I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 228: A Triumphant Return

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Two days later.

The flow of people in Cloudsmoke Immortal City greatly diminished after the auction concluded.

In the Xunxian Residence.

Inside the high-class guest room in a secluded courtyard, Lan Changʼan set up a temporary formation and isolation barrier.

He sat in meditation, eyes closed, and consumed the superior second-rank Life Extension Pill he had bid for at a high price.

Suddenly, a mysterious aura of the cycle of time began to surround him.

It felt as though he had transformed into an ancient towering tree, experiencing the passing of seasons—spring to autumn, withered wood rejuvenated, life cycles turning again and again.

This time, the medicinal effect lasted far longer than any previous instance.

“An increase of twenty-eight years!”
Lan Changʼan opened his deep, ink-black eyes, now exuding an aura of ancient wisdom and timeworn experience.

His state of mind had deepened, and even his magical power had subtly improved.

Truthfully, the effects of the superior Life Extension Pill had exceeded his expectations.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face as he pondered, “Ordinary cultivators gain just over ten years from a regular second-rank Life Extension Pill, and at most fifteen years from a superior version.”

Due to the unique nature of his Evergreen Technique, the effects of the Life Extension Pill on Lan Changʼan were doubled, and its life-extending benefits could even stack, although the potency of subsequent doses would gradually diminish.

“So, the superior second-rank Life Extension Pillʼs effect is equivalent to resetting the benefits?”

Lan Changʼan reached a preliminary conclusion.

For ordinary cultivators, gaining this level of longevity would require taking a third-rank Life Extension Pill or consuming life-extending spiritual treasures of the same level.

Reflecting further, Lan Changʼan realized that a superior Life Extension Pill was effectively half a rank higher than a regular one.

If even ordinary cultivators could experience an additional extension of life from it, it was no surprise that he, with his special cultivation technique, would receive such a significant boost.

“My lifespan now stands at four hundred ninety-seven years.”

This was the sixth second-rank Life Extension Pill he had taken.

He estimated that taking one more regular second-rank Life Extension Pill would push his lifespan beyond the five-hundred-year mark.

”The medicinal effect is indeed good! Unfortunately, superior Life Extension Pills are exceedingly rare, as both the materials and the alchemists required to make them are in short supply.”

Lan Changʼan couldn’t help but feel a tinge of addiction to the sensation.

Having more years of life carried immense advantages for him.

It not only increased his magical power but gave him more time to plan for major breakthroughs, allowing him to avoid risking his life to compete for resources.

Furthermore, the Evergreen secret spell consumed lifespan to cultivate Xuanmu Vine and rapidly grow precious medicinal herbs.

In the cultivation world, there were many powerful techniques that also consumed lifespan.

For instance, the arts of divination and calculation.

In his second life, Lan Changʼan had only scratched the surface of this path. Besides not having the energy to pursue it further, he was also wary of the lifespan costs involved.

The effects of the superior Life Extension Pill made Lan Changʼan have more expectations and plans for the future.

...

After waiting three more days in Cloudsmoke Immortal City, Lan Changʼan finally received word from the Snow Fox Merchant Association.

Eight days had passed since their agreement, but Hanyu Immortal had not exceeded the deadline.

Lan Changʼan made his way alone to the Snow Fox Merchant Associationʼs headquarters.

This time, he was greeted not only by Hanyu Immortal but also by another Fake Dan cultivator from the Snow Fox Merchant Association—a white-haired elder who had only about twenty years left to live and was the previous president of the guild.

Lan Changʼan guessed that Hanyu Immortal, wary of ”Xiang Immortal’s” strength and identity, had invited a companion to back her up.

”Xiang Immortal, here is the ʼSha Yuan Pillʼ our guild expedited to Cloudsmoke Immortal City.”

Dressed in her silver robe, Hanyu Immortal’s voice was cold and clear. With a graceful wave of her sleeve, she produced a jade bottle.

When she removed the cap, a grayish-white pill surrounded by demonic energy came into Lan Changʼan’s view.

Lan Changʼan used his spiritual sense to inspect it and gave a slight nod.

