I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 203

## Chapter 202: Border Lockdown

The letter made no mention of Zhang Tieshan’s detailed situation regarding his *Jie Dan*.

For instance, why he only received a low-quality *Ning Jing Dan*.

Considering Zhang Tieshan’s accomplishments, his status in the sect, and the seniority and connections he had cultivated, a standard *Ning Jing Dan* was expected.

The reasons behind this could be something that Zhao Siyao wasn’t comfortable revealing in her letter.

“Theoretically, the quality of the *Dan* can be concealed,”

Lu Changan, in his previous life, had reached the peak of the *Jie Dan* stage, and knew many secrets.

For example, when Lu Changan formed a superior quality *Zhen Dan* in the future, he could disguise it as a mediocre quality *Zhen Dan* through the *Chang Qing Gong*’s ability to suppress his aura.

However, this wouldn’t apply to Zhang Tieshan.

The heavenly phenomena accompanying *Zhen Dan* and fake *Dan* formation are significantly different during the *Ning Dan* process, making it difficult to hide.

Zhang Tieshan didn’t form his *Dan* in secret.

He did it in the presence of everyone, under the third-order spirit vein in Jin Yun Valley. This process was hard to hide from the sect’s *Zhen Dan* elders.

Therefore, Lu Changan basically concluded that Zhang Tieshan had formed a grey *Dan*, which couldn’t be faked.

After pondering for a long time, a thought suddenly flashed in Lu Changan’s mind:

“Could it be that he’s using the extremely dangerous *Hua Dan* method?”

In the previous world’s Da Kun, certain large sects at the *Nascent Soul* level possessed the secret technique of breaking and transforming the *Dan*.

The essence of *Jie Dan* is to condense the liquid *Fa Li* from the *Zhu Ji* stage into a solid inner *Dan*.

This process is not completely irreversible.

If one is dissatisfied with the *Dan* formed, theoretically, one could shatter the grey *Dan* and revert it back to liquid *Fa Li* of the *Zhu Ji* stage.

Certain ancient sects’ secret techniques use this method to “transform and return the *Dan* to liquid,” making the *Fa Li* more refined. They can then re-form the *Dan*, potentially even slightly improving the quality of the next *Jie Dan*.

However, this method is almost legendary because the conditions are very stringent!

The process of transforming and returning the *Dan* to liquid is exceptionally dangerous and unstable.

A *Jie Dan* cultivator’s inner *Dan*, according to Lu Changan’s understanding from his previous life, is equivalent to a small nuclear bomb.

Without genuine *Hua Dan* secret techniques, ordinary cultivators shattering and reverting their *Dan* to liquid would almost certainly result in bodily explosion.

In his previous life, Lu Changan only obtained a fragmentary version of the *Hua Dan* secret technique that was passed down. Without any external assistance, the success rate was less than 10%, essentially a gamble with death.

Faced with such risks, Lu Changan had no intention of even attempting it.

Those ancient sects, possessing those secret techniques, had a success rate of over 30%.

With the protection of a *Nascent Soul Zhen Jun* and precious medicinal herbs, the success rate becomes quite significant.

“If this is the case, Zhang Tieshan likely possesses a high-level *Hua Dan* secret technique.”

Lu Changan’s heart beat faster.

He had a long lifespan and the *Chang Qing Gong* was adept at healing. If he had a reliable *Hua Dan* secret technique, his natural tolerance for errors would be higher than other cultivators.

Transforming and returning the *Dan* to liquid would severely deplete a cultivator’s *Yuan Qi* and lead to varying degrees of backlash.

This would impact their foundation and require a significant amount of time to recover, consuming many rare resources.

When Guan Qiaozhi was at the *Zhu Ji* stage, Lu Changan helped protect her and secretly tested it.

Guan Qiaozhi’s backlash from failed *Zhu Ji* formation was mitigated by using the *Chang Qing Gong* secret techniques, consuming a small amount of lifespan to avoid damage to her foundation.

