Born with immortal seed

Chapter 286 A Nascent Soul Sect from the Central Region

Qishan.

Majestic and winding, it resembles a sleeping dragon.

Ten thousand years ago, the Liang Kingdom had at least six or seven fourth-tier spiritual lands, all of which were places where ancestors had produced Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

After the Holy Lotus Sect unified the cultivation world of Liang Kingdom and became the undisputed hegemon, it began a frenzied war of conquering mountains and destroying sects.

All sects with fourth-tier spiritual lands faced coercion from the Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Holy Lotus Sect.

They could either hand over the core spiritual object formed by the aggregation of a fourth-order spiritual land, or use forceful means to directly exterminate the entire family.

Over the course of a century, five sects were destroyed, and two chose to voluntarily offer up their spiritual treasures.

The Holy Lotus Sect obtained a total of three Spirit Spring Eyes and two Spirit Wood Hearts, all of which were gathered from fourth-tier spiritual lands.

Without the core spiritual object, the spiritual lands could no longer maintain the fourth rank and all fell to the third rank.

Two of these sects were extremely resolute, preferring to destroy their own core spiritual artifacts rather than allow the Holy Lotus Sect to obtain them.

These fourth-tier core spiritual objects not only upgraded the Qishan spiritual vein to a fourth-tier mid-grade level, but also almost completely cut off the chance for all native Core Formation cultivators in the Liang Kingdom to shatter their cores and transform into Nascent Souls.

From then on, for non-Sacred Lotus Sect Core Formation cultivators who wanted to advance further, there were only two paths left: joining the Sacred Lotus Sect or leaving Liang Kingdom.

The Holy Lotus Sect's series of brutal actions, including attacking mountains and destroying sects, made the cultivation world at the time tremble at the mere mention of the Holy Lotus.

That's why, during the dark period when the Holy Lotus Sect had no Nascent Soul True Monarch in charge, so many local forces helped invade the sect and provided various conveniences.

It wasn't until the last thousand years that the Holy Lotus Sect softened its control over the cultivation world of Liang Kingdom.

As long as the sects don't do anything too outrageous, the Holy Lotus Sect generally won't get involved in managing them.

He's more like a high and mighty arbitrator, no longer deigning to get involved in hand-to-hand combat with ordinary sects for food.

"Master, is this the Holy Lotus Sect?"

Before the Qishan Great Formation, a group of several people, all dressed in tall hats and wide belts, were dressed as dignified Confucian scholars.

The leading monk had a face as red as a jujube, a three-foot-long beard, and wore a square cap and loose robes; he exuded an imposing aura without being angry.

The one asking the question appeared to be the youngest among them, wearing a jade ribbon and a longsword with a dragon-skin scabbard at his waist.

Judging from the aura emanating from him, the young cultivator was also a Core Formation True Person.

“That’s right. This sect is based in Liang Kingdom and has no internal enemies. Our sect wants to relocate to Black Mountain. With the assistance of such a local force, things will go much more smoothly.”

With a sallow complexion and a dignified and imposing presence, the leading cultivator, a perfected Core Formation cultivator, spoke with a unique power that compelled listeners to listen and submit.

Looking further back, all six people in the group were Core Formation Realm cultivators.

Besides the youngest one, there are two late-stage Core Formation cultivators and two mid-stage Core Formation cultivators.

Judging from their clothing and appearance, they are all from the same school.

This lineup is already stronger than most of the sects in Liang Kingdom coming out in full force.

A visiting card flew out from the sleeve of the leading cultivator, emitting a milky white light, and was thrown into the Qishan Grand Formation.

"Didn't the sect leader say that the Holy Lotus Sect only has one True Monarch, and that he is old and frail and not worth mentioning?"

The young cultivator looked curious and, relying on being the most favored junior in the sect, asked directly.

"Given the sect leader's status, he is naturally qualified to make his evaluation... But you must remember, only a Nascent Soul True Monarch can evaluate another Nascent Soul True Monarch. We are absolutely not qualified, and we must not discuss him behind his back!"

The leading monk's tone became more forceful, now carrying a lecturing tone.

Although his disciple only possessed the aptitude of three spiritual roots, he had a righteous and holy body, and his cultivation of Confucian techniques was as if divinely aided.

Even cultivators with Heavenly Spiritual Roots cannot match his cultivation speed.

Even the headmaster praised him as a Nascent Soul cultivator without worries, the hope for the great revival of the Heavenly Principle Sect.

This also resulted in his outwardly gentle but inwardly arrogant and haughty nature.

"The Five Phoenix Sword Sect is going too far, pressing us step by step. There is no room for our Heavenly Principle Sect to survive in the Central Region... The Sect Leader needs to stay in the Great Li to deal with the Five Phoenix Sword Sect, so only a few of us can go to the front line."

