I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 202

## Chapter 201: Old Friends of the Real Person

Six months later.

On the top of Xiao Gui Feng, in a pavilion by the pond.

“Brother Lu! This time we meet, I observe your magical power fluctuations. You’re not far from breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment.”

A yellow-robed girl, beautiful as jade, spoke in a clear voice, her eyes bright and lively, like a devoted concubine, massaging Lu Chang An’s shoulders and back.

“Seven years later, the ‘Qing Ming Secret Realm’ will open again.”

“With Brother Lu’s extraordinary strength, once you become a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, you will have few rivals in the Secret Realm. At that time, there will be a good chance to obtain the opportunity to form a Core.”

“Qing Ming Secret Realm?”

Lu Chang An’s heart moved. He counted the years.

The last time the Qing Ming Secret Realm opened, he was only ninety-six years old, with a cultivation base of early Foundation Establishment.

Most cultivators participating in the Qing Ming Secret Realm were in their prime, with deep foundations, having reached the mid to late stages of Foundation Establishment.

“You’re so sure I’ll be able to break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment? Besides, it’s extremely difficult for cultivators without a sect to get a quota.”

Lu Chang An said calmly.

Because of the prediction by Tian Zhi Lou a few years ago, he felt he might not be able to catch up with the opening of the Qing Ming Secret Realm.

“Brother Lu’s magical power is pure and your foundation is solid. Although your cultivation progress is slow, you are not standing still. Qing Xuan not only believes that you can advance to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, but even in the future, your hopes of forming a Core will exceed that of ordinary people.”

Zhou Qing Xuan’s dimples appeared, her smile sweet.

Her confidence in Lu Chang An stemmed mainly from the fact that he could contend with the Hundred-Night Soul Gu, controlling his own body.

Coming from a Spirit Beast family, Zhou Qing Xuan deeply understood the terror of the Hundred-Night Soul Gu. Even core disciples of Nascent Soul sects couldn’t usually achieve that.

“As for the quota for the Qing Ming Secret Realm. As long as Brother Lu is willing, my Zhou family can help you get one.”

Compared to independent cultivators, sects and families found it easier to obtain quotas, but they still had to strive and pay a considerable price.

At the same time, each Foundation Establishment cultivator in a sect could only enter the Qing Ming Secret Realm once in their lifetime.

For example, Zhao Si Yao entered the Qing Ming Secret Realm forty years ago, and she would not be eligible this time.

“Miss Zhou’s kindness is appreciated, Lu is grateful. If there comes such a day, we’ll discuss it further.”

Lu Chang An looked at the obedient and considerate girl in the yellow dress.

Youthful and beautiful, from a noble family, talented, powerful, taking the initiative to offer her affections, planning for his future…

This was the partner that many men dreamed of.

However, Lu Chang An knew that nothing in this world was without a reason, and there was no such perfect partner.

Zhou Qing Xuan was so flattering because of the double constraints of the Gu worm restriction and the Heart Demon Oath.

Her life and future were in Lu Chang An’s hands.

The real Zhou Qing Xuan was eccentric and cunning, not lacking in scheming. When she wanted to gain something, she would stop at nothing.

Back then, outside the Bamboo Leaf Mountain market, she didn’t hesitate to cut off her uncle’s arm to save her own life.

She also sold Lu Chang An a problematic pill at a low price.

Of course, she wasn’t inherently evil.

Back in Huang Long Immortal City, when Lu Chang An was a Qi Refining cultivator, he visited her and helped the Mu family find a second-order spirit beast. Although Zhou Qing Xuan put on airs and was a bit practical, she ultimately honored her commitment.

“There’s good news I want to tell you, Brother Lu.”

Zhou Qing Xuan smiled sweetly, leaning against Lu Chang An. A fragrant scent wafted from her.

“My Zhou family’s ‘Blood Spirit Pool’ has a cleansing effect on spirit beasts, not only significantly enhancing their cultivation but also slightly promoting their bloodline.”

“However, the Blood Spirit Pool opens only once every few years, requiring a significant amount of precious materials. The quota is limited and rarely open to outsiders. Qing Xuan has finally persuaded my grandfather to consider squeezing out a quota.”

“What does your grandfather require?”

Lu Chang An knew that Zhou Qing Xuan’s grandfather was the Zhou family’s False Core ancestor, a well-known figure.

“My grandfather wants to see you.”

Zhou Qing Xuan looked at him and immediately added, “This is not Qing Xuan’s intention, but my grandfather’s personal wish. If you don’t want to go, no one will force you.”

“When will the Blood Spirit Pool open? Is there only one quota?”