She only needed to recuperate for a few months to recover her energy and state before attempting the next breakthrough.

Lu Changan had considered whether this method could be applied to *Jie Dan*.

Is the quality of the *Dan* formed poor?

Then transform and re-form the *Dan* repeatedly!

Theoretically, as long as one has a long lifespan, there will eventually be a chance to wash out a high-quality *Jie Dan*.

The premise of all these assumptions is the existence of a good *Hua Dan* secret technique.

To ensure that each transformation and return of the *Dan* to liquid doesn’t go wrong and that one’s life is not in danger.

“Hmm! Even if Zhang Tieshan has a top-tier *Hua Dan* secret technique, Jin Yun Valley doesn’t have a *Nascent Soul Zhen Jun* to protect him. The overall success rate wouldn’t be high.”

Based on this assumption, Lu Changan found a point of suspicion.

The level of the *Hua Dan* secret technique is one aspect, but external forces are also important.

If one acquires the legendary “Yin Yang Water,” even without the protection of a *Nascent Soul Zhen Jun*, one can safely transform the *Dan*.

If Zhang Tieshan is truly planning to use the *Hua Dan* method, Lu Changan speculates that he has another opportunity.

“It seems that Tian Feng Zhen Ren’s *Jie Dan* celebration is worth a visit.”

Lu Changan decided to investigate the truth.

…

Zhang Tieshan’s *Jie Dan* celebration would take place two months later.

It was said to be a small gathering, inviting only fellow disciples and friends, without any fanfare.

Lu Changan arrived at Jin Yun Valley a day in advance.

At the mountain gate, he encountered some celebrants, among whom several uninvited guests came to visit Tian Feng Zhen Ren.

“Senior brother from the sect, could you please be so kind as to help deliver a message? We two have fought side-by-side with Zhang Zhen Ren, jointly eliminated the wanted criminals, and have a close relationship!”

“Close relationship? Why didn’t Zhang Zhen Ren send you invitations?”

The disciple guarding the gate scoffed, looking at them with the eyes of a clown.

“Zhang Zhen Ren’s *Jie Dan* celebration is not open to the public. Only invitations are recognized!”

Lu Changan, witnessing this scene, wasn’t surprised.

Zhang Tieshan has been cultivating for over 120 years, encountering countless cultivators who knew him or had interactions with him.

“Lu Fu Shi, please come in.”

The disciple guarding the gate recognized Lu Changan, glanced at the invitation, and warmly invited him through the mountain gate.

“Lu Fu Shi? That’s the *Wu Gui Fu Shi* from Wu Qi Shan, right?”

“I heard that he was acquainted with Zhang Zhen Ren since their childhood, with a friendship spanning over a hundred years.”

“This Lu Fu Shi is also quite famous. Decades ago, when I was at the *Lian Qi* stage, I heard that he achieved late-bloomer *Zhu Ji* at an old age.”

“So it’s him. He’s considered our senior.”

Watching the white-clad man’s back disappear, the cultivators at the mountain gate who were discussing him showed him some respect.

…

Deep within the mountain gate of Jin Yun Valley, on a peak where the third-order spirit vein resides, stood an ancient and elegant manor.

This was Zhang Tieshan’s new abode, with a spiritual environment far superior to Wu Qi Shan.

“Lu Fu Shi, there are many guests today. My master is currently meeting with two Zhen Ren and doesn’t have any free time.”

A young man with a strong face and wearing a light blue robe bowed apologetically.

The young man’s name was “Yu Qinghai,” a *Zhu Ji* initial stage cultivator. He was Zhang Tieshan’s disciple, accepted thirty years ago within the sect. He was of average talent, not very noticeable.

Lu Changan only had a couple of encounters with Yu Qinghai, unlike Zhao Tan’er and Lin Lu, who had closer relationships with him.

“It’s fine, the *Jie Dan* celebration is not until tomorrow. Just inform your master when you have a moment.”

Lu Changan nodded.

