I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 362: Exotic Spirit Peacock

A few months later.

There was a change in the position of Sect Master of the Yunxia Sect.

Sect Master Hu, nearing the end of his lifespan, formally stepped down and chose to live out his remaining years in seclusion within the sect.

In his place, Immortal Xuefeng, who had previously overseen Fengxia Immortal City, assumed the role of the new Sect Master, taking full charge of sect affairs.

Along with this transition, various mid-to-high-ranking positions within the sect were reshuffled.

Those observant would notice that many key positions were now quietly being taken over by True Monarch Purple Mist’s trusted subordinates, seamlessly completing the transfer of power.

This signified the end of Yunlan True Monarch’s era of influence.

Lan Chang'an stayed completely out of the picture, simply observing the power struggle within this Nascent Soul-level sect from the sidelines.

After all, Nascent Soul True Monarchs were not saints—they had personal ambitions and self-interests. True Monarch Purple Mist’s actions were understandable and necessary, ensuring a stable rule while eliminating potential instability.

As for Elder Xiang and Lord Earthrock, they remained untouchable, existing in a transcendent position within the sect, unaffected by these political maneuvers.

After all, strength was the foundation of everything, and True Monarch Purple Mist needed the top combat power of a fourth-rank Sacred Beast to maintain the sect’s power.

"It seems Yunlan True Monarch's chances of rebuilding his Nascent Soul and returning are slim. Even if he does return, he will have no power to shake True Monarch Purple Mist’s position."

Lan Chang'an speculated that Purple Mist Fairy must have confirmed her Dao companion’s exact condition through her Soul-Imprint Portrait, which was why she dared to take such decisive action.

Yet, in the past five or six years, True Monarch Purple Mist had never again shown Lan Chang'an the Soul-Imprint Portrait of Yunlan True Monarch.

Although Yunxia Sect still dispatched disciples to search for clues, their efforts had visibly weakened compared to before.

...

Shortly after the handover of the leadership position, Lan Chang'an received a summons from True Monarch Purple Mist, requesting him to meet her at the Supreme Elder’s cave dwelling.

Upon arriving at Zixia Peak’s cave residence, Lan Chang'an noticed that two others were already present in the main hall.

Leading them was an elderly white-haired man, exuding a heavy air of decay and exhaustion—this was none other than the former Sect Master Hu.

Lan Chang'an observed that Hu’s vitality had severely declined, and his mana fluctuations were weak and unstable, a stark contrast to the powerful Core Formation Great Cultivator he once was.

"Elder Xiang has arrived."

Sect Master Hu cupped his hands, his deeply wrinkled face carrying a humble and kind smile.

Behind Hu, a graceful young man in white robes, appearing to be in his twenties, stood respectfully. He was at the late Foundation Establishment stage.

"This is my Hu family descendant, Hu Ang. He currently serves in Xuanfeng Hall."

Sect Master Hu personally introduced him.

"Greetings, Elder Xiang."

Hu Ang lowered his head, his demeanor polite and respectful. With his handsome features and well-mannered presence, he left a good first impression.

Lan Chang'an nodded, exchanging a few pleasantries.

However, he was curious why Hu had brought a Foundation Establishment junior to meet True Monarch Purple Mist.

After some conversation, he learned that Hu Ang was considered a promising new-generation cultivator of the Hu family, possessing high-grade spiritual roots and having recently achieved notable merits.

Xuanfeng Hall, within Yunxia Sect, was responsible for scouting and intelligence gathering.

Over the past two years, Hu Ang had demonstrated remarkable skill, first prying out crucial intelligence regarding Great Snake Mountain. This intelligence allowed the Yunxia Sect to avoid considerable financial losses and casualties.

Secondly, six months ago, he exposed three infiltrators from enemy factions within the sect, one of whom was a Fake Dan cultivator who served as a Vice Hall Master of Xuanfeng Hall and posed a serious threat.

