I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 233

## Chapter 230: A Full Circle Return

Two days later.

Yun Yan Immortal City, which had been bustling with activity during the auction, now saw a significant decrease in foot traffic.

The Xun Xian Mansion Inn.

In an upscale guest room within a secluded courtyard, Lu Chang An set up temporary formations and isolation restrictions.

He closed his eyes and sat in meditation, swallowing the second-order, high-quality, Longevity Pill he had bid for at a high price.

Suddenly, a mysterious energy, reminiscent of the cyclical nature of time, swirled around Lu Chang An.

He seemed to transform into a towering ancient tree, experiencing spring and autumn, withering and flourishing, life and death, cycle after cycle.

This time, the pill’s efficacy lasted longer than any previous time.

“Twenty-eight years of extended lifespan!”

Lu Chang An opened his ink-black, deep eyes, radiating an aura of age and experience.

His state of mind had deepened, and his magical power also had a slight increase.

To be honest, the effect of the high-quality Longevity Pill exceeded Lu Chang An’s expectations.

A hint of surprise crossed his face as he mused:

“Ordinary cultivators, when taking a regular second-order Longevity Pill, gain a lifespan extension of about ten years, while high-quality ones add no more than fifteen years.”

Lu Chang An, due to the unique nature of the Everlasting Green Technique, experienced double the effect, and it could stack longevity, though the efficacy would diminish.

“So, does this mean that the efficacy of the high-quality second-order Longevity Pill I took is calculated as if it were a brand new start?”

Lu Chang An drew a preliminary conclusion.

Ordinary cultivators would need to take a higher-grade, third-order Longevity Pill, or a corresponding level of Longevity Spirit Treasure, to achieve this effect.

Lu Chang An thought for a moment, realizing that a high-quality Longevity Pill was equivalent to an increase of half a tier.

Ordinary cultivators could to a certain degree stack the longevity effect, and he was no exception.

“Lifespan: four hundred and ninety-seven years.”

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

He estimated that taking another ordinary second-order Longevity Pill would push his lifespan past five hundred years.

“The efficacy is truly remarkable! Unfortunately, high-quality Longevity Pills are extremely rare, requiring both strict material and alchemist requirements.”

Lu Chang An had developed a taste for it, even a sense of addiction.

A longer lifespan brought numerous benefits for him.

It meant greater magical power, more time to plan for major breakthroughs, and no need to rush into life-threatening situations for resources.

Moreover, the Everlasting Green Secret Technique, which consumed lifespan, could be used to cultivate Xue Mu Hu Luo (玄木葫藤 – a type of vine) and accelerate the growth of valuable medicinal herbs.

The cultivation world wasn’t short of powerful techniques that consumed lifespan.

For instance, divination and calculation techniques.

This path, involving peering into the secrets of heaven and utilizing powerful divination techniques, often led to a reduction in lifespan.

In his second life, Lu Chang An had only learned the basics of divination, not only due to a lack of time, but also because of this concern.

The effect of the high-quality Longevity Pill filled Lu Chang An with renewed hope and plans for the future.

…

Lu Chang An waited for three more days in Yun Yan Immortal City before finally receiving a message from the Snow Fox Trading House.

It had been eight days since their initial agreement, and the Jade Cold True Immortal hadn’t broken their word.

Lu Chang An went to the Snow Fox Trading House’s headquarters alone.

This time, not only Jade Cold True Immortal, but also another Fake Dan True Immortal from the Snow Fox Trading House, greeted him.

The latter was a white-haired elder, whose lifespan was only twenty years left, and he was the former chairman of the Snow Fox Trading House.

Lu Chang An guessed that Jade Cold True Immortal, aware of “Item True Immortal’s” strength and status, had brought in a backup.

“Item True Immortal, this is the ‘Slaying Essence Pill’ that our Trading House rushed to Yun Yan Immortal City.”

Jade Cold True Immortal, dressed in a silver robe, had a cold voice and a graceful demeanor as she used her jade hand to produce a jade bottle.

Opening the bottle, a gray-white pill, emitting demonic smoke, came into Lu Chang An’s view.

After examining it with his spiritual sense, Lu Chang An nodded slightly.

