I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals-Chapter 344: Taking Root

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Chapter 344: Taking Root

Two years later.

At the lotus pond beside the cave residence on Qingluan Peak, Lan Chang'an sat cross-legged atop the broad shell of the Profound Water Turtle, deep in meditation. A serene aura, refined through the passage of time, surrounded him. The giant turtle rhythmically inhaled and exhaled misty vapors, absorbing an invisible aura from the surroundings, which helped soothe its repressed and irritable temperament.

Suddenly, a voice broke the tranquil atmosphere.

“Elder Xiang, Jade Plum Immortal has come to visit.”

The speaker was an elderly, stooped servant with white hair, standing respectfully outside the cave’s outer residence, his voice carrying gently through an invisible barrier.

Lan Chang'an had carefully divided his cave residence into two distinct areas:

The outer residence, used for receiving guests and housing servants. It retained the cave's original third-rank protective formation.

The inner residence, reserved strictly for his cultivation, the training of spirit pets, and the study of various immortal arts. No one was allowed entry without explicit permission. Hidden within was the fourth-rank illusion array, sophisticated enough to obstruct even Nascent Soul cultivators from prying.

“This seat already knows,” Lan Chang'an replied calmly, withdrawing from his meditation. He rose gracefully and made his way to the main hall of the outer residence.

Jade Plum Immortal was someone whom Sect Master Hu had recently tried to match with him as a potential Dao companion. She was one of the few mid-stage Core Formation female cultivators in Yunxia Sect.

“Apologies for keeping you waiting, Jade Plum Immortal,” Lan Chang'an greeted courteously as he entered.

Seated gracefully in the hall was a woman appearing to be in her forties or fifties. She had a slender, dignified figure, with strikingly refined facial features framed by streaks of silver in her hair. Despite her age, her bright, clear eyes held a depth that exuded an aura of calm elegance—like a cool breeze under the moonlight.

“I’ve just arrived myself,” she replied with a gentle smile, her voice warm and soothing.

They had met twice before, during which Lan Chang'an had subtly hinted at his disinterest in forming a Dao companion bond.

However, Jade Plum Immortal seemed somewhat intrigued by him, a Core Formation Great Cultivator, and maintained polite interactions under the guise of ordinary sect relations.

After exchanging pleasantries, she got straight to the point, producing a storage pouch filled with materials.

Lan Chang'an inspected the contents briefly before shaking his head slightly, his expression one of polite reluctance.

“Jade Plum Immortal, the materials you’ve provided are insufficient to craft a mid-grade third-rank puppet. Moreover, I am already burdened with sect assignments and my personal cultivation, leaving limited time and energy. For standard third-rank puppet commissions, the timeline typically ranges from one to three years, depending on complexity.”

Over the past two years, Lan Chang'an had crafted several puppets for Yunxia Sect, including a remarkable third-rank puppet that had earned widespread acclaim within the sect.

While cultivators couldn’t fully unleash a puppet’s potential unless skilled in puppet arts themselves, these constructs still served as invaluable protectors, for example, a Fake Dan cultivator armed with a third-rank puppet could feasibly contend with genuine Core Formation experts.

However, puppet crafting had its clear limitations.

First, it was expensive and a niche skill. The materials were expensive, and few cultivators specialized in the craft.

Secondly, the production rate is low: Each puppet requires an immense investment of time, focus, and resources to produce.

Despite the rejection, Jade Plum Immortal wasn’t easily discouraged. She leaned forward slightly, her smile soft yet alluring.

“Then I shall commission a high-quality low-grade third-rank puppet instead. As for compensation…” She hesitated, then added coyly, “I’ve struggled to gather these materials, and my current resources fall short of covering even twenty percent of the standard crafting fee.”

As she spoke, her appearance began to shift subtly.

In an instant, the dignified mature woman transformed into a radiant, rosy-cheeked beauty, her features now exuding a sultry, seductive charm. Her figure appeared more voluptuous, her posture graceful yet provocative.

Before Lan Chang'an could even fully process the transformation, her form shifted again—this time into that of an innocent, bashful young maiden, pure and delicate like freshly fallen snow.

Her soft laughter resonated gently in the hall.

“Elder Xiang must know,” she said with a playful glint in her eyes, “that I am one of Yunxia Sect’s most skilled practitioners in the Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation technique, which can subtly enhance the cultivation of even Core Formation Great Cultivators.”

