I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 363: Nascent Soul Planning

After conducting a series of tests, Lan Chang'an stored away the quasi-fourth-rank Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet.

The resources and effort invested in crafting this puppet had been far greater than typical constructs of its rank, nearly exhausting the finest puppet-refinement materials he had accumulated over the years.

Because of this, the top-grade third-rank assassin puppet, which had been badly damaged in the Ancient Nether Hall, had yet to be fully repaired.

However, the investment had been worthwhile.

Aside from the fourth-rank green-armored puppet, Lan Chang'an now had another powerful combat asset capable of fighting independently.

As for his other mid-to-superior-grade third-rank puppets, he planned to integrate them into his puppet army formation.

Theoretically, a puppet army had the power to cross ranks, but it had major limitations—primarily low mobility.

Its strength, however, lay in fortified battles, where it excelled in strategic warfare, especially when combined with formations.

To effectively counter a Nascent Soul cultivator, the puppet army’s foundation would require at least four late-stage third-rank puppets.

Currently, Lan Chang'an was still two puppets short—even at his current level, acquiring them would take time and accumulation.

Of course, both the Exotic Spirit Peacock and the green-armored puppet could function as standalone combatants or serve as core units within the army, significantly enhancing its overall power.

"The Peacock Puppet’s strength is only slightly inferior to mine—it can essentially replace me in fulfilling my role as your protector, Fellow Daoist Lan."

A flickering afterimage manifested in front of Lan Chang'an—the green-armored puppet’s hollow eye sockets burned with ghostly green flames, as Puppet Master Wei spoke with satisfaction in his tone.

"In the coming decade, I wish to venture outside and experience the world. It may aid my spirit’s sublimation and transformation."

Lan Chang'an paused briefly before replying:

"Puppet Master Wei, I won’t stop you from following your aspirations. However, for safety reasons, it would be best to remain within Yunxia Sect’s sphere of influence—don’t stray too far."

Over the past few decades, the spirit within the green-armored puppet had grown much faster than expected, thanks to the second life attached to it.

By Lan Chang'an’s estimation, it had at most ten more years before reaching its peak in its current state.

Puppet Master Wei’s decision to travel was likely to accumulate insight, preparing for his spirit’s transformation.

The transition to fourth-rank puppet spirit was a crucial step.

If luck was on his side, he might achieve it seamlessly, but if things went poorly, he could be stuck for a century, or even never breakthrough.

"Worry not, Fellow Daoist Lan. The thousands of li surrounding Yunxia Sect’s domain will be more than enough for my journey. Besides, every year or two, I will require your assistance to replenish my spiritual essence."

Puppet Master Wei nodded in agreement.

The two then discussed various logistical details of his departure.

While traveling, Puppet Master Wei would also gather intelligence for Lan Chang'an and leave behind secure methods for communication.

That very evening, he silently departed from Yunxia Sect, setting out on his own journey.

Lan Chang'an, however, had no concerns about losing the puppet.

As a fourth-rank puppet, it remained linked with the second life, allowing Lan Chang'an to sense it from great distances.

However, given that Great Yu Kingdom’s vast territory covered over sixty percent of the Righteous Dao Alliance’s size, Lan Chang'an restricted Puppet Master Wei’s range to Yunxia Sect’s sphere of influence.

This included its affiliated sects and territories, encompassing over half of the Liang Kingdom’s size.

...

Two years later.

Finally, after years of speculation, the outside world officially confirmed the death of Yunlan True Monarch.

Major factions and intelligence organizations had gathered enough evidence to conclusively verify his demise.

Purple Mist True Monarch did not refute these claims.

During this time, the ancestral shrine’s soul lamp of Yunlan True Monarch was publicly extinguished, signaling the end of any remaining doubts.

Now that Yunxia Sect’s internal affairs were stable, she no longer needed to conceal the truth.

Lan Chang'an, though uninformed about the finer details, had already guessed most of it.

