I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals-Chapter 358: Ancient Nether Opportunity

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Chapter 358: Ancient Nether Opportunity

After the Transformation Ceremony concluded, Qingluan Peak welcomed its first Nascent Soul visitor.

During the grand event, Lan Chang'an had deliberately limited his interactions with Nascent Soul cultivators, avoiding excessive private discussions to prevent arousing suspicion from the Yunxia Twin Monarchs.

However, this particular visitor was different—Xiao Weifeng, the Nascent Soul ancestor of the Xiao Clan, and the great-grandfather of Xiao Qingshan.

With this family connection, Lan Chang'an graciously accepted a private meeting.

Inside the Qingluan Peak Main Hall.

Xiao Qingshan personally served tea and hosted his clan’s esteemed ancestor, his emotions in turmoil.

Once upon a time, he had been a marginal figure in his family, barely acknowledged, and had never even spoken directly to the Xiao Clan Ancestor.

But now, after the Transformation Ceremony, his ancestor had personally guided and gave him encouragement.

Through Xiao Qingshan’s connection, Lan Chang'an and Xiao Weifeng naturally drew closer.

"I have heard that Immortal Xiang is a puppetry master. The Xiao Clan happens to have a trade in raw materials. This small gift is a token of my goodwill."

Xiao Weifeng, dressed in a dark blue scholar’s robe, had a refined yet aged aura, despite his youthful appearance of about thirty. His silver-streaked hair added a sense of dignity and wisdom.

With a kind smile, he presented a storage brocade box.

As soon as Lan Chang'an accepted the box, he felt its weight—inside were several valuable materials, suitable for crafting superior-grade third-rank puppets, and even one nearly at fourth rank quality.

Unlike many other guests, who had gifted treasures aimed at Lord Earthrock, Xiao Weifeng specifically tailored his gift to Lan Chang'an’s personal needs, and did not make a move on Lord Earthrock.

"Senior Xiao, you are too kind. It should be I who visits the Xiao Clan to pay my respects."

Lan Chang'an accepted the gift with a smile, exchanging pleasantries.

The Xiao Clan’s trade focused primarily on spiritual wood, with a long-standing heritage of cultivating third-rank and fourth rank ancient trees.

While they also dealt in ores, beast materials, and refined skins, their operations were inferior to the Red Moon Merchant Association in those aspects.

Xiao Weifeng’s visit was mainly to establish goodwill rather than to recruit or poach.

As one of the Four Great Families of Great Yu, the Xiao Clan was currently in a weakened state.

With only one remaining Nascent Soul cultivator, their position had declined significantly.

A century ago, their other Nascent Soul elder had perished, and they had yet to cultivate a new one.

Of the four major cultivation families in the Great Yu Kingdom, excluding the Imperial Yu Family which was at the front, the number of Nascent Soul cultivators in the remaining three families was generally maintained at around two.

After seeing Xiao Weifeng off, Lan Chang'an felt pleased.

This newfound connection with the Xiao Clan opened up better avenues for acquiring high-tier crafting materials in the future.

"Immortal Xiang, my ancestor hopes that I will visit the clan more often and keep in touch…"

Xiao Qingshan spoke with respect and caution, relaying the message.

He fully understood that his current prestige, admiration, and even his ancestor’s favor all stemmed from one person, Lan Chang'an.

"You can visit them from time to time."

Lan Chang'an nodded approvingly.

Xiao Qingshan was a cultivator who had experienced hardship and struggle, climbing up from rock bottom.

Because of this, he cherished his opportunities and fortune far more than those who had always been privileged.

Upon receiving Lan Chang'an’s approval, Xiao Qingshan’s heart settled.

Although he had once been overlooked by his family, he harbored no deep resentment.

He was simply a mediocre talent, and the Xiao Clan had never truly wronged him.

Having grown up within the family, there was still a sense of familial attachment, despite past neglect.

...

A few months later, Xiao Qingshan returned to the Xiao Clan.

This time, he was personally received by the clan’s high elders, it could be said he returned in great glory.

Within the clan, his treatment was now worlds apart from the past.

The elders greatly increased their investment in his cultivation resources, treating him on par with the clan’s direct bloodline geniuses.

Even an ordinary talent, given such opportunities, would have their fate rewritten.

And Xiao Qingshan wasn’t just ordinary, he had already discovered his exceptional dual cultivation aptitude.

It was clear to anyone with insight that his future achievements would not be low.