After Sect Master Hu reported these achievements, they attracted True Monarch Purple Mist’s attention, prompting her to consider rewarding Hu Ang.

Lan Chang'an, after hearing the story, remained indifferent.

This was simply a common occurrence.

With Sect Master Hu's limited lifespan, stepping down meant he had to ensure a future for his bloodline and position someone from his lineage in a key role.

Not to say that Hu Ang wasn’t competent—but earning two consecutive major merits in just two years? It was highly likely that Sect Master Hu’s faction had orchestrated at least part of it to pave the way for him.

Buzz!

A wave of mystical purple clouds descended upon the hall’s upper seat, materializing into an elegant and dreamlike figure.

"Greetings, Supreme Elder."

Lan Chang'an and the other two immediately bowed in respect.

In front of others, Lan Chang'an did not address her as Senior Sister.

As the Nascent Soul-level radiance faded, True Monarch Purple Mist appeared—adorned with a phoenix hairpin, draped in a long purple gown, her slender jade-like neck and exquisite features exuding a noble grace tinged with a subtle hint of languid charm.

Hu Ang, unable to resist, fell to his knees in deep reverence, not daring to look directly at Purple Mist Fairy’s mesmerizing star-like eyes. His gaze inadvertently fell upon the flowing purple hem of her dress, his heartbeat quickening, unable to conceal his awe and admiration.

"Rise."

True Monarch Purple Mist raised a hand, briefly glancing at Hu Ang.

The young man’s handsome appearance and impressive talent made a good impression on her.

Lan Chang'an and Sect Master Hu took their seats.

Hu Ang remained standing respectfully to the side, keeping his gaze steady and composed.

After briefly inquiring about Sect Master Hu’s health, True Monarch Purple Mist swiftly moved to the main topic.

"Elder Xiang, you have been in our sect for decades, yet I have never heard of you taking a disciple. Are you interested in accepting Hu Ang as your student today?"

Her starry eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement as she looked at Lan Chang'an.

"This child has both outstanding talent and ability. Over the past two years, he has earned great merit entirely through his own efforts, without relying on his family elders. He is a rare and promising seedling."

Hearing True Monarch Purple Mist’s proposal, Hu Ang’s expression slightly changed, but he quickly masked his emotions.

Sect Master Hu stroked his white beard, looking somewhat tempted.

The original plan had been for Hu Ang to decline any material rewards and instead request to apprentice under True Monarch Purple Mist herself.

If he could grab the Supreme Elder's thigh, with his talent and ability, backed by the Hu family's foundation, Hu Ang would have a bright future within the sect.

However, Purple Mist Fairy, being a female True Monarch, rarely took male disciples.

The only exception had been Jiang Haoyuan, her elder brother’s direct descendant, who possessed top-tier talent and extraordinary spiritual sense.

Since True Monarch Purple Mist had declined to take Hu Ang as a disciple, Elder Xiang became the next best choice.

With his transcendent status within the sect, second only to True Monarch Purple Mist, and his profound expertise in puppetry, Lan Chang'an was a highly desirable master.

Lan Chang'an quickly saw through the reasoning behind this proposal.

Sect Master Hu had devoted his life to the sect and had great contributions to its prosperity.

Hu Ang, a direct descendant of the sect’s core bloodline, was indeed an outstanding disciple.

Since True Monarch Purple Mist did not wish to accept him, but also did not want to outright refuse, passing him to Elder Xiang was the perfect compromise.

If Lan Chang'an accepted Hu Ang as a disciple, it would not only fulfill Sect Master Hu’s dying wish but also further integrate Yunxia Sect’s core bloodline with Elder Xiang’s faction, strengthening Lan Chang'an’s ties to the sect.

What surprised Lan Chang'an was that Hu Ang’s accomplishments seemed legitimate.

With a Nascent Soul True Monarch vouching for him, his feats were unlikely to be fabrications.

"Hu Ang, I have two questions for you."

Lan Chang'an did not immediately refuse but instead spoke in a serious tone, his gaze carrying a mountain-like pressure.

