I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 201

## Chapter 200: Secret Plot to Form the Golden Core

The secret room of Xiao Gui Feng.

With a “bang,” a palm adorned with swirling crystal patterns struck the wall. The restriction, capable of withstanding multiple attacks from a Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator, was shattered. The light flickered wildly, then instantly shattered.

On the wall, crafted from second-order ore, a palm-shaped indent several inches deep remained.

Lu Chang An’s eyes burned like torches, his aura exuding an oppressive pressure rivaling that of a False Core cultivator.

After the restrictive light recovered, he struck out with a fist. Several feet away, a cloud-like explosion erupted.

“Squeal!”

The Di Yan Shu, hiding in a corner, trembled, afraid to meet its master’s gaze.

Lu Chang An suppressed the vast Qi and blood surging within his robust physique, abandoning the idea of testing the Di Yan Shu.

“The seventh layer of the Cloud Sand Body Refinement Manual! This Body Refinement Manual has finally reached its peak realm!”

Lu Chang An couldn’t hide his joy.

A near-third-order Body Refinement attainment, within the entire Liang Guo, was absolutely rare as hen’s teeth. Even the legendary He Yuan Wu hadn’t reached this level.

Lu Chang An’s strength had experienced a qualitative leap!

The cultivation of the Body Refinement Manual, while not purely based on ancient Body Refinement techniques, wouldn’t allow him to defeat a complete False Core cultivator, but he was not far behind.

Especially in terms of self-preservation, his ability had greatly improved.

Except for talismans and other secret techniques, the threat a False Core cultivator posed to him had diminished significantly.

“If my spiritual power reaches the Foundation Establishment late-stage, complementing my Body Refinement, I could deter anyone within Liang Guo, and the world beyond would be open to me.”

After a brief surge of ambition, Lu Chang An’s heart calmed.

He was aware of the vastness of the world, and his own smallness. Especially after obtaining fragments of memories from the Hundred Night Soul Gu, concerning the cultivation world of the Central Plains.

“For the next few years, I only need to steadily cultivate to the Foundation Establishment late-stage.”

Lu Chang An made up his mind.

Furthermore, his puppetry skills had reached the peak of the second order two years ago.

In the coming years, he could attempt to comprehend higher levels.

Becoming a third-order puppeteer was unrealistic.

But forging a near-third-order puppet, in the Foundation Establishment late-stage, wasn’t impossible.

Initially, when he treated Fu Xue Mei, he received a reward from Huang Long Zhen Ren, including a third-order puppet legacy. This saved Lu Chang An a lot of trouble.

…

“Master, Miss Shi has returned.”

Several days later, Lu Chang An emerged from seclusion. His maid, Lan Rou, promptly reported the news.

A few days ago, Shi Man Rong had traveled to Li Huo Gong to attend the wedding of Song Wen Shu and Shen Bi Xin.

Li Huo Gong housed a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, along with an Immortal Golden Core.

Lu Chang An, unwilling to attend in person, had declined with an excuse, asking Shi Man Rong to deliver a generous gift on his behalf.

“Go to Xiao Pan Feng and invite Miss Shi to visit the manor.”

Lu Chang An instructed.

Moments later, Lan Rou returned from Xiao Pan Feng, hesitating as she spoke.

“Master, Miss Shi said the journey was long and she was weary. She has no interest in socializing these days.”

“Well, then another time.”

Lu Chang An pondered, sensing Shi Man Rong’s growing distance.

If it were a few years ago, Shi Man Rong would have rarely declined his invitation.

However, since feigning a relationship with Zhou Qing Xuan, their relationship had become strained. Miss Shi had grown distant.

Of course, their general relationship remained, simply not as close or open as before.

Lu Chang An didn’t mind too much.

A fleeting romance, a mutually beneficial arrangement, was destined to be short-lived.

Even amongst the numerous cultivators who formed Daoist couples in this world, how many could truly pledge their hearts and remain together forever?

…

Several days later.

Lu Chang An paid a personal visit to Xiao Pan Feng.

