I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

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Chapter 370: Everything Gathered

Upon hearing Alchemist Le’s words, Lan Changʼan’s heart stirred with excitement.

Not only did Alchemist Le possess the Tianying Fruit, the most precious main ingredient for the Infant Transformation Pill, but he was also willing to refine the pill himself, this offer really made his heart flutter.

“What does Alchemist Le require of me?”

Lan Changʼan’s eyes flickered. Since Alchemist Le had no interest in his previously displayed trade items, his request was bound to be far from simple.

“My request should not be too difficult for Immortal Xiang.”

“All I need is a promise—three times in the next three hundred years, Lord Earthrock must take action on my behalf. If I pass away, this agreement will extend to my descendants.”

Alchemist Le spoke with a gentle smile, transmitting his voice directly.

Lan Changʼan, however, frowned.

Alchemist Le’s conditions were not excessively harsh.

The core opportunity for advancing to the Nascent Soul stage is something that many late-stage Core Formation cultivators would likely agree to.

However, for other late-stage Core Formation cultivators, there is no guarantee that they will successfully ascend to Nascent Soul in the future, so this deal might end up being a wasted effort.

Lan Changʼan was different, he already possessed a fourth-rank demon king, Lord Earthrock. That was precisely why Alchemist Le had made this offer specifically to him.

”Iʼm afraid Iʼll have to disappoint Alchemist Le.”

”I cannot make decisions on behalf of Lord Earthrock, nor do I wish to burden my beloved spirit pet with unnecessary karma due to my own illusions of grandeur.”

Lan Changʼan declined without hesitation.

Three hundred years, three promised interventions, and an extension to Alchemist Le’s descendants—this was a long-term entanglement of karma, something that could lead to serious complications in the future.

Unlike others, Lan Changʼan did not see the Nascent Soul breakthrough as an insurmountable challenge—it was merely a matter of time.

Alchemist Le was genuinely surprised.

He hadn’t expected such a firm rejection, nor had he thought Lan Changʼan would mention karmic entanglement.

In the cultivation world, only Nascent Soul and higher cultivators typically concerned themselves with karma—few Core Formation cultivators had such awareness.

What Alchemist Le didn’t know was that Lan Changʼan was not originally from the Great Yuan.

Once he attained the Nascent Soul stage, he would likely not remain in the Great Yuan for long.

A three-hundred-year commitment was impractical, as neither he nor Lord Earthrock would be around to fulfill it.

”I can only agree to one intervention, valid for one hundred years.”

Lan Changʼan offered his bottom line.

”One time is too little. Not only am I providing you with the Tianying Fruit, but I am also refining your Infant Transformation Pill, so at least count it as two favors.”

Alchemist Le shook his head, pushing for a better deal.

After a brief negotiation, they still could not reach an agreement.

Alchemist Le’s bottom line was two interventions, with the commitment extending to his successors.

Lan Changʼan refused to compromise and abandoned the deal altogether.

Alchemist Le’s eyes narrowed slightly, realizing that things were not going as he had expected.

He had assumed that offering such a crucial Nascent Soul resource would make Lan Changʼan desperate to accept.

Yet, the young cultivator showed no hesitation in walking away—which meant that he had alternative means of obtaining the Tianying Fruit.

And indeed, Lan Changʼan did have another option.

If necessary, he could activate the spatial teleportation array and temporarily return to the Great Qing to retrieve the Tianying Fruit he had entrusted to the New Flame Departing Palace.

There were risks involved, but after decades away, the powerful True Monarch Cyanwood could not have remained stationed in the Seven Kingdoms Alliance indefinitely.

...

Just as Lan Changʼan concluded his negotiations, a deep voice rang out from across the courtyard.

A Nascent Soul cultivator, a youth with an unnaturally muscular left arm, watched him with amusement.

”I hear that Immortal Xiang is highly skilled in puppet refinement. Would you be able to craft a top-grade third-rank puppet?”

