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Chapter 343: Dao Companion of a True Monarch
Yunxia Sect, on an Outer Peak.
The powerful spiritual pressure of Two Core Formation Great Cultivators swept across the skies above the clouds, their overwhelming spiritual pressure causing the disciples of Yunxia Sect to feel both reverence and longing.
Xiao Qingshan felt a sudden restlessness for reasons he couldn’t explain, making it difficult to focus on his cultivation.
Letting out a long breath, he decided to leave his cave residence. Outside, he overheard fellow disciples conversing.
“That Core Formation Great Cultivator seems unfamiliar. The Sect Master is personally receiving him—this must be sothing extraordinary.”
“Word from the gatekeeping disciples is that this expert has volunteered to beco a guest elder of our sect. A cause for celebration indeed!”
“With the status of a Core Formation Great Cultivator, he’ll likely be granted control over a main peak. So disciples will surely be reassigned.”
The disciples each harbored their own thoughts as they chatted.
In Yunxia Sect, which had been passed down for tens of thousands of years, aside from the two Supre Elders, late-stage Core Formation cultivators were considered the first tier of powerhouses, their numbers few and far between.
Serving such a figure closely, earning their trust, was an incredibly rare fortune that could change one’s destiny.
This was especially true for sect disciples with ordinary origins—latching onto such a powerful thigh ant smooth sailing within the sect and access to crucial resources without having to wait for years.
Xiao Qingshan stared blankly in the direction where the streak of light had disappeared. He hadn’t managed to catch a glimpse of the Core Formation Great Cultivator’s face, only the distant silhouette shrinking into a black dot.
A vague sense of loss filled his heart.
“Junior Brother Xiao, as a disciple from a prestigious clan, your status is far too noble to be competing with us for nial tasks like serving as attendants, right?”
A yellow-faced Senior Brother at the Foundation Establishnt stage noticed Xiao Qingshan’s gaze and spoke with a half-smile, half-sneer.
“That’s not even certain yet, Senior Brother Chen. You needn’t worry.”
Xiao Qingshan replied coolly, his tone indifferent.
The surrounding fellow disciples exchanged glances, so chuckling softly. They were accustod to such interactions.
Xiao Qingshan’s status within the Yunxia Sect was sowhat awkward.
He hailed from the Xiao Clan, one of the four great cultivation families of the Great Yu Kingdom—an impressive background on the surface.
However, Xiao Qingshan was born of a concubine, with only average talent—rely a mid-grade spiritual root.
His father, carefree and indulgent, lacked ambition and held no real power within the clan. Xiao Qingshan was just one of many descendants.
To make matters worse, his mother had passed away early, and her family had fallen into decline, dropping from a Core Formation family to one barely at the Foundation Establishnt level.
This caused his status within the clan to plumt, even lower than so favored servants.
Fortunately, to maintain ties with sects like Yunxia Sect and Great Snake Mountain, the Great Yu Kingdom allowed descendants of the four great families to choose cultivation paths within such sects.
Xiao Qingshan had hoped that in this new environnt, life would be smoother.
But reality proved otherwise. His prestigious background isolated him from both the circles of elite "second-generation cultivators" and the common disciples, leaving him in an awkward position.
He sighed softly and prepared to return to his cave residence.
Just then, a surge of overwhelming spiritual pressure swept across the entire Outer Peak. Every disciple felt their hearts tremble, their spiritual power shuddering under an almost suffocating pressure.
From the heart of Yunxia Sect, a cluster of misty purple clouds blossod like a lotus flower, revealing a figure clad in an elegant, dreamlike purple dress—a celestial woman exuding an aura of nobility and grace.
“Supre Elder!”
“Greetings, Purple Mist True Monarch!”
Wherever the misty purple glow passed, any cultivator not in seclusion would look up with reverence, clasping their hands respectfully.
Those of lower cultivation levels fell to their knees in worship.
“Supre Elder… Purple Mist True Monarch has erged from seclusion…”
Xiao Qingshan’s heart surged with emotion as he gazed skyward with admiration and awe.
For the lower-ranking disciples, even catching a glimpse of the sect's Supre Elder was a once-in-decade event.
Not to ntion—it was the renowned Purple Mist Fairy of the Central Region Great Yuan.
Hiss—!
Xiao Qingshan’s eyes burned with tears, his soul reeling from dizziness.
It was said that the Purple Mist True Monarch’s face was concealed by the radiance of Nascent Soul-level power. Ordinary cultivators couldn’t even bear to look directly at her.
