I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 276

## Chapter 273: Guest Elder

“Excellent, Zhang Daoist, you’ve tailored your design perfectly.”

After understanding the design principle of the magic treasure, Lu Chang’an couldn’t help but clap his hands in praise.

“Lu Zhenren, you flatter me.”

Zhang Tieshan, with his slightly tanned complexion, remained impassive.

In reality, this magic treasure wasn’t solely conceived and designed by him.

Its prototype was inspired by an ancient, legendary divine treasure.

The nail-headed arrow was a small magic treasure, requiring minimal materials. The fourth-order Soul-Nourishing Wood still had half left.

The remaining materials would be used to refine functional accessories.

Functional accessories weren’t magic treasures, but rather, artifacts.

They primarily relied on the inherent properties of spiritual objects, allowing even low-cultivation individuals to utilize them when worn.

Their functionality would retain the soul-nourishing effect of Soul-Nourishing Wood, accelerating the awakening of past lives in the Nine Seal Tablet.

Whether it was the nail-headed arrow or the small accessories, they were both quite material-efficient, enabling Zhang Tieshan to simultaneously fulfill Lu Chang’an’s two requests.

After confirming the design, the next step was to gather the necessary materials.

Soul-Nourishing Wood was the primary material, but other materials for refining were also needed, at least of the third order.

Lu Chang’an and Zhang Tieshan had collected some of the other auxiliary materials.

“This is Meteorite Stone, a third-order upper grade, which can be used as the nail head for the nail-headed arrow, enhancing its piercing ability.”

Zhang Tieshan pulled out a fist-sized grayish-blue metallic ore.

Lu Chang’an knew about Meteorite Stone, a rare material in the cultivation world. It enhanced the sharpness of magic treasures, granting them greater penetrating power against various shields and defensive spirit energies.

“Lu Daoist, if you have any spare Five Elements Soil, adding a small amount as a neutralizer can improve the success rate and quality of the magic treasure.”

Zhang Tieshan suggested.

Lu Chang’an nodded. As a universal soil source, Five Elements Soil was considered rare earth among refining materials.

“I have a small amount of ‘幽影石 (You Ying Shi, Shadow Stone)’ in my possession. Can I add it?”

Lu Chang’an took out a small, dark gray, dense ore.

Years ago, Lu Chang’an obtained a basin-sized Shadow Stone in an ancient relic. Most of it was used to refine materials that could isolate divine senses.

He had deliberately kept some aside for future magic treasure crafting.

“A third-order upper grade Shadow Stone!”

Zhang Tieshan was slightly moved, glanced at Lu Chang’an, and felt a strange sensation in his heart.

Shadow Stone could conceal spirit energy fluctuations and shield divine sense scanning.

This could significantly increase the concealment ability of the magic treasure and also enhance its speed.

With the addition of Shadow Stone, the nail-headed arrow magic treasure would become more insidious and mysterious.

“… It’s feasible.”

Zhang Tieshan hesitated, on the verge of speaking, before falling silent.

He wasn’t sure if helping Lu Chang’an refine this treasure was a blessing or a curse.

Such a vicious magic treasure, if it fell into the hands of the evil path, would cause immense harm!

If it hadn’t been for their decades-long friendship and Lu Chang’an’s good character and reputation, Zhang Tieshan would have almost faltered.

…

Zhang Tieshan estimated that refining would take two to three months.

Lu Chang’an waited at Golden Cloud Valley.

Meanwhile, he collaborated with Golden Cloud Valley on talismans.

He refined some second-order high-grade and third-order lower-grade talismans.

Third-order talisman materials were hard to find, and the success rate for talisman masters also dropped significantly.

In his previous life, Lu Chang’an was a third-order upper-grade talisman master, and even then, his success rate in refining third-order upper-grade talismans wasn’t great.

However, he still maintained a certain advantage in refining third-order mid and lower grades.

But this advantage was far less significant than when he was refining second-order talismans in the past.

Therefore, for refining third-order talismans for Golden Cloud Valley, Lu Chang’an could only make a small profit of two to three tenths of the materials.

“After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, the advantages of my previous life will gradually fade.”

Lu Chang’an had anticipated this.

