I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

Chapter 241: Advancing Another Step

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Thousands of li away from Qingsha Bay, there was a medium-to-large-scale market built by the riverside, known as the ”Heluo Market.”

The overseer of this market was none other than the Xinyue Merchant Association of the Jing Kingdom Merchant Alliance.

A few days later.

In the highest pavilion of Heluo Market.

Several high-ranking members of the Xinyue Merchant Association gathered, the atmosphere heavy and tense.

Seated at the head of the group was a silver-bearded man with an intense gaze, his aura emanating a distinct wave of core power. He was clearly a Fake Dan cultivator.

”Guest Elder Fang, what insights do you have on the death of Vice President Kou Sen?”

The gazes of the gathered high-ranking members fell upon a burly, purple-faced man in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, who was deep in thought.

This man was none other than Fang Zhong, who had crossed the border into the Jing Kingdom along with Lan Changʼan.
”President Le, I suspect this incident is related to Lan Changʼan!”

Fang Zhongʼs words shocked everyone.

”Lan Changʼan alone? Impossible!”

”Kou Sen was one of the strongest in the late Foundation Establishment stage. He possessed third-rank talismans and other trump cards, enough to hold his own even against a Fake Dan cultivator.”

”Even if a Fake Dan cultivator were to kill Kou Sen, it would take a great deal of effort and would definitely cause a commotion.”

”Though Lan Changʼan is strong, with his cautious nature as a ʼTurtle Talisman Master,ʼ he would never risk his life in a head-to-head confrontation.”

The guildʼs upper echelon all shook their heads in disagreement.

”Guest Elder Fang, what grounds do you have for suspecting Lan Changʼan?” the silver-bearded president asked, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

”Firstly, it’s my intuition.”

Fang Zhong paused, his eyes sharp. ”Back on the inter-kingdom spirit ship from Jiuchen Merchant Association, we were neighbors for two months, and I was completely deceived by him. This shows that Lan Changʼan is exceptionally good at hiding his true self.”

”Secondly, in the Xia Family territory, besides the clan head Xia Hongyu, Lan Changʼan is the only one strong enough to threaten Vice President Kou. The others couldnʼt possibly endanger him.”

Hearing Fang Zhong’s reasoning, a few of the guildʼs senior members seemed thoughtful, showing slight signs of wavering.

Perhaps Lan Changʼan couldnʼt have acted alone, but if the Wufu Merchant Association had other hidden hands, it was a possibility.

At that moment, the silver-bearded president at the head of the group took out a milky-white jade pendant with a faint glow and closed his eyes for two breaths.

”According to the latest intelligence from the Xia Family, during the time of Kou Sen’s death, Lan Changʼan never left Qingsha Bay. Many people saw him, and he didn’t step off Autumnwind Isle at all up to the day the intelligence was gathered.”

The silver-bearded president glanced coolly at Fang Zhong.

A high-ranking guild member shook his head and said, ”Fellow Daoist Fang, maybe there’s some personal grudge between you and Lan Changʼan, but donʼt let it cloud your judgment.” ℞

”I... donʼt!”

Under the skeptical gazes of everyone, Fang Zhongʼs face flushed, yet he had no rebuttal.

He gritted his teeth in frustration. Could it really be just his own delusion?

Years ago, when Lan Changʼanʼs identity was exposed, Fang Zhong was deeply shocked.

Hailing from the Liang Kingdom, Fang Zhong had long heard the inspiring tale of Lan Changʼan, a late-bloomer who reached Foundation Establishment despite his advanced age.

Later, he investigated Lan Changʼan’s background in detail and increasingly felt that this man was far from ordinary.

Not to mention, given Lan Changʼan’s talent and age, reaching the late Foundation Establishment stage was no small feat.

They had lived side by side for two months, and he had completely concealed his true cultivation from a peer-level sect elite—something no ordinary person could achieve.

”With Vice President Kou gone, we’ve lost a significant martial strength in our campaign against the Wufu Merchant Association.”

”In my opinion, we don’t need to rely on petty tricks anymore. Instead, we should increase our support for the Xin Family and apply pressure from inside and out by leveraging our advantage in Fake Dan cultivators...”

As the other high-ranking members discussed, Fang Zhong had lost interest.

Despite the intelligence clearing Lan Changʼan of suspicion as the culprit, he couldnʼt shake the feeling that Lan Changʼan was somehow involved.

