CHAPTER 443: DEATH OF GOLDEN MOON, SECLUSION AND ADVANCEMENT

Read 40 Chapters Ahead On Patreon :D https://www.patreon.com/zilawere

Half a month later.

Inside a secluded chamber, Lan Chang'an erased the imprints from sixteen Azure Profound Swords with his strong spiritual sense and began initial refinement.

Though he had yet to master the sword formation technique, he could already control the Azure Profound Sword Formation to a basic degree.

Among the many Nascent Souls devoured by the Nine Seal Stele, several possessed knowledge and techniques related to sword formations. In just a few years of consolidation, he would be able to unleash the formation’s full potential.

Apart from the deadly Azure Profound Sword Formation, the spoils from True Monarch Cyanwood also included several powerful magical treasures: the Thunderwood Stake, the Ancient Mirror of mysterious light, and the Dragon Scale Armor, all exceptional treasures even by mid-Nascent Soul standards.

Once refined, these treasures would greatly bolster Lan Chang'an’s overall combat power.

Whoosh!

A transmission talisman shot in from the outside and attached itself to the door of the quiet chamber.

Lan Chang'an raised his hand and retrieved it, scanning its contents for updates on the latest developments in the war.

Though secluded in cultivation and focused on refining the sword formation, he had kept a constant watch on the postwar situation.

Initially, intelligence from the rear of Beast King Valley was vague, especially regarding confidential matters.

But in recent days, the picture had grown increasingly clear.

...

"On the day the Beast King Valley’s mountain gate fell to the assault of the four great avian kings from the Black Fog Mountain Range, the beast king broke free from its seal, unleashing catastrophic devastation. The newly rebuilt mountain gate was nearly razed, wiping out centuries of effort and vast resources."

"To resist the backlash of the berserk beast king, Sect Master Meng’s pseudo-spiritual treasure, the Mountains and Rivers Scroll, sustained further damage and was rendered completely unusable."

"In the crisis, True Monarch Jue Ying of Unseen Gate and the Grand Elder’s second Nascent Soul from the Nether Spring Sect arrived in time to assist in resealing the rampaging beast king."

"The Grand Elder of Beast King Valley was gravely wounded in battle against the true spirit descendant of the Black Fog Mountain Range. He survived only by using the once-in-a-century heavenly silkworm ability, 'cocoon rebirth.'"

After sorting through all the available intelligence, Lan Chang'an now had a clear grasp of the situation.

Beast King Valley had suffered severe losses, crippling ones. Even centuries of recuperation might not restore it to its former peak.

Reconstructing the mountain gate alone would consume massive amounts of time, manpower, and wealth.

"However, the sect’s core Nascent Soul cultivators were largely unscathed. Its leadership remains intact. Beast King Valley is still one of Great Qing’s top sects and cannot be underestimated."

Reflecting on the previous decisive battle, Lan Chang'an noted that the fallen cultivators, True Monarch Guo and the old insect-cultivator women, were Nascent Souls from affiliated factions, not core members of Beast King Valley.

Only Black Feather True Monarch, whom he had killed earlier, counted as a true member of the sect’s inner circle.

Even the fallen fourth-rank spirit beasts did not carry the same weight as a genuine core Nascent Soul.

As for the elderly Nascent Souls and sacred beasts killed during the mountain gate’s fall, they were all nearing the end of their lifespans and thus had limited impact on the sect’s long-term strength.

Due to its specialization in spirit beasts, Beast King Valley might actually possess the largest number of Nascent Soul-level combatants among the six demonic sects, especially when counting fourth-rank beast pets.

However, in terms of top-tier power, it still lagged behind the Nether Spring Sect.

The Nether Spring Sect openly boasted three mid-Nascent Soul giants and wielded a mightier sect-defining treasure. Its Grand Elder, the Underworld Demon Lord, as the foremost leader of the demonic path, could contend with a Great Cultivator for a time.