By the time he reached the Nascent Soul mid-stage, the advantages brought by his previous life would essentially cease to exist.

This situation made Lu Chang’an even more eager to transform a Nascent Soul elder into his past life.

He had a plan: after his final transformation in Moonlit City, he would make a trip to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance in the future.

While waiting for the refining.

Lu Chang’an met with Zhao Tan’er.

Zhao Tan’er’s expression was somewhat dejected. She was refining magic treasures and diligently practicing her magical powers in the sect.

She dragged Lu Chang’an to be her practice partner.

Neither of them used magic treasures. Lu Chang’an maintained a lower-tier Golden Core stage level, with weaker magic power than Zhao Tan’er.

Zhao Tan’er not only had good aptitude, but also gained opportunities in the Azure Void Secret Realm. Her Golden Core was close to the upper-tier.

Even though Lu Chang’an had more combat experience, he didn’t gain any advantage.

This was partly due to the Eternal Youth Art being less effective in combat.

Moreover, Zhao Tan’er was even stronger than he expected.

He learned that she had sparred with all the other Golden Core disciples in Golden Cloud Valley over the past two years, not even sparing the Grand Elder.

To improve her combat skills, Zhao Tan’er had gone on missions and killed several False Golden Core experts.

“Lu Uncle’s magic power is inexhaustible, and his endurance is amazing. If the battle were to last longer, Tan’er might not be able to hold on.”

That day, after their practice session, Zhao Tan’er was breathing heavily, with fine sweat on her forehead.

The advantage she had gained was superficial. She couldn’t defeat Lu Chang’an, and if she continued, her magic power would run out.

“Your Lu Uncle cultivates the Eternal Youth Art. It doesn’t have other advantages, but his endurance is pretty good.”

Many Eternal Youth Arts excelled in endurance, and Lu Chang’an had no need to hide his strengths.

After this practice session.

Zhao Tan’er was going on another mission, targeting a frail and aged early Golden Core cultivator.

After completing this task, she would head to the frontline to look after her master.

Because she had a Golden Core disciple, Zhao Siyao’s tasks at the frontline weren’t dangerous. She was assisting in guarding the rear of the second line of fortified cities on the battlefield.

Lu Chang’an came at a bad time. Zhao Siyao was on her way to the frontline.

“Tan’er, give this to your master. It can enhance her self-preservation abilities.”

Lu Chang’an took out a nearly third-order turtle puppet.

This puppet’s defensive power was close to that of a third-order one.

For some reason, Zhao Tan’er insisted on paying with spirit stones, unwilling to owe Lu Chang’an anything.

Lu Chang’an smiled and accepted the full amount of spirit stones.

Zhao Tan’er was somewhat displeased that he refused to become a Daoist couple with her master. Although she could understand, it still bothered her somewhat.

In reality, Lu Chang’an had hidden three talismans in the puppet.

Two were third-order lower-grade, and one was mid-grade.

With their past connection, Zhao Siyao would definitely discover the talismans within the puppet.

Back then, due to his limited cultivation, Lu Chang’an was unable to refine third-order talismans, so he gave her a precious talisman.

That talisman saved Zhao Siyao’s life, enabling her to achieve her current False Golden Core level.

False Golden Core was Zhao Siyao’s natural upper limit.

Even if she were to break through her upper limit like Li Erqing and barely reach the Golden Core stage, the quality of her Golden Core wouldn’t be good. At best, it would be a lower-tier Golden Core.

There was no chance for her to reach the Nascent Soul stage next, unless she were a favored child of destiny.

A False Golden Core had a lifespan of over three hundred years. Many mundane dynasties didn’t even last that long.

Lu Chang’an had given Zhao Siyao the method for transforming her Golden Core.

But he knew that it would be a good outcome if his friend could live out her life to the fullest as a False Golden Core, surpassing nine out of ten cultivators in the cultivation world.

Cultivation primarily relied on oneself. Everyone had their own limits.

Others could help, but they couldn’t force it.

If it were a Nascent Soul expert, pushing their descendants to break their limits and form a Golden Core would be a matter of convenience.

But if their cultivation level was similar or even lower, and they were to help others break their limits, then that would be reckless and defying fate.

…

Two or three months later.

Golden Cloud Valley, Elder’s Cave.

