An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

”Liuzi, bringing more guests again?”

A hoarse, weathered voice echoed through the cold, cavernous interior of Binglan Palace. Despite the vast hall, the sound seemed to calm the atmosphere even further. An old woman reclined lazily on a lounge chair. Her eyes opened slightly, casting a casual glance at Luo Chen and his companions.

Xu Xiaoliu hunched his shoulders and stepped forward. ”Senior Shi, these three are friends of my uncle. They’re looking to rent a cave residence.”

The old woman’s eyes flicked toward them again. Luo Chen stepped forward and cupped his hands in a polite salute. She gave a noncommittal grunt and then called into the depths of the palace, ”Ah Lan, bring the Spherical Compass Formation.”

”Coming, Granny!” came a cheerful voice from within.

Moments later, a young girl trotted out, cradling a large, spherical enchanted artifact. Moving with practiced ease, she placed it gently on the table before them.

”Are the three seniors here to rent a cave residence?” she asked with a bright smile.

”Yes, yes, they—” Xu Xiaoliu eagerly leaned forward to respond, but before he could finish, the woman shot him a sharp glare.

”I asked the seniors, not you. Why are you interrupting?” the old woman barked.

Xu Xiaoliu scratched his head sheepishly and retreated to the back, not taking it to heart.

Luo Chen cast him a glance before stepping forward. ”Is there anything we should know about these cave residences? And what’s the rent like?”

The girl, named Shi Lan, nodded and sent a stream of spirit power into the Spherical Compass Formation. At once, images swirled across the orb’s surface, revealing detailed glimpses of various cave residences’ interiors.

Some were humble and natural; others luxurious and ornate. Some clung to the mountainside with sweeping views of the city, while others featured cascading waterfalls that formed pearl-like curtains. Each cave residence had its own character, its own charm.

”All our cave residences in Tianlan Immortal City are built into the rear of Tianlan Peak,” Shi Lan explained in a lilting, pleasant voice. ”This mountain houses a third-tier spirit vein. Its energy spreads out, making the entire region within three thousand li a place of abundant spirit energy.”

Luo Chen, Li Yixian, and Nangong Jin found themselves nodding with approval. They had already sensed it upon first entering the city; the ambient spirit energy in Tianlan Immortal City was easily equivalent to that of a first-tier spirit vein. It was no less rich than the SiHeYuan back in Dahe Market. And this was just the spirit energy on the streets. One could only imagine how dense the energy must be near the heart of the main spirit vein.

”The city and the nearby sacred mountains are mostly built on first-tier spirit lands,” Shi Lan continued with a warm smile. ”Only Tianlan Peak itself holds second-tier and even third-tier spirit lands! Since all three of you are in the Foundation Establishment Realm, I suggest renting a second-tier cave residence.”

As she spoke, Shi Lan rotated the Sphere Formation Compass, revealing various interior images marked with vacant white lights. At first glance, there was nothing unusual, but Luo Chen’s gaze lingered, and he asked in surprise, ”Why do the second-tier cave residences show white lights in three different shades: pale white, pure white, and deep white?”

Shi Lan gave a cheerful smile and said, ”That’s because even among second-tier cave residences, there’s a difference in quality! We divide each tier of spirit lands into top, mid, and low grades. The higher the grade, the denser the spirit energy. On Tianlan Peak, there are first-tier top-grade cave residences suitable for Qi-Refining cultivators as well as three grades of second-tier cave residences for Foundation Establishment cultivators. If you want, you could even rent a low-grade third-tier cave residence.”

Behind him, Nangong Jin and Li Yixian exchanged a glance. They hadn’t expected the classification of cave residences to be this meticulous. Still, they said nothing. By now, it was clear to them that Luo Chen was best suited to handle such matters. It was better to stay quiet than risk saying something wrong.

Luo Chen understood their thoughts but didn’t mind. This was hardly worth worrying over.

”What about pricing?” Luo Chen asked.

Shi Lan answered patiently, ”For the first-tier to the third-tier, prices are counted in hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands. We rent by the month, billed annually. The longer the term, the lower the cost.”

