I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 238

## Chapter 235: Identity Revealed

Seven days later.

The Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation had stabilized. To avoid any unforeseen incidents, Lu Changan bid farewell to the two Xue Fox Merchant Guild True Masters.

True Master Guang Jun and True Master Han Yu did not attempt to keep him. They personally saw Lu Changan off from the Iron Fortress.

“True Master Xiang, don’t forget your promise to me.”

Before parting, Han Yu, the silver-haired True Master in a snow-white robe, spoke in a clear, magnetic voice.

“Xiang is a man of his word.”

Lu Changan left behind these words and, with his flying boat, he soared into the sky.

Before borrowing this cultivation site, Lu Changan had promised a favor to the Xue Fox Merchant Guild. He had received cooperation from Han Yu in the Earth Rock Rat’s Core Formation process, and he had killed True Master Hu Xiao, placing the Xue Fox Merchant Guild at risk.

At that time, to reassure her, Lu Changan had given her a personal promise.

Whether these two favors, one large and one small, would be fulfilled depended on the difficulty of the Xue Fox Merchant Guild’s request.

If the request wasn’t too difficult, Lu Changan wouldn’t mind fulfilling it.

But if the request was risky, or even if it was calculated, attempting to draw him into a vortex, then he’d be sorry, but it was a debt owed by True Master Xiang and had nothing to do with the hardworking and humble Old Lu.

“What kind of beast is this True Master Xiang’s? It formed its Core without revealing itself?”

True Master Guang Jun, who held a walking stick and whose face was lined with wrinkles, showed a hint of doubt.

From beginning to end, they hadn’t seen Lu Changan’s spirit pet. When Lu Changan left, he had also kept the Earth Rock Rat in his spirit pet pouch.

“Perhaps it’s an extremely rare Earth-grade or even Heaven-grade beast? True Master Xiang is preparing to use it as a secret weapon, to serve a powerful force behind the scenes?”

Han Yu speculated.

“That makes sense.”

True Master Guang Jun did not investigate further, he nodded and said: “You should maintain an appropriate relationship with True Master Xiang. If I am not around in the future, this might be an alternative path…”

…

Lu Changan flew out for fifty to sixty miles from the Black Mist Mountain Range and stopped in front of a forest.

Roar!

A shocking roar echoed from the forest. The massive body of a third-rank Bear Demon, which was hidden from view, suddenly appeared.

Chirp!

The Earth Rock Rat emerged from the spirit pet pouch, leaving a few afterimages, and entered the forest, engaging in close communication with the third-rank Bear Demon.

After advancing to the third rank, the Earth Rock Rat’s body had already grown considerably, but in front of the third-rank Bear Demon, which was as large as a small hill, it seemed miniature and petite.

A quarter of an hour later.

The Earth Rock Rat bid farewell to the third-rank Bear Demon and returned from the forest, entering Lu Changan’s spirit pet pouch.

The third-rank Bear Demon’s face showed disappointment.

Lu Changan, although not proficient in beast language, could see the Bear Demon’s attempt to recruit the Earth Rock Rat.

Thankfully, the Earth Rock Rat was resolute and did not get tricked.

The beast world was also filled with factions, with powerful forces dominating various territories.

Achieving the status of a third-rank Great Demon, in the depths of the Black Mist Mountain Range, was enough to establish dominance over a region.

Thankfully, even if the deal didn’t go through, they still maintained a good relationship.

On this trip, the Earth Rock Rat had made an unexpected acquaintance with a powerful third-rank Great Demon.

On his return journey, Lu Changan contemplated his future plans.

The Earth Rock Rat’s successful Core Formation was a huge boon.

In the future, when Lu Changan attempted Core Formation, having a third-rank True Core Demon as protection would greatly increase his safety.

As an immigrant cultivator from Liang Country, Lu Changan no longer had to worry about his identity being revealed.

“However, the quality of the Earth Rock Rat’s Core Formation, especially the Golden Core Dao韻 (Dao韵 – a subtle and profound resonance) on the True Core, must be kept secret.”

At least before Lu Changan formed his Core, this matter must be strictly confidential, otherwise, it would be a crime to possess a treasure while being unaware of its value.

Core Formation’s aura was difficult to conceal, but the quality of the Core could be masked.

Lu Changan, in his previous life, had methods to hide the quality of Core Formation, which could be applied to beasts.

From then on, as long as the Earth Rock Rat didn’t fight with all its strength, it would be difficult to detect its Core Formation stage.

…

Lu Changan purchased some provisions for the Earth Rock Rat from a celestial city on his way and then returned to the Xia clan in Qing Sha Bay.

Pills and beast pellets for third-rank beasts were difficult to obtain.

The Earth Rock Rat had just advanced, and its current needs weren’t great, so Lu Changan planned to purchase them later through the Xue Fox Merchant Guild.

Upon his return to Autumn Wind Island, his first task was to place the large porcelain vat, in which the Xuan Mu Hu Luo (玄木葫藤 – Mysterious Wood Gourd Vine) was planted, back into the stone house at the bottom of the deep pool.

From then on, the Gourd Vine would be guarded by a third-rank Great Demon, ensuring its safety.

