I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals 309

## Chapter 305: A Continuation of the Past Life

Lu Chang An’s expression turned serious, and he immediately activated the Longevity Technique, suppressing the powerful Golden Core fluctuations that were radiating from his body after his recent breakthrough.

As the aura of his Longevity Golden Core subsided, the mysterious, intuitive sensation quickly vanished.

“There are cultivators who practice the Longevity Technique in the Great Qing Realm as well.”

Lu Chang An breathed a sigh of relief.

Based on the direction of the sensation, he estimated the location to be within the central region of Great Qing.

The central region, where the Ten Xuanmen Sects held sway, was the most vibrant area of the entire Great Qing Realm, with the oldest and most splendid cultivation civilization.

Logically speaking, the central region was indeed more likely to have preserved the Longevity Technique legacy than other places.

Fortunately, the sensation disappeared after he suppressed the fluctuations of his Golden Core.

Earlier, due to the instability of his Golden Core and mana after his breakthrough, the fluctuations were quite strong.

Under normal circumstances, if he didn’t intentionally release the aura of his Longevity Golden Core, the sensing range wouldn’t be that far, and he would need to be closer.

Perhaps this sensing range was related to his cultivation level.

“I sensed the existence of that person, and he (or she) most likely also sensed mine.”

“Luckily, the sensation only revealed a general direction. Whether it’s the central region or the eastern region, they are both incredibly vast. Hiding in the endless wasteland and trying to find them would be extremely difficult, akin to finding a needle in a haystack.”

Half a month later, Lu Chang An had solidified his cultivation level.

The first thing he did after leaving seclusion was to perform a full divination, trying to ascertain the background of this “fellow practitioner” in the central region of Great Qing.

What was their cultivation level?

What kind of quality Golden Core had they condensed?

However, due to the limited information and vast distance, Lu Chang An’s initial divination produced a hazy, indecisive result.

Divination was not a magic bullet, and it required informational mediums.

The success rate was related to the target’s cultivation level and the size of the causal relationship involved.

Back in Liang Kingdom, Lu Chang An found it easier to divine Zhao Si Yao and Li Er Qing because he knew them well, had ample information, and they had a deeper connection.

Furthermore, high-level cultivators had less resistance when divining lower-level cultivators.

“If that person hasn’t condensed an Immortal Golden Core, I won’t know the secret of the Longevity Dao Fruits being able to mutually devour each other and extend lifespan.”

Lu Chang An pondered.

Sixty years ago, after condensing his Immortal Golden Core, he received a vague revelation about the Dao from the complete Golden Core Dao patterns.

Without condensing a Golden Core, one wouldn’t know this secret.

Even a Earth Spiritual Root couldn’t guarantee the condensation of an Immortal Golden Core.

Lu Chang An had the support of several past lives, and this life had been exceptionally smooth, allowing him to even obtain the withered Xuan Tian Hu Teng and ultimately condense an Immortal Golden Core.

For ordinary Longevity Technique cultivators, without sufficient accumulation and opportunity, it was difficult to condense a Golden Core.

Of course, as a potential enemy, Lu Chang An couldn’t underestimate his target.

Until he had a definitive answer, he would assume that his target had condensed an Immortal Golden Core, or even achieved the Nascent Soul Zhen Jun level.

…

“After reaching the mid-Golden Core stage, I should focus on improving my divination skills.”

Due to the potential enemy, Lu Chang An set new goals for his future cultivation.

Divination cultivation was demanding on one’s energy and spirit, and peeking into the secrets of heaven too often could lead to karmic backlash and shorten one’s lifespan. It couldn’t be practiced at high intensity, otherwise it would shorten one’s lifespan.

However, if one was willing to sacrifice lifespan, cultivation speed could be significantly increased.

Standing on the shoulders of giants from his four past lives, Lu Chang An had a significant advantage when it came to lifespan-sacrificing divination cultivation.

He estimated that he could reach third-tier superior divination within a decade or two with accelerated cultivation.

The mutual devouring of Longevity Dao Fruits was a double-edged sword, with both benefits and drawbacks.

If he could devour other Longevity Dao Fruits, he could absorb a certain proportion of the target’s lifespan.

With more lifespan, he could spend it freely and accelerate the cultivation and nurturing of the Xuan Tian Hu Teng.

If he had the Little Xuan Tian in his hands, he would have enough confidence to face the legendary grand cultivator, Yan Donglai, if he ever encountered him.

Shan Shui Manor.

Lu Chang An cultivated for ten more days, but when absorbing and transforming the ambient spiritual energy, he felt a sense of blockage, as if the supply was insufficient.

