I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 273

## Chapter 270: Preparation for Transformation

陆长安 agreed with Shi Xianzi’s opinion.

The Nascent Soul Stage, also known as the Dividing Soul Stage, is a realm where one can naturally cultivate an external avatar. Even the avatars possess strength far exceeding ordinary late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

Normal Nascent Soul cultivators have a lifespan of about three thousand years. Even with various longevity-enhancing substances, their total lifespan wouldn’t deviate much from this.

The underground ruins in the Black Mist Mountain Range were originally a habitat for an ancient civilization. After countless years of changing times and the rise and fall of dynasties, the ancient sect, “Listening to the Sea Pavilion,” discovered it and transformed it into a shelter and a backup treasury.

Based on the time line of the Listening to the Sea Pavilion, it could have been several thousand years, or even ten thousand years old. Unless the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch was also cultivating the “Ancient Tree Everlasting Technique,” it was impossible for him to be alive today.

Therefore, from a timeline perspective, the threat posed by the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch was almost non-existent.

“Why did the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch chase after the Listening to the Sea Pavilion? Are there any relevant records?”

陆长安 had a faint suspicion in his heart. Why did the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch chase after the Listening to the Sea Pavilion back then?

Only the section of Xue Mu Hu Luo (Mysterious Wood Gourd Vine) on him was incredibly mysterious, its grade exceeding imagination.

Even Wu Xing Tu (Five Elements Earth) was just an accessory to it.

While Wu Xing Tu had good value and uses, it was essentially a universal elixir. At most, it might make a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun (True Lord) tempted, but not something they would pursue relentlessly.

The only thing that could attract a Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch to chase after it was likely this Xue Mu Hu Luo.

Fortunately, through his observations over the years, 陆长安 discovered that the Xue Mu Hu Luo had the ability to shield Heavenly Secrets and prevent calculations.

Perhaps because of this, the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch’s avatar ultimately failed to locate the Xue Mu Hu Luo in those days.

“There is no specific description in the jade scroll. According to my deduction, the Listening to the Sea Pavilion should have possessed a shockingly precious treasure, which led to their pursuit by the Nascent Soul Heavenly Monarch.”

Shi Xianzi pondered, her eyes flicking to 陆长安 as she joked,

“Daoist Lu, wouldn’t you have obtained the item that the Nascent Soul was chasing?”

“What I obtained was an item for forming a Golden Core. If I can’t become a True Dan (True Core), what use is a Nascent Soul artifact to me?”

陆长安 retorted impatiently.

“That’s true.”

Upon learning that 陆长安 had formed a True Dan, Shi Xianzi’s first reaction was the same.

Perhaps it was a legendary spirit treasure that was tempting to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

A magic artifact above the Nascent Soul level would be impossible for a Foundation Establishment cultivator back then to control.

For cultivators, the priority of their cultivation realm was greater than anything else.

Back then in the treasure vault, Shi Xianzi’s token could not reach the innermost treasures. She chose the inheritance of formations instead.

As for the Xue Mu Hu Luo, it was a legendary heaven and earth spirit treasure described vaguely in ancient texts. The few Xue Mu Hu Luo that have appeared in the world, as recorded, were mostly fourth-grade spirit treasures, suitable as excellent cores for wooden magic artifacts.

The section 陆长安 obtained was no ordinary Xue Mu Hu Luo, or perhaps it was a different species altogether.

“After the Golden Core transformation, I’ll go to various immortal cities and look for relevant ancient texts…”

陆长安 became increasingly interested in the withered gourd vine. If he could revive and successfully cultivate it, he might be able to reach a higher realm in this life.

…

陆长安 and Shi Xianzi chatted until evening, both treating each other with respect and no transgression.

Shi Xianzi was dignified and reserved, lacking the previous active closeness and allure.

陆长安 didn’t mind. After all, they hadn’t seen each other in so many years, and they weren’t Daoist partners. It was natural for their relationship to grow distant.

Furthermore, Shi Xianzi wasn’t the type of woman who was naturally promiscuous.

Back then, she humbled herself to 陆长安, defying her morals. Firstly, she was in a life-or-death situation, and secondly, they got along well and admired each other. 陆长安 was outstanding in appearance and temperament.

If 陆长安 had been an old geezer, Shi Xianzi would likely have chosen other adventurous options.

Shi Xianzi did not leave Wu Qi Shan, she went to the nearby Xiao Pan Peak. The current peak master of Xiao Pan Peak was Shi Xianzi’s former maid and assistant, who was later promoted to the Foundation Establishment stage by her, becoming a second-grade formation master.