He sighed deeply. Unfortunately, no one would believe him.

...

Half a month later.

Autumnwind Isle residence, inside the medicine chamber.

Xia Wenyue was dressed in a light blue cloud-patterned gown, her snow-white complexion delicate as a painting, her slender waist like a willow branch. The usual shadows of illness in her brows had mostly faded, replaced by a subtle anticipation.

Today was the day Lan Changʼan would help her again by using his power to warm and dispel the cold within her body.

The warmth of Master Lan’s magical power gave her an indescribable sense of comfort—clear, gentle, and refreshingly soothing.

This treatment had steadily improved her condition, giving her hope that she might one day shed the shackles of her frail health.

After a while, Lan Changʼan entered the chamber, dressed in a white robe.

”Master Lan.”

She greeted him softly, lying down on the bed in a serene, obedient manner.

But this time, Lan Changʼan didn’t immediately start the treatment.

”In previous sessions, I only removed the surface layer of cold poison. Now, to address the root cause, I will need to use up my own vital energy, which will impact my own cultivation and progression.”

Lan Changʼan spoke calmly.

”Master Lan, if there’s anything Wenyue can do, I will comply without hesitation.”

They had already made a prior arrangement, and Xia Wenyue knew that Lan Changʼan wouldn’t help her without expecting something in return.

In fact, if he asked for nothing, it would be more cause for concern.

Master Lan had once told her that free gifts were often the most costly.

”I don’t need you to serve me for life like a slave. Just take a heart demon oath and agree to fulfill one request.”

Lan Changʼan smiled faintly.

Xia Wenyue’s eyes flashed with surprise. Curing her ailment might require him to spend over a decade of his energy—an enormous cost.

She had been prepared to dedicate herself to him, willing to serve him for a lifetime.

After all, Master Lan was handsome as jade and otherworldly in temperament; she felt no aversion to the idea.

”Please speak plainly, Master Lan,” Xia Wenyue said, sitting up with a respectful expression.

”In the future, when you reach the mid to late stages of Core Formation, you must give me the only drop of ‘Taiyin Jade Essence’ that your Dao Physique can produce.”

”And you must keep this agreement a secret from everyone else.”

”Taiyin Jade Essence?”

Xia Wenyue had no idea what role her own innate Dao Physique could play at this moment.

Lan Changʼan didn’t hold back, explaining some of the records about the ”Cold Soul Jade Marrow” Dao Physique to her.

To produce the ”Taiyin Jade Essence,” she would need to maintain her purity until reaching mid-to-late Core Formation, requiring her full cooperation.

Of course, Lan Changʼan didn’t tell her the actual purpose of the Taiyin Jade Essence.

”This is not difficult. Wenyue is willing...”

Xia Wenyue agreed without a second thought, not even questioning the reasons behind it.

”Not difficult?” Lan Changʼan chuckled inwardly.

Even with an earth spiritual root’s cultivation speed, it would take Xia Wenyue over a hundred years to reach mid-to-late Core Formation.

Even immortals are subject to emotions and desires.

Cultivators, at their core, are still human. To suppress all such urges for over a century would be no easy feat.

”I, Xia Wenyue, hereby swear...”

Quickly, Xia Wenyue took the heart demon oath, feeling an odd sense of relief.

This agreement meant that, aside from the one thing he requested, Master Lan would place no further restrictions on her life.

This demand was far less than what she had expected.

Lan Changʼan, of course, had thought this through carefully.

...

A wait spanning over a hundred years would be filled with countless uncertainties.

Following the typical path, Lan Changʼan would need to adopt a ”nurturing” approach, providing resources and protection to guide Xia Wenyue to the mid-late stages of Core Formation.

But Lan Changʼan already had two spiritual pets to care for. His life wasn’t easy, and he didn’t want to take on another burden.

Besides, Xia Wenyue was extraordinarily beautiful, gifted with a peerless innate Dao Physique. She would undoubtedly attract attention and trouble as she grew stronger.

Lan Changʼan had no desire to constantly clean up after her.

Even without the Taiyin Jade Essence, he had hopes of reaching the Nascent Soul Realm in this lifetime.

”In short, the investment is high, the risks are great, and the potential reward is uncertain...”

Thus, Lan Changʼan ultimately dismissed the idea of nurturing her himself.

If he were to take that route, the best option would be to make her his Dao Companion.