His cultivation efficiency had been reduced by more than half.

This meant he had to spend twice the time cultivating each day, leaving little time for researching puppets, body cultivation, divination, and other skills.

Lu Chang An had no choice but to use spirit stones and pills as supplements.

This would be fine for a short period, but he wouldn’t be able to endure it in the long run.

Lu Chang An understood that this small, third-tier spirit vein was not sufficient to sustain comfortable cultivation for a mid-Golden Core cultivator like himself.

If he were a regular mid-Golden Core cultivator, he could make do by increasing the spirit stone input into the spirit gathering array.

But as an Immortal Golden Core cultivator, his demand for spirit vein quality was about 30% higher.

Shan Shui Manor wasn’t the only place for cultivation, as the Xuan Shui Gui also cultivated there.

Luckily, the Di Yan Shu was raised in a wild and free manner.

Otherwise, Lu Chang An would have to create a cultivation force to sustain his cultivation in the long run.

Lu Chang An had anticipated this situation.

He had two options: either join Xuan Yin Pavilion as a guest elder or join the major cultivation forces in the outer sect alliance, such as the fairy cities and oases.

The advantage of Xuan Yin Pavilion was that it was familiar, he had cooperated with them before, and they were sincere in their intentions.

The disadvantage was that Ni Yue Xianzi’s short-lived fate, as seen through his divination, made Lu Chang An hesitant, as it involved unnecessary karmic entanglement.

Lu Chang An recalled Ni Yue Xianzi’s invitation from several years ago.

He wondered if Xuan Yin Pavilion’s new mountain gate, built on the oasis spirit vein, was completed.

Lu Chang An decided to wait for news. According to their previous agreement, it should be completed within five years, and the time was almost up.

…

That night, Lu Chang An went to the underground chamber to check on the growth of the Xuan Tian Hu Teng.

After reaching the mid-Golden Core stage, the healing and nourishing power of Lu Chang An’s Longevity mana had improved a level.

After testing for over half a month, Lu Chang An confirmed that the nourishing effect of his mid-Golden Core Longevity mana significantly accelerated the natural recovery of the Xuan Teng’s green color.

Back when he was at the early Golden Core stage, he had used the Longevity Secret Technique to accelerate the Xuan Teng’s growth by sacrificing lifespan.

At that time, it took ten years of lifespan to restore one foot of green color to the Xuan Teng.

Now, Lu Chang An tried again, sacrificing ten years of lifespan to nurture and revitalize the Xuan Tian Hu Teng.

“Ten years of lifespan will approximately restore two feet of green color.”

Lu Chang An smiled; the result met his expectations.

The entire Xuan Tian Hu Teng, winding and twisting, was about 36 feet long.

Over the years, the combined effect of sacrificing lifespan and natural restoration had recovered roughly one-third of its green color.

If Lu Chang An was willing, sacrificing another 120 years of lifespan could fully restore the green color of the withered Xuan Teng.

However, restoring the Xuan Teng’s green color only meant that it had been truly revived and could bear Xuan Tian Gourds.

It did not mean obtaining the Little Xuan Tian treasure.

“This dead gourd seedling, I wonder when it will finally fall.”

Lu Chang An examined the gourd seedling on the vine, its death aura growing even stronger.

The gourd seedling was now a grayish black, shriveled and withered.

Lu Chang An had tried to divine the time of its fall, but the divination was erratic and the fate uncertain.

It could wither in the next second, or it could be many years later.

This was clearly a manifestation of the Xuan Tian artifact shielding or interfering with divination.

Therefore, Lu Chang An instructed the Xuan Shui Gui to inform him immediately if the gourd seedling fell, and to keep an eye on it.

Although he couldn’t divine it, Lu Chang An’s intuition told him that the time of its fall was approaching.

…

Two months later, Lu Chang An received news from Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Whoosh!

A Xuan Yin Pavilion female cultivator, muscular and broad-shouldered, with a large drum-shaped magic treasure the size of a house, landed at Shan Shui Manor.

“Mr. Xu, this is the invitation from our pavilion master, brought to you by Jing’er.”

Miao Jing bowed, causing her long dress and robes to bulge, like an inflatable doll.

She blinked her round, large eyes, gazing at the handsome and elegant Mr. Xu, intentionally making her voice more alluring and womanly.

Lu Chang An felt a chill down his spine, but he maintained his gentlemanly persona, smiling and raising his hand.

“Miao Xianzi, there is no need for such formality.”

Sigh, that elegant and ethereal Jiang Xianzi probably had some resentment towards him, so this time they sent Miao Jing instead.

