I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 369

## Chapter 365: Planning for Nascent Soul Formation

After the test, Lu Changan put away the quasi-fourth-order exotic peacock puppet.

This puppet’s cost far exceeded its peers, consuming almost all of the best puppet crafting materials accumulated over the years. As a result, the top-tier third-order assassin puppet that was heavily damaged in the Ancient Nether Palace still hasn’t been fully repaired.

Such investment was worthwhile. Besides the fourth-order Qingjia puppet, Lu Changan now had another powerful force capable of independent action.

Regarding the other mid-to-high-grade third-order puppets, Lu Changan planned to integrate them into the puppet formation system.

Puppet formations theoretically possess power exceeding their levels, but they have significant limitations, almost lacking any mobility.

Their advantage lies in their adeptness at positional warfare, and their effectiveness is further enhanced when combined with formations.

To engage a Nascent Soul cultivator, the foundation of a puppet formation requires at least four late-stage third-order puppets.

Lu Changan was still short two, and even at his current level, it would take some time to acquire them.

Of course, the Exotic Peacock or the Qingjia puppet could operate independently or serve as the core of the puppet formation, bolstering the latter’s strength.

“The Peacock puppet’s power is only slightly inferior to mine; it can essentially replace my role as a protector for Daoist Lu.”

A residual image solidified in front of him, the ghostfire flickering in the Qingjia puppet’s eye sockets. Wei, the Puppet Master, expressed his relief in his tone.

“In the next ten years, I humbly request to travel outside, which might contribute to the advancement and transformation of my puppet spirit.”

Lu Changan pondered for a moment: “Wei, the Puppet Master’s wish, I won’t hinder. However, for your external training, it’s best to stay within the Cloud Mist Sect’s sphere of influence, don’t stray too far.”

Over the past few decades, the Qingjia puppet’s puppet spirit, nurtured by the second life inhabiting Lu Changan’s body, grew faster than anticipated.

It’s estimated that within ten years, there will be no further progress.

Wei, the Puppet Master’s external training, was to lay the groundwork beforehand, to increase his understanding and promote the advancement of his puppet spirit.

The puppet spirit’s transformation to the fourth order is a crucial step.

With good fortune, it might succeed naturally.

If it goes poorly, it could stagnate for a hundred years, or even fail to succeed for life.

“Daoist Lu, rest assured, within the Cloud Mist Sect’s sphere of influence, thousands of miles in every direction, it’s enough for my training and understanding. Moreover, every one or two years, I will need you to replenish my spirit.”

Wei, the Puppet Master, said cheerfully.

Then, the man and the puppet discussed numerous details.

During the journey, Wei, the Puppet Master, would gather useful information for Daoist Lu and leave contact information.

That evening, Wei, the Puppet Master, silently left the Cloud Mist Sect, embarking on his external training.

Lu Changan wasn’t worried about losing this puppet.

As a fourth-order puppet, the second life inhabiting Lu Changan’s body had a far-reaching sensing range.

However, the entire Great Yu Kingdom, with its vast territory, is six times the size of the Daoist Alliance.

Therefore, Lu Changan restricted it to the Cloud Mist Sect’s sphere of influence.

The Cloud Mist Sect’s influence, including its affiliated forces, encompassed half of the Liang Kingdom.

…

Two years later.

Regarding the death of Cloud Mist True Monarch, the outside world finally reached a definitive conclusion.

Those powerful factions and intelligence organizations confirmed the death of Cloud Mist True Monarch.

Purple Mist True Monarch didn’t deny this matter, and the ancestral hall’s soul lamp extinguished at the appropriate time during this period.

Now, with the Cloud Mist Sect situation stable, she didn’t need to deliberately conceal it.

Although Lu Changan was unaware of the specifics, he guessed some of the truth.

Purple Mist Fairy must have confirmed her partner’s death long ago, but she kept it a secret and swapped the ancestral hall’s soul lamp.

