A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu Transmigrates into a Book, the Dao Ancestor of Rein

Chapter 128 Influence, Surveillance

"The direction where the Nascent Soul Sign is located... isn't that where the Spirit Eye Tree is hidden?"

Inside the Hundred Crafts Courtyard, a middle-aged man in a purple robe with thick eyebrows and large eyes, exuding a menacing aura, slightly raised an eyebrow:

"In that place, it seems that only Dong Hongying of the Luoyun Sect is qualified to form a Nascent Soul."

"A sect with four Nascent Soul cultivators? Is the Falling Cloud Sect about to rise to prominence?"

This caused the Nascent Soul stage monster to suddenly feel somewhat worried.

The three sects of Yunmeng have always been the strongest in the Ancient Sword Sect.

Those who specialize in combat techniques are the mainstays of fighting power.

There are usually four to five Nascent Soul cultivators in the sect, and it is rare for a sixth one to appear.

At its peak, the sect had six Nascent Soul cultivators.

Secondly, there's their Hundred Crafts Academy, skilled in weapon crafting and never lacking in combat power. They consistently have three or four Nascent Soul cultivators per a single family, with their Grand Elder at the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Then there's the Luoyun Sect, which excels in alchemy and other miscellaneous cultivation arts.

The Luoyun Sect has always been at the bottom of the three sects, playing the role of a subordinate. At any given time, it has never had more than three Nascent Soul cultivators.

For example, previously:

The group is led by the venerable Master Mu Li, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator with a short lifespan. Cheng and Lü serve as his assistants.

Unexpectedly, another one has emerged now.

With the birth of a new Nascent Soul stage, the pie naturally needs to be redistributed.

The cake-dividing scheme among the three parties is mostly in the 5-3-2 pattern.

The Ancient Sword Sect has consistently held a 50% market share.

The Ancient Sword Sect certainly wouldn't give up what they already had in their grasp, so the only option is for the Hundred Crafts Academy to give up some of their own resources.

"According to the investigation, Dong Hongying's original name was Dong Yu, nicknamed Hong Fu. She was originally the first female cultivator to form the Core Formation in Huangfeng Valley. Back when Yue Kingdom was fighting against the demonic path, Yue Kingdom was defeated and fled. However, this woman did not follow the Huangfeng Valley team south to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance. Instead, she changed her name and came to Xi Kingdom in the north and joined the Luoyun Sect."

"I wonder how this woman and Linghu Laoguai of Huangfeng Valley fell out..."

"Now that this woman has successfully formed her Nascent Soul, Old Monster Linghu must be kicking himself."

"Tsk tsk..."

"It's actually benefiting the Luoyun Sect."

As for why this woman chose to join the Luoyun Sect instead of one of the other two sects, he could understand.

One difference is that the Hundred Crafts Academy previously maintained traditional family values ​​and was rather exclusive, mainly recruiting cultivators from various families affiliated with the sect. In contrast, the Falling Cloud Sect recruits everyone; as long as one has a skill, they can enter the sect. It can be said that they do not reject anyone.

More importantly, the Luoyun Sect excels in alchemy. Both Mu Li and Cheng Tiankun are alchemy masters who can refine the Luoyun Sect's most famous and representative product, the "Spirit Stabilizing Pill."

Several Nascent Soul cultivators from the Hundred Crafts Academy and the Ancient Sword Sect had previously received help from the Spirit Stabilizing Pill, which enabled them to regain a sliver of clarity in time when they were undergoing the tribulation of inner demons while shattering their cores and forming their nascent souls, thus allowing them to successfully form their nascent souls.

It's no exaggeration to say that without the Spirit Stabilizing Pill, the other two sects would have at least two fewer Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

For example, the Fire Dragon Child who formed his Nascent Soul more than a hundred years ago in the Ancient Sword Sect.

In fact, the Ancient Sword Sect is more suitable for Hong Fu.

However, whether it is "more suitable" or "the final choice" depends on the woman.

"The Falling Cloud Sect is really lucky. Just when Mu Li was about to run out of lifespan and begin his decline, Hong Fu suddenly appeared..."

With the addition of another Nascent Soul cultivator, the Luoyun Sect has temporarily surpassed the Hundred Crafts Academy.

"Fine, if they've overtaken us, they've overtaken us."

"If you're going to offer a discount, then so be it."

"Anyway, there are only twenty or thirty years left before Mu Li passes away. We can take back the benefits we gave up today at that time."