After spending a few days in his ancestral home, Xiao Qingshan quickly returned to Yunxia Sect, eager to report to Lan Chang'an.

During this time, Lan Chang'an had considered visiting Xiao Weifeng as a return courtesy.

However, after some careful thought, he chose to remain within the sect.

Lord Earthrock had just advanced to the Transformation Stage, making him a hot topic of discussion.

Both he and Lan Chang'an were under scrutiny.

Furthermore, Lan Chang'an had divined his own fortune, revealing that the risks of traveling outside were now higher than they had been in the past two or three decades.

This was within his expectations.

Lord Earthrock was not a Sacred Beast nurtured by the Yunxia Sect, and Lan Chang'an was a latecomer guest elder.

Naturally, there were forces seeking to recruit or contest their allegiance.

A single misstep could entangle them in the upper-echelon power struggles of Great Yu’s cultivation world.

Over the six months following the Transformation Ceremony, Lan Chang'an received numerous invitations from various factions.

Some were neutral gatherings, meant to foster social connections.

One notable invitation came from Princess Zhiwei, requesting his presence at a royal flower appreciation banquet.

Without hesitation, Lan Chang'an declined all of them, citing closed-door cultivation as an excuse.

...

Three years later.

Lan Chang'an had now reached the age of 349.

The controversy surrounding Lord Earthrock’s transformation had finally subsided, no longer a primary focus for major factions.

Currently, the most hotly discussed topic among Great Yu’s Nascent Soul cultivators was the upcoming opening of the Ancient Nether Hall.

After all, the spirit treasures and rare materials found within the Ancient Nether Hall were enough to make even Nascent Soul elders fight to the death.

Some of these opportunities could greatly enhance a Nascent Soul True Monarch’s strength or even help them break through to a higher minor realm.

...

Qingluan Peak, talisman room.

Inside the quiet chamber, Lan Chang'an’s eyes glowed with brilliance as he carefully wielded a talisman brush, completing the final stroke on a quasi-fourth rank talisman.

Thanks to his second-life infusion, his spiritual sense had far surpassed that of an ordinary late-stage Core Formation cultivator, dramatically improving his success rate in talisman crafting.

"Three lifetimes of accumulation… Now that I have abundant resources, my talisman skills have finally reached the peak of third-rank, completely surpassing my past self."

Lan Chang'an smiled, carefully sealing the newly created quasi-fourth rank talisman.

In his second life, due to limited resources, his talisman skills had barely reached superior-grade third-rank, with no opportunities to improve further and he could not compare to the same rank talisman masters of the Great Yuan.

However, Lord Earthrock’s transformation had given Lan Chang'an access to higher-level circles, making it easier to obtain quasi-fourth rank materials.

Additionally, a portion of the precious materials from Lord Earthrock’s ceremonial gifts had been redirected into Lan Chang'an’s talisman crafting and puppet refinement.

Besides crafting high-level talismans, Lan Chang'an was also working on forging quasi-fourth rank tresaure talisman embryos.

Starting with quasi-fourth rank embryos significantly reduced the nurturing time required to refine them into true fourth rank treasure talismans.

At the same time, within a restricted underground chamber on Qingluan Peak, sealed by the illusion formation, a massive multi-colored peacock puppet hung in midair, suspended by silver threads.

Compared to previous years, the Five-Colored Peacock’s frame was now more refined, with sleek curves, detailed feathers, and lifelike facial features gradually taking shape.

Beneath the hanging puppet, the fourth rank ghostly puppet controlled by Puppet Master Wei sat cross-legged, its hollow eyes flickering with eerie yet intelligent ghostly flames.

"How is it progressing?"

Lan Chang'an appeared beside the green-armored puppet, observing the scene.

"The concept of the Exotic Spirit Puppet is mostly theoretical, with very few successful implementations.

There are several structural issues that could impact its final power. Additionally, a few crucial core components should ideally be fourth rank-grade materials to ensure future upgrade potential…"

Lan Chang'an nodded calmly.

"No rush, slow work makes quality work."

Lan Chang'an didn't force himself on this; if all else failed, he could simply settle for a lesser version and create a standard quasi-fourth rank puppet instead.

In truth, if he had aimed for a superior-grade third-rank exotic peacock puppet, it would already be complete by now.

However, with a fourth rank puppet and a Transformation Stage Demon King under his command, even a peak third-rank exotic spirit puppet wouldn’t be that useful.