Otherwise, with her superior talent, she might surpass him in cultivation by the time she reached late Core Formation, which could alter her perspective.

And beyond that, nurturing an extraordinary beauty by his side for over a hundred years without being able to touch her... was hardly appealing.

”Today, I simply plant a seed, and let her grow on her own...”

Lan Changʼan’s plan was to assist Xia Wenyue only in the initial stages of her cultivation, offering occasional guidance.

This way, his investment would remain minimal.

As long as she didn’t meet an untimely end, Xia Wenyue should at least reach the level he attained in his previous life, and likely at a faster pace.

Even if she changed her mind in the future, he wouldn’t mind negotiating terms or earning a favor from a peak Core Formation cultivator.

...

Half an hour later, Lan Changʼan completed the treatment.

This time, he secretly used the Evergreen Technique, expending a slight amount of his lifespan.

Curing Xia Wenyue’s condition entirely would cost him only one or two months of lifespan—a negligible amount compared to his five hundred years of lifespan, far less taxing than some other techniques.

As always, he planned to treat her gradually over a long period, ensuring his actions wouldn’t draw undue attention.

”This time, the nurturing treatment felt even more refreshing,” Xia Wenyue remarked, noticing the unusual sensation.

Looking at the pale, slightly sweating Lan Changʼan, her heart stirred with gratitude.

Silently, Xia Wenyue resolved to repay him in the future.

”You’ve reached the eighth layer Qi-Refining; your progress is impressive, and your health has greatly improved. However, the technique you’re using is unsuited to your innate Dao Physique—it’s a terrible waste.”

Before leaving, Lan Changʼan handed her a jade slip.

”From now on, cultivate with this technique.”

”Thank you, Master Lan.”

Xia Wenyue placed the jade slip on her forehead and discovered it contained a cold-attribute technique called the ”Ancient Sealed Ice Scroll,” which could be cultivated up to the late stages of Core Formation.

This technique was something Lan Changʼan had obtained in his previous life in Great Kun, supposedly from a destroyed Nascent Soul sect from long ago, with no lingering ties or disputes.

The ”Ancient Sealed Ice Scroll” was powerful but had high requirements for talent and bone structure, and it was incomplete.

In his previous life, Lan Changʼan hadn’t been able to use it due to his incompatible spiritual root and only acquired it after reaching Core Formation, making it nearly useless to him.

”The Great Kun of my past life and the Great Qing of this one both exist on the Heaven Honoured Continent, but they are separated by an unknown distance…”

Lan Changʼan wasn’t worried about this technique revealing anything about him.

...

A month later.

In the skies above a mountain range in southern Jing Kingdom.

A team of merchant guild cultivators maneuvered a convoy of flying carriages through the clouds.

In the world of cultivators, large-scale transportation of goods still required caravans, and guards were indispensable.

Massive amounts of goods couldn’t be carried solely with storage pouches.

After all, cultivators’ storage pouches didn’t have independent spaces.

The spaces within ordinary storage pouches were only about the size of a regular room, limiting both volume and weight.

Weight, especially, was a constraint.

Although the bag’s formations could reduce the weight significantly, it still required considerable strength from the cultivator carrying it.

If a Foundation Establishment cultivator filled several storage pouches with a million pounds of iron ore, even with weight-reducing formations, they wouldn’t be able to fly.

Moreover, it would drastically slow down travel speed.

”Liu Immortal, unidentified cultivators spotted ahead.”

A canyon appeared in view, prompting the convoy to slow down as guards surrounded it, ready for anything.

”Hmph! How brazen, openly ambushing a Snow Fox Merchant Association convoy.”

Inside the central, ornate carriage, an elder in green robes snorted coldly, his voice rumbling like thunder through the sky.

This green-robed elder was the Fake Dan cultivator tasked with protecting the convoy.

Ahead, six or seven figures with bronze masks emerged from the clouds.

Though they were outnumbered, each was at least in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and the leader emitted the unmistakable aura of a Fake Dan cultivator, fearlessly matching their opponent’s pressure.

The Liu Immortal in the carriage felt an uneasy chill run down his spine, as if a powerful spiritual sense had scanned him.

Realizing the enemy lacked a clear advantage yet boldly ambushed them, he sensed things might not go well.

Just as a bloody battle seemed imminent, the six or seven figures in the lead seemed to receive a command and reluctantly retreated.

