mountain, which was transformed from the Grand Elder’s cultivation ground of back then.

The mountain, nestled beside a lake, was neither tall nor imposing, but serene and picturesque.

Inside the cave abode, only one or two elderly servants attended to Zhang Tieshan. There were no concubines or maids.

From Qi-Refining to Nascent Soul, Zhang Tieshan had never taken a Dao companion, walking his path alone through hardship and opportunity.

...

The two True Monarchs sat, sipping tea and reminiscing.

Zhang Tianfeng did not pry into Lan Changʼan’s century-long absence.

Their conversation centered on the demonic war and the Righteous Dao Alliance’s current state.

Beast King Valley, in addition to seizing the majority of the territory controlled by the Alliance, had earlier taken over land at the rear that was no less significant than that of the Alliance. They now need to integrate and reorganize those subordinate forces.

Disputes over resource distribution among the six demonic sects had led to a decades-long ceasefire, influenced by factors like Monarch Lingyu and Monarch Cyanwood’s interventions, the scheming of the Ten Xuan Sects, and internal demonic power struggles.

Ultimately, the Six Demonic Sects had achieved their primary goal, entrenching themselves in the Eastern Region and subjugating countless factions.

Now, they would slowly gnaw at harder targets, like the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

As for the Righteous Dao Alliance’s three countries, the Beast King Valley simply didn’t wish to pay the price for a full conquest.

”Decades ago, when the Alliance teetered on collapse, the Beast King Valley proposed that the remaining three nations become subordinates, requiring only submission and annual tributes. In return, we would join their campaigns against other regions.”

Lan Changʼan’s heart skipped a beat.

Had that agreement been reached, Liang Kingdom would now be a demonic vassal, a far more troublesome scenario for him.

”Some Alliance elders were tempted, but Alliance Leader Chu firmly refused.”

Zhang Tianfeng paused meaningfully.

Lan Changʼan pondered. Chu Tianfeng’s refusal likely stemmed from Monarch Lingyu’s influence and the Ten Xuan Sects’ backing.

”Later, each side took a step back.”

”The Alliance had to agree to trade agreements, establishing neutral zones for commerce. Both parties established several neutral trade zones to allow cultivators from both sides to engage in business and exchange resources. The agreement stipulated that the Allianceʼs cultivation resources could only be traded with Beast King Valley; otherwise, it would be considered smuggling.

However, with the Righteous Dao Alliance being encircled by the Beast King Valley, there were no other channels except for Liang, which could barely communicate with the Fengyuan Kingdom.”

Lan Changʼan’s expression darkened.

The Beast King Valley had ceased open war only to wage an invisible, bloodless conflict.

Trade zones weren’t just economic exploitation, they were a means of infiltration. The demonic sects’ superior resources and techniques would slowly seduce the Alliance’s cultivators.

Given a century or two, the Beast King Valley could assimilate the three nations without lifting a blade.

Corrupt the leadership and the Righteous Dao Alliance might collapse from within.

Zhang Tianfeng fell silent.

His artifact spirit had long concluded that the Righteous Dao Alliance merging with the demonic path was inevitable. Whether they comply or resist, they cannot alter the overwhelming tide of the era.

...

”Facing just the Beast King Valley, the disparity in strength wouldnʼt seem insurmountable. If another mid-stage Nascent Soul emerged, could the tide be turned?”

Lan Changʼan mused.

Having returned from the Great Yuan, he had seen quite a few factions at the Beast King Valleyʼs level before, they no longer intimidated him.

Zhang Tianfeng studied him before replying:

”Unlikely. The Beast King Valley conserves its strength, never committing fully to avoid losses. And the Unseen Gate’s spies are everywhere.”

”To reverse the situation, we’d need to kill one of their mid-stage Nascent Souls.”

Kill a mid-stage Nascent Soul?

When Lan Changʼan heard this, he couldnʼt help but shake his head, the difficulty was indeed high.

Resisting, defeating, and slaying a mid-stage Nascent Soul were three entirely different challenges. Even the famous ”Twin Dragons of the Central Region” had never achieved the third, that was the domain of Nascent Soul Great Cultivators.

