I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 247

## Chapter 244: An Old Friend from Liang Guo

“One hundred and fifty-five years old, at the eighth level of the Foundation Establishment stage.”

Lu Changan felt the vast lake of spiritual power within him expand by approximately thirty percent.

As it wasn’t a breakthrough to a new minor realm, the “quality” of his spiritual power didn’t change significantly, and his strength hadn’t improved much.

He had simply progressed further in the latter stages of Foundation Establishment.

“At my current cultivation speed, I should reach the ninth level of Foundation Establishment around the age of one hundred and seventy,” Lu Changan estimated.

Theoretically, one could attempt to enter the Core Formation stage at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. However, most cultivators, to increase their chances of success, would try to reach the peak of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, or at least solidify their cultivation for two or three years.

Fu Xuemei, back then, had just entered the ninth level of Foundation Establishment and hadn’t had much time to solidify her cultivation before attempting Core Formation. Due to insufficient foundation, it affected the quality of her final core.

Even so, with her Earth Spirit Root aptitude and a clear mind, she managed to form a genuine core.

Lu Changan’s situation was different.

He was going to take the path of “turning core into liquid and reforming to condense a new core,” which was not a simple process.

For his first Core Formation, he didn’t need to pursue the peak of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.

If the quality of the core was too high, the difficulty and risk of fragmenting the inner core would increase significantly.

For his first attempt at turning core into liquid, he lacked experience. To be safe, it was best to follow Zhang Tieshan’s example and form a false core first.

…

After several days, Lu Changan emerged from seclusion and went to the bottom of the deep pool behind the mansion, using the underground tunnel.

He first checked the growth of the Xue Mu Hu Luo (Mystic Wood Gourd Vine).

There were almost no signs of growth on the vine. The small fruits that had formed were withered, yellow, and lifeless.

“It seems the ‘Xuan Tian Hu Lu’ (Mysterious Heavenly Gourd) mentioned in the records of the Listening Sea Pavilion failed to fully condense…”

Even Lu Changan’s Evergreen Secret Art couldn’t revive it.

He had once used his lifespan to nourish the withered fruit, but it was like throwing a stone into the sea, with no response whatsoever.

Fortunately, the life force of the vine had stabilized. The small patch of green on the vine was more prominent than before.

Compared to the near-death state it was in when Lu Changan discovered it in the ancient ruins, it was much stronger now.

Lu Changan then turned to the Xuan Shui Gui (Mystic Water Tortoise) beside it, pouring his Evergreen spiritual power into it to promote its growth.

Since guarding the Xue Mu Hu Luo and watering it, the Xuan Shui Gui had rarely actively absorbed the residual spiritual power left over from Lu Changan’s cultivation.

Lu Changan guessed that some unknown benefit brought by the Xue Mu Hu Luo was more attractive to the Xuan Shui Gui than his Evergreen Art.

With the combined effects of the Evergreen spiritual power and the Xue Mu Hu Luo, the Xuan Shui Gui’s growth rate was far superior to its peers.

A normal Xuan Shui Gui would often take four to five hundred years to reach the genuine core stage.

Lu Changan’s Xuan Shui Gui would probably not even need half that time.

“This turtle, as a Tier 2 bloodline, is far more talented than the Di Yan Shu (Earth Rock Rat). It also receives unknown benefits from the Xue Mu Hu Luo. I wonder what kind of quality its inner core will have in the future?”

Lu Changan felt both anticipation and curiosity.

He returned to the mansion on the surface.

Xia Wenyue was waiting outside, seeking an audience.

“Come in,” Lu Changan said, opening the door with a wave of his hand.

Xia Wenyue bowed respectfully and said formally, “Master Lu, a message just came from the clan, saying there is a Foundation Establishment cultivator visiting you outside Qing Sha Wan (Clear Sand Bay).”

“Did they mention their name?”

“No, they concealed their appearance,” Xia Wenyue replied.

Lu Changan was about to refuse.

“They said they are your old friend from Liang Guo,” Xia Wenyue added quickly.

“An old friend from Liang Guo?”

Lu Changan pondered for a moment before finally nodding, instructing Xia Wenyue to bring the person in.

In that brief moment, he had sent the Di Yan Shu to investigate. The rat’s sense of smell detected a familiar scent.

The visitor was indeed an old friend, and they had a close relationship.

…

A quarter of an hour later.

Xia Wenyue returned, followed by a broad-robed cultivator wearing a straw hat and a green veil.

The person was completely wrapped in the robe, making it impossible to tell their gender.

Xia Wenyue discreetly withdrew and closed the side hall door.

Lu Changan looked through the straw hat and green veil, vaguely meeting a pair of black eyes. He smiled slightly:

“Miss Shen, it’s been twenty years. How are you?”

Hearing this, the broad-robed cultivator froze for a moment before removing the hat and veil.

It was a woman’s face, about thirty-seven or eight years old.

Her facial features were still good, but her crow’s feet were obvious, her fair skin had faint dark spots, and her black eyes no longer shone brightly, replaced by a calm depth gained through the passage of time.

Lu Changan couldn’t help but be startled. He couldn’t seem to connect the gentle and beautiful woman with the snow-white skin from his memories with the “half-old woman” in front of him.

“I apologize for making Master Lu laugh. I’m getting old and withered, married and with children. I can no longer be called ‘Miss’.”

Shen Bixing’s voice was calm, her demeanor filled with unspoken bitterness and loneliness.

“Daoist Shen, don’t mind it! We cultivators don’t care much about our appearance. It’s just a shell.”

Lu Changan’s tone was gentle, and he smiled as he gestured for Shen Bixing to take a seat.

Shen Bixing was the eldest daughter of the Teng Xing Trading Company in Liang Guo and had previously collaborated with Lu Changan on business matters.

Their initial acquaintance was when Jiang Yecheng carried her unconscious body to Wu Qi Shan (Witch Qi Mountain) to seek medical treatment.

Shen Bixing had originally been in love with Jiang Yecheng, but they faced opposition from the elders of the Trading Company.

Ultimately, she married Song Wenshu, a talented and promising individual with a solid background in the Li Huo Gong (Fire Palace).

As she sat down, Lu Changan discreetly observed her. He discovered that her cultivation had stagnated at the peak of the latter stages of Foundation Establishment.

“Her spirit has declined, and her spiritual power is stagnant.”

Lu Changan deduced that she must have failed at Core Formation and suffered a backlash, leading to a major loss of energy and damage to her foundation.

Otherwise, with Shen Bixing’s substantial wealth, she wouldn’t have aged so quickly, even with rejuvenating and beautifying pills.

This wasn’t the worst outcome.

Some cultivators who failed at Core Formation would die on the spot, or their cultivation would plummet, which was not uncommon.

In fact, Shen Bixing had good aptitude and a better origin than ordinary cultivators.

Logically, she should have had a good chance of forming a false core.

At least, in Lu Changan’s eyes, she had a better chance than his Shi Xianzi, who had not yet become a third-level Array Master.

But the world of cultivation is full of uncertainties. There are no absolute guarantees, and failure is normal.

“How is Daoist Song doing?”

Lu Changan didn’t want to dwell on Shen Bixing’s shortcomings, so he changed the subject.

Song Wenshu, as an elite member of the Li Huo Gong, had a considerable background and had some connection with Lu Changan.

“Wenshu… unfortunately, he died in the Xianxia War several years ago.”

Shen Bixing’s eyes dimmed, and her face became filled with sorrow.

“Song Wenshu died in battle?”

Lu Changan’s expression faltered. He hadn’t expected that changing the topic would only reopen this widow’s wounds.

The Xianxia War in the territory of Liang Guo resulted in heavy casualties.

Genuine core and false core cultivators, many died in battle.

Naturally, the death of Foundation Establishment cultivators wasn’t as noteworthy, unless they were close friends.

Therefore, Lu Changan only learned of Song Wenshu’s death now.

“When did you come to Jing Guo, Daoist Shen?”

“The Teng Xing Trading Company I belonged to, before the war broke out in Liang Guo, had already transferred some of its core members and assets to Jing Guo… Three years ago, I brought my husband’s child and followed the core members of the Trading Company to Jing Guo to develop the business.”

