A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

It was already evening, and the lanterns hanging in the courtyard emitted a dim yellow light.

Shen'er and Qian'er had practiced calligraphy all day and were quite tired. After dinner, they played chess with Lü Zhongtang.

Duan Rong sat alone in his room, with the animal-skin booklet that Lü Yinlin had given him on the table. This booklet contained explanations on how to use the power of the Dao Body in the Nascent Soul stage, and how to refine seed characters.

If one hadn't yet reached the Nascent Soul realm, those descriptions would have seemed like cryptic texts, but to Duan Rong now, every word resonated deeply with him. In truth, he had already grasped these concepts upon reaching the Nascent Soul realm. However, after being cleansed by the contents of this book, some previously vague insights began to become increasingly clear.

After reading the method for refining the seed character, Duan Rong smiled knowingly under the lamplight.

He looked up at the window frame and knew that the night was thick outside.

Duan Rong felt a genuine sense of peace. He had finally achieved the Nascent Soul Realm.

The Nascent Soul Realm is practically the pinnacle of existence in the Nine Provinces. As far as he knows, the founders of the eight sects in the Nine Provinces, apart from Master Lingji of the Dharma Aspect Sect, are all at the early stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, just like him.

In other words, with his current cultivation level, as long as the Spirit Foundation Master of the Dharma Aspect Sect doesn't take action, no one can kill him.

Moreover, the vague unease he had felt originally stemmed more from Lü Yinlin, but now it seemed that Lü Yinlin had no ill intentions towards him and was genuinely nurturing him.

His unease about Lü Yinlin stemmed from Lü's unpredictable and wicked actions, but now that he thought about it, which of those who could reach the top of this world wasn't both righteous and wicked? It turned out he had been overthinking things.

Now that Duan Rong has achieved the Nascent Soul Realm, he has completely taken control of his destiny. Whether in the sect or throughout the Nine Provinces, he can go or stay as he pleases, without any constraints.

Moreover, he now has a lifespan of two thousand years.

A lifespan of two thousand years was something I wouldn't have dared to even dream of on my previous life on Earth.

Two thousand years have passed; perhaps he can find the way to immortality in this world. However, the thought of immortality made Duan Rong somewhat suspicious.

If immortality truly exists in this world, how come all those brilliant and talented founders of sects from tens of thousands of years ago have turned into skeletons?

They all failed to achieve immortality, so how could I possibly achieve it?

Duan Rong was gazing out the window, lost in thought, when suddenly Xiao Yu lifted the curtain and entered. She quickly curtsied and said, "Husband, your master has arrived."

"Master!?" Duan Rong turned his face away.

Duan Rong immediately got up and left the room.

Zhu He stood at the entrance of the hall, hands behind his back, looking up at the night sky above the courtyard. As soon as Duan Rong lifted the curtain to go out, Zhu He turned around and said with a smile, "Young Duan, I hope I haven't disturbed you by visiting so late at night."

Duan Rong said, "Since we're already here, there's no need to worry about disturbing you." As he spoke, Duan Rong turned to Xiao Yu and said, "Go and brew some tea."

"Yes." Xiao Yu bowed to Duan Rong, then squatted down to bow to Zhu He before leaving the hall.

Duan Rong invited Zhu He to sit in the hall and said, "Master, I've been living here for several years now. This seems to be your first time here, doesn't it?"

Zhu He coughed and said, "As the sect leader, how could I possibly have any free time?"

Duan Rong smiled maliciously and said, "Then what brings you to your leisure time today?"

Seeing that no one was around, Zhu He asked directly, "Three months ago, there was a strange phenomenon in the Changliu Mountains, with a massive amount of spiritual energy flowing into the valley where the Ancestor lived in seclusion. Now, let me ask you, were you in the valley at that time?"

Duan Rong touched his nose but did not answer.

The patriarch Lü Yinlin had instructed him to keep the matter of condensing his nascent soul a secret for the time being. But Duan Rong felt it wasn't worth making up lies to deceive Zhu He about this.

Upon seeing Duan Rong's expression, Zhu He exclaimed, "You're here?!"

Duan Rong said, "Master, don't ask about this matter yet. The Ancestor forbids us to talk about it."

Zhu He's eyes flickered, and he said, "Is that so? Then I've been too talkative."

As Zhu He spoke, he looked at Duan Rong with a meaningful gaze, trying to decipher the unspoken meaning behind Duan Rong's words. Duan Rong was saying that the Ancestor forbade it to be mentioned; could it really be that the strange phenomena in the heavens and earth were caused by the Ancestor practicing his skills in the valley?
Duan Rong said, "The strange phenomena that have occurred over hundreds of miles of the Changliu Mountains have inevitably caused rumors to spread both inside and outside the sect. As the sect leader, it is normal for you to be concerned about this matter."

