I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals
Chapter 451: Sixty Years of Cultivation, A Legendary Great Cultivator

Chapter 451: Sixty Years of Cultivation, A Legendary Great Cultivator

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Southern battlefield of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, in the Demonic Path battlefield.

"Cyanwood True Monarch! Was the lesson from last time not enough? How dare you interfere in the Sacred Sect's war again and even slay a Nascent Soul cultivator of my Illusion Demon Palace!"

"When the leaders of the Sacred Sect arrive, today shall mark your demise!"

A strange chilling voice, neither male nor female, echoed from within the Azure Profound Sword Formation, enough to make one's soul tremble.

Its source was a hermaphroditic cultivator, with one body and two heads: a male and a female.

The male head bore a cold, merciless expression, while the female head was seductive, with cheeks like peach blossoms.

Each head commanded different treasures, casting their own unique spells and arcane techniques. Surrounded by sword light crisscrossing the Azure Profound Sword Formation, they still managed to hold their own.

"Yin-Yang Old Demon, though you are a dual-souled abomination capable of contending with mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, this Azure Profound Sword Formation shall be your grave. Before the Demonic Sect leaders arrive, you’ll have already perished."

The man in the green robe moved gracefully. The twelve Azure Profound swords surrounding him glimmered with dense cyan sword qi, endless, regenerative, growing fiercer by the moment.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The Yin-Yang Old Demon countered with several sword treasures of their own, either deflecting the darting Azure Profound swords or striking at the formation's core where the green-robed man stood.

The female head periodically emitted alluring soundwaves, attempting to disrupt Lan Chang'an’s control over the sword formation but to no avail.

“Brother, Cyanwood True Monarch’s spiritual sense is too formidable. His will is unwavering. The refinement of this Azure Profound Sword Formation surpasses what it was back then.”

The female head was visibly strained; the demonic sound techniques she cast vanished into nothingness like stones dropped in the sea.

Back in the day, the Yin-Yang Old Demon had crossed paths with Cyanwood True Monarch. They had fought to a stalemate, with the female’s seductive voice once managing to partially weaken the sword formation.

"Something's wrong! His cultivation base hasn't advanced, yet his sword formation is even stronger than before."

The male head frowned deeply, unable to make sense of it.

Though their outward strength seemed matched, Cyanwood True Monarch was inexplicably gaining the upper hand at every turn.

His grasp of spiritual awareness had entered a new realm, anticipating, countering, and redirecting attacks with uncanny precision. By using less spiritual power, he deflected their combined assaults multiple times, and the layered structure of the sword formation steadily wore down the Yin-Yang Old Demon’s advantage.

“Twelve swords alone may be just barely enough to suppress a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator...”

Lan Chang'an remained calm, and with a flick of his sleeve four more swords, refined of superior wood, merged into the formation, glowing with bright Azure Profound light.

In an instant, the sword formation surged with power. Interlacing waves of piercing sword qi lashed at bone and soul alike.

"Not good! He was holding back!"

Both heads of the Yin-Yang Old Demon revealed expressions of horror.

Twelve became sixteen, only a one-third increase in number, yet the power leapt by orders of magnitude.

The four added swords had reached the threshold of superior-grade fourth-rank items.

Even controlling sixteen Azure Profound swords, Lan Chang'an showed no strain. His nearly late-stage Nascent Soul spiritual sense allowed him to wield them with fluid mastery.

Puff! Puff! Chi!

In the span of a few breaths, two of the Yin-Yang Old Demon's treasured weapons cracked under the relentless assault, like autumn rain carving into stone.

"Hold them off—!"

The two heads shouted in terror, barely able to defend. The Azure Profound Sword Formation had completely encased them, leaving no room to escape.

“A pity… my cultivation is still the bottleneck. I cannot yet unleash the formation’s full potential.”

This was Lan Chang'an’s first time employing all sixteen Azure Profound swords in real combat.

Though his spiritual sense had no trouble handling the complex array, his spiritual power still limited its true might.

Only by advancing to mid-stage Nascent Soul could he draw out the formation’s complete power.

Even at peak early-stage, he could likely dispatch this Yin-Yang abomination, who barely matched a true mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, with speed.