It was evident that Purple Mist Fairy had confirmed her Dao companion’s death long ago, but had kept it hidden, even swapping out the soul lamp to maintain the illusion of his survival.

"If a sect leader of an ordinary cultivation force were widowed, it would inevitably invite the greed of wolves and tigers."

"However, in this case, the leader is a Nascent Soul female True Monarch, backed by a fourth-rank Sacred Beast protecting the sect."

Lan Chang'an understood that as long as he and Lord Earthrock remained steadfast in supporting Purple Mist True Monarch, without succumbing to external temptations, Yunxia Sect would remain secure.

Not long after, Purple Mist True Monarch arranged a discreet funeral for her fallen Dao companion.

Only a select group of core disciples and elders were permitted to attend the ceremony.

Her decision to handle it quietly was an effort to minimize any negative repercussions from his death.

Lan Chang'an was a special exception—as a Guest Elder, he was personally invited to witness the funeral.

In front of a grand and imposing mausoleum, an inscription was carved:

"Tomb of Yunlan True Monarch, Fifteenth Supreme Elder of Yunxia Sect."

Among the attendees stood a refined and elegant young man in white robes, his handsome features betraying a storm of complex emotions—beneath his composed expression lay a flicker of strangeness in his gaze.

This young man was none other than Hu Ang, the disciple Purple Mist True Monarch had accepted two years prior.

Perhaps due to the guidance of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, his cultivation had progressed at an astonishing rate, surpassing most high-grade spiritual root cultivators, and he had now reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

...

Two months later.

Above a third-rank spirit vein cave residence within Yunxia Sect, spiritual energy roared like tidal waves, converging rapidly.

Seven days later, the dense clouds of spiritual essence spanning several li stabilized, carrying the subtle resonance of the Great Dao—a phenomenon akin to a Half-Step Golden Dan breakthrough.

"A Core Formation Phenomenon from a Half-Step Golden Dan?"

This sight drew the attention of many Core Formation cultivators within the sect, sparking discussions of surprise.

"Achieving Half-Step Golden Dan with high-grade spiritual roots—this is quite rare."

"Hu Ang truly lives up to his reputation as the rising star of the Hu family."

"No wonder the Supreme Elder broke her precedent to accept him as a disciple."

Given Hu Ang’s background, sect members naturally accepted his rise.

On Qingluan Peak, Lan Chang'an also took note of the heavenly phenomena.

Though slightly surprised, he wasn’t overly shocked.

With high-grade spiritual roots, a direct lineage to the former Sect Master, and a Nascent Soul True Monarch as his master, his success was not unexpected.

Moreover, Yunxia Sect’s fortune had been steadily improving over the years.

"This child may have benefited from the sect’s rising fortune."

Lan Chang'an nodded to himself.

Having rooted himself in the Yunxia Sect for decades, he had brought prosperity to the sect, and the good fortune had begun manifesting.

Prior to Hu Ang’s breakthrough, the Yunxia Sect had already seen the rise of the new Huadu Immortal.

Additionally, Purple Mist Fairy’s adoptive son and direct disciple, Jiang Haoyuan, had successfully formed an Immortal Golden Dan.

Half a day later, the Core Formation tribulation phenomenon dissipated.

That same day, news of Hu Ang’s successful Half-Step Golden Dan breakthrough spread throughout the sect.

Purple Mist True Monarch, pleasantly surprised, ended her seclusion early.

Outsiders did not know that she had given very little guidance to Hu Ang's cultivation. His success was largely due to his own fortune and opportunities.

...

Half a month later, Yunxia Sect publicly announced an elaborate Core Formation celebration for Hu Ang.

Though the Hu family had originally wanted a more subdued event, Purple Mist True Monarch insisted on making it grand.

By holding a joyous celebration in the same year as Yunlan True Monarch’s funeral, she was symbolically counteracting bad luck—a form of spiritual balance.

As an invited guest, Lan Chang'an attended Hu Ang’s Core Formation banquet, bringing a gift.

Having established a family connection with the Hu clan, it was only natural for him to participate.