Her meaning was crystal clear—she was offering a different form of compensation, one that required no further elaboration.

Lan Chang'an remained unfazed, though he couldn’t help but silently muse: Yunxia Sect truly lives up to its reputation as a sect leaning toward unconventional paths. The openness regarding dual cultivation here is… impressive.

Outwardly, however, his response was firm and uncompromising.

“I pursue the Great Dao, indifferent to worldly desires. I have no interest in such matters, nor in dual cultivation,” he replied solemnly, his tone resolute.

Due to the restrictions of his Evergreen Technique, his daily and monthly cultivation progress had fixed limits. Practices like dual cultivation offered him little benefit.

Furthermore, although he had inherited the ancient secret technique ‘Dragon Phoenix Dual Cauldron Technique’ from Ancestor Heavenly Net, it was entirely irrelevant to his current life’s goals and circumstances.

Seeing that her offer had been decisively rejected, Jade Plum Immortal sighed softly, her alluring features fading away as she reverted to her original, elegant appearance.

“Well then,” she said with a faint smile, standing up gracefully. “It seems I’ll have to work a few more years to afford your work.”

She retrieved the storage pouch from the table without any sign of offense. Although their transaction had fallen through, the situation didn’t escalate into hostility—though it would likely create a subtle distance between them going forward.

Lan Chang'an escorted her to the outer perimeter of his cave residence. As she departed, he couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly:

"With just these meager materials, she actually dreams of crafting a high-quality third-rank puppet? And she even dares to hope for a free pass on my craftsmanship fee?"

…

After stepping out of the cave residence, Jade Plum Immortal turned slightly and spoke gently, “Elder Xiang, there’s no need to see me off any further.”

As she took to the skies, her gaze inadvertently drifted toward a familiar figure—a young Foundation Establishment cultivator with striking features and a tall, upright posture. He was busily directing servants as they tended to the gardens on Qingluan Peak.

“Xiao Qingshan?”

Jade Plum Immortal was slightly surprised but didn’t dwell on it.

Her familiarity with Xiao Qingshan had nothing to do with his lineage from the Xiao Clan, one of the four great cultivation families of the Great Yu Kingdom. After all, prominent families produced countless descendants, and an ordinary, illegitimate son with mediocre talent held little significance.

What caught her attention was the past—Xiao Qingshan had once been engaged to her female disciple, Yi Shuzhen.

The engagement had been arranged by Xiao Qingshan’s mother while she was still alive. Back then, her family was a thriving Core Formation clan, unscathed by misfortune. Yi Shuzhen’s family was a respectable Fake Dan family, and she had been renowned for her beauty since childhood.

During their early Qi-Refining days, Xiao Qingshan and Yi Shuzhen had met in secret, harboring mutual affection and forging a youthful bond.

One of the reasons Xiao Qingshan chose to join the Yunxia Sect was to be closer to Yi Shuzhen.

However, fate was unkind. His mother’s clan suffered a devastating setback, plummeting to the status of a mere Foundation Establishment family.

Meanwhile, Yi Shuzhen flourished in Yunxia Sect, eventually becoming a disciple of none other than Jade Plum Immortal, securing herself a formidable backer.

Faced with Xiao Qingshan’s declining prospects, the Yi family sought to annul the engagement. They feared that marrying him would only hinder Yi Shuzhen’s cultivation.

Although wary of offending the influential Xiao Clan, they opted for a peaceful settlement, offering Xiao Qingshan a monetary compensation to dissolve the betrothal.

To persuade him, Yi Shuzhen even met with him personally, appealing to his emotions.

Disheartened, Xiao Qingshan ultimately agreed, granting her freedom and accepting the amicable separation.

Noticing Jade Plum Immortal’s gaze, Xiao Qingshan took a deep breath and bowed respectfully.

“Greetings to Elder Jade Plum.”

However, she didn’t respond. She didn’t even spare him a second glance before flying off into the distance.

Xiao Qingshan’s heart grew heavy with bitterness.

Though his status had improved slightly as a junior steward on Qingluan Peak, earning better treatment and recognition, there remained an unbridgeable gap between himself and Yunxia Sect’s esteemed elders.