But for now, despite being able to suppress them entirely with the formation, killing them swiftly remained out of reach.

If he resorted to the Barbed Arrow or his fourth-rank puppets, his identity as the Evergreen True Monarch would risk being exposed.

...

“Fellow Daoist Yin Yang, this seat has come to assist you!”

A flash of blood-colored wings tore through the skies from the battlefield’s edge.

Lan Chang'an’s expression darkened as a familiar, oppressive blood-based spiritual pressure approached.

“It’s him…”

High above, riding a sea of blood-colored clouds, came a hideously deformed man in a crimson robe. His mouth was unnaturally wide, nose like a pair of gaping holes, and thousands of bloodthirsty spirit bats swarmed around him.

It was the Blood Bat King, one of the six great Palace Lords of the Blood Spirit Sect, infamous across the seven kingdoms battlefield.

He had just seriously wounded Wang True Monarch of the Flame Departing Palace when a sudden summons called him to assist the Yin-Yang Elder in intercepting Cyanwood.

Since war had erupted, Nascent Soul experts from both sides had locked into stalemates. Cyanwood’s appearance from behind enemy lines was causing havoc for the two major demonic sects.

Word had already spread of Lan Chang'an’s slaying of True Monarch Zihuan of the Illusion Demon Palace. The Alliance leaders were overjoyed and sought to pin down mid-stage enemies so Cyanwood could strike freely.

So far, Lan Chang'an had traversed the battlefield unchallenged until now.

“The Yin-Yang Old Demon claimed to be able to hold a mid-stage cultivator. Even if not Cyanwood’s match, stalling should be no issue.”

The Blood Bat King, however, was not pleased.

He had been ready to unleash his killing move, confident in slaying Wang True Monarch’s physical body. But the sect leader’s order could not be defied.

When his spiritual sense scanned the ongoing battle, he was stunned.

Within the sword array, the Yin-Yang Elder was battered and bruised, his robes tattered. The female head was pale and barely conscious.

“Blood Bat King, help us quickly!”

Relief washed over both heads of the elder.

The Blood Bat King did not dare barge directly into the sword array. Instead, he flanked Lan Chang'an from behind, adding pressure.

He cast the Great Blood Spirit Technique, and a tidal wave of blood clouds surged forward as countless blood spirit bats charged.

Splurt splurt splurt!

Before reaching Lan Chang'an, they were shredded by sword light.

Asura Blood Pool!

With a grim face, the Blood Bat King summoned a dark red pool swirling with magma-thick blood.

Whoosh!

The pool expanded to hundreds of zhang, releasing a torrential blood river filled with bats and monstrous tendrils, battering the sword array.

Though it failed to break through, it greatly alleviated pressure on the Yin-Yang Elder.

Lan Chang'an frowned. The air stank of blood.

Blood-path cultivators excelled in attrition warfare, and the Great Blood Spirit Technique was notoriously invasive.

A few of his swords were already tainted with faint blood corruption, left untreated, and it would degrade their spiritual quality.

Still, most of his focus remained on the Yin-Yang Elder, the greater threat.

Were he facing the Blood Bat King alone, he could have already slain him long before such taint took hold.

“Clown. How dare you interfere in this True Monarch's fight?”

A cold glint flashed in Lan Chang'an’s eyes.

With a flick, two fourth-rank wooden talismans appeared.

Buzz!

Verdant light flashed. Three identical green-robed figures materialized, shifting positions rapidly.

Two maintained the sword array, the third dashed out toward the Blood Bat King.

“Careful, Blood Bat Daoist!”

The Yin-Yang Elder guessed this was Lan Chang'an’s true body, the sword array’s power had dropped significantly.

Both heads seized the chance to launch powerful spells against the two remaining figures.

But they were surprised, those two clones, though illusions, wielded half of Lan Chang'an’s true strength, sufficient to hold off the weakened old demon.

Lan Chang'an’s Illusory Wood Doppelgänger technique had reached a high level. His clones formed purely from mana, could unleash an attack carrying thirty percent of his own spiritual power.

If supported by a fourth-rank wood spirit talisman, the Illusory Wood Doppelgänger will possess even greater spiritual power.