"This matter concerns the great cause of our sect's lineage and can not be taken lightly. We must form an alliance with the Holy Lotus Sect to accomplish this as quickly as possible."

The leading cultivator had something left unsaid: the Heavenly Principle Sect's interest in the Black Mountain Range began a thousand years ago.

Not only because there are fourth-tier spiritual lands in Black Mountain, which can meet the basic requirements of a Nascent Soul level sect.

Furthermore, the Tianli Sect once obtained an ancient book and learned of a famous figure from ancient times who left his grotto in the Black Mountain.

Given that great figure's level of attainment, even after tens of thousands of years, the grotto-heaven would still exist as a secret realm and wouldn't collapse so quickly.

For this matter, the Heavenly Principle Sect secretly dispatched several Core Formation Realm cultivators to infiltrate Black Mountain.

Even the elders of the lineage who passed on their skills perished in Black Mountain, along with the Nine Yang Divine Fire Mirror, a treasured artifact for passing on skills.

This is a major blow to the Heavenly Principle Sect, as the Nine Yang Divine Fire Mirror is one of the sect's top-grade magic treasures with the best chance of awakening spirituality and sublimating into a spiritual treasure.

If it were a weapon of killing, that would be one thing, but the Heavenly Principle Sect also possesses several such weapons; it is not unique.

Once the Nine Yang Divine Fire Mirror becomes a spiritual treasure, the Divine Capture Mirror can provide corresponding guidance for the cultivation of even a Core Formation True Person.

For a sect, its value far surpasses that of ordinary killing treasures.

Later, the Tianli Sect sent out several more groups of disciples to continue exploring the Black Mountain.

They were both still fascinated by the secret realm of the ancient great figures and eager to find the Nine Yang Divine Fire Mirror.

However, most of these disciples were never found, and little news of them was ever sent back.

This secret is one of the top secrets of the Heavenly Principle Sect. Apart from a few people, even many Core Formation cultivators do not have the authority to view the inside story from back then.

This time, the Five Phoenix Sword Sect has produced another Sword Lord, who seeks a fourth-order spiritual vein as his training ground.

But in the fertile lands of the Central Region, where are there any unclaimed spiritual veins?

For some reason, he ended up taking a liking to the mountain gate of the Heavenly Principle Sect.

The Five Phoenix Sword Sect has six Nascent Soul True Monarchs, and the sect once produced a Nascent Soul Great Power two thousand years ago.

He hasn't appeared for hundreds of years, but no one can guarantee whether that Nascent Soul cultivator is dead or alive.

Even in the Central Region, it is a top-tier super sect.

The Heavenly Principle Sect fought two battles against the Five Phoenix Sword Sect, suffering repeated defeats and offering no resistance whatsoever.

Left with no other choice, they made the decision to withdraw from the Central Region and relocate to the Four Regions.

Just like those sects that lost battles in the history of the Central Region, they sought other paths.

Within the Tianli Sect, there are several alternative plans for retreat.

The reason why they were able to make the decision in just a few years and choose the desolate border region of the Black Mountain Range was largely due to its ancient secrets.

"The Five Phoenix Sword Sect seeks spiritual veins. As long as our sect shows any intention to retreat, they shouldn't be completely wiped out... But the Black Mountain matter must be resolved swiftly. If it drags on too long, the disciples' morale will plummet, and far fewer will be willing to relocate to the Northern Region with the sect!"

The leader, a Core Formation cultivator, was not as calm as he appeared to be.

"Qu Yang of the Holy Lotus Sect respectfully welcomes fellow Daoists from the Heavenly Principle Sect!"

The Qishan Grand Formation was activated, the light screen unfolded, and a large number of cultivators appeared.

The leader, a young man with an imposing presence and an air of authority, bowed in greeting.

"Yan Rulong of the Heavenly Principle Sect, along with several fellow disciples, greets the current Holy Son of the Holy Lotus Sect."

Yan Rulong laughed loudly. Although it was his first time in Liang, he had clearly made ample preparations.

The only one who can truly make decisions within the Holy Lotus Sect is True Lord Nine Lotus.

However, as the recognized successor, Qu Yang's status in the sect is already second only to the sect leader.

Especially for such important events as receiving Nascent Soul stage guests, only Qu Yang's involvement can demonstrate the true importance the Holy Lotus Sect attaches to them.

"Fellow Daoists, please follow me to the summit. The True Lord is already waiting for you at the top."

Qu Yang's warm attitude made the guests feel comfortable without making them feel obsequious.

"Please lead the way, Master Qu, as we are about to pay our respects to True Lord Nine Lotus."

Yan Rulong's heart stirred. To be able to receive a meeting with the Nine Lotus True Monarch on his first visit, it seemed that the situation of the Holy Lotus Sect was not optimistic.

