I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 355: Fourth-Rank Demon King

"The Essence Spirit Core has formed!"

On Zixia Peak, two True Monarchs gazed at the massive rat demon beneath the gray tribulation clouds, its roars stirring the swirling mist. They could feel the overwhelming Earth Fiend spiritual pressure of a being at their level.

"The most crucial part in the transformation process... this rat actually completed it in just a few days?"

True Monarch Yunlan's pupils contracted slightly, his expression shifting in astonishment.

For a demon beast to break through to the fourth-rank Demon King, the first two hurdles were actually harder than what human cultivators faced.

True Monarch Purple Mist had been observing for days, so this outcome did not surprise her.

However, the Earth Burrowing Rat's fierce momentum in its breakthrough, which remained both stable and controlled, was highly unusual.

She silently speculated—perhaps this rat was extraordinarily blessed, or perhaps Immortal Xiang had concealed a key element.

The latter was highly probable, but it was human nature and understandable.

The Essence Spirit Core had formed.

The Earth Burrowing Rat's life essence had essentially stepped into the fourth rank, its essence, qi, and spirit boiling and surging forward.

Zzzt! Zzzt!

The gray tribulation clouds in the sky rapidly brewed heavenly lightning, locking onto the Earth Burrowing Rat.

Countless tiny arcs of blue lightning crackled around the rolling tribulation clouds, continuously merging and converging into bolts as thick as a human arm, exuding an awe-inspiring heavenly might.

"Transformation Heavenly Thunder."

Not far away, Lan Chang'an, who was standing guard, felt his heart sink. He kept his distance, not daring to interfere or assist.

If an outsider meddled in a tribulation, the heavenly tribulation would retaliate even more fiercely against them.

"The heavenly thunder tribulation faced by great demons is indeed far more ferocious than what we human cultivators encounter."

True Monarch Yunlan gazed at the growing blue lightning within the tribulation clouds, now already thicker than an adult’s thigh.

Among tribulation stages, the mortality rate under heavenly lightning was higher for demon beasts than for human cultivators.

According to ancient records, some great demons from the sea had once infiltrated human territories, secretly learning artifact refinement techniques to increase their chances of resisting heavenly lightning.

However, this approach had both advantages and disadvantages.

A great demon’s physique was naturally powerful, with even heavier fiendish energy. If they endured the baptism of heavenly lightning, it could strengthen their flesh and bloodline, enhancing their foundation.

…

About half a cup of tea’s time passed.

Boom!

From within the tribulation clouds, the first bolt of heavenly lightning descended. Dazzling blue light tore through the overcast, pitch-black sky.

The massive rat, several zhang tall, had already withdrawn its Essence Spirit Core. A brilliant earthy-yellow crystal glow erupted from its body, forming a solid, pillar-like surge of demonic power to meet the heavenly lightning head-on.

Crack!

The demon power pillar shattered on impact. The thick blue heavenly lightning dispersed into dozens of serpent-like arcs of electricity, covering the area where the Earth Burrowing Rat stood.

In an instant, the massive crater where the Earth Burrowing Rat was located was scorched pitch black.

Its protective demonic power dimmed and crumbled, while its orange-yellow fur stood on end, marred by over a dozen scorched wounds.

"Although these are just flesh wounds, the power of the following lightning strikes will only keep increasing, growing exponentially."

Lan Chang'an kept his eyes on the tribulation clouds above, where lightning flickered violently, exuding a menacing aura.

Not long after, the second bolt of heavenly lightning struck. This time, its power surged by fifty percent!

The Earth Burrowing Rat’s expression turned wary. It cast a spell, summoning multiple thick layers of crystalline stone walls that stacked above its head.

Boom!

The crystalline stone walls, several zhang thick, were pierced through. The Earth Burrowing Rat staggered and nearly collapsed.

Yet, its gaze remained steadfast as the demonic power within its body surged wildly, becoming more and more refined.

Although it hadn't sustained any severe injuries, it retrieved a jade bottle and swallowed a sacred healing pill in preparation for the even stronger third bolt of heavenly lightning.