It was like an ant trying to comprehend the full grandeur of a human being—an impossible task.
...
Yunting Peak, Side Hall.
The misty purple glow descended, revealing a stunning woman—tall, graceful, wearing a phoenix hairpin and a flowing purple dress. Her elegant poise made her seem like a celestial fairy straight out of a dream.
Her hair was styled in a high cloud bun, eyebrows arched gracefully. Her slender neck and fair skin shimred under the hall’s light. Every gesture she made was srizing.
“I am Xiang Dalong. Greetings, Purple Mist True Monarch.”
Lan Chang'an bowed deeply with clasped hands.
At first sight of the Purple Mist Fairy, he didn’t bother hiding the awe in his eyes.
He mused silently, Truly worthy of her fa. Among all the female cultivators I’ve t across lifetis, only Fairy Niyue could compare to her beauty.
“No need for formalities, Immortal Xiang.”
Purple Mist True Monarch’s eyes sparkled like starlight, a faint purple hue lingering within. Her expression remained serene as she observed Lan Chang'an carefully.
The young man before her—bald, clad in blue robes—possessed both striking looks and an extraordinary aura.
Aside from his hairstyle, Lan Chang'an hadn’t tried to conceal his true appearance. By altering only his attire, hairstyle, and deanor, he appeared a few years older.
To unfamiliar eyes, these changes would be enough to avoid recognition.
Joining a fourth-rank sect like Yunxia Sect with hopes of advancing ant close encounters with multiple Nascent Soul cultivators.
Since his fourth life couldn’t constantly possess him, Lan Chang'an wasn’t entirely confident that the Hundred Illusions Mask could perfectly hide his identity. He dared not underestimate the perceptiveness of Nascent Soul experts.
Their scrutiny often involved secret techniques far beyond the mundane.
Thankfully, there weren't any acquaintances here in Great Yuan. The fewer disguises I use, the fewer flaws there’ll be.
After Sect Master Hu paid his respects, he quietly excused himself.
Now, only Purple Mist True Monarch and Lan Chang'an remained in the side hall.
She sat at the head of the hall, while Lan Chang'an stood below, waiting to be questioned.
In essence, this was an interview and assessnt.
Lan Chang'an could feel the subtle spiritual pressure of Nascent Soul-level power, as well as faint fluctuations of spiritual sense probing him.
After a brief silence, a clear, ethereal voice echoed as if descending from the heavens:
“Immortal Xiang, what is your purpose in volunteering to join our sect?”
Her tone was calm and direct, yet it carried a soul-piercing weight—enough to make ordinary Core Formation cultivators break into a cold sweat.
Before Lan Chang'an could respond, he noticed an ancient bronze mirror hovering above the hall.
Invisible light radiated from its surface, locking onto his heart and mind.
Purple Mist True Monarch explained, “This is our sect’s ancestral artifact—the Heart-Reflecting Mirror. Should you lie, it will expose you.”
Lan Chang'an had anticipated such an artifact.
The fact that Yunxia Sect used this thod, rather than more aggressive interrogation techniques, suggested they weren’t a demonic or unscrupulous sect.
Lan Chang'an had no confidence in deceiving the Heart-Reflecting Mirror without alarming Purple Mist True Monarch.
Unless a Core Formation Great Cultivator was in charge, he wouldn't have any room for deception and manipulation.
Fortunately, Lan Chang'an never intended to rely on lies to muddle through an inspection under a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
…
“I wish to make use of your sect’s fourth-rank spiritual vein to aid in my future advancent to the Nascent Soul stage. If I could also receive resources to assist in forming my Nascent Soul, that would be ideal,” Lan Chang'an stated bluntly, without the slightest attempt to conceal his intentions.
Purple Mist True Monarch’s lips curled slightly into a faint smile. His answer aligned with her expectations.
As a Core Formation Great Cultivator, one could dominate a region with ease, living comfortably as long as they didn’t provoke Nascent Soul experts. There was no real need to subject oneself to the authority of others.
However, this person’s appetite was quite bold—daring to ntion the desire for Nascent Soul resources right upon their first eting.
Such resources were incredibly rare within the Yunxia Sect, reserved strictly for core disciples who had earned the support of their elders. Even then, obtaining them required significant rit and backing.
“Where do you co from, and what are your origins?” she asked, her gaze sharp as the Heart-Reflecting Mirror above continued to lock onto Lan Chang'an’s spirit.