“Certainly! You will be able to meet my master tomorrow. I’ll arrange a guest room on the mountain for you later.”

While Yu Qinghai was speaking,

Two more visitors arrived from below the mountain, one of whom was at the *Zhu Ji* late stage.

Yu Qinghai, unable to spare himself, called a *Lian Qi* stage maidservant to arrange accommodation for Lu Changan.

“Qinghai, you go ahead and deal with it, I’ll go to Zhao Dao You’s manor to chat for a while.”

Lu Changan didn’t have any complaints.

Zhang Tieshan was forming his *Dan*, so naturally, there would be many guests for the master and disciple to handle.

Lu Changan understood that the hospitality wouldn’t be perfect.

From *Zhu Ji* to *Jie Dan*, a cultivator’s status and position would experience a qualitative leap.

In the prime of Jin Yun Valley, there were never more than a handful of *Zhen Dan* cultivators, not exceeding the number one could count on two hands.

During periods of decline, there were even only two or three *Zhen Dan* cultivators.

A *Jia Dan Zhen Ren* wouldn’t be considered top tier in Jin Yun Valley, but was sufficient to enter the ranks of the higher echelon.

Whoosh!

Just as Lu Changan left Zhang Tieshan’s mountaintop manor, a *Jia Dan Zhen Ren*’s *Dun Guang* arrived from a distance, with an intimidating presence.

“Tan Shi Bo…”

Yu Qinghai greeted him with a smile, without reporting the arrival, tacitly allowing the *Jia Dan Zhen Ren* to fly directly into the manor on the mountain.

…

Inside a water-view cave mansion in the inner sect of Jin Yun Valley,

Three *Zhu Ji* cultivators, one male and two female, sat facing each other.

“I guess Uncle Lu definitely didn’t see Master Zhang just now.”

Zhao Tan’er covered her mouth and chuckled, her brows like emerald feathers, and her sparkling eyes curved into crescents.

“Tan’er!”

Zhao Siyao gave her a light rebuke, urging her to calm down.

“Tan’er is right. After Zhang Dao You became a *Jia Dan Zhen Ren*, his social circles are different, so it’s not like you can casually visit and see him.”

Lu Changan said calmly.

“Tan’er, Uncle Lu’s mentality is something you should learn.”

Zhao Siyao, having cultivated in the sect for a hundred years, had witnessed many examples. Many cultivators couldn’t adapt to the gap in social circles caused by their sudden status change.

“Yes, yes! Uncle Lu’s character is like that of a thousand-year-old tortoise, unhurried, steady, and accumulating strength over time. Tan’er has long admired it.”

Zhao Tan’er’s teeth were like pearls, her face was rosy and vibrant, and she looked obedient and respectful.

Lu Changan smiled, sensing her insincerity.

A thousand-year-old tortoise was a veiled metaphor, implying that Lu Changan’s temperament was slow, and his cultivation was also slow.

Zhao Tan’er was also at the *Zhu Ji* intermediate stage, soon to reach the sixth level of *Zhu Ji*, about to surpass Lu Changan and become the latecomer who takes the lead.

After a few moments of casual conversation, Zhao Siyao spoke about Zhang Tieshan’s *Jie Dan* situation.

“Originally, Zhang Dao You was scheduled to exchange for a standard *Ning Jing Dan* and wait for Jin Yun Valley’s next round of *Dan* refining.”

“However, this round of *Dan* refining was quite ordinary, yielding only one standard and one low-quality *Ning Jing Dan*.”

“At that time, Zhang Dao You had two choices. One was to compete for the standard *Ning Jing Dan*. The other was to wait for the next round of *Dan* refining, which would be at least several years later.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Changan understood.

Zhang Tieshan was only three years younger than Lu Changan. It was not suitable for him to delay any further in terms of age.

Perhaps due to some pressure, he chose the substandard *Ning Jing Dan* as a compromise.