When the third bolt struck, its power rose another fifty percent, reaching a level that even a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator would be forced to retreat from.

The Earth Burrowing Rat's entire body turned to stone, covering itself in thick layers of rock armor, reinforced by an additional heavy stone wall.

In an instant, the petrified scale armor shattered into dust.

The Earth Burrowing Rat tumbled across the ground, its body charred, trembling uncontrollably, with blood trickling from the corners of its mouth.

"It's badly injured. Why isn't it using a tribulation-resolving treasure?"

True Monarch Purple Mist furrowed her delicate brows, puzzled.

It was true that undergoing the heavenly lightning’s baptism would bring immense benefits to a demon king after its ascension.

However, if the injuries were too severe and its willpower weakened, the stronger lightning tribulations that followed—especially the heart tribulation—would become much harder to overcome.

Tribulation crossing was a war of endurance, where physical and mental strength had to be reserved for the later stages.

Yet, even when the fourth bolt of heavenly lightning struck, the Earth Burrowing Rat still refused to use its tribulation-resolving treasure. Blood spurted from its mouth, and it suffered severe injuries, nearly losing consciousness.

"No need to resist any further."

Lan Chang'an’s voice remained calm as he transmitted the message from afar.

The Earth Burrowing Rat nodded, opening its mouth to spit out a silver-white treasure orb, which floated into the air above its head.

Boom!

The fifth bolt of heavenly lightning descended like a rampaging thunder python, accompanied by an electric storm.

This strike far exceeded the power of a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator.

Buzz!

The silver-white Thunder-Dissolving Pearl emitted translucent ripples of energy. As the fifth bolt of heavenly lightning struck, its brilliance dimmed slightly, with signs of fragmentation and dispersion.

The Earth Burrowing Rat suddenly stood up, crossing its arms above its head to form a massive, curved stone shield, while its body once again condensed a layer of stone armor.

The weakened lightning easily shattered the stone shield, leaving cracks across the surface of the stone armor.

Stray electric arcs flickered around it, causing the Earth Burrowing Rat to grunt in pain, drenched in cold sweat. However, it had endured.

After absorbing the impact, the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl took on a faint blue electric pattern, a sign of having absorbed part of the tribulation lightning’s power.

"Saving the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl for the final two lightning strikes? Hoping to maximize its effectiveness?"

True Monarch Purple Mist's eyes flickered with astonishment. She hadn't expected the Earth Burrowing Rat to be so bold.

The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl was a consumable treasure—the more damage it sustained, the weaker its effects would become.

Demon beast thunder tribulations were significantly stronger than those of human cultivators. If the pearl was used from the very start, there was a risk it would be destroyed before the final strike. Even if it survived, it would need repairs, diminishing its effectiveness.

By enduring more of the tribulation’s power with its physical body, the Earth Burrowing Rat was both refining its physique and conserving resources for its master's future tribulation.

Boom!

At last, the sixth and final heavenly lightning descended, resembling a world-ending thunder dragon, illuminating the surroundings for a hundred li with flickering light and shadow.

The Earth Burrowing Rat’s expression turned solemn.

Aside from the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl, it also summoned multiple defensive magical treasures to aid in resisting the tribulation. Though their grade wasn’t high, their quantity made up for it.

In the end, layer after layer of defenses shattered.

Several magical treasures were completely destroyed.

The Earth Burrowing Rat, its body charred black, collapsed in the massive crater.

Hoo—

The tribulation clouds in the sky began to disperse, their electric brilliance fading into darkness.

"It actually endured the Transformation Heavenly Thunder?"

True Monarch Yunlan's eyes gleamed as he carefully observed from afar.

Under the lingering effects of the heavenly tribulation, spiritual sense was restricted, making it difficult to see clearly.

Yet, within the massive crater, the Earth Burrowing Rat was already struggling to sit up.

Its dissipated demonic power was once again reforming, becoming even denser and more refined.

Clearly, it had successfully overcome the Transformation Heavenly Thunder Tribulation.