Could I ever catch Yi Shuzhen’s attention again? he wondered.

The only way to stand out within the sect was to become the trusted aide of a Core Formation Great Cultivator—but Xiao Qingshan held little hope for such fortune.

His current position under Elder Xiang was merely due to a chance encounter outside the sect half a year ago. Elder Xiang had asked him to run a few errands, appreciated his diligence, and eventually brought him to Qingluan Peak.

The other servants here had similar stories—recruited on a whim during Elder Xiang’s outings.

Outsiders speculated that Elder Xiang, being new to the Yunxia Sect, was cautious about trusting the disciples suggested by the sect. Hence, he preferred handpicking his attendants.

Meanwhile, high in the sky…

Jade Plum Immortal paused mid-flight, a sudden realization dawning on her.

How strange… such a vast peak, yet not a single female attendant?

All of Elder Xiang’s chosen stewards and servants were male—ranging from youthful boys to middle-aged cultivators and even elderly caretakers.

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Could it be…?

A faint chill crept up her spine as a wild thought crossed her mind.

No wonder he rejected my dual cultivation proposal so decisively… Perhaps…

Her gaze flickered with a trace of pity as she thought of the dashing Xiao Qingshan, probably feeling secure under Elder Xiang’s patronage, oblivious to what Jade Plum Immortal now suspected.

...

Back in the cave residence, Lan Chang'an observed Xiao Qingshan’s dejected expression.

For all his superior lineage and potential, this life hasn’t treated Li Erqing any better than the last, Lan Chang'an mused.

In his past life, Li Erqing had married, fathered children, and eventually became the esteemed founder of the Li Family, living a fulfilling, prosperous life. Compared to that, this reincarnation seemed bleak.

Lan Chang'an had refrained from offering Xiao Qingshan special treatment despite bringing him to Qingluan Peak. He wanted to observe first.

Even so, Xiao Qingshan’s circumstances had improved. His current role provided better resources, a higher status, and freedom from the petty harassment and discrimination he’d previously endured.

Half a month later.

Lan Chang'an’s keen senses picked up rumors circulating within Yunxia Sect—whispers about himself.

“Elder Xiang isn’t fond of women?”

His expression turned slightly odd upon hearing this, though he wasn’t particularly bothered. It wasn’t a harmful reputation, after all.

The cause of the matter was that Lan Chang'an had rejected the Jade Plum Immortal that Sect Master Hu had set him up with. Moreover, in the Qingluan Peak, there wasn't a single attendant.

This was out of place with the open atmosphere of dual cultivation of the Yunxia Sect.

That very day,

On Yunxia Sect’s central peak—nourished by a fourth-rank spiritual vein—an immense surge of spiritual power erupted.

The air grew heavy, clouds swirling ominously as if the heavens themselves had stirred.

After several tense moments, the Nascent Soul aura that had risen so powerfully suddenly collapsed—its pressure dispersing like a deflated tide.

The sky darkened briefly, casting an oppressive gloom over the surrounding formations.

“A failed breakthrough to mid-Nascent Soul?”

Lan Chang'an gazed toward the central peak, quickly deducing the situation.

The fourth life's Lihuo True Monarch had had this experience many times.

“Looks like Yunlan True Monarch will be coming out of seclusion soon,” Lan Chang'an murmured, his brows knitting slightly.

For the past two years, he’d been waiting for an opportunity to meet Yunxia Sect’s other Nascent Soul elder. While Purple Mist True Monarch had accepted him, it was essential to confirm Yunlan True Monarch’s attitude as well—only then could he truly feel secure within the sect.

Yunxia Sect wasn’t governed by a single voice.

Yunlan True Monarch held greater seniority and wielded considerable authority. Although it was unlikely he’d oppose Purple Mist True Monarch’s decisions, Lan Chang'an preferred to be thorough.

To that end, Lan Chang'an had deliberately refrained from allowing the Xuanmu Vine Gourd take root and connect with the sect's earth qi.

The vine’s subtle fortune-enhancing properties, if left to accumulate over time, could have provided a marginal boost to Yunlan True Monarch’s breakthrough attempt.

While such effects were negligible on an individual scale, over the course of a century, the accumulated influence could significantly impact an entire sect’s prosperity.