Lan Changʼan’s eyes flickered.

He did not know much about this cultivator, but he recognized his Dao title—Left Dragon True Monarch—hailing from the Great Luo Kingdom to the north of the Great Yu Kingdom.

The great Luo Kingdom was once part of the Great Yu Kingdom but had since separated. Though its strength was far inferior, the Yaqi Mountain, an enemy faction of Great Yu, had consistently prevented it from reclaiming Great Luo.

”A top-grade third-rank puppet? My chances of success are quite low.”

Lan Changʼan replied cautiously.

Left Dragon True Monarch snickered, clearly unconvinced.

”According to the rumors, that mysterious assassin puppet used by ʼTrue Monarch Jing Tianʼ in the Ancient Nether Hall, was it not crafted by Elder Xiang?”

The mention of ”True Monarch Jing Tian” immediately piqued the interest of several Nascent Soul cultivators nearby.

Lan Changʼan quickly realized that the assassin puppet he had lent to Jing Wufeng had gained a reputation during the Ancient Nether Hall expedition.

That puppet had been a top-grade third-rank assassin construct, but its true strength lay not in its craftsmanship, but in its synergy with Jing Wufeng’s spatial abilities.

”Oh, that puppet was a special case.”

”True Monarch Jing Tian provided numerous fourth-rank materials, and I had to downgrade the refinement process by half a rank to achieve a top third-rank puppet. Even then, the success rate was only around forty to fifty percent.”

Lan Changʼan lied effortlessly.

Though some Nascent Soul cultivators had noticed the assassin puppet in the Ancient Nether Hall, they had only speculated about its origins—there was no concrete evidence linking it to Lan Changʼan.

Even if the truth was exposed, it would not matter—after all, as the master of a fourth-rank demon king, he was no longer a mere Core Formation cultivator.

However, showcasing too much skill in the sect could invite unwanted attention from more Nascent Soul old monsters.

A top-grade third-rank puppet was a powerful combat asset, capable of assisting Nascent Soul cultivators in battle. In crucial moments, such a puppet could tilt the scales of a fight.

”I see.”

Left Dragon True Monarch seemed to believe most of it and did not press further.

If crafting such a high-level puppet required excessive fourth-rank materials, and the success rate was unreliable, then it was not worth the investment.

After a moment of contemplation, Alchemist Le returned.

”Little friend Xiang, are you truly unable to craft a top-tier third-rank puppet?”

His interest had been rekindled.

Such a high-quality puppet would enhance his protection, and he could pass it down to his successors.

”If itʼs for Alchemist Le, no matter how low the success rate, I will do my utmost to refine one.”

Seeing that Alchemist Le was interested, Lan Changʼan softened his stance.

”Oh? If I provide the materials, and you guarantee its success, then itʼs not impossible to reconsider the previous trade offer.”

Alchemist Le’s sharp eyes gleamed as he reopened negotiations.

Lan Changʼan agreed, and the two quickly finalized a deal:

Alchemist Le would provide the Tianying Fruit and personally refine Lan Changʼan’s Infant Transformation Pill, and Lan Changʼan would, within ten years, craft a top-grade third-rank puppet for Alchemist Le, and Lord Earthrock or Lan Changʼan after reaching the Nascent Soul stage would intervene once on Alchemist Le’s behalf, valid for one hundred years.

The exchange was fair—neither side took advantage of the other.

”Then it’s settled. Once you gather the rest of the materials for the Infant Transformation Pill, come to the Alchemy Dao Alliance, and I will fulfill my promise.”

Alchemist Le’s wrinkled face showed a satisfied smile.

As an alchemy grandmaster, crafting a fourth-rank spirit pill was second nature to him; it posed no difficulty.

However, for Elder Xiang to craft a top-grade third-rank puppet, it might be a bit of a challenge. After all, it had only been about a decade or two since this person had risen to the status of a top-grade third-rank puppet master.