"This rat’s recovery speed is remarkable… What kind of sacred healing medicine did it take?"

True Monarch Purple Mist noticed something unusual.

The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl had played a role, but it alone wasn’t enough to explain this outcome.

The Earth Burrowing Rat had already suffered serious injuries by the fourth lightning strike, and had withstood even stronger subsequent tribulations. Yet, somehow, its life was never truly in danger.

As it sat up, the Earth Burrowing Rat swallowed two more pills, quickly working on healing itself.

In truth, its internal injuries weren’t as severe as they appeared.

Years ago, Lan Chang'an had obtained sacred healing pills from the war spoils of Ancestor Heavenly Net.

To increase safety margins, Lan Chang'an had infused these pills with Evergreen secret spell, which came at the cost of one year of lifespan per infusion.

Although most of the Evergreen secret spell’s power would fade over time, the Earth Burrowing Rat had sealed the enhanced pills inside its body ahead of time, activating them at a critical moment.

This, combined with the sacred healing pill’s original effects, produced astonishing results.

This was why the Earth Burrowing Rat had dared to endure the first four lightning strikes without using the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl—because it never feared being fatally wounded.

…

"The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl? Was it the one traded from Yu Yuanjin?"

True Monarch Yunlan’s expression remained unreadable as he questioned his Dao companion beside him.

The Earth Burrowing Rat had managed to endure the terrifying Transformation Lightning Tribulation, refining its physical body in the process. The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl played an indispensable role in this success.

"That's right."

True Monarch Purple Mist smiled faintly and praised,

"This Thunder-Dissolving Pearl was originally prepared by Immortal Xiang as a tribulation-resolving treasure for his own Nascent Soul breakthrough. Yet, he was willing to sacrifice his own fortune for his spirit pet's tribulation crossing."

Back then, she had not told Yunlan the full details.

After all, Yu Yuanjin, a member of the Great Jin Imperial Family, had long admired and respected True Monarch Purple Mist.

Yunlan, however, kept his distance from Yu Yuanjin, unwilling to see his Dao companion have too much interaction with him.

"Ziyan, you do have your heart set on Immortal Xiang."

Beneath the lingering glow of the thunder tribulation, Yunlan’s handsome face flickered with uncertainty.

Due to past events, Purple Mist had grown cold and distant toward him. Their relationship had become estranged, and they lived apart on separate peaks, maintaining only a superficial connection.

Yet now, she was willing to go to such lengths to assist an outsider.

"Senior Brother!" True Monarch Purple Mist frowned and explained, "I merely helped Immortal Xiang by making an introduction. It was just a small favor, nothing inappropriate."

Sensing her Dao companion’s displeasure, she continued calmly,

"And now, it’s clear that I made the right choice. If the Earth Burrowing Rat successfully transforms, our sect will benefit greatly. Given Immortal Xiang’s character, he will surely remember Yunxia Sect’s kindness."

Hearing this, Yunlan had no words to refute her, yet a knot of frustration remained in his heart.

Whoosh!

At that moment, the tribulation clouds churned, thickening into a swirling vortex of black mist, and its core was pitch-black, like a demonic pupil that stared directly at the Earth Burrowing Rat.

"Heart Demon Tribulation!"

The two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, along with the high-ranking cultivators watching from the sect’s mountain gates, all felt their hearts tighten.

Three years ago, Yunqing Immortal had failed at this very stage.

The Heart Tribulation was unpredictable and treacherous, impossible to resist with sheer strength alone. Even the most talented cultivators of their era could not claim absolute confidence in overcoming it.

Lan Chang'an took a deep breath.

He had been confident about the Earth Burrowing Rat enduring the previous two trials, but this final one was entirely uncertain.

The deep abyss-like demonic eye within the tribulation clouds twisted and surged, exuding a mysterious and unsettling aura.

Whoosh!

A dense, ominous gray mist descended, carrying strange, negative energy waves, accompanied by ghostly wails and eerie demonic whispers, completely engulfing the Earth Burrowing Rat’s figure.

The Heart Demon Tribulation—something the outside world could not witness.

