I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 477: Envoys from the Immortal Dynasty, Victor of Heavenly One

“The Great Yuan is about to enter a season of unrest,”

In the cave residence atop Yunlan Peak, Lan Chang'an let out a thoughtful sigh after reading the invitation in his hand.

At the bottom, the signature read:

Grand Jin Immortal Dynasty, Prince Luo’s Manor, Princess Qianshui.

The old imperial patriarch had only just passed away, yet representatives of the Jin Immortal Dynasty were already arriving in the Great Yu Kingdom to pay him a private visit. The timing was, at the very least, suspiciously coincidental.

Lan Chang'an knew a bit about the underlying ties between the imperial family and the Jin Immortal Dynasty.

By all logic, he should’ve had nothing to do with the Immortal Dynasty of Fenghua. He was an outsider, after all, and had never interacted with them.

Yet now, with the level of power he wielded, no matter what plans the Immortal Dynasty had for the Yu imperial family, they could not afford to ignore his presence.

In the eyes of the outside world, he had already become the number one cultivator of the Great Yu Kingdom.

If he so desired, he could influence the balance of power in the surrounding territories or even across the entire Central Region.

“Let them in.”

After a brief pause, Lan Chang'an instructed the steward of Yunlan Peak to pass on his order.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Jin Immortal Dynasty remained the foremost power on the Heaven Honoured Continent. A degree of courtesy had to be given.

Still, he was curious, what were the Immortal Dynasty’s true intentions?

...

Before long,

The two envoys from the Jin Immortal Dynasty were guided to Yunlan Peak by a disciple.

The middle-aged man in scholarly robes stroked his short beard, exuding an aura of refined Confucian elegance and unhurried composure.

Luo Qianshui, face veiled in white gauze, paused slightly as her clear gaze fell upon the opened doors of the cave residence.

Xiang Dalong had not come out to greet them.

Qi Xiuyuan’s eyes narrowed faintly as he turned the polished bamboo inkstone in his hand, yet he showed no sign of dissatisfaction.

As a representative of the Immortal Dynasty, whenever he visited the outer provinces, cultivators of the same realm treated him with the utmost respect.

Even when meeting late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, most extended him at least token courtesy, if only for the sake of his lineage.

And this True Monarch Xiang dared to act like a figure on par with Great Cultivators?

In the vast lands of Fenghua Province, exceptional mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, those who could survive encounters with Great Cultivators were not uncommon.

Every era had its share of such figures.

As the saying goes, one must adapt to the customs of the land.

Qi Xiuyuan chose not to show displeasure and instead entered the main hall alongside Luo Qianshui.

Inside the hall, a figure stood with his back turned to them by a still pond, tall, solemn, and ageless.

“Honored guests of the Immortal Dynasty, how may I address you?”

Lan Chang'an turned around, his gaze briefly lingering on the veiled beauty.

He recognized her immediately.

Years ago, when the Great Yu Kingdom marched north to hunt down remnants of the Luo imperial family of the Great Luo Kingdom, Lan Chang'an had been present. At the time, he had deliberately gone easy, allowing Princess Luo Qianshui to escape.

He had done so not out of sympathy, but because the imperial family had used them as pawns and bait on the Water Moon Mountain battlefield and had been less than forthcoming in post-battle resource allocations.

Dissatisfied, Lan Chang'an had casually planted a hidden seed of discord for the Yu imperial family.

Now, after all these years, the woman had successfully advanced to the Nascent Soul realm.

“I am Luo Qianshui, adopted daughter of the Prince Luo.”

Her voice was clear and melodious, like jade being washed by spring water.

Luo Qianshui offered a graceful curtsey, her palace gown cascading to the floor like moonlight.

Raising her hand with a soft smile, she introduced the scholarly man beside her.

“This is Mister Qi Xiuyuan, one of the seventy-two disciples of the ‘Confucian Saint,’ and the dean of Hanyuan Academy.”

“A direct disciple of the Confucian Saint?”

Lan Chang'an’s expression turned solemn. He hadn’t expected such a lofty identity.

His earlier failure to greet them in person hadn’t been due to arrogance but rather a calculated decision not to show favor to either side.