That was a bit complicated! Nangong Jin frowned, and Li Yixian looked equally confused. Only Luo Chen nodded as though everything made perfect sense.

He asked, ”If I want to rent a second-tier cave residence for one year, what are the prices for each grade?”

Without hesitation, Shi Lan replied, ”A second-tier low-grade cave residence costs one thousand low-grade spirit stones per month, ten thousand for a year. A mid-grade is two thousand a month, twenty thousand for a year. Top-grade is four thousand per month, forty-eight thousand for a year.”

”Wait a minute!” Li Yixian interrupted. ”Why do the low-grade and mid-grade ones offer two months’ discount, but the top-grade ones don’t have any price cut at all?”

Shi Lan blinked, answering casually, ”Because there are many low- and mid-grade cave residences, but only twenty top-grade second-tier caves. They’re always in high demand, so we can’t offer discounts.”

Fair enough! It wasn’t something worth arguing about. This was simply how the Ice Fortress set its prices. Take it or leave it.

”What about three years?” Luo Chen asked.

Shi Lan replied, ”Three years would still follow the base rate. For any real discount, you’ll have to rent for at least ten years.”

Ten years! Li Yixian nearly broke down at the thought. If they rented a top-grade one, wouldn’t that cost almost half a million? She could sell the entire Li family and still not have enough spirit stones.

Shi Lan smiled sweetly at the three of them and asked, ”So, which grade of cave residence would the three seniors like to rent?”

Li Yixian hesitated. Nangong Jin’s gaze shifted back and forth between the low- and mid-grade cave residences, his indecision plain to see.

Luo Chen spoke up, ”Would it be possible to view the actual cave residences first?”

Shi Lan paused in surprise. Viewing the cave residences in person?

A cough came from nearby. ”Little Lan, take them. Treat them with proper courtesy.”

Shi Lan quickly nodded. ”This way, seniors. Please follow me.”

Xu Xiaoliu tried to follow, but a glare from the elder stopped him in his tracks. He could only stay behind obediently.

Luo Chen glanced at the pair in amusement, shook his head, and strode after Shi Lan.

***

A curtain of water stretched between Tianlan Peak and Tianlan Immortal City, as though splitting what should have been a single domain into two separate realms. As Luo Chen looked up at the dazzling, multicolored water curtain glittering in the sunlight, his expression turned solemn.

”A defensive formation?” Luo Chen murmured.

Li Yixian drew in a sharp breath and asked, ”A third-tier defensive formation?”

They exchanged glances, their astonishment not at its tier but at the fact that it was active at all times. Everyone in the cultivation world knew how much spirit energy formations consumed. Even powerful sects would hesitate to keep one running at all times unless absolutely necessary. Yet here was Tianlan Peak, maintaining a third-tier defensive formation at all times.

Shi Lan approached the water curtain, withdrawing a jade token and casting a seal with practiced ease. At the same time, she began explaining to Luo Chen and the others.

”This is Heaven’s Springwater Formation,” she said. ”It’s formed naturally by the land itself and is self-regenerating, so its energy consumption isn’t as high as you might think. With this formation guarding the mountain, cultivators residing on Tianlan Peak can cultivate in peace of mind. There are also people assigned to check and maintain it regularly to ensure no mishaps.”

She gestured toward a nearby pavilion, where a Foundation Establishment cultivator was lying fast asleep. ”That’s Daoist Uncle Wang. He’s stationed here to keep watch. If anyone without residence rights approaches, he’ll drive them away. You don’t have to worry; if you rent a cave residence, you’ll be given a personal identification token.”

Shi Lan gave her token a wave. The water curtain rippled in response, a seamless gate opening to reveal the path ahead.

”Let’s go!” said Shi Lan.

As they stepped forward, Luo Chen cast a curious glance at Daoist Uncle Wang. Foundation Establishment cultivators working as security? Still, this was probably a job many dreamed of. Situated right on the border between Tianlan Peak and Tianlan Immortal City, the spirit energy here was so dense it was practically a free cultivation site between the first and second tiers.

The instant they passed through the water curtain, Luo Chen noticed the difference in spirit energy around them. It easily matched that of a true first-tier spirit vein. By Shi Lan’s earlier classification, this was at least a first-tier top-grade cave residence.

Whoosh!

A streak of light descended from above. The figure landed, nodded to Shi Lan, and passed through the water curtain without pause.

”It’s not a no-flight zone in here?” Li Yixian asked.

”Flight is permitted within Tianlan Peak,” Shi Lan replied with a smile. She drew a flying sword, mounted it in one smooth motion, and turned to them. ”Seniors, please follow me!”

***

”This is a second-tier mid-grade cave residence,” Shi Lan announced.

Before their eyes stood a modest, unpretentious cave residence. The layout was divided into three layers: outer, central, and inner, containing five rooms in total.

The outermost layer featured fertile soil, perfect for cultivating spirit herbs, decorative plants, trees, or even spirit rice. The central section served as a living room for discussions, Dao discussions, and entertaining guests. The innermost section contained a bedroom, a meditation chamber, a study, and an unused room. In terms of space, it was impressively spacious. However, once the three of them stepped into the cultivation chamber to assess it, their brows furrowed.

”The price is double, but the spirit energy density feels like it’s only half again as much,” Nangong Jin remarked. ”That’s how it seems to me. Luo Chen, what do you think?”

Luo Chen gave a slight nod. He hadn’t judged it solely by his cultivation technique; he had also compared it to the spirit vein cavern beneath Fallen Phoenix Mountain, where he had once cultivated in seclusion for three years. In comparison, this so-called mid-grade cave residence barely matched that experience.

The three exchanged a glance, and someone asked, ”Shall we look at the top-grade one?”

”Yes! Let’s take another look.”

Shi Lan had no objection and immediately led them toward a higher elevation. Their pace slowed noticeably this time, as the top-grade cave residences were all occupied.

After quite some time, Shi Lan sent a voice transmission talisman to knock on one of the doors.

”Coming, coming,” a teasing voice called from within. ”I’m not even due for renewal yet. Why are you knocking already?”

A moment later, a tall, graceful figure stepped out, a faint fragrance trailing after her. Luo Chen’s gaze swept over her once, instantly discerning the spirit power of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator

The woman’s brow furrowed slightly as her eyes lingered on Luo Chen, a faint glint of puzzlement in her gaze.

Was I noticed? Luo Chen’s expression remained calm as he dismissed the thought. She hadn’t detected him; she was simply unusually perceptive. He hadn’t used his spirit consciousness to probe her cultivation; instead, he had relied solely on his Spirit Eyes. Among cultivators of the same realm, it was nearly impossible to notice unless he deliberately intensified his gaze.

As the woman stepped out, Shi Lan greeted her with a sweet smile. ”Senior Ling, we’re not here to rush you. These seniors simply wish to take a look at the spirit energy density of a second-tier, top-grade cave residence. The other residents are either in seclusion or away, so we had no choice but to trouble you. Would you be willing to let us in?”

Ling Yuzhi frowned and gave a cold snort. ”Go ahead and look. Who would dare refuse a request from Ice Fortress anyway?”

With that, she stepped aside. As the three of them entered, a contemptuous chuckle escaped her lips. Though she said nothing, the scorn in her eyes was unmistakable. A cave residence that cost four thousand spirit stones a month wasn’t something just anyone could afford.

They could feel her gaze burning into their backs. Luo Chen remained utterly composed, but Nangong Jin and Li Yixian shifted uncomfortably. No one liked being looked down upon.

They didn’t linger. Before long, they stepped back out of the cultivation chamber.

”Only onefold?” one of them asked.

”Yeah, the cost is four times that of a low-grade one, but the spirit energy density only increased by onefold.”

Seeing their dissatisfaction, Shi Lan quickly explained, ”Seniors, value shouldn’t be measured so simply! It’s like the difference between low-grade and supreme-grade pills. It might seem like a loss in price, but what you save is time. For us cultivators, time is the most precious thing.

”Cultivating in a low-grade instead of a top-grade cave residence might show little difference at first, but over years, it could save you decades of effort. Who knows? Those saved decades might be exactly what you need to reach the Golden Core Realm.”

Luo Chen glanced at her and thought, A rather enthusiastic real estate agent.

What she said made sense; they all knew it. But understanding was one thing; being able to afford it was another.

”Fellow Daoist Nangong, what do you think?” Li Yixian asked.

Nangong Jin had already made his decision. ”I’m focusing on healing for now. A low-grade cave residence will suffice.”

Li Yixian bit her lip. ”Then I’ll also choose the low-grade one. The gains from mid-grade and top-grade aren’t significant enough.”

After speaking, she turned to Luo Chen. ”And you?”

Luo Chen smiled slightly. ”Young friend Shi Lan, are the top-grade cave residences always fully occupied?”

Shi Lan nodded quickly. ”They are indeed full at the moment, but a few will be expiring soon, and the tenants don’t plan to renew. If you’re interested, Senior, I can reserve one for you now and make the arrangements when the time comes.”

Luo Chen replied, ”All right then. I’ll start with a low-grade cave residence for now. As for the top-grade one, I’ll count on you to keep an eye out.”

Shi Lan’s eyes lit up, and she promptly made a note of it. With that settled, the three followed her down the mountainside to choose their temporary homes.

Before leaving, they politely nodded to the female cultivator surnamed Ling, who had let them view her cave.

She returned the gesture with a smile, saying, ”Don’t mention it.”

However, as she watched their backs disappear down the slope, she spat disdainfully. ”Bunch of paupers!”

Ten zhang away, another cave residence flickered with light. A figure emerged and took to the sky.

Noticing Ling Yuzhi, he chuckled and asked, ”What are you up to, Fellow Daoist?”

Hearing the voice, Ling Yuzhi’s eyes lit up. ”Fellow Daoist Chu! Heading out?”

The man pointed into the distance. ”Yeah. End of the month. I’ve got to get busy, or I won’t have spirit stones to spend.”

Ling Yuzhi gave a graceful smile. ”You must be joking. With your abilities, who would dare make you work?”

Chu Kui gave a sheepish grin and glanced down at the four figures below. ”New neighbors?”

Ling Yuzhi curled her lip. ”Just some paupers from out of town. Couldn’t afford it but still insisted on inspecting my cave residence; disturbed my cultivation for nothing.”

Chu Kui asked, ”Outsiders?”

”That’s right! Especially that pretty boy. He clearly can’t afford it but still pretends to reserve a top-grade cave residence. Some people really are something,” replied Ling Yuzhi.

Hearing her sharp, bitter words, Chu Kui couldn’t help but shake his head. ”Can’t judge a book by its cover. Who knows? He might be wealthy. I’ll make time to greet him later. Anyway, I’m off.”

He waved casually, ignored her attempt to continue chatting, and shot off like an arrow from a bow.

Ling Yuzhi watched his back with a trace of regret before shaking her head. Though capable, he had no future.

She thought, A man of the moment, but not for the long haul, hardly suitable husband material.

***

Somewhere lower on the mountainside, Luo Chen stood inside a cramped cave residence. Compared to the spacious top-grade cave residence earlier, this one was rather shabby. It only had two sections and lacked the garden for spirit plants. Inside, there were only three rooms: a living room, a bedroom, and a cultivation chamber.

Still, he had no complaints. At the very least, Luo Chen finally had a place he could call his own.

”Next, I need to arrange accommodations for the Luo Tian Society,” he murmured.

He had no intention of abandoning them. Many within the society were not only allies but also close friends. More than that, they were reliable cultivators, well-trained, familiar with his methods, and invaluable when it came to refining pills. Even as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his capacity to refine pills alone was limited. Scaling up production required a team. That was why alchemists in major sects often took on numerous herb gatherers, medicinal apprentices, and fire handlers.

However, keeping such a large number of people housed within the city long-term was impractical.

Luo Chen pressed his lips together and unfolded the map Shi Lan had left him, scanning it closely. ”Unclaimed first-tier spirit lands... Mirror Lake, Bamboo Sea, Wutong Mountain, Danxia Peak...”

His gaze drifted over the names one by one. Until finally, it stopped.