”And it would have to be the Beast King Valley’s Grand Elder, one of the demonic sect leaders. Otherwise, it might not change anything. But in all of Great Qing, no one can accomplish that.”

Zhang Tianfeng shook his head.

”A demonic sect leader? How formidable is their Grand Elder?”

Lan Changʼan only remembered that the previous True Monarch of the Proud Moon Palace had died at his hands.

”Decades ago, the renowned ‘Monarch Cyanwood’ was ambushed by the Beast King Valley’s Grand Elder and a mid-stage Nascent Soul from the Unseen Gate. He barely escaped with his life.”

”According to the Ten Xuan Sects’ intelligence, the Grand Elder is nearly immortal. He possesses a mysterious fourth-rank Heavenly Silkworm, though weak in direct combat, it grants longevity and rejuvenation. Once every century, it allows him to ‘cocoon rebirth.’”

”Centuries ago, multiple Xuan Sect True Monarchs cornered him, sacrificing dearly to exhaust his mana and leave him mortally wounded. Yet he simply cocooned and revived—healing his injuries in an instant and regaining his peak state of mana. The Xuan Sect True Monarchs who paid a heavy price broke on the spot…”

Zhang Tianfeng’s voice carried helplessness.

Lan Changʼan could imagine the despair. Killing a mid-stage Nascent Soul required staggering sacrifices, exhausting every last resource and technique.

Yet, the target simply recovers completely, as if full of life and power once more, whatʼs the point of even fighting under such conditions?

”Worthy of being one of the leaders of the Demon Sect.”

In Lan Changʼan’s estimation, the Beast King Valley’s Grand Elder ranked among the top three of the Six Demonic Sects.

Armed with these revelations, Lan Changʼan realized no single Nascent Soul could alter the Eastern Region’s fate.

Only a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, one who dominated an entire region, could force the demonic sects to retreat from Great Qing’s heartland.

For now, Lan Changʼan could protect himself in Great Qing and nudge local forces, but reshaping the Eastern Region’s destiny remained beyond him.

...

The two True Monarchs talked late into the night before Lan Changʼan took his leave, settling in a guest abode while awaiting his new abode’s preparation.

”Tie’er, that brat’s got quite a lot of good stuff on him, smells of oceanic treasures. This old man’s certain he has materials to repair spiritual treasures on him.”

A childlike yet aged voice echoed in Zhang Tianfeng’s mind.

”Oceanic treasures? Could Fellow Daoist Lan have journeyed overseas or near the sea?”

Zhang Tianfeng was stunned.

Great Qing was landlocked, and finding oceanic resources here was nearly impossible.

”If he dared return, his strength likely rivals Monarch Cyanwood’s, enough to face a mid-stage Nascent Soul. I doubt I have anything he’d want in exchange.”

Zhang Tianfeng smiled wryly, producing a charred, unremarkable metal rod.

Over centuries of effort, Zhang Tianfeng allowed the initial fragment of the spiritual treasure to absorb an immense amount of golden and iron essences. Guided by the Artifact Spiritʼs sensing, he sought out two additional fragments of the spiritual treasure in the Eastern Region of Great Qing.

Furthermore, with his exceptional artifact-refining skills, he incorporated and refined numerous materials of fourth rank or higher. Only then was a barely formed, incomplete spiritual treasure finally born.

Nowadays, the incomplete spiritual treasure slightly surpasses the quality of ordinary superior-grade magical treasures and possesses some of the extraordinary properties of a true spiritual treasure. Moreover, due to the control of the Artifact Spirit, its mana consumption is somewhat reduced.

Zhang Tianfeng was content, after all, this artifact spirit’s past masters had all been at least Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, with no shortage of Deity Transformation Heavenly Lords among them.

”Don’t worry, Tie’er!”

The artifact spirit said in a haughty tone:

”That brat looted Black Feather True Monarch’s Black Heaven Wings, and if he wants to transform it to fit himself and bring its true power into play, any ordinary fourth-ranked artifact refiner would not be able to do it, but this artifact spirit has a feasible solution. Besides, True Monarch Cyanwood and Lan Changʼan, both practitioners of the Evergreen Technique, are enemies. He will have plenty of situations where he needs to rely on you.”

New novel thatʼs equally as fun^^ Five Immortal Sects