For example, a sect that would ordinarily produce 100 Foundation Establishment cultivators and 4–5 Core Formation experts in a hundred years might, under this influence, see a slight increase—perhaps an extra Core Formation cultivator or a few more Foundation Establishment disciples.

The effect on individuals was minimal, but for the collective, it made a noticeable difference.

The continuous accumulation of fortune-enhancing energy didn’t just benefit lower-level cultivators—it subtly influenced the success rates of Nascent Soul breakthroughs and even the breakthrough of minor realms within the Nascent Soul stage.

Lan Chang'an’s sharp gaze flickered with thought.

“Yunlan True Monarch just failed a breakthrough. He’s likely in poor spirits. Better to postpone the visit.”

Originally, Lan Chang'an had planned to pay his respects as soon as Yunlan True Monarch emerged from seclusion, both to show deference and to solidify his standing within the sect.

However, fate has a way of undermining even the most carefully laid plans.

The next day.

A wave of unfamiliar Nascent Soul-level spiritual sense swept across Qingluan Peak, brushing over Lan Chang'an’s residence with meticulous precision.

A faint, curious hum echoed in the distance.

Not long after, an emissary arrived—a Core Formation Immortal dispatched from Yunlan Peak, the heart of the sect’s spiritual vein.

“Elder Xiang, my master invites you to Yunlan Peak for a discussion.”

The messenger was one of Yunlan True Monarch’s direct disciples.

Lan Chang'an sighed darkly and had no choice but to get up and accompany him to Yunlan Peak.

...

Yunlan Peak — the main hall of the cave.

Stepping into the imposing hall, Lan Chang'an finally came face-to-face with the rumored Yunlan True Monarch.

The elder sat calmly on an elevated seat, exuding an aura of boundless depth. He wore a high ceremonial crown and a flowing feathered robe that draped elegantly over his broad shoulders. His features were strikingly handsome, framed by faint streaks of silver at his temples, giving him an air of both wisdom and dignity.

Were it not for the touch of gray in his hair, he would have appeared no older than his mid-thirties.

“Junior Xiang Dalong greets the Supreme Elder.”

Lan Chang'an bowed respectfully, his posture neither too humble nor overly familiar.

Yunlan True Monarch’s cultivation and seniority far surpassed his own. As the eldest Nascent Soul cultivator of Yunxia Sect, Yunlan’s age exceeded that of Purple Mist True Monarch by over a century.

Purple Mist Fairy was a heavenly spiritual root cultivator, advancing at an extraordinary pace. Despite being a Nascent Soul True Monarch, she wasn’t much older than Lan Chang'an himself.

“Elder Xiang, you are already a guest elder of Yunxia Sect—no need for excessive formalities.”

Yunlan True Monarch’s expression was unreadable, his voice deep and magnetic. With a casual wave of his hand, he gestured for Lan Chang'an to sit.

Lan Chang'an sat upright, maintaining a poised yet respectful demeanor.

As they conversed, Lan Chang'an could subtly feel Yunlan True Monarch’s spiritual sense probing him.

The inspection wasn’t overtly aggressive, but it was thorough. Beyond the usual surface-level scan, Yunlan True Monarch seemed to monitor his heartbeat, emotional fluctuations, and even subtle mental ripples.

Fortunately, Lan Chang'an possessed the life experiences of a Nascent Soul old monster. His composure remained steady, carefully calibrated to appear slightly tense—just enough to be seen as respectful without arousing suspicion.

They exchanged pleasantries for a while, discussing cultivation insights and sect affairs.

Since True Monarch Purple Mist had previously conducted the initial assessment, Yunlan True Monarch now sought to fill in any gaps through conversation, further evaluating this late-stage Core Formation guest elder.

Through the casual dialogue, Lan Chang'an sensed that Yunlan True Monarch’s mood was less than ideal.

Though his expression remained calm and composed, there were faint fluctuations in his spiritual energy, remnants of instability from his failed breakthrough attempt.

Still, Yunlan True Monarch was a master of restraint. His words were measured, his tone steady, as if nothing had happened.

After a moment of silence, Yunlan’s piercing silver-gray eyes locked onto Lan Chang'an.

“Elder Xiang, if you were to expend twice the usual resources, would you be confident in crafting a superior-grade third-rank puppet?”

The question cut through the polite formalities like a blade.