“That 'Black Mist King' ultimately held back... Otherwise, even if he couldn’t destroy Beast King Valley outright, he could’ve crippled it by killing several core Nascent Souls and knocked it from Great Qing’s top-tier sects.”

Lan Chang'an’s divination skills, aided remotely by the Heavenly Master, still couldn’t pierce the heavenly secrets concerning the human-faced flood dragon.

Yet, based on the known intelligence and battlefield outcomes, it was clear that the true spirit descendant had deliberately gone easy at the critical moment.

“I’ve likely entered the Black Mist King’s sights... and sparked his interest,” Lan Chang'an murmured warily.

The flood dragon probably hadn’t anticipated that the usually passive Righteous Dao Alliance would stage a turnaround and seize such a decisive victory.

In his original plan, he might have aimed to kill one of Beast King Valley’s mid-Nascent Soul heavyweights, namely the Grand Elder. But the latter’s self-preservation skills were too formidable.

The human-faced flood dragon posed a threat nearly on par with a Great Cultivator. An average mid-Nascent Soul who crossed paths with him alone faced a real risk of perishing.

Lan Chang'an speculated that even without his involvement, the flood dragon hadn’t intended to destroy Beast King Valley outright.

His primary goal was likely to weaken and expel the sect, to issue a warning blow.

After all, in the territory of Great Qing, human cultivators remained the mainstream.

The leader of the Black Fog Mountain Range preferred to see the human world divided and embroiled in internal strife, rather than united.

Thus, the complete destruction of the six demonic sects would run counter to his interests.

“Fortunately, the Righteous Dao Alliance’s victory means we’ll enjoy several years of peace.”

Lan Chang'an exhaled slowly, his thoughts settled. He could already foresee this major victory reshaping the balance of power across the Eastern Region.

…

A month passed since the war ended.

Lan Chang'an had completed the initial refinement of the Thunderwood Stake, Ancient Mirror, and Dragon Scale Armor.

The Dragon Scale Armor offered formidable defense but was slightly damaged. Once back at Jin Yun Valley, Zhang Tieshan could help repair and refine it.

The Thunderwood Stake was significantly stronger than Lan Chang'an’s current Dragonwood Staff.

The ancient mirror could project the Northern Polar Light, a rare divine-type treasure capable of neutralizing many spell arts and restrictive techniques.

That day, Lan Chang'an received a message from the Righteous Dao Alliance headquarters, calling for a meeting in three days to discuss postwar arrangements.

In truth, this “discussion” was simply the redistribution of spoils among the Righteous Dao Alliance’s True Monarchs following the war.

Soon, Fairy Xia and Lord Earthrock arrived at the fortified stronghold he now occupied.

Lan Chang'an exited seclusion to welcome them.

After the final battle, Lan Chang'an had instructed the two to work together and scavenge resources left behind by the retreating demonic cultivators.

The half-human Lord Earthrock appeared flushed and rounder, clearly having profited greatly from the postwar scavenging.

Even just the fourth-rank peng bird’s core would take quite some time to absorb.

“You can keep the resources from the scavenging,” Lan Chang'an said with a casual wave, declining the storage pouch Lord Earthrock had prepared.

The Lord Earthrock was overjoyed and bowed deeply in thanks.

Once finished absorbing the spoils, it would likely reach the peak of fourth-rank early stage.

“Husband.”

Dressed in a pale moon-white palace gown, as graceful as falling snow, Xia Wenyue approached with a soft gleam in her eyes and gently took Lan Chang'an’s hand.

“Wenyue, have your injuries healed?”

Lan Chang'an clasped her jade-like wrist and infused it with Evergreen energy.

Prior to his arrival at the final battle, Xia Wenyue and Zhang Tieshan had jointly faced off against the Grand Elder and taken some injuries.

“The wound on my leg is almost healed,” she replied softly.