Until the broader situation became clear, how could an outsider like him afford to take sides so easily?

Remaining neutral and observing from the sidelines was the wisest path.

The name of the Confucian Saint was one even Lan Chang'an had heard in the remote Great Yuan.

The man was the leading figure of the Confucian Dao in the human realm and one of the few Deity Transformation Heavenly Lords in the world.

Lan Chang'an couldn’t help but grow cautious.

For one of the Confucian Saint’s personal disciples to come in person to the Great Yu Kingdom... it was clear that the once-splintered Yu imperial bloodline had now drawn the attention of the highest echelons of the Jin Immortal Dynasty.

Qi Xiuyuan’s identity and strength could not be measured by the standards of an ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

...

"I must apologize for not greeting you personally, Mister Qi. I hope you’ll forgive the slight."

Once they had seated as host and guests, Lan Chang'an offered a few words of polite exchange.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a pot of treasured fourth-rank spiritual tea, brewed it himself, and served it to the two envoys with a flick of his fingers.

He couldn’t even recall from which Nascent Soul opponent this tea had come, just that it had been looted from a battle. It would suffice for now.

The atmosphere within the hall relaxed noticeably.

Qi Xiuyuan’s opinion of this famed “Twin Dragon” began to shift.

The Confucian path valued propriety and hierarchy.

Though Xiang Dalong hadn’t come to greet them, his neutrality as one of Great Yuan’s "Twin Dragons" was understandable.

And once they were inside, he had extended proper courtesy, offering tea in apology instead of wine.

"Upon arriving in Great Yuan, your name has been like thunder in my ears."

After a few pleasantries, Qi Xiuyuan got to the point.

"After entering the Great Yu Kingdom, I heard that True Monarch Xiang once had a conflict with the Yu imperial clan. It seems you are not aligned with them?"

Qi Xiuyuan gently stroked his beard, speaking with a smile.

Years ago, the Imperial Yu had intercepted the Twin Dragons with the Azure Dragon Sword. That was the first clash.

And during the Water Moon Mountain campaign, over a hundred thousand cultivators had almost been sacrificed like chess pieces, which had caused friction between Xiang Dalong and the imperial clan.

None of this was secret.

"Oh, those were just trivial old matters. Since I advanced to mid-stage Nascent Soul, I’ve lived peacefully with the imperial clan, each minding our own business, no trouble either way."

Lan Chang'an laughed it off, not taking the bait.

It was true that he’d had tensions with the imperial clan.

But the Yu imperial family had, in fact, kept their promises. They had funded him generously when it counted.

Without their support, his fourth-rank body refinement and puppet formation wouldn’t have been achieved so quickly.

"I come to Great Yuan under orders from the Immortal Emperor and my teacher."

Qi Xiuyuan straightened and bowed respectfully in the direction of the Immortal Dynasty.

"If True Monarch Xiang can assist us in reclaiming the Yu imperial bloodline on behalf of the Immortal Dynasty, it would be a great merit."

"If the matter is successful, I shall request from my teacher a second-rank immortal official title within the Immortal Dynasty for you. It comes with access to a superior fourth-rank dragon vein cultivation ground which will help you in accumulating imperial merit and national fortune, greatly easing the path to late-stage Nascent Soul."

"A second-rank immortal official?"

Lan Chang'an remained calm, though thoughts churned beneath the surface.

He had some understanding of the Immortal Dynasty’s meritocratic system.

Even if the position granted was merely honorary, it would still provide the privileges of the Nine-Rank Immortal Official System.

The higher the rank, the stronger the dynasty’s blessings and national fortune enhancement.

If Qi Xiuyuan’s promises held true, becoming an official in the Immortal Dynasty would indeed make his advancement much easier.

"Alas, you’ll have to forgive me, Mister Qi. I’m used to a carefree life, unbound and unconstrained. I fear I would not adapt well to the rigid structure of the Immortal Dynasty."

Lan Chang'an shook his head, ultimately resisting the temptation and flatly refused.

Becoming an Immortal official was indeed a shortcut.

But the Immortal Dynasty demanded too much in return.