Shen Bixing recounted the events of a few years ago.

Lu Changan secretly sighed. The Teng Xing Trading Company had planned ahead and already established a presence in Jing Guo.

This made it easier for them to bring over cultivators from Liang Guo through their connections here.

…

“Daoist Shen, you came here concealing your identity. You wouldn’t simply be here to reminisce with me, would you?”

After half an hour, after learning about Shen Bixing’s ups and downs over the past twenty years, Lu Changan finally got to the point.

“Master Lu, do you still remember the favor you owe me?”

Shen Bixing looked directly at Lu Changan’s expression.

“I do.”

Lu Changan responded without hesitation.

He did indeed owe Shen Bixing a favor.

In the past, when he was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, he had asked Shen Bixing’s trading company for help in gathering some materials, including some rare Tier 3 materials, to speed up his body refinement and advance to the Tier 3 stage.

At the time, Shen Bixing had not asked for any payment from Lu Changan, only a promise of a favor.

“Master Lu, you are indeed a person of high integrity and trustworthiness.”

Shen Bixing smiled happily, the first smile she had shown.

“Oh, Daoist Shen, are you here today to cash in on that promise?”

“No! I haven’t reached that point yet. What I said earlier was just to test your integrity.”

“I’m here today on behalf of someone else. I’m just an intermediary. What I’m about to say, whether it works out or not, I hope you will keep it confidential.”

Shen Bixing’s face turned serious, and she switched to communicating via voice transmission.

Lu Changan realized that Shen Bixing’s request was a big deal, so he set up an isolation barrier in place.

They looked at each other, their lips moving as they exchanged messages through voice transmission.

“Wang Elder’s grandson of the Li Huo Gong, Wang Feng?”

Lu Changan was surprised, but he didn’t show it on his face.

It turned out the “Master Wang” who had smuggled himself into Jing Guo via a cross-national spiritual ship was actually named “Wang Feng,” a talented Earth Spirit Root disciple who was a key target for cultivation in the Li Huo Gong.

Wang Feng’s grandfather, “Wang Elder,” was one of the top three powerful elders of the Li Huo Gong, with a peak late-stage Core Formation cultivation.

Wang Elder’s strength was definitely above Lu Changan in his previous life.

Wang Feng was acquainted with Song Wenshu and was someone the latter had befriended and sought to curry favor with.

Shen Bixing had married into the Li Huo Gong and had met Wang Feng a couple of times.

A few months ago, “Master Wang,” who had restored his Foundation Establishment cultivation, had found Shen Bixing and asked for her assistance.

Master Wang had two requests:

First, he wanted to use the channels of the local trading companies in Jing Guo to return to the Li Huo Gong in Liang Guo.

Second, he wanted to find a skilled pharmacist to treat his body and repair the hidden injuries from his cultivation decline.

If she could help, Master Wang promised a substantial reward and future favors from a late-stage Core Formation cultivator of the sect.

“Our trading company in Jing Guo is poorly established. We’re barely getting by and are being ostracized by hostile forces. I can’t help Master Wang with his two requests,”

Shen Bixing said through voice transmission.

Lu Changan’s eyes flickered, and he saw through Shen Bixing’s ulterior motive.

Song Wenshu’s background in the Li Huo Gong was significant, and Shen Bixing had given birth to his child.

If they could establish a connection with Master Wang and Wang Elder’s lineage, it would certainly benefit Shen Bixing’s offspring.

Admittedly, the war situation was unfavorable for the Li Huo Gong.

But even if the sect was defeated and retreated from Liang Guo, this gigantic organization, with its vast resources and legacy, would still be far superior to a sect like the Golden Cloud Valley.

“Master Wang and Wang Elder, such powerful figures, I’m afraid I’m not worthy of their attention…”

Lu Changan refused politely.

Shen Bixing was simply acting as an intermediary in this matter, without any personal request.

Lu Changan didn’t lack spiritual stones or cultivation techniques. He had everything he needed for Core Formation and had no desire to curry favor with Wang Elder and Master Wang.