Inside his spirit pet bag, the Earth Burrowing Rat stirred excitedly.

“If Xiang Immortal is satisfied, we can proceed with the trade as agreed.”

“Of course.”

Lan Changʼan took out the dark purple third-rank demonic core.

The two items floated toward each other under the control of their respective magical powers.

No unexpected incidents occurred; Lan Changʼan successfully received the Sha Yuan Pill, smiling with satisfaction and feeling reassured.

The smoothness of this transaction was due to the powerful image and potential identity Lan Changʼan had cultivated.

Had it been an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator without any background, a transaction at this level might have been fraught with risks.

Sha Yuan Pills were strategic resources controlled by major forces, given their ability to help demonic beasts break through to third rank.

”Xiang Immortal is truly trustworthy! The Snow Fox Merchant Association is glad to count you as a friend,” Hanyu Immortal said with a rare smile, her expression softening like the melting of winter snow as she verified the demonic core.

Although Lan Changʼan’s demonic core had been downgraded to low-grade third-rank, its rare lightning attribute and pure demonic energy made it quite valuable.

It would slightly improve the success rate and quality of future Sha Yuan Pills refined with it.

If they found the right True Dan cultivator, they might even be able to sell it at a high price.

Lan Changʼan was well aware of this but didn’t mind. This was simply the guild’s reasonable margin of profit.

Large merchant guilds had more extensive networks and resources, including access to master craftsmen—an advantage that lone cultivators couldn’t match.

”I’m honored by Hanyu Immortalʼs kindness!”

Lan Changʼan understood her implied message.

“Unfortunately, I am not from this region, so there may not be many opportunities for us to form a deeper friendship in the future.”

If it weren’t for the need to conduct high-level transactions like this one, Lan Changʼan had no intention of flaunting the identity of Xiang Immortal.

At this point, the Snow Fox Merchant Association only suspected his identity—they couldn’t be completely sure.

As for the other cultivators at the auction, they didn’t even know his surname.

...

After the transaction, the three of them sat down for some casual conversation.

“Xiang Immortal, you traded for the Sha Yuan Pill. Is it to help a spirit pet form its core?”

The white-haired elder next to Hanyu Immortal stroked his beard and smiled as he asked.

Lan Changʼan nodded. “That’s correct.”

“Demonic beasts forming their cores is different from our own process as cultivators. Has Xiang Immortal found a suitable location for the breakthrough?”

“This is still undecided.”

Lan Changʼan hesitated briefly and then shook his head.

Foundation Establishment cultivators needed to rely on third-rank spiritual veins to form their cores.

For demonic beasts, their physical strength and bloodline played a larger role, so their need for a top-tier spiritual environment was somewhat reduced.

In most cases, a quasi-third-rank spiritual vein was sufficient.

However, if combined with a Demonic Fiend Formation, supplemented by spirit stones and specific precious materials, it would create an ideal environment—one akin to the demonic energy-infused spiritual veins found in places like the Black Fog Mountain Range.

In contrast, for a human cultivator to reach Core Formation, the environment of a third-rank spiritual vein was indispensable, unless they had rare treasures or unique natural treasures to assist them.

In the Jing Kingdomʼs cultivation world, Foundation Establishment cultivators typically had to borrow the third-rank spiritual veins of major merchant alliances’ immortal cities to break through.

This required applying through the merchant guilds, gaining their endorsement, and paying a fee in spirit stones.

Breaking through to the third rank required vast amounts of heaven and earth spiritual energy, which could affect a city’s protective formations. No matter where in the cultivation world it happened, it would require the local authoritiesʼ approval.

This was one reason Lan Changʼan had chosen to align himself with the Xia Family.

With the Wufu Merchant Association backing him, it would be easier to get approval when he needed to form his core in the Jing Kingdom.

”Our Snow Fox Merchant Association, which deals in demonic beast materials, has partnered with another guild to control a secret site within the Black Fog Mountain Range. It’s a special spiritual vein particularly suitable for demonic beasts attempting to form their cores. There are even some small additional benefits.”

Hanyu Immortal exchanged a glance with the white-haired elder before speaking.