Inside the Heart Demon Realm, centuries could pass, souls might experience nine cycles of reincarnation, or even watch the world collapse into ruin...

After a long silence, Yunlan finally spoke, breaking the tension.

"Ziyan, how much chance do you think this rat has of overcoming the Heart Demon Tribulation?"

True Monarch Purple Mist pondered for a moment before responding,

"For great demons undergoing tribulation, once they endure the first two trials, the Heart Tribulation is slightly easier than what we human cultivators face.

The Earth Burrowing Rat has a firm will, and with the support of a 'Superior Purity Pill,' it should have about a fifty percent chance of success."

Compared to Yun Qing’s failure, the Earth Burrowing Rat indeed had a slightly higher chance of survival.

"The Superior Purity Pill? That’s a fourth-rank sacred pill used to stabilize the Dao heart! You actually used the sect’s rarest reserves on an outsider?"

Yunlan’s tone turned cold with anger.

His Dao companion’s indifference and detachment toward him, contrasted with her generosity toward an outsider, infuriated him.

"I did not give it away for free," Purple Mist sighed, replying in a calm yet firm tone. "I only granted him special permission to exchange for it."

She then continued,

"Immortal Xiang has been with our sect for decades—low-key, hardworking, uninterested in power or lust. He once even built a customized top-tier third-rank puppet for Hao’er without asking for anything in return."

"A cultivator of such talent and integrity—why shouldn’t I offer him goodwill and win him over?"

"The fact that Earth Burrowing Rat's transformation has been successful so far is proof that my decision was correct."

At that moment, Purple Mist stood her ground, her rare display of firmness and defiance leaving no room for concession.

Yunlan was momentarily stunned, then let out a cold laugh.

"Are you so certain that the rat demon will survive the Heart Tribulation?"

Purple Mist pressed her lips together.

Even though a demon’s Heart Tribulation was slightly weaker than a human’s, it was still unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

"Even if that rat is lucky enough to succeed… Xiang Dalong’s true nature, whether he will actually be grateful to you is still unknown."

Yunlan had far more life experience than Purple Mist.

He understood that human nature was unpredictable.

Xiang Dalong’s humility and reserved nature were likely only a result of his current lack of power and status.

"I trust my judgment."

Purple Mist’s voice was resolute.

Her confidence did not come from mere blind faith, but from decades of careful observation, noting countless details about Xiang Dalong’s character and actions.

Yunlan sneered and said no more.

Time would prove everything.

...

Tribulation grounds.

Lan Chang'an, focused entirely on guarding the Earth Burrowing Rat’s Transformation Tribulation, did not notice the argument between the two True Monarchs.

A few hours later—

The gray mist of the Heart Demon Tribulation, which had engulfed the Earth Burrowing Rat, suddenly dissipated. The eerie, otherworldly demonic whispers abruptly ceased.

At the same time, the gray-black tribulation clouds in the sky began to recede like a fading tide, their ominous aura vanishing completely.

It was as if the storm had passed and the skies had cleared. The once oppressive black-gray tribulation clouds now radiated with five-colored divine light, forming a vast auspicious cloud.

From within the spinning multicolored clouds, a profound and ethereal Dao sound resonated, descending as intangible waves of Dao rhythm.

The Earth Burrowing Rat’s dark red eyes snapped open.

After the brief shock of surviving its near-death tribulation, a look of enlightenment flickered across its face. It then closed its eyes once more, assuming a meditative posture to absorb the heavenly gift bestowed by the Great Dao for Transformation Tribulation.

Inside the charred crater, the once massive several-zhang-tall demon rat began shedding its scorched outer shell, its form shrinking significantly.

Finally, its body condensed into a sleek, muscular frame, covered in dark rock-colored fur, its stature reduced to that of a single human’s height. Atop its head, a single streak of violet-gold fur stood out against the dark tones.

The transformation was majestic yet regal.

Though it had yet to fully take human form, its posture and demeanor already resembled that of a semi-humanoid rat demon.

Despite its now smaller stature, each breath in and out carried the weight of mountains, causing the surrounding air to still.