The Di Yan Shu (地岩鼠 – a type of ground-dwelling rodent) inside his spirit beast pouch became agitated.

“If Item True Immortal has no issues, let’s proceed with the exchange as previously agreed.”

“Good.”

Lu Chang An took out the dark purple third-order spirit beast pill.

Both items, under magical power manipulation, drifted simultaneously toward the other party.

There were no unforeseen circumstances, and Lu Chang An successfully obtained the Slaying Essence Pill, his face breaking into a smile, his heart settled.

The smoothness of this transaction was due to the powerful strength and underlying identity he had created.

If he were a backgroundless Foundation Establishment cultivator, a transaction of this level would be extremely risky.

The Slaying Essence Pill, which aided spirit beasts in reaching the third tier, was also a strategic resource controlled by major powers in the cultivation world.

“Item True Immortal is indeed a man of his word! The Snow Fox Trading House is willing to befriend you.”

After confirming the authenticity of the third-order spirit beast pill, Jade Cold True Immortal sighed with relief and let out a smile that resembled winter snow melting.

Though Lu Chang An’s spirit beast pill had been downgraded to a lower-grade third-order, it was a rare thunder attribute, with pure spirit beast power.

It would enhance the success rate and quality of refining the Slaying Essence Pill.

If they found a suitable True Dan cultivator, they might be able to sell it for a high price.

Thus, the Snow Fox Trading House still made a profit from this deal.

Lu Chang An knew this perfectly well. This was the reasonable profit margin the Trading House deserved.

Large trading houses had more channels and connections, including some master artisans. This was an advantage that individual cultivators couldn’t match.

“I’m honored to have your favor, Immortal Lady Jade Cold!”

Lu Chang An caught the implication behind her words.

“Unfortunately, I am not a cultivator from this region, so I’m afraid there will be few opportunities for us to befriend each other in the future.”

If there weren’t any such high-level transaction needs, Lu Chang An didn’t want to flaunt his identity as Item True Immortal.

Currently, the Snow Fox Trading House only suspected he was Item True Immortal, and couldn’t be completely certain.

During the auction, the other cultivators didn’t even know his surname.

…

After the transaction, the three sat down and chatted for a while.

“Item True Immortal, are you acquiring the Slaying Essence Pill for your spirit beast’s preparations for Dan Formation?”

The white-haired elder beside Jade Cold True Immortal chuckled, stroking his beard.

Lu Chang An nodded, “Indeed.”

“Spirit beasts forming their Dan are different from us cultivators. Have you found a suitable Dan Formation location, Item True Immortal?”

“It’s still uncertain.”

Lu Chang An hesitated slightly and shook his head.

Foundation Establishment cultivators need third-order spirit vein sites for their Dan Formation.

Spirit beasts differ from humans, with more than half of their strength tied to their physical bodies and bloodlines, so their requirements for spirit vein sites are slightly lower.

Generally speaking, a quasi-third-order spirit vein site would barely suffice.

If you then combine it with a “Demonic Slaying Formation,” investing spirit stones and appropriate precious materials, it would create a more suitable environment.

This would be similar to the spirit vein in Black Mist Mountain Range, which possesses demonic transformation characteristics.

In contrast, human cultivators need an environment with third-order spirit veins to achieve Dan Formation, unless they have valuable treasures or special spiritual treasures from heaven and earth to assist them.

In the Jinyan Kingdom’s cultivation world, Foundation Establishment cultivators need to borrow the third-order spirit veins in the major immortal cities managed by the Merchant Alliance.

This requires applying, having the backing of a trading house, and paying a spirit stone fee.

After all, reaching the third tier requires a massive amount of heaven and earth spiritual energy, which affects the city’s protective formation. In any part of the cultivation world, you would need at least the tacit approval of the immortal city’s managing forces.

This was also why Lu Chang An was willing to stay with the Xia family.

With the backing of the Five Fortunes Trading House, when he needed to form his Dan, as a Merchant Alliance cultivator who had been rooted in Jinyan Kingdom for many years, it would be easier to get approval.

“Our Snow Fox Trading House deals in spirit beast materials, and we jointly control a secluded place with another trading house in Black Mist Mountain Range. It’s a special spirit vein location suitable for spirit beasts to achieve Dan Formation, with some slight benefits.”