"As for Hong Fu, although she joined the Luo Yun Sect and has been rooted there for decades, her roots are still entangled with Huang Feng Valley. Linghu Laoguai may not let it go so easily. Perhaps she will leave the Luo Yun Sect and return to Huang Feng Valley in the future?"

After all, Linghu Laoguai's lifespan is not long, and Huangfeng Valley still has no suitable successor.

Could Hong Fu just stand by and watch Huangfeng Valley decline and even its lineage be severed?

...

After the original Yue Kingdom's six factions went to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, they first clashed with the original sects of the Northern Liang Kingdom in order to gain territory.

Before they could enjoy a few years of peace, the Mulan people of the grasslands attacked again.

Logically speaking, after the remaining sects of Yuanwu Kingdom, Zijin Kingdom, Yue Kingdom, Tianlu Kingdom, and Shayun Kingdom joined the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, the overall strength of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance should have increased significantly.

It's more than enough to deal with the Mulan people, who have always been lukewarm.

But no one expected that the Mulan people would change their attitude of the past thousands of years and significantly increase their troops this time.

The appearance of two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators on the battlefield caused the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, led by the Huayi Sect, to not only fail to gain any advantage but also suffer repeated defeats and lose large tracts of land.

The six factions of the former Yue Kingdom, wanting to maintain their existing territory and interests, naturally could not stand idly by.

It also requires manpower and effort.

Huangfeng Valley, one of the six major sects of the Yue Kingdom, is no exception.

Over the decades, the sect's foundation has been steadily depleted. While the prolonged wars have enriched many newcomers and produced a new generation of young Core Formation cultivators, they have left the older Core Formation cultivators with virtually no time to cultivate.

For example, Lei Wanhe's cultivation level not only did not improve much, but he also suffered a serious injury in a fierce battle, which delayed his cultivation.

Li Huayuan narrowly escaped death.

If it weren't for the two Invisible Needle Talismans that Old Monster Qiong lost back then, which enabled him to turn the tables and kill his powerful enemy, this guy would probably have died in battle long ago.

Even though he managed to kill the newly promoted late-stage Core Formation cultivator from the Mulan people and gain a lot of wealth, he also exhausted all the invisible needle talismans he possessed.

In wartime, wealth simply cannot buy a weapon as effective as the Invisible Needle Talisman.

Opinions vary on the pros and cons and the trade-offs.

Then there's that hidden member of the Yan family.

They strongly resisted this kind of burdensome consumption that distracted their energy and delayed their cultivation, so they turned to connections and asked the Hidden Moon Sect to intervene, allowing most of the hidden lineages to return to the main lineage of the Yan family.

Linghu Laoguai, unable to refuse the request of the Grand Elder of the Hidden Moon Sect and having also extorted a considerable sum of money, underestimated the talent and luck of this person from the hidden branch of the Yan family. He thought that a nearly three-hundred-year-old Core Formation mid-stage cultivator was nothing special. Therefore, he did not try to persuade him to stay.

They released the person "generously".

In summary, among the Huangfeng Valley and the other families of the former Yue Kingdom, only the Yanyue Sect has an orderly lineage and a stable number of two or three Nascent Soul cultivators. The other five families are increasingly facing a shortage of successors.

It's just that the losses from that decisive battle at Jingu Plain were too great.

Several companies lost their Nascent Soul seeds.

If it weren't for someone's actions in Huangfeng Valley, Hongfu would not have escaped unscathed.

The most unfortunate Giant Sword Sect was once left with only a Nascent Soul patriarch and a lone Core Formation cultivator to hold its own!

That's when you're truly strapped for cash.

This also shows how deep the scheming of the six demonic sects is.

...

Yunmeng Mountain.

The place where the Tree of Spirit Eyes is hidden.

Beneath a towering tree, two old men sat facing each other, playing chess.

However, the hand that was holding the chess piece paused when it sensed the sudden appearance of the Nascent Soul Heavenly Sign above its head.

The two of them looked toward the cave where the Spirit Eye Tree was hidden.

After a long time had passed, the celestial phenomenon of Nascent Soul formation did not dissipate; on the contrary, it continued to brew and grow larger…

"It seems that Hong Fu is going to make it."

The emaciated old man's piercing gaze suddenly broke the silence between the two.

Across from him, a slightly overweight elderly man nodded with a hint of excitement:

"Yes, with Junior Sister Hongfu's foundation and preparation, she only needs to overcome the inner demon tribulation. And the inner demon tribulation is just a matter of a moment. The celestial omen has not dissipated for a long time, which means she has obviously overcome the inner demon tribulation. Junior Sister is probably taking the final step at this moment. Master, may the heavens bless our sect and add another Nascent Soul cultivator."

