I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 363

## Chapter 359: Grand Ceremony for Profit

The Great Yu Kingdom, Central Imperial City.

The vast and imposing Dragon Throne Hall was filled with several figures.

On the dragon throne, sat a man with a wide forehead, imposing even in his calm state. He wore a purple-gold dragon robe with patterns reminiscent of the “Imperial Dragon Robe”, one of the nine treasures of the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty.

Legend has it that the ancestors of the Great Yu Royal Family were a noble house that migrated from the Sealed Hua Continent, Great Jin Immortal Dynasty, thousands of years ago. The founder of the dynasty was a Nascent Soul cultivator, who established the vast Great Yu Kingdom.

Currently, the territory of the Great Yu Kingdom was less than half its peak size.

“Your Majesty, the birth of the fourth-order rat king has disrupted our Royal Family’s original plan, introducing numerous variables. The Cloud Mist Sect, with three Nascent Soul cultivators, has surpassed the Great Serpent Mountain and most families in our kingdom.”

“If we allow the ‘Cloud Mist Twins’ to gain further benefits in the Ancient幽影殿, the path to assimilation will be long and arduous.”

From the seat below the dragon throne, an ancient, robe-clad elder in the early Nascent Soul stage stated, his voice low and heavy.

The Emperor Yu showed no emotion, pondering for a moment:

“Item True Immortal and his spiritual pet are not cultivated by the Cloud Mist Sect. As an external guest, do you have any means to win him over?”

“Your Majesty, there is a slight possibility of winning him over. However, Item True Immortal has preconceived notions, making this matter quite difficult.”

“According to the intelligence I have received, one of the Cloud Mist Twins, the Purple Mist Fairy, has a deep connection with Item True Immortal, and there is a strong bond between them.”

The speaker was a female cultivator in red, with a beautiful face and dignified bearing.

“However, Cloud岚 True Immortal seems to have a cold relationship with Item True Immortal. Perhaps we can exploit this. Like we did in the past, to divide the Cloud Mist Couple…”

Hearing this, a few present revealed a knowing smile.

It turned out that the rift in the relationship between the Cloud Mist Sect’s True Immortal couple was the result of the Royal Family’s covert manipulation.

To this end, they secretly used Master-level divination to find evidence.

One to two hundred years ago, the Purple Mist Fairy’s beloved senior brother died in the middle domain demonic chaos.

While Cloud岚 True Immortal wasn’t the direct perpetrator, he secretly schemed, allowing the Purple Mist Fairy’s beloved senior brother to be devoured by demons, leaving no trace of his body.

Initially, Cloud岚 True Immortal was very cautious, leaving no handle and having an alibi.

After investigation, the Purple Mist Fairy didn’t find anything unusual and remained unaware.

However, the Royal Family, with its vast powers, used an invisible hand to guide the Purple Mist Fairy to discover the truth by chance.

At that time, the Purple Mist Fairy, already a Nascent Soul True Immortal, was heartbroken and her relationship with Cloud岚 True Immortal fractured.

Due to this facade of harmony, the couple couldn’t achieve the full power of their dual cultivation technique.

Otherwise, the Cloud Mist Twins, with their similar techniques, could have combined their efforts and been able to withstand a normal Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator.

“Yuan晋, I heard that the rat demon could achieve human transformation. You contributed to this, didn’t you?”

The Emperor Yu’s voice remained steady, his gaze fixed on another seat.

The seat didn’t hold a real person, but a projection of a handsome young man in a python robe.

His eyes were like stars, with a sharp, sword-like aura.

The projection was Yuan晋, a swordsman, a prominent figure in the early Nascent Soul stage of the Great Yu Kingdom.

“Your Majesty, that is true.”

Yuan晋 didn’t hide anything, then explained the events from back then.

At the Cloud Sky City Nascent Soul trading conference, introduced by the Purple Mist Fairy, Yuan晋 traded the “Thunder Transforming Pearl” to Item True Immortal.

Firstly, it was due to his admiration for the Purple Mist Fairy.

Secondly, Item True Immortal offered a fourth-order 青玄木, a precious spiritual wood for crafting sword-based magical artifacts, and also a third-order mid-grade puppet.

From that trade, Yuan晋 not only didn’t suffer a loss but also became closer to the Purple Mist Fairy.

Yuan晋’s feelings for the Purple Mist Fairy were more of admiration, not possessive desire.

In his heart, the sword Dao was paramount.

However, the Great Yu Royal Family was very keen on him getting closer to the Purple Mist Fairy.

Ideally, Cloud岚 True Immortal would die early, allowing Yuan晋 to become the Purple Mist Fairy’s Dao partner and subtly assimilate the Cloud Mist Sect’s lineage.