“Oh? It was your leg that was injured? Let me take a look, can’t leave behind hidden damage…”

Realization dawned on Lan Chang'an’s face as he bent slightly, lifting her skirt to examine the wound more closely.

“There are people watching…”

Xia Wenyue’s cheeks turned faintly pink as she gently held down his hand.

Lan Chang'an withdrew, then heard her transmit a bashful message, “Tonight, husband properly heal it.”

He nodded with amusement, his concern had nearly overstepped. Healing a woman was important, but one couldn’t let others gain the wrong idea.

His gaze shifted to the figure standing behind Xia Wenyue.

Pei Shuyuan, once the proud Peacock Saintess, now wore a plain maid’s dress. She lowered her head in silence, her face sullen and unwilling to meet his eyes.

For some time, she had served as a maid beside Xia Wenyue.

Now, she looked withered, with pronounced crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes, aged ten years in what felt like a blink.

Lan Chang'an exchanged a glance with Xia Wenyue. He knew she wouldn’t torment a servant without cause.

Back then, it was Xia Wenyue who pleaded for mercy, either execute Pei Shuyuan swiftly or cease the public humiliation.

Lan Chang'an had offered a middle path: keep Pei Shuyuan as a servant to avoid rousing Wenyue’s jealousy.

Xia Wenyue transmitted a simple explanation.

Pei Shuyuan’s current state stemmed not from physical injury but a devastating psychological blow.

On her wedding night, she became Lan Chang'an’s captive, her humiliation made public.

As retribution for their past enmity, Lan Chang'an had forced her to don her bridal robe and serve in shame.

Inwardly, she had clung to a sliver of hope that Beast King Valley would one day triumph and restore her pride.

But her husband, Black Feather True Monarch, had been slain by Lan Chang'an, his soul scattered. Her grandfather True Monarch Ten Thousand Crane had lost his physical body and remained in soul form, unable to recover.

All of this was her doing.

When Pei Shuyuan learned of Beast King Valley’s crushing defeat and ruined sect, her last strand of hope collapsed.

She was utterly broken.

“A woman who’s lost her spirit can never shine as she once did…”

Lan Chang'an lost interest and looked away.

The woman standing before him now, aged and desolate, could scarcely be compared to the once-arrogant, resplendent Peacock Saintess.

“What do you plan to do with her?” Xia Wenyue asked, sensing her husband’s indifference.

“She poses no threat and holds no value. Let her remain by your side as a servant, or sell her off to Yin Yuanhai before she withers completely.”

Xia Wenyue quietly acknowledged with a nod and asked no further.

That night.

Lan Chang'an and Xia Wenyue rested in the stronghold’s cave abode.

The dark wound on Xia Wenyue’s leg needed Lan Chang'an's Evergreen mana to return her snow-white skin to perfection.

...

The next morning.

Lan Chang'an, Xia Wenyue, and Lord Earthrock set off together, heading back to the main headquarters of the Righteous Dao Alliance to take part in the post-war division of spoils.

On the way, Xia Wenyue suddenly drew out a jade token glowing with urgent runes. Upon reading it, her elegant face turned pale.

“What happened?”

Lan Chang'an also retrieved his Elder jade transmission token from the alliance. The spirit patterns upon it pulsed faintly, it was a long-distance emergency transmission, meant for urgent contact among Nascent Soul-level cultivators.

Due to the distance, it could only convey brief messages.

“A Nascent Soul cultivator from the Alliance has fallen?”

Remaining composed, Lan Chang'an secretly performed a divination, then showed a thoughtful expression.

“Let’s return and see for ourselves.”

The three hastened their flight, racing back to the Alliance’s wartime command city.

The massive mountain city headquarters came into view.

Floating above were several Nascent Soul cultivators, led by Chu Tianfeng. All wore grave expressions, a somber air weighing down the skies.

Upon seeing Lan Chang'an and the others arrive, some of the cultivators from the Alliance looked on with wary eyes.

“True Monarch Lan! Why did you strike down Fellow Daoist Golden Moon?!”

