I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 482: Storms Rise, Sacred Lotus Maiden

Heavenly River Province, the bottom of the Tongtian River.

The River Godʼs Water Palace.

A massive figure, formed from translucent blue-green water essence, sat humbly beneath the River Godʼs grand hall throne.

Above him sat an elder in an ancient robe, hair tied with a bamboo hairpin. His neatly trimmed beard was laced with silver, exuding an air of solemn dignity accumulated through the years.

“The Heavenly One Divine Sovereign does not strike down nameless nobodies.”

Yan Donglai gazed distantly toward Fenghua Province, his expression unsurprised.

According to what he knew, each generationʼs Heavenly One Divine Sovereign never targeted weaklings of the Deity Transformation stage.

Of course, if a power provoked or offended the Heavenly One Sect, that was another matter entirely.

Even a fifth-rank grand formation could not withstand such wrath.

There was once a Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord who, before the Heavenly One Tribulation, tried rallying others of his level across the Heaven Honoured Continent to resist the Heavenly One Divine Sovereign.

As a result, he was beheaded by the Divine Sovereign halfway through.

From then on, no one dared unite against the number one cultivator in the human realm.

“Master Yan, is the next Heavenly One Divine Sovereign that ‘True Monarch Jing Tian’?”

The River Godʼs towering body over ten feet tall bent slightly as he asked respectfully.

As Heavenly River Province’s ruler, he had personally witnessed the trial battle between Heavenly One successors Jing Wufeng and the Sacred Lotus Maiden.

“Mm.”

Based on many signs, Yan Donglai deduced that one of the Great Yuan Twin Dragons, Jing Wufeng, was indeed the next Heavenly One Divine Sovereign.

He was certain to advance to the Deity Transformation stage and become number one in the human world.

“Lan Changqing forming ties with such fortune ahead of time… truly hit the jackpot.”

The River God spoke with undisguised envy.

“The karma of the Heavenly One Sect... that kid’s potential isn’t exactly top-tier, but his luck is undeniable.”

Yan Donglai’s face showed contemplation as he calculated Lan Changqing’s fate with finger signs.

But as soon as he probed deeper, the results became murky and indeterminate, it was entangled with powerful forces.

Back when he went to the Great Yuan, he was already shocked to find Lan Changqing tied by karma to the Heavenly One Sect.

Disciples of the Evergreen School rarely made it into the sacred land of any realm, into those top-tier superpowers.

Lan Changqingʼs potential and fortune still needed further assessment, but this kind of fate surprised Yan Donglai.

And because of the karmic entanglement with the Heavenly One Sect, Yan Donglai didn’t dare peer too deeply or intervene in Lan Changqing’s fate.

Both Yan Donglai and the River God believed Lan Changqing was simply lucky.

They didn’t know… perhaps the lucky one was actually True Monarch Jing Tian.

Had Lan Changqing not helped him, Jing Wufeng would’ve lost to the Sacred Lotus Maiden in the second round of trials.

Karma involving the Heavenly One Sect, even fifth-rank diviners didn’t dare casually pry into it. The truth hidden in the mists of history was beyond their sight.

...

Central State, Three Saints Temple.

The restricted land of a fifth-rank spiritual vein sect.

The vast spiritual power of three Nascent Soul great cultivators stood above three colossal pillar-like palaces, each a hundred zhang tall.

These three imposing men possessed unmatched magical power, each a peak late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. The terrifying pressure they radiated far exceeded that of Marquis Tianwu or Overturning Sea True Monarch.

They were none other than the Three Saints, who dominated Central State.

“Two Junior Brothers, the Heavenly One Tribulation has ended. The worldʼs fortune is rebounding. Now is a far better time than usual to attempt the breakthrough into the Deity Transformation Realm.”

Said the slightly older Saint.

“Elder Brother, since you’re senior, you should attempt it first. We’ll protect you.”

“The two junior brothers are younger, with greater potential. If either of you breaks through, it will benefit the Three Saints Temple even more.”

The three Saints yielded to one another, their bond like that of true brothers.

Their cultivation methods shared the same origin, and their minds were united. Each cultivated one of the supreme divine arts of the Three Saints Temple.

When combined, their threefold supreme techniques had once forced back a Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord.