“This is an opportunity.”

The Emperor Yu laughed heartily, not pursuing the fact that Yuan晋 had already acted.

Yuan晋 was a natural born genius, the same age as the Purple Mist Fairy, and they had known each other for a long time.

Now, with the “Thunder Transforming Pearl” as a catalyst, Yuan晋 had formed good relationships with Item True Immortal and Earth Rock Lord.

“Yuan晋, you will represent the Royal Family at the Cloud Mist Sect’s transformation ceremony.”

The Emperor Yu commanded.

“Yuan晋 accepts the order.”

The projection of Yuan晋 on the seat bowed respectfully.

…

Half a year later.

Early morning, 青鸾 Peak’s inner palace.

A half-妖, half-human rat, with a sturdy build, wearing a purple-red robe, was munching on a fourth-order Earth Spiritual Mushroom from a jade box.

After transforming, the Earth Rock Rat’s body and limbs gradually took on a human form, and it mostly maintained this half-human, half-妖 form within the sect.

However, in private and when burrowing underground, the Earth Rock Rat preferred to retain its original rat妖 form.

陆长安 didn’t have any thoughts about it. 妖 Beasts transform into human form because the human form is more aligned with the origin of the Dao.

Some descendants of powerful true spirits, even if they dislike transforming, still possess immense magical powers.

“Alright, you need to attend the ceremony later. Look more than you speak, don’t fall for any verbal traps set by those Nascent Soul old monsters.”

陆长安 walked over, habitually stroking a tuft of purple-gold fur on the Earth Rock Rat’s head.

The fourth-order Earth Spiritual Mushroom that the Earth Rock Rat was eating was a gift from Cloud岚 True Immortal before the transformation ceremony.

The purple-red robe it wore was personally woven by the Purple Mist Fairy, made from fourth-order silkworm silk, impervious to water and fire, and incredibly resilient.

陆长安 couldn’t help but envy such preferential treatment.

After all, Earth Rock Lord was now the Cloud Mist Sect’s sacred beast, holding a high status, surpassing even a guest elder.

The Earth Rock Rat’s training grounds were in an underground palace on the outskirts of the fourth-order spiritual vein, several miles away. The tunnel it dug connected to 青鸾 Peak.

陆长安 understood the True Immortals’ intentions and was happy to see them come to fruition.

This way, the Cloud Mist Sect could shoulder a part of the Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation resources, not relying solely on him, its owner.

…

Half an hour later.

The outer peak of the transformation ceremony was filled with representatives from the Great Yu Kingdom and nearby forces.

Hu Sect Master was responsible for coordinating the transformation ceremony, welcoming and seeing off guests.

As the protagonist of the ceremony, Earth Rock Lord sat in the middle of the highest position, alongside the Cloud Mist Twins.

陆长安 sat in the front row of the lower seating, a normal treatment for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Though he was the Earth Rock Lord’s master, in the cultivation world, strength is paramount, and a large difference in cultivation stage naturally makes one inferior.

“The Great Yu萧 Family Ancestor has arrived to celebrate!”

At this time, a powerful Nascent Soul-level pressure approached from the sky outside the mountain.

Transforming妖 beast ceremonies were rare in the Great Yu cultivation world.

Therefore, this ceremony drew the curiosity of several Nascent Soul True Immortals, and some came in person to witness it.

陆长安 and the Earth Rock Rat joined the Cloud Mist Sect midway, and there was a possibility they could be recruited, which was another significant reason.

At this moment, there were already several Nascent Soul cultivators at the transformation ceremony.

Just among those陆长安 recognized, there was the 赤蛇 True Immortal from Great Serpent Mountain, and the 乐 Master from the Pill Alliance.

As the Cloud Mist Sect’s neighboring enemy, it wasn’t surprising that the Great Serpent Mountain’s Grand Elder came to investigate.

What surprised 陆长安 was the presence of 乐 Master from the Pill Alliance, who came from afar to congratulate them.

If he recalled correctly, after Cloud岚 True Immortal was injured in an attack, the Cloud Mist Sect’s relationship with 乐 Dan Shi had become strained.

“Item True Immortal, when we met in Cloud Sky City, I could see that you weren’t someone ordinary.”

乐 Dan Shi, with his bright eyes, smiled warmly and initiated a conversation with 陆长安.

陆长安 was taken aback and stood up to greet him, chatting with 乐 Dan Shi for a while.

Years ago, at the Cloud Sky City Nascent Soul trading conference, 乐 Dan Shi had encouraged him and expressed his need for a third-order high-grade puppet.

Upon meeting again this time, 陆长安 noticed that 乐 Dan Shi was intentionally trying to befriend him and build a relationship.

