bookpower Chapter 326: Indeed True
Chapter 326: Indeed True
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Upon entering the northern borderlands of the Liang Kingdom, Lan Chang'an noticed that the number of cultivators migrating toward Fengyuan Kingdom had more than doubled compared to before.
These fleeing cultivators were not limited to those from the Liang Kingdom. They included cultivators from various nations under the Righteous Dao Alliance, as well as loose cultivators, family cultivators, and deserters from sects.
In truth, for anyone below the Fake Dan stage, crossing the harsh and perilous Flying Sand Desert posed a significant risk.
Even so, there were still some Foundation Establishment cultivators who ventured alone or in small groups into the endless desert.
Given the ongoing war situation involving the Righteous Dao Alliance, Lan Chang'an found this trend understandable.
Among the nations of the Righteous Dao Alliance, only three cultivation nations remained unconquered: Feng Kingdom, Liang Kingdom, and Jing Kingdom.
Centered around Feng Kingdom, the largest territory:
To the west and south, the Chen Kingdom and Yan Kingdom had already been successively conquered by the Beast King Valley.
Chen Kingdom was the first to fall. Before Lan Chang'an had left, it had already been disgracefully lost due to the negligence of the Heavenly Net Sect.
As for Yan Kingdom, it was originally the homeland of Chu Tianfeng from the Endless Palace. Years ago, the sect had relocated to Feng Kingdom, not only for the mid-grade fourth-rank spirit vein but also due to his remarkable foresight.
To the east, Heng Kingdom, located deep behind Feng Kingdom’s lines, had been overtaken years ago. That country lacked any Nascent Soul experts.
To the northwest and due north of Feng Kingdom were the Jing Kingdom and Liang Kingdom, respectively.
The Jing Kingdom borders the conquered Chen Kingdom to the north and south, making it a localized battlefield. Due to concerns about the "child of fortune" residing there, no large-scale invasions had occurred yet.
With this calculation in mind, Liang Kingdom, situated north of Feng Kingdom, was now the only rear stronghold of the Righteous Dao Alliance that had not been directly engulfed by the flames of war.
For mid- and low-level cultivators, the surrounding regions offered virtually no safe havens for refuge. Their options were limited to:
Either treacherous lands like the endless desert or the poison swamps, or the regions controlled by demonic cultivators.
Using his fingers to calculate, Lan Chang'an decided his first stop upon returning to Liang Kingdom would be the Beast Taming Zhou Family nearby.
The Zhou Family was the closest cultivation family to the ancient ruins.
The family's oldest ancestor, Zhou Qingxuan, who was over 290 years old, had already entered her twilight years, with at most a decade or so of life remaining.
...
In the smaller branches of the Black Fog Mountain Range stood a heavily guarded, large manor located in a deep mountain valley, shrouded by a third-rank formation.
Over the past few decades, the Zhou Family had reached its peak, boasting multiple Fake Dan cultivators and even producing a True Dan beast tamer.
Zhou Qingxuan, who was already in her old age, retired to the sidelines and handed over the power of the clan head to the newly promoted True Dan junior “Zhou Tianchi". РÁ????OʙĚŝ
That day, Zhou Tianchi was diligently nurturing his life-bound spirit beast.
Suddenly—
Swoosh!
A sound transmission talisman, glowing faintly red, flew into the cave abode.
“An urgent matter from Aunt Qing?”
Zhou Tianchi frowned slightly, feeling puzzled.
Over the years, as the Zhou Family's leader, he had become the clan's foremost figure.
Due to differing philosophies in managing the clan, Aunt Qing—practical and understanding—rarely interfered in family affairs.
However, Zhou Qingxuan was still the highest-ranking elder in the Zhou Family, with an esteemed status and impressive connections.
Zhou Tianchi dared not be negligent and immediately flew toward a remote cave abode within the Zhou Family's mountain estate.
Inside the main hall of the cave abode, aside from the Zhou Family's old ancestor, there was also a stranger in white robes.
“Tianchi, today Aunt Qing will introduce you to a senior,” Zhou Qingxuan said.
Zhou Qingxuan no longer had the youthful appearance she once did. Wrinkles fanned out around her eyes, though her features were still graceful. Dressed in a dark-colored long dress, she appeared as a beautiful woman in her late thirties or forties.
Even after using Youth Retaining Pills, it was difficult for her to maintain her appearance perfectly as her life approached its end.