Yunlan had clearly done his homework, already aware of Lan Chang'an’s reputation for crafting exceptional third-rank puppets.

Lan Chang'an’s expression remained neutral as he replied calmly, “It would be extremely difficult.”

No excuses, no elaboration—just a simple, honest answer.

A fleeting trace of disappointment flickered in Yunlan’s eyes, though he quickly masked it. He had likely harbored unrealistic hopes, hoping to find an unexpected advantage after his failed advancement.

The conversation grew noticeably less lively after that. Yunlan True Monarch’s interest waned, and the air grew heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Eventually, Yunlan True Monarch produced a small, polished piece of spiritual wood, about the length of a forearm.

“Since you’ve taken the time to visit, consider this a token of our first meeting.”

He handed over the item—a piece of superior-grade third-rank Heavenly Oak Wood.

This rare material was particularly valuable for crafting flying magical treasures and could fetch a considerable price even among Core Formation cultivators.

At their first meeting, Lan Chang'an left with a fair impression of Yunlan True Monarch.

...

After Lan Chang'an left Yunlan Peak, Yunlan True Monarch remained seated in silence, his expression faintly darkened. Moments later, he retrieved a pristine white jade pendant, sending out a message imbued with spiritual energy.

Not long after, a misty swirl of purple clouds, resembling a blooming lotus, silently materialized within the grand hall of Yunlan Peak.

As the purple mist faded, the elegant figure of Purple Mist True Monarch emerged, her graceful presence appearing quietly without disturbing the outer world.

“Well? Does the guest elder I recruited raise any concerns?”

Purple Mist True Monarch’s tone was calm, her gaze serene as she looked at Yunlan True Monarch.

Yunlan’s face remained impassive, but his voice carried a deeper undertone.

“Ziyan, recruiting a late-stage Core Formation cultivator is no trivial matter. He’s not just any guest elder; he’s also a high-level puppet master. If he were to be swayed by external forces, he could pose a serious threat to the very foundation of our sect…”

His expression darkened slightly, the weight of his concerns apparent.

“Moreover, he hails from a backward region. The terms you’ve offered him are far too generous, and the restrictions are too lax.”

There was a faint hint of dissatisfaction in Yunlan True Monarch’s voice. If Purple Mist Fairy had consulted him before making such decisions, they could’ve negotiated for more advantageous terms.

Purple Mist True Monarch remained unperturbed.

“A late-stage Core Formation cultivator and a third-rank puppet master—such talent would be revered even among the four great cultivation clans of the Great Yu Kingdom.”

She spoke with quiet conviction, her tone unwavering.

“Besides, Yunxia Sect lacks sufficient Core Formation cultivators. We are in desperate need of talent. Elder Xiang’s arrival perfectly aligns with our current needs.”

“As for the terms I offered, they’re only slightly above standard to secure his loyalty and ensure he contributes fully to the sect.”

Purple Mist Fairy clearly didn’t believe she had erred.

Two years ago, under the scrutiny of the Heart-Reflecting Mirror, she had sensed that Elder Xiang was an honest cultivator—focused, disciplined, and unwavering in his Dao heart.

At the very least, she thought, his indifference to worldly desires and strict self-discipline were qualities I found admirable.

Though Yunxia Sect embraced an open culture regarding dual cultivation practices, Purple Mist Fairy herself was never fond of such indulgence.

“The Heart-Reflecting Mirror isn’t infallible. The human heart is fickle, easily swayed…”

Yunlan sighed, though he didn’t press the matter further.

“Forget it. I’ll leave this to you. If any issues arise in the future, you’ll handle them yourself.”

Noticing Purple Mist Fairy’s faint frown and the cooling of her expression, Yunlan wisely shifted topics.

“In half a year, I’ll be leaving the sect to seek out Alchemist Le.”

Purple Mist Fairy’s eyes flickered with concern.

“Alchemist Le? You’re still fixated on the mid-Nascent Soul breakthrough? Senior Brother Yunlan, you’re being too hasty. Nascent Soul breakthrough pills shouldn’t be consumed again within a century of failure.”

Her voice softened, betraying a rare trace of warmth. She knew Yunlan’s ambitions—to elevate Yunxia Sect to unprecedented heights. His own advancement was key to this goal.

Their sect’s spiritual vein was nearing the threshold of a mid-grade fourth-rank, but nurturing it further required immense resources.