Cultivators had to follow strict laws and etiquette according to their official rank. Anyone below first-rank had to kneel before the Immortal Emperor.

Imperial authority and official positions overrode all; sects were deemed illegal.

All spiritual veins, mineral resources, and blessed lands belonged to the dynasty.

Even the cultivation path itself was tied to dynastic fortune.

This created a deeply binding system.

Lan Chang'an harbored too many secrets.

He always kept his distance from Deity Transformation powers, he couldn’t afford to join them.

Especially since the Grand Jin Immortal Dynasty boasted multiple Heavenly Lords, and even “false heavenly lords” elevated through dynastic blessings.

If he joined them, he would undoubtedly draw the attention of those high above.

His Evergreen Technique was unique, it relied on the passing of time, accumulated slowly over the years.

Whether dynastic blessings would help or hinder such cultivation was uncertain.

What if the dynasty called on him to nurture rare treasures or restore the foundation of some imperial elite? Would he be able to refuse?

Cultivation was about longevity and freedom.

To trade that freedom for official rank was not worth it, not to Lan Chang'an.

He would rather advance slowly, one step at a time, by his own power.

...

"Everyone has their own aspirations. If True Monarch Xiang does not wish to serve the Immortal Dynasty, I won’t press."

Qi Xiuyuan wasn’t surprised by the refusal.

Outside Fenghua, many sects and loose cultivators feared the Immortal Dynasty like a ferocious beast and held deep suspicions about it.

But in truth, many sects and strays who had joined the dynasty gained access to better resources, and even broke through previous cultivation barriers.

Only by joining would one realize how “fragrant” it truly was.

"I am merely a messenger sent ahead. When the dynasty’s true envoys arrive, as long as you remain neutral, True Monarch Xiang, you will earn the favor of the Confucian Saint’s lineage."

Qi Xiuyuan smiled warmly, retreating to a softer ask.

As a top-tier mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator who could contend with Great Cultivators, Xiang Dalong could potentially sabotage the dynasty’s plans.

If he couldn’t be drawn in, at least he couldn’t be allowed to support the Yu imperial clan.

"Of course, of course."

Lan Chang'an replied with a smile, though he scoffed inwardly.

“Confucian cultivators are so stingy, all words, no action.”

Couldn’t they offer some real benefits?

He had no intention of joining the Immortal Dynasty or getting close to any Deity Transformation power. What use was a so-called connection to the Confucian Saint?

It wasn’t that Qi Xiuyuan didn’t want to offer tangible rewards.

But without orders from above, he couldn’t do so privately.

Allocating rewards required layers of approval and there wasn’t enough time or justification.

Since Xiang Dalong hadn’t agreed to assist them, there was no reason to request a reward, it would likely be denied outright.

Lan Chang'an didn’t host a banquet.

Less than half a stick of incense later, Qi Xiuyuan rose and took his leave.

At the entrance to the cave-dwelling, Luo Qianshui paused.

Her lips moved ever so slightly as she exchanged a few words with Qi Xiuyuan with voice transmission.

"Hmm."

Qi Xiuyuan nodded and gave her a glance before continuing out of Yunlan Peak to wait at the mountain gate.

Luo Qianshui remained behind alone, her serene gaze resting upon the man in white before her.

Softly, she spoke:

"May I have a private word with True Monarch Xiang?"

Lan Chang'an looked at her in surprise, but did not refuse.

...

Main Hall of the Cave Abode.

Only Lan Chang'an and Luo Qianshui, her face veiled in white gauze, remained.

“I owe my life to True Monarch Xiang. Please allow this humble woman to pay her respects.”

Luo Qianshui lifted her snowy veil, revealing a flawless and breathtaking face. Draped in a luxurious palace robe befitting a moon-born fairy, she gracefully dropped to her knees, bowing deeply to the man before her.

“Oh? Princess Qianshui, what do you mean by this? This is our first meeting, where does this talk of a life-saving grace come from?”

Lan Chang'an raised a hand to stop her, supporting her delicate wrist.

At such close distance, his gaze naturally lingered on the famed beauty once hailed as the most stunning woman in the Great Luo Kingdom.