Lu Chang An naturally didn’t want to go to the Zhou family. He wondered if he could find a way to change it. As long as the price was right, buying a quota wouldn’t hurt, and he wouldn’t have to take advantage of the Zhou family again.

“Probably within a year or two.” Zhou Qing Xuan answered.

“Internal competition within the Zhou family is fierce, and there is only one quota. Qing Xuan suggests you send the Earth-rank bloodline Xuan Shui Gui.”

…

Three days later, Zhou Qing Xuan left Xiao Gui Feng on a flying beast.

Before leaving, she mentioned that a major auction would be held in Liao Yuan Immortal City in two months.

This auction would be a once-in-a-decade event, with Core Formation items up for auction.

Lu Chang An declined Zhou Qing Xuan’s invitation to attend the auction together, claiming that he needed to cultivate.

More than one friend had mentioned this auction to Lu Chang An.

A month later.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator in a flowing immortal dress, with a cool and elegant demeanor, arrived as scheduled.

“Daoist Zhao has arrived.”

Lu Chang An smiled and welcomed Daoist Zhao to the pavilion by the pond.

Zhao Si Yao smelled the refreshing scent of lotus blossoms, glanced at the blossoming lotuses and the Xuan Shui Gui lazily floating in the pond, feeling a sense of pleasantness.

She said with a smile, “Every time I come to Xiao Gui Feng, I feel particularly relaxed and my mind is peaceful.”

Zhao Si Yao was going to participate in the Liao Yuan Immortal City auction, which wasn’t exactly on her way, but she came to Xiao Gui Feng as promised.

“If Daoist Zhao likes it, you can stay at Xiao Gui Feng for a few days.”

Lu Chang An wasn’t just being polite.

He wouldn’t keep ordinary female cultivators overnight.

Zhao Si Yao was the cultivator he trusted most in this life. They had known each other since childhood, and they had come a long way together.

“Thank you for your kindness, Daoist Lu.” Zhao Si Yao declined politely.

In the past one hundred years, she had never stayed overnight at Lu Chang An’s residence.

“Daoist Zhao has already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment and is preparing for Core Formation. Has there been any progress recently?”

After a moment of casual conversation, Lu Chang An got to the point.

“Among the Foundation Establishment cultivators in Jin Yun Valley, Si Yao’s aptitude is not outstanding, and I don’t have a Core Formation elder backing me up. I want to exchange for a Condensation Crystal Pill within the sect, but I won’t have a chance for ten years. Even if I wait in line for ten years, I might be cut in line…”

Zhao Si Yao mentioned her current situation in Jin Yun Valley.

It was because of her relationship with Lu Chang An that she dared to confide in him and vent her frustration.

In the eyes of outsiders, she was still the aloof and pure Yao Yue Xian Zi.

Lu Chang An knew that in the first few decades after entering Jin Yun Valley, Zhao Si Yao had refused to give in to unspoken rules, especially during the Foundation Establishment bottleneck.

And now, at the Core Formation stage.

The Core Formation opportunity was a top-tier strategic resource in Jin Yun Valley.

Even those beautiful female cultivators, even if they were willing to sacrifice themselves, might not be able to get what they wanted, and they might be tricked.

“I have only collected three-tenths of the materials for the Condensation Crystal Pill. The most crucial Core Formation primary medicine, ‘Seven-Core Xuan Yue Flower’, including two rare auxiliary medicines, are hard to come by.”

“Fortunately, I managed to acquire a common Core Formation spirit object two years ago, at a considerable price. It can slightly improve the quality of Core Formation.”

Now, Zhao Si Yao no longer dared to hope for exchanging for a Condensation Crystal Pill from the sect. She wanted to use outside forces, replicating the approach she took during Foundation Establishment.

Lu Chang An knew that Zhao Si Yao’s aptitude and age couldn’t afford to wait for ten years.

In the future, her chances of success in forming a Core would decrease with each passing year.

“Liao Yuan Immortal City is holding a major auction. Si Yao plans to go there and try her luck. If Daoist Lu is interested, you can come along. Tan Er and the others will arrive soon…”

Zhao Si Yao invited him.

“I already have the Foundation Establishment breakthrough pill. I won’t be going to the auction.”

Lu Chang An said, taking out a brocade pouch and handing it to Zhao Si Yao.

“This pile of spirit stones is Lu’s sincere intention, hoping that Daoist Zhao can achieve something at the auction.”

In his last letter, Lu Chang An had mentioned that he couldn’t be of much help and could only lend her a few thousand spirit stones as a gesture of goodwill.