At its peak, this hall boasted three Deity Transformation cultivators. The sectʼs headquarters could even communicate with the ancient Spirit Realm.

Sadly, a great upheaval struck later. The human realm suffered through an ancient war, the worldʼs level fell, and contact with the upper realm was gradually lost.

Even after tens of thousands of years of decline, the Three Saints Temple still possessed a fifth-rank spiritual vein, sacred inheritance, and three supreme sect-guarding treasures. Each generation had at least three great cultivators.

Though technically not a Deity Transformation sect, they were effectively on par.

“So be it.”

After a moment of courteous deferral, the oldest Saint among them began closed-door cultivation to attempt the breakthrough.

...

At the same time.

Across the Heaven Honoured human realm, many late-stage Nascent Soul experts were trying to ascend to the Deity Transformation stage.

Among them were elites from sects like the Three Saints Temple and Starmoon Palace.

However, with the exception of the Heavenly One Sect, all living late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators failed to ascend.

Some great cultivators, having reached the very brink of breakthrough, were only a step away. Yet forcing the advancement led to backlash and grave injury, harming both their lifespan and foundation.

...

Yunxia Sect, underground palace.

Before the Xuanmu Vine Gourd.

“I wonder… which Deity Transformation Heavenly Lord of this era has fallen.”

Lan Changʼan sat cross-legged, holding several vials of demon king essence blood.

Not far off, in a shadowed corner, Lord Earthrock and Profound Water Monarch were curled up weakly, their faces pale and sluggish.

As punishment for these two spirit pets hoarding all the food for themselves, Lan Changqing took the chance to extract a good amount of demon king essence blood.

After reaching the fourth rank of body refinement, Lan Changʼan used the secret art “Blood Refining Demon Scripture” to steadily improve his physique.

Demon king essence blood was exceedingly rare.

Along the coast of the Great Yuan, it appeared only sporadically and supply was always unstable.

Fortunately, Lan Changʼan had two fourth-rank spirit pets.

As long as it didn’t affect their potential to advance, he could safely extract a small amount.

Primarily, he used the essence blood of the Profound Water Turtle.

The effectiveness of the blood refinement secret art depended on both the bloodline quality and cultivation level of the demon king.

Moreover, compatibility mattered greatly.

As a mutated heavenly-grade bloodline, the Profound Water Turtle was especially compatible with Lan Changʼanʼs body cultivation.

The reason stemmed from Lan Changʼan’s early days, he had nurtured the turtle egg with his own Evergreen mana. After years of nourishment, a deep bond formed between them, increasing compatibility.

As a result, after reaching fourth rank, Lan Changʼan’s body cultivation inherited some traits of the turtle bloodline, particularly in defense, which became incredibly formidable.

...

Before the Xuanmu Vine.

Lan Changʼan sat cross-legged in cultivation, having observed for two to three months.

Unfortunately, the opportunity from before never reappeared.

However, the gourd sapling on the vine had grown astonishingly during this period, visibly stronger and more vigorous.

In just two or three short months, it had experienced what would previously take decades of growth.

“Through this stroke of fortune, the Xuanmu Vine has accelerated its growth during the sapling stage, significantly shortening the developmental time of this phase.”

Lan Changʼan came to this initial conclusion, it was an unexpected delight.

It was foreseeable that the Xuantian Gourd Relic, currently being nurtured, would soon enter its next phase.

Sprouting Stage, Sapling Stage, Budding Stage, and Fruiting Stage.

With the sapling stage now fast-forwarded, the next would be budding and fruiting.

Lan Changʼan’s confidence surged. As long as he could endure in this life, even if he never reached the Deity Transformation stage, he might still live to see the little Xuantian being born.

Besides the Xuanmu Vine, the Ninefold Bitterheart Lotus in the Five Elemental Soil cauldron had also grown remarkably beyond expectations.

This proved that top-tier spiritual items within a realm, when blessed by fortune, could indeed benefit greatly.

“Since the Xuanmu Vine is accelerating its growth, the Five Elemental Earth must be watered with more spiritual liquid to enhance the soil’s quality.”

Lan Changʼan took out a bottle of prepared five-color spirit liquid and watered the soil inside the cauldron.

He then handed several more bottles to Profound Water Monarch, instructing it to water the soil regularly.