Feeling the firm strength of his palm, Luo Qianshui lowered her head slightly. Her long, frost-like lashes trembled, her eyes glowing with vivid color, shimmering like a startled fawn.

Her delicate nose was like a sculpture carved from jade, and a stray lock of raven hair framed her ear, highlighting the sparkling crystal earring that adorned her lobe.

The imperial gown she wore traced the gentle rise of her chest, cinching at the waist and flowing over hips as smooth as polished jade, outlining an exquisitely feminine silhouette.

Lan Chang'an inwardly praised her beauty, it was indeed worthy of her fame, a feast for the eyes.

“To True Monarch Xiang, it may have been but a passing act, yet to me, it was a kindness I have never forgotten.”

Luo Qianshui did not withdraw from Lan Chang'an’s supporting hand. Her snowy-white face bore a faint blush, the shy pink of a young maiden.

By instinct alone, she could tell the man before her admired her looks and form.

“I was fortunate to be adopted by His Highness, Prince Luo of the Immortal Dynasty, and was granted the title of Princess Qianshui upon advancing to the Nascent Soul stage. But before my benefactor, all this pales in comparison, I do not know how to repay such grace.”

“I have thought deeply on this. If my benefactor does not scorn me, I am willing to give myself to you, body and soul. I will aid True Monarch Xiang in achieving great glory within the Immortal Dynasty, to rise to the highest ranks and be ennobled as king and prime minister!”

Her words were sincere and passionate, her eyes dark and intense as she boldly declared her pledge.

Lan Chang'an was taken aback by her daring.

This was their first true meeting. There was no prior bond between them.

Perhaps she saw that Qi Xiuyuan’s promise had failed to win Lan Chang'an over and so, she was willing to gamble everything. Even her own body, along with the connections of Prince Luo’s household.

“If Princess Qianshui truly wishes to repay me, why not leave the Immortal Dynasty and become my concubine?”

Lan Chang'an smiled faintly, releasing her wrist.

Thud!

Luo Qianshui fell to her knees, disheveled and shaken.

Her soft blush turned pale, her voice faltering.

“This… It would not be easy for me to leave the Immortal Dynasty…”

“Haha! Then how about this, one day we leave this troublesome Heaven Honoured Continent behind and flee to the Outer Seas to live in peace and freedom. Wouldn’t that be far more carefree?”

Lan Chang'an laughed heartily, offering her a considerate way out.

The Immortal Dynasty’s influence was strongest in Fenghua and the surrounding regions. In the Outer Seas, its power waned sharply.

Luo Qianshui froze, caught in a dilemma.

If she truly wished to repay him with her body, Lan Chang'an had provided a reasonable solution.

“So… the fairy’s gratitude isn’t quite as sincere as it seemed,” Lan Chang'an said with a playful sigh.

Still kneeling, Luo Qianshui bit her lip hard, a tear slipping down her flawless cheek.

“If… if you could resolve the grudge in Great Yuan and avenge the bloodline of the Luo imperial clan, hundreds of lost kin… then Qianshui shall belong to True Monarch Xiang, serving you for a lifetime!”

“A conditional gratitude?”

Lan Chang'an exhaled, already losing interest.

It seemed he lacked the charm to make the former Great Luo princess fall for him at first sight and submit to him without reservation.

“Please leave, Fairy Luo. I have no interest in accepting a concubine with ulterior motives.”

Luo Qianshui left, both embarrassed and dejected, her expression one of bitter loss.

…

Within the cave.

Lan Chang'an sat in silence for a moment.

He had to admit, Luo Qianshui’s offer of herself and the full support of her future connections was a great temptation for most Nascent Soul cultivators.

But his ambitions didn’t lie with the Immortal Dynasty.

Toppling the Great Yu imperial clan did not serve his interests.

If that great tree fell, Yunxia Sect would struggle to seize the lion’s share unless he remained stationed in Great Yuan permanently.

The black phoenix, a descendant of a true spirit from the Western Ancient Forest, was currently keeping a low profile, but the future remained uncertain.

