I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 282

## Chapter 279: Third-Rank Alchemist

One month after Zhao Tan’er’s departure.

Lu Chang’an, now 178 years old, received unexpected news.

He was wanted.

Although the warrant’s influence was currently limited to the Chen Kingdom’s cultivation world, the Liang Kingdom’s cultivation world did not recognize the Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family’s warrant, after all, the target was an elder of a local sect.

Neutral cultivators from other countries mostly sympathized with Lu Chang’an.

The Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family couldn’t provide concrete evidence. The discerning could see that Lu Chang’an was most likely framed.

On one side was a man with an inspiring reputation, a low-key and honest good samaritan.

On the other side was a power that ruled their country with an iron fist, acting recklessly.

“With insufficient righteousness, but the hearts of the people on my side, what are the Xie Family’s motives for doing this?”

In his Yun Lai Peak cave, Lu Chang’an frowned, lost in thought.

“Hm? The Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family’s warrant actually poses a threat to me.”

The Xie Family’s warrant offered a generous reward, including a breakthrough pill for mid-stage Core Formation cultivators, which was highly attractive to most Core Formation cultivators.

No matter which country they came from, any cultivator who captured Lu Chang’an could claim the reward from the Chen Kingdom.

“Moreover, issuing a public warrant may cause Xia Wenyue to worry, prompting her to negotiate with the Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family and plead for me.”

Lu Chang’an realized the problem.

The Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family undoubtedly controlled the public opinion in their local cultivation world.

Their cultivators might genuinely believe that Lu Chang’an was colluding with the Wu Jian Gate or the Xuan Yin Sect to murder Xie Wuji.

Cultivators who despised the demonic path would surely be willing to take on the mission.

After contemplating for a moment, Lu Chang’an wrote a letter.

He sent it to Xia Wenyue of the Ao Yue Palace, under the identity of an elder of the Jin Yun Valley.

The letter contained no reminiscing, no mention of past memories.

Lu Chang’an simply informed Xia Wenyue that he wouldn’t leave the Jin Yun Valley’s sphere of influence and was absolutely safe.

In truth, all he needed was for Xia Wenyue to intercede on his behalf, and the warrant issued by the Chen Kingdom’s Xie Family and the injustice he faced would be easily resolved.

However, Lu Chang’an, who had been unjustly accused, harbored a strong aversion to the Xie Family.

He not only refused to let them get away with it, but he also intended to crush them when the opportunity arose.

…

Two months later, Zhao Siyao returned to the Jin Yun Valley from the front lines.

That day, Lu Chang’an hosted a welcoming feast for his century-old friend.

Perhaps due to the hardships of the battlefield over the years, Zhao Siyao seemed two years older than the last time they met, approximately 31 or 32 years old.

Upon returning to the Jin Yun Valley, her previous ethereal white dress was replaced by a dark blue leather armor robe, which highlighted her tall and graceful figure, making her appear valiant and dashing.

After returning to her subworld, Zhao Siyao changed into a plain white dress, her hair neatly tied up, without any makeup, simple and understated.

While she may not have possessed the same stunning beauty as before, she still exuded elegance and grace, mature and serene.

From a blossoming young lady from a renowned family, to an ethereal and beautiful sect fairy, and finally to a Core Formation cultivator with her youthful beauty fading, Lu Chang’an, like a witness to history, observed the changes and ups and downs in the lives of each of his friends.

Elder’s subworld.

Across a long table.

The two sat facing each other, their gazes clear and steady, the atmosphere natural and relaxed.

They were both century-old friends.

Compared to Li Erqing, Lu Chang’an and Zhao Siyao shared a deeper understanding.

Their relationship transcended friendship.

But it wasn’t a romantic one, not yet, because it had never begun.

This was the unspoken agreement of their century-long friendship, built on a foundation of Daoist companionship.

In fact, this kind of relationship was stronger than most mortal couples.

Lu Chang’an was reluctant to disrupt this balance, nor did he want to treat it as a fleeting romance, tarnishing their decades-long friendship.

Even if he didn’t mind, Zhao Siyao, as a cultivator known for her virtue and integrity, wouldn’t accept such a relationship.

“I heard that demonic cultivators are brutal in their combat, has Daoist Zhao encountered any danger?”

Lu Chang’an asked.

“There is no absolute safety in a cultivation war.”

Zhao Siyao’s voice was tinged with sadness.