Lan Changʼan’s interest was piqued, so he listened attentively.

“This special spiritual vein isn’t typically open to other merchant guilds or individual cultivators. However, if someone is on good terms with our two guilds and is willing to pay a certain price, exceptions can be made.”

“What is the price?”

Lan Changʼan asked bluntly.

Hanyu Immortal answered, “It could be rare spiritual materials or perhaps a favor…”

“Hmm, I’ll think it over once I return.”

Lan Changʼan understood that the Snow Fox Merchant Association valued his strength and background, and since the transaction had gone smoothly, they were offering this as a gesture of goodwill.

While the special spiritual vein in the Black Fog Mountain Range would indeed be a good place for his Earth Burrowing Rat to form its core, it wasn’t strictly necessary.

Lan Changʼan could still use the Xia Family’s quasi-third-rank spiritual vein, combined with a Demonic Fiend Formation and the right materials, to help his Earth Burrowing Rat breakthrough.

Of course, the Xia Family would likely impose their own conditions if they found out about his plans.

Moreover, if they investigated afterward, Lan Changʼan’s true identity would likely be exposed.

In the surrounding cultivation worlds, Lan Changʼan wasn’t an especially important figure, nor was he wanted by any sects. As long as the Earth Burrowing Rat successfully formed its core, even if his identity was revealed, it wouldn’t matter much.

...

Back at the Xunxian Residence, Lan Changʼan pondered for a while.

“I still have some time before I reach the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. I should first help the Earth Burrowing Rat form its core, ensuring it at least reaches the Fake Dan stage. Then, when I attempt my own core formation in the future, the Earth Burrowing Rat’s cultivation and strength will help protect me.”

Lan Changʼan had already decided how he would approach core formation in the Jing Kingdom.

After all, in this foreign land, he had no trusted friends to rely on.

If the Earth Burrowing Rat formed its core, it would serve as his protector.

During the crucial moments of core formation, a cultivatorʼs focus would be entirely absorbed, making them unable to fight, and leaving them vulnerable.

He recalled that when Fu Xuemei formed her core, external battles couldn’t affect her at all. At most, others could offer talismans or talismanic treasures to protect her from outside.

Lan Changʼan had spent over a hundred years with the Earth Burrowing Rat, and with their spirit pet contract in place, he wasn’t worried about betrayal.

His spiritual sense and body were also exceptionally strong, and he had the Nine Seal Stele as a trump card.

Even if the Earth Burrowing Rat reached third rank and formed a true core, without a great gulf in its spiritual soul, it would be difficult for it to devour its master and forcibly get rid of the spirit contract.

Before leaving Cloudsmoke Immortal City, Lan Changʼan summoned Wang Feng.

“Senior, do you have any instructions?”

Wang Feng bowed respectfully, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Only after the auction had ended did Wang Feng learn that the old man in the straw raincoat he had been guiding was actually a Fake Dan cultivator.

“I’m leaving Cloudsmoke Immortal City. This is your reward.”

Lan Changʼan flicked his sleeve.

Twenty spirit stones and a jade slip landed in Wang Feng’s hands.

“Thank you, Senior, for the reward!”

Wang Feng expressed his gratitude sincerely and bowed again.

His appreciation wasn’t just for show. As a low-level cultivator now, he couldn’t go anywhere without spirit stones.

After being hunted by the Demonic Sect and later robbed by bandits, Wang Feng hadn’t managed to retrieve his storage pouch when he fled to the Jing Kingdom.

After escorting Lan Changʼan out of the Xunxian Residence, Wang Feng returned to his own quarters, where he examined the jade slip he had been given.

“A prescription for treating my injuries?”

Wang Feng’s heart trembled as he read its contents.

The jade slip contained a medicinal recipe tailored to treat the hidden injuries that had caused his cultivation to regress and damaged his meridians and dantian. The ingredients listed were rare and precious.

Realizing that the senior had seen through his condition, Wang Feng felt a wave of fear.

“Could this senior be a true expert? Has he already discovered my true identity?”

Wang Feng had a gut feeling that he might have missed a chance to return to the Flame Departing Palace in the Liang Kingdom.