Master Wang had been hunted by the demonic sect, which posed a certain risk.

“Master Wang said that if you agree to help, his reward will include a piece of Tier 3 top-grade spiritual bamboo.”

Shen Bixing added.

Hearing this, Lu Changan was moved.

Tier 3 top-grade spiritual bamboo was something he hadn’t been able to obtain easily even during his Core Formation stage in his previous life.

Lu Changan had once bid for a Tier 3 middle-grade spiritual wood at the largest auction in Liang Guo. He hadn’t been able to refine a Tier 3 magic talisman blank at the time, so he kept it until now.

A Tier 3 magic talisman, if nurtured, would be incredibly powerful.

Furthermore, Lu Changan’s cultivation was wood-based, and he could refine superior wood-type magic tools using Tier 3 top-grade spiritual bamboo as the main material.

“Master Lu, if you are interested, go to the Xun Xian Fu (Seeking Immortals Manor) Inn in Yun Yan Xian Cheng (Cloud Smoke Immortal City) within half a month… Master Wang will personally discuss it with you.”

“Well, I will consider it.”

Lu Changan didn’t make any promises.

He had some doubts in his mind. The Master Wang he met years ago was so down-and-out, how could he now offer such a generous reward?

…

After settling the serious matters, the atmosphere became relaxed.

They no longer communicated via voice transmission, but reminisced about the past.

In the past, the three peak masters of Wu Qi Shan, Lu Changan, Shi Xianzi, and Ye Fei, had all had good relationships with Shen Bixing, collaborating on various matters.

Shen Bixing back then was quiet, gentle, and confident, even attracting the attention of Ye Fei of Small Dan Peak.

“By the way, how is Daoist Jiang doing?”

Lu Changan suddenly thought of Jiang Yecheng, the man Shen Bixing truly loved.

Jiang Yecheng possessed a soul-type treasure. Without his assistance in restoring Shi Xianzi’s memories, Lu Changan and Shi Xianzi would not have obtained the crucial opportunity from the ancient ruins.

At least, Shi Xianzi wouldn’t have become a third-level Array Master so easily.

“Jiang Yecheng… How could I possibly see him again?”

Mentioning him, Shen Bixing’s expression turned gloomy. Her once delicate cheeks were gone, and the wrinkles on her forehead became more prominent.

Lu Changan sensed something unusual in her words.

Shen Bixing didn’t say “I don’t have the face to see him again,” but her tone was filled with regret and loss.

“A few years ago, he ascended to the Genuine Core stage, declined invitations from major sects in Liang Guo, and went to travel in other countries…”

“Jiang Yecheng, he reached the Genuine Core stage?”

Lu Changan was moved and couldn’t help but look at Shen Bixing.

He quickly thought through the situation.

Back then, Shen Bixing abandoned her true love, Jiang Yecheng, and married Song Wenshu, who had a better background and prospects.

As a result, Song Wenshu died in battle, leaving Shen Bixing a widow.

But Jiang Yecheng, who had been considered emotionally unstable and overlooked back then, had actually formed a genuine core!

What’s even more intriguing is that… both Jiang Yecheng’s ascension to the Genuine Core stage and Song Wenshu’s death seemed to have happened around the same time.

Jiang Yecheng was the first person Lu Changan had confirmed in this life who had reached the Genuine Core stage.

Although their relationship was rather superficial.

In addition, there was also Zhang Tieshan, who had been out of contact for years.

The difficulty of reaching the Genuine Core stage was far higher than that of reaching the False Core stage.

In many immortal cities, one could see False Core cultivators from time to time, but it was much harder to come across Genuine Core cultivators.

…

Shen Bixing was depressed and soon excused herself.

Lu Changan knew it was because he had touched upon her wounds.

But it wasn’t intentional on his part.

How could he have known that Shen Bixing’s life over the past twenty years had been so tumultuous.

“Daoist Shen, take care.”

Lu Changan watched Shen Bixing’s thin figure, concealed by her loose robe and straw hat and green veil, fly away from Autumn Wind Island.