“Truth be told, I am not a Great Yuan cultivator,” Lan Chang'an replied directly.
Oh?
Purple Mist True Monarch raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, her interest piqued.
The Heart-Reflecting Mirror showed no signs of abnormality—no fluctuations, no reactions—indicating he was telling the truth.
This second question wasn’t just idle curiosity. It was ant to probe whether Lan Chang'an had ties to other factions or hidden allegiances, even testing for the possibility that he might be an infiltrator sent by a hostile force.
“I am a loose cultivator by origin, with no affiliations to any forces within the Central Region of Great Yuan. Due to threats from a formidable enemy, I was forced to venture into a forbidden area with unstable spatial barriers. After enduring many hardships, I eventually erged here in the Central Region of Great Yuan.”
Lan Chang'an omitted certain details but didn’t outright lie. His words maintained a veneer of truth while subtly guiding the listener’s assumptions.
This explanation was carefully crafted because the forbidden zone in Great Yuan’s Central Region was indeed known for spatial instability. Over the millennia, there had been recorded cases of explorers vanishing within, as well as accounts of cultivators—or even otherworldly beings—arriving from distant realms through spatial rifts.
Though rare, such incidents were accepted historical facts in the cultivation world due to its vast and ancient history.
Lan Chang'an’s story subtly implied that he had been inadvertently transported here from another unstable space—a conclusion easy to draw given precedent.
Purple Mist True Monarch pondered his words thoughtfully, mulling over the implications.
Lan Chang'an understood that this was the critical question in the examination. By openly declaring himself a loose cultivator from beyond Great Yuan, he was, in effect, offering an unconventional form of “proof” of his innocence.
Regardless of his past, arriving in Great Yuan ant starting anew, with no prior relationships, alliances, or grudges—essentially a blank slate.
This, in turn, eliminated the possibility of him being an undercover agent for any enemy factions.
After all, even early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators rarely possessed influence that extended across entire regions, let alone across realms.
From Purple Mist True Monarch’s perspective, it was nearly impossible for Lan Chang'an to return to his original holand, even if he sohow managed to form a Nascent Soul. The vast distances and barriers between realms made such journeys exceedingly rare.
“The third question: Do you harbor any ill intentions toward Yunxia Sect?”
“None whatsoever. I am a man of honor,” Lan Chang'an replied without hesitation, shaking his head firmly.
Honest, indeed—though the truth was sowhat ironic. He considered himself more of a “lucky star” for sects, bringing fortune and prosperity wherever he went. If Yunxia Sect rejected him, it would be their loss, not his.
With three consecutive answers passing the scrutiny of the Heart-Reflecting Mirror, it was confird that Lan Chang'an had not lied.
“Please, have a seat, Immortal Xiang.”
Purple Mist True Monarch’s smile softened, her tone warm and cordial—an unspoken acknowledgnt of Lan Chang'an’s qualifications and background.
“Now, one final question, purely out of personal curiosity,” she said, leaning slightly forward. “The realm you originally ca from—how does it compare to Great Yuan in terms of strength?”
Lan Chang'an answered truthfully, “My holand is far inferior to Great Yuan. The highest cultivation stage there is only mid-Nascent Soul.”
Upon hearing this, whatever faint curiosity lingered in Purple Mist True Monarch’s heart dissipated instantly.
In the vast Heaven Honoured Continent, Great Yuan was considered one of the stronger cultivation regions. Had Lan Chang'an co from a realm of equal or greater power, she might have been more interested, eager to expand her knowledge of such places.
But since he hailed from a backwater, spiritually barren region, there was little value in delving further.
Lan Chang'an understood this reaction perfectly.
After all, in the cultivation world, respect was inherently tied to strength. Power was the ultimate asure of worth.
It was much like how people from bustling tropolises often looked down upon those from remote, impoverished villages—a subconscious bias ingrained deep within the psyche of cultivators.
...
Following the formalities, Purple Mist True Monarch dismissed the Heart-Reflecting Mirror and began inquiring about Lan Chang'an’s skills, intending to determine the proper treatnt and status he should receive within the sect.
Lan Chang'an only revealed his proficiency in mid-grade third-rank puppet crafting.
Had he claid expertise at the top of third-rank level, it would have been excessive for an ordinary Core Formation Great Cultivator—comparable to the peak talents among Core Formation Great Cultivators. Even so, mid-grade third-rank puppet mastery was enough to pleasantly surprise Purple Mist True Monarch.