Jade Cold True Immortal exchanged glances with the white-haired elder and spoke.

Lu Chang An’s heart stirred upon hearing this, waiting for the rest.

“This special spirit vein location is usually not open to other trading houses or individual cultivators. Unless they have a close relationship with our two trading houses and are willing to pay a certain price.”

“What is the price?”

Lu Chang An asked directly.

Jade Cold True Immortal replied, “It could be rare spirit treasures, or perhaps a certain promise…”

“Hmm, I’ll consider it after I go back.”

Lu Chang An understood that the Snow Fox Trading House valued his strength and background, and because he had kept his word in this transaction, they were offering this opportunity.

The special spirit vein location in Black Mist Mountain Range was indeed more suitable for Di Yan Shu to condense its Dan, but it wasn’t a necessity.

Lu Chang An could use the Xia family’s quasi-third-order spirit vein, combined with a Demonic Slaying Formation, and invest in suitable materials, and the Di Yan Shu could still achieve the third tier.

Of course, if the Xia family learned about this, they would also demand something in return.

Moreover, through subsequent investigations, it was highly likely that Lu Chang An’s true identity would be exposed.

Lu Chang An wasn’t a significant figure, or a wanted criminal, in the surrounding cultivation world. If the Di Yan Shu successfully formed its Dan, even if his original identity was revealed later, it wouldn’t matter much.

…

Returning to Xun Xian Inn, Lu Chang An pondered for a moment.

“I’ve reached the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, and it will take me several more years to progress further. First, I’ll help the Di Yan Shu form its Dan, guaranteeing it a Fake Dan. When I eventually attempt Dan Formation, the Di Yan Shu’s strength and deterrent power will be able to protect me during my breakthrough.”

He had already decided on his Dan Formation strategy for Jinyan Kingdom.

After all, Lu Chang An had no trusted friends to rely on in the Jinyan Kingdom’s cultivation world.

The Di Yan Shu forming its Dan would act as his protector in the future.

During the crucial moments of Dan Formation, a cultivator’s focus is diverted, and they cannot engage in combat. They experience a period of weakness.

Back then, when Fu Xue Mei formed her Dan, the battles outside were beyond her control. At best, she could send out talismans, talisman treasures, and other protective items.

Lu Chang An and the Di Yan Shu had a hundred years of friendship, and the spirit beast contract restricted it, so he wasn’t worried about betrayal.

Lu Chang An’s spiritual sense and physical body were strong, and he also had the Nine Seal Stele, his trump card.

Even if the Di Yan Shu ascended to the third tier and achieved True Dan, without a significant gap in their souls, it wouldn’t be able to devour its master and forcibly break the spirit beast contract.

Before leaving Yun Yan Immortal City, Lu Chang An called Wang Feng over.

“Senior has some instructions.”

Wang Feng bowed respectfully, not daring to breathe.

After the auction, Wang Feng learned that the old man in a straw cloak he had served was actually a Fake Dan True Immortal.

“This old man is leaving Yun Yan Immortal City. This is your reward.”

Lu Chang An flicked his sleeve.

Twenty spirit stones and a jade tube landed in Wang Feng’s hands.

“Thank you for your generosity, Senior.”

Wang Feng was overwhelmed with gratitude and bowed again.

He wasn’t simply acting. Now, as a low-level cultivator, he couldn’t survive without spirit stones.

When he was hunted by the demonic sect cultivators and then encountered a robber cultivator, he was unable to bring his storage pouch back to Jinyan Kingdom.

Wang Feng sent Lu Chang An out of Xun Xian Mansion.

Back in his own residence, he took out the jade tube Lu Chang An had given him.

“A medicinal formula to adjust the body?”

Wang Feng examined the contents of the jade tube and was shocked.

The medicinal formula inside the jade tube was for his weakened cultivation, damaged meridians and dantian, and the lingering ailments, requiring some rare medicinal herbs.

His secret was seen through, which made Wang Feng afraid.

“This Senior must be a powerful figure! Did he see through my true identity?”

Wang Feng had a hunch that he might have missed an opportunity to return to the Li Huo Palace in Liang Guo (梁国 – Liang Kingdom).

