I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals-Chapter 356: Undercurrents Surging

Chapter 356: Undercurrents Surging

The shocking news of a fourth rank Demon King emerging at the mountain gate of Yunxia Sect spread rapidly throughout the sect.

The auspicious phenomenon accompanying the successful tribulation transcendence, as well as the terrifying aura exuded by the newly transformed Demon King, was impossible to conceal from the outside world.

"Auspicious omens descend from the heavens, a sacred beast is born—our sect is bound to flourish and prosper!"

Many mid-to-high-ranking cultivators were overwhelmed with excitement. They stood atop the inner peaks near the fourth rank spirit vein, gazing into the distance.

Some mid-level cultivators, purely driven by curiosity, wished to witness the Transformation Demon King’s majesty and waited respectfully on the outer perimeter.

Within the cave-dwelling on Qingluan Peak, Xiao Qingshan noticed the heavenly phenomena of the tribulation from afar.

At first, like the others, he assumed that Elder Xiang was merely doing his best, Xiao Qingshan who was dutifully overseeing the cave dwelling on the main peak didn’t think much of it.

It wasn’t until the sixth tribulation thunder descended that Xiao Qingshan realized something was amiss.

Just now, a sinister demon wind, so fierce that it made his scalp tingle, swept forth from the vicinity of the fourth-rank spirit vein in Yunxia Sect.

Before Xiao Qingshan could regain his composure or investigate the truth, several streaks of light streaked directly toward Qingluan Peak.

Among them were two acquaintances—a late-stage Foundation Establishment steward and a Fake Dan cultivator.

"Junior Brother Xiao, congratulations! Elder Xiang’s spirit beast has successfully transcended the tribulation and transformed!"

The leading Fake Dan cultivator cupped his hands in congratulations, his face beaming with a broad smile.

The friends who came to congratulate him couldn’t hide the admiration in their eyes.

A Transformation Demon King—that was a terrifying existence on par with a Nascent Soul True Monarch!

From this moment on, Elder Xiang, the master of the sacred beast, would hold a status nearly equal to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

As the chief steward of Qingluan Peak, Xiao Qingshan was bound to become one of the most influential figures within the sect.

"The spirit rat has become a Transformation Demon King? Is this true?"

Xiao Qingshan was momentarily stunned, his heart trembling with shock.

That very spirit rat had interacted with him occasionally in the past, and now, upon hearing this joyous news, he felt as if he were in a dream—it all seemed unreal.

After confirming the news multiple times, Xiao Qingshan was overjoyed and immensely excited.

Previously, as the chief steward of the main peak under a Core Formation Great Cultivator, he already held a respectable status within the sect.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect that the peak he managed would give birth to a fourth-rank sect sacred beast.

Xiao Qingshan felt as if he were standing at the center of a storm—if he just exerted a little effort, he could soar to great heights.

"Senior Brother Xiao, such a great event must be reported to the elders at once!"

After making arrangements for the affairs of the peak, Xiao Qingshan, surrounded by his friends, made his way toward the inner region of the mountain gate.

Near the core of the fourth rank spirit vein, a mountain peak was now crowded with Yunxia Sect cultivators who had gathered to witness the spectacle.

The foremost positions were occupied entirely by Core Formation cultivators, while ordinary Foundation Establishment disciples weren’t even qualified to approach.

"Steward Xiao, congratulations!"

Many Core Formation cultivators present greeted him with warm smiles, taking the initiative to show goodwill. Among them were even several inner sect elders.

It was well known within the Yunxia Sect that Xiao Qingshan was Elder Xiang’s sole confidant.

The crowd in the outer circle automatically parted.

Despite being merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Xiao Qingshan, under the chorus of congratulations, made his way to the front of the mountain and saluted several Core Formation elders.

"Qingshan, Aunt Mei could always tell that you were blessed with great fortune. In the future, you will surely have remarkable achievements."

Among the elders was a mid-stage Core Formation female cultivator, appearing around forty to fifty years old. She had a slender face, streaks of white in her hair, and though she bore traces of age, her features remained graceful, exuding an aura of elegance akin to bamboo in the moonlight.

"Immortal Jade Plum flatters me. Qingshan is merely somewhat lucky."