The other party had seen through his identity but hadn’t made things difficult for him, indicating that there was no malice involved.

Wang Feng quickly rushed out of the inn, but by then, the old man in the straw raincoat had already disappeared.

...

Lan Changʼan had no desire to get entangled with ”Young Master Wang,” even though there were secrets that could potentially be uncovered from him.

Young Master Wang’s background involved a high-ranking elder in the Flame Departing Palace, likely a late-stage Core Formation Immortal, placing him at a level similar to Lan Changʼan’s peak in his previous life.

Thus, instead of making things difficult, Lan Changʼan chose to extend a small gesture of goodwill before leaving.

The prescription would require quite a few rare materials, but if Wang Feng managed to gather the necessary spirit stones, there was a chance he could recover his cultivation.

...

Two days later.

Having left Cloudsmoke Immortal City, Lan Changʼan reverted to his original appearance as the alchemist ”Wu Fan.”

Now brimming with success, Lan Changʼan flew toward the Xia Familyʼs estate in Qingsha Bay.

The next day, he was half an hour away from Qingsha Bay.

Lan Changʼan flew high above the vast Changhong River.

Qingsha Bay was connected to this river, one of the three largest river systems in the Jing Kingdom.

“Hmm?”

As Lan Changʼan enjoyed the view of the river, he suddenly sensed the fluctuations of a battle.

Focusing his gaze, he saw two gray-robed Foundation Establishment cultivators chasing down a tall, blue-robed female cultivator.

”Help me, Daoist! I am Xia Shenglan, a cultivator from Qingsha Bay!”

The female cultivator was at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment. Though not stunningly beautiful, she was dignified and graceful. However, at the moment, she was in a miserable state—her robe stained with blood, her face pale, and cold sweat dripping down her brow.

She was clearly injured from the fight, and her magical power was nearly depleted.

Whoosh!

With the open view across the Changhong River, Xia Shenglan spotted Lan Changʼan flying toward Qingsha Bay and, as if grasping a lifeline, she activated a secret technique to fly toward him.

“Fellow Daoist donʼt mind your own business!”

One of the gray-robed cultivators, a lean youth at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, was controlling a supreme-grade magical weapon in the form of a flag, which stirred up a cyan-colored wind mist, unleashing sharp wind blades to pursue Xia Shenglan.

“You are… Alchemist Wu?”

As Xia Shenglan flew closer, she caught sight of the round-faced, yellow-bearded middle-aged man and seemed to recognize Lan Changʼan.

The two had never met before, but Lan Changʼan had a guess about her identity, recalling that Xia Wenyue had briefly mentioned her in conversation.

“As an external guest of the Xia Family, how can I stand by and do nothing when something happens near the estate?”

Lan Changʼan wasn’t in a hurry. He summoned a supreme-grade magical weapon in the form of a silver shield.

Hum!

The silver shield shot out, expanding to several zhang in size, covering Xia Shenglan and allowing her to meet up with Lan Changʼan.

The two gray-robed cultivators were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, and although one of them was at the late stage, Lan Changʼan didn’t take them seriously.

Being so close to the Xia Family’s territory, he decided to lend a hand and curry favor with the family.

“Haha, Fellow Daoist Wu, you were forced into a contract with the Xia Family to only perform your duties as an alchemist. Why risk your life for their sake?”

A loud, disdainful voice came from the brawny late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Though his aura indicated he was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, Lan Changʼan hadn’t paid him much attention until now.

“Heh, so it’s you, Fellow Daoist Fang Zhong.”

Lan Changʼan glanced at the burly man, detecting a sinister aura, and immediately saw through his disguise. He couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

“Fellow Daoist Wu, we once crossed paths aboard the Jiuchen Merchant Association’s spirit ship. Step aside, and I’ll spare your life,” Fang Zhong said sharply, his tone brooking no argument.

Xia Shenglan was badly injured, and her magical weapons were damaged. Using her secret technique had drained her body, leaving her in an overdrawn state.

If Lan Changʼan refused to back down, Fang Zhong was confident he could kill him before any Xia Family reinforcements from Qingsha Bay could arrive.