During the time when the Great Yu Kingdom was on conquest, Lan Changʼan had obtained many secret texts from the imperial family.

For body refinement, he had the Blood Refining Demon Scripture, and the Blood Prison Dragon Fiend Art, the latter being an extra bargaining chip offered by the Yu Emperor.

For puppetry, there was the Mechanized Puppet Canon and Secrets of the Demon Puppet.

As for cultivating spirit liquids, he had drawn knowledge from the Myriad Spirits and Medicine Compendium.

The Five Elemental Soil’s quality could be gradually improved over time through irrigation with high-grade five elemental spirit liquids.

...

Over half a year later.

While still in the Great Yuan at Yunxia Sect, Lan Changʼan received confirmed news of the Heavenly One Great Tribulation.

“The Confucian Saint has fallen!”

“Three False Heavenly Lords perished alongside!”

Lan Changʼan was deeply shocked upon hearing this.

Even Purple Mist True Monarch of the same sect felt waves of shock crashing through her heart, unable to calm herself for a long time.

The Heavenly One Sectʼs legend was largely unknown among most cultivators and factions within the cultivation world.

And the Heavenly One Tribulation had nothing to do with the majority of cultivators, especially with its extremely long intervals.

So much so that many who had heard of it simply thought of it as myth or allegory, never taking it seriously.

Until this calamity actually struck.

Top cultivators who were nearing Deity Transformation only realized too late, left shaken and unsettled.

The Great Jin Immortal Dynasty initially tried to suppress the news, but ultimately couldn’t keep it hidden.

Information gradually spread across the Heaven Honoured Continent, with the top powers in each major province being the first to know.

...

Aside from the news of the Heavenly One Tribulation…

Lan Changʼan noticed a phenomenon, in the past six months, Yunxia Sect had a noticeable uptick in the number of disciples breaking through to Foundation Establishment and Core Formation.

The sectʼs fortune had clearly reached a flourishing peak.

Fortunately, the mountain gate only benefited indirectly. The steady rise over the years made the increase seem natural.

This phenomenon wasn’t unique to Yunxia Sect.

Across the human realm, any sect that was in a rising phase experienced the same.

Even in the Great Yu Kingdom, the imperial family showed similar signs.

“If Jiang Haoyuan had attempted his Nascent Soul breakthrough at this point, his chances would’ve been noticeably higher.”

Lan Changʼan pondered for a moment, then sent out a True Monarch transmission, summoning Xiao Qingshan.

“Big Brother.”

Inside the secret hall of the cave residence, Xiao Qingshan bowed deeply.

When the two met in private, Xiao Qingshan reverted to calling him by the name from his previous life.

In the past, Lan Changʼan had awakened Xiao Qingshan’s past life memories using the reincarnation power of the Nine Seal Stele.

Even so, Xiao Qingshan still centered himself around this life, his past incarnation was like a fleeting dream, with only the bond with Lan Changʼan remaining vivid.

“Youʼve reached the late Core Formation stage. You’re already considered a seed for Nascent Soul within the sect. Spend the next few decades earnestly preparing.”

Lan Changʼan instructed.

“I will follow Big Brother’s arrangements.”

Xiao Qingshan replied joyfully, without hesitation.

A few years ago, his designation as a Nascent Soul seed was jointly decided by Lan Changʼan and Purple Mist Fairy.

Aside from the sect’s cultivation resources, he was also a member of the Xiao Clan, one of the Great Yu Kingdom’s four great noble families.

In terms of Nascent Soul resources, Lan Changʼan hardly needed to provide much assistance. Yunxia Sect and the Xiao family could manage it between them.

Of course, Xiao Qingshan’s path up to this point had been paved thanks to Yunxia Sect’s support and the Xiao Clan’s backing, both ultimately tied to Lan Changʼan’s growing influence in the Great Yuan.

Titles like “Fourth Great Cultivator of Great Yuan” and “Number One Cultivator in the Central Region” had begun spreading privately.

Xiao Qingshan had initially formed a mid-upper-tier true dan, giving him a reasonable, though not guaranteed chance at the Nascent Soul stage.

However, based on Lan Changʼan’s observation, Xiao Qingshan’s cultivation path had been smooth and well-rooted, much like his own.