She recalled an incident from over a century ago, when Yunxia Sect had explored an ancient ruin in the Central Region. The mission had resulted in heavy casualties among Core Formation cultivators.
Her own master had been severely injured during that expedition, which greatly shortened their lifespan. Had it not been for that, Yunxia Sect might have been in its pri now, boasting three Nascent Soul cultivators, and their spiritual veins could have advanced to mid-grade fourth rank.
Purple Mist True Monarch’s expression softened as she extended an offer:
“As you wish, Immortal Xiang. Serve Yunxia Sect as a guest elder for sixty years, and you will earn the right to utilize a fourth-rank spiritual vein to attempt your Nascent Soul breakthrough.”
She paused, then added with a faint smile, “Furthermore, if you can craft a sufficient number of puppets for the sect, contributing significantly, I will personally permit you to exchange sect rit points for certain Nascent Soul resources in the future.”
This was both an official arrangent and an enticing promise.
Lan Chang'an’s face lit up with a polite smile as he quickly expressed his gratitude.
Inwardly, however, he mused wryly, I haven’t even officially started, and they’re already dangling carrots in front of .
As an outsider serving as a guest elder, one would likely have to toil endlessly, laboring like an ox or a horse, and rendering great rit before earning the right to exchange for even a non-essential Nascent Soul item.
Still, it was better than nothing—it would at least accelerate his preparations for the future breakthrough.
Before leaving, he added seriously, “By the way, I’d appreciate it if the fact that I’m not from Great Yuan remains confidential, Senior. I’d prefer to avoid any potential prejudice within the sect or the Great Yu Kingdom.”
Purple Mist True Monarch nodded gracefully. “Your personal matters are safe with . I won’t disclose them.”
With that, she sent a voice transmission to Sect Master Hu, issuing so instructions before departing, riding a radiant cloud of purple mist back to her secluded fourth-rank spiritual vein cave residence.
...
Later that day, the elderly Sect Master Hu personally escorted Lan Chang'an into the heart of Yunxia Sect, leading him to select a main peak nourished by a superior-grade third-rank spiritual vein.
The chosen peak was nad Qingluan Peak, spanning over a dozen li. It was sowhat remote and covered with nurous parasol trees.
“This peak has been unoccupied for years, though the cave residence remains intact,” Sect Master Hu explained. “You may settle here for the ti being. The sect will also allocate disciples for you to choose as attendants or stewards.”
“That won’t be necessary for now,” Lan Chang'an replied thoughtfully. “Once I’m familiar with the sect, I’ll select a few myself.”
Main peaks and cave residences in Nascent Soul sects were quite expansive, requiring a certain number of assistants to manage affairs efficiently. However, Lan Chang'an preferred to maintain control over his inner circle.
After moving into the Qingluan Peak cave residence, he discovered that the layout, decor, and overall aesthetic leaned heavily towards feminine tastes.
He had chosen Qingluan Peak for its tranquility, only to later learn that it had once been Purple Mist True Monarch’s residence before she ford her Nascent Soul.
Lan Chang'an didn’t mind. After thoroughly inspecting the area to ensure there were no hidden dangers or lingering formations, he settled in for the night.
Late at night, with his eyes closed, Lan Chang'an quietly attuned his senses to the Nine Seal Stele, confirming the approximate location of the “Reincarnation Mark.”
The sect’s hierarchy was rigid, with lower-tier cultivators primarily residing in the outer peaks. Based on his senses, he deduced that the reincarnated Li Erqing was likely a Foundation Establishnt cultivator.
However, Lan Chang'an refrained from making imdiate contact. There was no rush—after all, they were now in the sa Nascent Soul sect, and opportunities would present themselves naturally over ti.
...
In the following days, news of a late-stage Core Formation guest elder joining the Yunxia Sect spread throughout the sect.
Sect Master Hu ensured Lan Chang'an wasn’t neglected, introducing him to several important elders within Yunxia Sect.
Lan Chang'an soon discovered that, aside from himself, Yunxia Sect had only two other late-stage Core Formation cultivators.
One was the aging Sect Master Hu, and the other Core Formation Great Cultivator was a vigorous and formidable cultivator—a bearer of the Immortal Golden Dan and the personal disciple of Yunlan True Monarch.
Rumor had it there was yet another Core Formation Great Cultivator managing external affairs in one of the high-tier immortal cities owned by Yunxia Sect, though this individual rarely appeared within the sect itself.
Even counting that one, Yunxia Sect publicly had only three Core Formation experts before Lan Chang'an’s arrival.