A year prior, the steward of the main peak, Xiao Qingshan, had married Hu Lirong, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Hu family, as a secondary Dao companion.

Though Xiao Qingshan and his first wife, Si Lu, shared deep affection, he ultimately did not dare defy Elder Xiang’s wishes.

Fortunately, Si Lu was understanding, supporting his marriage to Hu Lirong.

"Elder Xiang’s presence graces this humble abode—your visit brings great honor."

Hu Ang greeted Lan Chang'an warmly, personally escorting him into his newly acquired third-rank spirit peak residence.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lan Chang'an was seated at the primary guest position.

The event was attended by various sects and factions, but no Nascent Soul True Monarchs were present.

Most of the guests were Core Formation cultivators or high-ranking Fake Dan elders, sent as representatives.

Among them, a particularly notable guest was Princess Zhiwei of the Great Yu Imperial Family.

Years ago, at Lord Earthrock’s transformation ceremony, Yu Yuanjin had subtly hinted at a possible match between Lan Chang'an and his niece, Princess Zhiwei.

Draped in an elegant court gown, with long raven-black hair, and her flawless face partially veiled, Zhiwei exuded noble grace, her beauty both mysterious and alluring.

Among the guests, her status was the most prestigious, earning great admiration and respect.

Yet, she remained indifferent to the young Core Formation cultivators around her, offering them little acknowledgment.

Instead, her gaze lingered on Lan Chang'an, and she took the initiative to engage him in conversation.

Zhiwei’s every gesture carried an ethereal charm, her graceful demeanor captivating.

Lan Chang'an quickly noticed that this time, she was far more affectionate than before.

Between her smiles and veiled hints, she subtly conveyed a proposal:

If Lan Chang'an were to marry into the imperial family, he would receive substantial resources to support his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

The imperial treasury housed exceptional puppet-refinement materials, including resources capable of crafting fourth-rank puppets.

Hearing this, Lan Chang'an was undeniably tempted.

The truth was undeniable—the imperial family’s offer surpassed anything Yunxia Sect could provide.

Once he agrees, he could have the privilege of possessing a royal beauty of unparalleled grace, along with a future of even greater prospects.

"In fact, there is no lack of examples of cultivators from my royal family marrying disciples from other noble lineages and sects. If Elder Xiang were to wed a princess, it would not conflict with your current status as Yunxia Sect’s Guest Elder."

Zhiwei’s dark, luminous eyes shimmered with restrained emotions, her words carrying a hint of expectation and tenderness.

She gazed at the bald-headed man in blue robes—once, she had found his appearance somewhat unremarkable, but now the more she looked at him, the better he seemed.

According to imperial intelligence, Elder Xiang’s puppet refinement skills were far greater than publicly known—possibly even approaching fourth-rank mastery.

Even without Lord Earthrock’s presence, Lan Chang'an was worth recruiting.

Just as Lan Chang'an considered his response, he sensed a faint, concealed probing aura—the spiritual sense of a cautious Nascent Soul female cultivator.

Someone was monitoring him from afar.

Was it Purple Mist True Monarch?

Or perhaps another True Monarch within the imperial court?

Lan Chang'an remained calm, his mind weighing the opportunities and risks before him.

Princess Zhiwei held a secret treasure, shielding her voice transmission from Nascent Soul spiritual sense.

Thus, while Purple Mist True Monarch could not hear her secret messages, normal spoken conversation remained unprotected.

Sensing the situation, Lan Chang'an cleared his throat lightly, then spoke in a low voice, deliberately choosing not to use voice transmission:

"Purple Mist True Monarch has shown me great kindness, guiding and supporting me over the years. I have no other intentions."

Even though the imperial family’s offer was undeniably superior, Lan Chang'an had no desire for a political marriage.

The Great Yu Imperial Family, as a major power in the Central Region, had an unfathomable depth of strength, possessing more than one mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

To join such a faction would inevitably expose his secrets.

The promises of wealth and power from the imperial family would surely come at a cost.