“There’s a saying in the sect that one of the strong contenders for the *Ning Jing Dan* is the direct disciple of a *Zhen Dan* elder. To repay his benefactor for their support and to be gracious to others, Zhang Tieshan made a concession.”

“Be gracious to others? Did Zhao Dao You personally ask Zhang Dao You about this?”

Lu Changan asked, not convinced.

Zhao Siyao fell silent for a moment, then said: “Siyao wouldn’t dare ask Zhang Zhen Ren directly about such personal matters.”

“That’s true. Lu is being careless.”

Lu Changan realized that he lacked respect for a *Jia Dan Zhen Ren* and had let his guard down in front of Zhao Siyao.

Zhao Siyao’s reaction was perfectly normal.

Even though she and Zhang Tieshan were fellow disciples, they were more familiar with each other and communicated more.

As evening approached,

Lu Changan spent the night in the guest room on the mountain.

“Regarding transforming and returning the *Dan* to liquid, there’s a saying: The higher the quality of the *Dan* formed, the greater the difficulty and risk.”

“Zhang Tieshan doing this probably wasn’t just being gracious to others, but a two-bird strategy!”

Thinking this through, Lu Changan’s previous speculation became even more convincing.

…

The next day, Zhang Tieshan’s *Jie Dan* celebration was held as scheduled.

There weren’t many cultivators who came to congratulate him, but their levels were high, with no shortage of *Zhu Ji* late stage and *Jia Dan Zhen Ren*.

Lu Changan and Zhao Siyao, teacher and disciple, went together to the mountaintop manor where the third-order spirit vein was located.

This time, they finally saw Zhang Tieshan.

The newly minted “Tian Feng Zhen Ren” personally came out to greet them from the manor.

As a *Jia Dan Zhen Ren*, personally greeting *Zhu Ji* cultivators was considered very gracious.

“Zhang Zhen Ren.”

Lu Changan and the others bowed and offered congratulations and gifts.

Zhang Tieshan’s gaze lingered on Lu Changan for a longer time, apologizing:

“Lu Dao You, Qinghai mentioned your visit last night. I haven’t been a good host. Please forgive me.”

“You’re being too polite! Zhang Zhen Ren has just formed his *Dan*, so naturally, there will be many social obligations to attend to.”

Lu Changan said, feeling honored.

“Haha, you’re being too formal, Lu Dao You. After the celebration, we can catch up privately.”

Zhang Tieshan laughed heartily. His somewhat dark face looked no different from before, but to outsiders, it seemed to possess an invisible authority.

Seeing their interaction, Zhao Tan’er was inwardly surprised.

She vaguely sensed that Zhang Zhen Ren’s warmth towards Lu Changan wasn’t just a polite gesture. His level of importance, even surpassed her teacher.

After ushering Lu Changan and the others into the manor, Zhang Tieshan went to greet the Zhen Ren guests.

Lu Changan, sipping spiritual tea, secretly observed. He found that Zhang Tieshan, after forming his *Dan*, had a calm and steady demeanor, without any arrogance.

Lu Changan felt a deep resonance with that kind of “steadiness” in his mentality.

After knowing each other for over a hundred years, Lu Changan had long seen that Zhang Tieshan had a strong will and lofty aspirations.

He achieved *Jia Dan*, his cultivation stagnated, and the path to the Dao was out of reach.

According to common practice, he might be happy, but deep down, there would be some loss and uncertainty.

The scale of this *Jie Dan* celebration was overall quite low-key.

Besides the celebration, it was mainly for private exchanges and networking.

During this time, Zhang Tieshan shared his insights from the *Dan* formation process and explained his own shortcomings.

This action won the praise of the *Zhu Ji* cultivators present.

Zhao Siyao and her disciple listened attentively.

Lu Changan seemed to be immersed in it as well, appearing yearning.

…

After the *Jie Dan* celebration,

Lu Changan directly bid farewell and left.

He didn’t stay to follow up on Zhang Tieshan’s words: “After the celebration, we can catch up privately.”