Xiao Qingshan cultivated the Dragon Phoenix Dual Cauldron Technique, forging his own path in the yin-yang auxiliary arts. He had taken a main wife, several secondary wives, and over a dozen concubines, resulting in a large and flourishing lineage.

Many of his wives and concubines had unexpectedly reached the true or Fake Dan stage.

Due to the abundance of offspring, some were raised in Yunxia Sect, while others were sent back to the Xiao family for training.

This inborn aptitude seemed like a direct inheritance of his past-life self, Li Ergou’s legacy.

This only solidified Lan Changʼan’s belief that certain talents in the current life might well be influenced by past incarnations.

For instance, Guan Qiaozhi’s reincarnation, Yun Ling, was similarly skilled with her hands and displayed exceptional talent in talisman crafting.

Two hours later.

Xiao Qingshan staggered out of the Yunlan Peak cave, soaked in cold sweat and legs weak with fear.

Just moments ago, Big Brother Lan had used a never-before-seen Demonic Secret Art on him, simulating a Heart Demon Tribulation within an illusion.

Every few years from now on, he would have to endure the Heart Demon Tribulation…

...

In the mountains, time flows without notice.

In the blink of an eye, forty years passed.

The Great Yuan cultivation world had entered a state of upheaval.

Yunlan Peak, within the secret hall.

Lan Changʼan was nurturing the remaining four Azure Profound Swords, whose quality was now nearing superior-grade fourth rank.

Over the years, he had stopped using his lifespan to nourish these swords.

Even so, out of the original sixteen, twelve had already reached superior fourth rank.

His Evergreen mana far surpassed that of the past True Monarch Cyanwood, and with the support of the secret art ”Heaven-Mending Spirit Cultivation Manual,” his efficiency remained high.

Just then,

Two True Monarch transmissions arrived from the sect’s two other core spirit peaks.

The other two fourth-rank spirit peaks were Zixia Peak and Yang Cauldron Peak.

After reading the messages, Lan Changʼan sighed deeply:

“The Great Yuan cultivation world… the winds stir and clouds surge - heavenly omens of chaos are upon us!”

After decades of reclusive cultivation, Lan Changʼan had begun sensing heaven and earth anomalies in the Great Yuan cultivation world.

As for where this all began, he wasn’t sure.

Perhaps it started in the western forests of the Great Yuan, after the True Spirit Black Phoenix advanced to late fourth rank.

Or perhaps it began with the Heavenly One Tribulation, and the subsequent contact between the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty and the Great Yu Imperial Court.

Restricted by his current level in divination, with limited access to information mediums, Lan Changʼan could not pierce through the mist of heavenly secrets but he was beginning to sense the harbingers of great change.

...

A moment later.

The other two Nascent Soul True Monarchs of Yunxia Sect arrived one after the other at Yunlan Peak’s cave residence.

“Senior Sister Jiang.”

“Junior Brother Xiao.”

Lan Changʼan rose to greet True Monarch Purple Mist and True Monarch Yang Cauldron, welcoming them into the main hall of the cave.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Xiang,”

True Monarch Yang Cauldron, Xiao Qingshan, bowed slightly. Clad in a wide-sleeved robe of azure with golden patterns, he carried an air of heroic dignity and commanding presence.

Lan Changʼan raised a hand and gestured for the two to sit.

Three years prior, Xiao Qingshan had advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, an outcome that surprised many cultivators in the outside world.

Neither True Monarch Purple Mist nor the Xiao family had held high expectations for him, perhaps only a one-in-ten or one-in-twenty chance.

Yet unexpectedly, Xiao Qingshan succeeded.

As the saying goes, “The flowers you tend with care refuse to bloom, while the willows you plant by chance thrive into shade.”

Some outside speculators guessed that Xiang Dalong, whose strength rivaled great cultivators, must have used some top-grade spiritual pill or fateful opportunity to aid Xiao Qingshan.

In truth, Lan Changʼan had only given him a single compatible superior quality Nascent Soul spirit item and subjected him to the “Heavenly Demon Illusion” baptism. Aside from that, he provided no further resources to help.

Infant Transformation Pill, heavenly lightning tribulation protective treasures, and spiritual items for the heart tribulation, all were provided by the Yunxia Sect and the Xiao family.

Xiao Qingshan was of above-average talent; his success in forming a Nascent Soul caused no great waves on its own.