For a Nascent Soul sect like Yunxia Sect, with spiritual vein nearing mid-grade fourth-rank, having only three Core Formation cultivators was unusually sparse. A more robust structure would typically boast at least five to maintain healthy sect dynamics.
One afternoon, under Sect Master Hu’s introduction, Lan Chang'an t with the late-stage Immortal Golden Dan cultivator known as Yunqing Immortal.
Yunqing Immortal appeared to be in his late twenties, with refined, handso features and dressed in pristine white robes that exuded elegance and detachnt.
Unlike Sect Master Hu’s warm and diplomatic deanor, Yunqing was cool and indifferent, showing little interest in Lan Chang'an.
During their brief conversation, Yunqing asked only one question:
“Since becoming a guest elder of Yunxia Sect, have you paid your respects to my master, True Monarch Yunlan?”
His tone was flat, almost bordering on confrontational, giving the impression of subtle dissatisfaction.
Lan Chang'an smiled lightly. “I believe your esteed master is currently in seclusion. I wouldn’t dare disturb them without cause.”
Yunqing seed montarily stunned, then responded, “Ah, This Immortal has been preoccupied with cultivating a divine ability recently. It slipped my mind.”
Seriously? Lan Chang'an thought to himself with a hint of sarcasm. You don’t even know if your master is in seclusion, yet you’re trying to make an issue out of it?
After leaving Yunqing’s cave, Lan Chang'an couldn’t resist asking Sect Master Hu, “Does Yunqing Immortal hold any official position within the sect?”
“He serves as an elder of the Transmission Hall,” Sect Master Hu replied cautiously. “Given his exceptional talent and Immortal Golden Dan status, the Supre Elders do not want him to be disturbed by the mundane things of the sect.”
Lan Chang'an imdiately understood— Yunqing was a Nascent Soul seed, grood solely for cultivation, with minimal external distractions. This explained his cold, reclusive personality.
In contrast, Sect Master Hu, despite his old age and lingering injuries, was burdened with managing the vast responsibilities of the sect.
Yunxia Sect’s three Core Formation cultivators were divided as such: one managed internal affairs, one handled external business, and one focused solely on cultivation.
...
Half a month later, Lan Chang'an had familiarized himself with Yunxia Sect’s new environnt, leisurely exploring the publicly accessible areas.
Through discreet observation, he confird the identity of Li Erqing’s reincarnation—a young cultivator nad Xiao Qingshan, an illegitimate child of the prestigious Xiao Clan, one of the four great cultivation families of the Great Yu Kingdom.
Xiao Qingshan was handso, and his appearance and deanor differed significantly from Li Erqing’s past life. Only in subtle expressions and minute gestures could traces of his forr self be discerned.
Without the reincarnation mark left by the Nine Seal Stele, Lan Chang'an would have found it nearly impossible to locate him through conventional ans.
Xiao Qingshan’s current circumstances within Yunxia Sect weren’t particularly favorable, yet compared to his humble, peasant origins in his previous life, this incarnation offered a significantly better starting point.
Interestingly, when reviewing the list of disciples presented by Sect Master Hu, Lan Chang'an didn’t see Xiao Qingshan’s na, so he decided to hold off for now.
Before eting Yunxia Sect’s other Nascent Soul cultivator, Lan Chang'an maintained a low profile, avoiding any actions that might attract unnecessary attention.
During this period, Lan Chang'an noticed two unusual aspects about the Yunxia Sect.
For one, unlike many sects where male disciples dominated, the Yunxia Sect maintained an almost balanced ratio, with female cultivators accounting for over 40% of the disciple population. This was due to the sect’s integration of various side-path inheritances, including practices related to dual cultivation techniques, which were relatively common here.
Interestingly, the Yunxia Sect had a tradition of actively encouraging single cultivators without Dao companions to form pairings within the sect. Acting as a “matchmaker” to successfully pair Dao companions even earned sect contribution points.
Even guest elders like Lan Chang'an were not exempt from this tradition. Sect Master Hu was secretly attempting to match him with suitable Core Formation female cultivators to earn those valuable contribution points.
And secondly, Lan Chang'an discovered that True Monarch Yunlan and Purple Mist True Monarch, though officially Dao companions, did not reside on the sa main peak. Instead, they lived separately, each occupying different peaks nourished by fourth-rank spiritual veins—several dozen li apart.
Lan Chang'an felt that this was not quite like a normal relationship of amicable Dao Couples.
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