Though this 乐 Master was old and not skilled in combat, he enjoyed making connections and had a good eye, his network included many strong figures in the Nascent Soul stage.

Because he was backed by the Pill Alliance, his connections were extensive, and ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn’t dare to easily offend him.

While they were speaking, 乐 Master looked towards Earth Rock Lord sitting on the stage, revealing a subtle fondness and admiration.

乐 Master had been enthusiastically collecting means of protection for his cultivation journey in recent years, such as life-saving artifacts, fourth-order spirit talismans, powerful puppets, etc., while simultaneously paving the way for his successors.

乐 Master had a third-order peak spiritual pet. However, fourth-order妖 Kings were not attainable just with wealth.

The cultivation and nurturing of a fourth-order sacred beast was comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator, or even more uncontrollable, and typically only occurred in sects with long lineages and immense resources.

Upon learning 陆长安’s identity, the Nascent Soul old monsters present, to a greater or lesser extent, became interested, and some curious ones spoke up to inquire.

Becoming the owner of a fourth-order sacred beast, the circle of Nascent Soul True Immortals was no longer a dream for 陆长安, no longer requiring someone to introduce him.

陆长安 was secretly delighted. This was a circle he had yearned for in his previous life.

For ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, seeking Nascent Soul opportunities was truly difficult, requiring great fortune.

But if one could enter the circle of Nascent Soul True Immortals, obtaining resources for Nascent Soul advancement would be like lowering the difficulty by an entire dimension.

“It was a great loss for Great Serpent Mountain that we couldn’t recruit Item True Immortal back then.”

The 赤蛇 True Immortal, not far away, spoke with a hint of regret, his voice full of emotion.

This evil cultivator, thin as a rake, wore a black cloak, his narrow eyes had scrutinized the newly promoted fourth-order Earth Rock Lord.

陆长安 felt a pang of vigilance. A Nascent Soul level beast control sect might have means to forcibly enslave a fourth-order妖 beast.

However, as an opposing force, coming to investigate the Earth Rock Rat was a normal thing.

“This mutated Earth Rock Rat possesses a thick aura of 地煞 Qi, its magical power isn’t inferior to that of a 地品 bloodline妖 King. I wonder about its specific combat skills…”

The 赤蛇 True Immortal was an expert in beast control. With just a little observation, he could roughly assess the Earth Rock Lord’s level.

As a newly promoted transformed妖 King, under the restriction of species dominance, it would be no match for the 赤幽蛇 King, likely being crushed.

…

“The Great Yu Royal Family, the 天元 Sword Lord, and芷薇 County Lord have arrived to celebrate!”

The afternoon of the transformation ceremony welcomed the most important guests.

The Cloud Mist Twins and Earth Rock Lord stood up to welcome them.

The 天元 Sword Lord was Yuan晋, his strength surpassed many Nascent Soul True Immortals present.

More importantly, Yuan晋 was backed by the Great Yu Royal Family, the dominant force in this cultivation world.

As far as 陆长安 knew, the Great Yu Royal Family was among the top ruling forces in the entire Great Abyss Middle Domain, not inferior to the Beast King Valley.

The Royal Family had more than one Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator. Their founding ancestor was a noble from the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty on the Sealed Hua Continent, with extraordinary origins and profound foundations.

Yuan晋 and芷薇 County Lord were arranged by Hu Sect Master to sit in the front row.

The Nascent Soul old monsters present all greeted them, politely inquiring after their well-being.

Yuan晋’s gaze fell upon 陆长安, a smile playing on his lips.

陆长安 couldn’t pretend not to notice, after all, it was the “Thunder Transforming Pearl” he traded from this person that had helped the Earth Rock Rat successfully withstand the transformation thunder.

Due to the Earth Rock Rat’s resilience, the “Thunder Transforming Pearl” didn’t suffer much damage during the thunder and could be repaired later. 陆长安 would have a chance to use it when he attempted Nascent Soul advancement.

陆长安 stood up and gestured for the Earth Rock Lord to come down.

The man and the rat approached Yuan晋’s seat, expressing their gratitude.

The high-ranking cultivators around them were surprised to see this.

Not because of Yuan晋.

Regarding the “Thunder Transforming Pearl”, all major forces had gathered intelligence. In the eyes of the outside world, the Earth Rock Rat’s attempt at transformation, with the support of the Cloud Mist Sect True Immortals, was a pretty good set of conditions.

What surprised everyone was 陆长安’s gesture and the Earth Rock Lord’s obedience.