In contrast, staying in the Yunxia Sect ensured greater personal freedom and security.

Besides, Purple Mist True Monarch had indeed treated him well—both he and Lord Earthrock owed her a debt of gratitude.

Lan Chang'an only needed to steadily cultivate in Yunxia Sect, reaching the peak of Core Formation, and he would have all the resources needed to attempt Nascent Soul breakthrough.

There was no need to complicate matters or disrupt his plans.

From her concealed vantage point, Purple Mist True Monarch overheard Lan Chang'an’s response.

Her lips curved slightly, a trace of satisfaction in her otherwise calm expression.

"Elder Xiang is a man of integrity, steadfast in his Dao heart… It seems I truly have an eye for people."

She made a silent decision—in the future, she would entrust him with greater responsibilities and offer even more generous rewards.

Hearing Lan Chang'an’s rejection, Princess Zhiwei’s expression darkened beneath her veil.

Though her face remained composed, hidden frustration and dissatisfaction flashed in her eyes.

Not long after, before the celebration had even ended, the royal princess departed Yunxia Sect ahead of schedule.

Outside the sect, atop a floating royal cloud throne, Princess Zhiwei sat in silence, her elegant brows furrowed in deep thought.

She couldn't understand.

With her peerless beauty, noble lineage, and the temptation of immense benefits, she had failed to move Lan Chang'an.

"What exactly is this Elder Xiang after? What could Yunxia Sect possibly offer that surpasses the imperial family's resources?"

She muttered to herself, feeling an unusual sense of frustration.

Then, a thought struck her—a revelation that caused her eyes to gleam sharply, as if piercing through the mist.

"Could it be… that Elder Xiang harbors feelings for the breathtaking fairy of Great Yu... Purple Mist True Monarch?"

For the first time, she felt as though she had found the answer—or at the very least, a justifiable excuse for her failure.

As arrogant as she was, even she had to admit—whether in talent, cultivation, or beauty, Purple Mist True Monarch was someone she could not compete with.

"If that’s the case… then my loss was inevitable."

One spoke without intent, but the listener took it to heart.

...

A few days after the Core Formation celebration, Purple Mist True Monarch officially announced that Hu Ang was now her direct disciple, fulfilling the promise she had previously made.

Given his talent and potential, Hu Ang was undoubtedly qualified to be a personal disciple of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

His Half-Step Immortal Golden Dan foundation meant that he had a high chance of becoming a Core Formation Great Cultivator and, if fortunate, he could even challenge the Nascent Soul stage in the future.

During the formal apprenticeship ceremony, Purple Mist True Monarch noticed something peculiar—within Hu Ang’s gaze, there was not only respect but also a faint trace of concealed admiration.

However, as a woman who had long been worshipped by countless young cultivators, she paid it no mind.

Many disciples in the sect revered her as a heavenly goddess, their dreamlike immortal muse.

Even Elder Xiang, a man who lived like an ascetic, had occasionally shown subtle appreciation for her beauty.

How much more so would an ordinary young male cultivator like Hu Ang be captivated by her presence?

Thus, she gave it no further thought.

For her, these fleeting admirations were nothing more than passing winds in the cultivation world.

...

More than half a year later, Lan Chang'an turned 360 years old.

Inside his cultivation chamber, he slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm and composed.

"In another twenty years, I should reach the peak of Core Formation."

Compared to the urgency of cultivating to this stage in his second life, this life was unhurried.

The primary reason was his ample lifespan—there was no immediate pressure to break through.

Even after reaching the peak of Core Formation, he would still have plenty of time to refine his realm and prepare for the Nascent Soul tribulation.

More importantly, he had already secured a significant portion of the necessary resources for his Nascent Soul advancement.

Currently, Lan Chang'an had prepared the following:

Nascent Soul spirit item, he had acquired the superior Ziwu Clear Wind.

Tribulation-resolving treasure, the Thunder-Dissolving Pearl used by Lord Earthrock during the transformation tribulation—though damaged, it could still be repaired and reused.