"Don't be too happy yet. Although your junior sister is strong-willed and dislikes the behavior of those petty people, Huangfeng Valley has ultimately shown her kindness. In the future, when you take charge of the sect, you should be more wary of Linghu's side. Don't let him trick her back again."

"Disciple knows."

"You, focused solely on alchemy, are not adept at combat, and your cultivation has been stuck at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage for many years without any progress. Although Lü Luo has some minor skills, he chose the wrong natal magic weapon and supernatural techniques in his early years, so his strength is only considered below average among those of the same level. In the future, he will most likely be like you, unable to reach the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Now, with the addition of Hong Fu, who specializes in killing, it is actually a good thing for my Luo Yun Sect."

The gaunt old man paused for a moment, then continued:

"Tiankun, after I pass away, the three of you should support and help each other, and not fight amongst yourselves for a little sect power. You must not establish your own factions. The reason why my Luoyun Sect has been able to stand firm in Yunmeng Mountain for thousands of years is because of our people's principle of teaching without discrimination and mutual unity in times of hardship."

Internal strife is unacceptable.

"Your disciple will remember your teachings..."

"Tiankun, the Luoyun Sect is now entirely in your hands."

"Master..."

Han Li was naturally unaware of the situation in Tiannan.

He's currently busy using the White Water Sword Sect to influence the Star Palace.

A cave dwelling on the thirtieth floor of the sacred mountain in Tianxing City.

Han Li emerged from seclusion and came to pay a visit.

"Big brother."

He came to see the son of his nominal master from the White Water Sword Sect, who was also his nominal senior brother.

"No, no, no, Uncle Han, you mustn't, you mustn't..."

Lu Changfeng, who was receiving Han Li at a pavilion on a nearby mountain peak after leaving the cave, waved his hand repeatedly.

“Senior Brother, according to seniority, I should indeed call you Senior Brother. As for this difference in cultivation? With your excellent physique and talent of the Forging Metal Body, Senior Brother, it shouldn’t be long before you catch up. So, let’s just call each other whatever we want for now.”

Anyway, we might have to call each other that again later.

"this…"

Lu Changfeng also thought it made sense.

He established his foundation at the age of fourteen, reached the mid-stage of foundation establishment at twenty-three, the late stage of foundation establishment at thirty-eight, and reached the pseudo-core realm in his fifties.

Now at sixty-six, he has been refining his magical power with the help of pills made from high-level demon cores and through arduous cultivation, improving the purity of his magical power in preparation for condensing a golden core.

I reckon it will be about the right time in another ten or twenty years.

With his foundation, his resources, the enhancements from his cultivation techniques and physique, and the numerous favors secretly provided by his father from the Sword Sect and the Holy Sect, his chances of forming his core in one fell swoop are indeed quite high.

In his view, it would be easier than dealing with "Junior Brother Han" who had a pseudo-spiritual root.

"Uncle Han, what brings you here?"

Over the years, although the two had some contact, they rarely became close. Occasionally, when they met while shopping, they would only exchange a brief greeting before quickly parting ways. He could sense that this man was a devout ascetic.

If someone suddenly comes to see him, it's probably because they have something to say.

"I would appreciate it if you could contact the sect and ask if they have any detailed information about the outer sea."

"Does Martial Uncle want to go out to sea to hunt demons?"

Lu Changfeng raised an eyebrow and guessed.

"Condensing the Golden Core has exhausted my resources, so I must go out and seek opportunities. Hunting demons in the outer sea is one way to do it."

Han Li gave a vague answer.

"Understood, Uncle-Master. Don't worry, I will contact my father as soon as possible."

"Thank you, senior brother."

Han Li nodded.

As he spoke, he handed over a jade slip and two pill bottles:
"The jade slip contains some of my insights into condensing my Golden Core. The few remaining pills in the two pill bottles are ones that I no longer need after I formed my Golden Core. I hope these can be of some help to you, Senior Brother, in your future Golden Core formation."

When asking someone for a favor, it's best to offer a small gift tactfully.

Moreover, this senior disciple is destined to become a high-ranking member of the White Water Sword Sect in the future, and may even become the sect leader.

Making good relations now may allow us to leverage each other's strengths in the future.

Angel round, high returns.

"This is...this is too precious..."

Lu Changfeng said it was valuable, but his hand involuntarily took the item.

Both items were of practical benefit to him, and given their special relationship, he had no reason to refuse them.

...