Far more significant was the news received today:

“A dozen years ago, the imperial family produced a mid-Nascent Soul giant. Now another Nascent Soul Great Cultivator has emerged. This is truly extraordinary…”

Purple Mist Fairy’s expression turned serious, a hint of wariness in her eyes.

In the past decades, Yunxia Sect had gained momentum, and even produced an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator but it still paled in comparison to the explosive progress of the Great Yu imperial family.

“I fear,” Xiao Qingshan said solemnly, “that the Great Yu imperial family submitted to the Jin Immortal Dynasty back then, and simply kept it hidden.”

Without the support of the Jin Immortal Dynasty, how could the imperial family have achieved such leaps in only a few decades?

Even their spirit vein had been fully upgraded to superior fourth-rank, and the imperial capital’s grand formation had risen in grade as well.

“It’s fine. After the Heavenly One Tribulation, the Jin Immortal Dynasty ceased expanding, somewhat proactively giving up disputed territories.”

Lan Changʼan remained composed, unbothered.

The Heavenly One Tribulation had severely depleted the dynasty’s strength.

Lan Changʼan predicted that for at least several hundred years to come, the Jin Immortal Dynasty would act with caution.

The coastal regions of Great Yuan were far removed from the dynastyʼs center. Beyond the initial efforts to win over vassals, follow-up support would likely remain minimal.

“The western forest of Great Yuan borders the Central Region most closely. The late-stage fourth-rank Black Phoenix stirs restlessly. In recent years, it has subtly expanded its territory, testing the bottom line of the human race. It may act in the future.”

“The Ancient Nether Hall will reopen within a century. The demonic tides of the Central Region Forbidden Zone may reach unprecedented heights.”

Lan Changʼan’s gaze deepened, as though seeing beyond the present and glimpsing the chaotic era yet to come.

The emergence of a Nascent Soul great cultivator in the imperial family, rising of another another hegemon of Great Yuan might not be a bad thing.

If the Black Phoenix sought expansion, or if something abnormal occurred within the forbidden zone, the ruling powers of the Central Region would have to rise to meet the threat.

...

“Who should our sect send to attend Yu Yuanjin’s Grand Breakthrough celebration?”

Purple Mist Fairy glanced between Lan Changʼan and Xiao Qingshan.

The one who had ascended to late-stage Nascent Soul in the imperial family was not the reigning Emperor, but a younger sword cultivator, Yu Yuanjin.

This made the event even more daunting to the major powers of Great Yuan.

As a sword cultivator, Yu Yuanjin could unleash the Azure Dragon Sword’s maximum destructive potential.

Being younger also meant his dominion over the Central Region would likely last longer.

Jiang Ziyan felt somewhat complicated. Back in the day, Yu Yuanjin had shown interest in her, and the imperial family had attempted to arrange a match between them.

But for the sake of Yunxia Sect’s inheritance, Jiang Ziyan had declined, choosing instead the unambitious Xiang Dalong.

“Qingshan has just broken through to Nascent Soul. Attending the celebration suits him well.”

Lan Changʼan proposed.

A great cultivator’s celebration would require at least one Nascent Soul representative, anything less would be disrespectful.

As for Lan Changʼan himself, attending was out of the question.

“It’s a good chance for Junior Brother Xiao to get to know his peers.”

Jiang Ziyan agreed.

Xiao Qingshan had no objections. He nodded, accepted the task, and took his leave.

Only Lan Changʼan and Jiang Ziyan remained in the cave.

“Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west… I didn’t expect Yu Yuanjin to reach late Nascent Soul. Truly beyond this monarch’s expectations.”

The cultivation world was not a stagnant pool where one man reigned forever.

In the past, Lan Changʼan had contended with great cultivators, outshining even the imperial family’s strongest.

Back then, Yu Yuanjin was not someone Lan considered a true rival.

Now, as a Nascent Soul great cultivator and wielder of the Azure Dragon Sword, Yu Yuanjin posed a real threat.

Lan Changʼan’s title of “Number One Cultivator in the Central Region” would naturally pass to another.

“What’s wrong? Is Dalong afraid of the imperial clanʼs retaliation?”

Jiang Ziyan smiled faintly, teasing him.

She knew full well that over the last hundred years, Lan Changʼan had extorted the imperial family more than once during their times of trouble.