“Cyanwood! Arrogant fool! Without your sword formation, I don’t have to fear you!”

The Blood Bat King was furious.

Among early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, he was a dominant force, having once survived an attack by a mid-stage expert.

And now this Cyanwood dared belittle him?

Boom!

Blood light exploded around him as he activated the Asura Blood Pool, sending a vast sea of blood surging to engulf the green-robed attacker.

Swish!

Suddenly, Lan Chang'an appeared directly before him, his movement technique utterly unpredictable.

“What a sinister footwork!”

The Blood Bat King gasped. His attack missed, leaving him wide open.

Soul-Piercing Thorn!

Lan Chang'an struck with a soul technique, an invisible gray spike like a ghastly fang plunged straight into the enemy’s soul.

The Blood Bat King howled in pain. His Nascent Soul trembled and nearly shattered.

While he was stunned, Lan Chang'an raised a purple gourd, the Lihuo Gourd infused with wood and fire energies.

Boom!

It erupted like a celestial furnace, unleashing waves of ghostly violet fire.

The flames consumed the blood river, evaporating it instantly.

By the time the Blood Bat King regained clarity, the violet fire had engulfed him, his blood-path power completely suppressed.

“AAAAARGH!”

His flesh was incinerated in moments.

Whoosh!

His Nascent Soul tried to flee the sea of flame, screeching in agony.

But a streak of Polar Light shot through the air, striking it dead on.

A flash of green robes as Lan Chang'an closed in, cast a Ghost Spider Soul Net, and swiftly drew out a jade box to seal the soul.

The sudden reversal horrified the Yin-Yang Elder.

Earlier, he had managed to destroy the two clones while Lan Chang'an’s array briefly faltered due to his soul attack.

But in that fleeting moment, Cyanwood had slain the Blood Bat King, capturing his very nascent soul!

Back in the Bishan Sect, Lan Chang’an had held back somewhat against True Monarch Jade Water, but when dealing with demonic Nascent Souls, he showed no mercy.

The Lihuo Fire, which happened to restrain the power of the Blood Dao, was extremely effective.

“To think… he was still holding back… That spiritual sense just now, it rivaled the Grand Elder’s...”

“We’ve done all we can. There is no shame in retreat.”

Both heads of the Yin-Yang Elder agreed: it was time to flee.

...

“Quick on their feet.”

Lan Chang'an watched as the Yin-Yang Old Demon fled in a streak of light. He recalled the sixteen Azure Profound Swords and collected the spoils of war.

The same method that worked against the Blood Bat King had little effect on the Yin-Yang Old Demon of the Illusion Demon Palace.

The Illusion Demon Palace specialized in illusions and soul arts, giving its cultivators stronger resistance.

Moreover, the Yin-Yang Old Demon housed two souls in one body, capable of sharing the burden. As a result, the Soul-Piercing Thorn’s effectiveness was greatly diminished.

“The Lihuo Gourd! That’s the heirloom treasure of my Flame Departing Palace! How could it have ended up in the hands of True Monarch Cyanwood…”

Just then, True Monarch Wang of the Flame Departing Palace arrived after tending to his wounds.

From afar, he had seen the gourd erupt with a violet cloud of fire. The familiar, kindred aura stirred Wang Feng’s heart and lit a fervent gleam in his eyes.

Had he possessed such a treasure, he wouldn’t have been suppressed by the Blood Bat King all these years.

Wang Feng had lost due to inferior foundations and lack of powerful magical treasures, proving him no match for the old-generation Nascent Soul cultivators.

“True Monarch Wang, the favor owed by Fellow Daoist Nie, I’ve repaid it on his behalf.”

The green-robed man flew past Wang Feng and transmitted his voice with a calm tone.

“Senior Brother Nie?”

Wang Feng couldn’t help but recall how Senior Brother Nie Yuan had borrowed the passage through the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, promising to help Wang Feng once in return.

“Fellow Daoist Cyanwood, about that Lihuo Gourd…”

Watching the green-robed figure disappear into the distance, Wang Feng couldn’t help but send a sound transmission.

The green-robed man glanced back coldly, his eyes sharp as blades.

Wang Feng shivered. He thought of how the Blood Bat King had been slain by this man’s hand.