If the imperial clan collapsed…

Should a demonic calamity arise, or the black phoenix that was already late fourth-rank invaded the Central Region, Lan Chang'an and Yunxia Sect would be forced to take the lead in the resistance.

That ran counter to his ideal path of cultivating quietly and amassing wealth in the shadows.

From the stance of the Confucian Saint’s disciples, the plan to subdue the Great Yu imperial family was one of diplomacy before force, they did not wish to annihilate it.

The best outcome would be a minor punishment as a warning, then reintegrating the imperial clan into the Immortal Dynasty, turning it into a strategic outpost along the coast.

But if the Great Yu imperial family did submit, it would be a threat to both Lan Chang'an and Yunxia Sect.

Once the Dynasty had firm control over Great Yu, with great cultivators or even a False Heavenly Lord backing it, it would inevitably become tyrannical.

By then, it would be hard-pressed to tolerate a sect like Yunxia, which lacked official sanction, its spiritual vein and mountain gate could well be confiscated.

Lan Chang'an sent out a message through voice transmission, summoning Xiao Qingshan.

“Qingshan,” Lan Chang'an instructed, “In the coming days, spread word that an esteemed guest from the Immortal Dynasty has visited, and that there’s a rumor of a high-ranking immortal official position being offered.”

“Understood.”

Xiao Qingshan bowed respectfully and departed immediately.

…

That very night.

The intelligence network of the Great Yu imperial family received word that suspected Immortal Dynasty cultivators had visited Yunxia Sect.

The following day, a rumor spread from Yunxia Sect: the Immortal Dynasty had made a generous offer, intending to win over and recruit Xiang Dalong.

The imperial court, just emerging from mourning, was struck with an unprecedented chill.

If one of Great Yuan’s twin dragons, Xiang Dalong, were truly won over by the Dynasty, the imperial family might not withstand the punishment sure to follow.

This looming crisis felt eerily familiar to the Emperor.

Back when they waged war on the Great Luo Kingdom, the imperial court had paid dearly to win over Xiang Dalong, spending vast resources.

They knew his strength better than the world.

He wasn’t just a cultivator who could withstand a single blow from a great cultivator, he was capable of contending with them.

Now, with the old patriarch newly deceased and the Immortal Dynasty pressing in, the imperial family’s upper echelon, having only just subdued Great Luo, fell into an unprecedented state of anxiety.

...

Three days later.

A Nascent Soul cultivator of the imperial family, the True Monarch Iron Calculation, secretly visited Yunxia Sect to appease Xiang Dalong.

“Body-refining elixirs, puppet materials, demon king blood essence…”

“Tsk tsk. Weren’t these rare resources supposedly exhausted in the war effort? After the Great Yu war campaign, the imperial family has been restricting exchanges with me for quite some time.”

Rubbing his hands together, Lan Chang'an wore a teasing smile. He was already eager to bring out his Dragon-Slaying Blade.

“Ahem! After conquering the Great Luo Kingdom, we managed to replenish our stores with a few more items. The listed materials are a gift to True Monarch Xiang as compensation for our past shortcomings.”

The True Monarch Iron Calculation gave a wry smile, the sickly muscles on his face twitching slightly.

It was painfully clear that Xiang Dalong intended to bleed the imperial family dry.

Yet with crisis looming, the imperial house could only stretch out its delicate neck and submit to the blade.

Without Xiang Dalong even making a request, the envoy presented a generous list of resources free of charge.

“Double it.”

Lan Chang'an made an outright demand without blinking.

“In addition, I want a batch of spatial crystals, fourth-rank space-elemental materials.”

“Spatial materials?”

The envoy’s heart sank. Could he be planning to forge a spatial-type puppet?

In the nearly thousand-year history of Great Yuan, a fourth-rank spatial puppet had never been seen.

“Cough… True Monarch Xiang, do you mean to say that if the imperial family provides these materials, you’ll lend us your support?”

“In your dreams.”

Lan Chang'an sneered.

“That’s only my price for remaining neutral.”

“The Immortal Dynasty is offering a First Rank immortal position, a late-fourth-rank dragon vein, and even sweetening the deal with Princess Qianshui herself. Do you truly think I wouldn’t be tempted?”