The other party had seen his identity issue but hadn’t made things difficult for him, implying no ill intent.

He quickly chased after the old man in the straw cloak, but had already lost his trail.

…

Lu Chang An didn’t want to get entangled with Wang Gongzi (公子 – a respectful term for a young man of noble birth) for the time being, even though there might be secrets to uncover from him.

Wang Gongzi had the background of a real power elder from the Li Huo Palace, and was likely a Late Dan Formation cultivator, on the same level as his peak in his previous life.

Therefore, before leaving, Lu Chang An not only didn’t make things difficult for him, but also showed him a bit of kindness.

That medicinal formula required a lot of precious herbs. If Wang Gongzi had the ability to get spirit stones, there was a chance for him to restore his cultivation.

Two days later.

Lu Chang An, having shed his “Wu Fan” Dan Master appearance and aura, no longer wished to be involved with Wang Gongzi.

Lu Chang An, returning with a full load, flew towards the Xia family in Qing Sha Wan (清沙湾 – a bay).

The next day, he was half an hour away from Qing Sha Wan.

Lu Chang An flew through the open sky above the Long Hong River.

Qing Sha Wan was a branch of the Long Hong River, one of Jinyan Kingdom’s three major rivers.

“Hmm?”

As Lu Chang An was enjoying the scenery, his mind at ease, he suddenly sensed the commotion of a battle.

He looked closer and saw two gray-robed Foundation Establishment cultivators chasing a tall, slender woman in a blue dress.

“Daoist, save me! I’m Xia Sheng Lan, a cultivator from Qing Sha Wan…”

The blue-dressed woman, in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, had an above-average appearance, dignified and graceful. However, she was now in a sorry state, with her dress stained with blood, her face pale, and cold sweat dripping down.

She was clearly injured, and her magical power was waning after a period of fighting.

Swoosh!

The Long Hong River had a wide field of vision, and Xia Sheng Lan, spotting Lu Chang An flying towards Qing Sha Wan, grabbed at a lifeline. She used a secret technique to fly towards him.

“Daoist, don’t meddle in other people’s business!”

The two gray-robed cultivators were in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and the late Foundation Establishment stage.

The one who spoke was a lean young man in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, wielding a top-grade flagpole magic weapon, which unleashed a wave of green wind mist, accompanied by sharp wind blades, to pursue Xia Sheng Lan.

“Are you… Wu Dan Shi (丹师 – Alchemist)?”

Xia Sheng Lan, after flying a short distance, recognized Lu Chang An, guessing his identity.

The two had never met within the clan.

Lu Chang An had a hunch about her identity, having heard Xia Wen Yue mention it in passing during their casual conversations.

“As a Xia family’s external cultivator, I couldn’t just stand by and watch someone die near the clan’s territory.”

Lu Chang An, calm and composed, summoned a silver shield, a top-grade magic weapon.

Buzz!

The silver shield flew out, its surface shimmering with light, expanding to several feet in width and length, shielding Xia Sheng Lan as she approached and joined Lu Chang An.

The attackers were merely two Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even though one was in the late stage, Lu Chang An didn’t worry.

After all, this was near the clan’s territory. It was an easy rescue, and he could earn the Xia family’s favor.

“Hahaha, Wu Daoist, you were forced to sign a spirit contract with the Xia family, limited to your alchemy duties. Why are you throwing your own life away for such a clan? Why risk your own life?”

A booming male voice, tinged with disdain, came from the other, stout man in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

His cultivation was actually at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

“Hehe, so it’s Fang Zhong Daoist.”

Lu Chang An glanced at the stout man and sensed the demonic aura about him, finally recognizing the man’s disguised face, and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Wu Daoist, in consideration of our acquaintance on the Spirit Vessel from Jiu Chen Trading House, back in the day, just step aside, and Fang will spare your life.”

Fang Zhong didn’t deny his identity, and his tone was sharp.

Xia Sheng Lan was seriously injured, her magic weapons were damaged, and her secret technique had overdrawn her body.

If Lu Chang An was unwise, Fang Zhong was confident that he could kill them both before the Xia family’s reinforcements arrived.

Update 19 will be out at noon or in the afternoon.

(End of Chapter)

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