Zhu He completely ignored Duan Rong's polite words, stood up directly, and said, "Since the Ancestor forbids me to speak, then I'll be leaving."

Duan Rong said, "Why don't you have some tea before you leave?"

Zhu He said, "What tea?! I haven't even finished reviewing my official documents for today, I don't have the leisure for that. I'm leaving!"

After Zhu He finished speaking, he suddenly took flight like a ghost, passing through the rooftop and flying towards Yunfu Peak in the night sky.

Duan Rong sat there, smiling to himself, and muttered, "That old fellow is really quick-witted; he leaves whenever he wants."

At this moment, Xiao Yu brought in tea. As soon as she entered the hall, she asked in surprise, "Where is your master?"

Duan Rong smiled and said, "They've already left."

"Gone!?" Xiao Yu was a little taken aback; she had already brewed the tea very quickly. But Zhu He had asked questions as soon as he sat down, and then left, no wonder Xiao Yu was astonished.

Duan Rong laughed and said, "He's gone, let's have a drink. Enjoying tea late at night is a pleasure."

Xiao Yu blushed slightly. Over the years, she had rarely done anything intimate with Duan Rong, and the two seemed to have an unspoken distance between them.

Tonight, Duan Rong suddenly suggested having tea with her. Although there was a reason for it, Xiao Yu still felt a warm feeling in her heart.

The two sat facing each other at the tea table, sipping tea and eating snacks. Duan Rong glanced at Xiao Yu and suddenly started talking about some past events in Xiangu County. Xiao Yu stared at Duan Rong in a daze, her eyes rippling like spring water... Three days later at midnight, Duan Rong entered the valley where Lü Yinlin lived as promised. He was very curious about what it was about that Lü Yinlin wanted him to come over at midnight three days later.

The valley was quiet at midnight. As soon as Duan Rong entered the valley, his pupils suddenly contracted. He saw a large group of people sitting near Lü Yinlin's cave in the depths of the valley, numbering at least several dozen.

Duan Rong was filled with turmoil, wondering what had happened.

Just then, a voice rang in Duan Rong's ears; it was Lü Yinlin's voice. "Come in. I've been waiting for you for over an hour."

Duan Rong entered Lü Yinlin's cave, but he kept thinking about what the dozens of people sitting cross-legged not far from the cave were doing, and what their connection was to Lü Yinlin summoning him.

Duan Rong walked into the depths of Lü Yinlin's cave. This time, Lü Yinlin was not sitting on the stone chair, but was sitting cross-legged on a futon.

Duan Rong stood there, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lü Yinlin, and respectfully said, "Disciple Duan Rong greets Ancestor!"

In the past, Duan Rong would always prostrate himself before Lü Yinlin, but now that he had also reached the Nascent Soul Realm, he was now of equal standing with Lü Yinlin in terms of cultivation level. However, since Lü Yinlin had taught him, Duan Rong still addressed him as "Ancestor," but his only courtesy was a fist salute.

Lü Yinlin nodded. In fact, he quite liked Duan Rong's approach. This was called knowing when to advance and when to retreat. Duan Rong's approach was very appropriate; retreating any further would be too humble, while advancing any further would be arrogant.

Lu Yinlin sat on the futon, looking at Duan Rong with deep eyes, and said, "Duan Rong, you have achieved the Nascent Soul Realm. From now on, you will be the patriarch of the Taiyi Sect!"

"Ah!?" Duan Rong was startled. He looked at Lü Yinlin, unsure whether he was telling the truth or testing him.

Duan Rong immediately said, "This disciple dares not. Although I have achieved the Nascent Soul Realm, firstly, my realm is not yet stable, and secondly, the situation among the sects in the Nine Provinces is unpredictable and turbulent, and I fear I cannot handle it. For the sake of the sect's long-term development, I hope the Ancestor will reconsider."

Lu Yinlin smiled slightly and said, "Duan Rong, I'm not discussing this with you. This is a responsibility you should take. As for your unstable cultivation level, I've already seen your Nascent Soul body. It's a genuine early Nascent Soul realm. Looking across the Nine Provinces and Eight Sects, apart from Spirit Foundation Masters, no one can get any advantage from you."

Duan Rong listened to Lü Yinlin's words with keen sensitivity. He had already realized that Lü Yinlin seemed genuinely intending to pass on the position of sect patriarch to him, and was not testing him. The meaning behind his words and the emotions he subtly conveyed were entirely sincere.

But Duan Rong still clasped his hands and said, "The situation of sects in the Nine Provinces..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lü Yinlin interrupted him, saying, "Duan Rong, I know your resume well. Not only have you solved numerous strange cases, but whether it was destroying the Blood Filth Cult or bringing down Ge Rusong, you were meticulous and profound in your thinking, and quick-witted and adaptable in your actions. You can handle the situation of the sects in the Nine Provinces."