This time, Shi Man Rong didn’t refuse.

“Daoist Lu, you’ve been busy with affairs of state for the past two years. You actually have time to visit my humble abode?”

Shi Xian Zi, draped in an elegant moon-colored skirt, her hair neatly coiled, exuded an air of dignified tranquility, as she softly chuckled.

“Miss Shi, you’re exaggerating.”

Lu Chang An remained composed as he entered Xiao Pan Feng’s cave abode.

Miss Shi, not lacking in decorum, maintained her graceful demeanor, personally brewing a pot of spiritual tea for him.

Lu Chang An’s visit naturally had a purpose.

After a few moments of casual conversation, the topic shifted to the wedding of Song Wen Shu and Shen Bi Xin.

“Song Daoist and Miss Shen married at Li Huo Gong. It was a lively and celebratory occasion, with numerous guests, including more than a dozen True Immortal dignitaries.”

“Song Daoist and his wife received your gift. They asked me to pass on their gratitude.”

“By the way, Jiang Ye Chen also attended the wedding. He got so drunk.”

“Jiang Ye Chen?”

Lu Chang An’s face showed surprise.

Jiang Ye Chen had the audacity to attend the wedding, his courage was admirable.

But as long as he didn’t cause trouble, Li Huo Gong wouldn’t do anything to him.

Regardless, Jiang Ye Chen and Shen Bi Xin had loved each other before, and Song Wen Shu was a later interloper.

If anything happened to Jiang Ye Chen afterwards, Song Wen Shu would be the prime suspect.

“Hmm, I chatted with Jiang Daoist. Given his previous temperament, it was difficult for him to remain restrained at the wedding.”

Shi Man Rong couldn’t help but recall Jiang Ye Chen’s pale, effeminate face, his eyes bloodshot.

“Miss Shi, did you hear any news about the Feng Guo battlefield after returning from Li Huo Gong?”

Lu Chang An brought up a matter of concern.

A year ago, cultivators from the Liang Guo sect who had joined the expedition had gradually returned to their homelands.

Those who hadn’t returned were gone forever.

“The Feng Guo battlefield has entered a temporary ceasefire.”

Shi Xian Zi shared the intelligence she had obtained.

“According to unconfirmed sources, Feng Guo, Yan Guo, and Chen Guo have each sent representatives to initiate negotiations…”

“Ceasefire negotiations?”

Lu Chang An was taken aback.

The war between the Feng Guo cultivation world had lasted for over twenty years without a clear victor.

Feng Guo, the strongest cultivation nation in the region, had a long and proud history, with unparalleled resilience.

Just their Nascent Soul level sects numbered three.

If not for Chu Tian Feng, a peerless prodigy from Yan Guo, who had joined forces with Chen Guo to launch a surprise attack early on, their resistance would have been much greater.

Lu Chang An’s astonishment stemmed primarily from his admiration for the Tian Zhi Lou.

Three years ago, the Tian Zhi Lou had made predictions concerning the situation on the Feng Guo battlefield. They claimed a turning point was possible, not ruling out negotiations.

The Tian Zhi Lou also predicted that, in the distant future, Liang Guo would likely become embroiled in war.

This had to do with the six demon sects expanding eastwards.

The news Shi Man Rong brought back gave Lu Chang An a clearer vision for the future.

…

Confirming the news about the neighboring nation’s battlefield was just one of the reasons Lu Chang An sought out Shi Xian Zi.

“About that matter, have you made a decision?”

Lu Chang An suddenly switched to voice transmission.

Shi Man Rong, understanding his intention, erected a restriction around them to block eavesdropping.

“I will reach the peak of Foundation Establishment within the next two years. For the sake of a Golden Core opportunity, the ancient relic will need to be explored within the next few years.”

Shi Man Rong stated her decision.

“However, the key memories of that ancient relic haven’t been recovered yet. I have only narrowed down a large area within the Black Mist Mountains.”

“Did Jiang Ye Chen agree to help you recover those memories?”