Heart Demon Tribulation treasure, he had the Superior Purity Pill that he had exchanged back then. Though not as powerful as the superior Heart Tribulation Thunder Fruit, it was still valuable.

"At this stage, my greatest deficiency is a quality Infant Transformation Pill. While additional spirit items could enhance my success rate, they are secondary."

Unknowingly, Lan Chang'an had already gathered a significant portion of the required resources.

However, he still lacked the Infant Transformation Pill’s primary medicinal ingredient, though he had managed to collect two or three auxiliary ingredients.

Obtaining an Infant Transformation Pill from the Yunxia Sect was entirely unrealistic.

After Immortal Yunqing’s failed Nascent Soul attempt, Yunxia Sect had no second complete set of Nascent Soul resources for the next hundred years.

The Tianying Fruit cultivated in the sect’s forbidden ground was far from maturity.

Even though Purple Mist True Monarch favored him, she was unlikely to fully sponsor his breakthrough—at most, she could offer minor assistance, similar to what she had done for Lord Earthrock in the past.

"Wait for the puppet army formation to take shape, or for the Puppet Spirit to advance to true fourth-rank, then my strength will reach its peak. That’s when I’ll venture out to seek the Infant Transformation Pill."

Lan Chang'an had carefully planned for his future Nascent Soul breakthrough.

At present, he was strong enough to travel and gather materials to commission an alchemist for the pill’s refinement.

However, there was no need to rush.

His long lifespan afforded him time to proceed methodically.

Additionally, Yunxia Sect’s political landscape remained somewhat uncertain.

Both he and Lord Earthrock played pivotal roles in maintaining sect stability.

While The Imperial Family as a neutral force was mainly pulling the strings to recruit him, Yunxia Sect’s rival factions would not be so peaceful.

Seeking Nascent Soul materials required traversing multiple nations and faction territories—such a long journey carried inevitable risks.

Thus, waiting another ten years to assess the situation before making a move was the wiser approach.

"Strangely enough, when Jing Wufeng advanced to Nascent Soul, there was no mention of him seeking an Infant Transformation Pill."

Lan Chang'an couldn't help but recall Jingtian True Monarch.

Previously, he had monitored Jing Wufeng’s activities but never heard any reports of him seeking an Infant Transformation Pill.

This could only mean one of two things, either Jing Wufeng obtained an Infant Transformation Pill or its key ingredient by slaying a Nascent Soul cultivator inside the Ancient Nether Hall, or he advanced to Nascent Soul without relying on the Infant Transformation Pill at all.

Lan Chang'an had studied records from the Tinghai Pavilion and once came across a theory:

According to historical accounts, the Infant Transformation Pill was a product of the Middle Ancient Era.

In the far older Ancient Era, Nascent Soul cultivators broke through without the pill.

Certain ancient cultivation factions within Heaven Honoured Continent still possessed alternative methods that did not involve Infant Transformation Pill consumption.

"These ancient methods might even be superior, as they do not cause pill poison accumulation."

...

One year later.

Lan Chang'an had partially repaired his damaged assassin puppet.

His plan for the next decade was to complete the foundational units of his puppet army formation, enabling it to hold its ground against Nascent Soul cultivators in battle.

That day, the sect’s great bell tolled thrice.

"Three chimes indicate a crisis or significant trouble within the sect. The highest level—nine chimes—signifies imminent destruction."

Lan Chang'an remained calm, glancing toward the sect’s main assembly hall, where the crisis was being discussed.

The newly appointed Sect Master, Xuefeng Immortal, convened several elders for an emergency meeting but did not disturb the Supreme Elders.

As a Guest Elder, Lan Chang'an had always refrained from interfering in sect matters, and Sect Master Xuefeng saw no need to involve him.

Despite not attending the meeting, Lan Chang'an had his own means of gathering information:

One was his steward Xiao Qingshan, he was a key figure in the Xiao Clan and had a wide network within the sect.