Duan Rong said, "The downfall of Ge Rusong was orchestrated by Zhu He, and I was merely a pawn in his scheme."

Lu Yinlin smiled and said, "The pieces in that game of chess are not so easy to play. Besides, Zhu He is now the sect leader, and you are the patriarch. Aren't you still partners? It's just that the roles have been reversed."

Duan Rong's expression froze for a moment. He had already realized that Lü Yinlin was determined to make him the sect's patriarch, so he said, "The patriarch seems to have high hopes for his disciple?"

Lü Yinlin laughed and said, "If it weren't for this plan, I wouldn't dare to retire."

Duan Rong said, "Ancestor, you are in your prime and have the strength to plan for the sect's long-term future. Why do you want to retire?"

Lu Yinlin chuckled and said, "Duan Rong, you really know how to flatter me."

Lu Yinlin suddenly stood up, his face turning gaunt and weary. He let out a long sigh and said, "I only have five hundred years left to live. I've been carrying this burden of being the sect's patriarch for over a thousand years. Duan Rong, do you really want me to work until I die?"

Duan Rong's expression changed in surprise. At that moment, he saw the desolation in Lü Yinlin's eyes and immediately said, "Ancestor, that's not what I meant..."

Lu Yinlin suddenly looked at Duan Rong, his tone softening considerably, and said, "Duan Rong, we are both at the Nascent Soul stage, so please don't call me Ancestor anymore. From now on, let's address each other as fellow disciples. If you'd like, you can call me Senior Brother Lu."

Duan Rong stared blankly at Lü Yinlin. He understood that if he accepted this title, it would be tantamount to agreeing to take over the position of the sect's patriarch.

"Disciple..." Duan Rong still hesitated, because he didn't really care much about the sect's so-called foundation. However, he had been deeply nurtured by the Taiyi Sect and its patriarch, Lü Yinlin. Not only Lü Yinlin, but Zhu He had also cultivated him considerably in his earlier years. Now that he had reached the Nascent Soul Realm, and Lü Yinlin only had five hundred years of lifespan left, it was clear that he sincerely wanted to entrust the sect to him. How could he refuse?

Duan Rong wanted to say something more, but seeing Lü Yinlin's earnest and solemn gaze, he finally swallowed his words and said, "Yes... Senior Brother Lü."

Lu Yinlin smiled upon hearing this and said, "Junior Brother Duan, that's more like it. Don't worry, although I only have five hundred years left to live, I'll probably spend more time trying to increase my lifespan in the future. But I won't abandon the affairs of the sect. If you need me to do anything, just let me know."

Duan Rong smiled and said, "With Senior Brother Lü's words, I feel much more at ease."

Lu Yinlin smiled and said, "There's one more thing. When Junior Brother Duan came in just now, did you see those people sitting cross-legged outside the cave?"

Duan Rong said, "I was just about to ask you, senior brother, who they are..."

Lu Yinlin said, "Those people are all my Nightmare Seed puppets."

"A Nightmare Puppet!?" Duan Rong's expression changed in surprise.

Lu Yinlin said, "Within the sect, I have over a hundred Nightmare Seed puppets, but only a third of them have come today. Junior Brother Duan, I will also hand over all of these Nightmare Seed puppets to you."

"Take over to me!?" Duan Rong's right cheek twitched upon hearing this. He had a certain aversion to Nightmare Puppet.

Looking at Duan Rong's expression, Lü Yinlin roughly guessed what he was thinking and said, "Junior Brother Duan doesn't seem to have a very good impression of the Nightmare Seed Puppet?"

Duan Rong truthfully replied, "To be honest, Senior Brother Lü, I do have some reservations."

Lu Yinlin nodded and said, "I understand. However, Junior Brother Duan, the sect's patriarch controls the sect with Nightmare Seed puppets, which is a tradition of the Taiyi Sect for tens of thousands of years. Moreover, even if you refuse to take over, these puppets infected with Nightmare Seeds have already become living dead."

A flicker of struggle and hesitation flashed in Duan Rong's eyes.

Lu Yinlin said, "The situation within the sect is chaotic. I have lived in seclusion in the deep valley for many years, yet I can still see everything in the sect thanks to these Nightmare Puppet Demons. Although this method is not honorable, it can ensure that there are no major problems within the sect. To be honest, tens of thousands of years have passed, and many places in this sect have become rotten. But talents can still emerge within this sect, and a glimmer of light can still shine from this rotten mud, all thanks to me eliminating some real scourges."

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong felt a chill run down his spine. Even as a disciple, he often sensed the decay of this ancient sect, but as Lü Yinlin had said, he had indeed felt that the Taiyi Sect rarely buried talent. Truly talented people, when they were meant to rise, would always rise.

Duan Rong said, "In that case, Senior Brother Lü, I am willing to take over these Nightmare Puppet Demons." (End of Chapter)