Upon hearing the title “Miao Xianzi,” Miao Jing’s eyes sparkled with affection.

Among all the Golden Core male cultivators, only Mr. Xu treated her with such courtesy, not being misled by appearances but focusing on her inner beauty.

Lu Chang An accepted the invitation, his eyes catching the elegant, flowing words, like smelling a delicate fragrance, the sound of exquisite string music.

Ni Yue Xianzi formally invited Lu Chang An to visit Xuan Yin Pavilion’s new mountain gate and provide his guidance.

Miao Jing “softly” added:

“Mr. Xu, the spirit vein in the Green Grass Oasis has been cultivated into a third-tier medium grade, and the mountain gate array is initially established, still being perfected. You are the first guest to be invited.”

“How could I, Xu, be worthy of such attention from Pavilion Master Ni Yue?”

Lu Chang An pretended to be surprised.

If what Miao Jing said was true, it was indeed a bit unexpected.

Xuan Yin Pavilion was surely trying to win over more than just Lu Chang An.

However, a third-tier alchemist was indeed a high-ranking individual in Feng Yuan Kingdom.

“Please tell Pavilion Master Ni Yue that Xu will make a trip to Xuan Yin Pavilion’s new mountain gate within two months.”

Lu Chang An exchanged a few pleasantries and politely sent her away from Shan Shui Manor.

Miao Jing felt a bit disappointed; Mr. Xu didn’t ask her to stay. Last time Jiang Ruotong came, she stayed at Shan Shui Manor for a few days.

“The divination hasn’t changed.”

Lu Chang An performed another divination, and the result showed no danger within the next two months.

This decision didn’t affect his previous divination.

It was normal, actually. After reaching the mid-Golden Core stage, there were hardly any cultivators who could pose a real threat to Lu Chang An in the outer sect alliance region.

A mid-Golden Core Immortal Golden Core cultivator, with third-tier medium-grade body cultivation, was likely unparalleled in the entire Feng Yuan Kingdom.

The only possible threats he could think of were the branches of the Five Poisons Sect and the Thousand Mechanism Sect in this area.

To be safe, Lu Chang An divined the reason behind Ni Yue Xianzi’s short-lived fate.

“Huh! The divination has changed? It contradicts the previous divination…”

Lu Chang An’s expression turned strange.

He suspected that his visit had altered Ni Yue Xianzi’s fate.

After all, Lu Chang An’s current strength was at the top tier in this area of the outer sect alliance, so it wasn’t surprising if he influenced the fate of certain individuals.

Should he lend a hand to Ni Yue Xianzi?

Lu Chang An further divined to see if this matter would cause more karmic entanglement.

If it was a simple matter, he wouldn’t mind gaining the favor of a cultivation sect leader.

To get a more precise divination, he consumed a small amount of his essence blood.

“Interesting!”

As he delved deeper into the divination, Lu Chang An’s expression became more and more intriguing.

“It seems I have to visit Xuan Yin Pavilion’s new mountain gate.”

…

The next day after Miao Jing left, Yun Po Po and Yun Ling came to visit Shan Shui Manor.

This was the first time Yun Ling had visited Shan Shui Manor since Lu Chang An had moved in.

During this meeting, Yun Ling’s gaze was evasive, her brows slightly furrowed, and her eyes held a hint of shyness.

She didn’t sit down but instead served tea and water for Lu Chang An and Yun Po Po, her movements graceful and gentle, showcasing her kindness and thoughtfulness.

“Ling’er, you can leave now. I have something to discuss with Mr. Xu.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yun Po Po got to the point.

Watching Yun Ling’s graceful figure disappear, Lu Chang An pondered.

“Mr. Xu, after knowing each other for so long, what do you think of Ling’er?”

“She is a kind and gentle soul, a fine piece of jade.”

Lu Chang An offered a sincere assessment.

“I can tell that Mr. Xu and Ling’er get along well, and you have taken good care of her. Over the years, Ling’er has secretly fallen for you, and I’m sure Mr. Xu can feel it.”

Yun Po Po’s wrinkled face was filled with a kind smile, but there was a hint of subtle charm in her expression.

“What do you mean, Yun Zhanggui?”

“Mr. Xu, you are single, without a companion. Would you be willing to take Ling’er as a concubine?”

Yun Po Po stared directly at Lu Chang An, not missing any detail of his expression.

Originally, her plan was to have Yun Ling become Mr. Xu’s disciple or recognize him as her foster father.

However, Yun Ling was unwilling and expressed her true feelings.

“Mr. Xu has no intention of marrying or having children. I don’t want to disappoint Ling’er’s affection.”

Lu Chang An responded frankly.

“Why is that?”

Yun Po Po furrowed her brows, feeling perplexed.

At the auction, Lu Chang An’s admiring gaze towards Ni Yue Xianzi didn’t seem like that of someone who was completely uninterested in women.

“The cultivation world is in constant flux, and Golden Core cultivators are only stepping into the threshold of high-level cultivation. They may seem powerful, but in reality, facing the grand tides of the cultivation world, they are just pawns, easily falling into ruin if they make even one mistake.”

“Xu is a displaced and homeless individual, my fate is not in my own hands. How dare I marry and have children, to hold Ling’er back for a lifetime?”

Lu Chang An shook his head with a sigh, his answer flowing naturally and with ease.

Yun Po Po was stunned, falling into deep thought.

As the companion of a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, having witnessed the destruction of Li Huo Palace amidst the grand tides, she agreed with Lu Chang An’s words.

Even someone as powerful as a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, her husband, Li Huo Shangren, as a chess player, made one mistake after another, and ultimately fell into ruin due to his lack of skill.

Without the protection of a Nascent Soul Zhen Jun, she, who was once highly respected in Liang Kingdom, became adrift, living a cautious and reserved life.

“Even if Mr. Xu doesn’t want to marry and have children, it’s always good to have someone close by to serve you, day after day, as you cultivate and delve into your studies.”

“You mean…”

“Ling’er, that girl, is willing to be Mr. Xu’s servant.”

Yun Po Po sighed.

Hearing this, Lu Chang An fell silent.

In his previous life, Guan Qiao Zhi was also willing to be his servant, although she had some ulterior motives. In the end, she died a natural death in the mundane world.

The Guardian, Qi Feng, buried her on Xiao Gui Feng.

The only regret was that she couldn’t achieve the筑基 (Zhu Ji) level due to her limited aptitude.

When Guan Qiao Zhi failed to achieve筑基 (Zhu Ji), Lu Chang An tested her, using her to determine if the backlash from failed breakthrough could be healed by the Longevity Secret Technique.

That test laid the foundation for Lu Chang An’s subsequent ideas about repeatedly transforming pills.

“I don’t ask for a better position. Could Mr. Xu grant her the status of a concubine?”

Yun Po Po’s voice was hoarse, tinged with a plea.

Lu Chang An looked at her calmly and said, “Xu would like to have a private conversation with Ling’er.”

Yun Po Po bowed slightly and retreated.

“Mr. Xu.”

The elegant young girl, dressed in a light blue dress, returned, her face flushed, her head lowered, not daring to meet Lu Chang An’s gaze.

“Ling’er, is this your own choice, or are you being ordered to do this?”

Lu Chang An’s black pupils were calm and serene.

“Ling’er is doing this willingly.”

Yun Ling lifted her face with effort, biting her pink lips, her gaze resolute.

“To receive Mr. Xu’s teachings and be by the Water Arrow Turtle’s side every day, even as a servant, is a blessing for Ling’er.”

Yun Ling’s eyes were red, revealing her genuine feelings.

Moreover, she sensed from her grandmother’s attitude that winning over Mr. Xu would benefit their lineage’s stability.

Lu Chang An understood her thoughts, seeing that she wasn’t lying, and his expression softened slightly.

“You must think carefully. Xu will eventually leave Feng Yuan Kingdom, even leave the Eastern Region of Great Qing, and travel to unknown distant lands. I might not be able to take you with me.”

Lu Chang An’s expression was serious, his tone a bit cold.

“Ling’er doesn’t care.”

Yun Ling’s gaze was unwavering. She continued, “I only wish to serve Mr. Xu while he is in Feng Yuan Kingdom. Even if Mr. Xu goes to Xuan Yin Pavilion…”

“Alright, before you achieve Golden Core, you will only be my servant.”

Lu Chang An finally agreed.

“This servant greets her master.”

Tears welled up in Yun Ling’s eyes as she bowed deeply.

“There is no need to change your address. When you tire of being a servant, you can always go back.”

Lu Chang An channeled his dan force, supporting her body.

As if destined, in both their past and present lives, this girl became his servant.

If this life’s Yun Ling could settle down, Lu Chang An wouldn’t mind giving her a nudge and helping her achieve the Golden Core path, becoming a Zhen Dan cultivator.

By the time Yun Ling reached the late筑基 (Zhu Ji) stage, Lu Chang An would be at least at the late Golden Core stage, their powers incomparable.

This would be a way to make up for the regrets of his previous life and repay her for her service in both lives.

Being with Yun Ling for a long time, Lu Chang An could also contemplate the mysteries of reincarnation and the womb.

Therefore, he finally accepted Yun Ling, continuing their past life connection.

…

That day, Yun Ling stayed at Shan Shui Manor as a servant.

Lu Chang An granted her additional authority as a steward, managing the mundane affairs of the manor, with the three medicinal apprentices under her command.

To ensure harmonious co-existence, Lu Chang An laid down three rules for Yun Ling.

Firstly, she could not interfere with the Xuan Shui Gui’s cultivation, not to be around him every day, but only accompany him once every seven days.

Secondly, she could not enter certain restricted areas of the manor and could not mention any secrets about the manor to the outside world.

Thirdly, before achieving Golden Core, her status was that of a servant, and she couldn’t share a bed with him.

Half a month later, Yun Ling adapted to her new identity and managed the manor flawlessly.

Lu Chang An nodded inwardly, feeling relieved.

“Ling’er, I have to go out for a while. You’ll take care of the manor while I’m gone.”

After informing her, Lu Chang An flew away from He Yuan Oasis.

This trip was to determine his cultivation place for the third-tier medium-grade spirit vein.

…

The oasis where Xuan Yin Pavilion’s new mountain gate was located was in the northeast direction of Gu Tian Xian Cheng, within the wasteland between Gu Tian and Chang Feng, the two major fairy cities.

Actually, it was not close to either fairy city, a kind of spirit vein oasis that didn’t belong to either.

This kind of oasis that was further away from the fairy cities offered less safety protection, and its price was also cheaper.

The advantage was that it was peaceful, with a single sect having full control.

Lu Chang An, riding his flying carpet magic treasure, travelled at the speed of a Zhen Dan cultivator, braving sandstorms, and arrived after half a day.

He descended from the Nine Ganh 天降 (Tian Jiang).

A small green dot expanded in his vision, gradually transforming into a 100-mile-wide oasis, with lush green grass and babbling streams.

Even before approaching, Lu Chang An sensed the third-tier array and the spiritual pressure emanating from the third-tier spirit vein.

“It’s indeed a third-tier medium-grade spirit vein.”

Lu Chang An landed in front of the oasis.

The spirit birds patrolling the nearby sky spotted him beforehand, alarming the Xuan Yin Pavilion female cultivators inside the oasis.

“Mr. Xu, you have come a long way. I apologize for not welcoming you properly.”

Accompanied by a gentle, pleasant female voice, two Zhen Dan遁光 (Dun Guang) arrived.

The leader was a beautiful and elegant female cultivator in white, with flowing hair, Jiang Ruotong, who Lu Chang An was familiar with.

“Mr. Xu has arrived.”

Following behind her was a white-clad young man, with a slender physique, handsome features, carrying a medicine pouch, with a warm smile and polite manners.

“Jiang Xianzi, Dongfang Dao You.”

Lu Chang An greeted them.

This Zhen Dan-level white-clad apothecary was Dongfang Xi, whom Lu Chang An had met at the auction. He was a guest elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Accompanied by the two, Lu Chang An entered the oasis within the array.

Along the way, Lu Chang An noticed that the oasis was quite deserted, with few cultivators. The third-tier array was newly set up and still needed to be consolidated and strengthened.

“This oasis will be Xuan Yin Pavilion’s mountain gate and headquarters from now on. Only a few core cultivators, mainly high-ranking individuals, have been relocated here. Most of the lower-ranking female cultivators who practice music are distributed across the branches of Miao Yin Lou in various fairy cities, taking care of local businesses…”

Jiang Xianzi answered Lu Chang An’s questions.

“Xuan Yin Pavilion, a female cultivator sect, parting from their homeland in the chaotic times, taking sole possession of this spirit vein oasis in the barren wasteland, is truly remarkable.”

Lu Chang An expressed his genuine admiration.

This current oasis spirit vein was the result of generations of Xuan Yin Pavilion female cultivators, running Miao Yin Lou branches across various regions, taking over six to seven decades, using countless heart and soul, enduring countless hardships, to obtain.

“Elder Dongfang, please take care of the medicinal garden. I’ll take Mr. Xu to meet the pavilion master.”

Jiang Xianzi smiled and instructed.

Dongfang Xi, as a third-tier apothecary, had admired Ni Yue Pavilion Master and joined Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Over the years, Dongfang Xi had been diligent and humble, with polite manners, winning the hearts of many female cultivators. But he was only interested in Ni Yue Xianzi, rejecting the advances of others.

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