The Immeasurable Sect could only gather one set of Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects every seven hundred years.

This meant that every seven hundred years, the Immeasurable Sect would provide an opportunity for one True Monarch to achieve a major realm breakthrough.

"This person..."

Gu Chengbin pondered for a moment. "This person was decided three hundred and seventy years ago. It's Kang Han from the Ze Sheng lineage."

"Him?"

Upon hearing this name, Xu Xing suddenly understood why, in his first simulation in the Dao Pill Realm, Ancestor Ze Sheng had chosen to sacrifice himself to protect the Immeasurable Sect's legacy.

Including him, there were probably fourteen True Monarchs currently in the Immeasurable Sect.

And among those at the Dao Pill Later Stage, on the verge of a breakthrough, there were a total of four.

Kang Han was among them. His aptitude, foundation, and prestige were not outstanding; he was merely average, perhaps even at the bottom of the list.

Yet, the Sect insisted on entrusting the sole "hope" of breaking through to the Dao Lord Realm to Kang Han.

There was only one explanation for this questionable policy.

It was to look after the Ze Sheng Forest lineage.

"However, things have changed."

Gu Chengbin looked at Xu Xing, a hint of expectation in his eyes. "If Junior Brother Chang agrees to what I proposed earlier, it's not out of the question for the Sect to use this set of Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects on you..."

According to his calculations, it would take the Immeasurable Sect roughly another two hundred years to gather this set of Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects. If Xu Xing agreed to the marriage, with the synergistic effects of dual cultivation using the ancient cultivation method "Yin and Yang Harmony Pact," Xu Xing's cultivation speed would undoubtedly be swift. Reaching the Dao Pill Later Stage by then should not be difficult for Xu Xing. With the Sect's sole Dao Lord Ancestor as his backing... whether Gu Chengbin himself promised this now or not was unimportant. Ancestor Golden Rainbow would surely direct Sect resources towards her spouse, and the Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects would undoubtedly go to Xu Xing... As for Ancestor Ze Sheng's side, as long as the Sect promised to look after the Ze Sheng Forest lineage and temporarily reallocate resources, it wouldn't be a major issue.

"A gentleman doesn't take what others cherish."

"Since this set of Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects belongs to Senior Brother Kang, it wouldn't be right for me to take them..."

Xu Xing shook his head, once again declining Gu Chengbin's kind offer.

He revealed his true feelings, "As your Junior Brother, I endured many cold shoulders in my youth. I most dislike relying on others or living under someone else's roof. Please, do not mention this matter of a Dao Lord marrying down again."

After making significant contributions, his words now carried much more weight within the Immeasurable Sect.

The Sect's external situation was tense, and he was a crucial combat asset.

His strategic value had skyrocketed.

He was no longer comparable to the person he had been just a month prior.

The Immeasurable Sect wouldn't be foolish enough to cripple itself over such a "trivial matter."

"Is that truly how you feel?"

Gu Chengbin was taken aback. He sighed and said, "In that case, I, your elder brother, will inform Martial Uncle Golden Rainbow so she can find another suitable candidate..."

The two exchanged a few more polite remarks.

Xu Xing then mentioned his intention to trade for a Smoke Cloud Stone.

"Smoke Cloud Stone?"

Gu Chengbin frowned. "Hmm... Your Senior Brother doesn't have any on hand right now. They are with Elder Ze Sheng. After I go and make inquiries, I will give you, my Junior Brother, an answer."

"Your Junior Brother will be staying at the Surging Jade Mansion for the next few days, going into seclusion for half a year," Xu Xing replied.

"I shall await your, Senior Brother's, good news then."

Xu Xing wasn't surprised. After cupping his hands in a salute, he flicked his sleeve and departed without any hesitation.

It wasn't unusual that Gu Chengbin, also a True Monarch, wouldn't have Nascent Soul resources like the Smoke Cloud Stone on hand. Even Dao Lords had to be wary of the Sect Master, fearing embezzlement.

「Golden Rainbow Valley.」

Yan Luanqing's Seclusion Cave Mansion.

"He wants a Smoke Cloud Stone?"

Yan Luanqing's delicate face showed a hint of surprise upon hearing Gu Chengbin's report. "He shouldn't have reached the Dao Pill Later Stage yet. What does he need a Smoke Cloud Stone for?"

"Although it's not uncommon for cultivators in the Dao Pill Realm to prepare Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects in advance..."

"But for him to directly ask you to trade for this Smoke Cloud Stone, he must have another purpose."

Her willow-like brows furrowed as she pondered.