Xiao Qingshan replied with humility and composure.

This Jade Plum Immortal was none other than the master of his former childhood sweetheart, Yi Shuzhen. He had rarely interacted with her before.

Back in the day, when Xiao Qingshan was struggling, even Yi Shuzhen had looked down on him, ultimately pushing for their broken engagement—let alone her esteemed master, Elder Jade Plum.

Jade Plum Immortal gazed toward the forbidden grounds where the Transformation Demon King had been born. She sighed softly, feeling a hint of regret.

Originally, she and her disciple had quite an affinity with Qingluan Peak.

When Elder Xiang first entered the sect, Sect Master Hu had even tried to arrange a Dao companionship for him.

Unfortunately, Elder Xiang was a dedicated cultivator who abstained from romantic entanglements, and thus, that match was never fulfilled.

Jade Plum Immortal pondered for a moment. Since Xiao Qingshan had risen to prominence, her disciple, Yi Shuzhen, had become increasingly selective over the years, remaining single without a Dao partner.

If she played her cards right, she might still be able to establish ties with Elder Xiang’s lineage.

With this thought in mind, she smiled and said, "Qingshan, you should come visit Aunt Mei’s cave dwelling when you have time. Over the years, Zhen’er has never forgotten you."

Xiao Qingshan responded politely while sneering internally. At this point, does she really think we can rekindle the past?

Just then, Jade Plum Immortal transmitted a message to him:

"Shuzhen brought this upon herself. She let go of her past fate and missed the chance to become your official Daoist partner. However, Qingshan, your talent in dual cultivation is outstanding. In the future, you will surely take concubines..."

Xiao Qingshan was dumbfounded, at a loss for words.

As a mid-stage Core Formation elder of esteemed status, was Jade Plum Immortal actually suggesting that her direct disciple settle for being a concubine?

Back then, when Yi Shuzhen insisted on breaking off their engagement, she was full of ambition and arrogance, just like a proud daughter of heaven.

Xiao Qingshan initially thought Jade Plum Immortal was joking—given Yi Shuzhen’s temperament, she might not even agree to it.

Half a day later, a familiar figure dressed in white appeared beside Jade Plum Immortal.

Yi Shuzhen had delicate makeup, a graceful figure, and a stunningly beautiful appearance. She exuded a shy yet affectionate demeanor, occasionally stealing glances at him.

Xiao Qingshan felt a mix of emotions. He sighed inwardly—back then, she was the love he could never attain. Now, she was within his reach, even willing to become a concubine.

Jade Plum Immortal led Yi Shuzhen forward, intending to reconnect with Xiao Qingshan.

"Qingshan, come here! I have something to discuss with you..."

Just then, a hoary voice echoed from atop the mountain, resonating from within the clouds. A powerful Core Formation aura accompanied it.

"Sect Master Hu!"

Jade Plum Immortal’s expression stiffened, and Yi Shuzhen halted in her steps.

"Greetings, Sect Master."

The Core Formation cultivators and Foundation Establishment disciples waiting on the mountain respectfully saluted in unison.

"Qingshan obeys."

Xiao Qingshan took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and flew into the clouds above the inner peaks, where he met the elderly white-haired Sect Master Hu.

Being summoned for a private conversation by the Yunxia Sect Master, Xiao Qingshan was both honored and astounded.

Sect Master Hu wore a warm smile, appearing approachable without any airs of superiority. Xiao Qingshan soon calmed his mind.

"No! Among Sect Master Hu’s granddaughters, one of them is a Foundation Establishment female cultivator, even more beautiful than Zhen’er..."

Jade Plum Immortal quickly realized the implications, her expression turning grim.

Although Sect Master Hu’s lifespan was nearing its end, and he was preparing for retirement, the power of his lineage within the sect was not trivial.

"Qingshan..."

Yi Shuzhen, looking ashamed, gazed at her once-disregarded former love rising like a star, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.

…

Half a month later.

The oppressive aura of the Demon King at the tribulation ground had completely dissipated, leaving no trace of its former intensity.

After stabilizing its realm, the Earth Burrowing Rat finally stood up in humanoid form. Its entire body was covered in dark rock-colored fur, though its head, limbs, and certain features still retained their rat-like characteristics.