He couldn’t help but ponder, this man had deliberately let him witness the gourd’s power. What was his intention?

If there was even the slightest chance, Wang Feng was willing to pay any price to reclaim the Flame Departing Palace’s sacred heirloom.

…

Crossing the battlefield of the demonic path, Lan Chang'an had slain two Nascent Soul cultivators in succession.

Knowing when to stop, he began to retreat from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s territory.

After that, no more Nascent Soul experts from the demonic sects came to block his path.

Because of his actions, the Illusion Demon Palace and Blood Spirit Sect chose to abandon their hard-won gains, pulled back their forces, and unilaterally declared a ceasefire.

Lan Chang'an’s injuries dealt to the Yin-Yang Old Demon and his slaying of two demonic Nascent Souls had a profound impact on the war effort of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

“This place is no longer safe.”

The light from Lan Chang'an’s fused fourth life Master Lihuo had dimmed by more than half.

At this point, his spiritual sense had also dropped to the peak of mid-stage Nascent Soul.

He predicted that lingering in the Seven Kingdoms Alliance would attract the Master of the Unseen Gate and the second Nascent Soul of the Nether Spring Sect, and other demonic powerhouses that would besiege him.

To prevent being tracked or falling prey to long schemes, Lan Chang'an directly fed the sealed Nascent Soul spirits to the Nine Seal Stele along the way.

A faint crystal-white glow lit up on the sixth life seal of the Nine Seal Stele, flashing and disappearing almost instantly.

Even with his consciousness probing, Lan Chang'an could barely detect any sign of it activating.

The soul essence of a Nascent Soul cultivator wasn’t even enough to stir a ripple.

Clearly, trying to compensate for quality with quantity wasn’t a viable method to ignite the sixth life.

“If the fifth life corresponds to the Deity Transformation realm, then the sixth life must align with Void Refinement Venerables.”

Lan Chang'an chuckled bitterly and shook his head.

In the Heaven Honoured Continent human realm, Void Refinement cultivators only existed in legends from ancient times, an era when the heavens and earth were ten times more favorable for cultivation than today.

However, in the Demonic Peak Realm that once invaded the human world, it was said that Void Refinement existences still roamed.

Lan Chang'an surmised that to ignite the sixth life, he would need to devour either one Void Refinement powerhouse’s divine soul, or ten Deity Transformation cultivators.

At present, the trace of reincarnation power in the sixth life seal was minuscule, yet its quality far surpassed all previous lives.

This kind of power was far more effective for tracing karmic threads and guiding reincarnation.

“From the fifth life onward, the power of reincarnation can be used to erase a past life, and relive or reshape a new one.”

“If I activate the fifth life for autonomous reincarnation, the surplus power from the sixth life could be used to customize one’s birth, bloodline, talent, and fortune.”

Lan Chang'an withdrew his consciousness from the Nine Seal Stele.

In truth, at this stage, the objective for his third life had already been achieved, perhaps even beyond expectations.

The secrets of the Nine Seal Stele and its reincarnation capabilities were gradually being unveiled.

“Continue building up the foundation for the next life… aim for Deity Transformation!”

“And then the cultivation of the Xuantian Relic, can it rewrite the fate of this life and influence the destiny of reincarnations to come…”

Lan Chang'an was eager to see how far he could go in this life.

…

Two months later.

Lan Chang'an returned to the Righteous Dao Alliance without making a sound, quietly arriving at Jin Yun Valley in the Liang Kingdom.

This journey had only taken two or three years, not even worth mentioning to Nascent Soul cultivators who often secluded themselves for decades.

The cultivators of the Righteous Dao Alliance had no idea that Evergreen True Monarch had even left. Under another name, he had earned legendary merits elsewhere.

Of the vast Jin Yun Valley, only Zhang Tianfeng noticed Lan Chang'an’s return.

“It’s good he’s back. I wonder how long he’ll stay this time.”

Zhang Tianfeng let out a quiet sigh of relief, his heart finally at ease.

He held a damaged true spiritual treasure, if the valley only had one Nascent Soul cultivator, peace couldn’t be guaranteed.