It will take some time for Lu Changfeng to make contact with the elders of the White Water Sword Sect.

During this period, Han Li focused more on the Miaoyin Sect.

They were keeping an eye on what was happening at the Miaoyin Sect.

To be precise, they were using the Miaoyin Sect to spy on the young master of the Qingyang Sect.

Qingyang Sect is a major sect of the demonic path. There are three Nascent Soul cultivators in the sect: one is the Three Yang Old Demon, who is in the middle stage of Nascent Soul, and the other two are his junior brother and disciple.

Sanyangmen.

The Sect Leader's Hall.

An old man with a sinister look between his brows suddenly summoned a cultivator in the mid-stage of Core Formation:

"Where is Tong'er? I haven't seen her lately."

The Core Formation cultivator who was being questioned quickly bowed down: "Reporting to the Ancestor, the Young Master has gone out to train. I believe he will return soon with a small gift to pay his respects to the Ancestor."

This Core Formation stage cultivator is the steward of the Three Yang Old Demon lineage. He has been taking care of the young sect master's daily life since he was a child, and he knows the young master's whereabouts very well.

"Bring back a small gift?"

The sinister old man initially smiled with relief.

Then he put on a stern face:

"What kind of gift could he possibly bring me? He's probably out flirting with other women again."

"Grandmaster, the young master is very filial."

"You should just keep saying nice things about him."

The old man shook his head, then changed the subject:
"Sigh, I don't expect that brat to be very filial, I just hope he can be more mature. Otherwise, how can I entrust the vast foundation of Qingyang Sect to him? My junior brother and my good disciple are just waiting for him to make a big mistake."

Even the old demon Sanyang is exhausted.

Despite having three Nascent Soul cultivators from the Qingyang Sect, he still has over two hundred years of lifespan remaining. His junior brother will live for at least three hundred years, and his disciple can live for over four hundred more. The lineage seems to be orderly.

But this is just superficial.

Because he had no intention of handing over the sect's legacy, which he had built up over his entire life, to his junior brothers or disciples.

He had always told his junior brothers in private that he would entrust the sect to them.

When he met with his disciples in private, he also said that he would entrust the sect to them.

It seemed as if he had truly made preparations for the handover, and then went into seclusion to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage.

Initially, before he had any children, he did consider choosing one of the two men to entrust the sect to after his death.

However, later, he had a son late in life, whose spiritual root aptitude was quite good—he possessed dual spiritual roots. With ample resources to nurture him, forming a core with dual spiritual roots wouldn't be difficult. He also had a good chance of forming a nascent soul.

With a successor in place, he naturally wanted to pass on the vast foundation of the Qingyang Sect to his direct descendants, thereby protecting the entire family.

Therefore, he doted on this son, showering him with all sorts of favoritism. With a wave of his hand, he would provide him with vast amounts of cultivation resources.

For example, superior pills made from a large number of high-level demon cores.

For example, several female disciples in the sect who had reached the Core Formation stage had all been sexually exploited by this son.

They even turn a blind eye to the behavior of female cultivators in the Foundation Establishment or Core Formation stages who occasionally try to swindle and deceive others from outside the sect in an attempt to climb the social ladder.

That kid didn't forget the fundamentals of cultivation either; he truly only used dozens of female cultivators, who were at least at the Foundation Establishment stage, as furnaces to absorb nutrients.

At a young age, he reached the Pseudo-Core Realm at the age of thirty-six.

Currently, he is refining the impure magical power within his body, striving to purify the true essence of his magical power so that it can condense into a golden elixir in twenty or thirty years.

"By the way, which guards are with that brat? The Chaotic Star Sea has been quite turbulent lately, so we must not be careless."

"Reporting to the Ancestor, they are the brothers Fei Wu and Fei Cai."

"Two Core Formation stage cultivators? That should be enough."

The Three Yang Old Demon nodded.

At this critical juncture, he didn't believe any old monster would be so foolish as to target his successor with underhanded tactics.

Aren't you afraid of his wrath?

"Alright, you may leave. I will be in seclusion for a while to try to integrate the Azure Fire Thunder with another type of Heavenly Thunder Fire to further enhance its power. Do not disturb me unless it is absolutely necessary."

"Yes, old man."

The main hall doors were closed.

The butler left.

What the Three Yang Old Demon didn't notice was that, from the shadows, three hawk-like eyes had already set their sights on his successor.

...

"Did the young master of Qingyang Sect really go to Miaoyin Sect?"

After receiving the news, Han Li could no longer sit still.

(End of this chapter)