To prevent a shortage of heaven and earth spiritual energy, Lu Changan invested a larger number of spirit stones into the Spirit Gathering Array on Autumn Wind Island, to avoid any abnormalities.

Thankfully, the Earth Rock Rat, as a newly ascended third-rank, wasn’t a human True Core, and didn’t require a third-rank spiritual vein environment.

Half a month later.

The Earth Rock Rat’s cultivation fully stabilized. Lu Changan had a basic understanding of its capabilities.

Compared to the bloodline mutation during its advancement to the second rank.

The Earth Rock Rat’s advancement to the third rank did not show any significant changes in bloodline or talent.

The biggest changes were in its strength and the leap forward in its innate spell abilities.

For example, Earth Escape, previously only superficially utilized by the Earth Rock Rat. Now, Earth Escape had truly reached a higher level, allowing it to move more smoothly underground.

It could even travel underground with someone while using Earth Escape.

After beast Core Formation, more inherited memories emerge from their bloodline, including the application of certain knowledge and innate spell talents.

“Sensitive senses, powerful sense of smell, adept at close-range assassination…”

Lu Changan realized that the bloodline mutation ability of the Earth Rock Rat was inherited and enhanced after advancing to the third rank.

This was a talent beyond ordinary Earth Rock Rats.

…

In the blink of an eye, almost a year had passed.

The Xia clan members had no idea that a terrifying third-rank Great Demon lurked within their territory.

Autumn Wind Island was a peaceful place on the outskirts of the clan territory, shielded by a quasi-third-rank formation. The Earth Rock Rat deliberately concealed itself, cultivating underground or in the cold pool most of the time.

Unless Clan Leader Xia Hong Yu personally investigated, it would be difficult to uncover the truth.

“Miss Xia, please be on your way.”

Lu Changan saw off Xia Sheng Lan, dressed in an ice-blue dress, with a beautiful and dignified demeanor, from the Autumn Wind Island residence.

Watching her receding figure, Lu Changan’s expression remained calm.

In recent years, Xia Sheng Lan had become a frequent visitor to Autumn Wind Island, dropping by from time to time.

Sometimes it was for alchemy needs, sometimes for tea and conversation.

If Lu Changan was in seclusion and didn’t come out, Xia Sheng Lan wouldn’t mind, and would chat with her maid, Xia Wen Yue.

“This woman knows how to win over people.”

Lu Changan took out a jade tube that she brought this time.

Inside the jade tube, information on the recent war in Liang Country’s cultivation world was recorded.

“Liang Country’s music-based sect ‘Xuan Yin Ge’ (玄音阁 – Mysterious Sound Pavilion) was conquered a year ago. Only some of the higher-ups escaped with the female cultivators…”

“The Qing Ming Secret Realm is open as usual. Due to the war, some changes have occurred. It’s rumored that there were significant Core Formation opportunities in this opening of the Secret Realm…”

“Jin Yun Gu’s (金云谷 – Golden Cloud Valley) True Master Tian Feng was pursued and killed by True Core cultivators from Feng Country. His whereabouts are unknown.”

The jade tube mentioned important figures involved in Liang Country’s cultivation war.

Among the cultivators Lu Changan knew, only Zhang Tie Shan or Shi Xianzi could have recorded this information.

…

Two days later, Lu Changan was ready to start refining pills.

“Master Wu, this is an invitation from the Guild Leader.”

A slender girl, dressed in a plain white dress, with eyebrows as dark as blue-black ink, presented an invitation card.

Lu Changan took the invitation and glanced at Xia Wen Yue.

He had been on Autumn Wind Island for several years, and this maid and medicine apprentice hadn’t changed much in appearance. Her face remained pale, like a delicate flower in the morning dew.

However, Xia Wen Yue was proficient in pharmacy, and female cultivators had many methods of preserving their beauty. Lu Changan wasn’t surprised by this.

After reading the content of the invitation, Lu Changan gave Xia Wen Yue a few instructions and then left Autumn Wind Island.

There were two very important figures in the Xia clan in Qing Sha Bay.

One was Clan Leader Xia Hong Yu, who was the highest in cultivation and seniority, and the only False Core True Master in the clan.

The other was Xia Yong Zhong, the Guild Leader of the Wu Fu Merchant Guild, who mainly handled external affairs related to the guild and its operations.

The latter was Xia Ming Qu’s father, holding real power in the Wu Fu Merchant Guild.

“Master Wu, please come in.”

Xia Yong Zhong, a tall and thin middle-aged man with a Confucian cap and fair complexion, personally welcomed Lu Changan from his cave residence.

As the nominal head of the Wu Fu Merchant Guild, he had given Lu Changan enough face.

“Guild Leader Xia is too polite.”

Lu Changan understood that Xia Yong Zhong had formally invited him for a reason.

Inside the cave residence, there were spiritual fruits, fine wines, mountain delicacies, and beautiful female cultivators performing dance and song.

At the banquet, Xia Yong Zhong first chatted about trivial matters, expressing concern for Lu Changan’s situation on Autumn Wind Island.