Hu Ang felt his breath tighten under the suffocating weight of Elder Xiang’s presence.

"Elder, please ask." He forced himself to respond.

"Are you truly sincere in taking me as your master?"

"I…"

Hu Ang’s expression stiffened, his smile turning slightly unnatural.

His true goal had always been to apprentice under True Monarch Purple Mist, whom he deeply admired and revered.

Compared to that, he had no interest in Elder Xiang.

"Do you have any aptitude for puppet refinement?"

Before Hu Ang could compose an answer, Lan Chang'an pressed him with a second question.

"This… I have never attempted it, but I assume I do not possess an exceptional talent for puppet refinement."

Realizing that Elder Xiang had no real intention of accepting him, Hu Ang did not insist and simply gave an honest response.

"Supreme Elder, as you can see, Hu Ang is not a suitable disciple for me."

Lan Chang'an cupped his hands and formally declined the offer.

"Very well. Accepting a disciple requires fate, and it cannot be forced."

True Monarch Purple Mist’s subtle scheme had failed, and she gave Lan Chang'an a long, deep look.

For years, she had tried various ways to further bind Lan Chang'an and Lord Earthrock to the Yunxia Sect, hoping to turn them into true members of her faction.

Yet, despite their positive relationship, she still felt that Elder Xiang had never fully integrated—he remained more of an outside observer rather than a true insider.

However, before the atmosphere could turn awkward, Lan Chang'an suddenly spoke.

"While there is no master-disciple bond between us, there is no harm in forging a friendship. If Fellow Daoist Hu does not mind, he could arrange a marriage between his clan and my steward, Xiao Qingshan."

"Excellent!"

Sect Master Hu’s face lit up with joy and satisfaction.

Back when Lord Earthrock ascended to a fourth-rank transformation demon king, Sect Master Hu had already considered establishing ties through marriage.

However, Xiao Qingshan had been devoted to his Dao companion, Si Lu, and had no interest in taking concubines.

Now that Elder Xiang had personally arranged it, the matter became far simpler.

With True Monarch Purple Mist as a witness, Lan Chang'an and Sect Master Hu sealed a verbal marriage agreement.

A talented and beautiful granddaughter from the Hu family would be wed to Xiao Qingshan as a formal Dao companion.

As for the opinions of the couple involved—neither Lan Chang'an nor Sect Master Hu considered them worth consulting.

From Lan Chang'an’s perspective, encouraging Xiao Qingshan to take additional Dao companions would be more beneficial to his cultivation.

With the Dragon Phoenix Dual Cauldron Technique, dual cultivation with multiple partners would enhance his progress, which was for his own good.

At the same time, this marriage would help alleviate True Monarch Purple Mist’s suspicions regarding Lan Chang'an’s loyalty to Yunxia Sect.

...

"Today, I shall make an exception and accept Hu Ang as a registered disciple. Good things should come in pairs."

After careful consideration, True Monarch Purple Mist finally agreed to take Hu Ang as her disciple, albeit as a registered disciple rather than a direct disciple.

Even this was a rare precedent, as she had never formally accepted a male disciple before.

Within high-grade spiritual root peers, he cultivated at a speed faster than others, and his exceptional capabilities made him stand out.

Beyond granting him a reward for merit and fulfilling Sect Master Hu’s request, True Monarch Purple Mist had chosen him because she felt a certain affinity with him.

"Disciple Hu Ang greets Master!"

Hu Ang’s expression trembled with excitement, overjoyed beyond measure as he immediately knelt and performed a full kowtow.

Lan Chang'an took the opportunity to offer congratulations.

"It is a joyous occasion—Supreme Elder has accepted an outstanding disciple. My congratulations."

True Monarch Purple Mist gave Hu Ang an encouraging glance and said:

"Hu Ang, as a registered male disciple, it is not suitable for you to reside permanently at Zixia Peak. However, should you one day form a True Dan, I will formally take you under my tutelage."