What he didnʼt know was that Lan Changʼan’s true puppet refinement skills had already reached near fourth rank, far surpassing what other cultivators expected…

...

Throughout his private negotiations with Alchemist Le, Lan Changʼan used only voice transmissions, ensuring that outsiders remained unaware of the details.

Standing beside him, Purple Mist Fairy had sensed the silent exchange between the two but chose not to intervene.

Half an hour later, after the cultivators had exchanged some interesting anecdotes, the Nascent Soul Exchange Gathering concluded.

Purple Mist Fairy activated her flying light, carrying Lan Changʼan back to Cloudsky Immortal City.

“Alchemist Le, as a member of the Alchemy Dao Alliance, has a reputation for trustworthy alchemy. However, you must remain vigilant when dealing with him—never let your guard down.”

Purple Mist Fairy’s expression was serious as she offered her warning.

“Junior brother understands.”

Lan Changʼan nodded, fully aware of why Jiang Ziyan harbored suspicions and was not particularly trusting of Alchemist Le.

Many years ago, True Monarch Yunlan had once cooperated with Alchemist Le for alchemy services. However, after leaving the Alchemy Dao Alliance’s territory, he was ambushed, gravely injured, and lost an arm.

Alchemist Le had later sent medicine to treat the wounds, denying any involvement. And without concrete evidence, the matter was left unresolved.

Nevertheless, the incident suggested that someone from the Alchemy Dao Alliance or its affiliates may have leaked information about Yunlan True Monarch’s movements.

Lan Changʼan had already factored this risk into his decision when agreeing to the trade.

From what he had gathered, the Alchemy Dao Alliance, as a neutral faction, maintained its reputation for fair trade—within its territory, at least.

That level of basic reliability was sufficient for Lan Changʼan.

The few past incidents only occurred after cultivators left the alliance’s jurisdiction.

Yunlan True Monarch had grown careless after multiple smooth transactions and ultimately fell into a trap.

However, Lan Changʼan was a divination master—as long as he remained cautious, and the difference in cultivation was not too overwhelming, it would be difficult for anyone to scheme against him.

More importantly, at this crucial stage of his Nascent Soul breakthrough, it was unrealistic to expect zero risk.

...

Two days later, the second half of the Cloudsky City Auction was in full swing.

The intensity of the bidding had escalated, with high-level cultivators making frequent and aggressive bids.

“Up next: Miluo Grass—one of the three main ingredients for the Infant Transformation Pill! A rare opportunity—who will place the next bid?”

On the auction stage, the goat-bearded auctioneer’s voice was filled with excitement.

“One hundred and twenty thousand spirit stones!”

A deep male voice, infused with Nascent Soul-level spiritual power, came from one of the VIP rooms—accompanied by a low, disdainful snort.

“One hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones.”

Lan Changʼan’s tone was calm, raising the price by thirty thousand without hesitation—completely ignoring the inflated cost.

With his deal secured with Alchemist Le, Miluo Grass was now the only missing ingredient for his Infant Transformation Pill.

Even if he had to offend a Nascent Soul old monster, he would obtain it at all costs.

”Xiang Dalong, this seat will yield this Miluo Grass to you.”

”We shall see if you truly have the fortune to enjoy the blessings of the Infant Transformation Pill.”

From another VIP room, a hulking Nascent Soul cultivator, clad in heavy black demon armor, let out a mocking remark. His violet-black pupils glowed ominously, exuding an unfriendly aura.

”Do not concern yourself, Junior Brother Xiang.”

”Dominating Martial True Monarch is merely one of the demonic sect leaders from Yaqi Mountainʼs lineages—a sworn enemy of the Great Yu Kingdom.”

Purple Mist Fairy’s voice was calm and reassuring, though she remained slightly wary of Dominating Martial True Monarch.

Yaqi Mountain was located in the southwestern region of Great Yu, standing as a directly opposing faction against it.

It was a predominantly demonic sect coalition, with eight massive fourth-rank spirit veins running through its territory.