“If it were a regular cultivator leading a faction, with only a surviving spouse, it would undoubtedly attract the covetous gazes of wolves and tigers.”

“However, she is a Nascent Soul female True Monarch, and the sect is guarded by a fourth-order divine beast.”

Lu Changan understood that as long as he and Earth Rock Jun stood firmly behind Purple Mist True Monarch, unyielding to external influences, the Cloud Mist Sect would remain stable.

Soon after, Purple Mist True Monarch held a low-key funeral for her deceased partner.

Within the sect, only some of the direct disciples participated in the matter.

Purple Mist True Monarch’s low-key handling was to minimize the negative impact of her partner’s death on the sect.

Lu Changan was an exception. As a guest elder, he was present at the scene, witnessing this True Monarch funeral.

In front of the magnificent and grand mausoleum.

“The tomb of ‘Cloud Mist True Monarch,’ the fifteenth Supreme Elder of the Cloud Mist Sect.”

A man with a handsome and elegant appearance, wearing a white robe, his eyes carrying complex emotions, a strange glimmer flashed within them.

This person was Hu Ang, the disciple Purple Mist True Monarch took on two years ago.

Perhaps guided by a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Hu Ang’s cultivation speed was rapid, exceeding most superior-grade spirit roots. He had already reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

…

Two months later.

Above a subworld near a third-order spirit vein within the Cloud Mist Sect, spiritual Qi roared, converging like a tide.

Seven days later, a spiritual Qi cloud group spanning several miles stabilized its shape, enveloped in heavenly might, carrying hints of Daoist rhyme.

“The Nascent Soul formation atmosphere of a half-step Golden Core?”

This sight astonished many of the Nascent Soul True Monarchs within the sect, leaving them surprised.

“It’s rare to achieve a half-step Golden Core with a superior-grade spirit root.”

“Hu Ang, this fellow truly is a brilliant young talent of the former Hu Sect Master’s lineage.”

“No wonder the Supreme Elder made an exception and accepted him as a disciple.”

Considering Hu Ang’s background and origin, the cultivators within the sect naturally accepted this.

On the main peak of Qingluan Peak, Lu Changan also noticed the Nascent Soul formation atmosphere above the sect gate.

He was only slightly surprised.

With a superior-grade spirit root, hailing from the Hu Sect Master’s lineage, and taking a Nascent Soul True Monarch as his master, this achievement was not strange.

Moreover, the Cloud Mist Sect’s fortune had been steadily rising for years.

“This fellow may be benefiting from the sect’s fortune boost.”

Lu Changan nodded silently.

As the sect’s lucky star, rooted for decades, he indeed brought good fortune.

In the years before Hu Ang, the Cloud Mist Sect produced the Nascent Soul cultivator, “Hua Du True Monarch.”

Cloud Mist Fairy’s adopted son and direct disciple, Jiang Haoran, also successfully formed an immortal Golden Core.

Half a day later.

The Nascent Soul formation atmosphere in the sky dispersed peacefully.

On that day, the news of Hu Ang forming a half-step Golden Core spread throughout the sect.

Purple Mist True Monarch, surprised and delighted, emerged from seclusion early.

Outsiders didn’t know that she had rarely guided Hu Ang’s cultivation, mainly due to his personal fortune and good fortune.

…

Half a month later, the Cloud Mist Sect sent out numerous invitations, holding a grand Nascent Soul formation celebration for Hu Ang.

The Hu clan actually didn’t want to make such a fuss.

This was deliberate by Purple Mist Fairy.

Hu Ang’s Nascent Soul formation celebration and Cloud Mist True Monarch’s funeral were held in the same year, a kind of alternative “celebration of good fortune.”

Lu Changan accepted the invitation, attended Hu Ang’s Nascent Soul formation celebration, and presented a congratulatory gift.

Within the Cloud Mist Sect, Lu Changan had a “kinship” relationship with the Hu clan.

