Ascension of The Unholy Immortal

It had been nearly two years since Liang returned to the Dong Clan residence. In that time, preparations for the grand wedding had progressed smoothly and were now nearly complete.

Invitations had been dispatched far and wide—sent not only to the most renowned sects and noble clans of the domain, but even extended to a few elusive and long-hidden factions.

Though most cultivators in the domain were familiar with the major powers, few dared to speak lightly of those hidden sects. These reclusive forces rarely involved themselves in worldly struggles for territory or resources, and often had only a handful of disciples. Yet many among them harbored Void Return Realm experts—formidable cultivators whose strength rivaled the overlords of the land.

Unlike the prominent clans and sects, these hidden cultivators preferred solitude. They secluded themselves high in the clouds or deep within ancient mountains, far from mortal affairs. To them, Immortal cultivation was the only pursuit worthy of their time.

Some traveled the world incognito, observing the ever-shifting laws of Heaven and Earth. Their origins were obscure, their lineages undocumented in even the most complete archives.

As Liang quietly reviewed the guest list, his gaze flickered slightly in surprise.

Despite his confidence in his own breadth of knowledge, he could not recognize many of the names on the list.

"Are there truly this many Void Return Realm experts scattered throughout the domain?" he muttered to himself.

Before him lay a list of thirty names—each representing a hidden powerhouse, each affiliated with a force whose roots ran far deeper than their reputation revealed.

"It seems the surface layer of this domain only displays the factions vying for dominance," Liang murmured, "while beneath it lies a quiet undercurrent of cultivators who care nothing for power, yet possess strength equal to or beyond those on the surface."

His fingers paused over one particular name: the Verdant Shadow Sect. He had never even heard of it, yet it was listed among the invitees with a notation—Confirmed arrival: Elder Qing Chan, mid Void Return Realm.

A faint frown formed on his brow.

"It seems the true structure of this domain runs far deeper than what the surface shows."

In truth, he understood such a mindset well.

Had fate not dragged him into this vortex, he too would have preferred to remain hidden, focusing solely on his cultivation, unconcerned with schemes or sect rivalries.

But his thoughts soon shifted.

"The opening of the Heavenly Will Palace is just a few years away," he said slowly, his expression growing solemn. "Could it be… all these people intend to make a move when the time comes?"

After a long silence, he chuckled softly to himself.

"Perhaps it was wise, after all, to align myself with the Dong Clan and the Divine Spirit Palace."

To him, the opening of the Heavenly Will Palace represented his last opportunity to ascend before reaching the natural limits of his current cultivation. Of course if not counting Dong Tianshu's seemingly sincere proposal…

He recalled the conversation clearly—how Dong Tianshu had invited him, years ago, to join hands and venture toward the Immortal God Realm in the next millennium.

Of course, Liang had known there must have been deeper motives behind such a generous offer.

Still, he smiled faintly and muttered, "Let's probe him a bit. He should be arriving any moment now."

Just as the thought left his mind, before even seven breaths had passed, a figure stepped into the courtyard. It was none other than Dong Tianshu.

"Brother Liang," he said with a warm smile, "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long."

Liang laughed lightly. "Not at all. The fault lies with me—I didn't inform you of my visit in advance."

Dong Tianshu waved his hand dismissively. "Brother Liang is too courteous. We're family now, there's no need for such formality."

A subtle gleam passed through Liang's eyes but vanished just as quickly.

"In that case," he said evenly, "I'll speak frankly."

A brief flicker of surprise flashed through Dong Tianshu's eyes before it too faded away.

"Please, Brother Liang."

"You once mentioned the Immortal God Realm…" Liang was swiftly interrupted.

"That matter… I hope Brother Liang can forget it," Dong Tianshu sighed. "I've had a change of heart. A thousand years… it's too long, even for me."

Liang raised an eyebrow and let out a sigh of his own, his face the picture of reluctant acceptance.

"If that's so...then I suppose I'll put that matter to rest as well."