The True Monarch Iron Calculation’s heart quivered at the words. Though half-doubtful, he suspected there was at least some truth in it.

“True Monarch Xiang asks for so many rare treasures while doing nothing. Especially space-elemental materials, we don’t have much in reserve…”

Looking troubled, the envoy wiped away blood from the corner of his mouth with a silk handkerchief.

“I wouldn’t dare expect True Monarch Xiang to take a stand. I only have one small request.”

“What is it?”

Lan Chang'an wasn’t trying to bleed the imperial family dry, he knew when to stop.

Remaining neutral was, after all, in his best interests.

If the imperial family surrendered and submitted to the Immortal Dynasty, it would spell trouble for both him and the Yunxia Sect.

“I have drafted a letter on behalf of the imperial family, appealing to True Monarchs Overturning Sea and two other Great Cultivators for aid. Emperor Yu and several other Nascent Soul elders from noble clan have all signed it. I only ask that True Monarch Xiang add his name.”

The True Monarch Iron Calculation unfurled a scroll, revealing the signatures of the imperial house and key noble families.

Lan Chang'an glanced through it quickly.

He had to admit, it was a clever move.

Creak-

From a corner of the cave dwelling, a yellowish earth glow shimmered.

“Add one more earth-elemental spirit item or herb, at least mid-grade fourth rank. Something that helps with breaking through bottlenecks.”

Lan Chang'an added a final condition.

“Done.”

The envoy gave a thoughtful nod and agreed.

“So be it. As a member of the Great Yu Kingdom, leaving my name on this letter is the least I can do.”

Lan Chang'an took up brush and ink and signed the name “Xiang Dalong.”

As long as he didn’t openly oppose the Immortal Dynasty, a signature was harmless.

Even if they found out, they wouldn’t blow it out of proportion and go after one of the Twin Dragons of Great Yuan.

Carefully rolling up the scroll, the True Monarch Iron Calculation assured:

“Within half a month, the promised materials and treasures will all be delivered.”

“The imperial family has truly gone to great expense.”

Lan Chang'an knew when to be gracious, hosting and entertaining the envoy with a warm reception.

Compared to the Immortal Dynasty’s guests, who only offered empty promises, this envoy came with real sincerity.

Task complete, the True Monarch Iron Calculation quickly took his leave.

…

After seeing off the imperial envoy, Lan Chang'an was inwardly delighted.

With this batch of rare resources, he could further refine his fourth-rank puppet army.

Even if the improvements were minor like squeezing toothpaste, it would add up over time.

He might not be able to push it to mid-grade fourth rank…

But turning the entire array into a peak-quality low-fourth rank was still within reach.

With more spatial materials, he could finally begin upgrading the puppet body of Master Wei by adding spatial capabilities.

This process would allow him to continuously hone his puppet-crafting skills.

And with time, persistence, and accumulated experience…

One day, he just might advance to a true mid-grade fourth rank puppet master.

…

At the same time.

In a distant, unknown secret realm of the Heaven Honoured Continent.

A hundred-tiered cloud staircase stretched from the mountain's foot to its summit, disappearing into the clouds.

Four of the current generation’s peerless geniuses were ascending with sweat pouring down their bodies, as though ten thousand mountains pressed upon their backs. Each step forward was grueling, their teeth clenched in silent agony.

Every step brought a formless pressure that penetrated deep into their souls, burdening them with an unbearable weight.

“Urgh!” Pfft!

Behind the group, a man and a woman paled drastically. Upon reaching the eightieth tier, they could endure no longer. Blood spewed from their mouths as they collapsed to their knees upon the stairs.

At the very top stood a solitary towering figure, hands clasped behind his back, his face veiled in mist.

Yet even that single silhouette exuded a majesty that seemed to traverse endless time, watching over the rise and fall of all things.

The oppressive might upon their souls, the illusions conjured into being. All stemmed from that overwhelming presence.

With each step upward, it felt as if one were staring directly at a god. Their minds were thrown into chaos, teetering on the brink of madness under the mounting pressure.

Above the ninetieth tier, only two figures remained, barely hanging on.