A new earth fiend spiritual pressure exclusive to fourth-rank Demon Beasts had been born within this realm.

"A Transformation Demon King!"

At that moment, the many Core Formation cultivators of Yunxia Sect watching the tribulation felt their hearts tremble.

The terrifying demonic aura emanating from the Earth Burrowing Rat was already on par with the Nascent Soul True Monarchs of their sect.

Even the two True Monarchs atop Zixia Peak were visibly shaken.

"It survived the Heart Demon Tribulation… and ascended to a fourth-rank Demon King? It actually succeeded?!"

True Monarch Yunlan stared blankly at the five-colored auspicious clouds in the sky, momentarily at a loss for words.

What caught him most off guard was how quickly the Earth Burrowing Rat had passed the Heart Demon Tribulation—in less than half a day!

By comparison, when Yunqing Immortal had faced his tribulation, he had endured an entire day and night—only to ultimately perish, his Dao heart vanishing into nothingness.

"Senior Brother, never underestimate a mere rat demon. As long as one stays true to their heart and strives with sincerity, anything is possible."

True Monarch Purple Mist smiled radiantly, clearly in high spirits.

With the Earth Burrowing Rat’s successful ascension to fourth rank, she had proven her judgment correct—a victory in itself.

Yunlan’s face shifted between light and dark, his emotions in turmoil.

Yunxia Sect had just gained a Transformation Demon King, which should have been a cause for celebration… yet he felt no joy at all.

He had once placed great hopes on Yunqing Immortal, whom he had personally nurtured—only for him to fail at his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the Earth Burrowing Rat, a creature he had never thought much of, had successfully transformed within Yunxia Sect’s domain.

The sheer psychological contrast between these two events made Yunlan feel greatly indignant and hate the heavens for being unjust.

"Yunxia Sect’s rising fortune… that rat demon has benefited from it."

Yunlan gazed toward the sect’s mountain gate, where the sect’s collective fortune was becoming increasingly dense and robust. His expression was one of bitterness as he murmured through clenched teeth.

Sect-wide collective fortune was a blessing—but it could not be directly controlled, nor could it be selectively bestowed upon individuals.

Yunlan believed that the Earth Burrowing Rat’s breakthrough was, in part, due to the sect’s growing fortune.

…

The Earth Burrowing Rat’s ascension to fourth-rank Demon King shook the entire Yunxia Sect. Many cultivators began celebrating the momentous event.

Near the massive charred crater, Lan Chang'an remained at his post, continuing to stand guard.

The Earth Burrowing Rat, having just overcome its tribulation and entered the Transformation Realm, needed time to comprehend the Dao insights it had received and stabilize its newfound cultivation. Ideally, it would remain in meditative seclusion for half a month.

A short while later—

Two familiar Nascent Soul lights streaked across the sky, one following the other, arriving near the tribulation site. However, both individuals maintained a certain distance out of respect.

"Congratulations to Elder Xiang’s spirit rat for attaining the fourth-rank Demon King realm."

The Dao couple of Yunxia Sect, the two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, offered their congratulations.

True Monarch Yunlan wore a warm and gentle smile, cupping his hands lightly in greeting. Yet, in secret, his gaze flickered over Lan Chang'an and the newly transformed demon king seated behind him.

True Monarch Purple Mist, her eyes bright with joy, gracefully inclined her head in an elegant bow.

The two Supreme Elders, who once held an untouchable status, now spoke politely, treating Lan Chang'an with subtle equality, a sign of shifting power dynamics.

Lan Chang'an felt a surge of emotion at this realization.

Their newfound respect was not because of his abilities.

It was because of the fourth-rank Demon King sitting in meditation behind him.

The moment his spirit pet took that critical step forward, his own status had risen alongside it.

"The two True Monarchs are too kind."

Lan Chang'an bowed politely in return.

"My spirit pet would not have achieved this day without the Yunxia Sect’s generosity—its access to a fourth-rank spiritual vein and the sect’s good fortune."

