I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

"The art of cursing?"

Wei Tu was startled.

Cursing techniques are not uncommon in the cultivation world. Having cultivated for so long, he has mastered several secret techniques that use the essence and hair of others to cast curses.

But... he had never heard of a curse that could curse a peak Nascent Soul cultivator and drive him mad.

Moreover, there are Transcending Tribulation Immortals living in the Feathered Dragon Clan. No matter how strong the curse is, can this Transcending Tribulation Ancestor not break it?
Qian Ying'er seemed to see through Wei Tu's thoughts, nodded, and then shook her head.

"This curse spell is not difficult for our clan's ancestor to break. However... this spell is not entirely bad for Panjiang Longhou. As long as he actively sees through the 'mystery' before him, breaks it and then rebuilds, he will have a better chance of advancing to the Mahayana stage in the future."

"Furthermore, the only thing my uncle is obsessed with is chasing after that fiend Lou Boyang. He mistakenly believes that Lou Boyang is right beside him, right in front of him... It has no impact on anything else."

"Therefore, the ancestor only used magic to protect the uncle's soul, but did not completely break the curse."

Qian Ying'er carefully chose her words and explained.

"That's it."

Wei Tu's eyes flashed, and he understood the reason for this.

The Feathered Dragon Clan is large and powerful, and it doesn't lack a Panjiang Dragon Marquis at the "Peak of Integration" level. However, if the Panjiang Dragon Marquis can see through the illusion and actively break this "cursing spell", what he will gain is a Mahayana cultivator.

If it fails, the only loss will be a portion of Panjiang Longhou's "mind," which is not a significant loss.

"Cruel, but in line with the ways of a powerful clan," Wei Tu commented inwardly, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Then, Qian Ying'er casually mentioned the reason why the Feathered Dragon Clan was chasing Lou Boyang, and why Panjiang Dragon Marquis had fallen for this "cursed spell".

Wei Tu didn't need to listen much to know the reason for the former.

He was the one who started the whole thing by framing and falsely accusing someone.

However, he wasn't embarrassed at all.

A-Tong and Prince Qing had not "made enemies" with him, but the cultivation world was cruel and the law of the jungle prevailed—in that situation, there was no second option not to kill them.

The latter——

This is what Wei Tu cares about most.

The curse spell that can curse Panjiang Longhou could not have been planted by Lou Boyang. Behind this demon must stand a cultivator at the peak of the Integration Realm or the Mahayana Realm.

"...The cultivator behind this demon must be afraid of my Feather Dragon Clan and dare not kill Panjiang Dragon Marquis who is chasing us. He is also afraid that Panjiang Dragon Marquis will invite Mahayana pursuers. So he planted a 'demon barrier' to confuse Panjiang Dragon Marquis, making him mistakenly believe that Lou Boyang has always been close by and has been chasing us all along..." Qian Ying'er explained slowly.

"If it is a demonic obstacle, then is the demonic ancestor among the ancient demons standing behind it?"

Wei Tu's eyes narrowed, and he asked this question.

The Demon Ancestor is far more dangerous than a Mahayana cultivator. Moreover, he is much more difficult to deal with.

Moreover, due to the unique nature of the ancient demons' inability to travel to the "spirit realm," he worried that this demon ancestor might be the Weeping River Demon Lord he was familiar with.

This demon is a rare ancient demon capable of escaping to the spirit realm. Furthermore, in terms of cultivation level, as far as he knows, it is already only one step away from reaching the realm of the Demon Ancestor.

Once the Weeping River Demon Lord ascends to the Demon Ancestor realm...

Given what he did to this demon, he will definitely incur the demon's hatred and seek revenge.

“It is an ancient demon, but not a demon ancestor.” Qian Ying’er shook her head. “This demonic barrier is only at the level of a demon lord… but because too many people have intervened, it has become close to the power of a demon ancestor.”

"Too many people made a move?"