When demon beasts advance to the fourth rank Demon King level, they gain the ability to transform into a humanoid form, which is why this stage is referred to as the Transformation Stage.

However, this transformation is not an instantaneous process.

Some Demon Kings dislike humanoid forms and prefer to maintain their original appearance or keep partial features of their true form when moving about the world.

Additionally, certain rare bloodlines, such as the descendants of True Spirits, are unable to transform even after reaching fourth rank.

"This humble one, 'Lord Earthrock,' thanks Master for safeguarding me during my tribulation."

The Earth Burrowing Rat, maintaining the physique of a normal human, spoke in a gentle voice and bowed respectfully to Lan Chang'an.

"Lord Earthrock" was the Daoist title it had chosen for itself after attaining mastery over its magical powers.

Throughout the long history of the Great Qing and the Great Yuan, there had never been a recorded case of an Earth Burrowing Rat successfully transforming into a Demon King.

Normally, Earth Burrowing Rats possessed only a mid-grade bloodline, making them practical in the early stages but severely lacked potential in the later stages.

In fact, this was the characteristic of the vast majority of rat demons.

Lan Chang'an glanced at the Earth Burrowing Rat. Becoming a Transformation Demon King was indeed different—now it even knew to bestow itself with a Daoist title.

Originally, Lan Chang'an had considered naming it "Earth Fiend Demon King" or "Earth Burrowing Rat King", something grand and imposing, to serve as the number one protector under his seat and deter any troublemakers.

"Congratulations, Lord Earthrock, on reaching the ranks of the Transformation Stage."

Two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, Yunlan and Purple Mist, arrived together to offer their congratulations.

Lord Earthrock humbly returned their greetings. It lacked the fierce and domineering presence of a peerless Demon King; instead, it appeared slightly reserved, leaving the two True Monarchs with an impression of diligence and honesty.

True Monarch Yunlan, always cultured and refined, showed appreciation for Lord Earthrock and took the initiative to engage in conversation, asking about its well-being.

This left Lan Chang'an, its actual master, standing awkwardly off to the side.

Even True Monarch Purple Mist, though more reserved, also seemed fond of the Earth Burrowing Rat.

Lan Chang'an quickly grasped Yunlan True Monarch's intentions.

For an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, having a spirit beast unexpectedly ascend to fourth rank could cause a power dynamic shift between master and servant.

If their relationship was not strong enough and the spirit contract lacked sufficient binding power, there was even a chance that the pet could overturn the master.

At the very least, the master and the transformed demon beast would now be considered equals, treating each other with mutual respect.

Demon beasts at the Transformation Stage possess superior intelligence. If a Core Formation master still attempts to treat them like a mere beast of burden, it would be courting death.

Yunlan True Monarch clearly understood this. He was showing goodwill to establish a connection with Lord Earthrock.

If Lord Earthrock acknowledged his goodwill, then even if Lan Chang'an completely sided with Purple Mist True Monarch, he wouldn't be able to resist Yunlan's influence.

"Senior Brother, Lord Earthrock is now a fourth rank Demon King. It should no longer be constrained to a mere third-rank spiritual vein. I propose we open a separate underground palace for Lord Earthrock on the fourth rank spiritual vein," Purple Mist True Monarch suggested gently.

"That is only fitting for Lord Earthrock. This matter must be arranged as soon as possible," Yunlan True Monarch nodded without hesitation.

Lan Chang'an and the Earth Burrowing Rat exchanged a glance and expressed their gratitude.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two True Monarchs brought up the matter of a "Transformation Ceremony", seeking their opinions.

Since a new Transformation Stage Demon King had emerged in Yunxia Sect—comparable to gaining another Nascent Soul cultivator—it was customary to hold a grand celebration and invite various factions.

Lan Chang'an considered Lord Earthrock’s recent breakthrough—it currently had nothing to its name. Hosting a ceremony could attract resources and benefits.

Moreover, Yunxia Sect now openly possessed three Nascent Soul-level combatants, ensuring absolute authority over the event.

Thus, the celebration was tentatively scheduled for six months later.

"Thank you for your concern, True Monarchs. For now, I will take Lord Earthrock back to my cave dwelling to rest."