A year ago, the main peak’s steward, Xiao Qing Shan, married a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Hu clan as a secondary wife, enjoying the bliss of having two wives.

Xiao Qing Shan and his wife, Si Lu, were deeply in love and their relationship was harmonious. They originally didn’t want to take another concubine, but they dared not disobey Elder Xiang’s wishes.

Fortunately, his wife, Si Lu, was very understanding and ultimately cooperated with him in welcoming the Hu clan’s daughter, Hu Li Rong, into the family.

“Elder Xiang’s presence graces my humble dwelling, truly an honor.”

Hu Ang greeted him with a smile, personally escorting Lu Changan to the newly relocated subworld on the third-order spirit peak.

Lu Changan exchanged greetings with Hu Ang and was arranged to sit in the chief seat in the inner hall.

At the Nascent Soul formation celebration, visitors from various factions, while not including Nascent Soul True Monarchs, typically sent Nascent Soul formation cultivators or False Core True Monarchs.

Among them, the representative from the Great Yu Royal Family, “Princess Zhi Wei,” was considered a semi-acquaintance of Lu Changan.

At the Earth Rock Rat’s transformation ceremony, Yu Yuan Jin had hinted at a possible match between Lu Changan and his niece.

Princess Zhi Wei had an elegant demeanor, dressed in a court gown, her hair long and black, a white veil on her face, revealing a stunningly beautiful visage through the mist.

Among the visitors bearing congratulatory gifts, she was the most noble in status, garnering respect and admiration.

However, Princess Zhi Wei didn’t show any favor to the young True Monarchs around her, only giving a higher regard to Lu Changan, actively engaging in conversation.

Her every frown and smile radiated brilliance, elegant and exquisite, a sight to behold.

Lu Changan noticed that this time they met, Princess Zhi Wei had become closer, with implicit hints within her charming laughter.

For instance, marrying the royal noble lady would bring genuine assistance regarding crucial resources for Nascent Soul formation in the future.

Furthermore, the royal treasury possessed top-tier puppet crafting materials, even a complete set of resources suitable for crafting fourth-order puppets.

Lu Changan couldn’t help but be a little tempted.

Undeniably, the conditions offered by the royal family were better than those of the Cloud Mist Sect.

If he agreed, he would possess a beautiful royal noble lady and a more promising future.

“In fact, there are quite a few instances of our royal cultivators marrying into families and sects. If Elder Xiang becomes the royal son-in-law, it wouldn’t conflict with your current status as a guest elder of the Cloud Mist Sect.”

Princess Zhi Wei’s black eyes shimmered with brilliance, containing a hint of tenderness and expectation.

She gazed at the bald youth in blue robes. Previously, she had found him somewhat rustic, but now, the more she looked at him, the more she found him appealing.

According to the royal family’s secret intelligence, Elder Xiang’s puppet craft skills might be concealed, stronger than the outside world imagined.

This person could potentially achieve a quasi-fourth-order or even a fourth-order puppet master.

Even without the fourth-order divine beast, Earth Rock Jun, Elder Xiang was worth recruiting for the royal family.

At this moment, Lu Changan sensed a subtle sense of scrutiny, emanating from the cautious divine sense of a female True Monarch.

Princess Zhi Wei possessed a secret treasure, shielding her from the probing divine sense of an early Nascent Soul.

Purple Mist True Monarch couldn’t hear her voice transmission, and regular conversation wouldn’t be protected.

Lu Changan coughed lightly and, without transmitting his voice, whispered:

“Purple Mist True Monarch bestowed kindness upon me, caring for me for many years. I have no other aspirations.”

Even with the better conditions offered by the royal family, Lu Changan had no intention of marrying.

The Great Yu Royal Family, as a prominent faction in the Central Region, possessed immeasurable power, with more than one mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Lu Changan didn’t want to join such a force, as it would easily expose his secrets.

The benefits promised by the royal family would inevitably come at a price.