“Even though I was stationed in a fortified city on the second line of the battlefield, I experienced several skirmishes. During one city defense, I almost lost my right arm, but luckily we repelled the enemy. Afterward, the physician reattached it.”

“It’s a blessing that you managed to keep your limbs intact. Many fellow disciples and comrades-in-arms… they…”

Zhao Siyao’s eyes turned red, certain gruesome scenes too painful to describe.

Once, a Core Formation male cultivator who had saved her, had his head explode, blood and flesh splattering onto her face.

“Your arm was seriously injured? Let me see.”

Upon hearing that Zhao Siyao’s arm had been severed, Lu Chang’an secretly felt a chill run down his spine.

If it had been slightly off-center, he might not have seen her today.

Zhao Siyao rolled up her sleeve, revealing her ivory arm, a scar in the shape of a coiled serpent circling her shoulder.

“Thankfully, it was reattached in time, and after two years of recuperation, it doesn’t significantly affect my combat abilities.”

Lu Chang’an infused his Evergreen True Qi into her arm, treating and nourishing it for an hour.

“If the battlefield physicians all had medical skills like yours, Lu Chang’an, then perhaps many casualties could have been avoided.”

Zhao Siyao put her wrist away, feeling lighter, and couldn’t help but marvel.

“Hm, I wasn’t implying that you should go to the battlefield…”

Her eyebrows curved in a smile, her voice soft, as she added, “It’s alright! Even if you meant it, I wouldn’t go to the battlefield anyway.”

Lu Chang’an stated directly.

Zhao Siyao chuckled, breaking the melancholic atmosphere she had brought back from the battlefield.

Then, Lu Chang’an learned about the war against the demonic invasion from Zhao Siyao.

Actually, Xing Peng would have briefed him on the relevant information.

Zhao Siyao’s description was more detailed, allowing Lu Chang’an to understand the reality of the situation.

…

The front lines were primarily in Yan Kingdom and Chen Kingdom.

Yan Kingdom’s fourth-order spiritual vein was guarded by the remnants of the two Core Formation cultivators who had been defeated by the six demonic sects.

Their homes, sects, friends, family, and mentors had been destroyed by the demonic path, leaving them with an unyielding hatred.

The major cultivation nations of the Daoist Alliance provided continuous support to the front lines.

The Jin Yang Sect of the Liang Kingdom had sent one Core Formation cultivator to the front line while leaving another to guard their homeland.

The three major Core Formation forces of the Feng Kingdom were closer to the Yan Kingdom front line and sent several Core Formation cultivators.

A battle between Core Formation cultivators had already erupted on the front line.

The Beast King Valley’s main sect currently had one mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, three early-stage Core Formation cultivators, and two Core Formation cultivators from their affiliated sects.

This was not the Beast King Valley’s full strength.

It was said that there was at least one mid-stage Core Formation cultivator and two early-stage Core Formation cultivators remaining in their homeland, suppressing the local area and the cultivation regions they had previously occupied.

Among the six demonic sects, the Beast King Valley was considered one of the stronger forces.

Their top combat power wasn’t limited to Core Formation cultivators, they also had trained fourth-order beast kings.

These beast kings were bred through unique methods, consuming their potential and lifespan, and were as massive as hills.

In terms of frontal assaults, they were comparable to Core Formation cultivators.

The disadvantage of fourth-order beast kings was their lower intelligence and agility, as well as their limited variety of combat methods, compared to Core Formation cultivators.

Because of this, the Daoist Alliance had to deploy numerous Core Formation cultivators in formations to counter the fourth-order beast king’s frontal attacks.

In addition, the Beast King Valley also had normal fourth-order demonic beasts, including fourth-order flying creatures.

In terms of top combat power, the Daoist Alliance was somewhat at a disadvantage.

However, due to the combined forces of multiple cultivation nations, they had a numerical advantage in Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and True Core cultivators.

However, the Beast King Valley also bred a large number of low-level beast cannon fodder, charging recklessly and fearlessly.

The Daoist Alliance could only rely on their home-field advantage and defend against the invasion of the Beast King Valley’s demonic beasts.

“Inferior top combat power, can only passively defend…”

Lu Chang’an sighed internally.

If they dared to launch a counterattack, they risked being divided and conquered, leaving them vulnerable.

The defensive side, relying on the geographical advantage of the fortified city and the spiritual veins, paid a lower price.

Fortunately, the numerical advantage in lower-level cultivators could sustain a defensive attrition war, with new blood constantly arriving from the rear.