Each additional True Dan cultivator served as a pillar of strength for Yunxia Sect.

"Thank you for Master’s grace!"

Hu Ang kowtowed, performing three bows and nine prostrations, his forehead bruising as he shed tears of gratitude, his sincerity apparent.

Seeing this, True Monarch Purple Mist smiled softly, her impression of Hu Ang improving.

With the simple ceremony completed, Lan Chang'an and Sect Master Hu departed from the fourth-rank main peak, leaving behind Hu Ang.

Standing alone, Hu Ang clenched his fists tightly, taking a deep breath to suppress his turbulent emotions.

"The first step in returning to Yunxia Sect has been completed."

"Sure enough, neither Ziyan nor Xiang Dalong saw through my deception! As long as I follow the plan, everything I lost will be reclaimed."

Beneath the surface of his excited expression, his heart remained ice-cold and calculating.

Turning back, he gazed at the familiar peak of Zixia Peak.

There, in that very mountain, resided the person who had once captured his soul—the Dao companion he had once loved deeply.

Now, with a new identity, he would rise once more within this familiar sect, step by step regaining his former glory—and ultimately reuniting with his beloved.

Inside the inner chambers of Zixia Peak’s cave palace, True Monarch Purple Mist sat in silence for a long time, her expression carrying a rare melancholy.

Finally, with a slow movement, she turned her hand over, summoning a grayish-white portrait scroll.

Upon the aged canvas, an elegant man clad in feathered robes and a grand cloak was depicted.

However, his spiritual light was faint and lifeless, as if it were a memorial portrait of the deceased.

Three years ago, she had confirmed the death of her Dao companion.

The soul lamp of Yunlan True Monarch, kept in the sect’s ancestral shrine, had long been swapped out and replaced.

Yet, to this day, she had never publicly announced his death, clinging to one last sliver of hope—all for the sake of maintaining stability within the sect.

If the truth were revealed, it would shake both the sect and external forces.

Even Elder Xiang and Lord Earthrock, who remained aloof but ever-watchful, might start reconsidering their position in Yunxia Sect.

If the world confirmed that Yunlan True Monarch had truly perished, the great factions and Nascent Soul cultivators of the outside world would see a lone female True Monarch as an easy target.

Some might even attempt to ally with Elder Xiang, potentially threatening the sect’s very foundation.

Thus, the truth of Yunlan True Monarch’s death had been carefully hidden away—buried within True Monarch Purple Mist’s heart.

...

Upon returning to Qingluan Peak, Lan Chang'an announced that he was entering seclusion.

His next priority was collaborating with Puppet Master Wei, finalizing the Exotic Spirit Puppet blueprint and bringing it fully to life.

One year later, the underground hall of Qingluan Peak.

Suspended midair by silken threads, a magnificent Five-Colored Peacock, spanning zhang meters, hung in the dimly lit chamber. Its exquisite plumage radiated an aura of nobility and vitality, almost as if it were alive.

On either side of it, Lan Chang'an and his green-armored puppet stood, carefully adjusting the peacock’s outstretched talons, ensuring precision in the final stitching of its outer layer.

"It's time to activate it."

After a brief moment, Puppet Master Wei, observing the sweat glistening on Lan Chang'an’s forehead, finally spoke.

To further hone Lan Chang'an’s puppet refinement skills, he had insisted that Lan Chang'an personally complete the final assembly, while he merely guided and assisted from the side.

"Alright."

Lan Chang'an opened the abdominal cavity of the Five-Colored Peacock, embedding eight carefully refined high-grade puppet crystals within its body.

Whoosh! Crackle!

The Exotic Spirit Peacock suddenly opened its turquoise gem-like eyes. As its feathered wings trembled, an iridescent five-colored radiance rippled across its body.

A surge of powerful spiritual pressure flooded the underground chamber, carrying a hint of ancient bloodline spirit—a presence strikingly similar to that of the heavenly-grade bloodline Five-Colored Peacock.