Dong Tianshu smiled faintly, then raised a hand. With a light flick of his sleeve, a porcelain tea set appeared on the stone table, followed by a small jade box sealed with a silver thread. When he opened it, a soft, fragrant steam drifted out, rich with spiritual essence.

"The tea is called Verdant Origin Dew," he said casually. "Seventh-rank. Not something I bring out often."

Liang accepted the cup with a nod. As he took a sip, warmth spread through his limbs. His thoughts grew clearer, and the usual restlessness in his spiritual sea seemed to ease.

He set the cup down slowly. "Not bad."

"I'm glad it suits your taste," Dong Tianshu pouring another cup. "You didn't come just for tea though, did you?"

Liang didn't waste time. "That guest list. There are names I've never seen before."

Dong Tianshu's smile faded a little. "That's not surprising. Some of those people haven't appeared in the world for generations."

"So they're real?"

"They are," Dong Tianshu laughed. "And far more dangerous than most of the sects flaunting banners on the surface."

"Who are they?"

Dong Tianshu hesitated for a moment, then said, "The Lei Family confirmed attendance. Just one elder, Lei Yuan, but he's not someone to take lightly. Our records list him as mid Void Return, but a few internal sources believe he reached the late stage decades ago."

Liang's brows lifted slightly. "The Lei Family... weren't they thought to be extinct after the great catastrophe?"

"Most thought so," Dong Tianshu replied. "But they've been silent, not gone."

Liang leaned back. "Anyone else?"

"There's the Qiu Sect. No official records, but their current sect master, Elder Qiu Heng, But an old Void Transformation Realm cultivator from the Spirit River Clan claimed to have seen him over two thousand years ago—still appearing in his prime."

Liang raised a brow. "Qiu Heng?"

Qiu wasn't the kind of man most paid much attention to at first glance.

He dressed plainly, spoke little, and wandered from place to place like any other rogue cultivator. Though his cultivation had reached the Void Return Realm, people assumed he had no sect, no background, and no ambitions. Just another lone expert walking the dusty paths of the world.

But behind that calm exterior was a reputation soaked in blood—one the common folk had never even heard of.

Years ago, deep in the Nether Plains, the Thousand Ghost Sect stood as a feared force. Known for their soul-refining arts and ghost-controlling methods, they were a sect most cultivators avoided offending at all costs. That changed in a single night.

Qiu walked into their territory alone.

By dawn, the Thousand Ghost Sect no longer existed.

Five of their Half-Step Void Return elders were slain on the spot. Their Sect Guardian, a full early-stage Void Return cultivator, fell with a hole in his chest before he could even unleash his life-saving talisman. Not even the wandering souls they used as sentries escaped—everything was wiped clean.

To this day, no one knows what grudge Qiu bore against them. He never explained, never left a message. He simply left after the killing was done.

Among the great sects, a few seemed to know more than they admitted. Some had records sealed away, others had warned their disciples never to speak Qiu's name lightly.

As for Qiu himself, he returned to the road, his name fading like smoke. Let the world call him a wandering rogue. Those who truly knew what happened in the Nether Plains dared not call him anything at all.

"Yes," Dong Tianshu nodded. "He'll be attending alone."

Liang swirled his tea slowly. "And the clans? I noticed the Duan Clan and the Shen Clan were marked as confirmed."

"Mm. Both are ancient families with deep roots," Dong Tianshu said. "The Duan Clan sent word early. They're bringing three elders. The Shen Clan was quieter—only confirmed last week, but they're bringing their direct heir."

"Even the old clans are moving," Liang muttered. " It's not just the wedding right?"

Dong Tianshu let out a quiet chuckle, swirling the tea in his cup as though admiring its color.

"Brother Liang thinks too much," he said with a carefree tone. "This is a grand wedding—naturally, it draws attention. The Dong Clan has always held a certain reputation in the domain. Wouldn't it be stranger if such guests didn't come?"