In contrast, staying in the Cloud Mist Sect offered greater freedom and security.

Moreover, Purple Mist True Monarch had indeed been kind to him, extending favors to both him and Earth Rock Jun.

Lu Changan only needed to cultivate diligently in the Cloud Mist Sect until he reached the peak of the Golden Core stage, then he could strive for Nascent Soul formation. There was no need to create complications and disrupt his plans.

Purple Mist True Monarch, secretly eavesdropping, was pleased to hear Lu Changan’s rejection.

“Daoist Xiang is a reliable person, his Daoist heart is firm and genuine. I truly have a discerning eye.”

Purple Mist True Monarch pondered silently, deciding to assign more responsibility to Elder Xiang in the future, granting him more generous rewards and recognition.

Lu Changan’s repeated rejection caused Princess Zhi Wei to feel uneasy, her white veil concealing her annoyance and displeasure.

The celebration hadn’t ended yet, but the royal princess left the Cloud Mist Sect early.

In the clouds outside the sect gate.

Princess Zhi Wei sat on her magnificent cloud chariot, her brows furrowed, showing her perplexity.

With her unparalleled beauty, royal status, and the allure of significant benefits, she couldn’t sway Elder Xiang even slightly.

“What exactly is Elder Xiang after? What does the Cloud Mist Sect have that surpasses the royal family’s generous conditions?”

She muttered to herself.

“Could it be that Elder Xiang harbors affections for that stunningly beautiful Purple Mist Fairy…”

Princess Zhi Wei’s eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had found the truth through the fog.

She also found a reason for her own failure.

In terms of talent, cultivation, and beauty, even with her arrogance, she couldn’t help but feel inferior compared to Purple Mist Fairy.

The speaker was unaware, the listener was perceptive.

…

Several days after the Nascent Soul formation celebration.

Purple Mist True Monarch announced that she was taking Hu Ang as her official disciple, fulfilling her previous promise.

Hu Ang’s talent and potential fully qualified him to be her direct disciple.

As a half-step immortal Golden Core, his chances of becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator were relatively high. He could lead independently in the future.

If he had enough good fortune and a strong will, his pursuit of Nascent Soul formation wouldn’t be much worse than an immortal Golden Core.

When Hu Ang performed his disciple obeisance, Purple Mist Fairy noticed a fervent look in his eyes, a subtle admiration mixed with respect.

The stunningly beautiful Purple Mist True Monarch didn’t pay any attention to this.

Many young cultivators in the sect regarded her as a divine maiden from heaven, a dreamlike fairy, yearning for her with admiration.

Even Elder Xiang, who was uninterested in women and practiced asceticism, occasionally showed appreciation, let alone ordinary cultivators.

…

Half a year later.

Lu Changan turned three hundred and sixty years old.

“In another twenty years, I should be able to reach the peak of the Golden Core stage.”

In his subworld’s cultivation room, Lu Changan opened his eyes, a tranquil expression on his face.

Compared to the urgency he felt in his second life when reaching this stage, this life felt calmer and more relaxed.

This was mainly due to his ample lifespan, without any time pressure.

Even after reaching the peak of the Golden Core stage, he would still have ample time to refine his cultivation and prepare for Nascent Soul formation.

Moreover, Lu Changan had already planned for many of the crucial resources needed for Nascent Soul formation in the late Golden Core stage.

For the Nascent Soul formation spiritual object, he possessed the top-tier Zi Wu Qing Feng.

For the tribulation treasure, he had the “Hua Lei Zhu,” used by Earth Rock Rat during its transformation. It was saved for later use and could be repaired and used again.

For the auxiliary pill to help with the Heart Demon Tribulation, Lu Changan had the Shang Qing Pill he had exchanged for in the past, although it was not as good as the top-tier Heart Demon Thunder Tribulation Nascent Soul formation spiritual object.

“Currently, the main thing I lack is an advanced Hua Ying Dan. The spiritual object is secondary and needs to be strengthened.”