However, its aura was wild, chaotic, and impure, lacking the true harmony of a natural beast.

Crack!

With a single shake of its wings, several five-colored light blades materialized, effortlessly severing the third-rank silk threads that had been restraining its noble form.

The five-colored blades didn’t stop there. As they spiraled outward, they formed a miniature, dazzling storm, exuding an ominous energy—sufficient to obliterate a late-stage Core Formation cultivator.

"Halt."

Lan Chang'an immediately activated his Puppet Control Technique, and the Exotic Spirit Peacock withdrew its radiance, elegantly fanning out its tail feathers as it gracefully soared around the chamber.

"Not bad. This puppet’s quality approaches fourth-rank, it's one step stronger than this old man when I was in Gutian Immortal City back then."

Puppet Master Wei’s expression was full of admiration as he reached out, touching the peacock’s tough, yet flexible feathers.

Every inch of this puppet had been personally designed and refined by him.

"I wonder how much of the original Five-Colored Peacock’s Divine Light this puppet has inherited."

Lan Chang'an adjusted his hand seals.

The Exotic Spirit Peacock let out a clear cry, then opened its beak, releasing a beam of radiant five-colored light.

Whoosh!

As the beam streaked through the air, space itself twisted and flickered, creating a ripple effect as it shot toward the chamber’s reinforced walls.

To test its power, Lan Chang'an quickly threw out two mid-grade third-rank golden defense talismans.

Fizzle!

The five-colored beam effortlessly erased them, their spiritual light vanishing instantly.

Hum!

Next, the highly fortified chamber walls, layered with protective formations exceeding third-rank limits, trembled violently.

Their glow rapidly dimmed, unable to withstand the power of the Divine Light—until finally, the beam burned a deep, charred hole over a foot deep into the wall.

Shortly after, the five-colored beam’s energy dispersed and faded.

"The power of this puppet’s Five-Colored Divine Light surpasses that of the late third-rank Five-Colored Peacock from back in the day."

"However, it still falls short of a true fourth-rank Five-Colored Peacock. If it had fully inherited the original divine light, it could have easily obliterated an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator’s spiritual defenses."

Lan Chang'an carefully analyzed the results and reached his initial conclusion.

After another two days of refinement, both Lan Chang'an and Puppet Master Wei conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Exotic Spirit Peacock, ensuring there were no major flaws.

Any minor imperfections could be adjusted over time.

During a test in the fourth-rank illusionary formation, the Exotic Spirit Peacock briefly sparred against Lord Earthrock.

However, it was completely suppressed and unable to gain the upper hand against the fourth-rank Sacred Beast.

Still, Lan Chang'an made several key assessments, in terms of overall strength, the Exotic Spirit Peacock was superior to the original quasi-fourth-rank green-armored puppet.

Against Nascent Soul cultivators who relied heavily on treasures, talismans, or defensive formations, it could serve as a powerful countermeasure.

The Five-Colored Divine Light was effective but still ultimately a fake—lacking the full destructive potential of the true technique.

This imperfection wasn’t due to the materials used but rather the limitations of current puppet refinement techniques—there was still room for improvement.

One major advantage, however, was the peacock’s unparalleled speed.

Due to its superior materials, including a fourth-rank dragon bone frame, its full-speed flight was on par with an early-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Despite its formidable combat potential, the Exotic Spirit Peacock came with a severe drawback—extreme energy consumption.

Like the green-armored puppet, the Exotic Spirit Peacock required top-grade puppet crystals to function efficiently.

Each high-tier puppet crystal costs over ten thousand spirit stones, making it a financial burden.

Beyond monetary costs, refining these cores required fused spiritual sense and puppet-refining techniques, further increasing the difficulty of maintenance.

In battle, using such a high-grade puppet was akin to constantly burning spirit stones.

Compared to a fourth-rank spiritual pet, its cost-effectiveness was significantly lower.

This was why, even if high-level puppets fell into the hands of lower-realm cultivators, they would struggle to afford their upkeep.