“We didn’t reach an agreement.”

Shi Man Rong shook her head, sighing softly.

“Restoring my sea of consciousness memories would consume the spiritual energy of an important treasure Jiang Ye Chen possesses.”

“Back then, I failed to successfully reunite Jiang Daoist with Miss Shen. Therefore, Jiang Daoist is unwilling to act without compensation. The price for his services is quite high.”

“Oh? What conditions did Jiang Ye Chen propose?”

Lu Chang An was genuinely curious.

“This fellow is asking for the moon. He wants a primary Golden Core elixir, or two rare auxiliary elixirs, or even a high-quality Golden Core spirit object.”

Shi Man Rong pursed her lips, her delicate brows furrowed.

“Golden Core opportunity?”

Lu Chang An chuckled wryly. “Perhaps Jiang Daoist is unhappy about what happened back then. He believes you weren’t diligent enough as the ‘matchmaker’.”

“You’re teasing me again! Daoist Lu, give me some advice.”

Shi Xian Zi, slightly irritated, rolled her eyes at him.

“Jiang Ye Chen is making such outrageous demands because he doesn’t want to drain the spiritual essence of the treasure he possesses. There’s no sincerity in his willingness to trade.”

Lu Chang An surmised.

“We have two options.”

“First, spend a large sum to purchase the Golden Core materials Jiang Daoist desires, or use other methods to sway him.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Xian Zi remained impassive.

Lu Chang An smiled. At this stage, everyone sought Golden Core materials. Why would anyone willingly give them to someone else?

“Second, use force to take what we want, killing the person and taking the treasure.”

Lu Chang An spoke with a neutral tone.

Shi Xian Zi’s beautiful eyes flickered with surprise. She glanced at him unexpectedly, but remained silent.

Lu Chang An suspected Shi Xian Zi might have entertained this thought.

For the sake of a Golden Core opportunity, even a virtuous cultivator with a hundred years of good deeds might break their moral code.

Once a true Golden Core is formed, entering the ranks of high-level cultivators, enjoying a lifespan of five to six hundred years, it was an irresistible temptation for any Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“I have a bad feeling about attacking Jiang Daoist.”

After a long pause, Shi Xian Zi sighed softly.

“In recent years, Jiang Daoist has achieved quite a few feats. He once killed a Foundation Establishment late-stage evil cultivator who was wanted by sects, directly facing him. That evil cultivator’s strength was no less than Black Night Fisherman’s.”

“Jiang Ye Chen has grown so rapidly?”

Lu Chang An thought to himself.

“Secondly, I’m worried that even if we obtain that treasure, using it on someone else may not guarantee success in restoring my memories.”

Shi Man Rong expressed her concerns.

“Miss Shi, you’ve considered everything carefully.”

Lu Chang An knew that some special treasures might have a master recognition or require unique secret techniques to utilize.

Simultaneously, another possibility had to be considered:

If Jiang Ye Chen was cornered, he could potentially destroy the treasure before he died, preventing his enemies from claiming it.

“How about this, Miss Shi, you continue to try and persuade Jiang Daoist. Whether or not we make a move, we’ll wait until I try to break through to the Foundation Establishment late-stage in a few years.”

Lu Chang An suggested.

Shi Man Rong nodded in agreement.

She hadn’t yet reached the peak of Foundation Establishment late-stage. With more preparation, whether facing Jiang Ye Chen or exploring the ancient relic, her chances of success would improve.

After discussing business matters, Lu Chang An suddenly chuckled.

“What’s so funny, Daoist Lu?”

“Cough! I just find the ‘secret plot’ we just had quite interesting.”

Lu Chang An realized his slip-up.

That scene, it was like a pair of villainous accomplices plotting to kill a true protagonist.

Based on Lu Chang An’s experience in his previous life, there was a nine out of ten chance of failure, or even a situation of “trying to steal the chicken only to lose the rice.”

Shi Xian Zi pondered for a moment, connecting to a certain word, and blushed with displeasure.