“Humph! Forming a Golden Core is not a big deal! You still act aloof and superior. There are many people in the Liang Guo cultivation world who pursue me.”

Back in her subworld, Shi Xianzi’s graceful and dignified demeanor vanished. Her chest heaved with suppressed anger.

陆长安 left without a word. Thirty years had passed, and there was no apology or comfort from him. If he wanted to rekindle their relationship, wouldn’t a man take some initiative?

Shi Manrong couldn’t be sure if 陆长安, who had achieved the True Dan, would look down upon her or find a new love.

She had inquired about 陆长安’s return to Liang Guo.

The person who had spent the longest time with 陆长安 was Zhao Siyao of the Golden Cloud Valley.

Zhao Siyao possessed a temperament no less elegant than his, her appearance was even more beautiful, and her friendship with 陆长安 was even deeper.

The next day.

陆长安 met with the three peak masters of Wu Qi Shan, and Shi Manrong was also among the invited guests.

During this time, 陆长安, as a True Dan cultivator, did not neglect or look down upon his old friends. Of course, those he didn’t have a relationship with in the past weren’t included.

Another day passed.

陆长安 took the initiative to visit Shi Xianzi.

Shi Manrong’s mood eased somewhat.

It seemed that 陆长安 had finally come to his senses. She still had her charm.

“I apologize for the interruption, Shi Xianzi. I suddenly remembered that I have a piece of broken formation that needs your repair and improvement.”

Upon arriving at the door, 陆长安 went straight to the point.

From Li Huo Zhenren’s (Li Huo True Immortal) spoils of war, he obtained a fragment of a near-fourth-grade illusion formation.

This formation did not have the characteristics of the Li Huo Gong (Li Huo Palace), it was a temporary formation used by Li Huo Zhenren for personal use.

It was originally a fourth-grade formation, perhaps damaged during the Nascent Soul battle.

This formation was suitable for assassination and robbery, as well as for resisting spiritual sense exploration.

The original formation had a large range, consumed a lot of energy, was cumbersome to set up, and required high spiritual sense control from the user.

陆长安 wanted to make it more portable, reduce the range, and strengthen its ability to defend against spiritual sense exploration.

This was in preparation for his future Golden Core transformation.

…

“Improve a near-fourth-grade formation? I’m afraid I’m not capable. Even if I can complete this task, the cost will be quite high.”

Upon hearing 陆长安’s intention, Shi Manrong’s tone was cold, as if she was handling official business.

After some negotiation.

“Fifty thousand spirit stones?”

In the end, Shi Manrong’s price made 陆长安 frown.

It was just a matter of improving and repairing a formation, perhaps even shrinking its range, and it didn’t require many materials.

Shi Manrong’s lips were slightly pursed as she said softly, “A near-fourth-grade formation, ordinary third-grade formation masters may not even have the ability to repair it, let alone improve it.”

“We’ve been friends for nearly a hundred years. Give me a reasonable price.”

陆长安 knew Shi Manrong’s talent in formation was extraordinary, but this price was exorbitant.

Ordinary low-grade magic artifacts cost only one or two thousand spirit stones.

“I also want to give you a friend discount. But we haven’t seen each other for thirty years. The world has changed, and you, True Master Lu, have transformed from a turtle into a dragon. We no longer have that intimate feeling we once had.”

Shi Xianzi spoke in a melancholic tone, with a hint of reproach.

“What should I do to be considered intimate?”

陆长安 understood that Shi Xianzi was displeased with his departure without a word all those years ago and his indifferent return.

Shi Xianzi’s eyes shimmered with warmth as she lightly snorted, “It depends on your performance, True Master Lu. Whether it can satisfy me…”

Before she finished speaking.

Shi Xianzi let out a soft gasp, her feet already off the ground.

Her voluptuous and graceful figure was held aloft by a strong hand around her waist.

“True Master Lu, what are you doing?”

Shi Xianzi hung in the air, lightly protesting, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Her long hair partially concealed her beautiful face. Her moon-colored dress fluttered, her phoenix slippers fell to the ground, revealing her ice-silk stockings and lotus feet.

“We haven’t seen each other for thirty years. Since you feel estranged, Shi Xianzi, I naturally need to deepen our feelings.”

陆长安 chuckled, taking the suspended Shi Xianzi towards the bed.

“True Master Lu, please stop!”

Shi Xianzi’s clear and mellow voice was quickly blocked by the formation.

A few hours later.

The clouds outside Wu Qi Shan dissipated, the bright moonlight fell upon the rolling hills, as if a layer of frost had been spread upon them.

Inside the bedroom of the subworld, the lights were dim.

“True Master Lu, I was wrong…”

Shi Xianzi slumped to the floor, groaning weakly. Her snow-white and delicate skin could be seen through the rumpled silk sheets.

“Since you’re satisfied, Shi Xianzi, we can be considered intimate friends now. So, the cost of repairing and improving the formation should be given a fair price.”

陆长安 felt refreshed and relaxed as he spoke slowly.

Under Shi Xianzi’s weak hums, they renegotiated the price.

“Fifteen thousand spirit stones, including material costs. Well, this price is fair.”

陆长安 thought to himself.

The previous fifty thousand spirit stones were pure extortion.

At the current price, Shi Xianzi could still make a profit of two or three thousand spirit stones.

…

Two months later.

Shi Xianzi left Wu Qi Shan.

陆长安 was listless and put away a set of exquisite formation tools.

In this life, he understood a truth even more deeply: Even the most noble and beautiful fairies, if you associate with them for too long, they will become tiresome.

Moreover, he was a long-lived being who had reincarnated and cultivated. Those beautiful flowers he encountered along the way would eventually become passing moments.

陆长安 could appreciate some of these flowers and even taste them.

But he wouldn’t maliciously pluck or destroy them.

“It’s not a bad deal.”

陆长安 tested the improved and repaired formation.

“The redesigned formation has a range reduced by half, and the deployment speed is faster. After repair, the power of the illusion has increased by 20%. In terms of preventing spiritual sense detection, it has recovered to the original fourth-grade power.”

Due to the limitations of Shi Xianzi’s current formation knowledge and materials, she couldn’t repair this formation back to its complete fourth-grade level.

Fortunately, the repaired formation no longer had any obvious flaws.

If it happened again, 陆长安 would have to pay twice the price to break through this improved illusion formation.

Ordinary True Dan cultivators would not be able to escape from it in a short time.

“Mr. Lu, this is the information you need about the major forces in the Liang Guo cultivation world.”

From the shadows of the room, the grey-robed hooded man spoke in a hoarse voice.

邢鹏 had been transferred to the Jing Guo cultivation world for some time, and this was his second visit to Xiao Gui Feng (Small Turtle Peak).

This man’s concealment ability was strong, neither Shi Xianzi nor the three peak masters noticed his presence.

邢鹏 could enjoy certain privileges in the lower ranks of the Wu Jian Men (No-Interval Gate). It was not just because he was a relative, but also because he had excellent professional skills.

“Good. With this information, my future plans in the Liang Guo cultivation world will become clearer.”

陆长安 checked the jade slip presented by 邢鹏 and nodded in satisfaction.

This jade slip contained relatively complete data on the major sects, families, and immortal city forces in the Liang Guo cultivation world.

Although it did not include some top-secret information, it was still more comprehensive than the knowledge of lower-level cultivators.

邢鹏 didn’t suspect anything, thinking that 陆长安 had just returned to his homeland and was simply familiarizing himself with the major forces in Liang Guo to facilitate integration and select a suitable force.

In reality, 陆长安 was preparing for his Golden Core transformation.

“For the next few years, I will travel around, gather materials, and refine magic artifacts. If anything happens, I will contact you.”

陆长安 gave further instructions.

After confirming the hidden contact method, 邢鹏 left Xiao Gui Feng.

…

Ten days later, 陆长安 also left Wu Qi Shan.

For Qi Feng, the guardian of the mountain, 陆长安 had given him many rewards for his hospitality over the past few days.

One of them was guidance in cultivation.

陆长安 passed on to Qi Feng a top-notch technique that suited him, allowing him to switch cultivation techniques, making up for the weakness of his cultivation technique as a scattered cultivator.

In addition, there were also second-grade pills for cultivation, and a second-grade mid-grade turtle puppet with excellent defense.

These resources were useless or discarded by 陆长安, but for Qi Feng, who was in the early stage of Foundation Establishment, they were a rare opportunity.

The path of cultivation was like rolling a snowball.

Background, aptitude, and opportunity, even if one of them stood out, coupled with unwavering will and a determined attitude, one could quickly roll up a snowball.

In the later stages of cultivation, aptitude was no longer particularly important, but the enormous advantage and foundation established in the first one or two hundred years was something most cultivators could never achieve in their lifetime.

In fact, the vast majority of cultivators, not only had ordinary backgrounds and aptitude, but even lacked willpower.