Only after the dancing and singing ended, and under the influence of alcohol, did Xia Yong Zhong get to the point:

“In recent years, Master Wu has interacted with Sheng Lan quite a bit. Are you aware that she has broken off her engagement with the Xin clan?”

“Broken off the engagement? This is news to me.”

Lu Changan was taken aback and responded.

He had always maintained a distance from Xia Sheng Lan, in part due to this concern.

“Master Wu should know that Sheng Lan has a fondness for you. If both of you are in love, Xia can help you become a couple.”

“Master Wu has no intention of marrying, nor is he worthy of Miss Sheng Lan.”

Lu Changan shook his head.

Due to the previous life-saving grace, Xia Sheng Lan did have a soft spot for him, but there wasn’t any real affection.

This was fundamentally different from the situation with the Miss Mu family back then.

In their previous conversations, Lu Changan could sense this.

Moreover, Lu Changan didn’t have any particular feelings for this woman.

The female cultivators who could attract Lu Changan would at least have an exceptionally beautiful appearance or temperament, and they would need to be compatible in personality.

Xia Sheng Lan did not meet any of these criteria.

Most importantly, Lu Changan never discussed feelings with any female cultivator who would need to be responsible for a relationship.

“Master Wu, don’t be so quick to refuse.” Xia Yong Zhong smiled lightly, appearing confident.

“The Clan Leader has great affection for Sheng Lan and feels indebted for her past sacrifices. Therefore, Sheng Lan’s dowry includes a Foundation Establishment Stage Breaking Through Pill.”

Lu Changan had previously mentioned his need for a Breaking Through Pill while he was out.

The Xia clan was trying to tie Lu Changan to their chariot through marriage and benefits.

Lu Changan’s hardworking and reliable character, his status as a second-rank alchemist, and his outstanding combat prowess, made the Xia clan elders satisfied.

“Guild Leader Xia, actually… Master Wu doesn’t lack a Foundation Establishment Stage Breaking Through Pill now.”

Lu Changan hesitated as he spoke.

“When did you get the Breaking Through Pill?”

Xia Yong Zhong’s eyes narrowed, showing some disbelief.

Master Wu was only a lower-grade second-rank alchemist. He couldn’t refine a Foundation Establishment Stage Breaking Through Pill.

“On my last trip, I was fortunate enough to trade with a traveling merchant and obtained one.”

To prove it, Lu Changan took out a porcelain bottle.

Xia Yong Zhong scanned it with his spiritual sense. The pill inside was indeed a Foundation Establishment Stage Breaking Through Pill, the “Xuan Wu Dan” (玄乌丹 – Dark Crow Pill).

“Master Wu is lucky. I wish you an early breakthrough.”

Xia Yong Zhong’s face was covered in a smile, hiding his embarrassment.

Before, when Master Wu needed a Breaking Through Pill, the Xia clan didn’t provide one. Now, they were prepared to offer significant benefits, but he already had one.

…

After this conversation, Xia Sheng Lan hardly came to see Lu Changan again.

Half a year later, Lu Changan openly revealed his Foundation Establishment Stage Late cultivation.

Foundation Establishment Stage Late, was relatively rare throughout the Wu Fu Merchant Guild, and he was held in high regard.

Lu Changan’s status and treatment in the Xia clan improved significantly, almost reaching the level of a guest elder.

One day, Lu Changan rode his flying boat, leaving Qing Sha Bay. He was going to buy third-rank beast pellets for the Earth Rock Rat to promote its cultivation.

Besides that, he also needed to buy second-rank Longevity Pills and materials for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Lu Changan wasn’t lacking in the main ingredients for Foundation Establishment Pills. He had obtained two second-rank special beast cores in the ancient ruins as loot back then.

As long as he refined Foundation Establishment Pills, Lu Changan would be considered a seasoned second-rank alchemist.

While flying over a mountain range, Lu Changan had a faint sense of something.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, you have kept me in the dark for so long.”

From the mountains, a Foundation Establishment Stage Late Peak aura emerged. A purple-faced, muscular man in battle armor, standing on a遁光 (Dun Guang – escaping light), flew towards Lu Changan with a bitter smile.

“What Fellow Daoist Lu! Master Fang Zhong, since our last disastrous encounter, you have become truly clueless.”

Lu Changan raised an eyebrow, unceremoniously ridiculing him.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, Turtle Talisman Master, stop pretending! The Xin Yue Merchant Guild has already confirmed your identity.”

Fang Zhong seemed complacent and confident.

“Tsk tsk, back in Liang Country, I also heard about Fellow Daoist Lu’s late bloomer legend, we’ve long been admirers of each other. In terms of age, I should call you Brother Lu.”

I had a severe case of Yang (a common cold). I had a high fever for three days, then a low fever for three days, coughing, sandpaper throat, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat. (I suspect I didn’t have a sore throat before, as I only had a dry throat and fatigue back then.) I couldn’t sleep well and couldn’t eat. I only recovered yesterday and started writing after feeling a bit better, but I only wrote 1,000 words before getting dizzy. Maybe I had rhinitis before, which led to constant runny nose and a stuffy nose after getting sick. I went through a whole pack of tissues every day.

(End of Chapter)

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