Rumors say that the Nine Lotus True Lord's lifespan is nearing its end, and Qu Yang is only promising for the future, but is still a long way from truly succeeding him.

If this is true, then the Heavenly Principle Sect will have much more room to maneuver, and it is believed that the Holy Lotus Sect will not refuse a Nascent Soul level sect that comes with friendly sincerity.

After all, the entire Tianli Sect still considers itself a sect of the Central Region.

Even though they had to withdraw at this moment, all they could think about was how to return to the Central Region.

It is entirely possible to sign an alliance and mutual assistance contract with the Holy Lotus Sect, agreeing on a timeframe, after which the Heavenly Principle Sect will withdraw from Black Mountain.

As the group of Nascent Soul cultivators from the Heavenly Principles Sect entered Qishan, the light curtain closed, and the majestic mountain range once again returned to its desolate state, devoid of birds.

……

Deep in the Black Mountain Range, there is a dark cave.

Several silver-armored corpses wandered aimlessly, their eyes vacant and their limbs limp.

But if you look down, you can see dried bloodstains on the ground forming a magic array, filled with an eerie and malevolent aura.

These silver-armored corpses were following the direction of the array runes, walking in circles step by step.

At the center of the formation, sitting cross-legged, was actually a living person.

His face was pale, his hair was disheveled, and the sleeves of his Taoist robe were embroidered with gold and silver threads, bearing the insignia of a true disciple of the Qingfeng Sect.

“Any silver-armored corpse could kill me with a single claw. Now that I think about it, they were clearly holding back during my escape, making me believe that I escaped into the cave by luck… Now, only when I stay in the center of the formation are these silver-armored corpses as still as puppets. If I move even a step away, they will go berserk and try to devour me alive.”

The young cultivator had tried it; the slightest movement would cause the silver-armored corpses to lunge at him.

Silver-armored zombies are already rare, equivalent to the strength of the late Foundation Establishment stage.

However, due to its rigidity and inflexibility, it has no advantages other than a hard body that makes it immune to ordinary magical artifacts.

A normal late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily defeat a silver-armored corpse in a one-on-one situation.

Unless it advances to the next level and becomes a golden-armored corpse that has regained its intelligence and formed a corpse core, it won't be able to compete with cultivators in the early stages of the Core Formation stage.

Just as the young cultivator was helplessly trying to study the formation in front of him, a powerful surge of Yin energy emanated from the formation, causing him to fall into a coma.

Its eyes rolled back, its skin turned a yellowish-brown and hardened like iron, emitting a metallic sheen.

In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the young cultivator's aura continued to rise, reaching the Foundation Establishment level.

Moreover, he was making rapid progress, and the immense Yin energy was causing his meridians to burst and his skin to crack, but it was instantly repaired.

A day later, he looked more like a zombie than a living person.

However, the fluctuations of his magical power were equivalent to those of a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.

He took only twelve hours to go from the Qi Refining Perfection stage to the Foundation Establishment Perfection stage, a realm that most cultivators cannot cross in their entire lives.

Swish!
He opened his eyes, his pupils turning golden, and slowly stood up, examining his hands and body.

The silver-armored corpses stopped in their tracks, their innate oppression forcing them to kneel on the ground, motionless.

“I, I am Song Lian… no, I am Ren Zhengjia of the Corpse-Driving Sect.”

A clear glint of wisdom flashed in the young cultivator's eyes. He sat down stiffly again, pressing his hands to the ground and making strange hoarse noises.

The formation was activated again, and streams of Yin energy converged and surged into his body.

I'd like to recommend a new fantasy novel by a friend in our group: "Unable to Go Undercover, I Had No Choice But to Marry the Holy Maiden of the Demonic Cult."

"The Demon Lord Shen, accompanied by his nine demon consorts and a million demon cultivators, has marched south and invaded the borders of our righteous path."

Chronicle of the Nine Provinces and Ten Regions - Year 1431 of the Heavenly Calendar

"Shen Bulang, a traitor to the righteous path, together with a demonic witch, slaughtered the people of the nine provinces and ten lands, causing widespread suffering and death. Everyone has the right to kill him."

Chronicle of the Nine Provinces and Ten Regions - Year 1432 of the Heavenly Calendar

"His Highness the Holy Son will purge the remnants of the false sects tomorrow, and together with the Holy Maidens, cleanse the world and take over the Nine Provinces."

"Chronicle of the Nine Provinces and Ten Regions" - Year 0001 of the Shenli Era

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"At first, I just wanted to take advantage of the chaos and be an undercover agent who was just sitting around doing nothing."

"What prompted you to abandon darkness and embrace the light, and to uphold the might of my holy path?"

"Because...the undercover work can't go on anymore."

“?”

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(End of this chapter)