Thus, the goal was to start at quasi-fourth rank and push for higher breakthroughs.

Through his ongoing collaboration and discussions with Puppet Master Wei, both of them had experienced significant improvements in their craft.

At the current pace, as long as they acquired the remaining critical materials, the Exotic Spirit Peacock Puppet would be completed within ten years.

...

A few days later…

A vast white cloud of light streaked across the sky, rushing back toward Yunxia Sect’s mountain gate.

"True Monarch Yunlan has returned…."

Lan Chang'an raised his head, his gaze sharpening.

For the past two years, True Monarch Yunlan had been frequently traveling, actively preparing for the opening of the Ancient Nether Hall.

If he simply followed the conventional cultivation path, True Monarch Yunlan’s chances of advancing to mid-stage Nascent Soul were extremely slim—even lower than the younger Purple Mist True Monarch.

However, the Ancient Nether Hall, which only appeared once every few centuries, offered unconventional opportunities capable of breaking past bottlenecks.

Not long after True Monarch Yunlan’s return, Lan Chang'an received a summons.

"Immortal Xiang, my master requests your presence."

One of True Monarch Yunlan’s Core Formation disciples personally came to escort him.

Arriving at the great hall of the fourth rank main peak, Lan Chang'an noticed that Purple Mist True Monarch was also present, frowning slightly as she discussed matters with True Monarch Yunlan.

“Elder Xiang is here.”

Upon seeing him enter, True Monarch Yunlan smiled warmly, his attitude surprisingly approachable.

After a few pleasantries, he got straight to the point.

"Immortal Xiang, you should already be aware that I have been preparing for the Ancient Nether Hall’s opening for years.

A minimum of several Nascent Soul cultivators from Great Yu Kingdom will be forming a cooperative expedition, led by the imperial family."

"However, I do not trust the imperial family or the noble clans’ Nascent Soul cultivators.

Though I have formed private alliances with other Nascent Soul True Monarchs, I still need additional support—

especially reliable left and right hands."

Hearing this, Lan Chang'an immediately understood True Monarch Yunlan’s intent.

The Ancient Nether Hall was a secretive and unpredictable ruin, typically dominated by Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, on occasion, elite Core Formation cultivators—or those with unique talents—were brought in to support the Nascent Soul expedition teams.

With the right tools and preparations, a top-tier Core Formation cultivator could influence key battles and shift the balance of power.

Centuries ago, there had even been an infamous case where while the Nascent Soul elders schemed against one another… a single Core Formation cultivator seized an unprecedented treasure, changing their fate forever.

"You are already aware, Immortal Xiang, that Yunxia Sect is currently lacking powerful Core Formation cultivators.

Most of our elite disciples hold critical responsibilities within the sect. Unlike the previous generation, we cannot easily bring a full Core Formation team into the Ancient Nether Hall."

"However, you, Immortal Xiang, possess formidable strength and have no major sect duties.

Would you be interested in joining me on this expedition?"

True Monarch Yunlan’s tone was measured, making it clear that this was an invitation, not a demand.

After all, as a guest elder, Lan Chang'an’s contract was fairly loose, and he had no obligation to participate.

Lan Chang'an hesitated, preparing an excuse to politely refuse.

However, True Monarch Yunlan cut straight to the point:

"If you agree to bring Lord Earthrock and assist me in the Ancient Nether Hall, regardless of the outcome—

Yunxia Sect will fully support your future Nascent Soul breakthrough, at the very least, we will provide you with the Infant Transformation Pill and superior spirit items."

"Additionally, any treasures obtained within the Ancient Nether Hall will be distributed fairly, with you and Lord Earthrock entitled to shares based on your contributions."

True Monarch Yunlan’s serious expression made it clear—this was a true, binding promise.

Lan Chang'an felt his resolve waver.

Faced with the promise of Nascent Soul resources and the Ancient Nether Hall's opportune treasures, how many Core Formation Great Cultivators could resist the temptation?

Especially for Core Formation Immortals with slim Nascent Soul chances and ordinary origins, this was an opportunity that one could only dream of.

"This Xiang has devoted himself wholeheartedly to cultivation and is not skilled in combat. If I were to enter the Ancient Nether Hall, I fear I might become a burden..."

Lan Chang'an let out a quiet sigh before politely declining the offer.

If this were his past life, he would have risked everything for such a rare opportunity.

But in this life, with a Transformation Stage Demon King as his guardian, he no longer needed to gamble his future.