“Si Yao has been unable to repay the favor since I returned from the Feng Guo battlefield. This pile of spirit stones…”

Zhao Si Yao took the brocade pouch, biting her lower lip, looking embarrassed.

Lu Chang An thought back to that time.

Outside Jin Yun Valley, the two of them had a private chat, almost breaking through the barrier.

“Lu Chang An, how can I repay such a great favor?”

Zhao Si Yao had looked at him, saying these words.

Lu Chang An naturally understood the implication.

It was the closest they had ever been, but they ultimately didn’t cross that line.

“Daoist Zhao, don’t worry about it. This is a loan of spirit stones, and you will need to return them in the future.”

Lu Chang An declared.

“If Si Yao fails to form a Core in the future and unfortunately perishes, Daoist Lu might have to take a loss on this deal.”

Zhao Si Yao then smiled.

Lu Chang An heard her teasing and said leisurely, “Daoist Zhao, if you can’t repay, I believe Zhao Tan Er will take over the debt for her teacher. With her potential, a few thousand spirit stones shouldn’t be a problem.”

Zhao Si Yao was speechless.

The risk of a few thousand spirit stones was nothing to Lu Chang An’s current net worth.

“Daoist Zhang isn’t planning to attend the auction this time?”

Lu Chang An changed the subject.

He was somewhat interested in Zhang Tie Shan’s progress in Core Formation.

“Senior Brother Zhang has almost finished preparing for Core Formation, just waiting to exchange for a Condensation Crystal Pill. He doesn’t plan to leave Jin Yun Valley before he forms a Core.”

Zhao Si Yao’s eyes held a hint of envy.

Lu Chang An was secretly surprised. He didn’t expect Zhang Tie Shan to progress so quickly.

They had both entered Jin Yun Valley as teenagers.

Besides being the first place in the Illusion Heart Pass, Zhang Tie Shan was also determined, but he wasn’t as good as Zhao Si Yao in other areas.

They had both entered the Qing Ming Secret Realm and participated in the Immortal Cultivation War.

However, Zhang Tie Shan had always gained more than ordinary cultivators in each opportunity.

Including various trials and actual combat.

Over one hundred years of cultivation, with each accumulation, the gap had widened unknowingly.

Upon closer thought, Lu Chang An wasn’t surprised.

After all, he had guessed early on that Zhang Tie Shan might have some kind of opportunity.

…

On Xiao Gui Feng, Lu Chang An sent Zhao Si Yao away, again declining her invitation to attend the auction together.

Half a month later.

Lu Chang An quietly left Wu Qi Shan, using the Hundred Illusions Mask to disguise his identity and travel to Liao Yuan Immortal City.

This auction was large-scale and offered more business opportunities.

Lu Chang An wanted to act independently, selling the puppets and pills he had practiced with.

He also wanted to dispose of some old, low-quality talismans.

He had accumulated a lot of resources.

For example, Longevity Pills, materials for quasi-third-order puppets, talisman drawing materials, etc.

If there was a chance, he wouldn’t refuse third-order talisman materials.

Once he advanced to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, Lu Chang An’s divine sense would increase further.

At that time, combined with the effect of “Immortal Mist Tea”, he could try to refine third-order talismans.

“One hundred thirty-eight years old.”

Lu Chang An arrived in Liao Yuan Immortal City and felt the flow of the profound mysteries of time on his body.

His cultivation career in this life had reached one hundred and twenty years.

The auction was a few days away.

All the major inns in Liao Yuan Immortal City were full, filled with cultivators from all over Liang Guo.

Major shops had stocked up on some high-end goods.

At this time, the price of ordinary goods was cheap, but rare resources were more expensive.

Lu Chang An, disguised, sold puppets, talismans, and pills in batches.

Among them, the puppets, because he had accumulated a lot of them, brought in the most spirit stones, totaling more than 20,000.

Lu Chang An kept only two good, top-tier second-order puppets.

Before the auction, Lu Chang An purchased a batch of puppet-drawing talisman materials, but he only managed to get a small amount of quasi-third-order materials.

As for third-order materials, with his identity, he could only buy them at the auction, depending on the situation.

…

A few days later.

Lu Chang An left Liao Yuan Immortal City with a sense of relief.

“During the auction, a Core Formation late-stage cultivator unexpectedly joined, buying that excellent Core Formation spirit object. No one dared to compete.”

Lu Chang An thought back, although there was no danger at the time, there was a theoretical risk.

In the past, the auction here had never attracted anyone above Core Formation mid-stage.

His level of Longevity Art and the disguise of the Hundred Illusions Mask couldn’t guarantee that he could avoid detection by a Core Formation late-stage cultivator.

The effect of the Hundred Illusions Mask was linked to divine sense.