Even if opportunities came, they often couldn’t seize them.

陆长安 saw in Qi Feng a similar unwavering will and composure to Zhang Tieshan.

Plus, he was the descendant of his adoptive father and genuinely revered him, which made him willing to bestow an opportunity upon him.

If it were someone who was sly, unwilling to put in the hard work, even if they were his blood relative, 陆长安 wouldn’t bother with them.

…

Half a year later.

In front of the former Huang Long Immortal City, a middle-aged man with a bushy beard flew in.

The middle-aged man with a bushy beard was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. His powerful aura while flying caused passing cultivators to back off and show their respect.

“This Foundation Establishment expert has such a powerful aura. He seems unfamiliar.”

“Hey! It’s Lu Chi, the Foundation Establishment scattered cultivator who was active in the southeastern part of Liang Guo twenty or so years ago.”

“Lu Chi? I heard that he refused to be assigned and killed a law enforcement cultivator from Li Huo Gong, and he was wanted. He escaped to outside of Liang Guo…”

As a former wanted fugitive, Lu Chi entered Huang Long Immortal City with a carefree attitude.

The Liang Guo cultivation world was no longer ruled by Li Huo Gong. The “former dynasty’s” wanted list naturally lost its effect.

“Tsk tsk, the name Huang Long Immortal City hasn’t changed, but the internal environment has changed a lot. The outer city is almost completely rebuilt.”

The middle-aged man with a bushy beard, “Lu Chi,” smiled and looked around the city he had lived in for many years with a relaxed and contented air.

After Huang Long Shan withdrew, the core interests of Huang Long Immortal City were shared by Li Huo Gong, several major business houses, and other forces.

Li Huo Gong originally changed the name, but it was not easy for surrounding cultivators to change their way of speaking in such a short time, so they still called it Huang Long Immortal City.

A few years later, the cultivation war in Liang Guo came, and the matter was dropped.

After the Jin Yang Zong took over Liang Guo, Huang Long Immortal City was reshuffled, and its core interests and authority were shared by several business houses, families, and sects.

Even in Huang Long Zhenren’s time, most of the shops and businesses in the city actually belonged to major forces.

Huang Long Shan mainly controlled the spiritual vein rights and management rights.

After strolling around the city, only one or two cultivators greeted “Lu Chi.”

One was a late-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, and the other was a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Lu Chi was rather cold and simply replied with a few words.

“The entire Liang Guo cultivation world has changed. Huang Long Immortal City has also been reshuffled. There are very few people who know me.”

陆长安’s heart settled.

Lu Chi was one of the Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivators he killed on his way back to Liang Guo.

His cultivation level was not actually at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, but it didn’t matter much.

Lu Chi was about to turn one hundred and fifty years old.

At this age, forming a Golden Core was a bit old, and his potential was average, but it was still within the normal range.

It was a success that would cause some surprise, but not disbelief.

…

Two days later, 陆长安 entered a grand hall in the inner city of Huang Long Immortal City.

This was the official administrative hall of the city, mainly responsible for the leasing management of spiritual veins and subworlds.

“May I ask your honorable surname, senior? What kind of subworld are you looking to rent?”

A slender, fair-skinned female cultivator in a blue dress came forward to greet 陆长安.

A peak Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator could be considered a VIP in any of the major shops in the city.

“Lu wants to rent a third-grade spiritual vein on Huang Long Shan.”

陆长安 sat down, his voice deep and low.

“A third-grade spiritual vein, how long do you plan to rent it for, senior?”

The female cultivator in the blue dress had bright eyes and moved closer, half-kneeling as she stroked her skirt, thoughtfully pouring tea for 陆长安.

A third-grade spiritual vein was expensive to rent, and few people could afford it. It was a rare big client.

“About two months.”

“By the way, Lu is planning to form a Golden Core on the third-grade spiritual vein of Huang Long Shan. Could you please help me apply?”

陆长安 sat comfortably, adding.

He chose Huang Long Immortal City for his first Golden Core transformation because it was the scattered cultivator holy land in Liang Guo, and the difficulty of applying for Golden Core formation was easier than in other cities.

The information 陆长安 found out was:

As long as your origins could be traced, you passed the review, and you were not a wanted criminal from a major sect or a spy from an enemy country, and you paid the full amount of spirit stones, you could form a Golden Core in Huang Long Immortal City.

Even if you had done bad things in secret and your reputation was bad, it didn’t matter much as long as you paid the spirit stones.

(End of Chapter)

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