“Daoist Lu, please be mindful. Our relationship is no longer what it was before. Don’t insult my innocence.”

With a light snort, her face unhappy, she ushered Lu Chang An out of the cave abode.

…

Three months later.

Xiao Gui Feng, within a lotus-scented pool.

Lu Chang An, having finished his routine cultivation, lay on the back of the giant Xuan Shui Gui.

“Squeal!”

The Di Yan Shu, walking on water, delivered a letter just arrived to Lu Chang An.

In the past two years, thanks to Zhou family’s beast pills and supplies, the Di Yan Shu’s cultivation had accelerated significantly.

The Xuan Shui Gui benefited slightly from the situation too.

However, the Xuan Shui Gui, similar to Lu Chang An, shared a characteristic of slow cultivation.

Investing a certain amount of resources in the Xuan Shui Gui could steadily improve its cultivation.

However, if more resources were invested, the effect wouldn’t be proportional. Once surpassing a certain threshold, it wouldn’t be cost-effective.

In terms of lifespan limitations, the Xuan Shui Gui only had a slight advantage over Lu Chang An.

If cost was no object, and ten or a hundred times more resources were poured in, this turtle could also accelerate its growth.

“Daoist Zhao’s preparations for Golden Core formation aren’t going smoothly…”

Lu Chang An muttered as he read the contents of the letter.

This letter from Zhao Si Yao, while containing no explicit requests, implicitly conveyed her predicament.

Over the past years, Zhao Si Yao and Zhang Tie Shan, who had returned from the battlefield, had both been preparing for Golden Core formation.

Both had earned merits on the battlefield, and had once combined forces to kill a False Core cultivator.

However, Zhao Si Yao’s accumulated merits were far less than Zhang Tie Shan’s.

Zhang Tie Shan was among the first to join the battlefield, with remarkable achievements and accumulated merits, far surpassing Zhao Si Yao’s gains.

Even before joining the battlefield, Lu Chang An knew that Zhang Tie Shan’s family was wealthy.

Combined with his extraordinary performance on the battlefield, he had earned the favor of senior elders, and secured a Ning Jing Dan within Jin Yun Gu, basically guaranteed.

Zhao Si Yao, in terms of prestige, strength, and merit, fell short of Zhang Tie Shan in every way.

Even though she reached the peak of Foundation Establishment late-stage, she wouldn’t be able to obtain a Ning Jing Dan within the sect for ten years, not to mention Golden Core elixir.

Reaching the age of one hundred thirty, every year she delayed would slightly decrease her chance of Golden Core formation.

Exceeding the age of one hundred fifty, her success rate would dramatically decrease.

…

“A hundred years of time, reaching this point, being qualified to prepare for Golden Core formation is already beyond nine out of ten cultivators.”

Lu Chang An’s eyes were deep, as if he had traveled through time.

Lin Yi, Li Er Qing, Mu Xiu Yun, Mu Mao De… one by one, acquaintances from a hundred years ago had fallen by the wayside.

Some had died, some had perished, and some had stagnated in their cultivation, losing their potential.

In the eyes of the outside world, Lu Chang An, at his age, had not yet reached Foundation Establishment late-stage, and was also destined to be unable to form a Golden Core.

Compared to Zhao Si Yao or Zhang Tie Shan, he lagged behind by several decades in cultivation progress.

However, no one knew that Lu Chang An, in this life, had basically secured a Golden Core spot.

He sought to make the quality of his Golden Core as high as possible, increasing the probability of forming a Nascent Soul in this life.

After a long time, Lu Chang An withdrew from his thoughts.

He gestured with his hand, and the Di Yan Shu delivered the letter and pen and ink to the back of the Xuan Shui Gui.

“Daoist Zhao, every cultivator who has reached this stage has overcome countless obstacles. None are easy to deal with.”

“Three parts depend on ability, seven parts on fate. I can’t help you much with this Golden Core stage.”

Soon, Lu Chang An wrote a reply.

(End of Chapter)

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter