I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 270

## Chapter 267: Reuniting with Jin Yun

Lu Chang’an thought it was a passing Zhen Dan (True Core) cultivator.

Soon, that True Core-level aura descended from the Nine-Tiered Heaven and headed straight towards Xue Mei Mountain.

As the target approached, Lu Chang’an sensed a familiar aura.

“It’s him? Jin Yun Valley’s reaction is quite swift.”

Lu Chang’an wasn’t surprised.

The news of his Zhen Dan formation in Jing State reached the lower-level cultivators in Liang State with delays or uncertainties.

However, the higher-level intelligence channels in the sects were faster and had already confirmed Lu Chang’an’s True Core formation.

After entering Liang State, Lu Chang’an didn’t deliberately hide. On the way, riding his tortoise, he even encountered two teams of sect enforcement cultivators on the border.

Jin Yun Valley was the closest cultivation sect to the Li family of Xue Mei Mountain.

“Congratulations to fellow Daoist Lu on forming your True Core.”

“If I hadn’t been occupied with sect affairs, I would have gone to Jing State to visit you upon hearing the news.”

The clouds parted in the sky, revealing a deep voice.

A man in a black robe, with a steady demeanor, medium build, and a slightly dark complexion, stood on a golden遁光 (遁光 – escaping light) and descended into the air above Xue Mei Mountain’s Li family.

“Elder Tian Feng! Elder of Jin Yun Valley!”

Li Congren and other core family cultivators, sensing the even stronger True Core aura and recognizing the man from his appearance and attire, understood his identity.

“Zhang Tianfeng, the enforcement elder of Jin Yun Valley… So Lu Ye Ye (Grandfather Lu) and he indeed have a deep connection.”

Li Congren was deeply moved, suppressing his excitement and refraining from approaching immediately.

Elder Tian Feng was a prominent figure in Liang State’s cultivation world.

He once fought against a mid-stage Zhen Dan cultivator, undefeated, with his early-stage True Core cultivation.

“Fellow Daoist Zhang, long time no see. When I learned that you were hunted down by a True Core cultivator on the battlefield and disappeared, I was worried for a while.”

Lu Chang’an waved his sleeve and greeted him with a smile.

“I was worried about fellow Daoist Lu. I narrowly escaped death and, due to a fortunate encounter, received guidance from a master, which brought me to where I am today, standing alongside fellow Daoist Lu.”

Zhang Tieshan had been a True Core cultivator for many years, his True Core aura was clearly stronger than Lu Chang’an’s.

Lu Chang’an roughly observed that he had likely formed a mid-range True Core.

Of course, the quality of the formed True Core could be concealed. Maybe he was hiding it, maybe it was the truth.

Lu Chang’an had discussed Zhang Tieshan’s situation with Li Congren.

Zhang Tieshan had a low-grade spirit root. He first formed a False Core, then transformed it into a True Core. It was obvious to everyone that he had a great opportunity.

However, after becoming a True Core, Zhang Tieshan’s combat strength was outstanding among his peers. There were only a handful of cultivators in Liang State who could threaten him.

More importantly, those who could successfully transform their False Core into a True Core often had the protection of a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun (Nascent Soul True Monarch).

Zhang Tieshan frankly admitted that he had received guidance from a master.

Once, a late-stage True Core cultivator had secretly observed Zhang Tieshan. Sensing an invisible threat, he fled in terror.

Moreover, the art of False Core transformation wasn’t too rare in Nascent Soul-level sects, especially in ancient lineage sects like Jin Yang Zong.

In Jin Yang Zong, several “Second Generation” cultivators could enjoy the privilege of False Core transformation every hundred years.

After all, there were descendants of Nascent Soul True Monarchs within the sect. Due to the inheritance of master and disciple, there was always a need for human interaction and favors.

For ordinary cultivators, False Core transformation was like reaching the heavens. In the eyes of True Monarchs, it was a trivial matter.

…

In the main hall of Xue Mei Mountain.

Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan, two Zhen Dan cultivators, sat down and chatted.

Li Congren and his wife accompanied them, exchanging pleasantries briefly. They made a good impression on Zhang Tieshan and then politely withdrew.

“I’ve just arrived in Liang State, Fellow Daoist Zhang, and you came to see me first. I wonder what brings you here?”

Lu Chang’an was surprised.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, I’m here on behalf of the Grand Elder and the Sect Leader, inviting you to visit Jin Yun Valley.”

Zhang Tieshan smiled, explaining his purpose.

Visiting Jin Yun Valley?

Lu Chang’an understood Zhang Tieshan’s intentions immediately.

Jin Yun Valley was trying to recruit him.

After years of cultivation wars, the upper echelons of Liang State’s cultivation sects had suffered some losses in combat strength.

Lu Chang’an had a clear background, a reliable character, and was not only a Zhen Dan cultivator but also a third-order符师 (Fu Shi – Talisman Master).

Such talent would naturally attract any sect.

“Fellow Daoist Lu is now a Zhen Dan cultivator. You need a third-order spirit vein for your cultivation. Ordinary families’ small third-order spirit veins cannot support multiple Zhen Dans, nor can they compare with Jin Yun Valley in quality and range.”

Zhang Tieshan hit the nail on the head.

Zhen Dan cultivators required third-order spirit veins to sustain their cultivation. Such high-level spirit vein domains were rarely available for rent.

筑基丹 (Zhu Ji Dan – Foundation Establishment Pill), 凝晶丹 (Ning Jing Dan – Crystal Condensation Pill), third-order spirit veins… These were all strategic resources monopolized by sects and families.

“I’m a coward and lazy. Joining a sect, I’m afraid I won’t be able to adapt.”

Lu Chang’an knew that after becoming a Zhen Dan, it would be difficult to stay away from powerful factions if he wanted to stabilize his cultivation.

First and second-order spirit veins could be rented.

Third-order spirit veins were too scarce. Even if they were available for rent under special circumstances, the cost would be exorbitant.

Without a faction to rely on, guarding a third-order spirit vein would also be challenging.

Beyond that were third-order mid-grade and high-grade spirit veins.

“The Grand Elder and I have already discussed this. If Fellow Daoist Lu becomes a guest elder of Jin Yun Valley, you’ll only be required to draw talismans and occasionally assist in guarding the sect. Even if the six demonic sects invade, you won’t be required to fight on the front lines.”

Zhang Tieshan had prepared a response, smiling.

Lu Chang’an thought to himself, if I don’t have to fight, I might consider it.

“I’ve just entered the Zhen Dan stage and haven’t been back in Liang State for long. This matter requires several years of consideration.”

Lu Chang’an didn’t need to rush for now.

Before his True Core transformation, he couldn’t cultivate.

“I hope Fellow Daoist Lu will visit our mountain gate and discuss with the Grand Elder, feeling the sincerity of Jin Yun Valley. Whether or not you agree, I can offer you a set of insights on False Core transformation.”

Zhang Tieshan promised.

“Insights on False Core transformation?”

Lu Chang’an was intrigued and asked,

“I wonder, where did Fellow Daoist Zhang form your True Core?”

Zhang Tieshan hesitated for a moment and said, “I formed my True Core in Wang Yue Immortal City. This is a personal secret, I hope you’ll keep it confidential.”

“Thank you for clarifying, Fellow Daoist Zhang. I will never reveal this to anyone else.”

In fact, Zhang Tieshan’s location for False Core transformation was within Lu Chang’an’s expectations.

Wang Yue Immortal City, located between Liang State and Feng State, stood on the former site of the demonic sect’s fourth-order spirit vein. It was an independent neutral immortal city.

Wang Yue Immortal City mainly served high-level cultivators, with a good reputation and a mysterious background.

It was said to be established by a force from the Great Qing Central Region.

In Wang Yue Immortal City, it was common to attempt True Core formation. Even forming an upper-range True Core wasn’t considered high-profile.

They even allowed Nascent Soul formation and ascension to the Heavenly Tribulation!

True Core cultivators, including those with False Cores, were their main customers. Nascent Soul True Monarchs occasionally appeared there as well.

However, the surrounding area of Wang Yue Immortal City was a lawless border zone. Robber cultivators lurking in the vicinity were terrifyingly strong!

It was quite risky for Zhen Dan cultivators, not those with True Cores, to visit Wang Yue Immortal City.

Foundation Establishment cultivators usually accompanied their elders to gain some experience.

Lu Chang’an chatted with Zhang Tieshan until evening.

Besides reminiscing and learning about the situation in Liang State, Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan reached some agreements.

For example, crafting wooden magic treasures.

Zhang Tieshan didn’t want spirit stones, but instead wanted third-order talismans as payment in the future.

Zhang Tieshan came from a blacksmith family and had always been tenacious.

After entering the Immortal Dao, he consistently displayed talent in crafting and had acquired the skills of a crafting master within the sect.

Especially in the years since his last encounter with Lu Chang’an, his crafting skills had progressed rapidly, making him a rare third-order crafting master.

Lu Chang’an couldn’t help but wonder if this progress was related to the五行土 (Wu Xing Tu – Five Elements Earth) he had traded with him.

He knew that Five Elements Earth could enhance the power of magic treasures and repair high-level ones, but he hadn’t heard that it could promote crafting skills.

…

“Fellow Daoist Zhang, it’s getting late. I originally planned to stay at Xue Mei Mountain for the night and head to Jin Yun Valley tomorrow.”

Jin Yun Valley was the second stop Lu Chang’an planned to make after returning to Liang State.

Even if Zhang Tieshan hadn’t invited him, he would have gone to Jin Yun Valley tomorrow.

First, to see old friends.

Second, to trade with Zhang Tieshan, craft magic treasures, explore locations for False Core transformation, and exchange insights.

Zhang Tieshan’s invitation and promise of False Core transformation insights was perfect for Lu Chang’an.

“No problem, I’ll go back to Jin Yun Valley with Fellow Daoist Lu tomorrow.”

Zhang Tieshan nodded.

He roughly guessed Lu Chang’an’s intention of staying at Xue Mei Mountain for the night.

According to Jin Yun Valley’s intelligence, Lu Chang’an had sneaked into Jing State through the Li family of Xue Mei Mountain, gaining a stable period of cultivation for thirty years.

It was a completely different matter to simply take a ride with someone than to stay for the night.

Lu Chang’an used this simple approach to reciprocate and send a signal to the outside world.

That night, the Li family of Xue Mei Mountain treated the two Zhen Dan cultivators like state guests, arranging the best guest house pavilions for them.

Zhang Tieshan stayed in a secluded courtyard.

Entering the pavilion, Zhang Tieshan immediately dismissed the maids and servants.

Like Lu Chang’an, he had been cultivating for over a hundred years and hadn’t formed a Dao companion or left any descendants.

Lu Chang’an had some minor rumors in Liang State.

However, Zhang Tieshan never had any rumors of a close relationship with any female cultivator.

Besides his decisiveness and strong enforcement, this was also the reason for his “Black Iron Face” moniker.

“Ancient Wood Eternal Skill… Legendary Great Cultivator Yan Donglai… This spirit treasure fragment remembers!”

A childish voice echoed in Zhang Tieshan’s mind.

As the spirit treasure fragment was repaired, the spirit treasure’s memories gradually recovered.

“Legendary Great Cultivator Yan Donglai?”

Zhang Tieshan was confused, having never heard this unfamiliar title before.

He only knew that three hundred years ago, in the Great Qing Central Region, a late-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch emerged, leading the ten sects of Xuanmen to defeat the peak six demonic sects.

This True Monarch had changed the situation in Great Qing, leading to the eastward expansion of the six demonic sects.

“Legendary Great Cultivator is the highest level of late-stage Nascent Soul. Their reputation isn’t limited to a single cultivation region. They are known throughout the Tian Heng continent. These old monsters often possess powerful true spirit treasures. Even when restricted by the Heavenly Sovereigns, they can even compete with them.”

“That old immortal Yan Donglai is one of the best. The previous owner of this spirit treasure fragment was tricked by him…”

Mentioning Yan Donglai, the spirit treasure fragment’s tone was somewhat unpleasant, and a sense of fear was unavoidable.

“I wonder, is that Elder Yan still alive?”

“Heh, even if that old immortal hasn’t completely died, he’s met with bad luck.”

The spirit treasure fragment gloated.

“The Ancient Wood Eternal Skill, is it an unparalleled skill?”

“It’s an ancient cultivation method for longevity. It has average power but is excellent for extending life and healing injuries. This skill is extremely difficult to cultivate. It requires at least a Wood-type Earth Spirit Root, the cultivation speed is slow as a tortoise. For top geniuses, it’s a mere trifle…”

“Wood-type Earth Spirit Root? Wait, Elder, I remember Lu Chang’an’s Wood Spirit Root is not even mid-grade.”

Zhang Tieshan interrupted unconsciously.

“Uh… This spirit treasure fragment doesn’t know much about this skill. Maybe Lu Chang’an has a secret technique to hide his spirit root, or there are other conditions.”

“Anyway, cultivating this skill doesn’t lead to any good results in the end.”

Because its memory was incomplete, the spirit treasure fragment couldn’t give a concrete explanation. It hesitated for a moment and finally concluded.

…

The next morning.

Lu Chang’an completed his regular talisman nurturing and cultivation of the “Hundred Forged Steel” skill.

“Hundred Forged Steel” was a relatively mediocre and unremarkable body-tempering skill. With good talent, sufficient resources, and dedicated effort, one could cultivate it relatively smoothly.

Lu Chang’an had a foundation in body-tempering. He estimated that it would take about a year to reach his previous level and then attempt third-order body-tempering.

Then, he met up with Zhang Tieshan, preparing to say goodbye to Li Congren.

In the main hall, Li Congren was receiving an important guest.

It was an old man with a long white beard, a False Core cultivator. He was talking with Li Congren in a friendly manner.

“The Chang’an Mine is the first mine discovered and developed by the Li family of Xue Mei Mountain. This is a widely recognized fact. Previously, some junior members of my Dongmen family were ignorant and offered too low a price. I apologize for making Li Xiao You (Young Master Li) laugh.”

The long-bearded old man was the head of the Dongmen family, Patriarch Dongmen.

Looking at Patriarch Dongmen, who was friendly and subtly expressing his apologies, Li Congren felt a sense of joy, as if the scorching sun had driven away the dark clouds.

He couldn’t imagine that this was a figure he had never been qualified to meet in all his years.

The Dongmen family had informants monitoring every move of Xue Mei Mountain.

Upon learning that two Zhen Dan cultivators had stayed overnight at Xue Mei Mountain, one of them being the enforcement elder of Jin Yun Valley, Patriarch Dongmen broke out in a cold sweat.

After the Jin Yang Zong relocation war, the Dongmen family suffered significant losses, primarily the death of their True Core Grand Elder.

Following the war, the Dongmen family recuperated, cultivating one False Core and two Foundation Establishment cultivators using their wartime gains and compensation.

However, their accumulated resources failed to produce a True Core cultivator.

Fortunately, they relocated to Liang State.

If they had stayed in Feng State, where top families all had Zhen Dan cultivators, some even more than one, the Dongmen family, which was now facing a talent gap, wouldn’t have wanted to offend a True Core cultivator for a mere mine.

Even if their Grand Elder was still alive, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Moreover, the Dongmen family’s territory was under the jurisdiction of Jin Yang Zong.

“Patriarch Dongmen, I need to see two Realmen off. Please wait a moment.”

Li Congren glanced at his wife outside the hall and apologized as he stood up.

“No problem! The two Realmen are of great importance. I’ll accompany you to see them off.”

Patriarch Dongmen shamelessly followed Li Congren out.

Soon, Patriarch Dongmen and the Li Congren couple saw Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan talking in the courtyard.

“I’m Patriarch Dongmen of the Dongmen family, Dongmen Qing…”

Patriarch Dongmen spoke humbly with a friendly smile, approaching the two Zhen Dan cultivators.

Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan responded calmly and casually, showing little interest.

“Lu Ye Ye, take care.”

Li Congren and his wife, along with the other core family members, respectfully watched Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan fly into the Nine-Tiered Heaven.

Li Congren saw Patriarch Dongmen standing awkwardly nearby, with a bitter expression.

At this moment, he deeply realized the difference between False Core and True Core.

This difference was even greater than the gap between True Core and Golden Core.

True Cores were primarily about spiritual power and future potential. They were inferior to Golden Cores of the same stage, but at least they recognized each other as both belonging to the Core Formation stage.

However, in the eyes of many high-level cultivators, False Cores weren’t considered true Core Formation cultivators.

They had some status and were called “Realmen.” If someone didn’t want to flatter them, they could be considered juniors.

Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan clearly didn’t take Patriarch Dongmen seriously.

“If I ever have the chance to form a Core in this life, I must form a True Core.”

Li Congren experienced the power of True Core cultivators.

It wasn’t about showing off or fighting personally. It was about the inherent status.

Just by staying at Xue Mei Mountain for one night, Lu Ye Ye had scared Patriarch Dongmen into personally visiting and taking the initiative to back down, resolving the conflict.

Of course, Li Congren didn’t know that neither his Lu Ye Ye nor Elder Zhang Tianfeng was an ordinary Zhen Dan cultivator…

…

Less than half a day later.

Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan flew to the sky above Jin Yun Valley.

The sun’s rays illuminated the towering mountains shrouded in mist. The rocks rich in metal ores reflected a faint golden glow onto the clouds, outlining the majestic and sacred land of “One Line of Gold Between Mountain and Cloud.”

Lu Chang’an couldn’t remember how many times he had been to Jin Yun Valley.

But two of those visits were unforgettable.

The first time was when he took the entrance exam for Jin Yun Valley and failed.

At that time, four people from Heng Shui Prefecture, Lu Chang’an, Zhao Siyao, Lin Yi, and Li Ergou, only Zhao Siyao, with her superior aptitude, was accepted into Jin Yun Valley.

Zhang Tieshan, from another place, was also in the same group, and he ranked first in mental state and determination.

Today, after over a hundred years, the four members of that group, some had passed away, while the fates of the remaining few were clear, even predetermined.

The second memorable visit was this one!

“Fellow Daoist Lu, this is our Sect Leader of Jin Yun Valley, Xuan Xiao Zhen Ren (True Immortal).”

A powerful aura, equivalent to a mid-stage Zhen Dan, surged out of the main hall of Jin Yun Valley, like a golden dragon soaring through the sky.

The golden light solidified in front of the two.

It was a handsome man with a high crown on his head, wearing a golden feathered robe, with a dignified and extraordinary aura.

After Zhang Tieshan’s introduction,

The two, with their equally impressive appearance and temperament, exchanged greetings, exuding a captivating仙道之气 (Xian Dao Zhi Qi – Immortal Dao Aura).

“Real Person Chang Qing, I’ve heard so much about you.”

“It’s an honor to have the Sect Leader greet me personally.”

Lu Chang’an was surprised that the leader of Jin Yun Valley would personally greet him.

Although the Sect Leader of Jin Yun Valley wasn’t the strongest cultivator in terms of cultivation level,

The Grand Elder held the most power within Jin Yun Valley.

The Sect Leader managed the sect and handled mundane matters. Although his status was similar to the enforcement elder, he was ultimately the representative figure of the sect.

Lu Chang’an was deeply impressed at this moment.

One hundred and fifty years ago.

He was eliminated by Jin Yun Valley, becoming a rogue cultivator, forced to join the Mu family of Fei Yue Lake.

One hundred and fifty years later today.

Returning to Jin Yun Valley, with an elder accompanying him and the Sect Leader greeting him at the mountain gate.

Time was ruthless. The world’s rise and fall, glory and decline…

As long as you lived long enough, you would be both a witness to history and a spectator of the tide.

…

The three Zhen Dan cultivators, chatting and laughing, descended towards the mountain gate of Jin Yun Valley.

At that moment,

Another light, as delicate as clouds, the遁光 (遁光 – escaping light) of a Zhen Dan cultivator, approached them.

Zhang Tieshan and the Sect Leader exchanged smiles.

The newcomer was a female Zhen Dan cultivator, wearing a colorful long dress, with a graceful figure.

Judging by her appearance, she was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with eyebrows like jade feathers, skin as white as snow, and bright and lively eyes that looked like two teardrops of stars.

At first glance, Lu Chang’an thought she resembled Zhao Siyao in appearance, but their temperaments were completely different.

Zhao Siyao’s temperament was more reserved and steady, her manner dignified, gentle, and graceful.

This goddess exuded a more ethereal charm, with a pure, light, and playful brilliance.

“Zhao Tan’er?”

Lu Chang’an realized it was his old friend’s female disciple.

Judging by her spiritual power, Zhao Tan’er had become a Zhen Dan only recently, within the past year or two.

The last time he heard news of this girl, she was still at the Foundation Establishment stage and had gained greatly in the Qing Ming Secret Realm.

At that time, the Earth Rock Rat was still attempting to reach the third stage, and Zhao Siyao had been a False Core cultivator for many years.

“Tan’er, I greet you, Uncle Lu.”

Compared to decades ago, Zhao Tan’er, after becoming a Zhen Dan, was more composed. She gracefully bowed as a sign of respect, her voice sweet and pleasant.

“Is your Master in the sect?”

Lu Chang’an hadn’t seen Zhao Siyao for decades. He had returned to Liang State and his second stop was Jin Yun Valley, specifically to visit her.

“Master? She just entered seclusion today.”

Zhao Tan’er’s eyes darted around, observing this ageless Uncle Lu, her gaze filled with a hidden meaning.

“Seclusion?”

Lu Chang’an was stunned. Was it really just a coincidence?

He had returned to Jin Yun Valley as a Zhen Dan cultivator. The news must have reached them beforehand, and Zhao Siyao just happened to be in seclusion?

(End of Chapter)

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