…

Two years later.

After recovering from her injuries, Zhao Siyao returned to the front lines.

It was said that Zhao Tan’er had been injured on the front line, although her injuries weren’t serious, they were still somewhat dangerous.

True Core female cultivators were rare and easily targeted on the battlefield, especially those like Zhao Tan’er, young and beautiful True Core female cultivators.

Zhao Siyao, as her master, was very worried and went to the front line to advise and watch over her.

Lu Chang’an knew he couldn’t dissuade her, so he didn’t stop her.

Zhao Siyao and Zhao Tan’er shared a mother-daughter bond, having been together for over a century in the cultivation world.

This bond was stronger than that of a biological daughter.

The only thing Lu Chang’an could do was, as a gesture of friendship, sell Zhao Siyao some high-quality third-rank talismans at a discounted price.

A few days later.

“Elder Lu, this is a Lifespan Pill sent by the General Affairs Hall.”

The maid, Xiao Qiu, presented a brocade box.

Lu Chang’an nodded and returned to his private chamber.

He opened the brocade box and saw a jade bottle containing the pill he needed, a second-rank premium Lifespan Pill.

Lu Chang’an had obtained this Lifespan Pill through his elder status by issuing a mission to the sect.

The reward was sect contribution and the crafting of a near third-rank talisman.

With the outbreak of the demonic invasion war, war supplies had skyrocketed, and high-quality talismans were very valuable.

On the other hand, supplies like Lifespan Pills had slightly decreased in price.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lu Chang’an secretly gathered Lifespan Pills.

Aside from the one he received today, Lu Chang’an had also purchased a second-rank premium Lifespan Pill at an auction in the Zi Jin Immortal City within the Jin Yun Valley’s sphere of influence, using an alias.

In the past, second-rank premium Lifespan Pills were not as readily available in the Liang Kingdom.

After the Jin Yang Sect took over, they relocated the spiritual vein, bringing with them numerous cultivation forces with ancestral legacies.

The Liang Kingdom’s cultivation world was more prosperous and developed than before.

In addition, the war had catalyzed some forces or individual alchemists, willing to sell these scarce supplies to increase their chances of survival.

“Extends lifespan by 18 years.”

This was the third second-rank premium Lifespan Pill that Lu Chang’an had consumed.

The second one he consumed half a year ago had extended his lifespan by 22 years.

The first one he consumed in the Jing Kingdom had extended his lifespan by 28 years.

The reason for such an effect was that Lu Chang’an had consumed premium second-rank Lifespan Pills, refreshing his drug tolerance.

These two premium Lifespan Pills had brought Lu Chang’an’s total lifespan to 1040 years.

“The sect mission method can only be used once. In the future, I’ll have to secretly collect second-rank premium Lifespan Pills using aliases.”

“Also, there are third-rank Lifespan Pills in the Liang Kingdom’s cultivation world today. But they are rarely sold and are mostly consumed internally.”

As a Core Formation elder, Lu Chang’an was eligible to compete for third-rank Lifespan Pills.

A regular third-rank Lifespan Pill could typically extend lifespan by about 30 years.

If consumed by Lu Chang’an, the effect would double.

Third-rank Lifespan Pills, compared to first-rank and second-rank pills, were not linearly more valuable.

This was because they were targeted at high-level cultivators, at least Core Formation cultivators.

Without strategic resources, it was difficult to acquire third-rank Lifespan Pills.

“That set of Core Condensation Pill materials could be put to good use.”

Lu Chang’an pondered.

He possessed a complete set of Core Condensation Pill materials.

Initially obtained from Song Wenshu’s conspiracy with the “Night Fisherman,” over the years he had gathered all the necessary materials except for the main ingredient.

The final main ingredient for the Core Condensation Pill was obtained from the Spatial Storage Ring of the Li Huo Upper Person.

Lu Chang’an planned to commission a third-rank alchemist to refine the Core Condensation Pill.

Then, he would use the Core Condensation Pill to trade for a third-rank Lifespan Pill.

Affected by the demonic invasion war, Core Condensation Pills, a strategic resource, had significantly increased in value.

Exchanging them for a third-rank Lifespan Pill shouldn’t be a problem.

If a cultivation force possessing third-rank Lifespan Pills had lost Core Formation cultivators on the demonic invasion battlefield, they would probably be eager to acquire it.

…

Jin Yun Valley had a third-rank mid-level alchemist.