Within the Immeasurable Sect, Ancestor Ze Sheng managed a portion of the Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects, and she managed another portion. Coincidentally, the Smoke Cloud Stone was in her possession.

"From this Junior's perspective, Junior Brother Chang is likely trying to test both myself and you, Martial Uncle... to gauge our attitude."

Gu Chengbin expressed his opinion, "If Our Sect were to suppress him in various ways merely because this marriage arrangement didn't work out, then even if he remained physically within the Immeasurable Sect, his heart would no longer be with us."

A ruler chooses their minister, and a minister also chooses their master.

Gu Chengbin didn't resent this probing from Xu Xing; on the contrary, he considered it an extremely clever move.

He hadn't turned hostile directly.

Instead, he used a Spiritual Object to subtly test the Immeasurable Sect's reaction, and Ancestor Golden Rainbow's reaction, to his rejection of the marriage.

"Interesting..."

Yan Luanqing lightly inclined her Qiufu and said in agreement, "Talented individuals choose their Sect; it's not the Sect that chooses them."

"Thank you, Martial Aunt, for your approval."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengbin inwardly sighed in relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He expressed his thanks.

Since Yan Luanqing wasn't angry, it signified her agreement to the exchange.

This didn't put him, the Sect Master, in a difficult position.

"It's just a pity..." Gu Chengbin thought. "This time, Junior Brother Chang completed his external mission too smoothly, without needing Martial Uncle Golden Rainbow's assistance. This marriage is off; we'll have to look for a good True Monarch from another sect."

His feelings were incredibly complex. Xu Xing's formidable strength was a boon to the Immeasurable Sect, but in this particular instance, it had become a drawback.

However, the very next moment, Yan Luanqing's words made the recently eased tension in Gu Chengbin's heart constrict once more.

"However... this Smoke Cloud Stone, I will deliver it to him personally."

Yan Luanqing lifted her gaze, her eyes peering through numerous spatial barriers towards another part of Golden Rainbow Valley.

The Surging Jade Mansion and Yan Luanqing's Seclusion Cave Mansion were both located in Golden Rainbow Valley, less than a thousand miles apart.

Shaoqing.

Yan Luanqing's delicate feet landed at the entrance to Xu Xing's Cave Mansion. She glanced at the Cave Mansion's door a few times, then with a flick of her cloud sleeve, she used her Magic Power to strike the copper ring held in the mouth of the beast adorning the Stone Door.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The knocking was crisp and clear.

The great door of the Cave Mansion soon swung open in response.

Xu Xing hurriedly exited the Cave Mansion and paid his respects to Yan Luanqing, who was suspended in mid-air, not daring the slightest discourtesy.

He had, after all, seen the portrait of Ancestor Golden Rainbow at the Yan Family estate.

"Junior Chang, what wrong have I done for you to reject me so many times?"

Yan Luanqing slightly lowered her Qiufu, looking down at Xu Xing who stood on the ground, her face devoid of expression.

"This Disciple has never met Martial Aunt before. This overwhelming surprise has fallen upon this Disciple's head, and this Disciple is apprehensive, hence the repeated refusals."

Seeing this, Xu Xing inwardly groaned but quickly recited the speech he had mentally prepared.

His excuses sounded well-reasoned and justified.

"Lift your head and look at me. Then we will no longer be strangers."

Yan Luanqing's voice was tinged with coldness.

"Yes, Martial Aunt."

Xu Xing nodded. He gathered his sleeve robes and neatened his appearance before finally raising his head to look at Yan Luanqing, who stood amidst the clouds.

Between the vast white clouds, the Heavenly Vault was as blue as a mirror. Birds soared in the wilderness, flitting about Golden Rainbow Valley. Yan Luanqing, her hair styled in a single spiral bun and dressed in a narrow-sleeved, water-green dress, stood quietly upon a Cloud Head. Though her face bore no makeup, it was as clear and beautiful as a lotus blossom, stunningly radiant.

"Yan Qingyan?"

From Yan Luanqing's features, Xu Xing recognized a resemblance to that Yan family female cultivator from Cloud Capital. He raised an eyebrow, and many things instantly became clear to him.

"Your aptitude is superior, and your cultivation is exceptional, but your origins are mysterious..."

"The reason the Immeasurable Sect hasn't investigated you for so long, and has never suspected you, is because I have concealed things for you on several occasions."

Yan Luanqing walked out from the clouds, invisible steps seemingly forming beneath her feet, allowing her to descend step by step.

"Unless absolutely necessary, I do not wish to seek aid from other Sects and be constrained by them."

"You are the most suitable candidate," she said softly.