After finalizing the key matters, Lan Chang'an did not give Yunlan True Monarch any further chances to get close to Lord Earthrock. He took off in a streak of light, heading back to his residence.

Lord Earthrock followed behind him with lowered eyes, walking a step behind Lan Chang'an in a respectful posture, much like a loyal servant.

The two True Monarchs watched the departing figures, exchanging looks of surprise.

Even after ascending to the Transformation Stage, Lord Earthrock remained deeply respectful and obedient to Elder Xiang.

"Lord Earthrock has followed Elder Xiang for centuries, sharing both life and death. Senior Brother, it would be a waste of effort to try and win him over."

True Monarch Purple Mist smiled lightly.

True Monarch Yunlan's eyes flickered, but he did not refute her words.

The bond between a cultivator and their long-time spirit beast is incredibly difficult to break.

Trying to kill Elder Xiang and forcibly tame a fourth rank Sacred Beast was simply unrealistic.

It would be no different from killing a father and then expecting his son to serve loyally—a grudge like that would last a lifetime.

Even ancient beast taming sects, despite possessing methods to forcibly enslave fourth rank Demon Kings, rarely took such an approach.

Doing so would only plant the seed of disaster, with the risk of future betrayal looming over them at all times.

"But don't forget, Junior Sister—ordinary Transformation Stage Demon Kings can live for over a thousand years…"

True Monarch Yunlan chuckled faintly.

Even if he couldn't win over Lord Earthrock immediately, time was on his side.

How many more years could Elder Xiang, a mere Core Formation cultivator, possibly live?

Purple Mist True Monarch understood his meaning and nodded slightly.

"I also hope that Senior Brother treats Elder Xiang sincerely, without leaving any openings for external forces to exploit. That way, in the future, Lord Earthrock will willingly serve our sect as its fourth rank Sacred Beast."

…

Lan Chang'an carried Earth Burrowing Rat away from the fourth rank spirit vein tribulation area.

Lan Chang'an made a brief stop at the nearest inner sect mountain. There, Earth Burrowing Rat unleashed its fourth rank Demon King aura, allowing the disciples of the sect to come forward and offer their congratulations.

This was done at the request of True Monarchs Yunlan and Purple Mist.

Ever since Immortal Yunqing failed to form his Nascent Soul, the Yunxia Sect had been in a transitional period, its reputation gradually declining. To counteract this, the sect needed to reassert its prestige in the cultivation world.

After exchanging a few words with Sect Master Hu and the other high-ranking figures, Lan Chang'an brought along the welcoming Xiao Qingshan and returned to Qingluan Peak.

Upon arriving at the main peak’s cultivation grounds, Earth Burrowing Rat transformed into a yellowish earthen light and, with a flash, burrowed underground.

Inside the hidden underground chamber, the Profound Water Turtle stood guard in front of the Xuanmu Vine. As it sensed the overwhelming aura of a fourth rank Demon King approaching, its body trembled uncontrollably, and its head instinctively retracted into its shell.

Half an hour later.

Earth Burrowing Rat finally relaxed its body and lay lazily in a spiritual bath, eyes closed in contentment.

Splatter! Splatter! Splatter!

The Profound Water Turtle diligently spat out streams of emerald-green spiritual water, which splashed over the fourth rank Rat King’s body, nourishing its form and helping it recover from the wounds left by the tribulation lightning.

Above them, inside the quiet cultivation chamber of his cave dwelling, Lan Chang'an did not interfere in the friendly interaction between his two spirit beasts.

Earth Burrowing Rat’s advancement to fourth rank had been an exciting event, but after half a month, Lan Chang'an’s emotions had calmed down.

Now, his mind was focused on analyzing any overlooked details and potential risks.

Without a doubt, Earth Burrowing Rat reaching fourth rank provided Lan Chang'an with a solid foundation for his future cultivation and Nascent Soul ambitions.

However, the birth of a fourth rank Demon King was a high-profile event.

It would inevitably attract the attention of major forces within the Great Yu cultivation world, and possibly even factions from the Great Yuan Central Region.

"Moreover, the key resources needed for Earth Burrowing Rat’s transformation were obtained at great cost."