For most Core Formation cultivators entering the Ancient Nether Hall, it was either a desperate last attempt to break through to Nascent Soul, or an act of sacrifice to pave the way for their successors—many entered with little hope of returning alive.

Even Nascent Soul True Monarchs risked death inside the Ancient Nether Hall. What chance did a Core Formation cultivator stand?

"It’s true that Core Formation cultivators face significant risks inside the Ancient Nether Hall."

Purple Mist True Monarch, noticing Lan Chang'an’s hesitation, smiled gently and suggested:

"How about letting Lord Earthrock go instead? A fourth rank Demon King has far greater survivability.

Senior Brother Yunlan could establish a fourth rank spirit contract with it and swear a heart demon oath to ensure they don’t turn against each other in the Ancient Nether Hall."

This was a compromise, allowing Lan Chang'an to avoid personal danger while still providing True Monarch Yunlan with significant support.

True Monarch Yunlan, however, cast a sidelong glance at his Dao companion.

He had never agreed to signing a fourth rank Spirit Contract or making a heart demon oath.

Nonetheless, after a brief pause, he nodded.

"That could work."

His main interest was in Lord Earthrock’s immense strength, Lan Chang'an himself was merely an added bonus.

"Immortal Xiang, I am not asking Lord Earthrock to fight on the front lines."

"Rat-type demons have incredibly sharp senses and excel at treasure-seeking.

If we utilize this ability well, he could help us bring out rare treasures from the Ancient Nether Hall."

"Both you and Lord Earthrock would benefit greatly."

Clearly, the Yunxia Twin Monarchs had reached an agreement.

Purple Mist True Monarch had no objections, showing a sincere desire to facilitate this cooperation.

With Lord Earthrock’s assistance, True Monarch Yunlan’s survivability inside the Ancient Nether Hall would be greatly enhanced.

The best-case scenario would have been for both Yunlan and Purple Mist True Monarchs to enter together—after all, their combined strength was formidable, and they trusted each other deeply.

However, both Nascent Soul elders could not afford to leave the Yunxia Sect unattended.

If anything went wrong, the sect’s Dao lineage could fall into enemy hands.

Thus, only one of them could take the risk, and the more experienced combatant, True Monarch Yunlan, was chosen to go.

"I must disappoint the two of you. Lord Earthrock and I have never been separated. It only recently ascended to the Transformation Stage and has yet to master more powerful divine abilities. I cannot bear to let Earthrock take such a risk in the Ancient Nether Hall."

Lan Chang'an’s expression remained resolute as he rejected the offer once more. His unwavering tone left no room for negotiation.

Hearing this, the Yunxia Twin Monarchs exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.

Neither had expected Lan Chang'an to resist the temptation of a Nascent Soul breakthrough opportunity.

By all logic, as Lord Earthrock’s master, Lan Chang'an should have welcomed the chance.

A successful Ancient Nether Hall expedition could secure precious resources for his own Nascent Soul breakthrough, making this a fair trade.

Yet he refused.

After a moment of silence, Purple Mist True Monarch sighed and smiled.

"Immortal Xiang’s devotion to his spirit beast is admirable. It’s no wonder Lord Earthrock remains so loyal to him."

Her starry eyes softened with appreciation.

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She had witnessed countless cultivators who saw spirit beasts as nothing more than tools—but Lan Chang'an valued Lord Earthrock as family, even rejecting a Nascent Soul opportunity to protect him.

It touched her deeply.

Besides, with Lord Earthrock’s support, Lan Chang'an had far less difficulty acquiring Nascent Soul resources than most Core Formation cultivators.

While he would not obtain as much as the Ancient Nether Hall might offer, he still had a steady path forward.

What the Twin Monarchs did not know was that Lan Chang'an was already wealthy beyond their imagination.

With his current financial power and combat strength, he did not need to gamble his future.

...

Seeing the growing disappointment in their eyes, Lan Chang'an decided to offer an alternative.

"Although I cannot personally assist Senior Yunlan, I can attempt to craft a superior third-rank puppet to aid in the Ancient Nether Hall expedition."

Hearing this, both True Monarchs’ expressions changed—from disappointment to curiosity.

"A superior third-rank puppet? Could it be that your puppet master skills…?"

Both of them turned to look at Lan Chang'an with a hint of anticipation.

Third-rank superior-grade puppets were extremely rare, comparable in power to Core Formation Great Cultivators.