It was unrealistic to think the imperial family bore no grudge.

“This monarch has no worries for himself, at worst, I’ll just lay low for a while.”

Lan Changʼan paused, then added with deeper meaning:

“But Yunxia Sect must now operate with care. Relying on the Great Yu Kingdom as a sheltering tree is necessary to weather future storms.”

Hearing this, Fairy Jiang fell briefly silent.

She had long sensed that Lan Changʼan saw Yunxia Sect only as a temporary harbor and that he would eventually leave.

One of Great Yuan’s twin dragons, Jing Wufeng, had been missing for years. Would Xiang Dalong be far behind?

...

“Next time the Ancient Nether Hall opens, do you plan to enter?”

Jiang Ziyan changed the subject, also probing Lan Changʼan’s timeline.

The hall’s reopening was expected within the next hundred years, possibly even in a few decades.

“Not sure. If I’m not around, you and Qingshan should both avoid it.”

Lan Changʼan shook his head.

The Ancient Nether Hall appeared only once every few centuries. Based on signs from the forbidden zone, this opening might come sooner than expected.

For Nascent Soul cultivators in the Central Region, the hall represented extraordinary opportunities, housing spiritual materials and rare treasures long extinct in the outer world.

Superior-grade fourth-rank spiritual herbs and ores were already extremely valuable to Lan Changʼan.

In rare cases, fifth-rank materials, ancient divine weapons, and even pseudo-spiritual treasures might appear.

The last time the Ancient Nether Hall opened, Jing Wufeng emerged as the biggest winner, having acquired the pseudo-spiritual treasure Sky-Cleaving Axe.

It was foreseeable that the next opening would bring even fiercer competition.

Back then, Lan Changʼan was only at the Core Formation stage and didn’t dare take the risk.

Now, with his current cultivation and divine abilities, entering the Ancient Nether Hall shouldn’t pose much danger.

“We’ll do as Dalong says.”

Jiang Ziyan sighed inwardly, not pressing the issue.

Her former husband, True Monarch Yunlan, had fallen within the Ancient Nether Hall, she naturally held some fear of it.

Lan Changʼan’s warning was more than personal, it stemmed from his insights as a fourth-rank diviner, vaguely sensing the coming chaos in Great Yuan’s Central Region.

The next opening of the Ancient Nether Hall and the demonic tides that would follow might be anything but ordinary.

The future of Great Yuan, it seemed, would no longer offer a peaceful environment for cultivation.

And for the first time, Lan Changʼan began to seriously consider leaving Great Yuan.

For now, though, that thought remained uncertain, he had yet to make a firm decision.

...

Several days later.

Lan Changʼan stood gazing toward the open sea.

Based on the reincarnation mark once left by the Nine Seal Stele, and the ties of his past life, he cast a distant divination across space.

The result left Lan Changʼan deeply moved.

Zhao Siyao’s cultivation path in this life had gone smoothly thus far, without any major calamities.

But in recent years, she had reached a pivotal turning point.

Due to the limited information about her current life, the outcome remained uncertain, whether auspicious or ominous.

Recalling how, in her previous life, Fairy Zhao had stagnated at the Fake Dan stage and ultimately perished on the battlefield against the demonic path…

Lan Changʼan’s intent to travel beyond the seas grew even stronger.

The outer seas were home to more demon kings and dragon-blooded races, offering opportunities for further advancement in his fourth-rank body cultivation.

Moreover, it was an ideal place to avoid potential threats from Yan Donglai.

“Fellow Daoist Lan.”

A cold, distant voice broke Lan Changʼanʼs train of thought.

A fluctuation rippled through the formations of Yunlan Peak.

“Fellow Daoist Wei has returned.”

Lan Changʼan composed himself, a smile appearing on his face.

Ripples of space stirred lightly,

Whoosh!

A heavy-armored puppet, clad in silver-edged green warplate, stepped forth like a phantom from another realm, appearing before Lan Changʼan.

Compared to decades prior, Puppet Master Wei’s construct was now bulkier and more refined.

The armor’s surface had a silver sheen, with added spatial restriction engravings along the legs and feet.

Over the years, Lan Changʼan had stockpiled rare materials and continued to refine his fourth-rank puppet formation. As a result, the quality of several of his fourth-rank puppets had seen noticeable improvement.