Yunlan True Monarch exhaled slowly, his eyes distant.

“I’m not just going for myself. I intend to secure Nascent Soul resources for Yunqing.”

“If I can never break through, then at least Yunxia Sect will have another Nascent Soul cultivator. A sect with three Nascent Soul elders would still be considered prosperous,” there was a faint sense of resignation in his voice.

“Alchemist Le is a fourth-rank alchemist and holds one of the main ingredients for the Infant Transformation Pill, along with several auxiliary herbs. Many Nascent Soul cultivators are vying to win his favor. Senior Brother, are you confident in swaying him?”

Purple Mist True Monarch's face carried a hint of concern, Alchemist Le was known to have a sizable appetite.

“Sigh, that old fox is difficult to deal with. One moment he demands fourth-rank talismans or tribulation-resolving treasures, the next he wants longevity fruits or the essence spirit cores of transformation Demon Kings.”

His frustration was palpable.

“Securing his help won’t be easy. I’m prepared for a drawn-out negotiation.”

Purple Mist Fairy nodded slightly, her concern evident.

“Be careful. Don’t let him swindle you out of our resources.”

As the conversation drifted to a close, an awkward silence settled between them.

Yunlan True Monarch hesitated, then asked softly, “Ziyan… about tonight—”

“You’ve just had a failed breakthrough. You should rest.”

Purple Mist Fairy’s faintly purple, star-like eyes grew colder as she cut him off mid-sentence, her figure vanishing into a swirl of purple mist.

Yunlan stared at the empty space she’d left behind, his expression a mix of tenderness and regret.

“After all these years… you still refuse to forgive your senior brother.”

Gazing at Purple Mist Fairy's disappearing elegant figure, a trace of warmth emerged in True Monarch Yunlan's eyes, mixed with a look of shame.

...

Back on Qingluan Peak.

Upon returning, Lan Chang'an finally felt the weight lift from his heart.

Both Nascent Soul True Monarchs of Yunxia Sect had now acknowledged his presence and position. He could finally cultivate in peace.

Though Yunlan True Monarch seemed somewhat indifferent, there was no hostility. The gift of the superior-grade third-rank spiritual wood was likely an attempt to foster goodwill.

From what Lan Chang'an had observed, Yunlan was deeply dedicated to revitalizing the sect, tirelessly working for its prosperity.

The complex relationship between Yunlan and Purple Mist Fairy was also intriguing.

Despite their significant age gap, they had been paired as Dao companions by their late master—a former Nascent Soul Supreme Elder of the Yunxia Sect.

Interestingly, Yunlan was actually a distant descendant of their master’s bloodline, while Purple Mist Fairy was merely his disciple.

Rumor had it that Purple Mist Fairy’s affections in her youth had been directed toward another senior brother—one who tragically perished during a demonic uprising back then.

After his death, their master arranged for Purple Mist Fairy and Yunlan to become Dao companions in order to maximize the interests of the sect.

Purple Mist Fairy’s cultivation soared after the union, eventually achieving the Nascent Soul stage with the sect’s full support.

To the outside world, their relationship appeared to be a harmonious Dao companion bond—a tale of Nascent Soul romance.

Yet, decades after Purple Mist Fairy’s ascension, for reasons unknown, the two began living apart, each occupying separate peaks.

Of course, though the two seemed somewhat distant, their centuries of shared kinship as fellow disciples remained. They still worked together for the growth and prosperity of the Yunxia Sect.

Late at night — the secret chamber beneath Qingluan peak.

Deep underground, within a hidden chamber, Lan Chang'an sat cross-legged. His trusted spirit beasts—the Earth Burrowing Rat and the Profound Water Turtle—rested nearby.

With precise control, he guided the Xuanmu Vine Gourd, allowing it to finally take root, merging with the sect’s fourth-rank spiritual vein.

This act created a subtle yet undeniable connection to the sect’s fortune, intertwining his destiny with Yunxia Sect’s broader fate.

Lan Chang'an had previously observed the qi fortune and made a divination to assess Yunxia Sect’s trajectory.

The results showed no signs of great prosperity nor imminent decline—a delicate balance on the precipice of change.

I wonder… he mused, what kind of ripple effect will my presence have on Yunxia Sect’s fate?