Hearing this, Yunlan’s bitter mood was slightly soothed.

At the very least, Xiang Dalong showed gratitude and was not blinded by arrogance.

"In particular, I owe my deepest gratitude to True Monarch Purple Mist."

Lan Chang'an turned to Purple Mist, his voice filled with sincere respect,

"If not for your support and assistance, my spirit rat would not have today's splendor."

"Such a debt of kindness—please accept my humble bow in gratitude."

Lan Chang'an stepped forward and, with genuine reverence, performed a full formal bow before True Monarch Purple Mist.

At least seventy percent of his gratitude was from the bottom of his heart.

The fourth-rank spiritual vein the Earth Burrowing Rat broke through in was initially granted under Purple Mist True Monarch’s approval.

The Thunder-Dissolving Pearl was acquired through Purple Mist’s recommendation, via Yu Yuanjin.

The Superior Purity Pill, though ultimately unused, had been made available because Purple Mist granted a rare exchange privilege.

Without her backing, the Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation would not have gone so smoothly.

Even if Purple Mist had asked him to kneel before her, Lan Chang'an would have done so without hesitation.

"Elder Xiang is too courteous."

True Monarch Purple Mist smiled radiantly. With a graceful motion, she lifted her skirt sleeve and personally helped Lan Chang'an up.

Her inner joy and sense of accomplishment were undeniable.

This moment of pure triumph made the normally dignified and elegant True Monarch Purple Mist appear brighter than ever—her beauty utterly stunning.

Standing beside her, Yunlan’s expression subtly darkened.

At that instant, under the warm hues of the setting sun, his Dao companion had never looked more breathtaking.

Her flushed complexion seemed to carry a faint, almost seductive glow.

Meanwhile, Lan Chang'an was momentarily caught off guard.

He had not expected True Monarch Purple Mist to personally help him up.

For the briefest moment, his skin brushed against her smooth, jade-like hand, carrying a delicate warmth and an ethereal fragrance—a sensation enough to have even the most steadfast of cultivators spellbound.

At that moment—

Yunlan’s eyelid twitched. His smile stiffened, a shadow flickering across his gaze.

Although Lan Chang'an was unaware of the details, his instincts warned him—a sudden, icy chill ran down his spine.

Yunlan had always viewed him with suspicion… and now, those doubts had deepened even further.

No matter how much Lan Chang'an acted cautiously, even if he showed respect and deference, it was impossible to change Yunlan’s preconceived notions.

But the truth was—Lan Chang'an no longer needed to care.

Now that the Earth Burrowing Rat had ascended, he no longer had to live under Yunlan’s shadow.

His original plan had always been to align himself with Purple Mist, the weaker of the two True Monarchs.

As they withdrew their hands, their eyes briefly met—

Purple Mist’s gaze remained composed, elegant, and refined, as if nothing had happened.

Yet, Lan Chang'an’s heart stirred with warning.

Purple Mist True Monarch was a Nascent Soul cultivator who had lived for centuries, she was no naïve girl.

She must have known that her subtle gesture of support would deepen Yunlan’s distrust toward Lan Chang'an.

Then, in a flash of insight—Lan Chang'an understood her intent.

Purple Mist had been suppressed by her Dao companion for far too long.

Despite being the youngest and most talented Nascent Soul cultivator in the Yunxia Sect, her authority had been limited.

Now that the Earth Burrowing Rat had been promoted, it had become a major variable.

By subtly widening Yunlan’s distrust, Purple Mist was ensuring that Lan Chang'an had no path to align with Yunlan—forcing him to remain in her camp.

Lan Chang'an let out a bitter laugh in his heart.

The Earth Burrowing Rat had just ascended, yet it had already tipped the power structure of a sect with over ten thousand years of history.

However, he had still underestimated the far-reaching consequences of the Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation.

A new Nascent Soul-level existence had been born.

A new force had emerged on the highest peaks of power.

Its effects would ripple beyond the Yunxia Sect, impacting the entire Great Yu Kingdom.

Perhaps, without realizing it, this moment had just set into motion…

The beginning of a new era.