As the core puppet among them, Puppet Master Wei had grown the most.

The two had studied the spatial inheritance left behind by Jing Wufeng, and after repeated experimentation and many failures, they had finally managed to inscribe spatial formations into this true fourth-rank commander puppet.

Its overall quality rose and its mobility soared.

Though it gained only one spatial ability, that alone allowed it to short-range blink through the void once during battle.

This feat required fusing the puppet crystal with rare spatial crystal ores.

Of course, due to the puppet’s inherent limitations, it couldnʼt string together multiple spatial jumps like Jing Wufeng, nor could it be used for long-distance travel.

“This journey to the Northern Region, did it yield anything, Fellow Daoist Wei?”

Lan Changʼan asked leisurely.

Several years prior, before Xiao Qingshan’s Nascent Soul breakthrough, Puppet Master Wei had ventured north.

Wei’s form was unique. He had died wrongfully in the past, becoming a ghost cultivator. Later, he merged with a green-armored puppet to form this rare hybrid.

Now a true fourth-rank puppet, Puppet Master Wei’s combat power was equivalent to the peak of early Nascent Soul. With the added spatial technique, he was deadlier than ever.

Figures like Yin Yuanhai or Wang Feng of the Great Qing realm were no match for him.

In his pursuit of further refinement, seeking to advance to mid-fourth-rank, Wei had gone on this expedition hoping to find the spark of inspiration.

His main destination had been the Northern Region of Great Yuan, a place rife with ghost-path sects.

“In the past few years, with Lord Earthrock as company, I’ve gained quite a bit…”

A faint smile emerged on the puppet’s otherwise expressionless face.

The Northern Region was firmly part of the demonic and unorthodox faction, and slightly chaotic in nature.

Over the years, Puppet Master Wei had scavenged battle remnants and harvested numerous high-level ghost-path techniques and spiritual artifacts.

He now focused on studying these ghostly inheritances, which might help his puppet spirit evolve to a mid-fourth-rank level.

“Good that you’re back. Prepare yourself, within two years, we may set out on a journey…”

Lan Changʼan discussed further plans with Puppet Master Wei.

The two were both fourth-rank puppet masters, and their collaboration often sparked inspiration, leading to breakthroughs in their craft.

After producing so many fourth-rank puppets, Lan Changʼan’s puppet refinement skills had faintly touched the threshold of mid-fourth-rank mastery.

In as little as sixty years, or as much as a century, he might formally attain that rank.

...

Half a year later.

Lan Changʼan quietly continued to prepare for the journey.

Puppet Master Wei and Lord Earthrock had gone out to purchase resources.

In recent years, Lord Earthrock had been more or less free-roaming and lacked no cultivation resources.

The main issue was that Yunxia Sect now had too many Nascent Soul cultivators, things were getting crowded, and spiritual energy supply had grown tight.

After all, their spiritual vein wasn’t one of those mid-fourth-rank types passed down through millennia.

Following Xiao Qingshan’s breakthrough, Yunxia Sect now had three mid-stage and two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

Thus, Lan Changʼan simply let Lord Earthrock and Puppet Master Wei travel together, so that they could take care of each other.

...

That evening,

A distinguished guest arrived at the Yunxia Sect mountain gate.

The mountain-guarding disciples detected a faint, otherworldly fragrance of lotus blossoms in the air, immediately feeling refreshed in body and spirit.

“This young lady…”

The two disciples were stunned, their minds shaken and their eyes dazed.

It was as if their very souls had been drawn away.

Reflected in their pupils was a stunning young maiden, appearing no older than fifteen or sixteen, garbed in silver-laced lotus robes. Her figure was slender, her bearing ethereal and noble.

Wherever she walked, lotus petals shimmered into existence beneath her feet.

She stood apart from the world untainted by the mud, leaving the bright moon itself pale by comparison.

“Summon your True Monarch Xiang. I wish to see him.”

The Sacred Lotus Maiden spoke. Her voice was as crystalline and delicate as jade chimes, striking directly at the soul.

The gatekeepers snapped back to their senses, visibly shaken.

“Y-Yes! Fairy- right away!”

Seeing the dignified vision that accompanied her presence, they knew she was no mortal woman and hurried to deliver the message.

(Chapter End)