It left everyone feeling baffled by the anticlimactic retreat.

In the valley below, within a dense forest.

A Core Formation female cultivator with flowing purple hair and a proud, curvaceous figure stood gracefully, like an orchid blooming in a secluded valley.

She had been watching the convoy, but suddenly her expression turned grim, feeling a bone-chilling aura rising from beneath her feet.

It was the aura of a Great Demon at the Core Formation level, potentially stronger than her.

”Snow Fox Merchant Association, it seems, has earned the favor and protection of a third-rank Great Demon.”

Fu Xuemei remained expressionless, deciding not to attack.

A third-rank monster concealed underground was staring at her, creating a standoff.

Due to the layers of rock between them and the isolation of the demon’s demonic aura, her spiritual sense couldn’t penetrate to see its appearance.

After a while, the monster finally withdrew.

”The elder of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association, Elder Huang, promised to provide information on how to revive my ‘Huang Dragon Beast’ in exchange for my help in this mission,” Fu Xuemei sighed in relief.

According to the agreement, she wasn’t supposed to fight a Core Formation expert, only to kill or severely injure the lead Fake Dan cultivator.

She hadn’t joined the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association, but this was a one-time collaboration.

To recruit her formally, they would have to bring her Huang Dragon Beast back to life.

Unfortunately, even the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association, renowned for beast-taming, had no solution for this.

Luckily, Elder Huang of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association claimed to know a way to revive the Huang Dragon Beast.

...

Several hundred zhang beneath the rock layers.

A layer of earth-yellow light enveloped a man and a rat.

The fully-grown Earth Burrowing Rat was about two zhang long and could serve as a mount, though it wasn’t nearly as comfortable as the Profound Water Turtle.

The rat burrowed through the earth in jerky movements that would make an ordinary cultivator dizzy.

”Repaying my first favor to the Snow Fox Merchant Association turned out to be quite easy.”

”I didn’t expect that the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association would invite Fu Xuemei for this...”

Lan Changʼan was slightly surprised but not shocked.

Over the years, due to the ongoing war, many cultivators from the Liang Kingdom had migrated to Jing Kingdom.

There were few Core Formation cultivators among them, and Fu Xuemei was one of the rare ones.

Back then, the collapse of the Huanglong Mountain had the silent approval of the Flame Departing Palace. Naturally, Fu Xuemei wouldn’t remain in the Liang Kingdom to help the sects fend off the invasion of the Golden Sun Sect faction.

Having cultivated in the Jing Kingdom for over a decade, Lan Changʼan had heard rumors.

It was said that several large merchant guilds had tried to recruit Fu Xuemei, but none had succeeded.

Lan Changʼan’s past grudges with Fu Xuemei had long been resolved.

He wasn’t particularly concerned about her reappearance.

As the war dragged on, it was likely that more familiar faces from Liang Kingdom would cross his path.

After safely escorting the Snow Fox Merchant Associationʼs convoy to its destination, Lan Changʼan began his journey back.

On his return, he stopped by the Cloudsmoke Immortal City and collected his reward of third-rank beast pills from the Snow Fox Merchant Associationʼs branch.

...

Back on Autumnwind Isle, Lan Changʼan dedicated part of his time to cultivation and occasionally guided Xia Wenyue in her training.

Her previous cultivation method had no specific attribute, making it easy to transition to the ”Ancient Sealed Ice Scroll.”

With this new cold attribute technique, Xia Wenyue’s cultivation speed increased significantly.

Lan Changʼan estimated her speed now surpassed that of an ordinary earth spiritual root.

Not only that, but her cold-based magical power and the potency of her spells were stronger than described in the ”Ancient Sealed Ice Scroll.”

”Truly worthy of an innate Dao Physique, a favored child of the Great Dao.”

Lan Changʼan couldn’t help but feel a hint of envy, even a tinge of bitterness.

Not only was her cultivation speed extraordinary, but her magical power and abilities were further enhanced by her special constitution, putting her strength beyond others at the same level.

It was enough to drive anyone to frustration.

If Xia Wenyue were fortunate, her future potential would be unimaginable.

There might come a day when Lan Changʼan himself would need to rely on her support.

...

In the blink of an eye, a year and a half passed.

While Xia Wenyue made rapid progress, Lan Changʼan hadn’t been idle.

After cultivating at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment for fifteen years, he finally advanced another level.