“Lu Zhenren, I haven’t failed you. The magic treasure’s refinement went smoothly.”

Zhang Tieshan’s expression was slightly tired as he took out two brocade boxes.

He opened one, revealing three nail-headed arrows.

They were similar to the previous model, somewhere between a long nail and an arrow. The main shaft was made of fourth-order Soul-Nourishing Wood.

The nail head was forged from a third-order upper-grade Meteorite Stone.

The overall color was deeper than the model, emitting an aura that stirred the soul.

“The three nail-headed arrows are mid-grade magic treasures individually. If used as a set, their power surpasses that of an upper-grade magic treasure. Moreover, their control distance and attack concealment far exceed ordinary magic treasures!”

Following Zhang Tieshan’s explanation, Lu Chang’an picked up a nail-headed arrow.

He infused his divine sense and magic power, activating it briefly.

Whizz!

The nail-headed arrow turned into an arrow shadow with an elusive trajectory, becoming increasingly faint within a few breaths, almost disappearing from his senses.

At a certain point, Zhang Tieshan felt a strange chill in his soul, accompanied by a sharp scratching sound, making his skin crawl.

“The concealment is excellent.”

The next moment, the nail-headed arrow reappeared between Lu Chang’an’s two fingers.

After a brief test, he discovered that the nail-headed arrow had a small killing range, but consumed less magic power than ordinary mid-grade magic treasures.

The consumption and control of divine sense were relatively higher than ordinary magic treasures.

Normally, mid-grade magic treasures were suitable for Golden Core cultivators in the mid to late stages.

Due to the nail-headed arrow being a miniature magic treasure, Lu Chang’an’s divine sense surpassed that of his peers, allowing him to easily control one.

“Lu Zhenren, you haven’t refined this treasure, yet you can easily control it?”

Zhang Tieshan was surprised.

Lu Chang’an smiled, “The main material of the nail-headed arrow, Soul-Nourishing Wood, has been nurtured by my wood-attribute magic power for many years. I have a weak connection with its spirit. Therefore, I can control it initially without refining it.”

Most magic treasures require high-level cultivators to refine them before they can be easily controlled.

The more compatible the magic power, the greater the power it can unleash, and the less magic power it consumes.

If the magic power isn’t compatible, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it, but it’s a bit cumbersome.

For the same amount of magic power, a magic treasure with compatible magic power can unleash three to five times more power.

Opening the other brocade box, he found three emerald green bracelets.

Zhang Tieshan called them “Soul-Nourishing Bracelets.”

This artifact accessory, worn on the body continuously, could nourish the soul, gradually strengthen the divine sense, and resist external evils.

For those with strong magic power, it could also be used as an auxiliary artifact to subdue ghosts.

“Lu Zhenren, can you use one Soul-Nourishing Bracelet as compensation for this refining, including the material cost of the Meteorite Stone? Lu Zhenren doesn’t need to pay anything.”

After handing over the magic treasure, Zhang Tieshan proactively proposed.

“Alright.”

Lu Chang’an pondered for a moment and agreed.

Two Soul-Nourishing Bracelets were enough for him, even if he wore one on each arm. He could keep them hidden in his sleeves.

Zhang Tieshan had provided expensive materials for this refining, and the outcome was satisfactory for him.

He had to give him some incentive.

He might need Zhang Tieshan’s help with refining and repairing magic treasures in the future, as well as crafting high-order puppet parts.

More importantly, he didn’t trust other refiners.

Zhang Tieshan was also someone with secrets. They had a decades-long friendship and trusted each other’s character.

They had both sworn a heart demon oath in their previous transactions.

…

After Lu Chang’an left.

Zhang Tieshan put away one Soul-Nourishing Bracelet and wore it on his lower arm, covering it with his sleeve.

“With this ‘Soul-Nourishing Bracelet,’ my ‘Hundred Refinement Tempering Spirit Technique’ should progress faster.”

Zhang Tieshan closed his eyes to sense it, a look of joy appearing on his face.

“Hmm, it also has a slight effect on restoring this spirit’s vitality…”

A childish voice echoed in his mind.

“It’s a pity. That little six, if he had offered a hundred years of his lifespan and meticulously nurtured the Soul-Nourishing Wood to a higher order, the effect would have been much better.”