One wore a robe of violet-gold, Senior Brother Ji. His broad forehead and square face were etched with pain, his brows like a cliff, his dark-gold pupils filled with torment.

A mysterious red mark glowed on his forehead. Behind him, the faint shadow of an ancient emperor trembled, helping bear the soul-crushing pressure.

Pfft!

Senior Brother Ji spat out blood as he staggered onto the ninety-ninth step.

Only one more to go!

He clenched his jaw; his consciousness was fraying at the seams. His nascent soul teetered on collapse, as if it might evaporate under the blazing divine sun.

And just then, a familiar figure in a flowing green silk robe stepped onto the ninety-ninth tier alongside him.

Jing Wufeng’s pupils were deep and abyssal, his body surrounded by the illusory petals of a translucent lotus. He ascended side by side with Senior Brother Ji.

Though clearly exhausted as well, his steps were far more stable.

At this very moment, below the hundred-tiered stairway, the disciples of Heavenly One Sect and a few elderly attendants held their breath, watching this historic scene unfold.

Whoosh!

A gentle breeze swept past Senior Brother Ji. Jing Wufeng swayed slightly, but then took that final step… onto the hundredth tier.

“This… how is this possible?!”

Senior Brother Ji’s consciousness rang with static, his mind still mired in the chaos of soul oppression.

Crack!

Perhaps the strain on his spirit had finally passed into his body, Jing Wufeng’s last step was accompanied by a sickening crack from his knee.

“No!”

Senior Brother Ji reached out to stop him but all he could do was watch as Jing Wufeng stepped onto the hundredth stair.

That single step shattered his will.

Boom!

A soul-deep explosion echoed. Senior Brother Ji’s consciousness collapsed, his nascent soul shattered, plunging him into endless darkness.

“Not bad.”

At last, the towering figure atop the clouds turned, his gaze settling on Jing Wufeng.

As for Senior Brother Ji’s soul-dispersing demise, he didn’t spare it even a glance.

A meager trace of human emperor bloodline? Mere icing on the cake.

Even the finest bloodlines meant little in the barren realm of Heaven Honoured human world.

“Only those with truly indomitable will and character are worthy to stand at the peak of the human realm.”

The mighty figure's expression was as calm as still water. No spiritual aura or spiritual sense flowed from his body.

Yet heaven and earth’s energies naturally flowed around him. Every gesture, every breath, harmonized with the rhythm of the Great Dao as if he was one with the heavens themselves.

“Greetings, Young Lord!”

Below, more than a dozen Heavenly One retainers including those recently eliminated dropped to their knees in unison.

Jing Wufeng exhaled deeply. Cold sweat soaked his robes, and he nearly collapsed.

A current of natural energy from his master steadied him, preventing embarrassment at the critical moment.

Jing Wufeng withdrew the heavenly demon secret art. His pitch-black pupils faded to a pale blue, and the illusory green lotus vanished.

His gaze turned downward, toward a lotus-clad young woman who was also kneeling in reverence.

Their eyes met. Junior Sister Lian’s gaze shimmered with a touch of shyness, and her face blossomed with warmth and joy.

Brother Xiang’s help had certainly been vital but without Junior Sister Lian’s sacrifice, the inheritance secret technique of separation and transmission to ease the strain on his spirit and will, he might not have made that final step.

“Wufeng, from this day forth, you are Heavenly One true successor!”

“As your master, I shall burn through my remaining lifespan and pour all my cultivation into you, passing down the full inheritance of Heavenly One!”

The Heavenly One Sovereign spoke gently, patting Jing Wufeng on the shoulder.

Buzz!

The void twisted. The secret realm split open, revealing a stable spatial rift that swallowed both master and disciple.

The remaining Heavenly One disciples stared at the slowly closing rift, unable to conceal their envy.

For every generation, the Heavenly One Divine Sovereign would bestow his complete inheritance upon his chosen successor before passing.

This was the reason why every Heavenly One Divine Sovereign reigned as the greatest cultivator of the human world.

We meet again Daoists! Let us all pray for the author's health, so he can continue writing these lengthy chapters for us. Really wanna see Lan reach Deity Transformation in this run🙏