Unbeknownst to him, Lu Changan had already accumulated a significant portion of the resources for Nascent Soul formation.

He just didn’t have the main ingredient for the Hua Ying Dan, although he had gathered two or three auxiliary ingredients.

Trying to obtain the Hua Ying Dan within the Cloud Mist Sect was simply unrealistic.

After Cloud Qing True Monarch’s failed Nascent Soul formation, the Cloud Mist Sect hadn’t had another complete set of Nascent Soul formation resources for a hundred years.

The Heaven Infant Fruit cultivated in the sect’s forbidden area was far from reaching maturity.

Although Purple Mist True Monarch had a good relationship with him, it was highly unlikely she would give him full support. At most, she might provide some convenience, similar to the situation with Earth Rock Rat back then.

“Once the puppet formation is complete, or when my puppet spirit advances to true fourth-order, I will then seek out the Hua Ying Dan resources and commission someone to refine it.”

Lu Changan had his own plans and calculations for his future Nascent Soul formation.

With his current strength, he could venture out to gather resources for the Hua Ying Dan and commission someone to refine it.

However, there was no need to rush.

Ample lifespan was one factor.

Secondly, there were still variables in the stable situation of the Cloud Mist Sect.

Lu Changan and Earth Rock Jun were the crucial factors.

The royal family, as a neutral force, primarily aimed at forming alliances.

The Cloud Mist Sect’s adversaries, however, wouldn’t be so harmonious.

Venturing out to gather resources for the Hua Ying Dan, with the intention of increasing efficiency, would require crossing multiple kingdoms and factions, a long journey with potential risks.

Therefore, Lu Changan decided to wait at least another ten years, before making a decision based on the situation.

“It’s strange, I didn’t hear any news about Jing Wu Feng seeking the ‘Hua Ying Dan’ during his Nascent Soul formation.”

Lu Changan couldn’t help but think about Jing Tian True Monarch.

He had been following the news about Jing Wu Feng, but he had heard nothing about searching for the Hua Ying Dan.

This could only mean one of two things: either Jing Wu Feng had obtained the Hua Ying Dan or its crucial main ingredient when he killed the Nascent Soul old monster in the Ancient Nether Palace.

Or, he simply didn’t use the Hua Ying Dan.

In the related memories from the Listening Sea Pavilion, Lu Changan had learned of a rumor.

It was said that the Hua Ying Dan originated in the Middle Ancient Period. In the more ancient Upper Ancient Period, this pill didn’t exist.

In some ancient lineage factions on the Tian Heng Continent, there were advanced substitutes for the Hua Ying Dan, potentially more effective and without the harmful effects of the pill.

…

A year later.

Lu Changan had partially repaired the damaged assassin puppet.

In the next ten years, he would first complete the preset core of the puppet formation, capable of engaging a Nascent Soul True Monarch in positional warfare.

That day, the sect hall’s alarm bell rang, three consecutive times.

“The bell tolls three times, indicating a significant crisis or trouble within the sect. The maximum is nine times, signifying an impending disaster.”

Lu Changan calmly glanced towards the direction of the sect’s council hall.

The new sect leader, “Snow Peak True Monarch,” had summoned several elders to a meeting, without disturbing the Supreme Elder.

As a guest elder, Lu Changan never interfered with the sect’s affairs, and Snow Peak True Monarch didn’t invite him either.

Lu Changan had his own sources of intelligence:

One was Xiao Qing Shan. As a distinguished disciple of the Xiao family who received extensive training, he had a wide network within the sect.

The other was Wei, the Puppet Master, who was training externally, along with the other puppet bodies.

That evening, Xiao Qing Shan reported the situation to Lu Changan.