His Daoist name was “Chen Dan,” a lower-stage Core Formation cultivator, an elder responsible for refining pills in the sect, also serving as the steward of the Herb Hall.

In terms of status and rank, he was higher than Lu Chang’an, a guest elder.

Chen Dan Zhenren was an alchemist cultivated by the Jin Yun Valley itself.

It was said that his original spiritual root aptitude was only barely at the mid-grade level.

But his alchemy aptitude was astounding.

In order to cultivate him into a third-rank grand alchemist, the Jin Yun Valley invested a great deal of resources, helping him to barely form a lower-tier True Core.

After achieving Core Formation, Chen Dan Zhenren’s cultivation had stagnated. Even with breakthrough pills, he was unable to advance to the mid-stage Core Formation.

Lu Chang’an guessed that he had become too dependent on external pills before achieving Core Formation, stifling his potential.

With no hope of further cultivation, Chen Dan Zhenren shifted his focus to alchemy.

In the past few years, Lu Chang’an and Chen Dan Zhenren had met occasionally, but they didn’t interact much.

The latter spent most of his time in his alchemy room, while Lu Chang’an rarely went out, they might only see each other once a year.

One day, Lu Chang’an went directly to visit Chen Dan Zhenren’s subworld.

Chen Dan Zhenren was a dishevelled blue-robed Daoist, with two drooping moustaches, messy hair, and dark circles under his eyes.

“This old Daoist can normally refine two Core Condensation Pills. If I perform slightly below average, I’ll get one high-grade pill and one low-grade pill. If I perform exceptionally well, I might be able to refine three pills.”

Towards Lu Chang’an, the guest elder, Chen Dan Zhenren didn’t show any coldness, he received him immediately and patiently answered his questions.

“Please refine a batch of Core Condensation Pills for this old Daoist, what is the fee?”

“As long as Elder Lu is willing to exchange one Core Condensation Pill for sect contribution, this old Daoist will not charge a single coin.”

Chen Dan Zhenren’s eyes sparkled, he stroked his beard and chuckled.

Lu Chang’an was surprised, he didn’t expect this alchemy elder to be so loyal to the Jin Yun Valley.

As long as this alchemist was stationed here, the Jin Yun Valley wouldn’t lack new Core Formation cultivators for the next two hundred years.

The Core Formation cultivators lost during the previous cultivation war had been mostly replenished before the demonic invasion.

“If Elder Chen Dan can refine three pills, this old Daoist will consider exchanging one of them for sect contribution. Otherwise, only a third-rank Lifespan Pill can be used for the exchange.”

Lu Chang’an neither refused nor agreed, he proposed his terms.

Half an hour later.

Lu Chang’an reached an agreement with Elder Chen Dan regarding the pill refinement.

If three pills were refined, Lu Chang’an would exchange one of them for sect contribution, and Chen Dan Zhenren would not charge a fee.

If two pills were refined, Lu Chang’an would use third-rank talismans to offset the fee.

If the results were worse, Chen Dan Zhenren would also waive the fee.

After taking out the alchemy materials, Lu Chang’an waited for Chen Dan Zhenren to refine the pills.

…

Half a month later.

Lu Chang’an received two high-grade Core Condensation Pills and left the alchemy elder’s subworld.

Chen Dan Zhenren had exhausted himself, his eyes dark, but he couldn’t refine three Core Condensation Pills, leaving him with regret.

Lu Chang’an secretly thought, as fellow alchemists, Hua Danshi and Chen Dan Zhenren were poles apart in terms of character.

Chen Dan Zhenren, in order to give the sect one more Core Condensation Pill, had worked tirelessly, even refusing any reward for his alchemy work.

In addition, Chen Dan Zhenren also promised Lu Chang’an that he wouldn’t tell anyone about the Core Condensation Pill refinement.

But the next day.

The Jin Yun Valley Master visited, hoping to buy one Core Condensation Pill from Lu Chang’an at a high price.

Lu Chang’an secretly scoffed, he had just praised the old man Chen Dan’s character, and he turned around and sold the news to the Jin Yun Valley Master.

“This old Daoist’s two Core Condensation Pills, one is for fulfilling a promise to a deceased friend. The other one is for exchanging for a third-rank Lifespan Pill.”

“If Valley Master can acquire a third-rank Lifespan Pill, this old Daoist is willing to trade.”

Lu Chang’an politely rejected the Jin Yun Valley Master with the same reason.