The voice came from a broad-shouldered, gold-robed middle-aged man cloaked in blazing light. His fiery golden eyes bore into Lan Chang'an with suspicion.

“Fellow Daoist Six Sun, what do you mean by this? The one who met misfortune… was it Fellow Daoist Golden Moon of the Proud Moon Palace?”

Lan Chang'an frowned slightly, utterly at a loss, looking toward the group of True Monarchs.

Chu Tianfeng stood silent, a deep furrow between his brows.

At his side, his disciple Yin Yuanhai stepped forward and said,

“True Monarch Lan, many saw you attack Fellow Daoist Golden Moon in public!”

“The demonic war has already ended in victory. Why would you do such a thing?”

Another red-robed cultivator, a Nascent Soul from the Golden Sun Sect, questioned him with hostility.

“I did not kill Fellow Daoist Golden Moon.”

Lan Chang'an’s voice remained calm and unwavering.

“I only just left seclusion today. Wenyue and many within the occupied stronghold can testify.”

The Nascent Soul cultivators looked at one another. The two from the Golden Sun Sect and Yin Yuanhai still seemed doubtful.

After all, some had indeed witnessed someone resembling Lan Chang'an strike.

And Lan had motive, he and Golden Moon had long disagreed and clashed in views.

Zhang Tianfeng shook his head and said,

“True Monarch Lan turned the tide during the demonic war. He has no need to murder Fellow Daoist Golden Moon. If he intended to kill her, she was gravely injured during the war, there were plenty of opportunities then. Why wait until now?”

Chu Tianfeng nodded. “I, too, believe True Monarch Lan would not strike in such a manner. The killer may be someone else entirely.”

He then turned to Lan Chang'an and added, “However… many witnesses at the scene saw someone with your appearance act. Two fellow Daoists from the Golden Sun Sect were among them. There must be a proper explanation given.”

Lan Chang'an flew toward the city gates to investigate the details.

“When did Fellow Daoist Golden Moon fall? Is the body intact?”

In response, Yin Yuanhai retrieved a copperwood coffin from his storage.

“Master…”

As the lid opened, Xia Wenyue gasped, her face paling with sorrow.

Inside lay the corpse of a woman in golden robes. Her once-beautiful face was now disfigured by a gaping hole at the center of her forehead, cold and unrecognizable.

“Judging by the wound… it was a nail-type magical treasure.”

Lan Chang'an gently held Xia Wenyue’s cold hand, helping her calm down from her lingering shock.

He turned to the two Nascent Soul cultivators from the Golden Sun Sect. They admitted to only catching a glimpse of a white-robed Lan Chang'an at the scene.

Six Sun True Monarch added, “We scanned him with our spiritual sense, it was undoubtedly his appearance and aura.”

“Judging by the timing,” he continued, “Golden Moon was ambushed on her way to the Alliance. Since the attacker appeared familiar, she lowered her guard…”

Lan Chang'an’s tone grew solemn as he analyzed, “During that period, I was traveling with Wenyue and Lord Earthrock. Our movement stirred enough commotion to be seen by many along the way.”

Soon after, the gathered True Monarchs cross-verified their timelines. The consensus was that Lan Chang'an’s presence during the suspected time ruled him out as the killer.

Eyewitness accounts from cultivators, including some from the Endless Palace, confirmed seeing Lan Chang'an and his party en route during the critical moment.

“…Unseen Gate Master.”

At last, Lan Chang'an uttered a single name.

Chu Tianfeng nodded. “I also suspect him. To deceive Nascent Soul experts and assassinate one in a single strike, among the six demonic sects, only the Unseen Gate Master could manage it.”

To kill a seasoned Nascent Soul cultivator in one blow was no easy feat.

Only a surprise, point-blank strike from an expert assassin could make it happen.

Six Sun True Monarch frowned. “But why target Fellow Daoist Golden Moon in particular?”