“Elder Xiang, I heard that the sect’s third-order spirit mine, ‘Teng Ling Mine Mountain,’ had a battle recently. The Nascent Soul mid-stage elder guarding the mine was injured, a False Core cultivator was killed, one other died, and several Foundation Establishment cultivators…”

“Teng Ling Mine Mountain? That’s the third-order spirit mine that has a dispute with the Ye family?”

Lu Changan’s brows furrowed, sensing that something was amiss.

Teng Ling Mine Mountain was the highest-grade spirit mine owned by the Cloud Mist Sect, contributing a significant amount of raw materials for refining magic artifacts.

The most precious ore essence extracted from it could even be used for refining Nascent Soul-level magic artifacts.

Over the years, Purple Mist True Monarch had been improving her cultivation and pursuing a suitable top-tier magic artifact to secure her early position as a seasoned Nascent Soul.

Teng Ling Mine Mountain, a disputed mine, was on the border of the Cloud Mist Sect’s influence, bordering the Ye family.

The “Tie family,” a cultivator family affiliated with the Cloud Mist Sect, had initially discovered and excavated this spirit mine, secretly extracting ore for many years.

Later, the Cloud Mist Sect discovered this and partnered with the Tie family to develop the spirit vein mine, reaching a private agreement on the distribution.

The Cloud Mist Sect naturally took the lion’s share, securing nine-tenths of the profits.

This left behind contradictions and hidden dangers.

At that time, some high-ranking members of the Tie family were dissatisfied and defected to the neighboring Ye family.

This gave the Ye family an opportunity to intervene, seeking a third of the revenue.

The Ye family was one of the four major cultivator families in the Great Yu.

However, at that time, the royal family, in order to entice the Cloud Mist Sect to pledge allegiance, temporarily suppressed the Ye family.

The Ye family was weaker at the time and endured this incident, accepting some compensation from the Cloud Mist Sect and ceasing further trouble.

Over the years, the Ye family had regained its dominance, boasting two seasoned Nascent Soul cultivators, both in their prime.

In contrast, the Cloud Mist Sect had lost its seasoned Nascent Soul, Cloud Mist True Monarch.

Purple Mist Fairy was slightly inferior in combat skills, and Earth Rock Jun was a newly promoted demon king, both inferior to seasoned Nascent Soul cultivators.

With the Ye family’s support, the breakaway faction of the Tie family had established their own sect, producing Nascent Soul True Monarchs, enhancing their strength.

The Tie family, within the Ye family’s sphere of influence, aimed to conquer the Tie family territory under the Cloud Mist Sect, including the spirit mine assets they had lost earlier.

“Historical legacy, complicated disputes.”

Lu Changan made a quick calculation, realizing that there was a manipulator behind the scenes, shielded by a higher-level divination sky curtain.

In essence, this was a game of chess between the Ye family and the Cloud Mist Sect.

The Ye family was now strong, while the Cloud Mist Sect was weak, a situation vastly different from before.

The Ye family aimed to reclaim the disputed spirit mine profits, at least demanding a share of the spoils.

…

The next morning.

Lu Changan received a message from Purple Mist True Monarch summoning him to her subworld on Purple Mist Peak.

In the subworld’s main hall.

Purple Mist Fairy’s face was filled with anger. The fluctuations of her Nascent Soul power emanated an oppressive aura, like raging waves.

This was the first time Lu Changan felt a killing intent from this female True Monarch. Her gorgeous starry eyes, now filled with sharp, cold gazes, seemed capable of freezing anyone.

Purple Mist True Monarch calmed her emotions and looked towards the Nascent Soul elder within the sect who was second only to herself in strength, with whom she had a close relationship.

Her starry eyes softened slightly, and her cherry lips opened.

“Elder Xiang, during the recent battle at Teng Ling Mine Mountain, the third-order formation was broken, and a batch of high-quality third-order spirit ores were looted. There are suspicions of a mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator’s involvement behind this. Otherwise, as the defenders, our sect’s cultivators shouldn’t have suffered such a heavy defeat, with such heavy losses.”

(End of Chapter)

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