The Jin Yun Valley wouldn’t turn against Lu Chang’an over a Core Condensation Pill.

Even with a Core Condensation Pill, it could mostly only produce Core Formation cultivators.

With the Grand Elder and Zhang Tieshan both absent from the Jin Yun Valley, Lu Chang’an felt confident that even if the remaining True Core cultivators teamed up, they wouldn’t be a threat to him.

He wasn’t alone, he had a third-rank puppet and a third-rank demonic beast who was on the verge of achieving Golden Core.

“This sect will try its best to obtain a third-rank Lifespan Pill.”

The Jin Yun Valley Master didn’t force him.

Lu Chang’an was known for his love of life, the Jin Yun Valley Master knew that his request for a third-rank Lifespan Pill was not an excuse.

“This old Daoist’s possession of the Core Condensation Pill, please keep it a secret, Valley Master.”

“Good, only this sect and Elder Chen Dan know.”

After making the promise, the Jin Yun Valley Master left.

…

Several days later.

Numerous Jin Yun Valley False Core elders and heads of various branches visited Lu Chang’an, only to learn that he was in seclusion and not receiving guests.

“Damn it! It’s good that this old Daoist was foresightful.”

Lu Chang’an, who was in seclusion, saw through their intentions.

Just then.

Chirp!

The Earth Rock Mouse emerged from the ground and spoke in a human voice:

“Master, Xiao Peng is contacting you and wants to meet.”

“Good, tell him to wait until evening.”

Lu Chang’an instructed.

Two years ago, Lu Chang’an, under the guise of the old white-bearded man from his previous life, had promised Xing Peng a chance to achieve Golden Core, and told him to prepare.

The concealment techniques used when the Evergreen Secret Technique was activated, Lu Chang’an had been exploring for hundreds of years, and had finally figured out a method.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have easily sought out a subject for testing.

The most reliable method was to acquire a wood-attribute spirit pearl or a high-quality wood-attribute pill, and input the Evergreen Secret Technique into it.

In this way, the power of the Evergreen Secret Technique wouldn’t dissipate quickly and could be preserved for a short time.

If consumed promptly, it could have a 50-60% effect.

In addition, Lu Chang’an was also researching whether he could seal the power of the Evergreen Secret Technique into a talisman or a treasure talisman, but he had not yet succeeded.

That evening.

Lu Chang’an stealthily moved with the wind and arrived at Xing Peng’s small courtyard in the Outer Sect.

“Mr. Lu, this is the information you requested from the Seven Kingdom Alliance about the Li Huo Palace.”

Xing Peng didn’t mention the Golden Core opportunity, instead, he respectfully presented a jade slip.

“Because you requested that we don’t alert the high-level members of the Wu Jian Gate, I acted with great caution. But this also means that the information may be somewhat delayed.”

“Hm.”

Lu Chang’an took the jade slip and checked it with his divine sense.

He was paying attention to the Li Huo Palace’s information in order to fulfill the Li Huo Upper Person’s last wish and obtain the former life of a Core Formation cultivator.

Lu Chang’an’s plan was to lie low for a dozen years during the early Golden Core stage, waiting for his True Qi to become more substantial and his Nail-Head Arrow to develop stronger power, then head to the Seven Kingdom Alliance.

Only with sufficient strength could he help the Li Huo Palace when he arrived at the Seven Kingdom Alliance.

“The Li Huo Palace has been relocated to the Seven Kingdom Alliance for seventeen years… by agreeing to send some cultivators to assist in resisting the demonic invasion, they were able to purchase a third-rank mid-level spiritual vein, but it’s not very large.”

“Wang Feng achieved Golden Core several years ago, inheriting the Li Huo Palace’s most crucial legacy… ”

“The Li Huo Palace hopes to purchase another near-fourth-order spiritual vein in the future, they need to earn merit on the battlefield, and they face competitors. That near-fourth-order spiritual vein has the potential to develop into a fourth-order one. If they can acquire it, with their existing Golden Core cultivators, the revival of the Li Huo Palace is in sight.”

Lu Chang’an put away the jade slip, now having a general understanding of the Li Huo Palace’s current situation in the Seven Kingdom Alliance.

Then, his gaze shifted to Xing Peng.

The latter, disguised as an Outer Sect disciple, was wearing a silk white velvet robe today.

“Are you ready for the Golden Core preparation?”

(End of Chapter)

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