Lan Chang'an pondered. “She was still recovering, alone, and poorly guarded, perhaps the most vulnerable target.”

The gathered cultivators exchanged glances and reviewed their own movements, speculating on the assassin’s intentions.

The Unseen Gate Master had likely responded to Beast King Valley’s emergency cry for aid and arrived late to the battlefield.

After the defeat, the Human-Faced Flood Dragon and the four avian kings quickly withdrew to the Black Fog Mountain Range.

But the Unseen Gate Master, having come all this way wouldn’t leave empty-handed.

He must have decided to assassinate a member of the Righteous Dao Alliance to relieve some pressure on the Beast King Valley.

He picked the “softest fruit” to squeeze.

In enemy territory, success was everything. One strike, one kill, and then vanish.

Had he targeted Lan Chang'an or Zhang Tieshan, he would’ve faced extreme risk.

Even attacking Liang Shaotian or Six Sun True Monarch would have carried high risk.

Only a few were truly vulnerable: Xia Wenyue, Yin Yuanhai, Golden Moon, or the other Golden Sun cultivator.

But Xia Wenyue had Lan Chang'an’s constant protection.

Yin Yuanhai remained within the safety of the main Alliance base or the Endless Palace’s territory.

The other two from Golden Sun always moved together.

Thus… Daoist Golden Moon became the lone, fatal choice.

…

After the suspicions were dispelled, Chu Tianfeng welcomed Lan Chang'an and the other two into the main stronghold of the mountain city.

"Fellow Daoists, there’s no need for suspicion or wariness. Although the ‘Faceless’ supreme treasure of the Unseen Gate Leader can perfectly mimic others, a familiar Nascent Soul cultivator can still discern the disguise upon closer inspection. From now on, when we encounter each other outside, we can further verify identities through the elder tokens to ensure there are no issues..."

Chu Tianfeng’s words eased the vigilance of the Nascent Soul cultivators present.

Lan Chang'an’s Hundred Illusion Mask had a similar disguise ability, but its effectiveness was much weaker against Nascent Soul targets.

This was also why he had never used the Hundred Illusion Mask to assume a new identity during his time in Great Yuan or the Yunxia Sect.

Of course, it still worked decently when dealing with unfamiliar cultivators. Even if the target noticed something amiss, they wouldn’t know his true identity.

In the main hall of the stronghold, the Nascent Soul True Monarchs of the Righteous Dao Alliance gathered after the war.

The meeting’s focus was on post-war arrangements, including the division of territories, resources, and benefits.

Each True Monarch represented their respective factions, all striving to secure as much as possible.

In such a setting, it wasn’t surprising to see these revered Nascent Soul True Monarchs, normally held in high esteem by the outside world, arguing until their faces turned red.

Lan Chang'an and Zhang Tianfeng represented the Jin Yun Valley.

Given their significant contributions during the demonic war, they had the leverage to demand ample benefits.

With the death of Golden Moon True Monarch, Fairy Xia now represented the interests of the Proud Moon Palace.

Fairy Xia had also made notable contributions over the years of the demonic war. During the final battle, she had worked alongside Zhang Tieshan to restrain the Beast King’s Grand Elder.

Lan Chang'an secretly instructed Xia Wenyue to demand "compensation" for Golden Moon True Monarch’s death as a bargaining chip to secure more benefits for the Proud Moon Palace.

Witnessing this, some of the Righteous Dao Alliance’s Nascent Soul cultivators cast strange glances at Lan Chang'an.

Although Lan Chang'an had been cleared of suspicion in Golden Moon True Monarch’s death, as a beneficiary, it inevitably raised doubts.

In the eyes of others, Fairy Xia was Lan Chang'an’s woman, essentially his Dao Companion.

With Golden Moon True Monarch gone, Fairy Xia had taken control of the Proud Moon Palace, effectively inheriting a major immortal sect.

Her control over the Proud Moon Palace meant that Lan Changqing indirectly held sway over the faction.