But with Lan Chang'an around, even the top powers of both righteous and demonic paths wouldn’t dare covet their domain.

After all, it wasn’t a complete spiritual treasure. Among the top-tier sects of the Great Qing, some may have inherited pseudo-spiritual treasures or broken ones.

Lan Chang'an returned to his abode atop Evergreen Peak and entered secluded cultivation for half a month.

He first consumed a fourth-rank Life Extension Pill obtained from the Central Region’s exchange gathering.

It extended his life by several decades, though its effect was noticeably weaker than the previous pills.

Next, he sorted through the memories absorbed from the two demonic Nascent Souls using the Nine Seal Stele.

From the Blood Bat King and Zihuan True Monarch’s minds, he acquired core inheritances and elite techniques from the Blood Spirit Sect and Illusion Demon Palace.

Normally, such secret arts were warded to resist soul probing.

Yet through the Nine Seal Stele, Lan Chang'an obtained a wealth of knowledge and insight directly.

However, unlike his experience with Master Lihuo, he couldn’t simulate an entire lifetime and inherit their comprehension fully.

Though his lifespan was long, juggling three fourth-rank arts, as well as body cultivation, stretched his focus thin and he couldn’t afford to be greedy.

Additionally, the storage artifacts of those two demonic Nascent Souls, filled with vast wealth, had also fallen into Lan Chang'an’s hands, further expanding his collection of fourth-rank materials.

If he had enough time to trade for rare resources, crafting a fourth-rank puppet formation was no longer a distant dream.

…

After finishing his inventory, Lan Chang'an sent a message talisman inviting Zhang Tianfeng for a visit.

“True Monarch Cyanwood has resurfaced, he recently wreaked havoc on the battlefield of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, singlehandedly reversing the war’s momentum.”

“Beast King Valley, which had been resting and recovering, suddenly went on high alert… something’s afoot.”

Zhang Tianfeng brought the latest intel, carefully watching Lan Chang'an’s expression.

“True Monarch Cyanwood’s power has taken another leap, he must be coming to settle scores with me.”

Lan Chang'an appeared pensive, a flicker of concern in his gaze.

As though making a decision, he declared resolutely:

“To prepare for True Monarch Cyanwood’s potential threat, I will now enter long-term seclusion, until I reach the peak of early Nascent Soul.”

Zhang Tianfeng almost believed that nonsense, seeing the grave look on Lan Chang'an’s face.

Lan Chang'an added, “During this seclusion, I’ll leave sect matters and external affairs in your capable hands.”

“It’s only right! Fellow Daoist Lan, focus on your cultivation. I’ll ensure no one disturbs you.”

After chatting for half a day, Zhang Tianfeng took his leave.

…

Lan Chang'an did, in fact, intend to enter a long-term closed-door cultivation.

Before that, he entrusted the complete opportunity for fourth-rank transformation, items including the Heavenly Tribulation Umbrella, Heavenly Fiend Beast Soul Pill, spirit incense, and other transformation spirit items to the Profound Water Turtle.

“Thank you, Master.”

The Profound Water Turtle transmitted its voice, crouching low with a grateful expression.

Its voice was deep, yet carried an innocent undertone.

“Old Turtle, I’ve also prepared a water-type spirit item for you,” said Lord Earthrock with a smile as it handed over a dark ink-colored water lotus.

The turtle hesitated slightly, a trace of surprise flickering in its eyes.

It hadn’t expected Lord Earthrock, who used to regularly pummel and bully it, to actually prepare a transformation item for it.

“Thank you, Lord Earthrock.”

The Profound Water Turtle kowtowed in gratitude, accepting the gift.

Much of its past dissatisfaction toward Lord Earthrock quietly melted away.

“Alright then. You have a long lifespan, take your time. Wait for that moment of sudden insight, don’t be hasty.”

Lan Chang'an understood that the mutated heaven-grade Profound Water Turtle possessed a lifespan far surpassing that of ordinary Profound Water Turtles, lasting several times longer than cultivators of the same rank.

...

Half a month later.

Having tied up various matters, Lan Chang'an began a long phase of cultivation.

Though he called it seclusion, he still maintained contact with the outside world, meeting with Fairy Xia once a month to exchange insights and discuss the Dao, which ensured the continued efficiency of his Evergreen Technique.