The spirit lamented.

“Lifespan is the foundation of the Eternal Youth Art. This isn’t realistic.”

Zhang Tieshan shook his head with a wry smile.

Ever since they had discovered the Eternal Youth Art, the spirit and he had become more wary of Lu Chang’an, suspecting him of being either the reincarnation of Yan Donglai or a pawn laid down by him.

Even the spirit didn’t dare to have any ideas about Lu Chang’an. Instead, it frequently called him “little six.”

Zhang Tieshan couldn’t help but wonder if this spirit had thoughts of “defecting to the other side.”

One hundred and fifty years ago, he, a blacksmith by trade, had accidentally obtained this fragment of a spiritual treasure. He discovered its extraordinary nature, painstakingly forged it, and carried it with him.

At that time, the spirit in the fragment was very weak, on the verge of annihilation. It discovered his resolute will and compatible spirit root attributes, choosing him as its master and accompanying him on his path of cultivation.

“Senior, are you sure he has transformed and re-formed his Golden Core? That’s a Golden Core. Without a Nascent Soul expert protecting him, how dare he?”

Zhang Tieshan still couldn’t believe it.

He had only transformed his False Golden Core once.

After transforming it, he devoted all his efforts to forming his Golden Core, gaining a 30% quality bonus.

He utilized all his Golden Core forming opportunities and received the miraculous assistance of a spiritual treasure, finally forming an upper-tier Golden Core.

As a lower-tier spirit root, Zhang Tieshan was already content with his upper-tier Golden Core.

With the help of the spiritual treasure fragment, he could strive for opportunities and still had a good chance for the Nascent Soul path in the future.

Although he cultivated body refinement techniques as well, he dared not transform his Golden Core. If he accidentally damaged his foundation, he would lose all hope for the future.

“Don’t be so ignorant.”

The spirit spoke in a condescending tone. “In the ancient Middle Continent, even those with established Golden Cores had the chance to defy fate and change their destiny. Moreover, this person possesses the Eternal Youth Art and third-order body refinement techniques. Theoretically, it’s completely feasible for him to transform his unformed lower-tier Golden Core.”

…

In the guest room of Golden Cloud Valley, Lu Chang’an spent half a month refining the three nail-headed arrows simultaneously.

A cultivator’s magic treasures could be divided into natal magic treasures and ordinary magic treasures.

Ordinary magic treasures could be refined normally.

Natal magic treasures required the infusion of the cultivator’s blood essence, continuous nourishment with true fire, greater power, and ease of control like an extension of one’s arm.

Even if a natal magic treasure was taken away, it would be difficult to tame and control it in a short period.

Furthermore, a natal magic treasure, as long as it was continuously nurtured and refined with materials, theoretically had the potential for unlimited improvement.

But this required a very, very long lifespan.

Ordinary high-level cultivators could at most improve their natal magic treasures by one or two minor levels in their lifetime.

“The nail-headed arrow can be my concealed magic treasure. I can continuously nurture and refine it with true fire magic power. If I keep doing this for decades, a single strike would definitely be earth-shattering!”

Lu Chang’an’s thinking was similar to that of precious talismans.

Anyway, he rarely fought, so he would just nurture and energize the nail-headed arrow.

At critical moments, he would strike with lethal force.

As for conventional magic treasures, those were simple.

Over the past few decades, he had killed quite a few experts, mostly False Golden Core ones.

Moreover, he had obtained two superior magic treasures as spoils of war from the Fire Palace Lord.

Whoosh!

Lu Chang’an raised his hand, floating slightly in mid-air. Three magic treasures appeared in front of him.

From top to bottom, they were a purple gourd, a rope magic treasure, and an inkstone magic treasure.

The purple gourd was a top-grade fire-attribute magic treasure, suitable for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Lu Chang’an was only at the early Golden Core stage and couldn’t control it.

Secondly, the attributes weren’t entirely compatible.

However, wood generates fire, making them compatible elements. By the time he reached the Nascent Soul stage, it would still be able to unleash remarkable power.

The rope magic treasure was an upper-grade magic treasure for binding enemies. It could unleash lightning power.