“This transformed rat king has a docile temperament. It seems Item True Immortal raised it from a young age, like a father and daughter. Even though its cultivation surpasses its owner, it remains loyal…”

Seeing this scene, the 赤蛇 True Immortal and 乐 Master couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy.

Especially the 赤蛇 True Immortal.

Although he was the Grand Elder of Great Serpent Mountain, holding the highest position, the 赤幽蛇 King’s lineage was older and its strength stronger. At times, it didn’t necessarily obey his orders.

“Earth Rock Lord, Item True Immortal, no need for formality. The trade back then was mutually beneficial. To be honest, the current outcome is beyond even my expectation.”

Yuan晋’s eyes were sharp, his face held a faint smile, he spoke frankly.

陆长安 met those star-like black eyes, feeling a slight sting in his soul, the threat he felt from this man far surpassed ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.

“Item True Immortal, have a seat, we shall talk.”

After the Earth Rock Lord returned to the stage, Yuan晋 extended an invitation, asking 陆长安 to sit beside him.

“This is my niece, ‘芷薇 County Lord,’ she loves the third-order high-grade puppet you crafted.”

Hearing this, 陆长安 looked at the Royal Family female cultivator beside Yuan晋, wearing a transparent veil.

芷薇 County Lord wore a long court dress, her black hair hung straight down, her temperament elegant, truly a captivating beauty. The veil on her face couldn’t truly hide her features, instead, it created a beautifully hazy effect.

陆长安 had to admit that since coming to the Great Yu Kingdom, this was the most beautiful and elegant woman he had met, after the Purple Mist Fairy.

“My name is芷薇, I have met Item Elder.”

芷薇 County Lord lifted her skirt and bowed gracefully, her voice clear and melodious, her dark and bright eyes surveyed the young man before her who wasn’t bad-looking, despite being bald.

Next, Yuan晋 spoke less, only occasionally guiding芷薇 County Lord to converse and interact with 陆长安.

This芷薇 County Lord was graceful and elegant, even meeting for the first time, she could naturally chat with 陆长安, from puppets and spirit pets, to personal cultivation, and even the wonders of the Great Abyss.

During the conversation, she indirectly probed about 陆长安’s past.

After the Earth Rock Rat’s transformation, various forces had investigated Item True Immortal’s origins, but without much success, only confirming that he came from outside the Middle Domain.

陆长安 realized that Yuan晋 had the intention of bringing him and芷薇 County Lord together.

After chatting for a quarter of an hour, 陆长安 stood up and returned to his seat.

“How is he?”

Yuan晋 closed his eyes and communicated telepathically with the Royal Family County Lord beside him.

“His cultivation and ability, his speech and knowledge are all good. But his temperament is a bit rustic, not the kind I like.”

芷薇 County Lord spoke frankly, replying through telepathy.

Yuan晋’s black eyebrows, as smooth as paint, furrowed slightly, “Do you, as a Royal Family member, look down on him?”

芷薇 County Lord glanced at the Earth Rock Lord on the stage, a smile spread across her face, “If you add the Earth Rock Lord, then it’s me who is out of my league.”

Yuan晋 nodded, “Understood. This is a good opportunity I have secured for you.”

…

The transformation ceremony lasted for several days.

Numerous guests came and went at the Cloud Mist Sect, each representative from a force or individual cultivator who came to congratulate them would offer a congratulatory gift.

Generally, the higher the cultivation and the stronger the force behind them, the more generous the gift.

However, these gift-givers were mostly from the Cloud Mist Sect’s network, with past relationships.

As previously agreed, the two True Immortals promised that three-tenths of the ceremony’s gifts would belong to the Earth Rock Lord.

Even three-tenths was a considerable amount of resources.

Besides this, some guests privately gifted the Earth Rock Lord personal gifts, which were not included in the split.

For example, 乐 Master, besides the regular gift, also separately gifted the Earth Rock Rat a bottle of fourth-order spirit pills.

Including芷薇 County Lord, who entrusted 陆长安 to give a basket of Royal Family precious fruits to the Earth Rock Lord.

Precious fruits from the Great Yu Royal Family, rare in the world, were not varieties found in the Great Qing or Great Abyss. 陆长安 had initially planned to only taste one, but ended up eating more than half.

The split of the gifts, plus the private offerings, made the Earth Rock Lord’s transformation ceremony a huge success.

This amount of resources, if used for cultivation, could last for many years.

However, if used to craft magical artifacts or cultivate certain skills of the妖 beast, then it wouldn’t be enough.

I haven’t finished writing the planned chapters for the past two days.

Yesterday, my child got the flu, and today my wife got infected and started coughing.

Thankfully, we sleep in separate rooms, and we haven’t had much contact these past two days, I’m still okay for now.

(End of Chapter)

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