In dangerous ruins like the Ancient Nether Hall, such puppets were priceless assets.

Unlike human cultivators, puppets had no fear of death, significantly increasing a Nascent Soul master’s margin for error.

Lan Chang'an nodded.

"After years of research and failures, I finally created a near-complete model. I am now confident in crafting a true superior third-rank puppet."

"Good then! I will immediately gather the necessary materials, I am grateful to Elder Xiang for refining it. If you succeed, I will reward you with either sect contributions or a direct trade."

True Monarch Yunlan’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

A superior third-rank puppeteer was a strategic asset for the sect which could lower the mortality rate.

Upon returning to Qingluan Peak, Lan Chang'an found that the Twin Monarchs acted swiftly.

In just one month, they had gathered all necessary materials for a superior third-rank puppet.

This was only possible because the sect had pre-existing material reserves—such a feat could not be repeated frequently.

Once the reserves were exhausted, future puppet crafting efforts would require extensive financial and manpower support.

Three months later, Lan Chang'an delivered the completed superior third-rank puppet, earning True Monarch Yunlan’s personal commendation.

Already possessing a late third-rank spirit beast, True Monarch Yunlan now had a powerful puppet as well, securing a stronger force for his expedition.

To further ensure his survival, True Monarch Yunlan even purchased two additional mid-grade third-rank puppets from Lan Chang'an.

Originally, he had planned to wait for a second superior third-rank puppet.

However, the Ancient Nether Hall’s activation drew closer and closer.

The Nascent Soul cultivators of the Great Yu Kingdom were mobilizing, forming a joint expedition to the Ancient Nether Hall’s hidden location in the Central Region Forbidden Zone.

Without a strong alliance, lone Nascent Soul cultivators risked being excluded from key opportunities.

With time running out, True Monarch Yunlan had to move quickly…

...

Two months later, within the drifting mist clouds over Yunxia Sect, two figures stood embracing briefly before separating once more.

"Ziyan, you need not worry. The sect’s fortune remains steady and is even rising. Not long ago, we welcomed a fourth rank Sacred Beast, it's a trend of flourishing and great prosperity ahead."

"I have a strong feeling that this expedition into the Ancient Nether Hall is the greatest chance of my life to break through to mid-stage Nascent Soul."

True Monarch Yunlan activated his Qi-observing technique, gazing upon the grand spiritual aura surrounding Yunxia Sect’s mountain gates.

A long-dormant ambition stirred within him.

He cast one final look at the stunningly elegant woman before him—his Dao companion, Purple Mist True Monarch.

For over a century, their relationship had remained estranged, ever since the incident of the past.

The emergence of Lord Earthrock had only strengthened Purple Mist True Monarch’s influence within the Yunxia Sect.

However, the cultivation world was ruled by strength.

If he could ascend to mid-stage Nascent Soul, leading Yunxia Sect into a new golden age, he would be able to make Purple Mist True Monarch feel admiration and submit.

At that point, even Immortal Xiang and Lord Earthrock would have to swear complete loyalty to the Yunxia Sect.

"Senior Brother, fate must not be forced. Above all, preserve your life."

Purple Mist True Monarch lightly bit her lip, her tone filled with genuine concern, her starry eyes reflecting a complex emotion.

The Ancient Nether Hall was a treacherous land of opportunity, tied to the forbidden secrets of the Abyssal Demon Realm in the Central Region.

Every time it opened, the mortality rate among Nascent Soul cultivators hovered around twenty percent.

In the past, a Nascent Soul Great Cultivator from the Great Yuan had issued a grave warning to the Central Region’s factions:

"Do not exchange demon crystals to enter the Ancient Nether Hall. Doing so will introduce unknown risks to the Abyssal Demon Realm."

Yet, despite the warning, the power struggles within the Central Region raged on.

Numerous mid-stage Nascent Soul powerhouses sought dominance, and their ambitions could not be contained.

Furthermore, the top sects from other regions of the Great Yuan had limited influence over the Central Region.

They even relied on Central Region cultivators to serve as a buffer, holding back the tide of monstrous threats emerging from the Abyssal Demon Realm.

"Do not worry, Ziyan. I understand the risks. I have made careful preparations. Even if I encounter a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, I have the means to retreat unharmed."

True Monarch Yunlan’s voice was filled with conviction.

The historical records of Yunxia Sect’s past ancestors, many of whom had ventured into the Ancient Nether Hall, provided him with crucial insights and survival strategies.