Recalling how, when Fairy Xia advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, Lan Chang'an had a strained relationship with Golden Moon True Monarch and tacitly allowed his woman to return to the Proud Moon Palace...

Such a coincidental and perfectly justified gain inevitably led to suspicions, was there some hidden scheme at play?

After three days of heated debates in the main hall, the True Monarchs of the Righteous Dao Alliance finally reached a rough agreement on the distribution of benefits.

Based on battlefield contributions, the Jin Yun Valley and the Endless Palace reaped the greatest rewards.

On an individual level, Lan Chang'an had contributed the most.

Throughout the years of the demonic war, he had slain the most demonic Nascent Soul, including several fourth-rank demon kings.

During the final battle, he had held his own against the Beast King’s Grand Elder and even managed to lightly wound him.

Such illustrious achievements, coupled with strength rivaling that of a demonic sect leader, left the Righteous Dao Alliance’s True Monarchs no choice but to acknowledge his contributions.

Using Golden Moon True Monarch’s compensation as leverage, Fairy Xia secured considerable benefits.

As for the other factions within the Righteous Dao Alliance, in the wake of their victory in the immortal war, most at least recouped their losses. Some of the more meritorious sects also profited to varying degrees.

...

After the meeting, the various Nascent Soul cultivators of the Righteous Dao Alliance dispersed and returned to their respective factions.

"Husband, did you know the Unseen Gate Leader would make a move?"

Walking hand in hand with Lan Chang'an, Fairy Xia bit her red lips lightly and sent a secret voice transmission to confirm.

She recalled how, during the war, Lan Chang'an had instructed her to stay with the Lord Earthrock even after the conflict ended, ensuring she was never alone.

"Not for certain."

Lan Chang'an shook his head. "I merely maintained some caution against the Unseen Gate. I didn’t expect their leader to personally strike and a full month after the war, at that."

Xia Wenyue still had doubts, but after a long silence, she chose not to press further.

In truth, Lan Chang'an had played no direct role in the incident.

His wariness toward the Unseen Gate had been about ensuring no vulnerabilities on their side.

If Xia Wenyue remained unharmed, then the likelihood of Yin Yuanhai or Golden Moon True Monarch falling victim increased.

Lan Chang'an held no goodwill toward either of them, whoever suffered, it made no difference to him.

However, with Golden Moon True Monarch’s death, he and Fairy Xia had become the beneficiaries, inevitably inviting suspicion.

"After taking over the Proud Moon Palace, you’ll have much to handle. I’ll have Lord Earthrock accompany you as your guardian."

Before parting, Lan Chang'an out of prudence, arranged for Lord Earthrock to escort Xia Wenyue back to the Proud Moon Palace.

With the Righteous Dao Alliance’s Nascent Soul cultivators on high alert, it was highly unlikely the Unseen Gate Leader would strike again but it never hurt to be cautious.

Xia Wenyue glanced back at Lan Chang'an, her lips parting slightly before she swallowed the words of invitation she had been about to speak.

Truthfully, the most ideal cultivation arrangement would be for Lan Chang'an and Xia Wenyue to reside together in the Proud Moon Palace, jointly overseeing the sect.

But with Golden Moon True Monarch’s death so recent, if Lan Chang'an were to do so, it would only fuel suspicions that he was usurping the sect for himself.

....

Lan Chang'an and Zhang Tianfeng returned together to the Liang Kingdom.

Above the clouds of Jin Yun Valley, the two stood side by side, exchanging a few quiet words.

“With the demonic war won and the threat dispelled, Fellow Daoist Lan can finally cultivate in peace. I assume you won’t be traveling far anytime soon?” Zhang Tianfeng asked, sounding him out.

Lan Chang'an chuckled, casting a sidelong glance at his dark-complexioned friend, fully aware of his concerns.