The other was Puppet Master Wei, who was traveling outside, as well as his own puppet clones, who regularly provided intelligence.

That very night, Xiao Qingshan reported the details.

"Elder Xiang, it seems the sect’s third-rank spirit ore mine, Fujiling, was the site of a major battle recently."

"The elder stationed there—a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator—was seriously injured. One Fake Dan cultivator was killed, along with several Foundation Establishment disciples."

Lan Chang'an’s expression hardened slightly.

"Fujiling Mine… Isn’t that the third-rank spirit mine that's in a dispute with the Ye Clan?"

This matter was far from simple.

Fujiling Mine was the most valuable spirit mine under Yunxia Sect’s control, providing essential materials for refining magical treasures.

Some of its rarest materials could even be used to forge Nascent Soul-level magical treasures.

Over the years, True Monarch Purple Mist focused on advancing her cultivation and seeking a top-tier magical treasure suited to her needs, striving to become a veteran Nascent Soul cultivator as soon as possible.

The mine was located on the sect’s territorial border and was close to the Ye Clan’s sphere of influence.

Originally, the Tie Clan, a cultivator family affiliated with the Yunxia Sect, had discovered and secretly mined it for years.

When Yunxia Sect found out, they forced a partnership, taking a 90% share of the profits, leaving the Tie Clan with only 10%.

Naturally, this created resentment.

Some members of the Tie Clan, dissatisfied with the arrangement, defected to the Ye Clan.

This gave the Ye Clan an opportunity to stake a claim, demanding 30% ownership of the mine.

At the time, the Great Yu Imperial Family had been trying to secure an alliance with Yunxia Sect and pressured the Ye Clan to back down.

Back then, the Ye Clan was weaker and had no choice but to accept compensation and temporarily drop the matter.

However, the balance of power had changed.

The Ye Clan had grown stronger, now boasting two seasoned Nascent Soul cultivators in their prime.

On the contrary, the Yunxia Sect had weakened—with the death of Yunlan True Monarch, their most powerful veteran was gone.

Purple Mist True Monarch was still behind in raw combat strength, while Lord Earthrock, though powerful, was a newly ascended demon king, lacking the same prestige as a veteran Nascent Soul cultivator.

Under the Ye Clan’s influence, the defected Tie Clan members had now established themselves, producing a Core Formation cultivator and growing in power.

Now, they sought to reclaim their ancestral lands and lost mining assets.

"A long-standing dispute, with a complex history."

Lan Chang'an quickly deduced that someone was deliberately pushing this conflict forward.

Furthermore, a powerful divination barrier was obscuring the greater scheme behind the incident.

At its core, this was a power struggle between the Yunxia Sect and the Ye Clan.

Now that the Ye Clan was at its peak, and Yunxia Sect was relatively weaker, they were pressing their advantage.

Their goal was clear—to reclaim lost mining assets, or at least secure a substantial share of the profits.

...

The following morning, Lan Chang'an received a summons from Purple Mist True Monarch, instructing him to report to her residence at Zixia Peak.

Upon entering the grand hall of her cave palace, Lan Chang'an was met with a chilling aura.

Purple Mist True Monarch sat with an icy expression, her Nascent Soul-level mana fluctuations surging like a tidal wave.

For the first time, Lan Chang'an sensed a true killing intent emanating from her.

Her normally gentle and elegant demeanor was replaced by an oppressive aura—her radiant starry eyes were now sharp and cold, carrying a gaze that could freeze souls.

As she steadied herself, her expression softened slightly when looking at Lan Chang'an, the sect’s most powerful Core Formation cultivator, second only to herself.

Her voice, though calmer, still carried traces of restrained anger.

"Elder Xiang, during the recent battle at Fujiling Mine, the enemy managed to breach the third-rank defensive formation and plunder a batch of high-quality spirit ores."

"Behind the scenes, it's suspected that there was a mysterious Core Formation Great Cultivator involved."

"Otherwise, there is no way our stationed cultivators could have been defeated so easily and suffered such heavy losses."