”A mere harsh word canʼt scare Junior Brother.”

Lan Changʼan chuckled indifferently.

With Dominating Martial True Monarch withdrawing, Lan Changʼan successfully secured the Miluo Grass, leaving him in high spirits.

It was not that Dominating Martial True Monarch lacked the wealth to continue bidding—rather, after the price had exceeded reasonable limits, he decided it was not worth the cost.

With more powerful items yet to appear in the auction, many Nascent Soul cultivators had to conserve their resources for the final showdowns.

Having achieved his primary objective, Lan Changʼan restrained himself, only making one more purchase—a fourth-rank artifact material that had little competition.

As for Purple Mist Fairy, her results were mediocre—she had only managed to obtain a fourth-rank spirit pill that slightly enhanced cultivation.

However, her true goal of a top-grade magical treasure remained out of reach, as its core materials required top-grade fourth-rank components, which were extremely rare.

...

After staying in Cloudsky City for a few more days, Lan Changʼan and Jiang Ziyan set out on their return journey.

As usual, Jiang Ziyan traveled cautiously, leaving without attracting attention.

Lan Changʼan made a divination and confirmed that no Nascent Soul old monsters were tailing them—the surrounding region was relatively stable.

As for Dominating Martial True Monarch, despite his earlier hostility, he had likely been all talk.

It was highly unlikely that a Nascent Soul old monster would risk his life over a single ingredient—such disputes rarely escalated into life-and-death battles.

Moreover, Lan Changʼan had a Nascent Soul sect backing him, and with a fourth-rank demon king as his protector, he was not an easy target.

As the journey continued, Lan Changʼan felt relaxed and at ease.

This expedition had nearly completed all preparations for his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

Other necessary Nascent Soul resources, such as tribulation-resolving treasures, Nascent Soul spirit items, and Heart Tribulation treasures—were all accounted for.

It could be said that Lan Changʼan had basically taken care of all the external preparations for impacting Nascent Soul.

It may have seemed simple, but this was the culmination of years of meticulous planning.

By integrating himself into the Nascent Soul cultivator social circle, he had been able to acquire resources naturally.

In the cultivation world, if a Core Formation cultivator has no Nascent Soul elders to care for them, with no background or great opportunities, it is almost impossible for them to independently succeed.

Purple Mist Fairy could sense Lan Changʼan’s lighthearted mood.

She quietly mused to herself—Xiang Dalong was approaching peak Core Formation. Given his relatively old age, once he gathered all the necessary resources, he would need to break through to Nascent Soul as soon as possible.

Her expression darkened slightly as she recalled the failed Nascent Soul tribulation of Immortal Yunqing, who had perished in the attempt.

Pushing such thoughts aside, she gently asked:

“In the next ten years, Junior Brother Xiang, have you considered leaving behind any descendants before your breakthrough?”

Lan Changʼan understood her concern.

Even if one possessed an Immortal Golden Dan and abundant resources, failure was still a possibility.

Thus, many Core Formation cultivators preparing for Nascent Soul ascension would arrange for heirs in advance.

”I have bloodline descendants in my homeland, so there is no need to worry about this matter.”

”If the Nascent Soul breakthrough unfortunately fails, everything will be inherited by Lord Earthrock.”

Lan Changʼan gave a half-truth to avoid further discussion.

In reality, he had no descendants in this lifetime.

Purple Mist Fairy nodded, sensing that Lan Changʼanʼs mindset of impacting Nascent Soul was good, he faced the tribulation without the fear of suffering any loss.

“If Junior Brother successfully advances to the Nascent Soul Realm, what are your plans for the future?”

She smiled softly, shifting to a more optimistic topic.

”If I am fortunate enough to become a True Monarch, I will consider returning to my homeland for a visit.”

Lan Changʼan did not conceal his intentions, it was only in line with human nature.

Crossing region boundaries required one to at least be a Nascent Soul cultivator.