During the war, Zhang Tieshan had exposed the secret of his incomplete spiritual treasure, potentially leaving a trail of danger. If Lan Chang'an were to simply pack up and leave, the valley would be left with only Zhang Tieshan to guard the treasure, a risky situation.

But if Lan Chang'an stayed, it would be a different story.

With both of them present, bolstered by the incomplete spiritual treasure, there was no threat in all of Great Qing they couldn’t face.

“I’ll be in seclusion for some time, refining secret arts and divine abilities. As for long journeys… we’ll see in the future.”

Lan Chang'an gave a vague yet reassuring answer.

“That’s good to hear.”

Zhang Tieshan relaxed.

The great victory had earned him considerable spoils. Once refined, his strength would rise considerably.

“By the way, this Dragon Scale Armor, do help repair it when you have time. Draw whatever resources you need from our share of the war spoils.”

Lan Chang'an casually tossed him a slightly damaged piece of armor.

Zhang Tianfeng couldn’t help but be moved the moment he touched its surface. This was the finest defensive treasure he had ever laid hands on.

He quietly wondered which powerful opponent Lan Chang'an had killed to obtain it.

None of the Nascent Soul cultivators from Beast King Valley had possessed such armor, and as for True Monarch Cyanwood, though they’d crossed paths before, this precious armor had not been revealed on the side of the Righteous Dao Alliance.

Back at his residence in Jin Yun Valley, Lan Chang'an issued a few instructions to his servants before beginning his closed-door cultivation.

“This war revealed too many of my cards… It’s time to lie low for a while.”

Murmuring softly, he slowly shut his eyes.

This time, his goal was to perfect his sword formation and strengthen his divine secret arts.

But most importantly, he aimed to break through to the seventh layer of the Thousand Machines Divine Transformation Art.

Once complete, he would set off on a journey to track down and kill True Monarch Cyanwood, and seize the complete Evergreen Technique.

…

Just as Lan Chang'an had anticipated, soon after he entered seclusion, the name “Evergreen True Monarch” spread like wildfire across Great Qing.

He first shook the Eastern Region.

Even the distant Fengyuan Kingdom and the territories of the Two Sects had heard of his meteoric rise.

Lan Chang'an had clashed with the Beast King Valley’s Grand Elder, a demonic leader, and even managed to wound him.

That feat alone was enough to command fear and awe from Nascent Soul powerhouses across the land.

In light of how he single-handedly reversed the course of the demonic war and crushed the Beast King Valley, reshaping the power balance of the Eastern Region, his name was etched deeply in the minds of all major cultivators.

The name “Lan Changqing” was remembered, by enemies and allies alike.

In distant corners of the Eastern Region, those once unfamiliar with him, or those who had known him long ago, now quietly murmured his name.

Deep in the Black Fog Mountain Range, a curvaceous, graceful woman revealed a look of complex emotion.

On the snowy summit of a distant peak, a solemn Daoist revealed a rare trace of disbelief.

Two years passed.

Lan Changqing’s fame spread from the East to the Central, South, and Northern regions of Great Qing…

He had truly become a household name.

Even among the Nascent Soul leaders of the ten sects of the Xuan Gate, his rise drew attention.

On the contrary, there were barely any rumors about his killing of True Monarch Cyanwood.

That cultivator’s Nascent Soul, after escaping his shell, seemed to vanish without a trace in all of Great Qing.

As the legend grew, visitors from every region came seeking an audience with the man who had changed the tide of an era.

But the newly risen giant, renowned throughout the land had quietly disappeared from public view.

In deep seclusion, he declined all visitors.

Even Nascent Soul envoys from the Ten Xuan Sects of the Central Region were turned away.

None dared complain, for the one they sought was now a leader-level giant of the Nascent Soul realm.

His absence only fanned the flames of legend.

The Legend of Changqing, Journeys of the Profound Turtle, and other tales spread like wildfire throughout the cultivation world. No longer limited to Liang or the Righteous Dao Alliance, they began circulating through every corner of Great Qing…