Shen Bixing’s visit in disguise was out of concern that Master Wang’s matter would implicate Lu Changan.

According to her, Master Wang had faced intense pursuit years ago. While the Merchant League hadn’t openly issued a warrant for his arrest, some merchant forces had secretly cooperated with the demonic sect.

In recent years, things had calmed down, and the pursuit had greatly diminished.

Master Wang had recovered most of his cultivation, which gave him a chance to breathe.

Seven days later.

Lu Changan announced that he was in seclusion and left a “True Illusion Talisman” to simulate his spiritual power, remaining inside his private chamber.

He personally utilized the Di Yan Shu’s earth-遁 (dun) (earth escape) ability to secretly leave the Xia family’s Qing Sha Wan.

If the Di Yan Shu hadn’t reached the Tier 3 stage yet, Lu Changan would have avoided interacting with Master Wang under his real identity.

After all, it involved high-level figures of the Liang Guo sects.

Now, however, he had fewer concerns.

With the lure of a Tier 3 top-grade spiritual wood, he didn’t mind meeting with Master Wang.

…

Yun Yan Xian Cheng, Xun Xian Fu Inn.

This was where Lu Changan and the down-and-out Master Wang had first met in Jing Guo.

However, Master Wang had no idea of Lu Changan’s identity at the time.

The array formation of the Xun Xian Fu could only hinder the divine consciousness of False Core cultivators.

With the addition of his previous life’s soul imprint, Lu Changan, who possessed the Jiu Yin Bei (Nine Seal Stele), could use his Genuine Core-level divine consciousness to quickly discern the truth.

“This Master Wang has been hunted for too long. He’s learned to be cautious.”

Lu Changan discovered that the room in the Xun Xian Fu where they had agreed to meet also had a true illusion talisman left behind.

The real Master Wang, disguised as an inn servant, was secretly watching that room.

Lu Changan confirmed that there was no ambush around the Xun Xian Fu.

The cultivator with the highest cultivation in the inn was a False Core cultivator who was currently having a romantic time with a pair of twin female cultivators.

Lu Changan didn’t follow Master Wang’s rhythm.

He booked a high-class room in the Xun Xian Fu and then walked directly there, calling for Master Wang to serve his room.

“Kid, come to this master’s room for a massage and back rub! If you serve me well, you’ll get plenty of spiritual stones.”

The servant disguised as Master Wang was slightly bewildered, looking at the burly, bearded man in front of him.

The nearby servants and maids felt a chill run down their spines, looking at the slender Master Wang being pulled into the high-class room by the burly man.

The high-class rooms in the Xun Xian Fu were individual villas.

In the hall, Lu Changan and Master Wang stared at each other.

“Sir, you are…”

“That’s right, I’m the one you’re looking for.”

Lu Changan’s figure and spiritual power changed, revealing his true appearance.

“I am Wang Feng, humbly greeting Master Lu.”

Master Wang removed his turban, bowed respectfully. His face blurred for a moment, revealing the features of a handsome young man with sharp angles.

This was completely different from the arrogant young man with slicked-back hair on the Nine Morning Trading Company’s spiritual ship.

The other party certainly hadn’t revealed their true appearance back then, even their surname was fake.

Lu Changan didn’t know what Master Wang’s real appearance was like back then.

But after experiencing years of ups and downs, anyone’s temperament would change.

“Master Wang, I have something I don’t understand. Could you enlighten me?”

Lu Changan took the initiative, speaking first, and secretly observing Master Wang’s state.

“Please ask, Master Lu.”

Wang Feng was humble, showing no trace of arrogance as a disciple of the Li Huo Gong, a grandson of an elder.

“I heard from Daoist Shen that you want to return to the Li Huo Gong in Liang Guo? The current situation in Liang Guo’s Xianxia world is unfavorable and chaotic. This isn’t a good choice.”

Putting himself in the other’s shoes, Lu Changan wouldn’t want to return to Liang Guo unless there was something of paramount importance that forced him to do so.

Hearing this, Wang Feng laughed heartily:

“Master Lu makes a valid point! Just recently, I changed my mind and decided not to return to Liang Guo!”

(End of Chapter)

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