"Could it be... that many ancient demons are lurking within this spirit realm?" Wei Tu was slightly surprised.

But soon, he felt a sense of relief.

He smuggled himself from the Purple Palace Realm to the Spirit Realm without being subjected to strict checks by the Feathered Dragon Clan… This alone proves that the Spirit Realm's 'natural restriction' is still effective. The Feathered Dragon Clan did not doubt this restriction in any way.

Ancient demons like the Weeping River Demon Lord are extremely rare examples.

"Ancient demons are cunning and difficult to kill completely. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, during the great war between the two realms... although the ancient demons withdrew from the spirit realm, some villains still remain hidden there..."

"The ones who attacked my uncle this time must be the ancient demons who survived the war between the two realms."

Qian Ying'er was unaware of Wei Tu's 'overthinking' and assumed that his questions stemmed from his intense hatred for the Ancient Demon. After all, it would be strange if the descendants of the Zi Chen Realm did not harbor deep resentment towards the Ancient Demon.

She hesitated for a moment before stating the Feathered Dragon Clan's conjecture.

"Evacuation is not defeat?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Tu's eyes flashed as he caught this key phrase.

Clearly, just as he had guessed in the 'Primordial Demon Source Realm' and the 'Purple Chen Realm', the Feathered Dragon Clan and other dominant clans knew the inside story of the war between the two realms back then, but for some reason, they concealed the truth and put an end to this tragic war with the 'Great Victory of the Spirit Realm'.

"I wonder if the three major clans, including the Feathered Dragon Clan, know the origin of this natural restriction in the Spirit Realm..."

Wei Tu pondered in his heart.

However, he did not ask this question without permission.

First, whether he gets an answer or not is not important to him; it's something he can't gain from.

Secondly, according to the propaganda within the Spirit Realm, there is something similar to this "natural restriction" at the border between the Spirit Realm and the Ancient Demon Realm—the Demon-Sealing Array.

This "Demon-Sealing Array" is a "boundary array" jointly set up by the three major clans and the powerful beings of all races to prevent ancient demons from invading the spirit world. Its function is the same as that "natural restriction".

He knew, of course, that this "Demon-Sealing Array" was somewhat laughable in the eyes of the demon gods who had already conquered the "Five Minor Realms".

But that was enough for Qian Ying'er to use as an excuse.

Or rather, this kind of "secret" is something that a cultivator of Qian Ying'er's level could not possibly know.

……

After encountering Panjiang Longhou on the road.

Eight months later, Wei Tu and Qian Ying'er, who had fled from the Flying Spirit Continent, finally arrived at the capital of the Feathered Dragon Clan—Immortal Dragon City.

Although the scale and grandeur of this city were a level below the Tianyuan Holy City that Wei Tu had seen, it was still the largest city he had ever seen, apart from Tianyuan Holy City.

The foundation of the immortal city consists of nine towering stone pillars, each as large as a ten-thousand-foot-tall mountain. And atop each pillar is a five-clawed divine dragon, winding its way upwards and its claws resting in the clouds.

The caves and buildings within the city, when viewed in minute detail, resemble the scales of each divine dragon, arranged in neat rows.

Above the stone pillars and dragon heads are rows of enormous, shadowy palaces.

Some turned to ashes, while others shone brightly.

"Immortal Dragon City, also known as Nine Dragon City. Each dragon pillar here represents a Mahayana immortal. Unfortunately, even at its peak, Immortal Dragon City has only lit up seven dragon pillars..."

Qian Ying'er stopped the Cloud Dragon Chariot in the clouds and introduced the scene before her to Wei Tu.

"Currently, only four dragon pillars have been lit..."

Wei Tu looked up at the largest city within the Feathered Dragon Clan, shrouded in clouds and mist.

"Indeed! Only four dragon pillars. This means that within my Feathered Dragon Clan, there are currently only four Mahayana Immortals. And this includes the dragon pillar of the Purple Dragon Queen..."

“This does not mean that my Feathered Dragon Clan is already showing signs of decline. Rather, it means that the war between the two realms has not ended. The destruction of the Purple Palace Realm is not something that will happen overnight…” Qian Ying’er said this profound sentence to Wei Tu.

In this regard.

Wei Tu's interpretation is not difficult to understand.

The destruction of the "Five Minor Realms" could not possibly be ignored by the "Spirit Realm," which is part of the Spiritual Cultivation Alliance.

Other interfaces are fine, but the "Zi Chen Realm," which is closest to the "Spirit Realm," is one that the Spirit Realm would never abandon under any circumstances.

Eleven thousand years ago, the Ancient Demon Realm invaded the Purple Palace Realm.

But it wasn't until tens of thousands of years ago that the Zichen Realm was completely occupied by the "One God and Two Ancestors" of the "Primordial Demon Source Realm." He simply refused to believe that the Spirit Realm hadn't contributed to this.

As one of the three dominant clans in the Spirit Realm, the Feathered Dragon Clan also suffered heavy losses among its powerful members during this period.

This is why Mahayana practitioners are now pitifully few in number.

At this moment, Princess Qian Ying'er's purpose in saying these words was quite simple.

It was to allow him, a cultivator from the Purple Palace Realm, to put aside his "resentment" and fully integrate into the Feathered Dragon Clan.

—The powerful clans of the spirit realm, such as the Feathered Dragon Clan, are not unwilling to save the Purple Palace Realm, but rather are powerless to do so.

"This woman is no ordinary person."

Wei Tu gave Qian Ying'er a deep look and thought to himself.

He rode in a dragon-drawn carriage amidst clouds.

It's about cultivating feelings between each other.

They were treated with courtesy by the powerful figures of various races they encountered along the way.

This is to demonstrate the many benefits of joining the Feathered Dragon Clan.

Conversely, it becomes the threat of him not joining.

Other combined privileges are also tantamount to "deterrence"!
These words, spoken upon arriving in Immortal Dragon City, mark the end of this "scheme."

Such a skill in managing people is not unusual, but the fact that this woman can use it so skillfully is enough to show how formidable she is.

"However, at this moment, it is not that I need this woman, but that she needs me."

Wei Tu's eyes flashed, and he thought to himself.

The prerequisite for mastering the art of controlling people is that "the subordinate has something to ask for." Between the two of them, this woman is the one who needs him more... Once you see through this, the art of controlling people becomes merely superficial.

"I, Lin, am willing to help the Great Princess light up this fifth dragon pillar."

Wei Tu took a deep breath and made his statement.

The words fell.

Qian Ying'er's rosy cheeks, hidden by her veil, instantly gained a brighter glow.

In her eyes, Wei Tu's loyalty to her at this moment was much more appealing than his loyalty in the Dragon Blood Palace.

Previously, Wei Tu's choice was "forced" because, apart from Prince Yin, she was the only other choice for the eldest princess.

But now, there's a greater sense of "returning home" after gaining a better understanding of the spirit world.

"Then I will accept Fellow Daoist Lin's kind words."

Qian Ying'er nodded with a smile.

But at that moment, she suddenly noticed the silence on Wei Tu's face; he was not happy because of her joy.

"Could it be because... I didn't reward him?" Qian Ying'er had a sudden thought and vaguely guessed the reason for Wei Tu's silence.

In return for pledging allegiance outside the Dragon Blood Palace, she gifted Wei Tu a mid-grade seventh-rank "Zhi Lu Dan".

But at this moment, he hasn't given up anything.

Although Wei Tu didn't say anything, she, being of noble birth, felt that she had been a little too stingy.

"However, the Zhilu Pill is too precious." Qian Ying'er was secretly reluctant, as she didn't have many of those top-grade elixirs like the Zhilu Pill.

She couldn't help but regret why she had given Wei Tu the 'Zhilu Dan' the first time. If the subsequent rewards were of lesser quality, it would make her seem stingy.

But... when I think of the Purple Dragon Lord behind Wei Tu, and her father's evaluation of Wei Tu...

Qian Ying'er bit her lip, flipped her hand, took out an array plate, and handed it to Wei Tu with her magic.

"Fellow Daoist Lin has just arrived in Immortal Dragon City and has not yet settled down... I have a spare mid-grade seventh-rank cave dwelling here, which I will bestow upon you. I hope you will not find this cave dwelling too humble..."

she said.

A mid-grade seventh-tier cave dwelling?

Upon hearing this, Wei Tu was overjoyed, thinking to himself that this woman was indeed generous, willing to spend a lot of money to win him over.

In any immortal city, a mid-grade seventh-level cave dwelling is a valuable possession, enough to be passed down through generations.

Its value is no less than that of a single "Zhilu Dan" pill!
"Lin...thank you, Your Highness."

Wei Tu bowed with his hands clasped in thanks.

"Just a little thing."

Qian Ying'er waved her hand, indicating that Wei Tu didn't need to worry about it.

However, although her face was calm at this moment, she vaguely realized that something was wrong. It seemed that her attempts to "control" Wei Tu had not only failed, but instead... she was being manipulated by Wei Tu.
"Perhaps it's just my imagination."

Qian Ying'er shook her head, suppressing this lingering thought.

During this period, Wei Tu's performance was normal.

As long as she can win over this ally, she will bestow upon Wei Tu not only a single seventh-grade pill and a seventh-grade cave dwelling, but also many other treasures.

……

They rested in Xianlong City for half a month.

After seeing that Zi Chi Jun's cave was open to guests again, Qian Ying'er brought Wei Tu to pay her respects to Zi Chi Jun.

"It was actually the Great Princess who brought our juniors here. I had thought... it would be Prince Yin..."

Inside the cave, Zi Chi Jun, sitting in the head seat, glanced indifferently at Wei Tu and Qian Ying'er, took a sip of tea, and spoke first.

As soon as these words fell.

The previously relaxed atmosphere instantly froze.

Wei Tu noticed that a hint of nervousness flashed across Qian Ying'er's face. After all, even the simplest question from a Mahayana Immortal would carry immense weight in the ears of others.

Even though Qian Ying'er was the daughter of the Dragon King, she dared not underestimate her in the slightest.

However, at this moment, Wei Tu dared not say anything more, nor did he dare to explain anything.

This is an imbalance of status!

Any explanation seems pale and powerless.

"I wonder... if he is, as I suspect, a human." Wei Tu lowered his head and secretly observed Zi Chi Jun sitting in the head seat.

This man, who appeared to be in his forties, with a long beard and wearing a coarse blue Taoist robe, did not seem like the "prodigy" that people usually thought he was. Instead, he looked like a Taoist priest who had been living in seclusion in a secular Taoist temple for many years.

In appearance, they are very similar to humans, without any features of other races.

However, in terms of aura, it was indistinguishable from that of a dragon-born cultivator. The dragon's might was almost overwhelming.

“Senior Zi, although I did not receive an imperial decree, I was in Longyan Immortal City at the time and happened to be there to guide Fellow Daoist Lin… which is why I beat Prince Yin to it.” Qian Ying’er pursed her lips and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"It was just a few questions, why is the Great Princess so nervous? Could it be that she has taken a fancy to me, a junior from the same realm?" Zi Chi Jun smiled faintly and asked again.

"This..." Upon hearing this, even though Qian Ying'er was somewhat prepared, she couldn't help but stammer.

After all, to say that one looks down on someone would be a slap in the face to Zi Chi Jun, and would not facilitate the fusion of the two lineages.

"Pity."

"I thought we could form a marriage alliance."

Seeing this, Zi Chi Jun shook his head slightly, seemingly quite disappointed. (End of Chapter)