Lu Changan’s decisiveness stemmed from two reasons:

Firstly, he was certain of his speculation and didn’t need to probe further.

Zhang Tieshan’s behavior and mentality were one aspect.

Analyzing the Dao name “Tian Feng,” one could see that his aspirations were still grand.

Ordinary *Zhu Ji* cultivators who formed a *Jia Dan* would choose a more low-key Dao name. Otherwise, their virtue wouldn’t match their position.

Zhang Tieshan’s Dao name wasn’t actually flamboyant.

It was just that Lu Changan, as someone with a discerning eye, could deduce the process from the conclusion and thus pay attention to this detail.

Secondly, Lu Changan’s cultivation and status were far inferior to Zhang Tieshan’s.

He couldn’t be certain if the words “catch up privately” were merely polite gestures.

Otherwise, if he stayed on the mountain and foolishly waited for “the summons,” he might become a laughingstock.

Lu Changan was envious of Zhang Tieshan’s *Hua Dan* secret technique, but he wasn’t in a hurry.

He would wait until he reached the *Zhu Ji* late stage, showed some prowess and held some power, then it would be time to negotiate with him.

…

A few months later.

The three peak masters of Wu Qi Shan gathered at Xiao Gui Feng, and the atmosphere was solemn.

“The Liang Guo border was sealed off by the sects?”

“Lu Dao You, are you certain about this news?”

Ye Fei looked at the white-clad man across from him, who had been quiet and serene for decades, with an uncertain tone.

The crucial checkpoints on the Liang Guo border being sealed off by various sects was a sudden and shocking piece of news.

If not for Lu Changan’s consistent reliability and stability over the years, the two peak masters’ first reaction would be disbelief.

Shi Man Rong recovered from her surprise, her heaving chest gradually calming down.

“These days, I haven’t seen Lu Dao You leave Wu Qi Shan. How did you get the news?”

“This news came from the Zhou Family who specializes in beasts, and the Li Family of Xue Mei Shan.”

Lu Changan didn’t hide anything.

The Li Family of Xue Mei Shan was the family founded by Li Er Qing’s grandson, “Li Cong Ren,” who expanded outwards and set up his own business. They were close to the northwest border of Liang Guo.

Li Cong Ren’s family even had trade relations with merchants from the neighboring Jing Guo.

The border being sealed off, Li Cong Ren was the first to know, and immediately sent a message to Fei Yue Hu and Lu Changan.

Combining information from both sources, Lu Changan confirmed the truth of Liang Guo’s sects sealing off the border.

The three peak masters fell into a brief silence.

The Liang Guo sects sealing off the border indicated that something major must have happened.

Such a drastic change, usually on the scale of a war between cultivators, could potentially affect Wu Qi Shan, and even the fate of individual cultivators.

Lu Changan had his suspicions, but he didn’t say them out loud.

…

Back at Xiao Gui Feng,

Lu Changan glanced at the Xuan Shui Gui, who was lazily submerged in the water, and the Di Yan Shu, who was loosening the soil in the spiritual field.

“Alright, we’ll wait and see.”

Originally, Lu Changan planned to go to Liao Yuan Xian Cheng to buy intelligence from Tian Zhi Lou.

But now that the situation had reached this point, it was better to directly prepare for the worst.

He had been mentally preparing for such a contingency many years ago.

In the event of such a drastic change, he believed that news would soon follow.

“Firstly, protect our own small territory. Even if the worst-case scenario happens, it won’t impact Liang Guo’s core region and threaten Wu Qi Shan so quickly.”

Lu Changan, now 139 years old, quickly calmed down.

He took out pen and ink and wrote letters to Zheng Wu Gong and Jin Yun Valley.

Soon, Lu Changan began to focus on cultivating and comprehending skills.

From 139 to 140, it was Lu Changan’s final year to transition from the *Zhu Ji* intermediate to the late stage.

This year was also a turning point in the history of Liang Guo’s cultivator world.

This year passed by in a flash!

(End of Chapter)

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