Moreover, second-rank Youth Retaining Pills could only preserve one’s appearance for about a hundred years. With her limited remaining lifespan, Zhou Qingxuan clearly didn’t want to waste more resources.
“This is the legendary Core Formation cultivator of the cultivation world, Evergreen Immortal,” Zhou Qingxuan introduced.
Hearing Aunt Qing’s words, Zhou Tianchi’s heart trembled.
The white-robed man before him had a handsome, refined demeanor, as gentle and polished as jade. He appeared to be in his early twenties but exuded the tranquil aura of someone who had experienced the ebb and flow of time.
The mana emanating from his body felt profound and continuous, like an ancient evergreen tree with deep roots, inspiring awe and reverence.
“This junior, Zhou Tianchi, pays respects to Evergreen Immortal.”
Zhou Tianchi, dressed in scholar’s robes and wearing a guan hat, looked like a forty-year-old scholar. He bowed respectfully with clasped hands.
Although both were True Dan cultivators, the legendary Evergreen Immortal before him was a figure who had been a pillar of the cultivation world for over three centuries.
More importantly, his cultivation and magical abilities far exceeded Zhou Tianchi’s own.
At the moment their auras briefly interacted—
The spirit beast in Zhou Tianchi's storage pouch began trembling uncontrollably in fear, curling into a ball.
It was Zhou Tianchi’s first time encountering such an overwhelming presence, as he had never had the qualifications to associate with high-level sect Core Formation Great Cultivators.
“No need for such formalities,” Lan Chang'an said with a faint smile, gesturing for Zhou Tianchi to rise.
Core Formation cultivators were also divided into different tiers.
Regardless of seniority, cultivation level, and overall strength, most Core Formation cultivators in the Liang Kingdom could only be considered half a generation below Lan Chang'an.
“Tianchi is the direct grandson of Jingxuan...” Zhou Qingxuan added in a low voice.
“Oh? So, he’s a descendant of Zhou Jingxuan,” Lan Chang'an remarked, understanding why Zhou Tianchi’s appearance felt somewhat familiar.
Zhou Jingxuan had once been a Foundation Establishment elder of the Beast Taming Zhou Family and Zhou Qingxuan’s uncle.
Lan Chang'an recalled that during the Bamboo Leaf Mountain auction many years ago, Zhou Jingxuan had narrowly escaped death at the hands of Liang Shaotian, thanks to Zhou Qingxuan’s quick thinking in severing one of his arms to save his life.
Later, when Lan Chang'an was building his Foundation in Huanglong Immortal City, he had collaborated with the Zhou Family a few times, forming a passing acquaintance with Zhou Jingxuan.
“Master Lan, have you just returned from the Fengyuan Kingdom? I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient kingdom deep within the desert,” Zhou Tianchi said enthusiastically, sensing that Aunt Qing was creating an opportunity for him to connect with the legendary Core Formation Immortal. He was eager to make the most of it.
“It’s been a century since Immortal Lan’s last return to Liang Kingdom, and now you’ve broken through to a higher level of cultivation, dispelling all the rumors. I’d say the title of ‘Liang Kingdom’s number one loose cultivator’ is well-deserved,” Zhou Tianchi said in a reverent tone.
To his surprise, Zhou Qingxuan interrupted him.
“Your Uncle Lan has no interest in such empty titles. Don’t speak in such a boastful manner in the future.”
“Yes, Aunt Qing. Uncle Lan is renowned for his noble character and disregard for fame and fortune. I’ve heard much about it,” Zhou Tianchi promptly adjusted his tone and respectfully referred to Lan Chang'an as “Uncle Lan.”
Lan Chang'an could sense Zhou Qingxuan’s intentions. She hoped that after her death, he would take care of the Zhou Family’s descendants to some extent.
This time, Lan Chang'an intentionally maintained the facade of being at the mid-Core Formation stage, creating the impression that he could not advance to late Core Formation in his lifetime.
This was a deliberate move for several reasons:
For one thing, mid-Core Formation cultivators were already the best among Liang Kingdom’s loose cultivators. Reaching late-Core Formation would elevate his status to a level that would attract scrutiny from major factions and even Nascent Soul cultivators.
Secondly, by appearing weaker, he could mislead those mysterious foreign cultivators. With Lan Chang'an's qualifications, if he revealed himself as a late-Core Formation cultivator, they would definitely think he had acquired significant treasures or fortuitous encounters in the ruins, making him their prime target.
...
Half an hour later.
Through the Zhou Family's two Immortals, Lan Chang'an gained a clearer understanding of the recent developments in the Righteous Dao Alliance’s situation.
Over the past few years, the war between the righteous and demonic factions had witnessed several major events.
For one, Chu Tianfeng, who had been at the mid-Nascent Soul stage for many years, had significantly refined his divine abilities. A few years ago, he successfully orchestrated a plan to lure and kill a Nascent Soul elder from Beast King Valley.
This battle became a display of dominance and greatly boosted the morale of the Righteous Dao Alliance.
As a result, Chu Tianfeng’s reputation as the “number one cultivator of the Righteous Dao Alliance” became a stabilizing force for the alliance. His victory reassured the hearts of countless cultivators.
Secondly, the Demonic faction returned the favor and struck back with devastating force. A protector of Unseen Gate personally took action, assassinating the aging Grand Elder of the Golden Sun Sect.
The next day at noon.
At the gates of Jin Yun Valley, an imposing scene unfolded.
Through the swirling clouds and roiling streams of black water, an enormous dark green turtle, radiating an awe-inspiring aura, slowly descended.
Upon the turtle’s back stood a Core Formation cultivator, his bearing dignified and immortal-like. He was dressed in white robes and exuded a natural elegance.
“A mid-stage Core Formation cultivator! Riding a third-rank Profound Water Turtle... Who is this expert?”
The entire Jin Yun Valley was stirred.
After a century of war, many of the older generation of cultivators in Jin Yun Valley had perished, leaving behind several generations of newer disciples.
Among the lower- and mid-level cultivators of the sect, few recognized the man riding the turtle.
“Lan... Immortal Lan?”
“Evergreen Immortal! Wasn’t he chased by Beast King Valley and killed in a foreign country a hundred years ago? How has he returned to Jin Yun Valley alive?”
The older Foundation Establishment cultivators and the Core Formation elders who recognized him were utterly shocked.
“Hmph! How dare he show his face here?”
A black-bearded Core Formation elder sneered, his tone laced with contempt.
“One hundred years ago, when the war against the demonic factions was at its most dire, that ‘Turtle Lan’ shamelessly abandoned the sect and fled!
“Now, under the leadership of Sect Master Zhang, Jin Yun Valley has risen to new heights. What does he want by returning now?”
A Fake Dan cultivator added bitterly, “And to think this coward somehow advanced to mid-Core Formation stage. It’s infuriating!”
“It’s obvious—he’s eyeing Jin Yun Valley’s top-tier third-rank spirit vein, and has returned to sit back and enjoy the superior cultivation environment.”
The return of Lan Chang'an sparked heated discussion among the mid- and high-level cultivators of Jin Yun Valley.
Most of the senior cultivators held resentment toward him.
Privately, several Core Formation elders proposed resisting Lan Chang'an’s return and urged Sect Master Zhang to deny him reentry into the sect.
On a third-rank spirit peak within Jin Yun Valley, a male and female Core Formation guest cultivator watched the scene with interest.
“That must be the legendary Evergreen Immortal. He certainly carries himself with extraordinary poise,” the woman remarked with a smile.
“Do you think Jin Yun Valley will take him back?” the man asked.
“It’s hard to say,” the female Core Formation guest replied. “But I hear he has a deep friendship with Sect Master Zhang...”
As the only major rear stronghold in the Righteous Dao Alliance untouched by war, Liang Kingdom had become a haven for countless displaced cultivators from fallen nations. Many of these cultivators sought sanctuary in sects like Jin Yun Valley, relying on its abundant resources and spiritual veins.
Jin Yun Valley, riding a wave of rising fortune, had attracted a significant number of talents, including several Core Formation guest cultivators.
...
"Fellow Daoists, it has been a long time!"
Standing atop the enormous Profound Water Turtle, Lan Chang'an’s tall and refined figure exuded confidence. His serene smile and voice, warm like a spring breeze, carried easily to the crowd.
He glanced at Jin Yun Valley, observing its thriving vitality. The sect was brimming with talent, and its fortune had grown significantly. The spirit vein of the mountain gate had been cultivated to the top of the third rank.
Old Zhang has worked hard!
Lan Chang'an silently nodded, feeling satisfied with the state of the sect.
"So, it's Immortal Lan!"
"After a hundred years, Immortal Lan has advanced to mid Core Formation stage! Truly enviable!"
Despite their hidden disdain for Lan Chang'an, the Core Formation elders of Jin Yun Valley emerged to greet him. Some even put on smiles to welcome him.
In the cultivation world, strength is paramount, and if it wasn’t absolutely necessary, no one wanted to provoke a strong Core Formation cultivator. Publicly tearing into him would only make matters worse.
The earlier criticisms were nothing more than private grumbles. It was much like gossiping behind someone’s back—when face-to-face, people naturally put on a cordial front.
Even the black-bearded Core Formation elder, who had been the loudest critic just moments ago, suppressed his animosity. His expression was calm as he greeted, "Immortal Lan."
Lan Chang'an quickly scanned the crowd but didn’t see the familiar faces of Zhang Tieshan or Zhao Tan’er.
The black-bearded elder’s surname was Miao, and back when Lan Chang'an had left, Elder Miao was merely at the peak of Foundation Establishment. His promotion to Core Formation was the result of merit earned on the battlefield. Lan Chang'an had never interacted with him before.
"Immortal Lan, it has been a hundred years since your last visit to Jin Yun Valley. May I ask your purpose in returning?"
Elder Miao asked bluntly, getting straight to the point.
"As an honorary elder of Jin Yun Valley, I have naturally returned to the sect to serve and contribute!"
Lan Chang'an replied righteously, his tone firm and confident.
The Core Formation elders present froze, their expressions stunned, their faces twitching slightly.
It was difficult to believe that this man could speak such shameless words so effortlessly—as if it were only natural for him to return!
Lan Chang'an’s decision to return to Jin Yun Valley was not a spur-of-the-moment choice but a carefully considered plan.
His return to the Righteous Dao Alliance was guided by three key objectives:
One, to obtain the Taiyin Jade Essence.
Second, resolving the hidden threat posed by the foreign cultivators linked to Tinghai Pavilion.
Third, seizing an opportunity to break through to the Nascent Soul stage amidst the upheaval of war.
These goals were fraught with danger. The first would easily provoke envy and hostility, while the latter two would take time and patience to accomplish.
To achieve these aims, Lan Chang'an needed a safe and reliable base of operations.
Additionally, he required a cultivation site with a superior-grade third-rank spirit vein, to ensure that his own cultivation did not stagnate.
Given these requirements, Jin Yun Valley was the perfect choice.
Cultivating within Jin Yun Valley was relatively safe. With the sect’s influence, protective formations, and his own strength, Lan Chang'an didn’t need to worry about ambushes from Nascent Soul-level old monsters.
While his return might bring some trouble to Jin Yun Valley, Lan Chang'an wasn’t too concerned. With his aura of fortune, he was essentially a lucky star. Any issues would likely resolve themselves favorably.
“Cough! Immortal Lan, you are no longer a cultivator of Jin Yun Valley. Your return must first be reported to Sect Master Zhang. However, the Sect Master is currently in seclusion refining his divine abilities,” Elder Miao said with a polite cough, gently reminding Lan Chang'an of his status.
"Did Sect Master Zhang ever explicitly expel me from Jin Yun Valley?" Lan Chang'an asked calmly.
"That... he did not."
Elder Miao was momentarily taken aback.
"Ah, fellow Daoists, you may not be aware of the truth. In reality, over the years, I never truly left Jin Yun Valley."
Lan Chang'an sighed, his tone laced with regret and grievance. "I was tasked with a special mission by the late Grand Elder and Immortal Zhang, which required me to leave the sect for an extended period..."
"Now that the mission is complete, I have returned to the sect."
"Is this true?"
Elder Miao and the other Core Formation cultivators widened their eyes in disbelief. Their expressions turned strange—none of them believed this blatant lie.
What kind of “special mission” would require someone to disappear for over a hundred years?
"The Grand Elder has already passed away. Only Sect Master Zhang can verify this claim once he emerges from seclusion," Elder Miao replied, attempting to deflect.
“It’s true!”
Suddenly, a majestic and authoritative voice rang out from the central peak of Jin Yun Valley.
A vast and righteous spiritual pressure surged forth, overwhelming everyone present. This was the unmistakable aura of a Core Formation Great Cultivator, far surpassing the rest.
In an instant, a golden streak of light streaked through the sky like a divine dragon, cutting through the air as it approached the mountain gate.
"Greetings, Sect Master Zhang!"
All the Core Formation cultivators and mountain guard disciples present bowed respectfully, their expressions filled with reverence.