This was a time of peace throughout the Righteous Dao Alliance’s territories.

Major sects quietly nurtured their geniuses and focused on recovery and internal development.

Time passed like flowing water.

A cycle of sixty years flashed by in the blink of an eye.

In the vast world of cultivation, sixty years was neither long nor short.

During this time, across the Righteous Dao Alliance, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, and even the Demonic and Xuan sects, many new talents had emerged.

There were numerous new Core Formation cultivators, while newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivators remained few and far between.

...

Meanwhile, far away in Heavenly River Province, a land several times more prosperous and populous than Great Qing. At the Blue River Immortal Market in central Heavenly River Province.

A plain-looking man in a green robe, with a broad forehead and calm demeanor, returned to the floating market atop a third-rank spirit bird.

The market was built over a vast river branch that wound through the land.

Just then, a blinding streak of silver light, like a rainbow piercing the heavens, shot skyward from Blue River Market, cutting through the clouds.

As one of Heavenly River Province’s most renowned neutral zones, the Blue River Immortal Market was powered by a massive fourth-rank spirit vein.

It offered fourth-rank cultivation abodes, and the presence of Nascent Soul cultivators was not uncommon here.

However, the owner of that streak of silver light clearly possessed the cultivation of a Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator.

Cyanwood True Monarch caught a fleeting glimpse of a mysterious man clad in jade-green robes, whose every movement caused spatial ripples.

He had been in Heavenly River Province for many years.

This realm’s cultivation civilization was far more advanced than Great Qing’s, and mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators were far more common.

The southern and northern reaches of the province each had a prominent Nascent Soul Great Cultivator. Legend has it that deep within Heavenly River’s heart, where resources flourish even more abundantly, resides an ancient River God.

Even the two Nascent Soul Great Cultivators needed to join forces just to barely contend with that being.

When Cyanwood True Monarch first arrived, he had worried that there might be others here who also cultivated the Evergreen Technique.

Thankfully, over the years, his Evergreen Dao Fruit had never once reacted, indicating no fellow disciples of the same lineage had appeared.

...

Back at Blue River Market, Cyanwood True Monarch returned to his fourth-rank abode.

There were seven such abodes in the entire market, though typically only half were occupied.

Outwardly, they resembled refined waterside pavilions. But within, they housed wondrous cave abodes with vast spiritual arrays.

As he arrived at the entrance to his abode, Cyanwood True Monarch noticed the adjacent vacant residence had been occupied.

He took out his token and opened the doors to his pavilion.

At that moment, a gentle voice with the warmth of an elder called out from next door:

“May I ask how to address this young friend? Since we’re neighbors, it must be fate.”

The voice felt remarkably soothing, like basking in spring sunlight.

At the doorway stood an elder in a plain long robe, his graying hair tied with a bamboo pin. He looked humble and natural.

His robes were traditional and finely tailored, immaculately clean and without a single wrinkle, as neat and composed as his beard, a blend of silver and black, adding to his dignified air.

This neighbor’s smile was warm and his manners impeccable, exuding a magnanimous grace.

Cyanwood True Monarch paused, momentarily dazed, as though he were facing a venerable scholar from antiquity.

“I am Cyanwood,” he replied, bowing with respect.

He had no idea why, but instinctively refrained from lying, almost as if he were suddenly a student before a kindly teacher.

Suddenly, a wave of unease struck him.

Why did he unconsciously adopt this deferential posture?

More disturbing was the fact that this old man, who seemed utterly mortal, had no discernible aura whatsoever.

Despite his mid-stage Nascent Soul spiritual sense, Cyanwood True Monarch couldn’t perceive the slightest trace of spiritual fluctuation.

Only a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator might possess such control.

“So, it’s Young Friend Cyanwood. Since we are neighbors, might I come visit your abode for a chat?”

“May I ask how to address you, Senior?”

Cyanwood True Monarch was apprehensive, yet dared not decline.

The old man stroked his beard and smiled, his tone laced with hidden meaning:

“This old man has lived too long, gone by many titles, most of which I’ve forgotten. But there was one rather common Dao name I once held, called... Evergreen.”