When his cultivation level increased further, he could use it to trap enemies.

The last inkstone magic treasure was a refined lower-grade magic treasure suitable for Golden Core cultivators.

This was Tan Zhenren’s magic treasure from years ago. It was very powerful, capable of both attacking and defending, suitable for direct confrontational combat.

Lu Chang’an had refined the inkstone magic treasure several years ago.

In other words, the magic treasures he could currently utilize were the inkstone magic treasure and the nail-headed arrow.

“I also have a third-order puppet for frontal combat, which is more than enough.”

Lu Chang’an was not lacking in cannon fodder or self-preservation abilities.

The nail-headed arrow had strengthened his offensive capabilities.

…

After refining his magic treasures, Lu Chang’an no longer had any weaknesses among Golden Core cultivators.

He was now more confident in going to Moonlit City.

Even Zhang Tieshan, when he transformed and re-formed his Golden Core, had chosen Moonlit City, which shows that it was a relatively safe place.

To avoid any connection with the previous two transformations and his current identity in the outside world.

Lu Chang’an planned to transform his Golden Core for the third time after three years had passed since his last transformation.

A year had already passed.

While waiting, Lu Chang’an reached an agreement with Golden Cloud Valley to become a guest elder of the sect.

Zhang Tieshan had put in a lot of effort to make this happen.

Golden Cloud Valley was also sincere and imposed very few restrictions on Lu Chang’an.

He didn’t need to go to the frontline and could stay in the rear, enjoying most of the benefits of a Golden Core elder. His responsibilities included managing logistics and refining talismans.

At most, he would help Golden Cloud Valley guard its assets and deter rogue cultivators in the rear.

If Lu Chang’an wanted to leave, Golden Cloud Valley wouldn’t stop him.

However, Lu Chang’an would need to inform them in advance before leaving.

Zhang Tieshan had specially reminded him about this and written it into the spirit contract.

Golden Cloud Valley offered such lenient conditions.

Lu Chang’an would inevitably need a third-order spirit vein in the future, so it was better to choose a familiar place.

However, Zhang Tieshan’s “reminder” made him feel slightly insulted.

This kind of reminder made him seem like he was ready to run away at any moment.

In the current chaotic cultivation world, it was difficult to find a stable and peaceful third-order spirit vein cultivation ground, and Lu Chang’an wouldn’t leave easily.

Liang Guo was already in the far rear of the battlefield.

“Zhang Daoist, don’t worry. As long as the flames of war don’t reach Liang Guo, I will stay in Golden Cloud Valley and protect the safety of the disciples.”

Becoming a guest elder of Golden Cloud Valley, Lu Chang’an appropriately expressed his loyalty.

…

In the blink of an eye, almost two years had passed.

Lu Chang’an lived a leisurely life as an elder in Golden Cloud Valley.

He enjoyed high status and generous benefits, occupying a third-order spirit vein cave on a mountain peak.

He could choose any pretty female cultivator from the outer sect, young disciples, as his boy servant or maid, to help manage his cave.

Golden Cloud Valley’s third-order spirit vein, after thousands of years of cultivation, was considered a medium to large-scale one.

It could accommodate multiple Golden Core cultivators without any pressure.

Even spirit veins of the same order differed in scale.

This was completely different from the small-scale third-order spirit veins cultivated by those cultivation families. Those could only accommodate one or two Golden Core cultivators at most.

That day.

Lu Chang’an calculated the time. His planned three years were only two months away.

Golden Cloud Valley’s Grand Elder and Zhang Tieshan had both gone to the frontline.

Golden Cloud Sect Master Xuanxiao Zhenren was guarding the sect.

Lu Chang’an informed the Sect Master, using the pretext of visiting friends and buying supplies, to go out for a while.

As a guest elder of Golden Cloud Valley, he had a lot of freedom.

The Sect Master didn’t object in any way. Instead, he kindly reminded him:

“Lu Zhenren, be careful when you go out.”

“The 无间门 (Wu Jian Men, Interminable Gate) forces have infiltrated the surrounding countries. A few days ago, a third-order alchemist from Feng Guo, at the early Golden Core stage, died while traveling alone. It is speculated that he was assassinated by the Interminable Gate.”

(End of Chapter)

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