Fortunately, there were many cultivators at the scene, and the Core Formation late-stage sect elder didn’t bother to investigate an inconspicuous Foundation Establishment cultivator without any reason.

That Core Formation spirit object, comparable to ‘Pure Sky Water’, was something Lu Chang An couldn’t even dare to compete for. Even if the Core Formation late-stage cultivator hadn’t appeared, there were still dozens of Real People present.

Core Formation spirit objects mainly increase the quality of the Core Formation, or have special effects.

Theoretically, different types of Core Formation spirit objects can be used in combination.

Lu Chang An gained something from this auction.

Before the appearance of the Core Formation late-stage cultivator, he bought a Longevity Pill and a piece of third-order mid-grade spirit wood.

There were many other tempting rare resources, but Lu Chang An was well-funded and dared not make any more moves.

Otherwise, he would easily attract the attention of Core Formation Real People.

Lu Chang An didn’t greet many acquaintances at the auction, including Zhao Si Yao and her disciples, Li Cong Ren, and Zhou family cultivators.

…

Back on Wu Qi Shan.

Lu Chang An sealed the piece of third-order mid-grade spirit wood and saved it for later use.

Then, he took the Longevity Pill he had bought at the auction.

This was the fifth second-order Longevity Pill Lu Chang An had taken.

“Eight years of lifespan.”

After a while, Lu Chang An opened his eyes and felt the effect of the second-order Longevity Pill continuing to decrease.

When he took his first Longevity Pill, it extended his lifespan by twenty-three years.

The last Longevity Pill had extended his lifespan by eleven years.

However, compared to other cultivators, the effects of Longevity Pills of the same grade were not cumulative, which was already quite amazing.

At this point, Lu Chang An’s lifespan had reached four hundred sixty-nine and a half years.

The only regret was that Lu Chang An had never taken a top-grade Longevity Pill.

“Taking multiple Longevity Pills does have an effect. Combined with the increase in lifespan, my current magical power quality has slightly improved compared to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Chang An sat cross-legged and cultivated for half a day, comparing himself to thirty years ago, and felt the difference.

For ordinary cultivators, within the same minor realm, magical power mainly increases in quantity.

Lu Chang An’s Longevity magical power had strengthened, and the Foundation Establishment spirit fire it contained, as well as its healing ability, also improved.

The speed of cultivation would also slightly increase.

This was why, after advancing to Foundation Establishment, Lu Chang An’s cultivation speed was comparable to that of mid-grade spirit roots.

Of course, this was measured against the normal speed.

If a mid-grade spirit root had access to superior resources, their cultivation speed would significantly exceed that of Lu Chang An.

…

Half a year later.

Lu Chang An felt that his cultivation was approaching the upper limit of the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

He estimated that he could break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment at the age of one hundred and forty.

After finishing his daily routine of cultivation and talisman nurturing, Lu Chang An left his cave.

Squeak!

The Earth Rock Mouse delivered two letters to Lu Chang An.

To be precise, one of them was an invitation.

They both came from Jin Yun Valley.

Lu Chang An looked at the invitation, the name at the end – “Tian Feng Zhen Ren.”

An unfamiliar name, a familiar handwriting.

In the center of the invitation, there were four golden characters:

“Core Formation Celebration!”

Lu Chang An’s face twitched, he was completely surprised.

First, Zhang Tie Shan’s Core Formation was faster than expected.

Lu Chang An even felt it was a bit rushed.

Based on Zhang Tie Shan’s personality, even if he had obtained a Condensation Crystal Pill, he should have polished it a bit more and adjusted his state to its most perfect state.

Second, the description in the invitation was too humble.

Core Formation Celebration?

If he had achieved a True Core, it would definitely be a Core Formation Grand Ceremony.

Most False Core Real People would hold a Core Formation Grand Ceremony, widely inviting their fellow cultivators.

Lu Chang An opened the other letter, sent by Zhao Si Yao.

“Senior Brother Zhang obtained a low-quality Condensation Crystal Pill. He began forming his Core not long ago and finally formed a Grey Core, taking the Daoist name ‘Tian Feng Zhen Ren’…”

In her letter, Zhao Si Yao mentioned Zhang Tie Shan’s Core Formation situation.

“Zhang Tie Shan formed a False Core?”

For Zhang Tie Shan’s aptitude, this should be a good achievement, but Lu Chang An had a feeling of something not being quite right.

“Something is fishy…”

Lu Chang An frowned, lost in thought.

He had known Zhang Tie Shan for over one hundred years, and his intuition told him that something was wrong with this Core Formation.

(End of Chapter)

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter