I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 92: Returning to the Homeland

With his Foundation Establishment cultivation, Lan Changʼan navigated the second-rank flying boat at a much greater speed than before.

He maintained a steady flight, balancing his magical power, so that he would be in the best possible state to respond to emergencies.

In less than two months, the flying boat was approaching Feiyue Lake.

On the last half-day of the journey, Lan Changʼan slowed the boat as it passed over a large river.

He looked down at a pleasure boat in the river, where the sounds of zither and flute drifted up.

These were not mundane melodies but tunes from the Sound Dao, imbued with a spiritual power that induced drowsiness and lethargy.

”Brother Lan, everything is going smoothly for you in Huanglong Immortal City. Why come here to muddy the waters?”

A manʼs sigh floated up from the pleasure boat.

Two maids opened the cabin door. Out walked a handsome man in a purple jade robe, standing gracefully at the prow.

The wind and waves around the boat suddenly calmed to mirror-like stillness as if to reflect his placid demeanor. His aura indicated that he had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.
”Young Master Huang?”

Lan Changʼan immediately recognized him.

This handsome man, now in the early Foundation Establishment stage, was Huang Yu, the young master of the Maple Leaf Huang Family, who possessed high-grade spiritual roots.

Back when the Mu Family was contending with the Zheng Family, they considered offering Mu Xiuyunʼs hand in marriage to Huang Yu, but the Huang Family had shown no sincerity, offering only a concubineʼs status at most.

In Bamboo Leaf Mountain Market Town, Huang Yu had tried to bribe Lan Changʼan without success.

”Brother Lan, since you’ve come such a long way, why not come down for a cup of tea and some music? We haven’t seen each other for years, and I have much to say to you.” Huang Yuʼs phoenix eyes scrutinized Lan Changʼan with a hint of a smile.

Half a year ago, when he confirmed the news of Lan Changʼanʼs Foundation Establishment, Huang Yu was genuinely surprised.

The little talisman master whom he had failed to buy off back on Bamboo Leaf Mountain had turned out to be that rumored ancient Foundation Establishment cultivator.

”This Lan is not in the mood for tea. If Young Master Huang has something to say, please speak directly.” Upon seeing Huang Yu, Lan Changʼan felt a surge of killing intent.

Who had orchestrated the attempts to entice him out of the market back on Bamboo Leaf Mountain? If it had been an inexperienced Qi-Refining cultivator, they would have been long dead.

Did they think Lan Changʼan didnʼt have any suspicions?

He simply lacked the power to act on it back then, confined as he was within the otherʼs territory.

Killing Huang Yu would not be difficult for Lan Changʼan.

Even though Huang Yu was at the third level of Foundation Establishment, they were still in the early stage, and the strength of their mana wasnʼt that different.

The only reason Lan Changʼan had yet to act was because he didnʼt wish to leave behind any trace of his identity.

”I suspect the news of my return was leaked; otherwise, Huang Yu would not know to wait for me on the way to Feiyue Lake.” Lan Changʼan knew that if he killed Huang Yu today, it wouldn’t go unnoticed.

A year ago, he had sent a letter to Feiyue Lake. Somehow, the news had leaked. It might have been through Huanglong Immortal Cityʼs intelligence network or a leak within the Mu Family. The letter itself could have been intercepted by a third party.

Regardless, Lan Changʼan had purposely made no mention of the Foundation Establishment Pill in his letter.

.....

”Brother Lan, letʼs not beat around the bush.”

”Twenty years ago, you severed ties with the Mu Family of Feiyue Lake. Our current conflict between the two families should have nothing to do with you.” Huang Yuʼs tone quickened, getting straight to the point.

”If Fellow Daoist Lan turns back now and refrains from meddling in our conflict, the Huang Family will offer a token of gratitude.”

The Huang Family was worried that Lan Changʼan, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, might assist Feiyue Lake in their conflict.

This was very likely, as Lan Changʼan had spent twenty to thirty years cultivating in Feiyue Lake.

”Young Master Huang is overthinking. My return to Feiyue Lake this time is merely a visit to an old friend; I have no intention of involving myself in the conflict between the two families.” Lan Changʼan replied calmly.

”Is that so?” Huang Yu appeared skeptical.

He knew of Lan Changʼanʼs ”Turtle Talisman Master” moniker—his reputation for cowardice and valuing his own life above all else. Perhaps he really wouldnʼt dare step onto the battlefield.

”Indeed.” Lan Changʼan was not lying.

Having left the Mu Family, directly intervening in their war did not align with his principles in this lifetime.

By directly interfering in the conflict, he would inevitably offend a large cultivation family, entangling him in endless conflicts.

”However, if the Huang Family were to initiate an attack against the Mu Family while I am present, that would be a different matter.” Lan Changʼanʼs tone turned slightly forceful.

He sensed that the Huang Family was particularly wary of him, more so than an ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivator.

”May I ask how long Brother Lan plans to stay with the Mu Family?” Huang Yu asked with a smile.

”At least two months, at most six.” Lan Changʼan replied casually.

”Haha! As long as Brother Lan does not directly aid the Mu Family, my Huang Family will offer compensation.”

Huang Yu laughed heartily, taking out a porcelain bottle from his storage pouch and tossing it to Lan Changʼan on the flying boat.

”This bottle of Essence Condensing Pills is a small token of hospitality from the Huang Family.”

Essence Condensing Pills were second-rank pills, valuable and useful for accelerating cultivation in both early and mid Foundation Establishment.

”Very well.”

Lan Changʼan accepted the bottle of Essence Condensing Pills without hesitation.

Having declined Huang Yuʼs invitation to enjoy music and company at his pleasure boat, Lan Changʼan departed on his flying boat.

.....

Huang Yuʼs thoughtful eyes followed the retreating figure of Lan Changʼan.

He held a jade talisman and infused it with spiritual power.

Soon, an elderly man with a weathered appearance and white hair flew over on a beam of light.

His aura indicated he was at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

”Uncle Tan,” Huang Yu greeted respectfully.

This elderly man was Huang Tankong, the highest-ranking and most powerful elder of the Huang Family.

”Yuʼer, how did it go?” Huang Tankong asked.

”From what Lan Changʼan said, he has no intention of getting involved in our conflict with the Mu Family...” Huang Yu recounted the conversation.

”But he did request that the Huang Family refrain from attacking while he was at the Mu Family.”

”Hmph, for an elderly Foundation Establishment cultivator, he has quite the tone.” Huang Tankongʼs voice was low, laced with mockery.

”Uncle Tan, what do you think?”

”For the next six months, abandon any overt plans against Feiyue Lake.” Huang Tankong replied calmly.

Huang Yu was momentarily stunned.

Huang Tankong explained indifferently, ”Lan Changʼan himself is not a threat. But according to the intelligence from Huanglong Immortal City, he has ties with the Law Enforcement Hall of Jin Yun Valley, and it is rumored that Fu Xuemei owes him a favor.”

”Recently, he has also been cooperating with the Beast Taming Zhou Family, truly a man who knows how to network.”

”Uncle Tan is right. An elderly Foundation Establishment cultivator poses little threat. We are merely cautious of his connections, and giving face to those behind him.” Huang Yu agreed wholeheartedly.

.....

Lan Changʼan continued on the flying boat.

Once the pleasure boat was a mere dot on the horizon, he took out the bottle of Essence Condensing Pills gifted by Huang Yu.

Squeak, squeak!

The Earth Burrowing Rat emerged from his pet pouch.

”Remember his scent,” Lan Changʼan ordered.

The Earth Burrowing Rat sniffed the bottle, nodding eagerly to indicate it had memorized the scent.

He put the Earth Burrowing Rat away and slightly accelerated the flying boat.

Half a day later.

A dazzling lake, as radiant as jade, came into view.

Seeing the familiar surroundings, Lan Changʼan felt a sense of ease and a touch of long-lost familiarity.

During the tense standoff between the two families, Feiyue Lake was heavily guarded.

Lan Changʼanʼs Foundation Establishment aura alarmed the ancestors on Moonheart Island.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two Foundation Establishment cultivators flew toward him from Moonheart Island. The first was a tall, black-robed elder with keen eyes and an imposing presence.

Following him was a balding, middle-aged man wearing a loose robe, resembling a wealthy landowner.

The slightly plump middle-aged man was none other than Li Erqing.

”Big brother!”

Seeing the familiar white-robed youth on the flying boat, Li Erqingʼs eyes reddened, waving his arms excitedly despite the presence of the ancestor.

Mu Renlongʼs lips curled into a smile. Li Erqing, usually stern and strict with his descendants, was feared by all. But in front of Lan Changʼan, he reverted to the naive and inexperienced village boy he once was.

”The Mu Family of Feiyue Lake welcomes Fellow Daoist Lan back to his homeland.” Mu Renlongʼs voice was loud and hearty.

Boom! Swish, swish...

From Feiyue Manor, fireworks soared into the sky, accompanied by the cheers of the younger generation of the Mu Family, as if celebrating an important holiday.

Lan Changʼan shot Mu Renlong a meaningful glance. The words ”return to your homeland” were carefully chosen. While it was indeed a warm welcome, it was also a plea for help, leveraging Lan Changʼanʼs prestige as an ancient Foundation Establishment cultivator to bolster the familyʼs own reputation.

The phrase ”return to your homeland” resonated deeply with him. Had they said ”welcome back home,” it might have seemed presumptuous, exceeding the bounds of propriety.

Although Lan Changʼan had severed ties with the Mu Family, this place was where he had begun his journey into the cultivation world, where he had spent the longest stretch of his life. It could be considered his first home in the cultivation world.

”Fellow Daoist Mu, this is but a routine visit; thereʼs no need for such grandiose hospitality.” Lan Changʼan returned the greeting. He disliked extravagance, but the Mu Familyʼs grand treatment like this made it impossible to hate.

”By no means is this a grand reception! Fellow Daoist Lan, achieving foundation establishment at your ancient age is a monumental accomplishment, setting an example for all of Liangʼs cultivation world. It is also a great honor for Feiyue Lake, and thus worth celebrating.”

Mu Renlong beckoned Lan Changʼan to follow him to Moonheart Island.

”Erqing, you look thinner than before.”

As they walked, Lan Changʼan examined Li Erqingʼs features. The man had balded slightly, and his eyes were sunken; even in excitement, the signs of fatigue were clear.

”Ah Big Brother, you wouldnʼt believe how troublesome it is to have too many children,” Li Erqing lamented, his face was bitter.

Li Erqing had eight wives in the Mu Family, there were a total of eight houses. The women, children, and grandchildren of all the houses added up to a population of over a hundred people.

With such a large family, it was difficult to maintain harmony; the competition between the branches grew fiercer with each generation, comparable to a palace drama.

The descendants competed for benefits from the old ancestor, turning the Mu Family into a battlefield.

When they stabbed a mess outside and caused any trouble, Li Erqing, the Foundation Establishment Ancestor, had to take the blame.

His numerous wives and descendants carried his name and reputation like a brand; he couldnʼt simply pretend to not hear about it to keep himself out of the mess.