Lan Chang'an hadn’t forgotten that he still owed Jing Wufeng a favor.

He was bound by a previous agreement to assist in a high-risk demon-sealing mission in the future.

Years ago, they had signed a third-rank spirit contract, further reinforced by a Heart Demon Oath.

While Earth Burrowing Rat was recovering, news of Yunxia Sect’s new fourth rank Sacred Beast spread rapidly through various channels.

Before long, the upper echelons of major sects across Great Yu were well aware of this earth-shaking development.

...

Far away in Great Snake Mountain, an ancient ring-shaped mountain range permanently shrouded in gray mist, there lay a mysterious and chilling valley at its heart.

At the bottom of the valley, beside a venomous black pool, sat the infamous True Monarch Red Serpent.

The area around the toxic pool was filled with noxious fumes so deadly that even a Core Formation cultivator would suffer soul-warping dizziness from a single breath.

Splash!

Suddenly, a massive crimson-black snake tail, over ten zhang long, thrashed across the surface of the venomous pool.

From within the thick poisonous mist, a humanoid face emerged—its red-scaled skin densely covered in fine, reptilian textures, making it a truly chilling sight.

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The red-faced man possessed eerie crimson eyes and flicked his forked tongue as he listened to True Monarch Red Serpent’s report.

"True Monarchs Yunlan and Purple Mist share a common lineage in their cultivation arts. Even before, dealing with them together was already difficult. Now, with that newly ascended fourth rank Rat King, their strength in Great Yu has reached an entirely new level."

Great Snake Mountain had long been a sworn enemy of Yunxia Sect.

Upon hearing the recent news, True Monarch Red Serpent was deeply alarmed.

Some of his previously devised plans now carried great uncertainty and immense risk.

"Could that rat demon’s advancement be related to the ‘Profound Heart Beast Pill’ you traded away?"

The red-faced man, who was actually a Transformed Snake King, narrowed his gaze and stared at True Monarch Red Serpent with cold suspicion.

"Hard to say!"

Even True Monarch Red Serpent found the timing very coincidental.

After all, only one year had passed between him selling the Profound Heart Beast Pill and the Earth Burrowing Rat reaching fourth rank.

At first, he couldn’t help but connect the dots.

However, the buyer of the Beast Pill had been an authentic Nascent Soul True Monarch, whose spiritual sense rivaled his own.

If Elder Xiang were truly a Nascent Soul cultivator, he wouldn’t have needed to rely on Yunxia Sect at all.

With his power, he could have easily joined a major merchant alliance or found a powerful sect willing to provide a fourth rank spirit vein and assist in acquiring transformation spirit items.

Moreover, while the Profound Heart Beast Pill was indeed a rare item, it wasn’t particularly valuable to experienced Nascent Soul cultivators.

Additionally, according to internal intelligence reports, Elder Xiang had not left the sect for an entire year.

He had even requested a "Superior Purity Pill" from Purple Mist True Monarch during that period.

If Elder Xiang were truly that Nascent Soul expert, it wouldn’t make sense for him to hide under the noses of two Nascent Soul True Monarchs and settle for a third-rank spirit vein cultivation ground for decades.

The various details above simply did not make sense logically.

"Jie jie… If you were the one responsible, then congratulations—you’ve actually done something good for me!"

"A fourth rank rat demon is an extremely rare delicacy in all of the Great Yuan. If I can devour it, my chances of breaking into mid-fourth rank will increase by ten percent!"

The red-faced Snake King flicked his forked tongue, licking the corners of his mouth, his crimson pupils filled with greed.

"How confident are you in taking down that rat demon?"

True Monarch Red Serpent pondered for a moment, considering the natural predator-prey relationship between snakes and rodents, the Scarlet Abyss Serpent King was already stronger than the rat king, and he also surpassed most ordinary fourth rank Demon Kings.

If he could advance further, reaching mid-fourth rank, he would stand above nearly all Great Yu cultivators, becoming one of the few dominant figures in the Central Region.

"Jie jie… As long as I can find an opportunity to catch him alone, I’m confident I can kill it within ten breaths!"

The red-faced Snake King declared arrogantly.

His confidence came not from boasting, but from an innate bloodline advantage.